Written by Trisha Patel, CSUN Dietetic Intern

The holidays have officially ended and with that comes a bounty of New Year’s resolutions. Every year millions of Americans set forth with a long list of New Year’s resolutions that they hope to keep. The most popular on the list revolve around getting healthy and fit throughout the new year. The popularity of nutrition, health and overall wellness resolutions increase every year, with more and more products and plans plastered across the internet in the hopes of helping Americans maintain their goals. With all the assistance provided, countless Americans decide to “give up” on their goals by the time March rolls around.

If the odds aren’t in our favor, then why even start a New Year’s resolution? WHY NOT? Challenge yourself to be a part of the success, maintain your resolution, and see it change from a goal to a part of your daily lifestyle. Now I know what you’re thinking, easier said then done right? Well with these three basic tips keeping your New Year’s resolution may seem a little bit easier!

Tip 1: One Day at a Time

Starting something new or making a change is always scary, so why amplify the fear by thinking about how long you will maintain it? Instead, take it one day at a time, LITERALLY! Focus simply on the 24 hours in front of you and nothing more. Taking it day by day not only makes the change less daunting, but it also makes every day feel like a success.

Tip 2: Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work!

Starting the new year with a new change is hard, especially when you feel like you are all alone, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Gather your friends and family and make a group resolution. Whether it’s setting a weekly date for a hike or making sure you all regroup for dinner once a week. Working together makes the changes seem much more fun with your built-in support system! Always remember, there is power in numbers!

Tip 3: KISS: Keep It Simple Silly

With the immense popularity of New Year’s resolutions it is very easy for a simple resolution to expand into an unreachable goal. I would like you to remember to KISS: Keep It Simple Silly! Just because you titled your decision to make a change a “resolution” does not mean it must be a complex web of perfectly timed events. Make your goals simple, don’t overthink them and make them something that you can actually achieve. For example, this year my resolution is to participate in self-care every day. This may seem silly and unnecessary, but with my busy schedule it is very much needed. My goal is to set 15 minutes away for myself every day. Those 15 minutes will allow me to unwind, spend time with my family, relax, read, or whatever it is I need that day, as long as I plan for 15 minutes.  It’s simple, easy and most importantly, attainable.

With winter freshly upon us, one of my favorite recipes to whip up is a hearty and wholesome vegetarian chili. This is one of my go-to recipes on the weekends so that I have a yummy lunch to take to school or even a warm and comforting dinner to come home to. Not only does it pack in the protein and nutrients, but it also contains a wide array of color thanks to the hearty beans and yummy vegetables.

Spicy Vegetarian Chili 

Prep Time: 2 hr 10 min.
Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large bell peppers, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• ½ to 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 corn tortillas, torn
• ½ cup brewed coffee
• 1 (28 oz) can plum tomatoes, crushed
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ head cauliflower
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, and/or Greek yogurt

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, carrots and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots begin to soften (about 8 minutes). Add the garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, chipotle, tomato paste, and tortillas and cook until brick red (about 4 minutes). Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick. Add the coffee and simmer until almost completely reduced. Stir in tomatoes, cocoa, beans and 2 ½ cups water. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Stir occasionally until the chili thickens, around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, trim the large stems of the cauliflower and coarsely grate the florets. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the grated cauliflower. Cook 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Add in the cilantro and season with salt. Add water if chili is too thick. Ladle into bowls, add toppings and ENJOY!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/spicy-vegetarian-chili-recipe-2119134

How to Stay Healthy on Campus

Worried about keeping your New Year’s resolution while at school? Fret not, there are plenty of resources on campus to help you stick to your goals all year round. Head over to the Student Recreation Center (SRC) for quick 30 minute workout classes and amp up your endorphins between study sessions or head outdoors and get pumped with Friday Morning Matadors in front of the library. Want to relieve stress and participate in a little self-care? Schedule acupuncture at Klotz Student Health Center or a relaxing massage the Oasis Wellness Center.  Whatever your resolution may be, CSUN is perfectly designed to help you all year!