Before you start your New Year Diets

I always manage to surround myself with beautiful people who can eat whatever they want without gaining a fraction of a pound. I have never been that lucky. In fact, oftentimes if I am in the same room as a piece of cake, I gain 2 lbs by sheer calorie osmosis. (Although I guess it would be reverse osmosis since I definitely contain more calories than a piece of cake.)

But it's not just weight gain (or lack thereof) that astounds me when watching those who "can eat anything and do." It's also the ability to withstand the myriad of health concerns that accompany most of what these people consume. A week or so ago I found myself waiting an inordinate length of time for a manicure. By inordinate length of time, I mean I was granted the opportunity to watch three episodes of Man v. Food.

Have you seen this show? Because I hadn't. And watching it, the only thought that continued to cross my mind was:

As I watched the host consume 5 lbs of cheese in a sitting, massive amounts of fried buffalo wings, enough ice cream for an 6 year old's birthday party, and a sausage sandwich topped with a pork shoulder, I marveled that his arteries remained inside of his body instead of staging a walk out in protest.

Now I'm not saying that everything I put into my body is the picture of healthy living. Anyone remember that bean dip with bacon and cheese I posted just days ago? I can't imagine that's a part of any diet program. But you know what? That bean dip wasn't consumed in in a single sitting, or even by a single person. I fully support the occasional indulgence, but it's important to know your limits. You want some fried chicken? Be my guest. But if you feel the need to consume the entire chicken, you may be going a bit overboard.

I care about you, dear readers, and want you in your tip top shape for many years to come. So I'm going to share with you this recipe for nachos. Because they're delicious. And because UDubb loves nachos. And these nachos are incredibly indulgent. Topped with melted cheese and sour cream. ButI urge you to share them with a friend. It's better for your health, but also guaranteed to be better for your social life. Because wouldn't YOU want to be friends with someone who shared their nachos? I know I would.

It's Not New Years Yet Nachos

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/8 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• sour cream
• tortilla chips
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 green onion, sliced

1. Preheat oven to 350. Brown meat in large skillet.
2. Add tomatoes, water, and seasonings. Cook 10 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 Tbsp sour cream.
4. Place a layer of chips in a baking dish. Cover chips with half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese.
5. Repeat layering chips, meat, cheese and bake 20 minutes.
6. Top with onions and sour cream.