A New Year, A New You! - Part 2

Joe McCoppin - Partner, Better Than A Bistro

Joe writes about his personal revelation of the changes he needs to make, and has made, to make this year his very own New Year, New You!

Part 2 of 2.....

Last week I asked, "What can I stop/start doing right now that will be relatively painless, sustainable and manageable to allow for my lifestyle change? And oh yeah, doesn't cost anything!"

First, I stopped drinking soda altogether. I am a man who enjoys a few Cokes every day. When I realized that wasn't healthy I switched to ginger ale. Like an alcoholic who goes from vodka to beer. That's still no the most desirable solution so now I drink lots of water!

At first I drank at least a pot of very strong coffee a day to replace the sodas. I didn't start drinking coffee until my mid 30's. So after drinking that pot of very strong coffee and then shaking and sweating through the day I decided to do some research. That's when I found green tea. I know, yuck! But I actually love it now. I use 3-4 tea bags per cup. I didn't cut out the coffee altogether but I have easily cut my consumption in half and I never have it after 1pm of so. I absolutely feel better and green tea has lots of benefits and some caffeine too.

BTAB Chicken and Guacamole Salad

Chicken and Guacamole Salad
(Smoked paprika gives a chicken rich, grill-like flavor-with no cooking. Serve with lime wedges.)

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooktime: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ripe peeled avocado
• 1 cup plus 2tbs finely chopped tomato, divided
• 3 tbsp minced fresh onion, divided
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1 sm clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp minced seeded jalapeno pepper
• 2 cups shredded, skinless, rotisserie chicken breast
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 8 large lettuce leaves

Directions:

1. Place avocado in a small bowl, mash with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp, tomato, 1tbsp onion, 1tbsp juice, 1/4 tsp salt and garlic.

2. Combine the remaining 1 cup tomato, 2 tbsp onion, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, cilantro and jalapeno toss well.

3. Combine chicken, remaining 1 tbsp juice and paprika, toss well to combine. Spread about 1 tbsp guacamole over each lettuce leaf; top each with 1/4 cup chicken mixture to 2 tbsp salsa.