It has come to my attention that I may not be as young as I think I am. This has been rudely pointed out to me by a nagging case of “Trigger Finger” that locks-up the middle finger of my right hand. The very first thing they tell you is that it’s more predominant in women over 40. Really? Do you have to just come at me like that? How about easing into it a little? Tell me it’s because I do so much hand/craft work, or too much keyboarding, not the age thing right out of the gate. Geesh. So, when I started thinking about what to give up for Lent this year, it seemed like a glaringly obvious answer; I need a reboot.
With computers, a reboot will cure many an ill. I’m hoping that will be the case for me. My initial sacrifice was going to be no alcohol for Lent. It’s not like I’m in need of an intervention, but let’s be honest, Mama likes wine. Well… it’s only 46 days. And it is supposed to be something that is really a sacrifice. Actually, the traditional Lenten sacrifice is forty days because Sundays are excluded as days of celebration. Aha! A free-day once a week…this is sounding better.
Then I thought, hey, while I’m at it, why not really make this a worthwhile month-and-a-half? I’m a huge believer in the healing powers of food. We already eat a lot of vegetables, but maybe I could focus on some that are known to reduce inflammation and help my finger. Hmm…okay…
In doing my due diligence, I found out that there are a few foods that the arthritis folks say could help:
- Olive oil
- Citrus fruits, berries, and cherries
- Carrots, squash, sweet potatoes (orange hued vegetables)
- Whole grains
- Ginger
- Pineapple
I like these foods, so incorporating them into my reboot shouldn’t be a big deal. I’m also going to try to do better at getting to bed early. I am by nature a morning person—much to The Hub’s dismay. Usually my brain is going a hundred miles an hour before my feet hit the floor in the morning. Since I am most productive and creative at this time of the day, it shouldn’t be wasted lying in bed.
And of course the other piece of the reboot has got to be activity. Since it’s been below zero most days in Minnesota this winter, there’s been no running outside. That’s no excuse to not use the equipment we have inside. I need to do at least 30 minutes of something most days of my reboot to really make the most of it. After all, it won’t be long and we’ll be sleeveless, complaining about the heat!
Vegetable Cutlets…Mix and match your faves!
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 T olive oil
- 1/2 C corn
- 1/2 C peas (frozen is best, canned may be too soft)
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/3 C Panko crumbs
- 1/3 C bread crumbs
- salt, pepper, and whatever spices you like
Peel potatoes and carrots. Cut them into 3-4 pieces and put them to boil until fork tender. Sauté onion and garlic in the olive oil until slightly browned. Drain the water and run potato and carrot through a ricer or mash them gently into a mixing bowl. Add in the egg, corn, peas, onion, and garlic, stirring just to combine. Roll the mixture into 25-30 balls. In a bowl combine the bread and Panko crumbs. If the crumbs are not already seasoned, this is a good chance to add some extra flavor. Squish the balls down a little and dip into the crumbs, pressing a bit to make sure they pick up the crumbs. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Place the cutlets onto the sheet and bake at 375° for ten minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully flip the patties over; bake for another ten minutes. Enjoy!
Fresh Air Musings 