For Health’s Sake
Posted by kitchenhippie on February 11, 2009
A few days ago, my friend SP, who I’ve known for many years, emailed me with a request. She has been struggling with some health issues and, most importantly, needs to get her diabetes under control. She asked me if I would post some simple, healthy recipes and asked for “easy, easy, advice to get people like me into the kitchen and not be afraid.” Of course I said yes.
I started thinking about recipes for SP, and what came to mind is what I cook for my family on a regular basis. When I started cooking fifteen years ago, it was because I had high cholesterol and slightly high blood pressure. I needed to put down the NYC restaurant menus and start taking control of my diet. So I taught myself to cook healthy, balanced meals, starring lots of chicken, turkey, fish, whole grains and vegetables. Many years later this is still my main focus, for health reasons but also because I truly enjoy eating fresh, healthy food.
Most of the meals that I cook are easy to prepare and I have relied on some wonderful cookbooks over the years. I do enjoy making some more complex dishes now and again, but I have a two year old! And a job! And a house to clean! I have to be realistic about time management. Which brings me to my next point. There’s nothing wrong with buying some prepared food to go along with your main dish. These days there are so many delicious choices to help you along. Trader Joe’s comes to mind, as does Whole Foods, or, if you are lucky enough to live in NYC like my friend SP, the list is endless.
