6 Easy and Delicious Summer Salads

When the weather starts to get warm, I immediately begin to crave fresh, seasonal summer produce. Creative salads are a great way to highlight the bounty of the farmer's market this time of year. Start your meal planning this week by incorporating these delicious, healthy summer salads you can throw together for a nutritious meal in minutes.

Panzanella With Salmon and Cucumbers

This classic Italian bread salad gets an upgrade from a side to a main dish with the addition of fresh cucumbers and rich, flaky fish.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tear an 8-ounce loaf of Italian bread into rough cubes.
Mix the bread with 2 Tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Toast the bread in the oven for eight minutes while you prepare the other elements of the salad.
Whisk 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp. caraway seeds.
Add four sliced cucumbers, a sliced bulb of fennel and one sliced red onion.
Remove the bread and top with the cucumber dressing and either roasted or grilled salmon.

Strawberry Salad

Fresh berries are the star of the season, especially when combined with fresh spinach, crunchy nuts and tangy cheese.

Divide 4 Cups baby spinach leaves and 4 Cups mixed greens between four salad plates or bowls.
Top the greens with:

1 Cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 Cup strawberries, halved
1/4 Cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
1/4 Cup chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans
Vinaigrette dressing to taste

Spicy Mango Salad

Spicy jalapeno and tangy lime juice add an unexpected counterpoint to the sweetness of the mangoes. To make this salad, combine:

2 large sliced mangoes
1 seeded and minced jalapeno
1/2 large sliced onion
2 Tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Grilled Corn Salad

Inspired by the street corn sold by vendors in Mexico, this salad pairs with everything from grilled chicken to a hearty rice and beans dish.

Grill six ears of corn and remove the kernels, or use 5 Cups of fresh or frozen corn.
To make the dressing, whisk together 2 Tbsp sour cream, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. cumin, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. chili powder.
Combine corn with 1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 Cup diced red onion and 1/4 Cup chopped cilantro.
Top the mixture with dressing.

Green and Yellow Bean Salad

This salad is full of fresh flavors and makes an ideal light lunch with a crusty loaf of bread.

Boil 1/2 lb. yellow wax beans and 1/2 lb. green beans for 5 to 6 minutes until tender.
Transfer the beans to ice water with a slotted spoon and allow to cool.
To make the dressing, whisk 1/4 Cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar and 1 1/2 Tbsp minced shallots.
Combine the chilled beans with 1/2 Cup sliced ricotta salata, 1/2 pint halved cherry tomatoes and 3 Tbsp halved Nicoise olives.
Top with dressing and another 1/2 Cup of sliced ricotta salata. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Couscous With Almonds and Sundried Tomatoes

Bring this hearty grain salad to your next summer potluck.

Cook 1 Cups couscous and allow to cool.
Add 1 jar chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, 3 Cups small chopped cucumbers and 1 5-oz bag chopped baby spinach.
Top with 1/3 Cup almonds, toasted and feta cheese to taste.
Dress the salad with lemon vinaigrette and stir to coat all ingredients before serving at room temperature.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables along with low-fat protein, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy supports your health and well-being. Get the nutrients you need while enjoying the mouthwatering flavors of fresh, local ingredients.

June 18, 2020June 22, 2020

5 Habits for Healthy Ageing

Ageing is one of those things we are all doing, but no one wants to talk about. Of course ageing is better than the alternative, so how can we find a healthier, happier way to grow older? There are some proven habits you can adopt to encourage health, mobility and vigor deep into your older years.

1. Stay Active

Research shows that staying active can help us stay healthier as we age. Keeping our body moving is important for our muscles and joints, but also for our minds. Studies have shown that regular physical exercise cuts your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50 percent. And while keeping our mind sharp, it also helps us fight weight gain and keeps our muscles and joints moving and lubricated. It can be as simple as going for a daily walk, but cardio exercise is key in keeping our bodies young. Stretching exercises like yoga are also helpful in keeping the body flexible. If you make physical activity part of your daily routine, you will keep that momentum going as you move into older age.

