One of the most common New Year resolutions is losing weight, especially since December involves so many family dinners, celebrations and parties. I'm not a fan of diets because I believe that changing habits permanently is the best way to lose weight and keep it off (not an easy task). However, there's a new trend in diets that I'd like to write about: the Dukan Diet.

One of the great things about living in Venezuela is the fact that you get fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. This is especially true when your mom has a big garden and a passion for farming. Among the many fruit and vegetable plants in her garden, the biggest one is her avocado tree. The season is beginning and we're already eating avocadoes every day. Soon it'll be an avocado overdose.

I'm not a soup person, definitely. Given the choice, I'll almost never eat it. However, there are some soups that warm my heart and my stomach, including chicken broth, pumpkin soup, tomato soup, onion soup and goulash. Chicken broth is known for its healing properties, being my number one choice for an upset stomach and flu symptoms. It's very easy to make and you can always add noodles, vegetables, rice or even an egg to make it richer.

Have you ever tried ceviche? If you love fish and seafood, this Latin American dish is a must for you. Popular along the coast of Central and South America, this dish is basically fresh raw fish, marinated in spices and cooked in lime juice. Yes, I did say raw fish cooked in lime juice. Before you raise an eyebrow and dismiss the idea of ever trying it, let me explain you a bit about the chemistry of cooking without fire.

It's widely known that the usual recommendation for fruits and vegetables is 5 portions a day. We also know that fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other wonderful nutrients. However, do you know how big those portions are? What vegetables don't count? Well, I didn't, so research was mandatory. I can't actually increase my vegetable intake without knowing my portions, right?

My nephews, as many small children, are picky eaters. They can identify a vegetable quickly enough to run away from it before their parents notice they're gone from the table. Myself, I eat my vegetables because I HAVE to, not because I WANT to, and I've admitted before that I don't eat enough greens. How can this situation be reversed? With a bit of imagination, of course. Veggies in disguise!

 

As a part of eating healthier, I've made a few small changes to my habits. I understand that I should be making bigger efforts, but every time I change too much too soon, I revert back to my old self. So, a few small changes seem like an easier goal than going in full diet mode.