Month: November 2023

On What Are You Spending Your Time? Today’s Inspiring Quote

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“Tell me to what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are.”

Jose Ortega y Gasset

To Morning ~ A Poem by William Blake

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To Morning 

William Blake

O holy virgin! clad in purest white,
Unlock heav’n’s golden gates, and issue forth;
Awake the dawn that sleeps in heaven; let light
Rise from the chambers of the east, and bring
The honey’d dew that cometh on waking day.
O radiant morning, salute the sun
Rous’d like a huntsman to the chase, and with
Thy buskin’d feet appear upon our hills.

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Heart Healthy Lunch that is Cheap & Easy to Make

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Here’s a heart-healthy, plant-based lunch idea that’s both affordable and simple to prepare:

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise or tahini (for creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro, based on preference)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whole grain bread
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Cucumber slices (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional for healthy fats)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are broken down but still have some texture.
  2. Add the vegan mayonnaise or tahini, mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Taste the chickpea mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  4. Take two slices of whole grain bread and toast them if desired.
  5. Spread the chickpea salad onto one slice of bread.
  6. Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado slices on top of the chickpea mixture.
  7. Top with the other slice of bread, cut in half, and serve.

This meal is rich in fiber from the chickpeas and whole grains, as well as vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It also contains heart-healthy fats if you choose to add avocado. It’s a balanced meal that supports a healthy diet and can be made in under 15 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch. Enjoy!

Source: ChatGPT

5 Strategies to Limit Weight Gain During the Holidays

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The holiday season can be a challenging time to maintain healthy eating habits. With abundant food and drinks, social gatherings, and the overall festive atmosphere, it’s easy to overindulge and gain weight. However, by adopting smart strategies, you can enjoy the holidays without derailing your fitness goals. Here are five practical tips to help you limit weight gain during this festive period:

  1. Plan Ahead: Anticipate the abundance of food and drinks at holiday gatherings. Plan your meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid overeating at events. Choose healthier options to bring along, like a veggie platter or fresh fruit salad.
  2. Prioritize Protein: Protein helps you feel full and satisfied, reducing the urge to overeat. Include protein sources at every meal and snack, such as lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, lentils, and Greek yogurt.
  3. Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your food. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Avoid distractions like watching TV or talking while eating, as this can lead to mindless overconsumption.
  4. Limit Sweet Treats: Indulge in holiday treats occasionally, but don’t overindulge. Choose smaller portions and balance them with healthy choices. Enjoy the flavors without feeling deprived.
  5. Stay Active: Maintain your regular exercise routine or even increase it slightly during the holidays. Physical activity helps burn calories, manage stress, and boost overall well-being.
Source: Google: Generative AI

Thinking Out Loud: Experiencing Moments of Grace

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Today’s Thinking Out Loud reflection is on Boris Pasternack’s  work, Dr. Zhivago.

“For a moment she rediscovered the purpose of life. She was here on earth to grasp the meaning of its wild enchantment and to call each thing by its right name.”

Note: Moments of clarity are few. They come to us unannounced. In those moments we know as we were created to know. I call them moments of grace. In these moments I know that I am part of something vast, wonderful, overflowing with an abundance of love. I want to remain in those moments, nothing else matters. The moments leave. They leave me recharged, filled with the Spirit, to move forward with a heart overflowing with hope and love.

Today’s Inspiring Photo: Peace Be With You

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Today’s Mind Sharpening Anagram – Can You Solve It?

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Today’s mind sharpening anagram is a two or three word phrase related to a health related topic. Can you unscramble the anagram to discover the two or three word phrase?

Today’s Anagram:  

QUIZ START

Discover the Freedom of Making Peace with One’s Self

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When a man has made peace within himself, he will be able to make peace in the whole world.

Martin Buber

Evening Star ~ A Poem by William Blake

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Evening Star 

William Blake

Thou fair hair’d angel of the evening,
Now, while the sun rests on the mountains light,
Thy bright torch of love; Thy radiant crown
Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!
Smile on our loves; and when thou drawest the
Blue curtains, scatter thy silver dew
On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes
In timely sleep. Let thy west wind sleep on
The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes
And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full, soon,
Dost thou withdraw; Then, the wolf rages wide,
And the lion glares thro’ the dun forest.
The fleece of our flocks are covered with
Thy sacred dew; Protect them with thine influence.

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Today’s Joke: Joe Goes for His Physical Exam

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Joe: “I went for physical exam and my doctor said, ‘The best thing for you to do, is give up drinking.”

Pete: “What did you say.”

Joe: “I said, ‘I don’t deserve the best, what’s second best.'”

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