Balancing the perfect meal

I have said it before and I will say it again.

The best way to eat healthier, lose unwanted weight, and feel better...is to spend more time with your food.

It sounds simple.  However, I know this can be difficult for busy people grown accustomed to frozen dinners and take-out.  It can be overwhelming and frustrating.

I hear you!  But you have to start simple, even if this means you only cook dinner twice a week.  And you don't have to be Martha Stewart!!  Dinner, afterall, should not be a huge meal.  If you eat a decent breakfast and lunch with healthy snacks in-between, you should not be famished come 6:00.

You'll notice my meals aren't restaurant quality, but I don't shoot for that!  That's why we enjoy restaurants!

So don't overcomplicate things.  Just try to get a veggie, fruit, and carb on your plate.  Season it with your favorite seasonings.  Heck, throw in a little salt and pepper if that helps.  And please, finish with a little piece of chocolate.  Everyone will be happier for it.

Beans:

Steam wax beans, green beans and chopped apples for 10-15 minutes.  Dress with butter and salt as desired.

Acorn squash:

Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds.  Drop in about a tbs. butter and 1 tsp brown sugar.  Place on baking sheet with water (so they don't dry out) and bake at 400 for an hour or until soft.

Fingerling potatoes:

Slice in half and boil until tender.  Toss with olive oil and chopped dill and bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes.

Combine with a playground workout.  Head to the jungle gym, wrap some resistance bands around a tree and work all muscle groups.  Finish with 50  walking lunges.