Today’s Important Health Tip: Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes in your diet.
Month: November 2024
Don’t Let the Holiday Stress Get to You
I love this time of the year. The south Texas weather is cooler, not cold, but cooler. I may have to slip on a light jacket if it’s early morning. So far, it still is short sleeve time. The sun is much lower on the horizon. It rises later and sets earlier. It’s still setting much earlier than it does in the northern areas of the U.S. My neighbors have decorated their homes for the holiday season. I mean decorated them with tree wraps and lights strung across the top of their houses. I already have my tree up and a few outdoor decorations. There will be lots of families in south Texas getting together to make tamales. It’s a long cultural tradition. Tamales are as much a part of the holiday season here as Christmas lights. The holiday season can be fun if we keep a tight grip on the stress leash. Don’t give in to things that crank up the stress. When you feel it cranking up, take a step back, brew a cup of tea, and find a nice spot to relax for a few minutes.
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Strength Comes from Within
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. ~ Marcus Aurelius
To Luck ~ A Poem by William Stanley Merwin
To Luck
William Stanley Merwin
In the cards and at the bend in the road
we never saw you
in the womb and in the crossfire
in the numbers
whatever you had your hand in
which was everything
we were told never to put
our faith in you
to bow to you humbly after all
because in the end there was nothing
else we could do
but not to believe in you
still we might coax you with pebbles
kept warm in the hand
or coins or the relics
of vanished animals
observances rituals
not binding upon you
who make no promises
we might do such things only
not to neglect you
and risk your disfavor
oh you who are never the same
who are secret as the day when it comes
you whom we explain
as often as we can
without understanding
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Cranberries
4 Healthy Reasons to Include Cranberries in Your Diet
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Cranberries are packed with polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Support Urinary Tract Health
- Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
- Boost Heart Health
- They may improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
- Promote Gut Health
- The unique phytonutrients in cranberries support a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Tasty Cranberry Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 4 cups of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, apple slices, and red onion (if using).
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
This recipe is nutrient-rich, quick to make, and lets cranberries shine as a vibrant, healthy ingredient. Let me know if you’d like more cranberry-focused ideas!
Source: ChatGPT
Important Health Tip
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
The Gift
What a wonderful gift it is to wake up knowing we have a full day in front of us. We’re not entitled to this day. It is a gift. We are alive. We have a chance to do something with this day. What kind of footprint do you want to leave on this day? How will you affect those whom you interact with this day? Will everyone you meet be better off because you passed their way? We can take in the wisdom of the Roman philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
“
The Gift of Gratitude
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie
