Resolutions. Even the sound of the word implies guilt. Yet with the beginning of the new year, we resolve to do this, that and the other thing, usually something that takes a gargantuan effort to keep in force more than a few days. So our good intentions often meet with disappointing results. I propose a new concept: respect for ourselves instead of resolutions. We all have much to be thankful for, especially this year. So let's respect ourselves instead of beating up on our psyches.

Julia Child's lifelong mantra has been "Everything in moderation." I can think of no better motto. She applies this to all parts of her life, especially at the table, and so should we.

The first step in giving us respect is treating our bodies with some. That starts at our mouth. After our normal holiday eating patterns, we need to start the moderation part now.

I've fought weight problems, and those unhealthy things that go with them, all my life. I've learned a few things: 1) Calories do matter, and so does exercise and 2) If you remove something from your taste buds, you need to replace it with something else. No diet will ever overcome the calorie-exercise connection, and one of the easiest ways to cut down on calories is to cut fat.

But fat is that fluid goo that is marvelous at transferring flavor. Remove fat and your tongue and brain want something in its place. Spice, herbs, aromatics and acids can do the trick. So does eating in moderation.

I will never be a vegetarian, but I do love vegetables. Some, like lentils, are almost complete in their ability to supply us with nonthreatening proteins and heaps of fiber. In Hungarian Lentil Stew, lentils cozy up to flavor components such as paprika, caraway seeds and green bell pepper for a respect-your-body dish that is also a winter chill chaser.

This stew is a long way from carrot sticks and lettuce leaves. With its Hungarian pedigree, this recipe might seem likely to have lots of fat, and the original version does. But by making some lower fat substitutions, increasing the spices and adding some acids, we can rearrange the taste to be pleasing and satisfying. Lentils also freeze well, so make a double batch, up to the point of adding the yogurt, and you'll have a respect-your-body meal ready at a moment's notice.

And don't forget to exercise.

From Healthy.net