Week 8 Friday Meeting (February 26)

Thanks, Linda. It's nice to be here!

The new year is unfolding rapidly! Often February can be a month where we are tempted to slide back into some old habits, in other words, get "stuck" between the old familiar food choices and the new food adventure we can experience on our ‘beach journey’.

This month, avoid getting trapped in a food rut by keeping your meal times interesting and fun. Maybe you are eating the same food choices everyday for breakfast and lunch. Often the dinner meal may have more variety but whether you are cooking for one person or your family, you might find yourself eating that same dinner meal over and over again for days until it is gone. Sound familiar?

The South Beach Diet list of foods to enjoy is full of creative food ideas for all of the food categories; protein, milk/dairy, beans/legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and fruit choices in each of the phases. So go back to your food list, (print it out if you haven’t already done so) and study it! Be adventurous and open-minded and try to generate a list of new foods to try every week. The best way to avoid a rut is to try new ideas on a regular basis.

* Bring excitement back into breakfast! Instead of vegetable juice all the time at breakfast, add vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, mushroom, peppers or asparagus to your morning eggs. Try new ‘omelet’ recipes.

* Have ‘brunch’ at breakfast and mix up your food choices. Try cottage cheese with chopped cucumbers and tomatoes or a turkey slice with melted cheese and a ‘new for you’ vegetable choice on the side.

* Bring a hot lunch to work or school. Breathe life into last night’s leftovers. It will save on your food budget too!

* For lunch, buy a different variety of ready to eat mixed greens. Try a new flavor of salad dressing or make your own dressing using different fresh or dried herbs.

* Dress up the dinner table! Set the table with a tablecloth and placements. Go for a theme that goes along with a special recipe you are trying for the first time. And don’t forget the candles!

* Design a ‘make your own’ food station for dinner. Get all your family involved by coming up with creative toppings for a taco meal or create your own ‘chef salad’ bar that is better than any restaurant salad bar!

* Trade off cooking responsibilities. Have different family members take turns cooking the meal. It could be dinner or keep it casual with a weekend breakfast or lunch meal cooked by your spouse or older children.

* Try a new recipe or try a new take on an old favorite recipe.

* Add a different seasoning or vegetable to your lunch and dinner meals. Serve two vegetable choices and experience the new flavor combination.

* Make your meal progressive, start with soup or a salad, follow with a main course and add in a light dessert. Enjoy a restaurant style meal while eating in and relaxing with your family.

Do you have tips for avoiding food ruts, or do you have questions? Let's talk!