Hi Friend,
Happy Sunday! I hope you and your loved ones are staying well. As I've said before....our circumstances vary, but this is challenging for everyone in different ways. My heart is heavy, but I continue to look for (and create!) joy each day and focus on our blessings. If you could use a smile, check out this video from the talented Alicia Keys, or this reminder to love hard on your beautiful body.
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed a theme recently: mental health. I'm glad I have so many practices dialed in for my physical health, because right now I feel like my emotional well-being requires some extra focus. Here're a few things I'm thinking about and resources I hope you find useful:
Know what makes you tick
I'm a big fan of Gretchen Rubin, a writer on happiness, good habits, and human nature. Her Four Tendencies Framework is very useful if you're trying to create new routines or having to rework your healthy habits (quiz here). I've loved her books and I'm a big fan of her podcast, Happier. You can also get daily tips and inspiration from her on Instagram.
Move around outside
Daily walks are an important part of my routine. They include two of the best, natural antidepressants out there: sunlight and exercise. In fact, research shows that just 20 mins in a park or outdoors can make you happier.
Mix it up
One of the hardest parts of quarantine is that it can feel pretty monotonous. I think it's helpful to be deliberate about shaking things up and to lighten the mood. We've had fun doing Fancy Fridays, listening to lots of music, and getting creative with our meals.
Easter prep & tips
Like many other parents, I'm starting to think about Easter and what I can do to create a special holiday for our children. Call me a health-nut (sorry, not sorry!), but this year, one perk is that we parents have complete control over what ends up in those baskets. Here're a few tips:
- If you read my Healthy Living Jumpstart Guide, you know I'm not a fan of artificial colors or flavors. I'll be blunt: those two are on my short list of things I try to avoid 100%. For our kids, these are a double whammy between the well-documented health and behavioral issues. If you do want to include sweets, look for high quality chocolate or something that doesn't include artificial ingredients or flavors.
- Food for thought: be mindful about linking holidays and special occasions with sugary treats. Aside from countless reasons why these chemicals, refined sugar, and processed oils are no good, I also have concerns about creating a psychological connection between sweets and happiness, reinforced year-round through every holiday and celebration.
- We have personalized, reusable baskets from a local treasure, All She Wrote (owned by my amazing and hard-working sister-in-law). They have a great selection of gifts for both children and adults (here's what I'm getting my husband for our evening walks ;)). They're still doing monogramming and shipping orders around the country. #shopsmall ♥
- Consider picking up some wooden Easter eggs (also available here) for decorating and your egg hunt (bonus: they're reusable and cut plastic waste!). I'm also including some organic cotton PJs, spring-themed silicone molds, and art supplies for my preschooler. I know my little ones will love the egg hunt, their special baskets and a great brunch. I guarantee no one will make a peep (pun intended) about the lack of candy.
Recipe of the week
This Instant Pot carnitas recipe is the bomb, if I do say so myself. I love these on Siete cassava tortillas or in cabbage cups served with a simple slaw, sliced avocado, lime, and a skinny margarita.
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| | Thank you so much for reading and for staying connected during this crazy time. I hope you stay well, spread joy when you can, give yourself grace, and extend that to the people around you as much as possible. Sending you a big hug!
Please pass this along to someone who'd enjoy these healthy tips! |
| Be well,
Jess
P.S. Did someone forward this email to you? Let's stay in touch! I'd love to include you on future newsletters and connect on Instagram. |
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I always appreciate feedback, recipe ratings, and your comments on my blog and Instagram posts! If you make any of the recipes I've posted, I'd love to see! Tag @kaleifornian_ and/or use hashtag #kaleifornianeats when you share a pic on Instagram. And shoot me a note if you tried something different or have a tip that you think should be in the write-up. Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me. ♥
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