Carmela's Indian Okra

Functional Training, a new way of getting in shape, has become popular and for good reason. Instead of concentrating on one set of muscles this workout uses multiple muscle groups in an integrated way to improve core strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. This type of training enables us to do more work like carry a heavy bag of groceries up the steps; it works on balance so we aren't as likely to fall. It's important to stay strong so we can maintain independence as we age. Weight training; it builds more than strength. As you age you lose muscle mass, but weight training keeps muscles strong no matter what your age. Muscles burn more calories than fat, and this is important for weight control. You can work out when you travel. Many hotels have pools and fitness rooms, or you can pack exercise rubber bands and a thin exercise mat in your suitcase so you can work out in your room. It's a good idea to vary your exercise routine from day to day. I do a combination of weight training, core training and different types of walking. To stay motivated change your routine, and find the kind of exercise you enjoy so you'll stay with it. Combine exercising with socializing and family time.
You can make your own convenience food. You don't have to spend all your time in the kitchen every day to enjoy eating the wonderful creations in Eating Your Way to Healthy Living. When you have some time bake and freeze the muffins, pancakes and waffles to eat on a busy weekday morning. If you work during the week on Saturday or Sunday do a big shop at the grocery. Spend a couple of hours making two or three dishes and freeze them in portions. When I make a big pot of soup I eat it for a couple of nights and then freeze it in portions. If you build up a variety of frozen meals you can vary your food from night to night, plus you don't have to cook.
Here's how to cope with eating out and still stay on track with your plan. Be assertive in restaurants. Don't expect restaurant menus to always have the foods you need to eat, so you're going to have to be your own advocate for your new way of eating. Check to see how the food is prepared, and always ask the server to bring the sauce on the side. Instead of ordering mashed white potatoes ask the server to bring you two servings of vegetables. If you ask politely they will usually accomodate you.

The following recipe is also from my upcoming book Eating Your Way to Healthy Living.

Carmela's Indian Okra
This easy but scrumptious recipe came from Carmela, an Indian friend, who lives high up on a hill overlooking a gorgeous lake. I went to her house for a party, and my favorite foods there were the okra, lentils and rice. Be sure to use fresh okra in this dish.

• 1 pound fresh okra, stems cup off and sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 tabelspoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon tumeric
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Please follow these directions.

1. In a large skillet cook the onions and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes or so until the onions are soft. Add in the tomato, tumeric, salt, and pepper and cook a few minutes longer until the tomatoes have lost some of their juice.
2. Add in the okra and cook uncovered over medium high heat while stirring often. When the okra starts to brown turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 12-15 minutes or until the okra dries out.
3. Stir every few minutes. Do not add water. It is important to the taste and texture of this dish that the oka is dried out. Serve with brown rice and lentils.

Serves 8.