"In most cases, our so-called limitations are nothing more than our own decision to limit ourselves.”
—Daisaku Ikeda
I am down to my final month of training for my first full marathon and feeling pretty good, although I know it will be the biggest challenge I have ever had to face. Being physically ready is only part of the preparation; I've also been trying to build up my mental confidence by giving myself pep talks. (Don't worry, I don't have multiple personalities!) The support of friends and family has been great, but I need to make sure that I believe in myself, so pep talks are now part of my daily training!
I recommend that all of you have a conversation with yourself as well. Take a moment, look in the mirror, and tell yourself 5 things you love about yourself. This is a great way to instantly feel good and to become more of a believer in YOU.
Best in Health!
~Amy~
4 New Super Foods to Start Eating Today
The term "super food" refers to foods that have amazing health benefits, which can include significant amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Some of the more common super foods are blueberries, acai, almonds, eggs, salmon and dark chocolate. There are some new super foods on the block that you will definitely want to include in your diet, so check out the list below and make an effort to include at least one if you don't already:
- Raspberries: Rich in fiber, raspberries provide women specifically with protection against heart disease and digestive disorders. They are also a good source of vitamin K, a key vitamin for bone-mineral density.
- Walnuts: A nut rich in omega-3 helps prevent heart disease and may help lower cholesterol. A serving of roughly 12-14 walnut halves is a smart and healthy daily intake for the average individual.
- Swiss Chard: This leafy green is a great alternative to spinach and boasts high levels of vitamin E, folate, and nutrients that protect the brain. It comes as no surprise then that this food is known for helping to fight Alzheimer's and improves mental function.
- Pumpkin seeds: An ounce of pumpkin seeds provides immune system and bone strengthening magnesium, while being a mood enhancer similar to that of dark chocolate.
Recipe of the Month: Garlic-Lemon Corn on the Cob
I love the summer season and really enjoy buying amazingly delicious fresh produce from my local farmers market. Try making your own in this delicious salad and feel free to add in-season favorites as well.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings but can be altered for as many ears of corn you would like to make
Ingredients:
- 4 ears corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to season
Directions
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until aromatic but not browned (roughly one minute or two).
- Add ears of corn, water, lemon juice along with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. At the half-way point rotate corn.
- Remove lid and continue cooking the cobs while rotating occasionally. Most liquid should evaporate leaving only a tablespoon or two remaining.
- Corn is ready to serve. Drizzle the remaining garlic-lemon sauce in the pan on each ear.
In the News
Celebrating 125 years of being one of the most unique and popular sodas around, Dr. Pepper is getting rid of its high fructose corn syrup. For now, it's a temporary move to swap out the ingredient for real sugar, the ingredient formerly used by most soda manufacturers. The nostalgic-tasting soda is currently available through September. Pepsi made a similar move earlier last summer with their Pepsi Throwback. Get your High Fructose Corn Syrup 101 here and see why companies making these changes are so important. Of course I have to add that soda-pop should be consumed in moderation!
Giving Back
Schools are back in session in the next few weeks and that means teachers are busy getting their classrooms ready. Many teachers have had to dip into their own wallets to fill their classrooms with much needed supplies for their students. With schools facing tighter budgets, many teachers have had their salaries cut, so it's that much more difficult for them to buy much needed supplies.
Treasures 4 teachers is a non-profit organization that helps teachers in Arizona buy classroom supplies at an affordable price. I love this idea so much and was devastated to learn that a monsoon flooded their warehouse and destroyed their entire inventory. Treasures 4 Teachers needs your help to move the organization to a new location so they can continue their important mission to improve the education of all our children.
Please visit Treasures 4 Teachers if you would like to help.
Action Items
- Get yourself in front of a mirror and say 5 things you love about yourself.
- Check out the DietsinReview.com blog for the latest in health and fitness.
Weekly Articles
Forward to a Friend
It’s such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.
Also, if there is something you are interested in learning more about or would like me to feature in an upcoming newsletter please contact me.
Eat, Live Laugh newsletters are intended for overall general wellness. If you have condition specific concerns please feel free to contact me.
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