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Off to a Good Start
Healthy Meals for the New Year
By Donna Smith
Signs that you need to get back on track with healthy eating are easy to spot: You have to loosen your belt a notch or two; climbing the stairs takes a little more effort; you pay close attention to the television commercials advertising the specials at the gym; and you tell your friends and family that tucking in your shirt is definitely out this season.
Getting back on track doesn't have to mean living on rice cakes and lettuce. Start the New Year off right by incorporating healthier eating habits and filling your recipe box with low-fat, vitamin-packed recipes. Before you know it, you'll start feeling – and looking – healthier. Here are some tasty recipes to get you started!
2 carrots, peeled 
1 long English cucumber
1 yellow zucchini
1 leek
1 large red onion, skin removed
4 Napa cabbage leaves
12 large spinach leaves
1 tablespoon chili oil*
Daikon sprouts*
1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds*
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds*
Julienne the carrots, cucumber and zucchini on a Mandolin or by hand (as long and thin as possible to give the effect of noodles). Do the same with the leek, red onion and cabbage (by hand only).
Pickling Dressing
1 cup rice wine vinegar
125 milliliters (about 1/2 cup) fructose/raw sugar
5 teaspoons sea salt
Whisk together pickling dressing ingredients and pour over all julienne veggies. Allow to marinate for several hours, covered, in the fridge. Toss with tongs occasionally.