I don’t make official New Year’s resolutions, but I suppose setting goals is useful no matter what the date on the calendar says. One thing that TC and I are focused on for 2012 is moving towards a healthier, whole foods diet (i.e., not processed), and making vegetarian meals whenever possible. As part of this endeavor, we’ll be getting a bi-weekly CSA box from Eatwell Farms. There were several motivating factors. First, even though it’s not necessarily the most cost-effective way of getting produce, we think it’s important to support local organic farms. Buying a CSA box is more than just getting a box of produce; it’s showing your financial and moral support for sustainable practices. Second, we had the opportunity to hear Nigel Walker, the owner of Eatwell, speak at a round table discussion and we agreed with what he had to say about his farming philosophy. In fact, Nigel made such an impression on TC that a man crush was born that night. (The delectable eggplants, tomatoes, and peaches served after the talk also made quite an impression.) Finally, the CSA box confines you to cook what’s seasonal, and will thereby force me to diversify my cooking repertoire. It’ll be a challenge for sure! Anyway, we’re looking forward to it, and I’ll keep y’all updated on our CSA experiment as it develops.
For this first day of 2012, TC and I were looking for something healthy to help us recover from holiday overindulgence. We decided to make the Red Lentil Thai Chili from Post Punk Kitchen (thanks to JN for the blog suggestion). We made this same recipe less than 2 weeks ago for a mini dinner party with our friend CN, and it was so good we wanted to have it again.
Red lentil Thai chili - not too pretty, but super delicious and healthy!
What’s awesome about this recipe is that you totally forget (and don’t care) that it’s vegan. It’s very hearty — we both love the sweet potatoes, while the coconut milk and red curry add a unique flavor and richness. The second time around, I added one chopped Serrano pepper and generous amounts of lime juice which were both great additions. It’s also pretty easy — after the chopping prep, the whole thing only takes about 30 minutes to cook. Finally, it makes a massive amount of food, which is always nice because I love leftovers.
Do you have any resolutions or goals, eating or otherwise?
My family also gets a box from Eatwell Farms! Another cool aspect of their service is that they schedule occasional “field trips” to the farm, so you can go strawberry picking or whatever and see their farms in person.
Yeah, we’re really looking forward to those events, especially the strawberry picking and tomato canning. Not to mention that T is eagerly awaiting his next encounter with Nigel!
I have two goals this year.
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less grains or processed soy products.
2. Practice positive thinking more.
Good luck this year!
I’m thinking that bowl of soup would look even better in my belly!
I’m also wanting to be more positive and healthful in ALL aspects of life. Good luck to you too!
N and I are also trying to move towards a whole foods diet, where possible (although vegetarian/vegan is not an option for N). I just like the idea of knowing exactly what is going into my body and that it all can be processes naturally. We’re no where close to being 100% whole, but at least we’re taking strides to get there.
Yeah, I think it’d be hard to be 100% whole foods-based, but we can always strive for it. Good luck!!
I’m getting a CSA and a diet change too. I’m going to post something about it on my blog either today or tomorrow.
Looking forward to reading it!
“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” —Albert Einstein