2. Eat Healthy

It’s no big surprise that eating healthy is another key in ageing healthy. It makes sense that the more nutrients we feed our body, the easier it is to stay at our optimal health. Many of the nutrients found in green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits are necessary for body functions that help us age healthy, like our immune system and our eyesight. A diet of whole foods helps us fight off disease and decreases our chances of long-term conditions like chronic inflammation. Skipping processed foods is important because eating less junk means we consume less harmful chemicals. Many additives used in processed foods (even sugar!) erode our health over time.

3. Protect Your Skin

Unfortunately, as we age, our skin gets thinner and looses elasticity and smoothness. Wounds tend to heal slower, and dark spots can start to form. That’s why it’s important to protect our skin from any additional damage. Harmful UV rays from prolonged sun exposure is a major factor in skin ageing. Making sunscreen and moisturizer part of your daily routine is a great way to protect yourself from unnecessary skin damage due to sun exposure. Smoking cigarettes also exposes you to harmful chemicals that can make your skin look older than it is. Quitting smoking can be a great step towards protecting your skin in the long term.

4. Stay Social

Getting engaged in your community and staying social are also great ways to help you age healthier. Whether visiting with friends at the coffee house, or taking the grand kids to the park, staying social is a vital part of keeping the brain active and sharp. Starting new hobbies or taking some new classes can be a great way to meet new people and learning new skills. Volunteering is also a great way to get involved in your community and earn some good karma while you’re at it. The more you get out of the house, the easier it is to stay current with trends and styles as well. Updating your style is always a great way to look and feel younger!

5. Get Enough Rest

Getting enough sleep is another important way to age healthy. Stress and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your system over the long term, and can really speed up the physical signs of ageing. Building a relaxation routine into a busy life can make a big difference in combating stress. Establishing a good sleep routine without the distraction of electronics can also help calm the mind and find rest. As we age, our bodies generally need less sleep, but maintaining a good sleep schedule of 7-9 hours a night is still key in healthy ageing. Our bodies need this time to regenerate and recuperate from our busy lives. Without this critical down-time, your body quickly starts to show increased signs of ageing.

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020

Are You Making Your Chronic Inflammation Worse?

A few years ago, I found out that some of the inexplicable aches and pains I was always feeling in my body were caused by chronic inflammation. After many months of constantly taking pain killers and not really knowing what to do about it, I also started to hear about other conditions and diseases that long-term inflammation can actually cause in the body. The next time I reached for that bottle of pain killers I really had to wonder if I was ignoring a problem that I really needed to fix. I wanted to find out what was going on and became determined to find a natural way to heal my chronic inflammation.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is your immune system’s natural response to infection and injury. Your body increases blood flow to the area in order to deliver more healing and “invader-fighting” agents to the area. This can temporarily make the area more swollen, red and warm because the body is bringing more of the components needed to heal the wound and fight off germs. Without this process, the tissue would not get enough healing and protective agents, and the wound would not heal properly and get infected more easily. In this way, inflammation saves us from having major complications from cuts or injuries because it keeps infection from forming and heals the skin.

Normal Inflammation

Normally, the inflammatory response is a relatively short process of a few hours or days (depending on the size of the wound and the surrounding conditions). Once the body has sent more healing and protecting agents, the skin is repaired and the wound closes. The redness, swelling and tenderness usually go away soon after the process is complete.This is the acute immune response that reacts to anything from a mosquito bite to a broken bone. While localized swelling, redness and tenderness may be painful, they are a necessary side effect of the body’s healing response.

