National Garden Month
The weather is now prime for starting gardens of fruits and vegetables, while getting some great exercise at the same time.
All the fresh fruits and veggies from your garden with their vibrant colors are naturally dense with anti-oxidants and immune boosters. In this crazy time of self-quarantining, this could be one of the most healthful and preventative act to follow! Berries in particular, naturally contain A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. There is a fair amount of research that shows the complex natural sugars in berries support the immune system in fighting cold and flu.
Also, this month has a special week- 18th-24th- which is “Turn off your T.V. week”. Are you ready for the challenge? We can help.
The Garden:
- What do you need to know to have a successful and healthy garden? Follow these tips and you will be well on your way!
- Finding the right high quality seeds or buy plants and not bother with the seeds.
- If using seeds you will need starter trays. These can be purchased fairly cheap at your local walmart Buy good mixture of dirt and fertilizer to start in the trays. Plant 2-3 in each separate once big. Keep moist.
- Don’t put anything in ground until after last frost. Growing seeds indoors until they are ready to plant outside when the season is right. Always give plenty of sunlight.
- Turn ground over using a hoe, roots from grass and weeds removed.
- Take hoe, plants and water. Pull the dirt back to leave a whole big enough to cover the roots and some of the stem. Plant in rolls all the way across and then water well.
Good Luck and Enjoy!
CHALLENGE – Turn Off the Noise!
No T.V., now what? 
Regardless of what role the television serves in your life, whether it is a part-time “babysitter”, your primary form of relaxation, or just a form of entertainment, it can be a very freeing experience to unplug for an entire week.
Here are some suggestions to fully embrace the t.v. vacation.
- Reacquaint with a friend or family member you haven’t spoke with in a while.
- Relax outside with a good book, magazine, Suduko, journal, or any other activity you like. Try it with a glass of red wine and some music.
- Go for a walk with the kids or dog or yourself!
- Try out a yoga or spin class. Or sign up for dancing lessons.
- On day one, brainstorm a “buck-list” for yourself, really consider what your interests are or what you have always wanted to try, even if you are scared to.
Now is the time to DO IT! You have a week, don’t waste it.
HEALTHY CRACKERS!!
Ever get confused or lost when trying to pick out the best whole grain cracker? You’re not alone! Manufacturers can use a variety of words to make you think the product is better than it is.
Here’s how to tell the good from the bad.
- Be skeptical of buzzwords: “multigrain” and “stone- ground” are not synonymous with “whole grain.” And it may say “contains whole grain” or “made with whole grain” which does not mean it’s 100% whole grain.
- Read labels for the first ingredient: Look for whole wheat or other whole grain as the first second ingredient.
- Check sodium: Even healthy crackers can be high in sodium.
- Careful of fat loading traps: like cheese or sour cream dips. Try a bean dip or salsa instead. Or use very sparingly and only once in a while as a treat.
One of my favorites is Mary’s Gone CrackersT – if yo have not discovered those, its worth a try. They are in most grocery stores and online, made from quinoa, flax seeds, pumpkin, sesame and other seeds with a variety of savoury flavors.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Vegetable Kabobs with Marinade
Marinade:
1/2 c. oil,
2 T lemon juice,
2 T soy sauce,
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce,
1 lg crushed garlic clove,
2 tsp oregano, 2 tsp savory,
1/2 tsp rosemary,
2 tsp basil
Vegetables:
12 new potatoes (steamed 15 minutes before marinating),
1 red pepper (cut 1 1/2 inch squares)
1 yellow or green pepper (cut 1 1/2 inch squares),
12 mushrooms (cut in half),
4 sm zucchini (cut 3/4 inch)
12 artichoke hearts, sm. eggplant, cubed (peel, salt and let sit 1/2 hour. Rinse and pat dry, then marinate).
Prepare eggplant and potatoes. Cut rest of vegetables, put in a container. Marinade all vegetables minimum 1 hour. Thread on skewers grill 15-25 min. 8 servings.
NOW THERE IS REASON TO USE YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN!!!
Wishing y’all a healthy month!
