The fall is always a busy time around here with school and extra curricular activities taking up our free time. As you know if you've been reading my blog, that's no excuse to slack off on healthy eating and exercise. You just have to be creative and plan ahead. Yesterday I was unable to make my usual post due to being out of town during the day and then having a band parent meeting that night. I had planned ahead though and we ate leftover minestrone soup I had made a couple of days before.
Yes, there are going to be days when you just can't fit in your regular exercise but don't let that disrupt your whole routine. Maybe you can fit in a walk at lunch or just do some simple stretches or yoga moves that night while you relax with the TV. If not, don't give up, just exercise another time. The cardiologist who really hates to exercise has just joined a fitness club since it's too cold to swim. Our son likes to go with him so it's a great father/son time.
Today I'm going to share my favorite minestrone soup recipe from the Formica's Italian cooking class. It's easy, makes alot (sometimes I freeze the extra portion for another day) and has plenty of vegetables in it.
Minestrone
3 ripe tomatoes chopped coarse or 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 large onion sliced thin
2 carrots sliced thin
1/2 cup parsley chopped coarse
1 cup celery sliced
1 lb. fresh spinach
1 cup dryed beans, washed
4 cloves garlic minced
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. red pepper or to taste
5 quarts chicken broth
1/2 lb. of your favorite pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
In a heavy soup pot, brown onions in olive oil. Add remaining ingredients except pasta. Bring to a boil, adjust seasoning, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 20 large servings.
We enjoy this soup on cold evenings with our favorite bread. I hope you will make a pot soon!
About Me
- Lisa Tedder
- Arkansas
- I started this blog 4 years ago because people kept asking how my husband and I stayed so "skinny". Heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's and diabetes have all claimed victims in my family. After marrying Barry, a cardiologist, I became even more health conscientious. The birth of my children prompted me to learn more about nutrition in order to raise the healthiest kids possible. Food has always been important to my family and part of our celebrations. However, I have learned to cook in healthier ways than my parents while we still enjoy good food. Our health is largely in our own hands. I hope to inspire others that they can improve their health without a doctorate, a degree in nutrition or sports physiology. It does take a commitment to educating yourself and then following through. Disease seldom happens by chance; most often it is the result of choices we make, good or bad, like choosing to smoke or not exercising. I don't want to be sitting on the sidelines in my 60's; I want to still be dancing, still be laughing, still be in the game of life. In addition to my husband Barry, I have two children ages 14 and 17 plus 7 animals to keep me busy.