Long-term Inflammation

Yet in some cases like my own, this acute immune response went rogue. I was having persistent inflammation that lingered without truly repairing anything. This is called chronic inflammation, and it can persist for months or even years. It can become a very painful and debilitating condition all in itself. Some days I felt like I was “rusting” when I tried to walk up the stairs! The swelling can have a wide variety of effects on the body, including problems with digestion, cognitive function and joint mobility. As more research is being done, links have also been established between chronic inflammation and many diseases such as

Cancer
Heart Disease
Daibetes
Arthritis
Depression and/or Anxiety
Metabolic Syndrome
Hyperlipidemia
Alzheimer's disease

It is becoming ever more clear that long term inflammation can be quite destructive in the body.

Foods that Cause Inflammation and Why

There are several factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation, including long term exposure to irritants like certain foods or chemicals, autoimmune disease, and underlying infection in the body. Once major disease or infection have been ruled out as a cause, I found that your diet is the best place to start looking for answers!
It turns out that overly processed, greasy and sugary foods can cause the body to release inflammatory messengers called cytokines. These messengers will encourage the body to build inflammation without a real injury or infection. Over time, this can turn into chronic inflammation. Studies have shown that changing what you eat can be an effective way to heal chronic inflammation and start to correct the body’s immune response. There are several foods which can cause chronic inflammation in the body:

Red meat like burgers and steak
Sugary drinks or foods like sodas or chocolate bars
Fried foods like fries or doughnuts
Refined carbohydrates like breads and pastries made of white flour
Margarine, shortening or lard
Processed snacks and treats like chips, cookies or crackers

Unfortunately, these culprits seem to be repeat offenders when it comes to being bad for our health. Many nutritionists have already had these foods on their “naughty” list for years. I know I was guilty of indulging in more than just a few!

Foods that Heal Inflammation

The good news is that many of the foods that have anti-inflammatory properties are also dense in nutrients and have many other positive side effects on your health. These rock-star foods include:

Spices high in polyphenols and antioxidants like turmeric and clove
Green Leafy Vegetables like spinach, kale and chard
Olive oil (not mixed with other oils)
Tomatoes
Nuts like almonds and walnuts
Fruits and berries like blueberries, cherries and oranges

The foods on this list are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols, which together, act in the body to reduce inflammation and protect the tissue of the body. This means that over time, these compounds can help heal chronic inflammation and protect the body from further damage.

Targeting Inflammation with Supplements

I found that while changing my diet was a vital part of finally combating my chronic inflammation, I could only eat so much kale in a day! In order to really target my inflammation in a natural way, I started using a concentrated form that is high in polyphenols to kickstart my healing process fast. Research shows that one superstar supplement can help combat oxidative and inflammatory conditions like chronic inflammation, chronic pain, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, hyperlipidemia and more.

This superfood is Turmeric. It’s a yellow spice often used in Asian cooking, and it happens to be an extremely high source of the polyphenol curcumin. This active ingredient has been shown to target the inflammatory response in the body and help reverse chronic inflammation. Because it can be easily concentrated into supplement form, it was finally easy to get enough active ingredient to target my chronic inflammation in a natural way!

June 10, 2020

Are Multivitamins Necessary? The Answer Will Surprise You

If you’ve neared or passed the dreaded age of 40 like me, you probably have friends or family members that insist you take a multivitamin. After all, according to the commercials on TV, everyone over 40 absolutely NEEDS a multivitamin to be healthy, right? Are multivitamins really as important as we’re told? Today, I decided to slap on my investigative reporter hat and share the shocking truth about multivitamins.
To tell you the truth, even I was surprised by the answer. It turns out that recent studies show that taking multivitamins is a complete waste of time for most people. Those huge pills don’t magically protect you against heart problems at all. Why not?

Are Most Multivitamins Effective?

