Happy Eating

Happy New Year! I hope 2021 is off to a great start for you. Statistics show most of us have made and broken our New Years' resolutions by now.

I like to take a slow, thoughtful approach to make goals. I usually take the whole month of January to think through what things I want to happen in my life and what changes need to be made. I start by making a list of my goals and dreams. Currently I am working on a 100 Dreams list, some are small, and some are wild and crazy. Dream big, you never know your dreams may come true. If 100 seems a bit too much, start by setting 2 or 3 goals. Writing them down is a crucial step. Using a vision board or putting them in plain sight keeps you focused and adding dates keeps you accountable.

I use my day planner to keep me on track. I like to use the bubble method to break them down into smaller achievable tasks. Using I am statements creates an action mindset for instance, I am making healthy eating choices versus I want to eat healthy foods.

This year I am going to conquer baking bread. I received this book as a Christmas gift: Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish. I used my Christmas money to buy needed supplies, voila! My first loaves were a success. Now I just need to practice, which my hubby is pretty excited about. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Balanced "Happy Eating" is also on my goal list.

After a few too many Holiday overindulgences; I don't know about you, I am ready to eat a little healthier.

I was visiting with my son Justin about January's blog post. He said "Happy eating" versus Healthy. Genius! That hit the nail on the head. What does that mean to me? It means you find balance. There is a time and place for all foods to fit in your diet. With happy eating, you listen to your body and how it feels after you eat. Do you feel tired? Sluggish? Is your stomach upset? These are not happy feelings.

Food is fuel for your body. Food should energize you and make you feel good.

With that being said, I can't imagine life without good chocolate, an occasional home-baked cookie just out of the oven, or a warm slice of rustic artisan bread. We literally can't stop thinking about that bread.

Happy Food Alert!

On a cold winter’s night, happiness is a warm bowl of Chili. This is my favorite recipe. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, that you probably have in your pantry. I have made it both on the stovetop simmering away and in the crockpot, when I don’t have time to watch the pot. It’s delicious every time. Served with a slice of artisan bread or cornbread makes it heavenly.

Nola's Chili Recipe

2 lbs ground beef, browned

¾ cup onion, chopped

2 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes

1 15 oz can of tomato sauce

2 15 oz can of beans I use 1 pinto and 1 kidney

1 tsp Cumin

1 ½ TBS Chili powder

¾ tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

2 cups of water

1 clove garlic finely minced

4 oz can of green chilies

In an 8-quart stock pot, brown the burger, and onions until they are translucent. Add other ingredients and simmer for 2-3 hours. If using a crockpot 8-10 hours on high.

Don’t forget the special ingredient is LOVE <3

Photo Credit: Jennifer Renshaw