Resolute

We are being bombarded this the end of the New Year’s first full week with declarations of fitness and health. Speaking your resolution is great in an effort to garner support and a give it a life outside oneself. Is not the real objective though to make a commitment? All you have to do is look at Washington to realize proclamations do not necessarily translate into action.

Get started now.

I totally believe foods that we put in our bodies should be as minimally processed as possible and I am always looking to purchased foods that still have remnants of its earthy beginnings crusted in it. If you are stepping into a complete change a cleanse of certain foods should be part of an initial three month period. For me, that means sugar takes a hiatus. This includes not just corn syrup and artificial sweeteners both which should be exorcized in perpetuity for many reasons but from a tasting point of view they are so super sweet I think they condition us to have difficulty finding satisfaction at the more moderate end of the glycemic index. Also included on my list are honey, white flour, sodas and dairy products, and fruit juice. In place I say gorge on fresh fruit, vegetables and beans and whole grains. If you are shopping in traditional grocery stores make sure you cruise the outer perimeters, and make an effort to make the farmer’s market part of your stops.

Make your body work a bit to breakdown the foods that are going into our bodies. The more whole, higher in dietary fiber the better for we cause a metabolic process to kick in just order to digest our foods. Get yourself to a spice market, and spike every meal with fragrance – calorie free, but emotionally exciting. Or, when in doubt throw more herbs into a dish. Be where of salad dressings bought from the grocer’s aisle, as they tend to have plenty of sugar added to them and to that end, I don’t see a reason to ever by a bottle dressing. Vinegar, mustard and oil and you got a dressing, and the cost savings is ridiculous.

None of this truly works without movement – join a gym don’t join a gym I don’ care. Take the dogs for a 45-minute walk, daily; vacuum lunging with every sweeping motion and don’t forget my favorites: sit-ups and push-ups.


Now, resolve to commit and enjoy, and come Easter let me know if a Peep actually tastes good.



Beet Soup - yields 8 to 10 servings
4 pounds beets – peeled
2 pounds celery root – peeled
1 large onion – peeled
5 garlic cloves – crushed to a pasted
1-teaspoon caraway seeds – bruised
1-teaspoon celery seed
4 quarts vegetable stock
1/4-cup cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a food processor fitted with the grater attachment or with a hand held box grater, shred the beets, celery root and onion.

Place all the ingredients in a 10-quart soup pot, and bring to a boil over a high flame. Reduce the flame to simmer, and cook for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Taste and correct seasoning. Serve hot or cold.