A New Year, A New You!!!It is January and it is resolution time. January is a great time to set goals for the New Year. However, most resolutions are abandoned within weeks. The best of intentions are often set aside as everyday life gets in the way and the effort of making permanent change becomes more than we have time for.
This year, approach 2008 in a new way. Resolve to improve your health, happiness and well being. Lay out a plan that is specific, attainable and measurable. This will help you be successful. Use these tips to make 2008 a happy, healthy and satisfying year.
Step 1: Reflect
Look back on 2007 and reflect on the positives and negatives. Ask yourself what worked for you and what did not work. Give yourself credit for the positives and use the negatives as a learning experience.
Step 2: Assess Your Readiness for Change
Are you contemplating change or are you truly ready to make a change? In order to be successful, you must be ready and willing to make changes.
Step 3: Wipe the Slate Clean
Now that you have reflected on the past and determined that you are ready, wipe the slate clean. Forget past failures. This is a new year and a new beginning. The past no longer matters.
Step 4: Set Your Goals
My favorite resolutions are to eat more healthfully and to spend more time with family and friends. But, these resolutions must be made more specific if they are to be successfully implemented.
For example: Eat breakfast every day.
Try a new recipe each week.
Eat 2 fruits and 2 vegetables every day.
Have a family dinner twice per week.
Pack lunch on work days instead of eating out.
Cook a meal for friends once per month.
Step 5: Implement Your Plan!
This can include creating a grocery list or collecting recipes. Take out your calendar and track your progress. Reassess periodically and make changes if necessary. Reward yourself for your successes. Remember, this is your plan and your life. Enjoy!
Pork is a lean, delicious and nutritious meat that easily fits into a healthy eating plan. Take the first step toward a healthy 2008 with one of these traditional New Years dishes. Visit www.theotherwhitemeat.org for more delicious recipes.
BLACK EYED PEA STEW
Black eyed peas are a New Year’s tradition. Here is a great recipe that serves as a one pot meal.
3 cans Black Eyed Peas
1 Tbsp Canola Oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
½ pound lean, smoked ham
16 oz vegetable or chicken broth
½ tsp salt
½ tsp red pepper
½ tsp black pepper
2-14 oz cans diced tomatoes
1-10 ounce bag frozen mustard greens, cooked and drained
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion to pan; cook 3 minutes or until tender. Add ham; cook 2-3 minutes or until slightly browned.
3. Stir in broth; bring to a simmer, stirring well. Stir in drained peas, salt and peppers.
4. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Uncover and cook 15 minutes or until liquid begins to thicken.
5. Stir in tomatoes and mustard greens; simmer 10 minutes.
SAUERKRAUT AND PORK LOIN
This yummy recipe is a Pennsylvania Dutch New Years tradition. Serve with greens or vegetable of choice.
3 to 4 lb. pork loin
1 lg. onion (chopped)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 pints sauerkraut
1 tsp cider vinegar
1 apple, sliced
Place meat in roaster. Place sauerkraut over meat, cider, salt, pepper, apple and onions over top. Pour 2 quarts water over dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours.
Yours in Good Health,
Cathie Ostrowski, MS, RD, LDN
NC Pork Council Nutritionist | 
