Healthy New Year

So, I have started running - I actually started (purposefully) before the New Years! :)  I didn't want it to be just a 'New Year's Resolution' kind of thing.  I am certainly starting slow, because I have not run since high school....unless you count running late! :)    I knew I needed to do something.  I have gained weight in the two years that I have been married and am starting to get frustrated at my limited choice of clothes!  I don't really want to sink money into a gym membership, and everyone around me is all about running...so, I figured, why not?  So far, I am enjoying it.  I think it will enjoy it more when the weather is not quite so close to the freezing temperatures! 

So, since I wanted to get to a healthier me, I also spent a little of my Christmas money and purchased a fancy pedometer.  I bought a fitbit.  You can purchase a small one at your cellular store, or the larger version online.  They now offer one that will automatically sync with your cell.  I am enjoying it!  It has definitely made me more aware of my level of activity (or inactivity) throughout my day.  I also like that it syncs with my food tracker app - My Fitness Pal.  It keeps up with the distance I have traveled, the steps I have taken, and the stairs I have climbed.  It also tracks my sleep and the number of times I wake up!

Along with running and trying to keep myself active, I am trying to be a healthier cook! :)  I found an amazing soup recipe!  Olive Garden has a small history with my husband and I.  Our first date was to an Olive Garden and we stayed until the place closed and the staff was ready to leave!  We have been back each year for our anniversary.  So, when I ran across a copy-cat recipe for their Zuppa Toscona, I HAD to try it!!!!  and Wow! So, here is the link to the recipe I originally found.  Below you will find the recipe with a few changes that I made to make it more like the restaurant!

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana (Potato Soup)

1 lb. ground Italian sausage
    (if you are like me, I had never looked for 'Italian sausage' before - it is in the fresh meat section of 
      your local grocery store - sold in links.  You will have to cut open the casing of the links and
      remove the ground sausage to cook it)
1 tsp. crushed red pepper                    1/2 c. bacon - diced
1 c. diced onion                                  3 potatoes (I made slices,
2 garlic cloves                                        like potato chips)
1 quart (4 cups) water                         2 cans chicken broth
2 c kale, chopped                               1 c heavy whipping cream

Brown Italian sausage with crushed red pepper in pan.  This is where I added the chopped Kale.  I simply rinsed it in the sink, and then took my kitchen scissors and cut it into smaller pieces before adding it to the sausage.  I did not add it until the sausage was almost browned.  It will cook down and resemble the green stuff you would see in the soup at the restaurant. (You can use the soup pot if you don't want to mess up multiple pans.) Drain excess fat and set aside.

Sauté bacon, onions and garlic until the onions are soft. (You need to do this in the soup pot) Mix in the chicken broth and water.

Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

Add the sausage, and the heavy cream, and  heat through.

This was so delicious, that after the last bowl was eaten, my Mountain Man asked me to make another pot, as soon as possible!!  If you have any suggestions please let me know!

Enjoy!