We all know the most common New Year’s resolution that people make is to lose weight. However, few people make it past Valentine’s Day before abandoning their new ways and giving up on a new healthy lifestyle. Valentine’s Day comes about six weeks after New Year’s Day. Many people use Valentine’s Day as the official end of their diet. Don’t let this happen. Do not give up! If you “mess up,” just get right back on track as soon as possible. Don’t think one bad meal ruins your diet for the whole week and just give up.  Each moment is the first moment of the rest of our lives. Stick to a realistic diet and exercise program. Are you really going to be able to keep up a diet of lettuce leaves and rice cakes? Will you really go for a 5-mile jog each day in the snow? Be realistic. Just eat healthier foods, and eat smaller portions. Also exercise each day, even if it’s jogging the stairs or doing jumping jacks while watching T.V. There is no need to spend hours a day working out.  Breaking up the time spent doing physical activity everyday is just as beneficial. Try taking an early morning walk, and then another one shortly after dinner.   If you create a calorie deficit each day, you will lose weight. It is just that simple. The greater the deficit, the more weight you will lose. Just keep at it and you will lose weight.  Valentines day is right around the corner!  You can do it. Stay on the right track.  

Since we are trying to be a bit more health conscious this year I thought I’d add a healthy valentines meal you can prepare for that sweetheart of yours. If you want to indulge in a sweet treat on Valentine’s Day, make room for it with a healthier meal. Say “I love you” with this healthy, romantic dinner for two:

Pacific Sole with Oranges and Pecans

1 orange


10 ounces Pacific sole or tilapia fillets


1/4 teaspoon salt


1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper


2 teaspoons unsalted butter


1 medium shallot, minced


2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar


2 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted


2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1. Using a sharp paring knife, remove the skin and white pith from orange. Hold the fruit over a medium bowl and cut between the membranes to release individual orange sections into the bowl, collecting any juice as well. Discard membranes, pith and skin.


2. Sprinkle both sides of fillets with salt and pepper. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add the fillets and cook 1 minute for sole or 3 minutes for tilapia. Gently flip and cook until the fish is opaque in the center and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes for sole or 3 to 5 minutes for tilapia. Divide between 2 serving plates; tent with foil to keep warm.


3. Add butter to the pan and melt over medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring, until soft, about 30 seconds. Add vinegar and the orange sections and juice; loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Spoon the sauce over the fish and sprinkle each portion with pecans and dill. Serve immediately.


*Makes 2 servings.

What a delicious and affordable way to make someone feel special this year! 

Happy Valentines day!

Chloe