Retrain your brain

Retrained: Breakfast

Eat a meal that doesn't consist of meat, by choice. Never. Brown rice instead of sticky white rice. Seriously. Greens and eggs for breakfast. Nope.  It's been a long time coming, but I've changed my eating habits for the good.

When I first learned that brown rice was the best choice, I resisted. Sometimes, I would prefer to go without the rice because it just didn't taste the same. It was too crunchy, too nutty. Ha. But, since it was the better alternative for me health wise I continued to prepare and eat it. Low and behold the very reasons I use to not like it are the very reasons I like it. White rice just seems like fluff, there's no substance. When you eat brown rice you are eating the whole grain which makes you become more satisfied.

The way I see food now is completely different than in the past. I now understand food is fuel for my body, so my goal is to fill it with premium goods. My latest food discoveries:

• Kale is king of the greens! 
• Sautéed collard greens are just as good if not better than the southern cooked way.
• I can enjoy a meal without meat. Actually, kinda prefer it.
• Buns are overrated. If I indulge in a cheeseburger I omit the bun or replace it with tomato slices.
• I really, really like whole grains. Especially, my new found friend, wheat berries.
• Fruit is nature's goodness.
• Vegetables make all meals better.

I love food. I'm proud of myself for retraining myself to enjoy it without abusing it and make better conscious choices. I've retrained my brain. You can do it too, start with some small adjustments and if you don't particularly like it the first time try it again. You may find that you can learn to like it. Think of the health benefits. Food is meant to nourish our bodies. If you think of it that way, retraining your brain will come easy.

Happy Healthy New Year Eating: Black-eyed Pea Succotash

Black-eyed peas are known by many cultures as “Lucky New Year food.” Since the peas swell once they cook, it is said they bring prosperity.

Traditionally, my mother would make them with smoked pork and serve them over rice with corn bread and fried chicken. Gone are those days…I’m starting a new healthier tradition at my household, “Black-eyed pea Succotash.” To complete the meal, I served it with sautéed collard greens and garlic, and baked True Atlantic Cod with fresh lemon juice.

Happy, Healthy Eating -- 2012!

Go Green…

…with your diet! I have and I love it. I’ve retrained myself to make better food choices and it starts with the vegetables I choose. Now when I eat I think about the effects the food I’m eating will have on my body. Basically, I make a concentrated effort to eat food that will do my body good. It’s like the gas you choose for your car – if you fill your gas tank at ---- your car will be running on very little gas and quite a bit of crude.

So when picking vegetables, green vegetables are the best choice for your diet. Green veggies pack tons of nutrients, are ideal for weight management as they are typically low in calories, and most are easy to prepare.

Let’s take a look at some popular greens:

Arugula has a peppery taste and is rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium. Arugula can be eaten raw in salads or added to stir-fry, soups, and pasta sauces.

Broccoli has both soft florets and crunchy stalks, and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and fiber. Broccoli can be eaten raw or steamed, sautéed or added to a casserole.

Collard Greens have a mild flavor and are rich in vitamins A, C and K, folate, fiber, and calcium. The best way to prepare them is to boil them briefly and then add to a soup or stir-fry. You can also eat collard greens as a side dish. Just add your favorite seasoning and enjoy!

Dandelion Greens have a bitter, tangy flavor and are rich in vitamin A and calcium. They are best when steamed or eaten raw in salad.

Kale has a slightly bitter, cabbage-like flavor and is rich in vitamins A, C and K. Kale is tasty when added to soups, stir-fries, and sauces.

Mustard Greens have a peppery or spicy flavor and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and calcium. They are delicious when eaten raw in salads or in stir-fries and soups.

Romaine Lettuce is a nutrient rich lettuce that is high is vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. It is best when eaten raw in salads, sandwiches or wraps.

Spinach has a sweet flavor and is rich in vitamins A and K, folate, and iron. Spinach tastes great eaten raw in salads or steamed. (My all time fav – my nickname should be Popeye).

Swiss Chard tastes similar to spinach and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, potassium and iron. It is best stir-fried or eaten raw in salads.


Did You Know? Dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of many vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy, such as vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron and calcium. They are also great sources of fiber. Research suggests that the nutrients found in dark green vegetables may prevent certain types of cancers and promote heart health.

Source: CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston