All in the Name of Wellness

December tends to be a crazy month in the catering business. This is year number 32 for me. When my dad called a few weeks ago to challenge me to focus on my health and wellness, I accepted his challenge, and have dubbed December my WELLNESS month. Why not? This is the perfect foil to the time of year I both dread and eagerly await.

When there is not time for exercise, I'm finding it. I entered 3 early morning classes (total body conditioning/yoga/pilates) into my outlook calendar-and I'm going! I decided to resume a vegetarian lifestyle and eliminate meat and fish for the time being. No problem- this is helping me avoid the extra calories at the lavish cocktail parties of the season. I'm creating lists of what I want to accomplish, and just doing it! no need to wait until the last minute for holiday shopping, or to write thank you's to my staff for a job well done this year. I'm focused on the NOW..for instance, I try to extend an immediate thank you for an invitation, make a phone call when it comes to mind and keep focusing on the positive moments of the day.

All in the name of WELLNESS!

The vegetarian lifestyle has re appeared over the years, changing my cooking style each time. In my 53 years, about 15 have been vegan and vegetarian. I LOVE the new ideas that sprout..

today's lunch was brown rice, black beans, salsa, broccoli, some crunched up lime tortilla chips and mozzarella cheese..with a squeeze of lime juice. YUM! Last night was a giant sweet potato with poached apples and a huge salad with avocado, carrots, sunflower seeds, spinach and balsamic vinaigrette. Lunch yesterday was lentil soup and a version of huevos rancheros-

I heated up the panini maker, lay a whole grain tortilla on it, some grated manchego cheese, green peppers, hot sauce and two poached eggs. Delicious! I snacked on a banana with fresh ground peanut butter and a cup of mocha..made with ghiradelli dark chocolate.

I just cooked a batch of basmati brown rice, which I ll freeze in small batches and use in stir fries, soups, lentil loaf...

Tomorrow I'll see what ideas sound good- I've baked a spaghetti squash, made an old fashioned egg salad and stocked my fridge with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Mango are in season..

Clementines are sweet...we are having a small holiday party on Saturday so I'm thinking ahead about that menu too.

...does everyone's life revolve around food? help!!