Anti-Inflammatory Friday 12-6-2024
You know what today is, right?
It’s National Microwave Oven Day—a celebration of the unsung hero of quick meal prep.
As a friendly reminder, your microwave can do more than reheat your coffee for the fifth time. It's great for steaming veggies in minutes or warming an anti-inflammatory bowl of oatmeal for breakfast! Convenience and health really can go hand in hand!
Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP
Tis the season for a lot of things including those merry spirits...
But here’s the thing—cutting back on alcohol isn’t just about restriction. It’s about shifting how you see alcohol.
Instead of viewing alcohol as a stress reliever or a way to celebrate, consider what it might be taking from you: restful sleep, balanced energy, and a body free from chronic inflammation.
How to Start Shifting Your Mindset About Alcohol:
1. Get Curious About Alcohol’s Role: Ask yourself how alcohol is serving you. Is it truly bringing joy and relaxation, or is it adding stress to your body? Reflecting on this can be a powerful motivator for change.
2. Experiment with Alternatives: Test out non-alcoholic beverages that mimic your favorite cocktails or try herbal teas that promote relaxation. This simple swap can feel indulgent without the health trade-offs.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol isn’t about deprivation; it’s about giving yourself the freedom to feel your best.
By making mindful choices, you’re prioritizing your health and giving your body the opportunity to thrive—one inflammation-free sip at a time.
Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE
Microwave Sweet Potato Power Bowl
This quick and easy power bowl is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients and can be prepared entirely in the microwave. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner when time is short!
Ingredients:
1 medium sweet potato
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 cup fresh spinach (or other leafy greens)
1 tablespoon tahini (or almond butter)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional: Sprinkle of turmeric or smoked paprika for added flavor
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Sweet Potato:
Wash the sweet potato and pierce it several times with a fork.
Place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5–7 minutes, or until tender. (Time may vary based on the size of the sweet potato and your microwave.)
Prepare the Toppings:
While the sweet potato is cooking, rinse the black beans and dice the avocado.
In a small bowl, mix tahini with lemon juice and a splash of water to create a drizzle-able consistency. Season with a pinch of salt.
Assemble the Bowl:
Once the sweet potato is cooked, slice it open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
Layer on the spinach, black beans, and avocado.
Drizzle the tahini sauce over the top and sprinkle with turmeric or smoked paprika if desired.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET
"Beware the barrenness of a busy life." — Socrates
Focusing on fewer tasks with greater attention can feel like a radical act.
But here’s the truth: trying to do everything leads to burnout while prioritizing and doing less improves your quality of life and health.
When you give your full energy to what matters most, you reduce overwhelm and create space for more meaningful progress.
Two Simple Ways to Implement This:
1. Use the 3-Task Rule: Each day, identify your top three priorities—the tasks that truly matter and align with your goals or values. Focus on completing these first before tackling less important tasks.
2. Schedule Focus Blocks: Set aside specific blocks of time for deep focus on one task at a time. Turn off distractions like phone notifications, and give yourself permission to be fully present.
By doing less, but better, you not only improve the quality of your work but also your well-being.