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NOVEMBER 2023
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This Holiday Season, I’m Blessed to Celebrate With My 2 Grandchildren A GRANDFATHER’S DELIGHT —
As the leaves change from green to vibrant hues of crimson and gold and Thanksgiving rolls around, my heart is filled with gratitude. Thanksgiving is a time to embrace the spirit of gratitude and reflect on the many blessings in our lives, and this year, I have more than ever to be grateful for.
and the experiences we create. Recently, it was amazing to watch my wife’s mom with her great-grandson, Nate. These are the moments we live for, and throughout the holidays, it’s essential to take a step back to appreciate the little things — the hugs from our kids, a smile from a stranger, food on the table, and the opportunity to take a vacation or enjoy time off of work.
This past year, my heart grew not once but twice. Both my son and my daughter welcomed their first babies into the world, and I’m now a proud grandfather to two beautiful children. Their innocence, smiles, and movements captivate me. Seeing their tiny hands move and their eyes watch me as I gaze at them brings me back to when my kids were newborns, and now, those very
It’s great to catch up with our families on Thanksgiving and gather together for a meal. In a world filled with demands and distractions, making time for those who matter most is vital. These moments transcend the ordinary and help us forge connections, strengthen bonds, and create memories that will last a lifetime. As many of you may remember, my family trades off each Thanksgiving. One year, we visit my side of the family and have a quaint and intimate gathering, and the following year, we gather with my wife’s side of the family for a large, exciting holiday bash. This year, 60 (yes, 60) of us from my wife’s family will venture to Mission Springs in Santa Cruz to give thanks and celebrate our family — and get in some baby snuggles with the two newest additions to our family! From my family to you and yours, happy Thanksgiving! May this holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and joy!
children have kids of their own. It’s an incredible experience, and I’ve only just begun living it. I am blessed to have a healthy, growing, and happy family and cannot wait to see what the years ahead have in store. It’s going to be an exciting ride! Speaking of family, family and friends are the cornerstones of our lives — the constants who provide support, love, and a sense of belonging. Thanksgiving means more than just great food — in fact, the cherished holiday transcends all of the fun traditions. It’s a celebration of the people in our lives
“These moments transcend the ordinary and help us forge connections, strengthen bonds, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
– Matthew Smith
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Walk Your Way to Better Digestion The answer is yes! Walking is a light movement that can help your food move through your stomach and intestines, making digestion smoother. Not only can walking help improve your digestion after eating, but this simple exercise can also bring many other benefits. Just a few include:
We all know the after-lunch slump leaves us counting the minutes to our next nap. But research shows that sleeping or lying down after eating isn’t the best for health (no matter how good it feels). When you do this, you’re not allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food properly, and you may experience various digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn. So, is walking the best activity to do after eating?
• Regulating blood sugar levels • Managing blood pressure • Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Boosting your mood • Improving sleep quality
Of course, regular exercise improves your overall health significantly, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood! The Post-Meal Walk: When and how long is best? You gain the most digestive benefits if you walk right after eating. Waiting too long afterward may only minimally aid your digestive process. Be sure to get moving as soon after your meal as possible! As for frequency, ideally, you should go for a stroll after every meal. However, to get started, try going for a walk after dinner. You can increase your number of walks as you get accustomed to the exercise. Ten minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of walking after eating. While you can walk longer if you’d like, 10 minutes is doable even with a busy schedule. Plus, if you walk for 10 minutes after every meal, that’s 30 minutes of exercise daily! Take your dog with you or stroll with your headphones, listening to your favorite podcast. How you walk is up to you, but no matter what, you’re doing your mind and body a huge favor!
PODCAST WISDOM: Lifelong Learning Potential
You’re never too old to learn something new! There are plenty of debunked myths floating around about the brain’s ability to absorb information as we age, but the truth is, learning in every phase of life is incredible for your mind. We keep our cognitive skills sharp as we age when we continue learning new information and skills. So, what’s the easiest way to passively learn something new? Tune in to one of these podcasts and continue with your day! Podcasts from experts can provide you with a plethora of compelling information to keep your brain strong. ‘Ologies’ Witty and endlessly informative, “Ologies” is hosted by Alie Ward, a science correspondent with all the humor you need to keep coming back for more. Ward interviews experts
and “-ologists” and asks them not-so- average questions. The information and insight you receive is easily digestible and entertaining. With over 340 episodes at your disposal on most streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify, “Ologies” can keep you
listening to one of over 200 episodes and learn everything you never knew! ‘Maintenance Phase’ With social media and so-called health gurus everywhere, it can be challenging to know what health advice is factual or safe. “Maintenance Phase” debunks all the diet fads, fitness myths, and trendy health gimmicks to keep you informed. With the help of hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, you learn the actual science behind your body’s health and discover what is true and what is simply trending. With plenty of podcasts at your fingertips, these three are exceptionally entertaining and informative. Put your headphones on and clean up the house, or drive your daily commute with one of these podcasts to keep your brain in tip-top shape!
