LENTIL SOUP

This is one of the recipes from class today.  Try it!!

LENTIL SOUP

INGREDIENTS

2 CUPS DICED CELERY

1 LARGE ONION DICED

2 CLOVES GARLIC – SMASHED OR DICED

2 CUPS OF LENTTLS

BAY LEAF    1

OREGANO    1 teaspoon dried

THYME          optional – ½ teaspoon

PARSLEY      optional – 1 teaspoon

6 – 8 CUPS OF CHICKEN OR VEGTABLE STOCK

I CAN DICED TOMATOES

OLIVE OIL

Optional

1 Cup Fresh Spinach sliced thin

2 Teaspoons of Balsamic Vinegar

Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven and add the olive oil.  Add the celery, onions and garlic.  Sauté until the onions are translucent.  Add the lentils, tomatoes, seasoning and stock.  Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.  Cook for about an hour or until the lentils are tender.  Add the spinach and the Balsamic and serve.

Cooking Class Sunday 1-8-12

This Sunday we start a series of three classes focusing on Healthy Food.  Sunday I will talking about Super Foods - foods that are nutrient dense and low in calories.  There is an amazing array of these foods that are delicious and easy to prepare. The list includes everything from smoothies to soup and salad.  I will be featuring some of the Zursin Heirloom Grains grown in Idaho for Williams Sonoma. We will also feature the Vitamix Blender and other tools that help to make you time easier in the kitchen. Drop by the Williams Sonoma in The District at Green Valley Ranch on Sunday January 8.  Class starts at noon.

For those who come by and tell me that they read the Blog I have a special Gift for them a free bottle of DAVIS DUST.  If you would like to order some just click on the link below and tell me how many you want.

http://vegaswes.com/DAVIS_DUST.html  

Healthy Snacks

Healthy Snacks can help  you lose weight and also avoid the afternoon slump. Just remember these are snacks - not another meal.  I saw several listings on Google that have great recipes. Here are some ideas that I found.

Fruit and cheese - 2 - 4 oz cottage cheese with apples or oranges

Mozzarella Cheese - 2 - 4 oz

Half a piece of rye or whole wheat bread with peanut butter or cashew butter - You could also add some fruit like blueberries or strawberries

The idea is to use what you like and eat small.  Think Tapas - small plates. If you keep your body fueled with small healthy snacks it is easier to avoid the feeling of starvation which leads to over eating. Processed foods with lots of sugar are not good choices.  There are some good choices including some with chocolate that do not have a lot of sugar. Use in moderation - say once a week.

It is hard to lose weight. But with some planning and determination it can happen.