Lobster & Shrimp Salad
At the start of the New Year, so many of us decide to lose weight and get in shape. This time of year, we are all filled with hope and courage to take on anything along our path to success. If you need to lose weight, please don’t jump on the latest fad diet. Think wisely before you begin any diet. What is your goal? Do you want to lose weight or be healthier? The two goals sound like they go hand in hand, and they should. But following a trendy diet that removes many of the essentials of a good diet like fat, carbohydrates or protein can lead to feeling miserable and being unhealthy. Yes, we should cut back on simple carbohydrates like cakes, pasties, cereals filled with corn syrup and white sugar. Yes, we should reduce saturated fat from our daily diet. Yes, we should reduce the huge amount of protein we consume to a more normal rate. Americans eat on average three times more animal protein than any other country in the world. Moderation is the key to everything, balancing calories to the amount of energy we use each day will lead to weight loss at a slow rate, which is the healthy option.
I follow a mainly plant based diet these days. Eighty percent of my diet comes from vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds, whole grains and 20 percent from lean proteins, such as fish or shellfish. There are a small amount of processed foods. I’ve been able to maintain my current body weight for the past four years, and I feel 34 not 54. My annual physical in December shows my blood work is excellent. My blood pressure is 115 over 75, and my resting heart rate is at 55. In my mind, I’m feeding my body the right nutrition and giving myself the right amount of exercise I need each day to be in the best possible shape for my age.
Make small changes. Instead of using mayo, use Greek yogurt. Instead of eating an eight ounce steak, cut back to six ounces, better yet order fish or seafood. Use less dressing on your salad. Try adding more vegetables and fruits to your normal eating routine. This in itself will add more fiber to your diet. I’m a great believer in eating the foods you like but having a smaller portion of them. This helps your digestion and keeps you from eating a huge amount of food at any one time, especially in the evening. Walk more, because it really is the best exercise, and a walk costs nothing but your time. If you have limited time, park the car further away from work or further down the grocery parking lot. Both will get you to use your legs more, breathe some fresh air and get some sun. Vitamin D really only comes from sun light. Ten minutes of direct sunlight is all you need to feel great and happy, which in itself promotes more positive feelings and gives you a better chance to reach your ideal weight and health goals. I hope the New Year brings you and your family health, happiness, and love.
Bring in the New Year with a Lobster & Shrimp Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 granny smith apple, cored and quarter
1 lemon, juice of
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider
½ cup low fat Greek yogurt
1/2lb freshly cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
1/2lb cook shrimp, roughly chopped
1 head butter lettuce, cored removed and leaves separated
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 tablespoon freshly chopped tarragon
How to make
Cut the apple into thins slices, place into a bowl and toss with the lemon juice.
In another bowl mix together the red onion, olive oil and cider, season with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix in the yogurt.
In a large salad bowl add the lobster and shrimp, followed by the dressing, toss to coat evenly, then add the apples and lettuce, and toss to mix.
To serve, arrange on individual plates, dividing equally so everyone gets the same amount of lobster and shrimp, sprinkle over the chopped herbs and finish with a twist of freshly ground black pepper, serve.