This Holiday, could you sloooow down a little?!

With the plethora of information out there about nutrition, it can be really confusing to figure out what in the world we should be eating. I really think we spend TOO much time talking about what to eat and not enough time talking about HOW we should be eating it.

For example, a recent study took two groups and gave each group the same quantity of ice cream.  One group was instructed to eat it quickly (ie, normally for most) and the other group was instructed to eat it over 30 minutes.  Blood results showed that the group that took 30 minutes had higher levels of the hormones that tell the brain that it is time to stop eating.  They reported higher satisfaction and fullness levels than the group that ate the ice cream quickly.

This holiday season, instead of worrying so much about WHAT to eat, simply try eating what you want while slowing down and savoring each morsel.  You may find yourself more satisfied by eating less without all the worry!

Speaking of savoring every morsel, enjoy this delicious soup featuring one of my favorite kitchen staples: red lentils!

Curried Red Lentil Soup

1 Tablespoon coconut oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1-inch piece ginger, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 teaspoon curry powder

dash cayenne (or more if you like it spicy!)

2 cups dry red lentils

4 cups vegetable stock

2 cups water

1 15-oz can coconut milk

1 bunch lacinato kale, sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced

juice from 1/2 lemon

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large saucepan.  Add onion, garlic, ginger, celery and carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes.  Add curry powder and cayenne and cook for one minute. Add lentils, stock and water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender.  At this point, stir in coconut milk, kale and cilantro and heat for 5 minutes or so until kale has wilted.  Now, the fun part–tasting!  Add juice from half a lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and taste.  Does it need something?  If so, first, add more lemon juice, then and salt/pepper as needed and serve!

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