Month: January 2025

After Liberation ~ A Poem by Jakebus Cornelis Bloem

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After Liberation

Jakebus Cornelis Bloem

I
Beautiful and radiant, just like then, is the spring,
Cold of morning, but as the days open up
Further, the eternal light is a miracle
For those who have been saved.
In the transparent haze upon the fallow
Land plow once again the slow workhorses
As always, even as the near-by distances
Rumble with war.
To have experienced this, to say this
with body still whole, every time awakening again
To know: it is over, and now forever, the almost
Unbearable servitude—
Worth it it was, to have languished five years,
Now rising up, then giving in again, and not
One of the unborn shall ever fully grasp
Freedom in this way.

II
Regular measure of the returning seasons!
What is the heart that has ever feared,
Knowing spring would come to liberate it,
Radiant as it has ever been.
Ever in the present, indestructible
Life that flowers out above death,
And the smallest of complaints seems barely audible
Where the rye about the ruins grows.

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Pistachios

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Four Healthy Reasons to Consume Pistachios

Boosts Brain Function – Pistachios contain vitamin B6, which supports neurotransmitter function and cognitive health. The healthy fats in pistachios also aid in brain function and memory retention.Recipe: Spicy Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

Heart Health – Pistachios are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and support heart health. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene, which help protect blood vessels.

Rich in Protein and Fiber – Pistachios are a great plant-based source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent snack for maintaining muscle health and digestive regularity. Their high fiber content also helps with satiety and blood sugar control.

Supports Eye Health – These nuts contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that promote eye health by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • ½ cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Brush the salmon fillets with the mixture, coating the top evenly.
  4. Press the chopped pistachios onto the salmon, creating a crust.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa.

This dish is packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making it a delicious and nutritious meal with a South Texas-inspired spicy kick! 🌶️💚

Health Tip: Processed Foods, They’re Not Your BF

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Limit or Eliminate Processed Foods

Processed foods often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Reducing these foods can improve overall health and decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Instead, focus on whole foods that are minimally processed and rich in nutrients. Hey, I know they taste good. Think of them this way. They’re foreign agents and they’re intent on doing you in. First they’ll gain your confidence. They’ll come across with attractive packaging. Second, they’ll amp up the taste. Third, they’ll get you hooked and then they’ll go to work on clogging your arteries and flicking on dormant cancer cells. Send these dudes packing, no more processed foods.

Healthy Tips: Recognize Signs of Stress

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Recognize Signs of Stress ~Physical symptoms like headaches, tight muscles, or digestive issues can indicate stress overload. Prioritize relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or walks in nature.

No one has a pressure free life. Stressors come at us from every possible angle. They come from relationships in and outside of immediate family. The come from work. There are financial stressors. Do you feel your jaw tightening simply by reading these words? It’s a good idea to do a body scan several times a day. It can be done quickly. All you’re doing is looking for signs that your stressed. As the health tip suggests, find time where you can chill, not talking hitting the bar for a few drinks, do something physical, e.g., run, walk, swim, lift weights. Do yoga or meditation. Make a visit to your house of worship and sit quietly. They’re lots of things you can do to lower the speed on the stress meter.

    We Can Do This

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    I find myself turning off television shows that feature violence. The news is filled with violence. Political and sports rhetoric use violent language describing their plans. Even shootings in schools or public places has become so commonplace that we’ve become desensitized to violence. We accept it as part of everyday life. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can influence media produces by not watching their shows. We can become aware of our language and eliminate attack and violent words. We can, together, create a different culture where violence has no part.

    Anagram Challenge

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    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:  

    QUIZ START

    One Flower ~ A Haiku by Jack Kerouac

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    One Flower

    Jack Kerouac

    One flower
    on the cliffside
    Nodding at the canyon

    Source

    Look in the Mirror

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    “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

    Healthy Foods & Recipes: Peanuts

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    4 Healthy Reasons to Include Peanuts in Your Diet

    1. Rich in Plant-Based Protein
      • Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and those looking to build muscle or maintain a high-protein diet. They provide all nine essential amino acids, though in lower amounts compared to animal proteins.
    2. Heart Health Benefits
      • Peanuts contain heart-friendly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. They also contain resveratrol, an antioxidant linked to improved heart health.
    3. Supports Brain Function
      • Peanuts are packed with vitamin E, folate, and niacin, which contribute to cognitive function and help prevent age-related mental decline. The healthy fats in peanuts also promote brain health by supporting cell membrane integrity.
    4. Aids in Weight Management
      • Despite being calorie-dense, peanuts can aid in weight management because they promote satiety and reduce hunger. Their combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep blood sugar stable and reduces cravings.

    Healthy Peanut Recipe: Spicy Thai Peanut Quinoa Bowl

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
    • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
    • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
    • 1 cup julienned carrots
    • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
    • ½ cup edamame or chickpeas
    • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • ¼ cup roasted peanuts (unsalted), chopped

    For the Peanut Sauce:

    • 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
    • 2 tbsp lime juice
    • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
    • 1 tsp grated ginger
    • 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
    • 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin out the sauce)

    Instructions:

    1. Cook Quinoa – In a pot, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
    2. Prepare the Sauce – Whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, sriracha, maple syrup, and warm water until smooth.
    3. Assemble the Bowl – In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, edamame (or chickpeas), and green onions.
    4. Drizzle & Toss – Pour the peanut sauce over the bowl and toss everything together until well coated.
    5. Top & Serve – Garnish with cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts. Enjoy warm or chilled!

    This high-protein, fiber-rich, and nutrient-dense bowl makes for a delicious and healthy meal that keeps you full and energized! 😊

    Source: ChatGPT

    Choose to be Healthy

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    We all want to be healthy. I haven’t met anyone who told me that their goal is to be unhealthy. There’s a lot that goes into being healthy. Among the factors that contribute to one’s health are DNA, a bit of luck, and environmental context. A big factor is personal responsibility. When we consider our bodies a gift, ,taking care of our body is our responsibility. We are the ones who choose what to feed it. We are the ones who choose to exercise or not. It’s up to us. Choose to be healthy. Choose to eat foods that sustain and promote good health. Choose to maintain muscle strength and mobility. There’s so much we can do to contribute to a healthy body.

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