What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is state of being. It’s not a specific exercise or activity. Being mindful is characterized by having a heightened sense of awareness and acceptance (without judgement). It doesn’t involve clearing your mind or getting lost in your thoughts. On the contrary, you are aware of physical sensations, thoughts and feelings as they occur, completely in the present moment. When you notice a thought, such as ‘I feel anxious,’ you leave it there. You don’t judge the feeling, elaborate on it or try to change it. Simply observe it.

You tune into sounds, smells, notice how your body moves and feels. You pay attention to your breathing. It’s a matter of taking everything in through a sense of awareness and peace. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, such as through meditation, a walk in nature, eating with mindfulness and being aware of all of your senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling. You are not distracted with thoughts but are present in the moment, in the place, taking everything in.

Why practice mindfulness? Benefits include improved mental processing speed, focus and clarity, less intense/frequent feelings of anxiety and depression, improved adaptability during times of stress, decreased rumination and an enhanced ability to manage your emotions.

Delicate Herbs Dictionary

Herbs and spices are a true goldmine. So versatile, exciting and healthy. Many herbs offer anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer and antioxidant benefits. Herbs contain plant chemicals that promote heart health. Get started today adding delicate flavor with these milder herbs. Add to your recipes in the final minutes of cooking. Consider snipping into tiny pieces with sharp scissors.

• Chervil – often used in French cuisine, along with tarragon, parsley and chives, aka ‘Fines Herbes.’ Has a subtle parsley/licorice flavor. Resembles carrot top leaves. Can be used at the end of cooking process or in cold food prep. Great with string beans, green salads and tomatoes as well as soups, fish and meat dishes.
• Chives – Has a light onion, mild garlic flavor. Particularly easy to snip with scissors. Add to seafood dishes, eggs and omelets, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes and salads.
• Dill – Particularly delicate flavor. Use leaves on fish and seafood dishes, and with vegetables, including cucumbers, green beans, potatoes and potato salad, tomatoes and beets. This feathery herb is delicious in tzatziki sauce.
• Mint – Refreshing, bright, slightly sweet taste. Comes other varieties: spearmint, orange/apple/lemon and peppermint. Use in dessert recipes, beverages (such as iced tea and cocktails) and salads, including grain and veggie salads (tabbouleh). Goes well with lamb and other veggies including corn and potatoes, string beans, eggplant and tomatoes.
• Parsley, – Subtle flavor, faintly herbal. There are 2 main types, flat-leafed and curly (also known as Italian parsley). The flavor is generally better in the flat-leafed variety. Works well in tomato sauces, salads and salad dressings, nearly all vegetables, widely used as a garnish, in marinades, seafood, meat, egg and seafood dishes.

Cilantro lime chicken

Cilantro lime chicken

A simple and tasty grilled or baked chicken dish.

Ingredients (5 servings)

Juice of 4 limes and zest of 1 lime
2 TB olive oil
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
1 tbs freshly ground black pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (may also use chicken thighs or breasts)

Whisk the lime juice, zest, oil, cilantro, salt, garlic and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour, may marinate overnight. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess and discard remaining marinade. Cook on a preheated grill, turning occasionally, until done. Juices should run clear and internal temp (near bone) should read 165 degrees. Takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. You may also cook this in a 350 degree oven, about 30 minutes.