With each year that passes, we all try to begin the next with a renewed hope for optimal health, happiness and prosperity.
Setting resolutions is an exercise with which I always struggle. A quick reality check a few weeks into the new year often shows that my aspirations are already out of reach.
Perhaps we set goals for ourselves that we cannot achieve.
Let’s face it, big changes are hard to make, but small simple steps to bettering our lives are a great way to start.
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My favourite mug reminds me to be positive and proactive each day as I sip my morning coffee. Inscribed on the side is, “Each day is a new beginning, an opportunity to write your own happy ending.”
We all have the ability to better ourselves and overcome the hardships if we just put ourselves first for even a short time each day. There are so many easy ways to make positive changes to your life.
Here are five simple and inexpensive suggestions to get started.
Eat nutritious food
Slow cooker Tex Mex chicken
This is an excellent main course for those hectic days. Serve with a salad.
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch-wide strips 450 g
2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix 30 mL
2 tbsp. flour 30 mL
1 of each orange and red pepper, cut into thin strips
1 c. frozen corn 250 mL
1 1/2 c. chunky medium salsa 375 mL
1 c. Tex Mex shredded cheese 250 mL
Coat the chicken with seasoning and flour in slow cooker. Stir in all remaining ingredients except shredded cheese; cover with lid. Cook on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four.
Stir when cooked and top with cheese before serving over rice. Source: kraftcanada.ca
Cheesy chicken quesadillas
If a slow cooker is not in the cards, try this quick skillet dish that uses up leftover roast chicken or beef. This dish is requested often at our house. Serve with a steamy soup or veggies and dip.
4 large flour tortillas
4 c. cooked chicken, diced 1 L
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper .5 mL
1/2 tsp. chili powder 2 mL
1 c. chopped onions 250 mL
2 c. Tex Mex shredded cheese 500 mL
2 c. medium salsa 500 mL
Season the cooked chicken with cayenne pepper and chili powder. Spread 1 c. (250 mL) of the chicken on half of each tortilla. Add onions and cheese over the chicken.
Fold the tortilla in half and place in a large heated skillet, press down gently until flat. Cook two at a time over medium heat for approximately four to five minutes on each side until lightly browned and cheese is melted. Gently flip about half way through the cooking.
Cut into three wedges and serve salsa on the side for dipping.
You can also substitute cooked beef for the chicken and add chopped peppers if desired.
Dark chocolate chip banana muffins
2 c. well mashed bananas 500 mL
3/4 c. packed brown sugar 175 mL
1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
1 egg
1/4 c. oil 60 mL
1 tsp. baking soda 5 mL
1 tsp. baking powder 5 mL
1/2 tsp. salt 2 mL
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg .5 mL
1 1/2 c. flour 375 mL
2 tbsp. ground flax seed 30 mL
2 tbsp. hemp seed, optional 30 mL
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips 125 mL
In a large mixing bowl combine the bananas, sugar, vanilla, egg and oil. Add the dry ingredients and mix well until the batter is smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 375 F (190 C) for 20 minutes.
Consume ultimate drink
Water is nature’s perfect drink and it allows us to stay hydrated. If your body is even slightly dehydrated, you can experience fatigue, stress on muscles and even reduced cognitive abilities.Your weight divided by two equals the number of ounces of water you need each day. Then divide the ounces you need by eight, which equals the number of cups of water you need each day.
Source: The Kraft Nutrition Centre.
Discover something new
As a columnist/home economist/parent, I have always been committed to enhancing and empowering myself and those around me.
Writing on consumerism, environment, design, nutrition and family issues is my passion. I like to think of my career title as “someone who shares helpful information with others.”
As part of my keeping sane new year’s plan, I made a conscious decision to take time to read each day, even if it is just 10 minutes.
With nothing definite in mind, I spotted a feng shui book called The Western Guide to Feng Shui … Room by Room by Terah Kathryn Collins.
The salesperson told me it was an excellent choice, dedicated to how environmental science can better our quality of life. I decided to dive into something I knew nothing about and found it exciting to be enthralled in new information. I also enjoyed reading information on the website www.zensolutionsfengshui.com, compiled by Bridget Saraka. I felt energized.
I challenge you to do the same.
Is there a topic you have always wanted to know more about? Learning all about it by picking up a book or researching a topic that you feel passionate about will help keep your brain in shape.
Another reading pick was An Apple A Day: The Myths, Misconceptions and Outright Exaggerations about Diet, Nutrition and the Foods we eat by Dr. Joe Schwarcz.
Get moving
Choosing to exercise does not have to mean joining a gym or jogging. It can be as simple as going for a walk each day, parking at the far end of the lot or using the stairs instead of the elevator.
I have committed to join a group of hockey moms who go for walks before games instead of sitting around rink lobbies waiting for the game to start.
It is hard to say no when you are part of a group. The bonus is you can get moving and still socialize.
Many schools are also taking the initiative to get moving by doing In Motion each day. This program is a great addition to the children’s and teachers’ day.
The challenge is to walk at least 10 minutes as a group. The benefits include using up energy to increase cognitive and physical health, rather than using energy to be disruptive.
Although it seems like a lot of work to get everyone up and walking each day, most who have tried the program agree that the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Is this not a great formula for success? Be a health-seeking leader and introduce this activity in your school and/ or community.
For more information, go to www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca and www.canadainmotion.ca/.
Take time to just relax
After a long day, there is nothing more effective than taking a warm bath or shower. The warm temperature prepares your body for sleep.
You can even multitask by combining reading time with tub time. The feeling of serenity is so beneficial.
Boost the benefits by adding 1 c. (250 mL) of Epson salts and 1/2 c. baking soda to the water along with your favourite bath products.
Try to ensure that your bath care/skin care line does not include parabens or sulfates as ingredients. Just as with food, read the label.
Top rated products to try are available from Live Clean, Giovanni, Jason and Bath Therapy.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com.
