Hard to believe it’s 2019. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year. Mine was very quiet. I was in bed by 8 p.m.

Lots of people always jump on the bandwagon after the new year with wanting to get healthy, lose weight, exercise get into shape, etc ... I’m in … LOL. My husband and I are cutting back on food intake, eating less sweets and just cutting out sugary things. We all have a hard time getting motivated this time of year, especially when it gets dark outside so early and so cold outside, but we are going to walk and just move more. I’m really liking yoga and lifting light weights at home.

So my first article of the new year is going to be a nice hearty stew with lots of fresh veggies. My best friend, Stephanie, was kind enough to bring us over the most delicious pork roast with roasted onions, carrots, potatoes, beets ... omg, the works. Like myself, Stephanie has the same mindset: Go big or go home. I’m going to make a hearty stew with the leftover pork roast, bone in.

First thing, I’ve put the pork in a big soup pot and thrown the leftover potatoes in (that’s all that was left, we killed the carrots and beets). Just slow boil for an hour. Drain, saving all your stock and pick out all of the bones. Set aside, peel a lot more carrots, butternut squash, onions, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts and put them on a large cookie sheet. Toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on 350 degrees for a good hour. I’ve shredded my leftover pork and added it back in my soup pot with my stock. Make sure you taste your stock. I have added a tablespoon of my chicken paste for added flavor, then add your roasted veggies and you have a soup fit for a queen.

I know most people don’t have a leftover pork roast, but what I do for the people at work when I make this soup is, I buy either ground chicken, ground pork, or even ground turkey. Do the same thing as above accept sauté whatever you decide to put in your soup. It’s healthy and very satisfying. Remember you can always make this recipe your own by adding different veggies and spices to the liking of your own palate.

Next week we will be going back to beef, my wonderful husband’s favorite. Just because you are trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself.

Cheers to 2019!

Live, love and laugh