Author: Black

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Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese

Have you ever tried  cauliflower mac and cheese?  Well let me be the first to tell you it is delicious!

Here’s a simple recipe for cauliflower mac and cheese:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and another cheese like Gruyere or mozzarella)
  • 1 cup milk (or cream for a richer sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for topping
  • Optional: Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower, and cook for about 5 minutes or until just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
  2.  Combine:
    • Place the drained cauliflower in a baking dish.
    • Pour ingredients over the cauliflower mix gently to ensure all pieces are coated.
  3. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Add a little more cheese if you like and bake a little more.
  4. Serve:

Tips:

  • For a creamier texture, you can blend some of the cauliflower with the cheese sauce before combining.
  • If you want to make this dish lighter, you can use low-fat milk, reduce the amount of cheese, or use a cheese with lower fat content. You may want to given cheese a try for a different taste.
  • Feel free to add spices or herbs like mustard powder, paprika, or fresh thyme for different flavor profiles.

 

Enjoy your cauliflower mac and cheese!

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Chicken Soup For The Soul

What is your go to dish on cold winter days?

What in the HEALTH is going on people?!
Chicken, celery, zucchini, onion, garlic, green onion brussel sprouts, coconut amino and the seasonings of life. I will add yellow peppers green pepper and spinach after a while. If you are a vegetarian you can add veggies only. Does soup make you feel cozy on cold days?

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Women and Food Cravings

Women and Comfort Foods

As women, we often turn to food for reasons beyond just staying healthy. More than half of us eat to unwind, and a lot of us reach for sweets when we’re feeling down. In fact, sugar and soft drinks are two of the top three sources of carbs in the average American woman’s diet. Can you believe that soft drinks pack in two and a half times more calories than low-fat milk?

Women are also way more likely than men to have a go-to “comfort” food, like chocolate. Studies suggest that these cravings might help us manage our moods since these foods can change our brain chemistry, giving us a calming effect and a temporary lift from sadness. So, go ahead and indulge in that piece of chocolate to boost your spirits. Just remember, moderation is key. Chocolate really is one of the ultimate comfort foods.

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Hot Flashes

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes happen when the tiny blood vessels in your skin expand for a bit, which is a fancy way of saying there’s some instability in your blood flow. The exact reason behind them is still a mystery. Sometimes, certain blood vessels widen, letting more blood rush in. When this occurs, you might feel a sudden wave of heat on your skin, often followed by sweating, which helps cool you down but can leave you feeling a bit chilly afterward. You might also experience a brief shortness of breath or even some heart palpitations, but there’s no need to freak out. Interestingly, some women never experience hot flashes at all! For those who do, they often start in the face, neck, head, or chest and can spread from there. A few have even said they begin in their ears or feet. These flashes usually last anywhere from 30 seconds to over an hour, which can be quite a lot to deal with, especially in the summer. Hot flashes are most common after periods have stopped, but some women still feel them while they’re menstruating.

Embrace the discomfort; it’s temporary and will fade in a year or two. Focus on your overall well-being—physical, social, and mental. Remember, hot flashes and sweats don’t come with any serious side effects or health risks.

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Self-Care Is Not Selfish

Self-care often gets a bad rap, with many of us thinking it’s a selfish act. We can be hard on ourselves for not having enough time to look after others. But let me set the record straight: self-care isn’t selfish at all.

It’s all about carving out time for activities that boost your overall well-being, both physically and mentally. This can help you tackle stress, reduce your chances of getting sick, and give you a nice energy boost. Even the tiniest self-care moments in your day can make a huge difference.

When you prioritize your emotional health, you start to feel better about yourself and gain confidence in facing unexpected challenges and relationship bumps. It can build your resilience and help you navigate the ups and downs of life.

Mental health is super important because taking care of yourself mentally can really lift your mood, ease feelings of depression and anxiety, and help you feel more positive overall.

When it comes to physical health, self-care can boost your energy and help you strike a good balance between work and your personal life. We all need a little harmony in our lives, right?

Managing stress through self-care is key to finding time to relax and recharge. Activities like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, art, prayer, or even adult coloring books can be really beneficial for some folks.

Self-esteem and self-care are closely linked. When you prioritize taking care of yourself, it can enhance how you feel about yourself and increase your confidence.

Building resilience is a major part of self-care. It helps you bounce back and tackle life’s ups and downs more effectively.

Once you start focusing on self-care, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your concentration, making it easier to tackle tasks that might have felt overwhelming before.

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Probiotics Does It Work?

Probiotics can play a significant role in reducing chronic inflammation in the body, which is known to be harmful, particularly to the cardiovascular system.

They boost the production of anti-inflammatory proteins called cytokines, promoting a healthier inflammatory response. Additionally, probiotics help support the integrity of our intestinal barrier. You may have heard of “Leaky Gut,” medically referred to as “Increased Intestinal Permeability.” This condition occurs when the intestinal lining becomes too permeable, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to various health issues.

If you’re unsure about which probiotic brand is right for you, it’s a good idea to do some research or consult with your healthcare provider.

