It's Friday, I'm in Love

Happy New Year! I've read a lot of blogs today that mention the same goal for the new year -- getting healthy. I'll admit it is one of my goals for the year as well. I was calling doctors for Darren this morning and he emailed to say, "Thanks for taking care of that. I like you being in charge of my health. That is something I really don't concern myself with a lot." That made me laugh a bit because as far as healthy eating goes, I have not been a good steward or example for my husband this last year. This short coming was never more evident than when I avoided telling my dietitian sister what vegetables I buy. I think I distracted her by turning the question back on her. Or asking her were she got her shirt. Yeah, that was a low point. I do like vegetables, we just need to reacquaint them with my refrigerator. Today's Friday Five is a list of some of my favorite veggies. Here's the list:

1. Crispy and crunchy... Carrots and celery. Carrots because they turn your skin orange if you eat too many and because someone once told me they were nature's tooth brushes. It may be mental, but my teeth do feel less fuzzy after I eat a carrot. Celery because they are the red-headed step children of the vegetable kingdom -- so misunderstood and teased. And I like the taste.
   
   
2. Often mistaken as weeds... Spinach and a nice spring mix. I need to add spinach to more dishes. I had it on pizza last night and it was yummy! I love spring mixes because I feel like I'm munching on dandelion greens. That isn't the only reason. I also, um, like the different colors and texture. Yeah. Color and texture.
   
   
3. Grown under questionable circumstances... Mushrooms. Technically these are fungi, and I know people have VERY strong feelings about fungus. Personally, I'm all about these soft tasty bites, especially in soups, sauteed with butter, or cooked with roasts.
   
   
4. Vegetables or candy?... Peppers. I like the sweet kind more than the hot kind. I like green, red, orange, yellow, and maybe even purple peppers. I haven't tried purple yet. They are best when they are crisp because then you get a shot of juice, too.
   
   
   
5. And as far as tubers go... Sweet potatoes. I've only been reintroduced to these in recent years. A twist on the old Idaho standby, sweet potatoes are not just for baby food anymore. I like them baked with brown sugar and butter. That may need to change.
   
   

Now the re-integration with the refrigerator can begin. And maybe I should stop cooking them with so much butter. I'd love to hear some integration tips if anyone wants to share. Meal planning is on my list of goals for the year, so that's covered...

Keep smiling and remember to be happy.

**My sister Jacqui is the Registered Dietitian I mentioned above. She specializes in pregnancy and post partum nutrition counseling, healthy weight loss, meal planning and nutrition education. If you want a consultation, you can email her at JacquiWebbRD@gmail.com. Happy Healthy New Year!