Tip: Start Small

Sometimes people say they want to make healthy changes in their life but in reality do not want to do anything different than what they are doing now.  A wise man once stated “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome”.

The number one reason why most people never get past the thinking stage of change is that they become overwhelmed by the thought of making to large a change at once.  Thinking big can make our goals seem unobtainable and daunting which in turn promotes procrastination. Try starting small. Focus on replacing one bad behavior with one good behavior each week. Over the course of many weeks these small changes will accumulate and add up to a major lifestyle improvement. 

Example 1: If you typically circle the parking lot while looking for the closest parking spot to the door, intentionally park toward the back of the parking lot and briskly walk. 

Example 2: If you typically snack on a candy bar, bag of potato chips, or a few scoops of Ben & Jerry's, try a naturally delicious substitute like an apple, banana or orange.e check back soon for health tips and recipes.

Recipe: Fast Moroccan Stewed Chicken

Classic Moroccan chicken usually takes hours upon hours to cook.  Here is a shortcut recipe that will deliver moist delicious chicken with deep complex flavors.  Serves 2 to 4.

Ingredients:
1 lb. bone in or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large zucchini, cut into small cubes
1 Can (16 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained
1 Can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2-4 Tbsp raisins (golden preferred, but any will do)
½ Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt (more to taste)
½ tsp fresh ground pepper (more to taste)
1/8 to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

1. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan or wide pot over medium-high heat.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper, place chicken in pan in a single layer, and cook for 2 to three minutes on each side.  Remove the chicken and add zucchini to pan, and cook until they start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Return chicken back to pan.  Add garbanzo beans, tomatoes, cumin, raisins and cinnamon.  Turn the heat to low and continue to cook until chicken is tender and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve over couscous or brown rice.