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Start Fresh

No matter what day it is, you can kick off a new wellness routine! You don’t have to wait for January 1st to embrace healthy habits. Whether it’s December or well into the new year, you have the power to start or change a habit that can positively impact your life.

Begin by setting your goals. Think about which habits you want to adopt or modify.

Create a plan. Break your resolutions into manageable steps and jot them down.

Understand your motivation. Why is this goal important to you? Consider how it will benefit your life both in the short and long term.

Take action! There’s no need to delay; the best time to start is now!

If you find yourself straying from your goal, remember to be kind to yourself and keep pushing forward. Stay confident, think critically, and maintain a positive dialogue with yourself.

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Write Down Your Worries

How do you express your concerns?

Write Down Your Concerns and Let Go of Your Fears

What makes journaling so effective?
Maintaining a journal allows you to find clarity when everything around you feels overwhelming. It’s a chance to explore your innermost fears, thoughts, and emotions. Think of your journaling time as a moment for personal relaxation, a way to unwind and relieve stress.

Begin by journaling for five to fifteen minutes, focusing on whatever is occupying your mind. Continue writing until you feel you’ve expressed everything that needs to be shared, without getting caught up in overthinking. Reflect on the situations that are currently challenging you.

Recognizing the difference between typical worries and excessive worries.

What are typical worries?
Typical worrying involves thoughts about potential negative outcomes in the future, leading to a sense of fear about those possibilities. This is known as “anticipatory anxiety.” Normal worries can be beneficial, as they allow you to prepare for challenges and devise strategies to cope if they arise.

What are excessive worries?

Excessive worries are marked by overwhelming, persistent, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety that disrupt daily life. These concerns may revolve around specific events, such as social gatherings or panic attacks, or they can encompass a broad range of everyday scenarios. Individuals experiencing excessive worries might also face physical symptoms, including:
Rapid heartbeat, Sweating, Shaking, Difficulty sleeping, Restlessness, and Ongoing pain.

If you find yourself struggling with excessive worries regularly, it’s advisable to reach out to your primary care physician for support.

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Red Light Therapy

Have you considered Red Light Therapy? Want to know the advantages?

There are numerous advantages to utilizing red light therapy, which can assist with a range of conditions, such as:

– Pain relief, particularly for inflammation-related discomfort
– Osteoarthritis: Research indicates that red light therapy can alleviate pain and enhance mobility
– Skin concerns: This therapy can be beneficial for acne, psoriasis, scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles

How to use it ?


Red light therapy devices employ light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or low-power lasers to emit red or near-infrared light. You can conveniently use red light therapy at home, and you may start to see improvements within one to two weeks.
Combining with other treatments
For optimal results, consider pairing red light therapy with additional treatments like:

– An anti-inflammatory diet and supplements
– Regular physical activity
– Stress management techniques
– Good sleep practices

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Cayenne Pepper

This spice is often used to add a flavorful kick to our meals while cooking. Interestingly, it can also assist with pain relief, particularly for joint and muscle discomfort. If you’re experiencing digestive issues, it may help improve that as well. Additionally, it has potential benefits for weight management, reducing inflammation, enhancing blood circulation, and may even ease congestion caused by colds and allergies. When mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin, it can provide relief from irritation and pain associated with conditions like psoriasis. Just remember, it should not be applied to broken skin.

Here are some important points regarding the benefits of cayenne pepper:


Pain relief: This is something we can all understand. The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can help block pain signals when used topically, making it effective for muscle soreness, arthritis, and nerve discomfort. Consider mixing it with a carrier oil of your choice and applying it to the affected area, ensuring that the skin is intact.


Digestive health: If you’re experiencing any digestive issues, cayenne pepper might help by stimulating digestive juices and enhancing gut motility, which can support digestion. You can try adding a pinch to your tea, coffee, soups, or stews.

Enhanced circulation: A circulatory boost is beneficial for everyone! Cayenne pepper can enhance blood flow by helping to widen blood vessels. These spices are great for promoting circulation. Consider adding it to your tea, coffee, soups, and stews as previously suggested.


Relief from congestion: Many individuals experience seasonal allergies and colds at various times of the year. Incorporating cayenne pepper into your diet may assist in alleviating congestion linked to these issues by encouraging mucus production, making it easier for you to breathe and feel more comfortable.

Weight management: Many of us aim to lose a bit of weight, particularly around the holiday season. Whether it’s to get ready for summer or simply to improve our overall health, it’s a common goal. Some research indicates that cayenne pepper might help with feelings of fullness and could assist in weight loss by curbing appetite.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Experiencing discomfort in your joints, back, or other areas? Consider adding cayenne pepper to your tea or creating a soothing rubbing oil for those sore spots. The capsaicin found in cayenne has anti-inflammatory benefits that may help alleviate issues like arthritis.

Here are two key points to keep in mind:


1. Begin with a little: If you’re just starting to use cayenne pepper, it’s best to start with a small quantity and slowly increase it as your taste buds adjust to the heat.

2. Check with your physician: If you have any health concerns, particularly related to digestion or stomach ulcers, make sure to consult your doctor before adding cayenne pepper to your meals.