New Years Resolutions Start 

Many of us are again looking at our New Years resolutions as we approach another new year. As in my case, one is the same as it was last year; and the year before. Taking off these extra pounds! That might be one of yours also. Losing weight and becoming healthier are at the top of the list every year for New Years resolutions; and these two do go hand in hand.


New Years Eve is a time for looking back at the past and making the changes that we need in our life for the coming year. I must stress that I am not a professional in this area. If I was I would not have the problem but I continue to work at it. I feel that emotionally preparing yourself for these changes make them easier to accomplish.


For me it is easier to have a starting line to get on track with changing the eating habits or any habits. It may be Monday, the first day of the week, the first day of a new month or the first day of a new year. I also think that a person must set small goals at a time so as not to get too disappointed; for me it will be losing 1 pound a week.


Another problem for me is having any junk food around this is something that will sabatoge my new years resolutions. I started the practice many years ago of not having these “convenient foods” to convenient to me. I know I cannot have unhealthy food around and refrain from eating them. While in Tennessee I got away from this practice, thinking I needed “comfort food” with all the bad weather but it only makes you feel worse. Then, of course we had holiday cooking to deal with! We all know those Christmas cookie recipes and candy recipes are not calorie free! Now is the time to get back on a healthy track!


When I start back watching calories, I always make a big pot of vegetable soup (which I am planning to do) This vegetable soup recipe allows something to eat on all day (whenever you get a craving) but still not take in a lot of calories. Here is how I make it.

Recipes for New Years Resolutions

DIET VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE

diet vegetable soup for new years resolutionsDiet Vegetable Soup Recipe for New Years Resolutions
  • 1 Large chopped onion
  • 2 Sticks chopped celery
  • 1 Large chopped green pepper
  • 23 Medium diced carrots
  • 2 Cans green beans with juice
  • 2 Cans diced tomatoes
  • ½ Head cabbage
  • 4 Cloves minced garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Chicken bouillon cubes or your favorite to flavor
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1/8 Teaspoon red pepper flakes OPTIONAL
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, greens (any of these veggies left in your refrigerator)

NO MEAT, POTATOES, PASTAS, BEANS

Place onion and celery in a large cooking pot; cover with a little water and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add all the other vegetables to the pot; cover all the vegetables with water.

Bring pot of vegetables to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add enough bouillon cubes to flavor; add salt and pepper to season and the red pepper flakes if desired.

Let pot set on low burner to simmer about 45 minutes for the flavor to blend.

After soup cools I put it in the refrigerator and take out and reheat as needed.

Of course, New Years resolutions to take off pounds will not work if you are hungry. Don’t starve yourself! Prepare flavorful food that is low in calories which satisfies the cravings. Season the food with a variety of herbs and spices. Cutting calories is not depriving yourself!

CURRIED CHICKEN RECIPE

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 Cloves minced garlic
  • 1 Teaspoon cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ Teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ Teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ Teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ Teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ Pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch chunks
  • 1 Large carrot, thinly sliced
  • ¾ Cup canned chicken broth
  • ½ Cup water
  • ½ Pound skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into ½ inch pieces
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 Ounces whole grain noodles or pasta
  • ½ Cup frozen peas
  • 1/3 Cup plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon flour
  • 1 Teaspoon peanut butter
  • 3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Dilute the chicken broth with the water.

In a large non stick skillet warm the olive oil over medium heat until hot; add the garlic and cook 1 minute.

Stir in the cumin, curry, coriander, ginger, turmeric and paprika for 1 minute.

Add the sweet potatoes, carrots and ¼ of the diluted chicken broth; cook about 4 minutes or until the carrots are almost tender about 4 minutes.

Stir the chicken in; add the remaining chicken broth and the salt and pepper and cook about 5 minutes.

In another pot of boiling water, cook the noodles or pasta; at the last minute add the frozen peas to thaw and heat them.

In a small bowl whisk the flour into the yogurt; whisk the yogurt mixture into the chicken mixture, then stir in the peanut butter.

Drain the past and peas, add the cilantro and toss with the chicken mixture. Serve immediately.

New years resolutions for me always involve some form of cooking. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

HUNGARIAN GOULASH RECIPE

This recipe will help in making your New Years resolutions work in cutting calories. This can be served with rice or noodles but to cut calories eat with a side salad and low calorie dressing. Omit sugar and flour mixture to cut more calories.

  • 2 Pounds stew meat cut in 1 inch cubes
  • 1 Medium sliced onion
  • 1 Clove chopped garlic
  • ¼ Cup cooking oil
  • 1 ½ Cups water
  • ¾ Cup ketchup
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons salt
  • 2 Teaspoons paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon dry mustard
  • Dash red cayenne pepper
  • ¼ Cup cold water
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • Cooked noodles or rice

Cook beef, onion and garlic in oil in Dutch oven until beef is browned; drain off excess grease.
Stir in 1 ½ cups water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, paprika, mustard and red pepper.
Heat to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer until beef is tender; about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Combine ¼ cup water with flour stirring until smooth and blended; stir into beef mixture.
Heat to boiling stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute.

SIRLOIN TIPS RECIPE

This is another flavorful recipe to cutting calories and making your New Years resolutions come true. In this recipe also, you can cut more calories by eliminating the flour and eat plain with salad or vegetables instead of the rice or noodles.

  • 1 ½ Pounds sirloin tips
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons salt
  • 1 Teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ or more flour
  • 2 to 3 Tablespoons oil
  • 1 Cup chopped onions
  • 1 Cup chopped celery
  • 1 Cup chopped carrots
  • 1 Cup cooked tomatoes
  • Water to cover
  • Cooked rice or noodles

Dredge meat in flour; brown meat and onions in oil.
Add celery, carrots and tomatoes; cover with water and cover with lid.
Place in preheated oven at 350F degrees; cook for 2 hours or until meat is very tender.
NOTE: Watch so it doesn’t go dry.
Serve over rice or noodles.