Monday, September 23, 2013

Risotto and Sticking to Your Routine

I remember making risotto for the first time almost 20 years ago. The recipe called for saffron, and I discovered what an expensive spice saffron is. I had high expectation for the dish but unfortunately was quite disappointed. Looking back, maybe my expectations were just too high… Unfortunately, I have pretty much stayed away from making risotto myself ever since.

When I received Nicole’s cookbook - Prevention RD's Everyday Healthy Cooking: 100 Light and Delicious Recipes to Promote Energy, Weight Loss, and Well-Being - the risotto stood out right away because Nicole stated it was her husband’s favorite dish. Plus, it has asparagus and mushrooms, which I love. I therefore knew that I had to make it. It was time to have a risotto success story!

The publisher gave me permission to share the recipe with you. The recipe is not difficult but a bit more time consuming as you’ll have to add liquid and stir the risotto while it’s cooking. The outcome is a creamy, very tasty risotto. We can definitely see why Mr. Prevention RD likes the dish so much.



Sticking To Your Routine When Life Gets Tough

Life has been challenging lately, and I am once again reminded of the importance of taking care of myself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and let go of healthy habits in difficult times. Yet especially during a tough time, it’s important to continue to go on my walks (I’m averaging 11,000 steps, over 5 miles daily according to my Fitbit), practice yoga, do sprints a few days a week, and do some strength training.

Sticking to my routine always makes me feel better. Cooking a healthy meal and enjoying it as a family is soothing, and I am so very, very thankful for our time together.

Living a healthy life is about so much more than how your clothes fit or how well you perform certain athletic moves. It’s about setting yourself up to be able to deal with whatever life throws at you the best you can. Things can change so quickly. But if you have a system in place, you can continue to prepare and eat healthy meals and feel as good as possible.

On a happier note, the older kid spent the weekend with us, and we enjoyed a special breakfast on Saturday. Excuse the messy hair! Smile



Questions: Do you like risotto? Do you make it yourself? Feel free to link to your favorite risotto recipe in the comments. What was the highlight of your weekend? It was nice to spend quality time with all my boys.

Be well,
Andrea

[Disclaimer: I received Nicole’s cookbook for free from the publisher but all opinions are my own.]