Celebrating healthy bodies
Happy 2019, folks! As we reset to a normal routine after our holiday celebrations, it is common to think about new year’s resolutions. Do you have a few in mind? Perhaps you are hoping to start a new hobby, are committing to spending more time with friends and family or are looking to start a new diet and lose some weight.
If weight loss is your focus, consider taking a non-diet approach this year. Weight is complex. And weight is often associated with poor health. But it is so important to understand that health comes in all shapes and sizes. The lifestyle we live, including our eating choices, our level of activity, and our sleeping habits all have a direct impact of our overall health, regardless of whether we lose weight. Also, weight loss is not as simple as “energy-in and energy-out.” Weight can be affected by many factors, including those that are out of our control, like age, health conditions, certain medications and genetics.
So why a non-diet approach? While short-term weight loss plans may sound promising and may result in some quick weight loss, it is often challenging to keep that weight off for the long term. This can be because the diet plan restricts many foods that you enjoy in your regular diet, or it requires an unrealistic amount of exercise that cannot be sustained over time. In shifting the focus away from weight loss, and adopting a non-diet approach, you are committing to making small, practical lifestyle changes over time. Results are no longer about a number on a scale, but rather about how the healthy changes have improved overall health. Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy? Has your blood pressure improved?
In using a non-diet approach, you are likely to lose weight, maintain that loss over time, and achieve a healthy lifestyle that fits you. If you are thinking this might be the approach for you, your in-store dietitian is here to help! We will be hosting a group program designed to provide the support you need as you start your journey to your unique healthy weight. You will be guided by your dietitian to identify long term and sustainable lifestyle changes to ensure sustained success. For more information, you can book a free initial Healthy Weight chat with me or any of the local Superstore dietitians. Together, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Let’s celebrate our bodies this year! This Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry is the perfect mix of sweetness and spice to nourish your body during the winter months. Make it milder by using mild curry powder, or spicier by using hot.
Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry
Recipe source: pc.ca
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 tbsp (25 ml) olive oil
1 pkg PC Blue Menu Air Chilled Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 430 g), cut in chunks
1⁄ tsp (1 ml) salt
4
1⁄ tsp (0.5 ml) freshly ground
8
black pepper
1⁄ cup (125 ml) all-purpose
2
flour
2 white onions, chopped
1⁄ cup (50 ml) minced ginger
4
root
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut in chunks
1 carrot, cut in chunks
4 tsp (20 ml) curry powder 1 pkg (900 ml) PC Blue Menu Chicken Broth
1 pkg (300 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 2 tbsp (25 ml) honey
Directions:
1. In large saucepan, heat half of oil over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour. Add to pan; cook until browned, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Discard remaining flour.
2. Add remaining oil to pan; cook onions, ginger and garlic over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes or until softened. Add sweet potato, carrot and curry powder; stir to coat. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes and carrots are almost tender. Stir in chicken; simmer another 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are easily pierced with a fork.
3. Stir in spinach and honey; cook until heated through. Serve with brown rice, if desired.