I will fight...i will win!

Here it is only a week until Christmas. It seems strange to think 2016 will be here in just a few short weeks. With all the holiday festivities getting into full swing I am finding it harder to stick to my meal plans. Even harder yet is not to snack.  I will admit I have at times fallen off the bandwagon. There are just so many tasty treats to try.  I have luckily not gained any weight but have also not been able to lose any this past week.
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If I continue to tell myself “NO” you cannot have any of this, that, or the other treat, it makes me want it even more.  Since I know this about myself I have decided I will go ahead and sample things but will only have one serving, even if it tastes terrific. I am already making some plans for myself for the New Year and know that if I can keep everything in moderation I will make it through the holidays intact. This is my journey and I will fight to get healthy and I will win! I saw this picture and thought how true it is.



​Since this time of year always seems so hectic here is a great recipe for a quick dinner. (To make it even faster you can use a rotisserie chicken.)

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Chicken Quinoa Soup

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​Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced  (To make it even faster you can use a rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 3⁄4 cup quinoa
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, for 6 minutes. Add the chicken, mushrooms, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.

Add the broth, water, quinoa, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Raise the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender. Ladle into bowls and top with the parsley and hot sauce, if using.

​Nutrition per serving: 214 calories, 18 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 19 g protein, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 811 mg sodium