2014 Resolutions

 

Resolutions anyone?

I'm already in 2014...people who have spoken with me recently know that I am all agush, and excited about the goodness 2014 holds for people who have worked hard [for their money...LOL]. But we are not talking money here...rather we are talking healthy.

Anyways, in 2014 I want to take my healthy living a notch higher (an I hope you will join me) by introducing some new foods to my diet. I want to make these a regular part of my weekly eating. Will it cost more (some of these are quite dear in Nigeria)? Yes...but I am willing to forgo some things for them. And the savings from forgoing some of my usual pantry staples will go towards buying my new fav foods. Desperate times call for desperate measures... and all that, right? Some of the things I want to forgo are palm oil, garri, irish potatos (I'm swapping these for the sweet ones)...etc. So let me tell you about the foods that will be my new best friends come 2014...I'll also tell you why:

 

Asparagus: This skinny veg is a mega detoxifier and contains high levels of amino acids which act as a diuretic flushing excess fluids out of our system. PLUS it helps ramp up (speed) metabolism of toxins (including alcohol). Finally, it's high in Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, Iron, Copper etc.

Broccoli: A genuine SUPERFOOD! It has great antioxidant properties which could help fight breast and colon cancer. It's high in fibres, vitamins and minerals (not sprite or coca-cola)

Brussel Sprouts: Check this out....this veg is super low in calories (so it makes a good filler when you want to nibble on something - I think I have shared a recipe for brussel sprout chips in the past...try it  - it does not hurt to try). Also it's loaded with cancer preventing phytonutrients and fibre- this alone should tell you these little veggies go a long way in keep us healthy.

Cabbage: First off one cup of steamed cabbage has a paltry 22 calories, isn't that good news? And your cabbage packs loads of vitamins, minerals and fibers plus the oh so amazinng phytonutrients. Researchers also say that cabbage contain glucosinolate - a metabolix detoxifier aka it will do good things to your metbolism!

Lettuce: This one is 5 calories per cup and is high in vitamin B, folic acid and manganese - which will help regulate you blood suger levels. PLUS when taken consistently will help our immune system function well. What's not to love?

Beets: This is my go to when I want a nice red color to my smoothies - but it's benefits extend well beyond it's cool red color (although they get their color from betamin a potent antioxidant). 1/2 a cup of beets contain about 37 calories so don't overdo it with them BUT they are also rich in cancer fighting antioxidants, iron, fibre, folate and potassium.

Cauliflower: In my bid to give up rice I actually came across a cauliflower rice (using cauliflower as a substitute for rice) recipe. So this veg is really more versitle than we give it credit for. Nutritionally though, cauliflower is neck deep in phytonutrients as well and a great source of Vit C and folate. ps it's also a SUPERFOOD like broccoli.  

Garlic: I know you don't like the pungent smell, but read on and see if I can change your mind. Do you know garlic helps fight the common cold? It even has been said to help with urinary tract infections. The secret is that pungent smell you try to avoid. TIP: if you can find it, take fresh lemon grass tea after eating garlic- it should help with the garlicky smell. 

Onions: I add onions (red onions to be exact) to almost everything I cook. I think it's a veritable gift from God. One major component (allyl sulfides) has been touted to protect against endometrial cancer. Plus onions are like the go to for common home ailments like a cold etc

Celery: Anothe big one - it's packed with fbires, vitamine A, C and folate (did I mention that folate is crucial for healthy pregnancy?...well it is). And you get 16calories per cup of celery. Celery is excellent in soups and smoothies. Did you see my receipe for my detoxing smoothie a couple of weeks ago?

Other foods that made my list are peppers, carrots, tea, pumkin, tomatos...but I've talked about them at one time or the other over the last few months, so I won't bore you here.

The trick I think is eating a balanced meal - a meal that does not sabotage you efforts to regain your health, and maintain your health. We all need food that works with us to ensure that we are healthy from the top of our beautiful air to the soles of our pedicured heels. Why not be a key player in your health? Why not co-operate with nature and use what God has provided to keep us healthy. Why not change your eating habits in 2014? Don't know what you can do with these veggies? I'll put up recipes everyonce in a while, but you need to sit in your pilots sit, go out and get a recipe book, check the internet (google is a good place to start), and experiment. You will be glad you did....

I've shared my healthy eating resolution with you, isn't it fair that you share some of yours with me? Drop a comment!

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