Professional nutritionists have known these pills are a waste of money for a long time. That’s why you’ll rarely see a nutrition expert recommending mega-humongous multivitamins with 20+ different vitamins and minerals. I found three reasons why those pills don’t work:

You get many vitamins from a healthy diet: If you’re already getting enough vitamin A, C, D, E, K and other essential nutrients from a healthy diet, taking more is overkill. Once your immune system has plenty of vitamin C, for example, another 300% of the daily value isn’t going to make you any healthier.
Multivitamins often have nutrient absorption issues: Just slapping together a bunch of vitamins doesn’t mean your body can actually use them. The digestive system usually needs help transforming vitamins into useful compounds. Only high-quality supplements have special ingredients designed to boost bio-availability.
Some multivitamin makers are dishonest: The FDA doesn’t investigate multivitamin makers, so some of these companies lie about the amount of vitamins in their products. To avoid this problem, you have to find a supplement maker you trust, preferably one that certifies qualify using an independent testing lab.

The good news is that, for the most part, multivitamins seem safe. Getting too much of healthy vitamins (except for vitamin E and beta carotene) won’t hurt you. It just won’t help much either.

Are Multivitamins and Nutritional Supplements the Same?

I should explain that when I talk about multivitamins, I mean those all-in-one pills packed with every vitamin known to man. I’m NOT referring to nutritional supplements, which are very different. Many studies show that taking supplements CAN provide health benefits, and really big ones.

Why are supplements different from multivitamins? Because they target specific vitamins, minerals, nutrients and healthy compounds that you personally are missing. Nutritional supplements combine natural ingredients that alleviate certain health problems, including pain, poor mental focus, low energy, depression, elevated blood sugar and high cholesterol.

Are Nutritional Supplements Beneficial?

If you have a health problem you want to deal with naturally, I absolutely recommend trying a high-quality supplement designed for it. For example, turmeric, ginger, garlic, Omega-3 fatty acids and black pepper can be very effective at fighting inflammation.
Most people don’t need multivitamins. But almost everyone needs to get more of certain nutrients. Older adults usually need extra vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D. People following a vegan or vegetarian diet have to get B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids from supplements, too.
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try adding some magnesium, melatonin, Valerian root and tryptophan to your diet with a supplement. Just from personal experience I can tell you it works wonders. Valerian root helped me sleep like a baby when I had problems with stress headaches a few years ago.

Are Natural Foods a Great Source of Most Vitamins?

You can get many wonderful benefits from planning healthy meals. If you want to enjoy natural stress relief, munch on lots of green leafy veggies (folate), salmon (Omega-3 fatty acids), berries (antioxidants), Greek yogurt (probiotics) and dark chocolate (tryptophan). However, if you know you’re missing certain nutrients due to a busy schedule, there’s nothing wrong with taking a natural supplement containing those nutrients.

June 10, 2020July 21, 2020

Does Skipping Meals Really Help You Lose Weight?

Maintaining a healthy weight is about more than just your appearance. Being overweight or obese is associated with a wide range of health issues, including a higher risk of developing heart disease, certain types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. In an attempt to control your weight, you may be enticed to skip meals to reduce your daily caloric intake. However, skipping meals might not be the best option when it comes to your weight loss journey.

What Happens to Your Body When You Skip Meals

The idea is pretty simple; taking in fewer calories than you burn allows you to drop pounds. In this respect, skipping meals (which is sometimes referred to as intermittent fasting) just makes good sense. Eating less means fewer calories, which in turn means lower weight. Unfortunately, there are downsides to this practice, some of which can have a negative impact on your health:

Decreased Energy - When you go without food, you're likely to experience decreased energy, sluggishness, and fatigue. Healthy, wholesome foods (including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) are the best sources of fuel since they're not associated with the crash and burn of eating sugar-packed goodies or consuming cup after cup of coffee.
Low Blood Sugar - Hypoglycemia (AKA low blood sugar) is often associated with diabetes. This condition can also occur when a person goes many hours without eating, which causes dizziness, headache, blurred vision, problems concentrating, and many other ill-effects. Low blood sugar can even affect your mood. That tell-tale feeling of anger and irritation that arises within a few hours of your last meal shows that your brain is being deprived of an essential source of sustenance (i.e. glucose).
A Greater Risk of Overeating - At some point, your body will be crying out for food after many hours of fasting. It's a lot harder to make smart food choices in this state, as intense cravings are likely to emerge. Often, these cravings involve the very worst foods available, such as those containing a lot of sugar and fat. If you have a hard time saying no to these foods under normal circumstances, imagine how hard it will be to abstain when you're racked with hunger pains.

