Anti-Inflammatory Friday 10-25-2024

What fall traditions do you and your family enjoy?

We like carving pumpkins at our house (the kids mostly enjoy eating the pumpkin seeds after my husband prepares them). And that's one of our top weekend priorities.🎃 

Speaking of pumpkins, I was blown away when I heard the weight of the current world record for the largest pumpkin. Take a guess how big it was...

I'll share the answer below.

Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP

Debunking the “Nightshades Cause Inflammation” Myth

There’s a common belief that nightshade vegetables – like tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes – cause inflammation.

But, there’s little scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, nightshades are packed with powerful nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, all of which help reduce inflammation and support overall health.

These vegetables are a healthy, nutrient-dense addition to the diet, promoting heart health, immune function, and joint support. If you tolerate them well, there’s no reason to avoid these colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.

Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE

Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy, comforting tomato soup is perfect for cooler weather!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk for creaminess
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), tomato paste, turmeric, smoked paprika, and dried basil. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down.

3. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.

4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.

5. Add Creaminess: Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk to give the soup a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Ever feel like you're bombarded with choices?

From what to eat, to when to work out, to how to manage our day-to-day...

It can easily lead to decision fatigue. Not careful, it can lead to unhealthy patterns or neglect.

The key to overcoming this? Simplify your life by creating systems:

• Meal prepping for the week means you don’t have to decide what to eat every day. 

• Scheduling your workouts ensures that exercise becomes a non-negotiable part of your routine.

By reducing the number of small, daily decisions, you conserve your mental energy for the big things that matter most, like sticking to your goals and making more intentional choices.

🎃 Oh, and the world record for the largest pumpkin is 2,703 pounds! It was grown in Italy in 2021.