As if in the blink of an eye, another year has come and gone. There is something about the closure of a year that makes us reflect on all of the things we haven’t accomplished. It’s as though the last day of the year marks the finish line or an ending point. If we haven’t accomplished all of the things we desired, we feel the need to resolve to change in the new year. As if the arrival of the first day of January offers some sort of magical opportunity for us to completely change from being the person we were only a day earlier.

With the fog of late night celebrations still clouding our judgment, we throw out that last pack of smokes, empty our cupboards of all the junk food, or make our way to the gym to sign that lifetime contract. And just like that the “Resolution Wave” hits the gym.

Now I don’t profess to be the perfect role model for health, and I can stand to lose a few more pounds, but I go to the gym or go for a run at least three times a week. But at this time of year I dread going to the gym because of the ‘Resolutioners.’

Arriving at the parking lot I begin to cringe, searching for the elusive free stall. Then I trudge through the lot to find a seemingly endless lineup to check in. Once I finally check in, I make my way to the locker room, only to find not a single empty locker. After changing and making my way into the gym, my slight frustration turns to full on ‘Resolutioner’ rage, finding the track packed, and the machines lined up two deep. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that within three weeks they will be gone, back to their couches and happy meals.

You see, there is something about our human nature. We feel the need to completely change ourselves overnight, as if that were even possible. It’s time we change that approach. I recently read an interesting philosophy for change originally fostered by Ben Franklin. His thinking was quite simple in theory.

1. Commit wholeheartedly to the new behaviour

2. Work on only one habit at a time

3. Put in place visual reminders of the change you want to create

It is a simple approach, but takes a great deal of discipline to achieve. For those of you who are trying to get in shape or lose weight, this thinking can really help the process. Don’t attempt to completely change your life overnight, take it one habit at a time. Slowly make healthier choices and change the way you approach your eating. Don’t starve yourself and give up on all of the things you enjoy. Doing that almost always leads to you falling off the diet in a bad way and indulging in all of those things you gave up in the first place.

Change the approach, choose moderation and balance in your eating habits. There is nothing wrong with having the occasional hamburger or candy bar, but it must be thought of as a treat. Don’t starve yourself. It’s the worst possible way to impact positive change in your eating habits. Starving yourself in order to “get in shape” only leads to more problems like fatigue, lack of energy and focus. Instead, eat right, enjoy 3-4 healthy meals in a day, eating enough to fuel your body, without overindulging.

I have put together a tasty meal that is sure to be tasty and satisfying. It is by no means a diet meal, but it offers a great balance of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins, without sacrificing on flavour. I hope you enjoy eating it as much as my family did.

Coriander & Fennel Crusted Cod with Lemon Thyme Potatoes & Ratatouille

Feeds: 4
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ratatouille
3 peppers, assorted colours
1 zucchini
½ red onion
½ eggplant
1 28 oz. can stewed tomatoes
4 Tbsp. tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup stock or water
¼ cup red wine
¼ cup olive oil
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
3 Tbsp. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Medium dice all of the vegetables and keep them separated, don’t worry too much about perfect size, just try to keep them the same size

In a large deep saute pan, saute the vegetables one at a time, in the olive oil, cook until they are tender, then set aside

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and lightly saute

Add the tomato paste and lightly saute to brown slightly

Deglaze with the red wine, allow to simmer slightly

Add the tomatoes, then all of the other vegetables, followed by the stock

Bring to a simmer, season and then add the herbs and sugar

Adjust the seasoning and simmer until the vegetables are nicely stewed, 10-15 minutes

 

Lemon Thyme Roasted Potatoes

1 lb. baby potatoes
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 sprigs thyme
4 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400F

Place the potatoes in a pot of cold water and then bring to a simmer

Simmer 2-3 minutes, then drain

Oil a roasting pan with the olive oil and toss the potatoes in

Season them and place in the oven, allow to roast for 12-15 minutes

Remove the pan from the oven and then top the potatoes with the thyme, and lemon zest

Squeeze the lemon over the potatoes, then add the lemon right to the pan

Place the pan back in the oven and bake another 8-10 minutes

 

Coriander & Fennel Crusted Cod

1.5 lbs. cod
1 tsp. whole coriander
1 tsp. whole fennel seeds
Salt and pepper
4 Tbsp. olive oil
½ lemon

Using a coffee grinder or spice grind, blitz up the coriander and fennel

Cut the cod into manageable sized portions

In a pan on medium high heat add the oil and swirl to ensure it coats the bottom of the pan

Season the cod with salt and pepper

Place the cod in the pan carefully and sear on one side 2-3 minutes, then flip

Once flipped, then season the fish with coriander and fennel

Continue to sear until the fish is cooked through and the flesh is opaque, about 8-10 minutes

Squeeze the half lemon over the fish as it finishes cooking and then serve