About the Journey; Quick Meal Ideas; Microwaves
Health Tip:
Do you still use a microwave? It may seem to be a quick way to heat and cook your food but you lose a lot of nutrient value when you do. I switched to a larger toaster oven years ago and realized I actually had MORE time than when I used a microwave! Most foods I fix cook at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. While the food is cooking I’m cleaning up the kitchen and such instead of staring at the microwave and then the TV/tech screens. So actually, I’m being more efficient with my time as well as fixing more nutrient rich foods: a win-win solution!!
Monthly Article:
About the Journey
When my husband and I are going on a trip it can get a bit tense at times. The biggest reason I have come up with is our view of the trip itself. I am all about getting there so for me it’s about the destination. My husband, on the other hand, is all about the journey. He loves to stop and view nature and waterfalls and such and tries to make sure that I do the same.
Most things that we do in life involve a journey. Our building remodel in the office is a journey! (Again, I’m about the destination with the office construction!) Our development as individuals is a journey. Our health is a journey.
Many of these journeys do not have a set end destination as it is an ongoing journey that will continue throughout our lives. When we take our particular path and think there must be an end point we can get discouraged and depressed when we can’t see the finish line anywhere in sight. Take a step back and look at the path you are on. Have you forgotten about the journey itself? Enjoy your progress as you make your way through your sometimes winding path. Everything that happens can be a learning experience where you can do better next time or help someone else along their path.
When it comes to health, it is definitely about the journey! Our goal should not be to fix everything right now and be perfect the rest of our lives. Our goal should be for us to be healthier tomorrow than we are today. Healthier next year than we were last year….
There are flowers and waterfalls along your path. Don’t forget to stop and look at them and take some enjoyment in the journey you are on. After all, the journey is actually your life and you don’t want to get so caught up in where you think you are headed and miss the whole thing!
Recipe of the Month:
I’m Tired and I’m Hungry…NOW!
Meal Ideas ready in 30 minutes or less
Quick and easy recipe ideas from Dr. Smith’s own kitchen. Use these ideas as jumping off places to find your own personal preferences.
I try to always have chicken strips (like from Tyson) handy for quick meals. They cook quickly straight from the freezer. Generally they cook in about 20 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F. I like to use a glass or metal dish in my large toaster oven. These are great when you don’t have much time and are very handy when cooking for 1 or 2 people. Here are a few ideas:
Picante sauce. Pour your favorite salsa over the chicken and cook 20 minutes or until done.
Bacon. Wrap a slice of bacon around the chicken strips and cook 20 minutes or until done. Convection comes in handy to brown the bacon more, or just cook longer. You can also put it on a rack to lift it up and crisp it up a bit more.
Asian flare spices: sprinkle with Chinese Five Spice and a little Cayenne pepper (watch out and don’t get too much pepper or this meal will bring tears to your eyes!)
Italian flare spices: sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, basil and oregano.
Other spices: other favorites include crushed rosemary, salt and pepper and even curry powder for an Indian flare. If cooking for a family, you can even switch it up and let each family member have a different flavor all fixed in the same dish.
These ideas will work for any meat that is a small individual size cut such as small pork chops, chicken strips, salmon fillets, even burger patties.
While waiting for the meat to cook, put on a fresh or frozen veggie to steam. Top with sea salt and a little butter. Both meat and veggie often finish at about the same time.
These are simple, ‘no frills’ meals but are wonderful when you just don’t have the energy to fix something more complex or just don’t have the time.
Again, play around with these ideas to find something you enjoy. Have fun in the kitchen!
Upcoming Activities and Announcements:
Roots to Health talk: Please sign up at the front desk. Bring a friend and write a question! This is a casual time to learn about the real Roots to Health!
-Tuesday October 6 at 6:15
-Saturday October 10 at 10 am
Are you happy with your care and progress? Please tell others! We love getting online reviews to spread the word. Not happy? Please tell us so we can fix it!