TAKE A BREAK!
Retirement opens the door to new hobbies and activities. Among these, cultivating an organic vegetable garden could be a fulfilling and beneficial option. This activity provides your body with healthy exercise and fresh produce and can rejuvenate your mind and soul. Health Benefits: A Natural Boost for Well-Being Physical Activity: Gardening is a gentle way to stay active. Bending, planting, and tending to vegetables are excellent low-impact exercises that improve flexibility and strength. Plus, it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising because the activity is goal-focused. Healthy Eating: Harvesting your own vegetables ensures a supply of fresh, organic produce. This home-grown food is free from harmful pesticides and richer in nutrients, contributing to a healthier diet. If you have extras, you can share your harvest with others, helping to improve their diets, too! Mental Health: Gardening is therapeutic. It reduces stress and promotes a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a source of new learning and curiosity. You may need to do some research to learn about the best zones for various plants and techniques to keep them healthy. Watching plants grow from seeds to harvest can be incredibly satisfying and a great way to boost mental well-being. Environmental Impact: Tending to the Earth Responsibly Organic gardening is environmentally sustainable. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, gardeners protect the soil and local wildlife. Home-grown vegetables mean fewer trips to the store and less packaging waste, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. So, by gardening, you’re participating in an eco-friendly practice. Social Connection: Growing Community Ties Gardening offers opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners, share tips, and exchange produce, fostering a sense of community. Inviting grandchildren or neighborhood kids to the garden can educate them about where food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices. If you participate in a community garden, these benefits, in particular, contribute to a sense of well-being because you’re getting active in the community, making friends, and sharing your knowledge with others. It’s a win-win. GREEN THUMBS, FULL HEARTS The Garden Path to Joy
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This chicken tikka masala recipe is a tantalizing journey for your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tsp paprika
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 14-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground coriander
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Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Organic gardening in retirement is not just about cultivating plants; it’s about cultivating a healthier lifestyle, a better environment, and stronger community bonds. It’s a hobby that offers endless learning, joy, and satisfaction, making
1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. 4. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. 5. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
retirement not just a time to relax but also a time to thrive.
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