PSJ Healthstyle Habits~March 16, 2015

Here's a couple of things to try this week...

1. DRINK MORE WATER

Divide your weight in half 

and that's how many ounces a day

 you should try to drink.

2. Cook a Stir-fry Meal

Once you realize you don't need a recipe for everything, you may find yourself cooking a lot more often. Stir-fry is a perfect example—the steps stay the same, and you can use whatever is in the fridge. The pros at Food52 walk you through the quick and easy process. 

How To Cook Any Stir-Fry in Six Easy Steps

1. Stir-fries cook quickly so act like a scout and be prepared. Cut all vegetables small enough that they'll cook fast,

and line up all ingredients next to the stove in the order they'll go into the pan. Always dilute soy sauce in a ratio of 1 part soy to 1 part water—when it hits the hot pan it will reduce, gaining back its strength.

2. Choose your noodle. I find all noodles are good noodles as long as they're long. Cook them to al dente and cool them—

3. Cook the protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, pork) first, adding half the diluted soy after the protein has caramelized. Remove the protein to a plate.

4. Sear the vegetables until tender. Be sure to add the vegetables that take the longest to cook to the pan first. Example: Carrots first, then Bell peppers, then broccoli, zucchini, ginger and garlic.

5. Combine everything in the pan (protein & noodles added back with the veggies) and toss just till it's warmed through, adding the remaining diluted soy sauce.

6. Add the garnish—here, chives and scallions—which in Asian food isn't optional. It's an actual ingredient that needs to be added for flavor.

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Tom Hirschfeld is a contributor at Food52. He's a stay-at-home dad and a trained chef. He taught at the local culinary school for 5 years, and has a small farm where he gardens, and raises chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks.