Anti-Inflammatory Friday 6-7-2024
I think June is the perfect time to hit the pause button – to take a quick look back at your journey so far and prepare for what’s next.
(Who's with?!) 🙋♀️
How are your goals? Are you on track? No worries if not, because I want to help you refuel that excitement and give your goals a mid-year boost.
Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on our health and lifestyle choices and renew your intentions for the remaining months.
6 Key Strategies to Cultivate this Mindset:
1. Assess your progress
2. Set realistic adjustments
3. Renew your commitment
4. Plan for challenges
5. Integrate new habits gradually
6. Celebrate achievements
Remember, the halfway mark of the year isn't just a milestone – it's an opportunity for growth and adjustment.
Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP
It's June; it's sunny outside... So, let's talk about Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin."
The best way to get it in June? Sunlight!
Embrace the outdoors! Just 5-30 minutes of direct skin exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, a couple of times a week, can keep you covered.
Why do you need it?
Bone Health: Vitamin D is the VIP pass for calcium to enter your gut and keep your bones and teeth strong.
Immune System: It’s like a bodyguard for your immune system, helping regulate and suppress inflammation.
Muscle Function: Want to avoid muscle weakness? Keep your vitamin D levels in check for optimal muscle performance.
Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE
Chilled Watermelon Cucumber Cups
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers
2 cups watermelon, finely diced
1 avocado, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of chili powder or paprika for a bit of spice
Instructions:
Prepare the Cucumbers:
Peel the cucumbers and cut off the ends. Carefully hollow out the cucumbers using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving the walls intact to form cups.
Slice the hollowed cucumbers into thick rings about 1 to 1.5 inches in height. Set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely diced watermelon, avocado, and red onion. Add the lime juice, chopped mint, and basil. Gently toss to combine without breaking up the avocado too much.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder or paprika according to your taste preferences.
Assemble the Cups:
Spoon the watermelon and avocado mixture into the cucumber cups, packing them lightly so the mixture is secure but not overflowing.
Chill and Serve:
Arrange the filled cucumber cups on a platter. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled as a refreshing, hydratory, and anti-inflammatory summer snack.
Anti-Inflammatory MOTIVATION
"Test scores and measures of achievement tell you where a student is, but they don’t tell you where a student could end up." – Carol S. Dweck, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success"
The halfway mark of the year is the perfect time to adopt a fresh perspective: a mid-year mindset shift. Think of the next six months not just as a continuation, but as a brand new chapter to be written. This mindset shift is about embracing possibilities and renewing your enthusiasm for the goals you set at the year's start.
How to Implement a Mid-Year Mindset Shift:
Reflect on the past six months positively. Focus on what you’ve learned rather than what didn’t go as planned. This positive outlook will set a hopeful tone for the months to come.
Then, take 10 minutes to write a mid-year manifesto for yourself outlining how you want to approach the rest of the year.
This mid-year check in with yourself will renew motivation, and also enhance your focus.