30 Days of Health and Contentment: Day 12

Have you cleaned out the fridge and pantry? It’s time now to get rid of the temptations. I’ve got some cookie tins to empty. I tried one of the cookies and it wasn’t great. Why eat something that isn’t good for you, and doesn’t really even taste that good?

Have you noticed that most big name chocolate brands don’t taste good anymore? There seems to be a significant decline in ingredients.

Don’t eat this stuff. It isn’t worth it. Buy a half pint of raspberries instead, and enjoy every single one of them.

If you really want the chocolate, buy the best piece you can afford, and keep the portion reasonable. Much better than half a bag of peanut butter cups from the cookies you made last month!

Today is a yoga relaxation/reflection day. I love these days! I feel like I’m pampering myself. Don’t be tempted to skip yoga days because it doesn’t feel like “real” exercise (I sometimes do). Remember, we want a holistic approach.

We often equate something pleasurable with an indulgence. Those of us who have been raised in environments where hard work is valued tend to think that pleasure is a nice, but not necessary, part of life. Then, we work ourselves into the ground and give in to bad choices.

Is it any wonder we end up eating unhealthily? After all that hard work, we use food for pleasure because it is fast and easy.

If you need a word for today, go with this one: self-care.

Turning to Plants for Fuel

Not talking about ethanol! Rather, begin thinking about how you can start working more plants into your diet, and cutting back a bit on meat.

We had this side of black beans with sweet pepper and onions recently, and it was delicious. Give it a try! Even if you’re not ready to cut the meat out of your dinner, start by adding in beans more often. You will naturally eat less meat, because the fiber in the beans will fill you up!

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Black Beans with Sweet Pepper and Onions

Ground cumin and turmeric flavor this hearty side dish. Add brown rice to make a main dish lunch or dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
1 chopped sweet yellow pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse beans, and add them and 3 cups water to a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn to simmer and cook, covered, about 2 hours or until beans reach desired tenderness.
Drain beans and set aside.
In 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onions and peppers and saute until soft. Stir in spices. Then, stir in beans.
Serve as a side dish, or add brown rice to serve as a main course.

 

This post is not intended to offer medical advice. Check with your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise plan.

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Author: A. JoAnn

Here is where I share the beauty I find in everyday life; and the humor, too!

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