Wellness Wednesdays NEW YEAR PLANS

Since we last week we covered how to successfully manage holiday parties and New Year’s Eve is coming up this weekend, I thought I’d share a few of our New Year’s Eve Recipes that are healthy yet taste rather indulgent. I’m sorry I can't provide the source for these recipes and I’ve adapted most of them for a low carb, high protein and diabetic friendly.

But before I do that, I’d really like to hear what your wellness goals are for 2022 so I can plan future posts. So, what are you most interested in? Specific vitamins and supplements; pros and cons of specific diets like Whole30, keto, vegan, vegetarian. Beneficial herbs and essential oils??

This will be the last blog for awhile. But please comment or message me regarding your goals for 2022. I will not ever share your information, so if you prefer to be anonymous, message me instead of commenting.

Sandy’s Better for you Chicken Wings

2 pounds of Chicken wings, flats and drums, your choice

Sandy’s BBQ Rub

1 tablespoons corn starch

1 tablespoon splenda 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Coat chicken wing pieces in the rub. Store in zip lock bag, and store in refrigerator at least 2 hours, 24 hours is better.

Gently remove wings from bag, place on prepped baking rack on foil lined baking pan.

Bake in preheated 450* for 20 minutes, turn over and bake until golden brown and crips flipping every 15 minutes.

While chicken is baking, prepare buffalo sauce. If spicy isn't your thing, toss into your favorite warm bbq sauce

Buffalo Sauce

1 c Franks Hot Sauce or your favorite 1 t Worcestershire Sauce 1 T butter ½ t each salt and pepper

Heat hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in saucepan. Bring to a simmer then add butter. Stir until melted. Carefully pour hot sauce into large bowl. Toss hot chicken pieces with hot sauce, shake off excess and place chicken on serving platter.

I serve these with tons of celery sticks and homemade ranch salad dressing.

Ranch Salad Dressing

1 cup milk 1 cup mayonnaise I use light mayo ½ cup greek yogurt 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried) 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried chives (or 2 teaspoons fresh) 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Whirl everything in blender, store in glass jar with well-fitting lid.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

½ c chopped onion 1 jalapeno, diced, some seeds removed 2T olive oil 3T Homemade taco seasoning 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded, 4 cups +/- 32 oz diced canned tomatoes with juice 4 c chicken stock ¾ c plain Greek yogurt

Sauté onion in hot olive oil for 4-6 minutes, add jalapeno, cook 30 seconds, Add taco seasoning, chicken, tomatoes and stock. Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove about ½ c of liquid into a bowl, add a spoonful of greek yogurt, stir well. Add remaining yogurt to bowl, stir and add back to pot. Stir and serve immediately with avocado, shredded cheese of our choice.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

½ cup chili powder

¼ cup onion powder

2 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoon kosher salt or sea salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

Start with half the amount of salt and pepper then adjust to your taste. Measure out ingredients into food processor or blender. Whirl just a few seconds. Transfer into a nice size glass jar with well fitting lid.

-

Be sure to comment and let me know if there's another nutrition topic you'd like to hear about. And always, remember, it's OK to not be perfect, just keep moving in the right direction.

This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding any medical condition. NEVER disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.