Ozark Living

these times. We all can agree on that need! Also, green vegetables like broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts have antioxidant benefits, much like blueberries and green tea, helping to alleviate threats to your immune system before they start. Because eating healthy like this isn't just about weight loss; it's about making your body the fighting machine (from an immunity perspective) that it's supposed to be. 5 Get Some Fresh Air: for your mental, spiritual, and emotional health it's important to get some vitamin D and sunlight daily. is is the time period, aer the holidays, where "winter blues" can oen kick in. Kick its butt instead, by showing winter who's boss. On a warmer day (which you know we spontaneously have here in NWA) do a picnic or sit outside with the family and discuss what you're grateful for. Bird watch from your porch. ink about and plan what you'd like to plant for spring. Bundle up and take a walk. Getting outside gets you moving, as well as provides you with a change of scenery from being stuck inside. Fresh air is tantamount for the body and soul, so don't neglect yourself just because it's cold. Find a pretty place to enjoy outdoors and make the time to enjoy it. 6 Unplug: Our reliance on technology is deafening. While I realize many of us must use social media and the internet for work, it's important to set a limit on screen time with the family and ourselves. Find activities indoors, like board games or reading, versus technology to entertain your family. Go outside and play or visit a museum with time off versus watching movies and spending so much time online and on social media. Make sure to avoid your phones and silence them for the hour leading into bedtime. Blue light stimulates the brain into "awake" mode, thus why many folks have trouble sleeping if looking at their screens before resting. 7 Add Seafood: Fish oils and seafood itself has long been known to improve longevity and increase brain activity. Fish oil has been linked to better skin and hair, as well as improved overall health. While you may not love raw fish, like sashimi and sushi, you can still enjoy cooked shellfish (if not allergic) and other forms of seafood. I've provided some ideas and recipes adjoining. A great and alternative protein source to the typical American diet of beef and chicken, you'll find adding in seafood in lue of your traditional meat-heavy dishes might result in some weight loss as well as just a healthier lifestyle leaving you feeling lighter and better for the day ahead. 8 When You Eat Out: I, for one, could not just stay at home and cook all the time. And I'm a chef, for goodness sake! I run Ozark Culinary Tours for a reason – I want people to enjoy the great food that chefs and restaurateurs of our area are making, (see my ad adjoining to book with me!) But when you go out now, I implore you to try something new on the menu even at the old standbys. Skip the fried stuff periodically. Maybe you could also try that new Vietnamese restaurant that you keep passing up (pho is a great meat soup I'd recommend for winter you can find around here). Try it! Please try anything out of your comfort zone and see if you like it! You'll never see changes doing the same old things you've always done. Whether it's a new menu item, a brave new restaurant, or a new place to visit including trying their cuisine of place, I want to encourage you to be adventurous. Your body and maybe your new resolutions will stick. Why? Because you've found something worth changing for- something you needed all along: a new (year's) perspective. Thai CoConuT- PoaChed Mahi-Mahi (Serves 4) Finely shred peel from 1 small lime, then juice lime. Set aside peel. In large saucepan over medium heat combine lime juice, 1-15 oz can coconut milk, 1 ai green chile (thinly sliced), and 1 tbl sugar. Cut 1 lb mahi-mahi or other firm white fish into 8 portions; rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tsp salt into fish portions, then place in coconut milk mixture. Cook fish, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and gently stir in 1 small head bok choy (torn into small pieces, about 3 cups). Cook for 3-5 minutes more, til fish flakes off easily when tested with a fork. Ladle fish with cooking liquid into bowls. Top with lime peel, and more green chiles if desired. SalMon Burger (Serves 2-4) is recipe from my trip to Alaska will not disappoint. Try it out for a change from beef! Combine 1-12 oz can salmon, 2 tsp basil, 2 tbl chopped onion, ¼ cup Panko or bread crumbs, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ lemon's juice, ½ tsp salt into patties. Cook 4 minutes each side on medium heat. OZarK LIVInG • January 2022 • 17

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