Healthy Alternatives to Meal Skipping

The ultimate goal of any lifestyle changes you make should be to improve your health and well-being. Instead of meal skipping in an effort to lose weight, focus on eating wholesome meals three or more times a day in reasonable portions. When it comes to snacking, look for items low in calories but high in nutritional content. For example, nuts contain healthy fats as well as a good portion of protein. Even better, nuts contain a lot of fiber, which ensures you feel full after snacking.
Greek yogurt is another great selection for healthy snacking. Like nuts, Greek yogurt contains plenty of protein. It's also a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. For even greater benefits, add berries or other fruit to your Greek yogurt.
If you're a fan of salty snacks like potato chips, consider incorporating kale chips into your diet routine. Kale is a popular superfood brimming with antioxidants, which prevent damage on a cellular level. Kale is also a great source of fiber, as well as being rich in vitamin C.

June 10, 2020June 10, 2020

Keeping Your Dog Healthy after the Quarantine for a Happy and Long Relationship

Who doesn't love their little fur baby? Dogs are the best, but keeping them healthy is crucial to sustaining a long-lasting bond. While the current pandemic has made it easy to spend time with your best friend indoors, what happens now that things are reopening? How do you keep your furry companion happy and healthy? Dog's can experience anxiety and depression, just like people, so making sure they are OK is a significant concern for many pet parents, especially as the world returns to normal. To make sure your favorite pooch stays happy and healthy, focus on five key lifestyle areas.

1. Diet

A dog's diet is not the same as a human diet. Dogs are carnivores, which means they need meat in their food. Granted, people feed their pets vegan and vegetarian diets, but to keep your pup as healthy as possible, mimic what they would eat naturally. If you want to switch to a specialty diet, talk to a veterinarian first, making sure your dog receives all the essential nutrients they need to live a healthy life.

2. Socialization

Dogs are social creatures, and they absolutely love to be around other dogs. However, they need to learn how to be around other pooches first. When a dog is a puppy, take them around all kinds of dogs, so they learn about natural behaviors. There are several ways to socialize your pup.

Dog Parks
Walks
Playdates

Proper socialization ensures that your pup is comfortable around other animals and people. During walks, you are also familiarizing the animal with the sites and sounds of the city, their habitat. It's a great time to get back out there with your pup, but make sure your leash is long enough to help you keep that 6 foot distance from other owners.

3. Training and Interactive Play

Dogs can get bored. Unfortunately, when your pup gets bored, they can become restless and misbehave. Some common misbehaviors include chewing, barking, aggression and other nuisance habits. The best way to cure boredom is with interactive play and daily training. You can buy and make toys and games, like puzzle balls, that will keep your dog busy for hours. Beyond toys, train your dog every day. Helping your furry friend learn new tricks through repetitive practice and commands will strengthen your bond and keep their brains healthy.

4. Outdoor Activities

Think about how bored and depressed you can get in the cold winter months when you are stuck inside. The sun does wonders for energy and health. Dogs need time outside. They need to breathe the fresh air and feel the sun against their backs. Honestly, most people need fresh air, too, especially now.

5. Vet Visits

The primary way to ensure that your dog remains healthy for a long, carefree life is to commit to routine veterinary visits. According to Dr. Barry Kipperman, a veterinarian working with PETA, dogs under 10 years of age need to go to the vet at least once per year, and senior dogs over 10 should go twice or every six months. However, depending on any underlying conditions your dog may have, you may need to go more frequently. Talk to a veterinary professional to discuss specifics.
Pets, especially dogs, offer incredible companionship during uncertain times, but they are also excellent allies even when all is right with the world. It is only fair that dog owners reciprocate affection by providing a well-balanced life, including lots of cuddles, but don't forget about you in the animal health equation. Your dog depends on you and loves you, so while you may pour your heart and soul into creating a beautiful life for your furry buddy, make sure you are prioritizing yourself. You need to stay happy and healthy to keep your dog happy and healthy, so take the time to understand your own diet and needs.

