Happy New Year

Have any resolutions?

Wheat Berry Salad

My resolution, as usual, is to eat healthier.  Not necessarily to eat less overall - less sugar, or less carbs, or fewer Mighty O Donuts.  I've actually resolved to eat more.  More of the good stuff:  fiber, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C, essential fatty acids.  

Here's what I'm going for:  6 servings of whole grains, 4 servings of veg, 4 servings of fruit, 4 servings of dairy alternatives, and 3 servings of protein (tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts, seeds).  That's a lot of food.  I've found that in order to get all 21 servings in it is necessary to get creative and find foods that double up, like quinoa, a whole grain that is also high in protein, or calcium-fortified orange juice.  

This Wheat Berry Salad came my way from my friend, Dana, who is beautiful and successful and always seems to be brilliantly balancing about 100 million responsibilities, even her nutrition.  She has always eaten very healthily, even in college; when the rest of us subsisted on Top Ramen and pb&j, Dana always seemed to be munching on a salad or a bowl of yogurt mixed with Special K.  I'm sure she shared a few pizzas with us, or bagels with cream cheese, but I've always admired her for what appeared to be a very healthy, balanced diet.  

So, Dana passed this recipe on to me which is originally from Ellie Krieger of the Food Network.  Not only is it delicious and simple to make, it is packed full of nutrients.  It makes you feel good.  

Wheat Berry Salad

Serves 6

1 1/2 cups hard wheat berries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/2 cup tart dried cherries, chopped

1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup chopped parsley

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, combine the wheat berries and enough water to come 2 inches over them.  Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 1 hour, or until tender.  Drain and let cool.  In a large bowl, combine the wheat berries with all the other ingredients.  

Comments

[Lanie]

YUM! I linked to this in my Friday Favorites!

http://laniejandco.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-favorites-jan8-2010.html

~Lanie