I ndulge W ithout the G uilt SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITES MORE NUTRITIOUS
sauce — or even to your favorite mac and cheese! Finding the right additions might take some creative thinking, but once you do, you’ll never look back! CUT BACK ON THE SALT. Salt is a staple ingredient in many comfort foods, but it can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit how much salt you include in your dish, and use low-sodium or salt-free ingredients when possible. If it feels like you’re taking the flavor out of your dish, use spices and herbs to replace the salt.
When we were children, our parents served us many dishes that filled our bellies and hearts with warm, positive feelings. Many of us hold on to these nostalgic recipes, cooking them whenever we need a pick-me-up, but many have realized those classic comfort foods aren’t as healthy as they could be. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may think you have to cut way back on comfort foods, but that’s not the case. You simply have to find ways to make them more nutritious. Here are three ideas to get you started. SWAP OUT INGREDIENTS. One of the best ways to make your favorite comfort food healthier is to swap out less nutritious ingredients for healthier options. Do you love eating pasta but don’t want to
overindulge on carbs? Then, swap out your standard spaghetti noodles for spaghetti squash. Mashed cauliflower can replace mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream, and whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese can replace traditional crust and full-fat cheese on pizza. The options are endless! ADD MORE VEGETABLES AND WHOLE GRAINS TO THE RECIPE. Our favorite comfort foods can be full of simple carbs and fat (which is why they taste so good!), but adding healthier ingredients can balance the carb-fest. Whole grains are a way to get more fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium into your diet, and adding vegetables also increases fiber and vitamins. For example, sauté onions, mushrooms, and zucchini and add those to your spaghetti
T he E xecutor ’ s R ole in K eeping the P eace and P aying the B ills BEYOND THE WILL The executor’s primary responsibility is to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. This isn’t the time to express your personal opinion about who should get what. You must be fair and distribute assets according to the will. Once you agree to the role, it’s time to identify and safeguard the estate’s assets, including bank and investment accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other expensive or prized possessions. It’s best practice to create a detailed inventory of all assets, as this will help avoid familial disputes in the future. You should also look into opening an estate bank account to house all estate funds. Once all possessions and assets have been gathered, executors must explore debts the deceased owes. They’ll need to inform creditors and debtors that the individual has passed away and may need to provide proof, such as their obituary or death certificate. Executors must use the estate’s assets to pay any lingering debt before distributing the rest to the heirs and beneficiaries. At this point, the executor should distribute assets, following the provisions of the last will and Georgia law. Be prepared to report if the court asks you to create inventories or submit annual returns. Once you’ve distributed everything, it’s time to file for discharge from your role as executor. Understand that the executor can be held liable in certain situations, such as mismanagement of assets, failing to pay debts, neglecting tax obligations, and breaching fiduciary duty. Working with an experienced probate attorney is incredibly beneficial, as they’ll ensure you do everything by the books. We’re available if you need assistance or have any questions. - Andrea Johnson
After a loved one passes away, you may find yourself in the unique position of executor. This is a vital role in the estate planning and probate process, but many are unfamiliar with the responsibilities involved. It’s not a position we necessarily imagined ourselves in earlier in life, and it’s not something most people do more than once. In most cases, the deceased will name an executor in their will, but if they didn’t, the probate court will appoint an administrator to carry out many of the same duties. Regardless of how you end up in the position, you must understand all the executor’s responsibilities.
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