listening for a long time! ‘You’re Wrong About’
The first step to understanding the world around you is to consider the possibility that everything you know may not be true. That’s where “You’re Wrong About” comes in! Host and journalist Sarah Marshall dives into different historical figures and events falsely covered by the traditional media. From Sinead O’Connor to Bonnie and Clyde, Sarah meets with various experts to go through the cold hard facts and what you likely didn’t know about these people. Start
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Coffee Conundrum: Could Your Morning Brew Harm Your Health?
Millions of Americans start their morning with a piping hot cup of coffee. There’s nothing like
who are prone to acid reflux or heartburn. Coffee before food may make symptoms worse. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might also beware. Scientists have long known that coffee stimulates our colon muscles and can help people have bowel movements. Some consider it a bonus, but IBS patients are already prone to diarrhea. Coffee causes increased cramping for some, and the effect can be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Coffee can also affect us emotionally. The beverage gives some people jitters, particularly without food. Research indicates the effect is more pronounced in people with anxiety disorders, possibly because jitters mimic anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest consuming coffee with food decreases the concentration of caffeine in our bodies and makes the effect less likely. Ultimately, whether you should rethink drinking coffee on an empty stomach is up to you. People suffering from GERD, IBS, or anxiety should consider whether their liquid pick-me-up worsens their symptoms. The current research suggests that consuming coffee before food is probably fine for most other people, but it’s always wise to listen to your body for cues. If you feel less than your best after your morning coffee, see whether a change in routine improves the situation.
the familiar smell, comforting warmth, and hit of caffeine to get you ready for the day. But could this common habit actually harm our bodies? For some
people, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach could cause unpleasant side effects.
No definitive data suggests drinking coffee before breakfast will negatively impact you in the long term. Only limited research exists on the matter, and the results are inconclusive. However, some people anecdotally report feeling worse if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, and nutritionists and dietitians believe certain people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. People with digestive problems should be the most cautious about their morning cup of coffee. Coffee stimulates acid production in the stomach, particularly when it’s otherwise empty. That’s not a big deal for most people, but it can be for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or
TAKE A BREAK!
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp beef bouillon granules • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 cups cooked long-grain rice • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 28-oz can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 2 cups chopped green peppers
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
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1. Blessings and New Arrivals 2. The Power of Post-Meal Walking Podcast Your Way to a Sharper Mind and Smarter You 3. The Truth About Drinking Coffee Before Breakfast Stuffed Pepper Soup 4. Transform Your Cooking With Chef-Endorsed Kitchen Hacks INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COOK LIKE A PRO Chef-Tested Hacks to Enhance Your Culinary Creations
Peeling Garlic Made Easy Executive chef Nicholas Poulmentis of Akotiri in New York recommends thinking ahead when preparing garlic. The night before you cook, place garlic cloves in a container filled with water, and the next day, the skin will peel right off without a knife or tool. Chilled Plastic Wrap Is plastic wrap often more of a struggle than a help? Chef Chaz Eicke of The Salad House in New Jersey has a genius tip: Chilling your plastic wrap in the refrigerator will help prevent it from creasing and sticking together. Protect Your Fingertips Sydney Willcox, culinary instructor at The Brooklyn Kitchen, recommends tucking your fingers into your palm on your nondominant hand while chopping vegetables and herbs. If you use your
Chefs are artists and scientists, honing their skills in the kitchen to create culinary masterpieces. These experts have developed a range of kitchen hacks to help home chefs elevate their cooking game. Whether it’s enhancing flavors, saving time, or ensuring consistent results, these tips can make your culinary experiences more enjoyable and successful. Bon appétit! Hold the Cork Before throwing the cork away after finishing a bottle of wine, a clever hack popularized by Chef Motokichi on Instagram is to slide the cork beneath the handle of a pot lid. Not only does this make the top easy to grab, but it also prevents your hand from coming in contact with the hot handle! Because sparkling wine corks tend to be a bit thicker in size, they’re best suited for the job.
knuckles to guide your knife, you won’t ever accidentally cut your fingers! Slice Meat the Right Way Did you know that slicing meat with the grain can lead to a tough and chewy entree? Willcox has another tip for that! She recommends always slicing meat, even tender filet mignon, against the grain. Creating restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own home has never been easier. These tips can help take your cooking skills to the next level while reducing time, frustrations, and errors!
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