January is winding down, and by now some of you may have already abandoned those well-intentioned yet tough-to-keep New Year’s resolutions. Before you go beating yourself up, know that you’re not alone. Studies have shown that a mere 64 percent of people have kept their resolutions by the one-month mark. And only a sobering 8 percent actually fulfill their resolutions in the long-term.
Statistics show that the most common resolution we make each year is to lose weight. Sounds like a great idea, and I’m behind taking any steps that will make us healthier in the long run. However, the vagueness of such a resolution sets us up for failure. The ability to lose weight depends on so many personal and biological factors—including body composition and metabolism; underlying health concerns and imbalances; and the motivation to exercise and stick to an eating plan suited to our individual taste and biology. And that’s not to mention a host of factors in our personal lives that affect our time, well-being, and abilities. Numerous studies on “diets” have shown their lack of sustainability. Inevitably, depriving ourselves invokes a fight-or-flight response, and many folks eventually catapult backwards rather than set the stage for lifelong healthy habits.
But if you think outside the box and take small steps, positive choices will become a natural part of your routine—eventually you won’t even need to think about them at all. One key to sticking with your weight-loss goals is to change your mindset from deprivation to indulgence. You won’t find success if you hate cutting calories and every minute of working out. For starters, find an exercise you enjoy. Personally, I love moving my body, but I loathe running. Hence, I never force myself to run because I know it will only prompt me to hate exercise.
Just as important as finding an exercise you can stick with—possibly even more important—is to learn to love the taste of nutritious foods. The simple act of embracing healthy food choices is much more viable than making a blanket resolution to just “lose weight.”
This super simple salad combines powerhouse foods that should satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. We all know the benefits of dark leafy greens, with their ultra-high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as substantial amounts of calcium, B6, and magnesium. Adding seaweed only serves to increase the nutrient density while providing thyroid support, which—surprise!—helps in maintaining a healthy weight. This salad is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with grilled protein for a light meal or serve it as a side dish to round out a more substantial meal. There’s enough goodness here that your body, and your resolutions, will thank you no matter what.
Asian Sesame Kale-Seaweed Salad
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Serves 2–4
Ingredients
1 small handful seaweed (arame, hijiki, wakame, etc.)
1 bunch kale, washed and shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
½-inch ginger root, peeled and minced
3 tablespoons mild-flavored oil (I use raw sesame)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rehydrate seaweed in warm water, then drain and squeeze dry. Place in a large bowl along with the shredded kale.
- Combine remaining ingredients (reserve sesame seeds) and toss with seaweed and kale. Massage salad with your hands until kale softens slightly and turns bright green. Add sesame seeds.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
To choose your organically grown and fresh ingredients wisely, use the following criteria:
- chemical- and hormone-free meat
- wild-caught fish
- pasture-raised, organic eggs
- whole, unrefined grains
- virgin, unrefined, first-press organic oils
- whole-food, unrefined sweeteners
- pure, clean, spring water
- sea salt
- raw and/or cultured milk and cream products
Photo by Briana Nervig
I love kale and seaweed. Can’t wait to try this fabulous recipe!