The Gift of Good Health

Today is my 37th birthday.

I'm writing this from the cozy corner of a hotel room overlooking Niagara Falls, so I think it's fair to say that my day, and year, is off to a good start. There also happens to be a new Le Creuset baking dish tucked into a my overnight bag from a quick trip across the border last night, so I consider myself extra fortunate this morning. There won't be a birthday cake today, much to my kids' dismay, but that's okay. Rob and Jackson both have birthdays later this month, so there's lots of time for sweet celebration treats. I've purposely decided to forgo my confections in lieu of something much better: good heath. 

This year, I'm giving myself the gift of a healthy lifestyle for my birthday. I have a physical scheduled for next week, I'm walking close to an hour a day, I'm cutting out sugar for the month of January, and possibly even longer, I'm reducing my meat consumption and increasing my vegetable intake, and generally I'm getting myself in good working order. There are a few aches and pains in my young body that probably shouldn't be there - Rob often jokes that he wants to see my real birth certificate since he's almost a decade older and feels better than I do - and while this lifestyle change may seem motivated by the whole "new year, new you" message that's being pushed by every magazine at every check-out counter, it's honestly not. In fact, it's much simpler than that: I just want to feel better. 

So, because it's my birthday, I'm also passing on this gift to you, by offering you a copy of the book you see above. It's a new title - Meatless -  released by the editors of Martha Stewart Living magazine, and it boasts a bounty of beautifully photographed recipes that are simple, family-friendly and, yes, meatless. 

In case you're slightly skeptical, I made a Brussels sprouts and lemon skillet pizza from the book last week that the kids devoured. Imagine soft pizza dough pressed into a cast-iron pan, and topped with shredded mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, torn Brussels sprouts leaves that have been gently tossed with silky olive oil, fragrant lemon zest, salt and pepper, and topped with just a little more cheese. Thrown in the oven and baked until the greens are crisp and the crust is browned, the dish was a hit with everyone, including Jackson. At least until he discovered the green garnish was in fact his least favourite vegetable. 

The kind folks over at Random House Canada have a copy of Meatless just for you. Leave a comment letting me know what changes to your health, if any, you hope to make this year. I'll draw a name on Sunday and your copy will be sent out to you next week, when the book officially publishes. 

Update: Congratulations to Jennifer C! You are the lucky winner of the book giveaway.

Comments

[Anne]

I'm planning to reduce my sugar intake!

[Catherine]

I'd like to move more, whatever form that takes :).

[Mama B]

Good on you for making positive changes. I want to start cutting back on salt this year. I've had a couple of high blood pressure readings at drug stores, and that's been enough to get me motivated to do something.

[Wanda Thorne]

Sugar is definitely on my 'cut down' list, adapting more of my baking to honey and maple syrup. A half marathon in May will kick me in the butt too.

[Carolyn]

I'll be working on a mental health component - positive body image! Some running races on the horizon, too.

[Marisa]

I'm planning to cut sugar for a month (once I get it out of the house!), move more and eat less wheat,

Happy Birthday!!

[Sarah P]

Happy Birthday! This book looks great. My resolution is to make at least two meatless dinners a week this year, so this is right up my alley.

[Kate]

I'm going to increase my activity by walking my dog twice a day, and cut down on cheese and bread!

[Jocelyn H]

I'm already gluten-free and dairy free due to allergies, but I'd really like to start cooking a lot more. Bring on the slow-cooker!

[Bryan Murray]

I'm eating more whole grains and cutting down my sugar intake

[Jennifer Cairns]

This book looks great! I'm planning on making more vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks this year for my family

[janice montroy]

Happy Birthday! I have 3 daughters, 2 vegetarians ,1 vegan, this book would help me in being able to invite them for dinner. For myself I am committed to cutting down on my sugar intake and eating healtier

[Jennifer C.]

I plan to exercise more, and pay better attention to the food that I choose to eat. Specifically, I want to add more fiber to my diet and cut down on fat intake. :)

[Adina H.]

I'm planning to increase my activity level. It should be easy since I'm practically starting at zero!

[Debbie S.]

I plan on learning more cooking with red meat, as my sons friend is a vegetarian. I find her cooking interesting! I believe this will be good for all our family's health.

[Debbie S.]

Sorry -big error in my post, was susposed to say cooking WITHOUT red meat.

[Maxine]

I'm hoping to be more active this year. Get back to doing yoga and work on some strength training.
I'm also going to try and waste less food! I hate throwing out rotten produce, so I'm going to try and use everything on time.

Happy birthday and good luck with your resolutions!

[Kimm b]

Drink more water and be more conscious of what I am and the amount I am eating.

[Doreen M]

I hope to exercise more & eat better

[Bons]

I hope to eat more healthily i.e. eat more veggies/fruits and cut back on junk food.

[Meg]

Ah yes, I too would like to "feel better'. With the chaos of the holiday season...I just haven't sat down to think about how that might look hmmmm. Many thanks.

[Marisa]

My resolution this year is to cut the portion sizes while continuing to exeecise

[Andrea]

More yoga, with my husband and eating a healthy breakfast every day, not just occasionally. Looking forward to seeing your recipes that will help you reach your goals!

[Shawna Y]

My goal is to eat three pieces of fruit a day. I can't believe how hard this is for me, but I'm really going to try this new year!

[Maria]

happy birthday Jan! This post caught my eye since we've just implemented as of Wednesday a meatless dinner to the week. I went with veg lasagna, now what!