As we take stock of the challenges of 2020 and think and pray about what lies ahead, let’s consider self-care and choices we can make to improve our health. As you read the first of the ABCs I’ve thought of, you might make a mental list of your own.
A for Activity- moving more makes a difference in stress, sleep, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
B for breathing- Take a deep breath in, hold it for 4 seconds and exhale for 5 seconds. Taking several breaths like this in tense situations, helps reset your brain. You’ll think more clearly about what is going on.
C for counting to 10. Thomas Jefferson said, “When angry, count to 10 before you speak. If very angry, an hundred.” All of us have opportunities to practice patience during these difficult days.
D for DePaul Community Health Centers-Whatever your health care needs, we’re here for you.To schedule an appointment, call 870-382-3080.
E for eggplant-Eggplant is a vegetable that I do not have much experience with. I plan to challenge myself to learn about cooking some new fruit and vegetable dishes in the days ahead.
F for friends-Friends like activity, help decrease stress in our lives and they help us feel more at home in our own skin.
G for games-Games, whether they be card or board games or outdoor activities, playing them is great for our connections with those around us.
H for happiness-Abraham Lincoln said, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” This sounds like a challenge to me! Let’s all look for reasons to be happy in the coming days.
I for ingredients- When I have the ingredients around to prepare healthy dishes, I am much more likely to carry through on my plans to eat healthfully. Here’s a tasty recipe that uses ingredients you may have on hand.
One Pan
Chicken Alfredo
1 large chicken breast, cubed (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 ¾ cup chicken broth
1 ¾ cups nonfat or 1% milk (can use almond milk or other milk substitutes)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried basil
3 cups dry penne pasta
2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken in oil. Add flour, broth milk, spices and pasta to the skillet. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally. Add broccoli, cover and cook until broccoli is tender. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
Nutrition information: Makes 8 servings. Each serving is ¾ cup. Each serving contains 220 calories, 8 grams total fat, 320 mg sodium, 22 grams carbohydrate and 15 grams protein.
Recipe from foodhero.org
For other questions about diabetes and healthy lifestyles that you would like covered here, email me at jpelkki@ascension.org
