Anti-inflammatory recipes are packed with antioxidant-rich plants, fiber, healthy fats, lean proteins, and beneficial plant compounds, which help prevent and manage chronic inflammation, promoting overall health. Here are a few delicious anti-inflammatory recipes.
Cherry Smoothie Bowl with Dark Chocolate, Almonds, and Blueberries
Ingredients (For 2 Servings):
● 1½ cups unsweetened soy milk
● 1 tablespoon almond butter
● 2 cups frozen sweet cherries
● ⅓ cup red bell pepper (chopped)
● 1 medjool date (pitted and chopped)
● 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings:
● 1 teaspoon dark chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
● ¼ cup blueberries
● 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
Preparation:
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend on high speed until it gets smooth. Garnish each serving with fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or chocolate shavings, and a scattering of sliced almonds.
Bulgur Salad With Roasted Peppers, Pine Nuts, Chickpeas, and Honey Cumin Dressing
Ingredients (For 6 Servings):
● 1 ½ cups bulgur wheat
● 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
● 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers (diced)
● ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
● ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (minced)
Dressing:
● 2 teaspoons honey
● 1 teaspoon ground cumin
● ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
● ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon kosher salt
● ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Parboil the bulgur wheat according to the package directions and drain thoroughly. Transfer the cooked bulgur to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing until well combined. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing achieves a smooth consistency. Add the pine nuts, red peppers, chickpeas, and parsley to the bowl of bulgur. Drizzle the tangy dressing over the bulgur mixture and toss gently to ensure an even coating. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, according to your preference. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Chicken and Crispy Cauliflower Sheet Pan Meal With Tahini Herb Sauce
Ingredients (For 4 Servings):
● 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
● 1 large head cauliflower (stem and leaves trimmed, cut into slices from top to bottom)
● 1 small purple onion (sliced into quarters)
● 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
● 1 tablespoon ground cumin
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
● 1 teaspoon paprika
● ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
● Fresh lemon for garnish
● Fresh parsley for garnish
Herbed Tahini Sauce:
● ⅓ cup tahini
● 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
● 3–4 tablespoons water
● ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
● ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
● 1 tablespoon fresh mint
● ¼ cup fresh cilantro
● ¼ cup fresh parsley
● 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the dry spices in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, toss the purple onion and the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the spice mixture. Arrange the cauliflower and onions evenly spaced on a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes, turning once at the 10-minute mark. Place the chicken thighs in the same bowl and toss them with the remaining spice mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and add the chicken thighs to the sheet pan, distributing them evenly among the vegetables. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes. In a food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients except water. Process until smooth, adding water gradually. Serve the roasted cauliflower and chicken thighs drizzled with the herbed tahini sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
The “No” Travel List: Where Not to Travel in 2020 – And Why?
There are many great places to see in the world, but there are some travel destinations that are better left alone…at least for a while. So, if you’re looking for places that you should reconsider traveling to, here are 5.
1. Barcelona
This century-old city has a serious over-tourism issue that isn’t going away any time soon. No matter how many bus rerouting systems and pavement expansions the city authorities make, people will still suffer lining up to witness the grandeur of Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. If you like air and freedom, spare yourself the trip to Barcelona.
2. Big Sur
California has its fair share of must-visit places, and Big Sur has gradually become one of the go-to destinations in the sun-kissed state. The completion of Highway 1 and the free publicity from NBO’s popular Big Little Lies series have made this once secluded piece of paradise, an overly-visited area with little roadside facilities in between stops like public bathrooms, for example.
3. Bali
The hub of culture and diverse cuisine that Indonesia’s most visited island offers has created an unstoppable wave of tourism that affects both the environment and the travel experience, in general. To combat the sinister effect of uncontrolled travel, the government has started taking strict measures like banning the use of single-use plastic and considering the introduction of a tourist tax.
4. Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cambodia’s most visited attraction, Angkor Wat is definitely suffering from its own popularity. The temple complex that is more than 900 years old has sustained significant damage due to the constant influx of tourists. To decrease the rate of damage, authorities have put a limit on the daily number of tourists allowed to visit the temples. So, if you’re planning to travel there, keep in mind two things: you will often be surrounded by annoying tourists, and you may have to wait a while to get there in the first place. Decisions, decisions…
5. Matterhorn: A Catastrophic Risk
Matterhorn is a famous destination in Switzerland for a number of climbers from all around the world. However picturesque it may be from afar, that is exactly how you should see it – from afar. The prominent Swiss peak has and continues to take lives each year. In 2018 and 2019 combined, a total of 18 people fell to their fatal end while trying to conquer nature.