Wellness Works is a magazine published by Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union.
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/701583
FOR GOOD HEALTH Grdei Grdei A GARDEN IS MORE THAN JUST AN ATTRACTIVE ADDITION TO YOUR YARD. IT CAN YIELD DELICIOUS FOODS AND AID IN BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. GARDENING HAS LONG been a passion and means of sustenance for many people. Today, with a rising obesity epidemic and expensive produce prices, gardens provide multiple benefits. Through gardening, you can: > Burn calories. Digging, weeding and planting for an hour can be as effective as going for a run. You can burn more than 200 calories, plus you get the satisfaction of working with your hands. > Improve your diet. From cilantro to peppers to tomatoes, a vegetable or herb garden can provide healthy food and encourage a yummy and diverse diet. A vegetable-rich diet improves heart health, digestion and overall wellness. > Improve your state of mind. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e A m e r i c a n Horticultural Therapy Association, gardening has been shown to be therapeutic and has been used to mentally rehabilitate people who suffer from anxiety, depression and other conditions. Gardening is also a creative endeavor that promotes positive feelings, engages you with nature, provides a sense of purpose and involves a lot of sunshine—all things that enhance mental health. Just be sure to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors! Tasty Snacks A garden can provide many tasty treats as part of an entrée, a side dish or a salad. Consider these healthful options: • Bruschetta. Place freshly harvested and washed tomatoes, basil and onion in a food processor and finely chop to make bruschetta. This mouthwatering spread goes perfectly on low-fat crackers or thinly sliced and toasted Italian or French bread. • Kale chips. For a delicious snack, wash and dry kale in a salad spinner and remove the stems. Lightly coat kale with a little olive oil and season with a bit of salt. Bake the kale leaves on a cookie sheet in a 275-degree oven for about 20 minutes. • Spicy chicken with a twist. Slice your favorite variety of fresh peppers and onions, grill them lightly (if preferred), then layer with hot sauce over grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Serve with a side of celery and Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dressing.