Mashed Cauiflower

This recipe is inspired by the Financial dimension of wellness.

Financial wellness is about spending. It’s not about how much money you have but how you manage your money. Research shows that no matter your financial status is, if you manage your money well, you will live a happier life. Indeed, the happiest of people are those who live within their means.

I’ve learned financial health the hard way throughout the years and know the struggles a lack of money can bring not only on yourself, but on your entire family. Interestingly, studies show that carefully managing your money leads to being happier.

When I met my husband, I recall watching him take out his wallet. Each dollar was carefully placed in it and perfectly organized by the dollars' value. Although I was doing pretty well for myself financially, watching his habits when we met really helped me understand the value of the dollar. I realized that it doesn’t matter how much money you have but how well you manage it. That’s where true happiness comes in as it keeps your life under control and keeps you knowing you have money to pay your bills with a cushion for when times get tough. Being financially healthy doesn’t mean you’re cheap (God knows my husband is the first to help someone), but it does mean you have boundaries and know exactly how much money you have. I've noticed, people who are well-off are much more cautious with their money.

“Eating healthy can cost you money. Eating unhealthy can cost you your life.” - unknown

Unfortunately, cooking healthy can be very expensive if your living on a budget. It’s much easier and less expensive to grab that McDonalds’ cheeseburger at a whopping two dollars. However, the ramifications of eating fast and processed foods will cost you more money long-term when you end up continuously needing to visit the doctor.

There are many ways to eat healthy while being cautious of how much you’re spending. Here are some ideas to help you on your way to becoming a financial-health-conscious cook:

1. Make a shopping list, and only purchase what’s on your list

2. Don’t waste food! Each night I make a large meal which has enough for lunch the following day.

3. Cook for the week and freeze your food

4. Grow your own food. This is something I have not tried yet but long to do.

5. Choose in-season veggies and fruits, and don’t be afraid to purchase frozen produce; it’s still healthier than eating fast food!

Recipe of the Day: Mashed Cauliflower

In this recipe, I recreate the classic mashed potato using cauliflower as a healthier substitute:

White Potatoes

• 67.1 calories

• 1.3 g protein

• 15.6 g carbs

• 0.1 g fat

Cauliflower

• 14.3 calories

• 1.1 g protein

• 2.5 g carbs

• 0.3 g fat

For the budget minded person, you can boil cauliflower in water and replace fresh cauliflower with frozen.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large head of cauliflower

• 1 large container of half and half

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp cream cheese

• 1 Tbsp fresh Thyme

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut cauliflower into florets and add to a pot.

2. Pour the entire container of half and half over the cauliflower and boil until tender.

3. Drain the half and half in colander (you may save the liquid for another recipe in the fridge using an air tight container.)

4. Place boiled cauliflower in food processor with butter and cream cheese until creamy and fully mashed.

5. Salt and  pepper to taste and garnish with thyme. Enjoy!