Happy New Year!!

I know that many people will be making new year resolutions to include getting in shape, shedding some winter weight, and striving to eat better.  These are all great things and can be accomplished with some effort.  When you change your eating habits you will begin to feel better and gain energy.  This energy will provide you with the motivation to workout or just get your body moving in some way.  I am not one for doing a lot of exercising.  I have an Easy Shaper and that along with light stretching and walking are enough for me.  It is important that you find what works for you and something you are able to do over the long haul and not just for a month or two.  Good eating and healthy living to include exercise should be lifelong.
Detoxing is very big and many people believe they need to detox prior to beginning a healthy eating plan however you can detox naturally by eating the right foods.
Detox is beneficial for your body and will help you cleanse or get rid of pesticides that may have accumulated in your body.  There are different ways to detox or cleanse using supplements, and juicing.  These may be right for you however there is an easy and safe way to detox naturally. 

You can detox your body the healthy way by eating the right foods.  If you wish to rid your body of harmful toxins and chemicals try including these 10 important foods in your healthy eating plan.   Eating these foods to detox will help you begin a healthy eating plan that will benefit your body and overall health.
Keep in mind that you should strive to eat organic vegetables/fruits to limit pesticides in your body.  One rule to remember when deciding on buying organic is if the vegetable or fruit is to be eaten with the skin on and not pealed then organic is best.  Lettuce, Cabbage, Broccoli, berries, and nuts for example should be organic for you do not peal them prior to eating.  Always be sure to wash all your foods prior to eating them.  If they are not organic it is also wise to soak them for a few minutes to rid pesticides. For more details and information on organic eating see related posts in this blog.

1. Avocados—these are high in antioxidants including glutathione.  This detoxes the body by moving harmful toxins out.

2.  Cranberries—rid waste from body and are antibacterial which removes toxins.

3.  Cabbage—contains sulfur inside of it which breaks down chemicals in your body.  Sulfur gets rid of everything from pesticides to prescription drugs.

4. Lemons—help protect the liver and get rid of chemicals in the body.

5.  Broccoli—cleanse the body and get your digestive system running efficiently (raw if best).

6.  Garlic—they are packed with sulfur for cleansing body and contain antibiotic properties to internally heal your body.

7.  Beets—protect the live and digestive system.

8.  Grapefruit—cleanse digestive system and prevent kidney stones from developing. 

9.  Sunflower seeds—these also detox the live and prevent cholesterol from building up.

10.  Lentils—aid the digestive system in cleansing and detoxing your body.  They lower cholesterol and help balance blood sugar inside the body.

If you are starting or seek to change your eating habits including these foods into your diet will help you detox naturally and get off to a good start.

To begin this new year I have tried some new recipes that are YUMMY and wanted to pass them onto you. I never post a recipe until I have tried it.  These recipes are worth the effort and my family really liked them.  My twelve year old liked them so that says a lot.   Eating vegan or just beginning to eat better can be a real challenge with all the temptations of the not so good food that is quick, cheap, and readily available.  Challenge yourself to strive and eat better this year and give some of these healthy recipes a try.  I will be adding new ones each day. 

Sweet & Sour Tofu
1 can (20 ounces) Pineapple chunks in juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 package (14 ounces) extra firm organic tofu (drain, rinse, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
2 cups cooked rice of your choice (brown is best)
2 teaspoons flour or cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger(I buy the tube which is located in the produce section around where the tofu is located).
1 medium zucchini diced
1 large red, and 1 large green bell peppers (cut into 1/2 by 2 inch strips.

Drain and set aside pineapple reserving 1/4 cup of the juice
Whisk the reserved 1/4 cup of juice with the vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar in medium bowl until smooth.
Place tofu in a large bowl toss with 3 tablespoons of the above sauce mixture.  Let tofu marinate for 5 minutes up to 30 minutes.
Add flour or cornstarch to remaining sauce mixture and whisk till smooth and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet on med/high heat. Transfer tofu into pan whisk any remaining marinade left in the tofu bowl back into the bowl of reserved sauce.  Cook tofu stirring every 1-2 minutes until brown, 7-10 minutes total.  Put on plate.
Next add remaining oil to pan and heat.  Add the garlic and ginger and cook stirring often until fragrant about 30 seconds.  Add in red/green peppers, zucchini and cook stirring often until just tender about 5 minutes.  Pour in the reserved sauce and cook stirring until thickened about 30 seconds.
Add the tofu and pineapple and cook stirring gently until heated through about 2 minutes more.

This is a really tasty and healthy meal.  You can serve it over rice or quinoa or just eat as is..ENJOY!

Reference:

Fitnea-Stay Fit,  Word Press, 2013.

Health Magazine.com, 2013