Books & Spoons RECIPES FOR SMART CHOICES

A friend of mine posted on the social media a meme that said 'I wish everything in life was as easy as getting fat'. At first I laughed about it, true that, but then I thought about a bit more, and the truth that everything comes down to choices we make. There are few things that can help us, not to go down the easy road to being fat. I am not talking about diets or nothing like that, just some healthy eating choices, that can make our everyday life easier, lighter.
For example, I like to snack, I often go the fridge to get a glass of water, and want to get a little something to eat. So, instead of hiding my fruit in the fruit and veggie box in my fridge, I placed them on the eye level shelf. I always try to have either fresh berries, cut veggies, and other fruits ready to eat, right there, in front of me. Not only do I easily get the five a day, but I also don't fumble into other temptations while at it. 
Being healthy and eating lighter is in the front and center this time of the year. I, myself, have tried to stay away from carbohydrates, not completely eliminating them, but learning to eat less of pasta, rice, and bread. 

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Smoked salmon with arugula, mango, blueberries, and blue cheese (St Agur)

Smoked salmon with arugula, shaved carrots, and Bell peppers

There's been some great salads I have indulged in this week, with my favourite, smoked salmon. With salads, the dressing is dangerous, be careful with it. The fat and sugar content can be high, and eliminate the 'healthy' part of the meal. ​

​I also caramelised some onions and peppers, wrapped them in a whole grain tortilla, and served with low fat Aioli.

The sweet, sweet taste of the veggies was just delicious! ​

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But with a limited amount of carbohydrates on the plate all week, I started to crave some. And instead of getting a fresh artisan bread, and smothering it with butter, yes, the thought crossed my mind, I opted for a veggie soup, that made a wholesome meal while the frost outside kept accumulating, and also satisfied my carb cravings. ​

I chopped a red onion, a Chinese garlic, and a green bell pepper, and caramelised on the low heat in the pot, while I was cutting the rest of the ingredients. I added a large sweet potato, three large carrots, and one medium baking potato, peeled and cut, into the pot. I covered the ingredients with vegetable stock, and let them slowly boil, until done. 
The thought was to puré them at the end, but I opted out. The smooth, soft flavours of the soup were lovely, and more than satisfied my carb cravings, not to mention, kept me warm in the freeze-up. ​

There is always more than one way to choose from, to getting to the goal.
With just a couple of smart choices, we can make the everyday life a little bit lighter, healthier.

​So choose smart, be happy, and have a great weekend :) 
~ Cheers!

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