June 8, 2020

I Tried Keto for 30 Days and Discovered This Amazing Secret!

To me, there’s nothing better than discovering natural health secrets that can make us working moms feel amazing. So, I decided to try the keto diet for 30 days. Does it really work? Here’s what happened to me.

How Much Weight Did I Lose?

I know this is what you’re dying to know, so let’s get this question out of the way first. Is keto as thrilling for weight loss as they say? I have to admit I was a little skeptical of the “lose 10 pounds in a week” claims. But, that’s exactly what happened to me!
Well, not exactly 10 pounds. I lost 8 pounds in my first week on keto. Over the next three weeks, my waistline kept dropping more and more. By the end of the month I had burned a stunning 15 pounds!
You’re looking at the happy owner of a size 12 dress size. I’m so proud! My goal is to hit a size 10 in another month or so. I have this sexy size-10 red dress that I’ve been saving in the back of my closet (and have since moved to the front of the closet to stay motivated) that I’m dying to slip into for ladies’ night.

What Are My New Favorite Keto Recipes?

How did I manage to slash carbs, balance my protein intake and keep up with my calories? A LOT of bacon. Now, let me confess that I really had NO problem getting into that. Don’t tell anyone, but I love bacon, cheese and avocados, so that part was pretty easy!

Here are a few of my new favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner:

Breakfast: I have two breakfast favorites. One is keto granola with sesame seeds, coconut oil and flakes, chia seeds, almonds and cinnamon. It’s just toasty and yummy to the extreme. I also have a soft spot for bacon and egg cups with jalapeno slices, cheddar cheese, avocado and sour cream.
Lunch: My favorite option for a tasty lunch are spicy shrimp lettuce wraps (I eat a LOT of lettuce wraps for lunch). They have tasty shrimp with chipotle flakes, hot sauce, celery, blue cheese and romaine lettuce.
Dinner: For dinner, I try to plan meals that are easy to adapt to my kids. For example, keto mac’ and cheese basically replaces the macaroni with cauliflower and adds bacon on top. So, I make half a dish with the pasta noodles for them, and the other half with cauliflower for me.

If I need a shot of energy when I’m working, smoothies are awesome. My fave is a coconut milk smoothie with mint leaves and blackberries.

What About the Keto Flu?

I had heard a lot about the dreaded “keto flu” that makes you feel lethargic, tired and irritable. But I also found some tips from other keto warrior women like me. They recommended drinking lots of water and adding extra sodium and potassium (electrolytes) to my diet. I did that and didn’t notice any big energy or mood problems at all.

What Are My Biggest Takeaways and Recommendations?

I think the biggest thing that has helped me to get so many benefits from keto is that I did my research before starting. I learned about the biggest obstacles, made my grocery list, planned my meals and went to town. That’s what I would recommend for everyone interested in keto.

June 4, 2020

Recharge Your Batteries With These 5 Safe Outdoor Activities During COVID-19

So, here’s a fun fact I discovered: “Quarantining” is what someone who is contagious does to avoid getting other people sick with COVID-19. What the rest of us are doing is called “sheltering in place.”
Unless you’re actually sick, there’s no reason to completely seal yourself inside the home. It’s perfectly possible to practice social distancing and still get some fresh air (not to mention let your kids burn off some of their built-up energy before they drive you insane). Let me share a few of my favorite outdoor activities in this age of “sheltering in place.”

1. Eat Dinner Outside As a Family

If you have a nice backyard, you can actually eat ALL of your meals outside. This is what my family has started to do, and I can’t believe the difference it makes. For 30 minutes, we all feel FREE.
As we’re laughing and eating delicious food and talking, I keep think to myself, “I'm so blessed.” These positive experiences give me the energy to keep going. Every day, we have memorable family moments where it’s like the coronavirus doesn’t even exist.

