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NAVIGATING OUR MID-LIFE MILESTONE OUR JOURNEY INTO A PLANT-BASED DIET AND HEALTH
Reaching a milestone birthday, particularly the halfway mark to 80, often triggers reflection on the path behind you and contemplation of the journey ahead. Many questions may arise about whether you’re “over the hill,” if you should be experiencing a mid-life crisis, and what the next four decades may look like. This 40th birthday led us to scrutinize our health practices, drawing inspiration from our active parents and what we could do to remain healthy into our children’s later years. As we embarked on this self-discovery journey, we dove into literature and documentaries that challenged all we knew about aging and health. Books like “How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger and Gene Stone became incredibly enlightening, providing insight into nutrition and longevity. Read Across America Week is this month, so it’s a perfect opportunity to pick up this bestselling book. Doctor Greger, from the UNC School of Medicine, says of the book, “I am pretty sure that there is no one source that can adequately describe the relationship between what we eat and our overall health, but I am really glad that science can aid us in figuring this stuff out — and that we, as health care providers, advocates, and consumers, have the ability and desire to make sense of the wealth of information available to us.” Despite all this, shows like “Game Changers,” “What the Health,” and “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” on Netflix indeed turned our perspective of our diet on its head. The information caused us to question our beliefs about moderation, the healthiness of chicken, and the benefits of eggs, cheese, and milk as we learned about the long-term impacts of these dietary choices on
our health. These documentaries emphasized the transformative power of a plant-based diet. We were intrigued and motivated by the promise of this enhanced vitality and longevity, so we decided to make this profound shift in our habits. The transition is, of course, challenging. We can’t say we don’t cheat every so often, but adopting this diet has brought about an immediate and noticeable improvement in our overall well-being. We have more energy and enhanced vitality, and we just feel better. This isn’t to say we’re cutting out meat or animal products for our entire lives. We love Raindancer Steakhouse, the restaurant over in West Palm Beach, and a good steak dinner for Ashley’s birthday this month will inevitably be happening. Ultimately, our goal is not just to witness our children’s and eventual grandchildren’s milestones but to actively participate in them just as our parents do — throwing baseballs, walking dogs, and making memories alongside us. Our newfound commitment to this plant-based lifestyle extends beyond our personal benefits; it’s a proactive step toward embracing a future for ourselves and our children. We’re committed to defying traditional notions of diet and their role in aging us, opting for a path that aligns with our aspirations for the future. We hope this journey inspires others to consider the impact your diet may have on your lifestyle. We wish you much health and happiness on your path. –Ashley and Christopher Bruce
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BIGFOOT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES!?
A WASHINGTON COUNTY’S UNIQUE HUNTING BAN
SPRING HARVEST: CHANGING HABITS WITH FARM-TO-TABLE METHODS Though winter makes a gentle exit for us Floridians, the arrival of spring invites us to shed the old and embrace the new. This includes lifestyle habits around how you source and prepare meals. If you haven’t already tried it, we encourage you to try the farm-to-table approach to healthier eating with seasonal foods! And anyone can give it a go with the help of shows, books, and recipes. Here’s how it works. Acquire fresh produce. We’re all familiar with the amazing oranges our state produces, but we’ve got an abundance of fresh foods ripening as the seasons change. Three local options are fresh strawberries, lush lettuce, and succulent tomatoes. To purchase, visit your local farmers market or pick the produce yourself if it’s available (strawberries are a good choice here). These activities can become enjoyable family days out or dates with your partner with the added benefit of having an accountability buddy. Prepare your new finds. The next step to achieving this farm-to-table goal is cooking those fresh ingredients. Fortunately, numerous healthy recipe websites provide millions of ideas to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. From simple salads to elaborate entrees, platforms like Food Network, America’s Test Kitchen, or New York Times Cooking offer recipes catering to all tastes and skill levels, making the journey toward a healthier diet fun and attainable. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmers market or a U-pick farm will add a homegrown touch to your farm-to-table meal. To learn even more, you can watch shows like “What the Health” on Netflix or read “The Science of Nutrition” by Rhiannon Lambert to understand further the positive effects of using fresh, seasonal food in your quest for a healthier lifestyle. In essence, seasonal change can influence a mindset makeover. Initiating a farm- to-table approach is just one way to do so. The seasonal produce and the wealth of information available through online platforms, shows, and books are a powerful catalyst for positive change. We hope the warmth of our Sunshine State sun can produce a profound shift in your perspective, just as it has for us.
Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla-like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence.
While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters.
County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
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While the shift from winter to spring is more subtle for us in the Sunshine State than in other parts of the U.S., it’s a natural time to reset. In spring, longer days return, and mild temperatures encourage more folks to spend time outdoors, providing an excellent opportunity to begin revitalizing our health and relationships. As mentioned on Page 2, many fruits and vegetables are emerging from the soil, and farmers markets are bursting with fresh produce, which will help shift your diet toward fresh, nutrient-rich meals. Then, because of the warmer but still pleasant temperatures, it’s easier to enjoy brisk evening walks or a rejuvenating yoga session at the park, all of which help us recommit to your physical health. Better yet, this weather can encourage more relationship-building moments. The season’s spirit of growth can make it easier to nurture connections with those most important to you. Simple activities like a picnic in the park or a bird-watching course can be great opportunities to reconnect EAT BETTER, GET ACTIVE, AND RECONNECT! SPRINGING FORWARD
with people without much expense. You can also distance yourself from toxic negativity and rebuild positively. We encourage you to express gratitude for your loved ones and make time to spend this beautiful season with them. Spring is an annual reminder that change and renewal are both inevitable and beautiful. It encourages us to start fresh in every aspect of our lives, especially health and relationships. As the world around us blooms again, let’s take some inspiration from the season and embark on our own journey of renewal.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
BLF getting active at Drive Shack
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
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1 onion, diced
Directions
2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground coriander
1.
Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
2.
1 tsp paprika
3. 4.
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 14-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Salt and pepper, to taste
5.
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Trying a New Lifestyle Isn’t Impossible page 1
Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington Have You Tried Farm-to-Table Meals? page 2
A Seasonal Shift Toward Renewal Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala page 3
The Ins and Outs of ESG Investment page 4
ESG: THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ETHICAL INVESTMENT HOW INVESTORS RANK ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Who determines what companies are ESG-conscious?
Investment and ethics can sometimes be at odds with one another. Historically, investors haven’t prioritized the moral implications of giving money to companies with dubious business practices. Today, some people hesitate to invest in companies that compromise their values, but with ESG, they can have a clear conscience. Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is a new investment approach that gives investors a real voice. What does ESG mean? E is the environmental category and refers to companies following sustainable business practices or creating products that combat climate change, deforestation, and other environmental concerns. S is for social, which emphasizes human rights and community relationships — for example, fair trade certification, which warrants that producers of a product are fairly compensated for their work. This would be absolutely necessary for investors in social- oriented organizations. G gives investors a standard for corporate governance to ensure companies have equitable compensation for employees.
in ethical investing can lead you in the right direction, showing you companies with solid returns while following sustainable business practices. Some prefer to put their money in ESG mutual funds. Experienced brokers and managers invest for you, picking organizations that show promise in growth and ethical impact. Some focus on specific parts of ESG, especially environmental investment. ESG is about Investing in your values. ESG investment is a revolution in ethical investing, streamlining the process to help ethically conscious companies. But it’s not an accident: A network of research firms, funds, and brokerages work to support this new method of ethical investing. You shouldn’t have to sell your soul to make money on your investments. The bottom line is to be smart about your investments. Do your homework before making any investment decisions so you can earn the best returns in a way most compatible with your values and financial goals.
Research firms like Bloomberg compile stats on a wide variety of companies to ensure investors know where they’re putting their money. Researchers look at annual reports, company structure, and other factors to determine ESG scores. They use a 1–100 scale; the higher the number, the better their ESG ranking. How do I invest in ESG? There are several methods to find and invest in ESG- conscious companies. Financial advisors specializing
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