One of my goals for 2025 is to introduce more vegetables into my family's diet. The Bean is a reluctant vegetable eater, often picking out anything that has a hint of green or is remotely healthy. The Bibbed Wonder could live on beef and potatoes alone with a side dish of pork. I often have to demand and then bully these two into eating any vegetable that I have taken the time to prepare.
We are slowly moving into a more healthy lifestyle, albeit somewhat reluctantly. The Bibbed Wonder is in the throes of quitting smoking. I am so proud of him for tackling this difficult feat. In the past, I have removed sugar from my diet, and I know how awful I felt for two weeks or more. It feels like having a flu that won't go away. I can only imagine how the lack of nicotine is affecting him. Removing nicotine from his system affects every aspect of his person. It slows digestion, makes him feel lightheaded, gives him a headache, and changes his personality. My usually jolly husband, who can laugh at anything, is extraordinarily moody, easily agitated, and sometimes downright mean.
I try to remain supportive. I don't talk about the changes I see in his personality. Instead, I try to remember what he is going through and am grateful he is making this effort. When I see him getting agitated or losing his temper over something insignificant, I try to remain quiet and ask how to improve it. Usually, I get a smart-aleck answer in return, but I try to let it go, trying hard not to take offense. I know that giving him his space is best for both of us right now. I will say he is doing remarkably well. This is not the first time he has quit, and he is handling it much better this go-round. I am confident that with his strong willpower and even stronger resolve, he will successfully kick this habit and be so much better for it. He makes me very proud.
Along with quitting smoking, The Bibbed Wonder wants to "get ripped." He has a naturally muscular build but wants to improve his muscle definition. I agree with him about building muscle and becoming more toned. I am working on losing more weight. I went to the cardiologist, who was pleased with my weight loss, lowered blood pressure, and improved health. However, he said he would like me to lose another 10-15 pounds. I feel I have plateaued in my weight loss without making a real effort. To try to get my metabolism moving again, I have changed my eating habits, am taking my canine bestie for longer walks, and am incorporating low-impact exercise into my daily routine. Even with the help of miracle drugs, one has to make an effort. My personal goal is to drop another twenty pounds and be on the lighter side of a healthy body weight.
Part of this journey is incorporating more vegetables, less red meat, and eating leaner. When I was a kid, my mom made a delicious and easy stir-fry recipe called Zippy Chicken Stir-Fry. It was filled with broccoli, carrots, sweet onions, and water chestnuts. All vegetables my Bean will eat willingly, but with more zealous if a delicious sauce is involved. Today, I will share this recipe with you.
Zippy Chicken Stir-Fry
1/2 c. Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tbsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (opt.)
2 tbsp. oil
3 boneless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
1 c. each broccoli flowerets, red pepper strips & carrot slices
1 small can of water chestnuts, drained
1/4 c. sweet onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4 c. cooked rice
Stir the salad dressing, soy sauce, ginger, and crushed red pepper; set aside—heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry for 4 minutes. Add the vegetables and garlic and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in the salad dressing mixture and simmer for 30 seconds. Serve over rice. This recipe makes four servings.
Whatever your goals for the New Year, I wish you great success. Remember that
Rome was not built in a day. Have patience with yourself and others who are making great strides to improve themselves. Try incorporating more veggies into your diet; it's good for you. Of course, keep washing your hands.
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