At this time of the year we start thinking about all the festivities we participated in over the holiday season (I like that beginning!) Anyway, I live north of Toronto, not even 905 nor 519 north, I’m a 705er. We have had snow every day since the new year started, not enough for a snow day but enough that you need to shovel to get out of the driveway. And that makes for an empty stomach and a cold nose.

At this time of the year we start thinking about all the festivities that we have participated in during the holiday season. We start searching for really simple and healthy recipe ideas that we can prepare so that we feel good about eating them. Here I have enlisted my Crockpot to do most of the work for me - there is nothing better then walking in the house after a long day and having it full of the aroma of a home cooked soup. This recipe comes together quickly; it’s very low in both fat and sodium and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

The new year means a new beginning, a chance to start over. Every Jan. 1st, Jana and I dive into the very chilly waters of the Atlantic ocean with other brave polar bear dippers to cleanse ourselves of the past year and start the new year off fresh. We also make a few personal resolutions, and like so many others diet and exercise top the list. Since I am constantly eating, an occupational hazard, tweaking my diet and putting in countless laps at the pool will be crucial to my success and looking good on the beach this summer!