Courtesy of Ryan Torris

Spinach Artichoke Dip

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • ½ cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • Tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, and garlic; mix well. Stir in artichokes and spinach. Transfer to a greased 4- or 5-cup broiler-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. 2. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Preheat broiler. Place baking dish on a baking sheet. Broil 4-6 inches from heat until top is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Courtesy tasteofhome.com

THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME DIFFERENT ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME, ME.”

PIGLET, CHARACTER IN THE WINNIE-THE-POOH SERIES BY A.A. MILNE

MINDFUL EATING Being mindful in the sense that you’re fully present in the moment and aware of your feelings and thoughts is not a new concept and has long been practiced as a way to find a deeper connection and understanding of yourself and the world you find yourself in. Mindful eating is another aspect of this mindset and can improve digestion, prevent overeating and even help you absorb more nutrients from a meal. A key in mindful eating is to remove distractions like your cell phone, the television or a noisy dishwasher during mealtime. This will allow you to focus more on what you’re eating and how your body is responding. When practicing mindful eating, take the time to taste each bite, chew slowly, put your utensils down between bites, acknowledge what nutrients you’re consuming and pay attention to your hunger cues. You’ll want to engage all of your senses while eating and pay attention to your body telling you you’re full or still hungry or not enjoying a particular taste or smell on your plate. Mindful eating is something that will take time to adjust to so be patient with yourself and if you’re unsure of how to proceed with becoming more mindful, consult a specialist or do more research on the subject