Ozark Living

By Erin Rowe So many times, January 1 strikes with a vengeance and shows us all the ways we can improve. It's just as easy to be intimidated towards setting resolutions as it is to shoot for the moon with them. Instead of shying away, or oversetting unrealistic expectations for yourself in 2023, may I suggest an alternate route? How about building a better life and self through setting achievable and sustainable resolutions. I've gathered up about 10 here for you. Pick one, or pick all, and track your progress. is year you can grow and build up a better life, if you choose it. 1 Embrace vegetables & cook something new each week - I realize we all don't love vegetables, but they add so many health benefits and can easily be enjoyed with some yummy dips, maybe you've not tried. Veggies are best eaten raw, but if you don't want to go full throttle just yet, you can sneak carrots and broccoli into casseroles, as well as put green peppers on your pizza. Here are two dips I love for raw vegetables (see, that's two weeks of the resolution done already if you make them)! Eats Building a new year Herbed WHite bean dip 1 can white beans, rinsed & drained 3 tbl olive oil 2 tsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove 1 tsp thyme Pinch kosher salt ¼ tsp pepper Combine all ingredients in food processor and puree til smooth. Use as veggie dip & sandwich spread. CuCumber & Yogurt dip (greek tzakiki) 3 cups plain yogurt 1 cucumber, chopped, peeled and squeezed of excess water 4 garlic cloves, crushed ¼ tsp salt 4 tsp olive oil 3 tbl finely chopped dill Drain yogurt, stir in cucumber, garlic & oil. Season to taste with salt. Cover, chill, topping with dill. 2 Make dinner easier by meal prep grocery lists - ere are so many grocery list ideas online. I love the idea of buying for the whole week so you're not constantly running out to the store. Of course, this takes organization, which may not be a strong suit. Let the meal prep lists do it for you. I also find sheet pan dinners a godsend for busy families. You cook the meat and starch first on a foil-lined sheet pan, and then add more delicate vegetables towards the end of cooking. No mess & a meal all in one place. 3 Workout a different way - Try a guided workout in person or online. ere are various classes for yoga, stretching, weight liing and at-home workout regimens all on youtube.com. Also many gyms and studios open to new members in January. It's something you could try, if you haven't before. I also recommend increasing your book knowledge listening to audio books while working out at home or outdoors. Apparently people that do this are more likely to stick with and complete their routines. 4 Volunteer - is is the piece that is good for your heart. Helping others with the skills and time you have reaps tremendous rewards. A man is oen not measured by what he has but what he gives, so says an old proverb. ere are so many charitable organizations, clubs, and centers for people in need in NWA; it'd be hard not to find 12 • January 2023 • OZarK LIVInG

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