In China, this is the year of the Ox. There are specific foods in that culture that are connected with riches. For example, egg rolls and spring rolls represent gold bars! Actually, anything that looks like gold represents wealth. I’ll have some oranges and carrots!!!

Spaniards eat 12 grapes at the stroke of the New Year for good luck! Foods that swell when cooked like rice and beans are considered growing wealth in many southern cultures. And finally, green, leafy vegetables represent paper money.

Eating healthy is RICHLY rewarding!

Afew days ago I posted the “Soup and Smiles” blog. I now have the recipe for one of those healthy, hearty, satisfying soups.

Vegetable Bean Soup

3 Tbsp olive oil, one large onion (chopped), 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 cans garbanzo beans, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1 bay leaf (optional), 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes (don’t drain), 8cups water or broth, 1tsp dried basil, ground pepper and sea salt to taste, 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale.

Directions: Heat oil in a mediumsoup pot. Saute onion and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the water or broth, beans, celery, carrots, bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, and pepper. Coverand simmer for another 15 minutes, adding spinach, salt and pepper for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Serve with: Shredded asiago or crumbled goat cheese.

Per serving: 175 calories, 6 g protien, 24 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 8 g fat, 685 mg sodium.

Goog healthy food is good Feng Shui!

I recently visited a friend who doesn’t necessarily like all the snow we are having. She has found a great treatment for the snowed-in blues. She has 4 friends who live relatively close by. They all take turns making a big pot of home made soup. With crusty whole grain bread and organic parmesan as a garnish, these folks enjoy the company of friends, lots of laughs, and learn new ways to make soup from each other.

Good food, plus good company equals good Feng Shui!

At this time of year we often feel lethargic. Less sunlight, cold temperatures, less exercise in the fresh air, and even the post holiday blues can rob us of vitality. In Feng Shui we realize the power of color. Think “sunny” foods like grapefruit, oranges, squash, red and yellow peppers, tangerines, etc. for the health and energy boost that will help you to “lighten up” and feel healthier. A side benefit is that they are loaded with anti-oxidents and fiber and generally low in calories.

How about making the very best pancakes for your family during the holidays! These are moist, flavorful and healthy.

Start with 1 cup of Bisquick. Stir in 1 egg, 2/3 cup of non-fat milk, 1 heaping tablespoon of corn meal, 1 heaping tablespoon of wheat germ, 1/3 cup of Ocean Spray Cran-fruit, 1/2 of a banana (thinly sliced),or 1/2 cup of diced apple or 1/2 cup of blueberries. Place spoonfuls of batter on a greased hot griddle. Flip when the air bubbles pop open and the edges are dry.

These are so good you might even skip the syrup!

Good food is good Feng Shui!

Tis the season for lots of parties and tons of food. Every place you go there are plates of cookies, petit fours, chocolates, pies of every imaginable kind, ham, turkey, gravy, etc. For those of us who find it hard to resist the goodies, here a a few suggestions to help you to maintain some slight control.

First, drink as much water as you can stand. A big glass before a party, before dinner, and between each alcoholic drink can help you eat and drink less. Second, walk every day. Two laps around the Mall can do wonders. Instead of sitting and watching TV, stand up and march or dance, stretch or do Yoga. Third, if you are cooking, take the time to do a little research and find low fat alternatives to your favorite recipes. Use more fresh fruits and vegetables, less sauces and gravies, and limit the dessert choices to two.

Most of all…ENJOY!

Did you know…..

A kitchen sponge holds at times more active bacteria than the toilet bowl. Sterilize it in the dishwasher or replace it frequently.

That when you flush the toilet, particles of toilet water are scattered eight feet in all directions.   ALWAYS close the lid before you flush.

Your cutting board has lots of germs.   Clean it with white vinegar at least every other time you use it.

Your coffeemaker will last longer if you clean it well once or twice a month.   Clean it by running it with a white vinegar solution twice in a row then rinse with plain water.

Never prepare food when you are angry or depressed.

The strong emotions that you are experiencing will affect the food. Those who consume it will be forced to “digest” your negative feelings and it will adversely affect them!

On the physical level, you are more prone to drop things, forget to add certain items, or have an accident (like cutting yourself with a knife).

Eating should be a nourishing, pleasant, and leisurely so that digestion is better and the tastes and textures and colors of the food can be fully appreciated. BON APPETIT!