CUISINE & CULTURE
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ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.COM
If you are feeling the effects of the holidays, or just want to find a new and improved way to care for yourself and those you love, this week is an excellent opportunity. Perhaps you had good intentions at the beginning of the month and didn't follow through, or you’ve decided you may as well not change at this stage in life. I’m here to tell you it is never too late to “choose you.”
A strong focus on plants is a fantastic way to start. Most of us worry about how we will absorb enough protein if we don't eat as much meat, dairy or eggs. Plants are loaded with protein.
If you aren’t sure how to start, or think you might not even like plants, begin with something simple like steelcut oats or rolled oats with unsweetened plant milk, and sweeten it with your favorite fruit.
Sliced bananas topped with cinnamon over a warm bowl of oatmeal is very satisfying.
For lunch, try a grain bowl, such as the Toasty Brown Rice Bowl in this recipe. White rice may be substituted if you desire. Top it with roasted, or raw veggies. I like to add a few slices of toasted almonds, as well. Dinner can be a big, baked Russet potato topped with steamed broccoli, or sauteed mushrooms, and a beautiful salad.
Or save some of the rice and make a pot of pinto beans to serve with it. Enjoy some diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and black olives over it. Keep a few of these simple ingredients around for quick meals and even add a sourdough roll or slice of whole grain bread.
Soon, your body will feel the kindness you are showing it. Areas of inflammation will begin to reduce, alleviating pain. And if you feel you could release a few pounds, you will also see the scale move downward, as long as you are not adding too many nuts, nut butters, and avocados to your meals.
I’m not a nutritionist, but living this lifestyle has made me very happy. I do lots of research based on actual studies. You may have noticed a new list of “best” diets circulating, as it often does with each new year. It seems several of the top diets are highly focused on plants.
Be sure to use unprocessed, unrefined, whole ingredients. Hold back on added sugar, salt, and oil, (use a good non-stick skillet). I often use a little spritz of avocado oil spray, but most of the time it is not needed at all. Also eliminating artificial sweeteners will be best. Date syrup may be used to sweeten when needed, or the occasional pure maple syrup.
Adding a 20-to-30-minute walk is recommended, and you can do this indoors when the weather is inclement. Or a few chair exercises can work wonders. Doing a little weight resistance exercise a few times a week will really round out our activity, and our bodies will thank us.
I hope you have a fabulous 2025. I’ll be starting each day with thoughts of gratitude for each of you and for the wonderful ways we have to care for ourselves and those around us. Enjoy food made fresh!
Toasty Brown Rice Bowl
1 cup uncooked small grain brown rice, or other rice 1 small zucchini, trimmed and diced 2 tablespoons diced red onion 1 cooked sweet potato, peeled and diced, optional 4 tablespoons toasted almond slices Liquid aminos or tamari sauce, optional To prepare the rice, rinse it in cold water. Drain and set aside. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed, damp rice. Toast the rice in the dry, hot pan, stirring frequently until the moisture has absorbed and the rice begins to slightly brown. This step adds a nuttiness and a toasty flavor. Add water per package instructions for 1 cup rice and cook accordingly.
Divide rice into 2 bowls. Add raw or cooked zucchini, onion, and sweet potato, if using. Top with a portion of toasted, sliced almonds. Add a couple dashes of liquid aminos or tamari, if desired. Serve warm; makes 2 servings.
Angelina LaRue, author of “The Whole Enchilada: Fresh and Nutritious Southwestern Cuisine,” grew up at White River Lake, lives in Idalou and writes a weekly food column for local newspapers.
