Anti-Inflammatory Friday 10-18-2024

It's that time of year: Our daylight is getting a little shorter each day. And I don't think anyone is more familiar with it than our friends in Alaska.

In light of this yearly phenomenon, today we're celebrating Alaska Day!

Why? Because on October 18, 1867, the U.S. officially purchased Alaska (we bought it from Russia for $7.2M).

Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP

Speaking of what you see... 👀

When it comes to inflammation, you probably don't think about your eyes...

But did you know that your eyes aren't excluded from the effects of inflammation?

Here's a simple trick if you stare at a screen a lot.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule.

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit helps reduce eye strain and systemic inflammation, keeping your eyes and body healthy.

Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE

🎃Pumpkin Oat Bars with Maple and Pecans

These pumpkin oat bars are packed with fiber, anti-inflammatory spices, and healthy fats—great for a cozy fall treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, make your flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and the flax egg. Mix until smooth.
4. Add oats, baking powder, spices, and sea salt. Stir until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips, if using.
6. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bars are set and slightly golden on top.
8. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn

It’s easy to see healthy habits as obligations: I have to work out. I have to meal prep. But what if you reframed it as I get to?

Shifting from “I have to” to “I get to”🥳

You get to move your body because you’re capable. You get to nourish yourself with good food because it fuels your life.

This small shift in mindset turns a chore into an act of gratitude. Every choice you make for your health is a privilege, not a burden.