Anti-Inflammatory Friday 4-19-2024
Phew! Just like that, another Tax Day has come and gone, leaving you free to invest your energies into something far more rewarding — yourself!
With the ledger closed on April 15th, let’s open a new chapter this spring where the only returns we're calculating are those on health & happiness.
Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET
Health isn't achieved overnight. You know this in theory, but practically speaking, it's tempting to fall for the quick fixes and shortcuts.
Instead of overhauling your life, what is one thing you can start doing today to move you forward?
Anti-Inflammatory HEALTH TIP
The "Seasonal Challenger" Mindset: This spring, challenge yourself to adopt a new seasonal health-focused habit with the changing season.
For example, make it your goal to spend as much time outdoors this spring. When summer arrives (June 20th), focus on hydration with fresh fruit-infused waters. This will ensure your health journey stays fresh!
Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, parsley, and basil.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until well blended.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Anti-Inflammatory MOTIVATION
"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." - Brené Brown
With your continual internal dialogue, you communicate more words to yourself than anyone else. Most of that communication is kept between your ears.
Instead, put it down on paper. Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of a dear friend, filled with encouragement for all your efforts and achievements.
Then, whenever you're feeling down or unmotivated, read this letter to remind yourself of your strengths and the support you have.