Hello, Beach Body.

Are you there?

Yikes, that call is right around the corner—cute sundresses and tiny swimsuits will be hugging your body soon, showing all your beautiful curves, including the extra ones added on during quarantine. If you want to shed those extra curves or more, try including red cabbage into your diet.

Cabbage is low in calories, especially red cabbage, supporting you with losing weight. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, boosting your immune system. Consider pre-preparing my red braised cabbage recipe—one serving is 1/2 cup, a super daily nutrient source.

Here’s a little menu magic—healthy doesn’t have to be a struggle!

• Slice, and add toss into your favorite soups and salads
• Throw, into a bowl of nuts and fruits, drizzle with your favorite dressing
• Saute’ as a side dish
• Wrap into a wrap, or layer on a sandwich
• Enjoy cooked or raw

Prep & Storing: I recommend prepping your cabbage for the whole week. To keep the cabbage as fresh as possible, you will need to measure your daily intake for the week; then freeze the reaming cabbage.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ thinly sliced red or white onion
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• ½ teaspoon of fennel (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of brown sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of pink salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ cup of water
• 4 cups shredded red cabbage

DIRECTIONS

COMBINE: in a large pot, sliced onions, garlic, and olive oil. Stir until onions are translucent. Pour red wine, vinegar adding in the fennel, over the sauteed onions and garlic. Sprinkle in brown sugar, pink salt, and black pepper. Add water and shredded cabbage. Mix the combined ingredients thoroughly, blending all the flavors. Cover and cook on medium-high for 10-15 minutes—stir the cabbage throughout the cooking process. Continue stirring, add in extra salt and pepper if needed; you may feel the need to add a little extra vinegar or fennel. Cook until the cabbage is tender and compliments your palate.

NOTES: Taste to make sure the dish is balanced. Add extra salt and pepper, need be. Once you obtain your desired taste, serve hot!

Jessica C. Taylor