Before you completely overhaul the way you live, keep in mind making positive changes may just be a few simple steps away. Starting small with attainable goals can help keep you on the right track throughout the year.

Start Small

Prepare yourself for the journey by being realistic with your goals. One of the major mistakes we make when goal setting is to completely overhaul our life in too many areas. Living in Howard County one can't help but want to take advantage of every health and wellness resource our community has to offer. The beautiful walking paths, the sports clubs, and all the health and wellness memberships to every type of gym possible at our finger tips. We do have to start somewhere, just not everywhere. Start by choosing one habit to change in your current routine, not 10.  A walk or bike ride to Lake Elkhorn; maybe you start with one of our healthy recipes. Try carrying a reusable bottle as a reminder, choosing water over sugary drinks and opting for water when dining out. In other words start with something that you can sustain. The key to making any real change is consistency.   

Learn to Cook
If you’re not comfortable in the kitchen, start with simple recipes that don’t force you to sacrifice flavor. After all, an eating plan is easier to stick to when you enjoy the foods you’re making. For example, Baja Fish Taco Bowls take just 20 minutes for a spicy, fresh-flavored family dinner, and Mediterranean Rice Bowls with Zucchini Fritters are a satisfying step toward more meatless meals in your home.

 

Eat More Whole Grains

Skip refined grains and instead opt for whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, which offer a more complete package of health benefits. You can be confident in options like Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice and Tri-Color Boil-in-Bag Quinoa from Success Rice, which are ready in just 10 minutes to help remove the guesswork in cooking while giving home cooks more time to focus on elevating dishes for loved ones.

Make an Eating Plan

Creating weekly menus can help you avoid the drive-thru by scripting meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, it makes grocery shopping easier (and less frequent) by allowing you to buy all the ingredients you’ll need for the upcoming week at one time. Encourage family members to provide suggestions so the planning process doesn’t become overwhelming.

Mediterranean Rice Bowls with Zucchini Fritters 

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

1          bag brown rice

2          medium zucchinis, grated

1          teaspoon salt

2          eggs

3          green onions, thinly sliced

1          tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1          clove garlic, minced

1/2       cup all-purpose flour

1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2       teaspoon baking powder

1/2       teaspoon ground cumin

1/4       teaspoon black pepper

1/2       cup canola oil

2          cups diced cucumber

2          cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2       cup feta, crumbled

1/2       cup garlic hummus

 

Prepare rice according to package directions.

In medium bowl, toss zucchinis with salt; let sit at least 10 minutes. Transfer to colander and squeeze out excess moisture. Return to bowl and stir in eggs, green onions, dill and garlic.

In another bowl, stir flour, Parmesan, baking powder, cumin and pepper. Stir dry mixture into zucchini mixture and combine to form thick batter.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat 1/4 cup oil. Working in batches, drop 2 tablespoons batter into pan for each fritter. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, adding remaining oil as needed. Drain on paper towel-lined tray.

Divide rice between four bowls. Top each with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta and fritters. Garnish each bowl with scoop of hummus.

 

Substitution: Hummus may be replaced with prepared Greek tzatziki sauce, if desired.

Baja Fish Taco Bowls

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

2          bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa

2          tablespoons olive oil

4          white-fleshed fish fillets (5-6 ounces each)

1          teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2       teaspoon salt

3/4       cup plain Greek yogurt

1          tablespoon lime zest

1          teaspoon lime juice

1/4       teaspoon ground cumin

4          cups packed baby kale

1          ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced

 

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season fish with Cajun seasoning and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until fish is lightly browned and starts to flake. Set aside.

In small bowl, stir yogurt, lime zest, lime juice and cumin.

In medium bowl, toss quinoa with kale. Divide between four bowls. Top each with fish, sliced avocado and dollop of yogurt and lime crema.

Substitutions: Taco seasoning or chili powder can be used in place of Cajun seasoning. Arugula or baby spinach may be used instead of kale.

 Find more delicious recipe inspiration at SuccessRice.com.

Photography for Start Small: Blaze Squirewell