{"id":8338,"date":"2012-01-03T05:43:40","date_gmt":"2012-01-03T13:43:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/?p=8338"},"modified":"2012-01-02T23:43:32","modified_gmt":"2012-01-03T07:43:32","slug":"5-heart-healthy-new-years-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/5-heart-healthy-new-years-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Heart Healthy New Year’s Resolutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"crispy<\/a><\/p>\n

While I didn’t get around to posting my Top 10, or 11, or even 5 popular recipes for 2011 – I will join the wave of resolutions, goals, and\/or good intentions for eating healthier, exercising more, accentuating the positive, etc. that happens at this time of year. For some, a healthy mindset may last just long enough to detox from the holidays; for me – I remind myself throughout the year, and when it comes to healthy eating – well, that’s what I emphasize year round! I fall off the wagon now and then (french fries are my nemesis) and love my wine and cocktails, but indulgences are balanced out with clean eating, such as the Crispy Kale and Hoppin’ John above which, in true southern tradition, ushered in the new year at our house.<\/p>\n

2012 is already shaping up to be a watershed year, punctuated with milestones and travel adventures: Don and I will become grandparents for the first time, we’ll continue our escapades in Paris and, after one cancelled trip, will be traveling to Hong Kong in April, College girl was accepted for a study abroad program and will be living in Japan for 6 months, and who knows what else the future holds! All we have to do is stay healthy to be able to enjoy it all – you don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone and that is especially true when it comes to one’s health.<\/p>\n

A few months ago, I was contacted by an associate of Long Island Heart Associates<\/a> in Long Island, NY about writing a guest post for my website.\u00a0 I’m thrilled that someone clear across the country noticed my emphasis on heart healthy recipes! Just another example of how 2012 is going to be FABULOUS<\/em>! Today’s post is courtesy of Ashley from Long Island Heart who offers 5<\/span><\/strong> easy to implement Heart Healthy Resolutions<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Each year, the list of most common New Year\u2019s resolutions is topped by losing weight and getting fit. All too often, people pursue these resolutions by banishing all indulgences to the back of the pantry in hopes of removing food from their psyche altogether. If you\u2019ve tried this method before (\u201cIf I don\u2019t see the brownie mix hiding in the cabinet, I won\u2019t crave it, right?!\u201d) you\u2019ll know it works. Or, at least it does until about the third week in January. Some lucky people with rock-solid willpower might even make it through the Super Bowl or beyond without touching junk food and other associated evils. Instead of buying into the traditional all-or-nothing hype, why not try something new this year? Rather than serving up an extra serving of guilt with each meal, make a resolution to celebrate food in 2012!<\/em><\/p>\n

Resolution 1: Try one new food each week<\/strong><\/span>
\nMake a resolution to seek out something new and different for your plate each week. It\u2019s easy to stop appreciating food when you fall into a rut of eating the same bland ingredients every week. Not only does experimenting with a variety of foods expand your skills in the kitchen, but it also promotes better overall health by providing a wider range of nutrients. If you have been shopping at the same grocer or market for years, a change of venue might be enough to inspire you to grab some unfamiliar produce. Whether you venture to the Chinatown markets of New York or one of Orange County\u2019s many farmers\u2019 markets, there are bound to be flavor palates you have not yet experienced. Not sure where to start?<\/em> Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n

\"Kohlrabi\"<\/a> Kohlrabi<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mangosteen<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"rambutan\"<\/a>Rambutan<\/a><\/p>\n

Resolution 2: Make a family meal schedule and stick to it<\/strong><\/span>
\nStudy after study has extolled the benefits of eating dinner as a family on a regular basis. While longing parents might envision a Norman Rockwell gathering or a meal hand-prepared by June Cleaver, being realistic is the key to making family dinners work. Coming together around the table each night has been shown to improve health and school\/work performances.<\/p>\n

With one or multiple family members involved in extra-curricular activities, starting with 2-3 dinners per week can help get everyone into the routine amid busy schedules. If you don\u2019t already have one, start a family calendar with daily or weekly family dinners clearly marked. Communicate to your family that dinners are a priority, and stick to the posted schedule. Kids not enjoying family time?<\/em> Encourage youngsters to invite friends over to share in a family meal and suggest upcoming menu items. Even the busiest moms and dads can pull off family dinner by following these rules:<\/p>\n