Anti-Inflammatory Friday 7-12-2024

It's Friday and my weekend plans involve reading outside and finally getting to the farmer's market!

If you make it to the farmer's market, snap a picture and tag me, @karaswanson. I'd love to be a part of it and see what you find.🥬🍅🍓

Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP

Stay Hydrated and Reduce Inflammation with Watermelon

Watermelon is my summer obsession. I literally go through 2 a week. Yes, I know, it's an amazing superpower. Did you know that watermelon is not only refreshing and delicious but also packed with essential nutrients?

4 reasons to ❤️ watermelon🍉:

1. Hydration: It's an excellent source of hydration (over 90% water).

2. Electrolytes: Contains electrolytes that help maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.

3. Vitamins A and C: Essential for immune function and skin health. Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

4. Antioxidants: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in watermelon, has anti-inflammatory properties and supports heart health.

Be sure to grab a watermelon (or two) when you're out this weekend!

Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE

Watermelon and Avocado Salad with Lime-Mint Dressing
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
For the Salad:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed

• 2 avocados, diced

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional, for extra crunch and nutrients)

For the Lime-Mint Dressing:

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, red onion, chopped mint, and cilantro. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup (if using). Add the finely chopped mint leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.

Assemble the Salad: Pour the lime-mint dressing over the salad. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrients if desired.

Anti-Inflammatory MOTIVATION

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." – Amelia Earhart

It's so easy to get caught in a rut... You get into a groove and life just carries you along until the next stage of life arrives.

But I want to challenge you to try 2 new things over the course of this weekend.
It could be something as simple as:

• Buying from a new vendor at the farmer's market

• Eating a piece of produce you've never tried

• Watching a movie you've never seen

• Reading a book by an author you've never read

• Taking your kids to a park you've never been to

• Listening to a musician you've never heard

• Trying a new podcast

• Try a new recipe

• Inviting someone to dinner that you've never had over

It doesn't have to be anything outlandish. The goal is to step out of your usual routine and bring a fresh perspective into your life. New experiences rejuvenate your spirit, spark creativity, and even reduce stress.

Embrace the adventure of trying something new and see how it impacts your weekend!