Resolved Not To Dissolve: Ten Resolutions for 2010

Happy New Year!

It’s a brand new year with brand new resolutions, and I am the first to admit that I don’t even make them anymore because like a lot of people I sometimes fall off the wagon and just don’t stick to them.

But if I made resolutions they would of course revolve around food.

So here are ten resolutions for '10:

1. Never eat lunch standing up over the sink or while reading a book.
2. Control portion size by filling a salad plate and not a dinner plate with food
3. Eat less red meat and only 4 ounces per serving
4. Refuse second helpings
5. Go Green; add lots of leafy greens to your diet
6. Ease up on the sugar from all sources, especially sweets
7. Use more herbs instead of salt to season food
8. Support your local farmer’s market
9. Always shop for groceries with a list; don’t be tempted by extras
10. Drink a lot of water

Comments

[Carol]

Mary Ann,
Our local supermarket offers a Shop From Home option. This is great to help one stick to a shopping list! As I make my list online, the site keeps a running balance of what is in my basket. Things can be removed, and I can remind them to cut my meats to my desired size. They charge $10 for the service, and many husbands willingly "go shopping." This might be less than the impulse purchases. Also, coupons can be used for items too. I began to use this when my mom came to live with me, and it saves me much time.

[mary Ann Esposito]

Carol,

Happy New Year and thanks so much for your good tips and advice. I wish our local market had this service!

Mary Ann

[Dan]

Mary Ann, what kinds of greens do you enjoy and how would you prepare them? I often find myself wanting to cook chard, broccoli rabe, collards, kale and mustard but am growing tired of just sauteing them.

I really like your #8. I just recently ventured to many local markets in the Boston area and the taste and varieties of produce are so worth the drive.

#9 is great advice! I need to do this more (to save money too!).

Thanks and happy belated new year!

[mary ann esposito]

Hi Dan, I like all kinds of greens from kale to bokchoy. And swiss chard is a favorite that I like to stuff with ricotta cheese and bake with tomato sauce. I blanch the leaves and leave them whole; mix up some ricotta cheese and grated cheese, like parmesan or even cheddar; add some bits of ham if you want to and lay the leaves out flat; place some of the filling on each leaf and then roll the leaves up enclosing the filling. Place them in an oiled baking dish and top with tomato sauce. Bake covered for 15 minutes or just until hot. Kale is great in soup. see www.ciaoitalia for recipe for ribollita which uses cavolo nero (similar to kale) to make a great winter soup. Happy eating!
Mary Ann

[Dan]

That sounds amazing! Its like an Italian take on stuffed cabbage, or a low carb manicotti. I love it! It sounds so easy too. Thank you!