WANT TO BOOST YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH? TRY GARDENING
We’re always looking for new ways to live longer and healthier. From exercising to trying new diets, many methods can improve our well-being. It’s always a bonus when we enjoy the activity we’re doing to become healthier, and recent research suggests that gardening could help improve our physical and mental health. In fact, scientists and professors from across the U.S. have found that gardening could help reduce one’s risk of cancer, boost mental health, and even bring communities together. They stated that gardening leads to eating healthier foods, getting additional exercise, and helping people build social connections. When these three benefits are combined, our stress and anxiety lessen, as does our risk of getting various diseases and illnesses. Dr. Jill Litt, a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, invited 291 non- gardening adults to participate in the study. She assigned half of the participants to be in a community gardening group; they immediately received a free community
garden plot, seeds, and a beginner’s gardening course. She told the other half to wait one year to start gardening so they could serve as the control group. The first group began eating 7% more fiber than the control group. Their physical activity had increased by 42 minutes per week, and they also noticed improvements in their mental health. Those most stressed or anxious saw the most significant drop in mental health issues. Many of the participants were immigrants who lived in gardenless apartments, so the free community garden plot allowed them to grow their own food while building relationships with the other gardeners. “It’s not just about the fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Litt. “It’s also about being in a natural space outdoors together with others.” Gardening has excellent benefits for your mental and physical health. If you plan to utilize a garden this year, now is the time to get everything in order. If you wait longer, you’ll begin missing out on potential crops.
SUDOKU
MUNCHIES WITH MOLLY
BAKED BEANS WITH GROUND MEAT Inspired by EatingWell.com
If you’re looking for a hearty comfort food this month, this recipe is for you! Use a lean meat of your choice to create this healthy dinner that will have your family begging for more.
INGREDIENTS •
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped
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1/4 cup molasses 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
2 15-oz cans navy beans, rinsed
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives for garnish
3/4 cup ketchup
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add oil, onion, and ground meat. Cook, stirring and crumbling meat with a wooden spoon until the onion has softened and the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. 2. Add beans, water, ketchup, molasses, mustard, garlic powder, and salt, then bring to a simmer. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring until bubbling and slightly thickened, 5–8 minutes. Garnish with chives.
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