As we travel our path we need to make decisions on what food to eat. Do we choose to eat a "healthy diet" or not and what really is a "healthy diet"? Everywhere you look someone else has a new plan that is the best food plan. So how do you decide what is best for you? Or, do you stick to the standard all American diet loaded with sugar, white flour and crappy fats?
Do you eliminate all grains, fats, sugar or do you moderate your diet. For many people removing grains is probably the best course of action but its also not a simple one. Gluten free, also tough but then you can have the occasional quinoa, rice, potato and all the other non gluten grains. Do you simply get rid of sugar? Remove dairy? It's all an individual choice. If you need assistance with coming up with a protocol find a health coach to guide you (or let's have a conversation)
One of my favorite dishes to have in the refrigerator is ratatouille. It's a combination of eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, and onion. It's one of my feel good comfort foods, is simple to make and tastes delicious. You'll find lots of recipes out there but this is my favorite one.
1 eggplant (I use a nice plump one with the skin on)
1 large or 2 small zucchini
1 large or 2 small yellow summer squash
4 medium tomatoes
1 medium onion
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon good sea salt
- chop up your onion and saute it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a low heat till soft
- chop up the rest of your vegetables and I like to layer in my pot 1/2 of each vegetable and then make another layer of each one so they cook all together
- simmer on a low heat stirring the pot every 15 minutes until all of the vegetables are pretty soft. For me it's usually around 30-45 minutes
- when you go to stir it the first time add in your salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- When it finishes cooking eat or save in the refrigerator for your next meal.
my favorite is to heat up a bowl of the ratatouille in a small pan and then pour it over a 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and have this for my breakfast or lunch. For dinner I usually just have it plain with whatever protein I cook that night.
Ratatouille is a great addition to you menu. It's filled with fiber, minerals and makes everything taste yummy. Enjoy.