2. Organize a Lawn Games Tournament

Now’s the perfect time to show your family members why you’re the undefeated champion of bocce, cornhole, badminton, volleyball or cricket. These outside activities are healthier for you than watching back-to-back movies on TV. What if your family isn’t big on competitions? Just tossing a baseball, football or Frisbee around keeps kids entertained and does your heart good.

3. Enjoy Breakfast on the Patio

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself, too. Getting some peace and quiet is important for moms. It lets us recharge our batteries. Treat yourself to a calming cup of coffee or tea, munch on some homemade (healthy) scones, eat some fruit and watch the beautiful sunrise in complete serenity. Our house has some birds that wake up as early as I do, and hearing their little chirps is like healing for my soul.

4. Do Some Gardening

Working with plants can be an amazing stress reliever. Even better, it gives people who are temporarily out of work a sense of purpose. Instead of feeling “lost,” you can have real satisfaction with this rewarding hobby. By the way, if bending over makes your back hurt, you can always get a gardening table that lets you care for your plants standing up.

5. Go for a Walk (Social-Distancing Style)

Some states have declared public places such as parks and beaches off limits. Others let people walk around as long as they stick to social distancing. If it’s allowed in your area, you may want to don your mask, grab a small bottle of antiseptic gel and slide on your walking shoes.
Here are a few things to remember:

Stay at least 6–10 feet away from other people
Avoid any crowded areas
Wash your hands thoroughly when you get home
Don’t touch your face or your mask
Don’t touch things at the park — benches, fountains or handles
Don’t use public restrooms if possible

Blue skies, fresh air and gorgeous hills have a calming effect on your emotions. And the less stressed you are, the better your immune system works! Try to come up with your own outdoor adventures for the backyard. Picnics, fashion shows and tenting under the stars are all great possibilities.

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020

5 Delicious Gluten-Free Meals

Gluten-free eating eliminates foods that contain wheat, rye and barley. These grains contain a protein called gluten, which can cause a host of symptoms in people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Others find that getting rid of gluten helps with digestive symptoms, weight loss, fatigue, headaches and depression. Whatever your reason for exploring a gluten-free lifestyle, get started with these five inspired meal ideas.

Grilled Chicken With Pineapple

This simple meal offers quick clean-up with the help of foil packets. You'll need:

20-ounce can of pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 bell peppers
Salt to taste

First, combine the juice from the canned pineapple with the soy sauce and brown sugar. Set the mixture aside and cut the chicken and pineapple into 2-inch cubes. Divide the ingredients among four sheets of tin foil and add salt if desired. Fold up the edges to make a secure seal and pop the packets on the grill. Cook at six minutes on medium heat with the grill covered, then flip and cook uncovered for an additional 12 minutes. Switch up this versatile dish with your favorite veggies.

Mahi-Mahi With Lemon Butter

Take a trip to the islands with succulent grilled fish. Ingredients include:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Four 4-ounce mahi-mahi filets, or substitute another firm white fish such as halibut
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound asparagus
3 minced garlic cloves
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1 lemon sliced
1 lemon juiced and zested
Fresh parsley to taste

In a large pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Season the fish with salt and pepper and cook for four to five minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another four to five minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish and add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Then, saute the asparagus for four to five minutes. Remove the veggies and add the last tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then saute garlic and red pepper for one minute. Finally, add lemon slices, lemon juice and parsley to complete the sauce, which you can use to top the mahi and asparagus for a restaurant-quality meal.

