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How fast the times flies! As we come to another year end, its time to reflect on the progress and fallbacks, celebrations and ennui.

Bringing about a change is difficult and takes quite a time and effort on human part. The secret to bringing about a positive change that lasts is to acknowledge and accept that changes take time and patience in order to show results. Check out the article, Top 10 Healthy Changes to go for in the New Year, as we come to the end of another year dedicated to Women Fitness.

Happy Holidays & a Healthy New Year.
Namita

Recent studies have called into question the value of taking vitamins and nutritional supplements. Some researchers even claim that their findings demonstrate that nutrients in pills can make your health worse. This controversy points to one indisputable truth: Your primary tool for getting optimal nutrition is eating a diet filled with fruits and vegetables. If you eat a junk food diet, supplements can’t offset its negative effects.
 

Conquer Procrastination  

When something needs to be done, go ahead and do it as soon as possible. Putting it off until later only adds to the energy and effort required of you. The less you procrastinate, the more you'll get done and the more effective you'll be.

So how do you conquer procrastination? First, think of all the undesirable things that will happen if you don't get the job done. It's easy to procrastinate when you refuse to even think about the negative consequences of not taking action. So fight procrastination by focusing on the undesirable things it would surely bring.

Beyond that, think of the positive consequences that will come when you do take action. Strengthen your own desire and motivation to get the job done.

 Then, decide on a good starting place, accept that you probably won't get it perfect, and jump right in. Get it done. Do it now. You know it needs to be done. Keep in mind what will happen if you don't, and compare that to what will happen if you do. Make the choice that will bring the best results. It's your life. Stop putting it off. Move it forward right now.

"There is no fate that plans men's lives. Whatever comes to us, good or bad, is usually the result of our own action or lack of action. ”

 – Herbert N. Casson

Healthy Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Spread

Makes: 3 cups

Ingredients:

• Canola cooking spray

• 2 lbs. sweet bell peppers, preferably a combination of red and orange

• 1 small eggplant, about 1 lb.

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cover 2 baking sheets with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Set pans aside.

2. Halve peppers lengthwise and seed them. Arrange peppers cut side down on one prepared baking sheet. Place eggplant on second baking sheet and prick with fork all over. Roast peppers and eggplant for 30 to 40 minutes, until skin of peppers is blistered and blackened. Eggplant should be soft but not collapsed. Using tongs, transfer peppers to large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to steam for 20 minutes. Wrap eggplant with foil covering baking sheet, and set aside for 30 minutes.

3. Using your fingers, peel peppers. Tear or cut flesh into 2-inch chunks, place in food processor and pulse 5 or 6 times to chop peppers coarsely. Scoop chopped peppers into mixing bowl. Pull skin from warm eggplant, using your fingers. Place eggplant flesh in food processor. Add garlic, oil and salt, and whirl to smooth puree. Add pureed eggplant mixture to peppers and stir to combine. Mix in vinegar.

4. If serving now, let spread sit for 1 hour to allow flavors to mellow. Serve at room temperature, spread on crostini or serve as a dip, accompanied by carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices and wedges of pepper. This spread will keep, covered in refrigerator, for up to 5 days.

5. To freeze, spoon the spread into 1/2-cup plastic containers or pack 1- to 1 1/2-cups into resealable 1-quart plastic freezer bags. Lay the bags flat and freeze on the baking sheet.

6. To defrost and serve, set the container of frozen spread on a plate in the refrigerator for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the amount. Or thaw in a large bowl of cold water for up to 1 hour, changing the water every 15 minutes. Once thawed, adjust the seasoning as needed, including vinegar, and serve as above.
    

Nutritional Information:

Per 1/4 cup serving:

50 calories

2.5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat)

7 g carbohydrate
1 g protein

3 g dietary fiber

200 mg sodium.

Adapted from Cook & Freeze, by Dana Jacobi, 2010.

Top 10 Healthy Changes to go for in the New Year
 

Last week, I got an opportunity to go through the book featured around "52 Small Changes- one year to a happier and healthier you" by Brett Blumenthal and must say was impressed. As rightfully mentioned by the author bringing about a change is difficult and takes quite a time and effort on human part. The secret to bringing about a positive change that lasts is to acknowledge and accept that changes take time and patience in order to show results.

You can begin with incorporating the, Top 10 changes towards a healthier and happy YOU. We promise you will not feel let down.
 
 

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