Our Foodie Resolutions

Most New Year's resolution revolve around quitting vices and improving our lives.One of the best is modifying our diets.The benefits are legion and unlike smoking or drinking. Is surprisingly easy to do.It does take a will.Yet it also takes a way too and that way is just being a smirk eater and shopper. One of the easiest ways of amending your diet is just reading labels.Be aware of what is put into your food.Check not only how much calories and fat but also the percentages of vitamins and minerals that are in it.Also be familiar with natural and man made ingredients.The more the company uses whole grains and less preservatives ,the better the product.Another way to healthier living is buying organic.Most super markets now have extensive organically grown fruits and veggies .Start buying these and freely incorporate them into your daily diet.Choose whole grains breads and even flour.Seven grain breads actually taste better than just plain old white bread.Switch to these for sandwiches and morning toast.The same for rice.Nix the white kind and start giving your family brown wild rice.Again it's more flavorful and you and your family will actually like the switch. One of the biggest New Year's resolutions is forgoing snacks,both sweet and salty.Unfortunately this is broken by mid January.You don't have to give up snacking if you eat healthy.You can still have nibbles ,not just rich ones.Instead of potato chips ,try whole grain pretzels.Another idea is baked potato chips ,made without all that grease and oil.For dips sub in plain Greek yogurt and onion flakes for a healthy dip.Hummus is another great snack.It's high in protein and Vitamin B.Serve it with crudités or fresh made pita chips.Sweets are always on the must give up list.Instead of candy ,then re discover fruit.Enjoy oranges and tangerines right now and berries when summer comes.This is the year to discover the monk fruit which creates a natural sugar.You can buy it at any grocery and use it to sweeten teas and coffees.As for that bane of any diet, soda, get rid of it and sub in flavored seltzers. You have the bubble and taste but without all that sugary badness. Resolve to eat better in the new year.It's easier than you think , especially when you rediscover all the good basics like fruit and veggies.You'll not only rejoice but your body will too!

Saturday Night Treats

Saturday nights usually mean a night out. It could be a romantic dinner or a movie and drinks with the girls.Yet what happens when it's just you? Easy answer. Treat yourself. There's nothing wrong with going to your favorite restaurant. by yourself.One it's a chance to put on your nicest outfit, and two you can give yourself a truly wonderful meal.Try either a dish you' ve always wanted to try or to the most expensive dish in the place.This is the time to try those lamb shanks or seared scallops.The best part is bringing home what you can't finish. Eating by yourself is an excellent way to try new places.Enjoy it with the best wine in the house or even a glass of champagne. Cooking for one is also fun. You can treat yourself to a Dagwood or a burger without worrying about sharing. You can also make something as simple as a pizza bagel adding all sorts of funky ingredien s such as anchovies and scallions.Try out a new recipe too.It's a great time to experiment with a new ingredient or cuisine before trying it out on dinner guests. Then there is dessert.Definitely treat yourself to something wild and chocolate- y. Make a brownie sundae. using two or three flavors and enough sauce to float a boat. there 's also homemade cookies and there's nothing better than a plate of fresh home made ones. have them with a big glass of milk and your favorite movie. There's nothing wrong with a Saturday night by yourself. in fact consider it a foodie fantasy.Dine in or dine out, it's up to you. After all it's your night to treat yourself!