Entertaining Under The Influence…Get Healthy

After weeks of unlimited indulgence, my own turkey neck is wobbling a bit more than I’d like to admit. Numerous times we hear someone sharing that they can have whiskey in their morning coffee or 4 pieces of pie followed by the explanation “it’s the holidays” – which really isn’t much of an excuse. Whether your doing it because you actually make New Year’s Resolutions or because the muffin top on your jeans belongs in Texas, lightening up your diet come January is usually a good decision. As any form of strict regimen gives me flashbacks of teen angst and rebellion here’s the top 5 foods to include in your diet in 2011.

1. Avocado- This is the salmon of vegetables (well fruits really). Rich in polyunsaturated omega fatty acids, as well as a slew of vitamins. A serving for a woman is 1/4, men 1/2. I can eat a whole one jazzed up with lemon and salt. Use restraint.

2.Kale- One of the best vegetables because you can gorge yourself on it and it will do nothing but good. Rich in fibre, calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Saute with olive oil, and shallot for 5 minutes and top with toasted pine nuts.

3. Salmon- Do I even have to go here? It’s the best. Eat it twice a week. But PLEASE go for wild or at least organic. Farm fed fish have up to 75% less nutrients.

4. Quinoa- Miracle grain. Quinoa is the Justin Bieber of food, everyone’s obsessed. A complete source of protein as well as a boatload of fibre. Read package directions and squeeze lemon over it. Or use it in place of rice in risotto.

5. Watermelon- Watermelon can have a high glycemic index so watch how much. BUUT it has one-third of a day’s vitamins A and C and a nice shot of potassium for only 85 fat-free, salt-free calories. Eat away. Orr if you’re feeling frisky make a salad with cubed watermelon, red onion, and feta cheese.

This is one of the freshest most delicious dinners ever. Use leftovers for a really good salad with a little arugala or romaine and and a squeeze of lime

Fish Tacos

For Fish:

2 Tilapia filets (or another firm white fish)

1/2 cup orange juice

Juice of half lime

1 jalapeno

2 cloves garlic

Corn or flour tortillas

1. Clean any membranes off the fish and season each side with salt and pepper. Set in a bowl or deep platter.

2. Whiz the rest of the ingredients in a food processor (or blender, or magic bullet), poor over the fish. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 30 min- 2 hours. Remove from marinade and discard

3. Sear in a a pan with 2 tsp vegetable oil or grill, 2-3 minutes on each side.

4. Warm tortillas between 2 paper towels in the microwave for 30 seconds. Break apart the fish. Serve fish with toppings.

Toppings:

Sliced Red Cabbage (seriously so good)

Salsa (2 tomatoes chopped + 1/2 small red onion chopped+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped+ squeeze of lime mix it all together)

Avocado Cilantro Guacamole (1- 2 avocados + 2 tbsp chopped red onion+ lemon juice to taste+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped. Mash either lightly til chunky