Salsa Chicken Con Queso With Rice

This five-ingredient recipe will be a winner with the whole family. You'll need:

1 1/2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
1 1/2 cups of your favorite brand of gluten-free salsa (or make your own!)
1 cup long-grained rice
2 pounds chicken breasts cut into chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese

In a 3-quart saucepan with a tight lid, cook the broth, salsa and rice on high heat, uncovered. When the mixture begins to boil, add the chicken chunks, which you can season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture come back to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes, then take off the heat and let stand for five minutes before fluffing the rice, stirring in the cheese and serving.

Avocado Tuna Salad

This lunch idea is a breeze. You'll need:

One avocado
One 5-ounce can of tuna
2 tablespoons greek yogurt
1 tablespoon minced red onion
Lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste

Slice the avocado lengthwise and scoop out half the flesh. Mix it with the rest of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Scoop the tuna salad back into the avocado for a fun way to serve.

Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

This recipe makes an ideal light lunch or side. The short ingredient list includes:

One watermelon
1/2 cup feta cheese
Chopped fresh mint
Salt and pepper to taste

Chop the watermelon in cubes or scoop it out of the rind with a melon baller. Sprinkle the fruit with the rest of the ingredients, then chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

May 27, 2020May 27, 2020

The 10 Best Family Films To Watch During Quarantine (That You Haven’t Seen a Billion Times)

Normally, I would feel guilty about letting my kids watch so much TV, but honestly I’m way too tired to think of other things to do. So, I chose the next best thing. I decided to plop down on the couch and watch a movie with them.

It was surprisingly relaxing. By the end, everyone’s mood was better, we were hugging and laughing, and my stress had vanished. I highly recommend having your own family movie night. Here are my top 10 family-friendly movies for this quarantine:

1. The Incredibles 2

This is one of my personal favorite movies of all time and my kids love it, too. A family of superheroes has to save the world from crazy villains (twice), and they get closer together in the process.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This modern Spider-Man cartoon features mind-blowing animation, hilarious jokes and lovable characters. A new Spider-Man named Miles Morales teams up with various spider heroes from alternate dimensions to, you guessed it, save the world. There’s even a spider version of Porky Pig (Spider Ham) that made me giggle like crazy.

3. Jumanji: The Next Level

I guarantee you’ll be surprised by how much this “lost in a video game” movie makes you laugh. I went in with low expectations and got more than my money’s worth. I guess that’s what happens with Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and The Rock.

4. The Rocketeer

Who doesn’t want to watch a rocket-powered hero save his girlfriend (a young Jennifer Connelly) from evil Nazi spies? Think Indiana Jones but with less violence.

5. School of Rock

If your kids have musical inclinations, School of Rock is a must-see movie. Rock anthems meet classic Jack Black humor. Prep-school students get Black as their (pretend) substitute teacher, who educates them in the ways of rock and sticking it to The Man.

6. The Princess Bride

Isn’t it time to introduce your kids to unforgettable lines from The Princess Bride? Not sharing this family classic is simply inconceivable. It’s got a pirate, a princess, a giant and a man with six fingers!

7. Blended

This movie wasn’t the biggest hit, but I think it’s one of Adam Sandler’s funniest family films. The story is about two single-parent families (like Yours, Mine & Ours) who end up taking a trip to Africa together.

8. Ever After

In Ever After, Drew Barrymore plays Danielle de Barbarac, a sweet girl raised by her stepmother. It’s a superb modern version of Cinderella, minus the magic pumpkin and talking mice. If you’re looking for a coming-of-age film to watch together, this is it.

9. Julie & Julia

This film is more appropriate for teens than little kids (there are sexual situations and language but no nudity). I included it because it’s my family’s favorite movie ever. I love cooking with my kids, and this love story/homage to Julia Child is funny, touching and romantic.

10. The Adventures of Tintin

I had no idea that Stephen Spielberg directed this animated film, but that would explain why it was so awesome. Parents will love the excitement just as much as kids. Tintin is a globe-travelling young detective who has all the skills of Indiana Jones for getting into and out of trouble.

These movies will make you smile from start to finish. That’s exactly what you and your kids need right now. Don’t forget to make some healthy snacks to enjoy together at the same time.