News Taffy

I’m sure you are busy with the holiday rush but as always I hope you are taking the time to eat decent food. So often I watch people make poor food choices as part of their daily routine, not just an occasional indulgence and it makes me sad. Mindless munching on chips or grabbing fast food for lunch several days a week takes a toll on your body and unfortunately, it’s so easy to fall into that trap.

Years ago, I began writing about health because so many people asked me how I stayed so skinny. Because of my husband, I became interested in all matters related to good health: how to stay healthy, the basics of good nutrition and the role food plays in the way our bodies function and the importance of exercise. My hope is that people will read these columns and be inspired to make some changes in their lifestyle. You don’t have to do a complete overhaul at once, just make some baby steps that lead to better health.

Food is such an important part of our daily life. We must eat but please remember that just because something is edible doesn’t mean it is good to put in your body. You can buy unnaturally colored food like substances encased in plastic that have been sitting in a vending machine for weeks that is technically classified as food but when you really think about it, what, exactly, ARE you eating? Why not prepare a home cooked meal and sit down with your family tonight?

Here is another recipe from my super easy collection that you can throw together in a few minutes, pop in the oven and eat in an hour. If you can open cans, cut with a knife, measure and stir, you can make this. It’s hearty and men like it.

Roasted Italian Sausages with Tomatoes and Beans

1 package sweet Italian turkey sausage links cut into 2 inch pieces
3 pints cherry tomatoes, washed and drained
1 onion, cut into large chunks
4 garlic cloves, minced (used the jarred minced garlic)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 whole bay leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 16 oz. cans of white beans, drained and rinsed but reserve 1/2 cup of liquid

Heat oven to 425 and spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients except beans and reserved liquid and spread evenly in the pan. Roast until onions and sausages are browned and tomatoes have wilted, about 45 minutes. Add beans and reserved liquid and cook about 10 minutes more. Serves 8 with about 425 calories per serving. This dish has about 38 grams of protein plus the beans add some nice fiber.

I like to serve this with a green salad and some crusty bread. I made this for Sunday dinner and had plenty of time to visit with family and finish decorating the house. Your teenaged children could easily make this and have dinner ready when you get home from work.