CHICKEN WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
Chicken on black round plate
Photo by Anshu A on UnsplashINGREDIENTS
Ingredients for 4 rolls
- 1lb (four 4oz pieces) chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chipotle raspberry sauce
- 1/4 cup for marinating
- 1/4 cup for basting
- 16 thick asparagus spears
- aluminum foil (for tips of asparagus)
- Garnish
- finely chopped cilantro or parsley
- Fire up a grill to roughly 300F-350F (177C).
- Slice larger, thicker pieces of chicken breasts in half – butterfly cut – to make thinner pieces of chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then gently flatten out the chicken using a food mallet or the bottom of a heavier skillet. Careful not to pulverize the chicken.
- Season with a little pepper, then add the pieces to a sealable plastic bag along with half of the raspberry sauce. Seal the bag, leaving as little air as possible, and marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or 1 hour in the fridge.
- Remove the pieces of chicken from the bag. Place about 4 spears of asparagus at the thicker end of the chicken breast, then tightly roll it closed with the smaller, thinner side down. Repeat.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill with the flap side down so it cooks closed.
- Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, then flip. Use the remaining sauce to baste the (cooked side of) chicken after you flip it. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is white on the inside. Brush the remaining sauce over the chicken again and garnish.
- Enjoy the rolls with brown rice, quinoa, roasted potato or even cauliflower rice for a lower carbohydrate alternative.
CHIPOTLE RASPBERRY SAUCE
Strawberry and blueberry on white ceramic plate
Photo by Inja Pavlić on UnsplashINGREDIENTS
Ingredients for 16 servings (of 2 tbsp each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 15oz fresh raspberries
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar (add more/less to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke (whichever flavor you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons coconut sugar (or honey/agave or 2g Stevia in the raw)
- 3 tablespoons can chipotle sauce (more/less to desired spice level)
- 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- Set a nonstick skillet on medium heat, add olive oil, garlic and onion. Caramelize the onions for 3 minutes and be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add cumin and "bloom" the spice in the oil for 1 minute.
- Add fresh raspberries. Gently push them around the skillet and allow them to explode under the heat to create a sauce. About 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add vinegar, Worcestershire, liquid smoke and coconut sugar. Bring it a simmer, about 1 to 2 minutes, then add chipotle sauce (and if desired, one chipotle pepper to simmer in the sauce). Cook together on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure no sticking.
- Mix arrowroot starch with water, then pour into the skillet. Stir immediately to avoid any clumping.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to thicken more. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. If you want the sauce to be thinner, add tablespoons of vinegar or broth.
- Store in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Since April 12, 2023, I've been doing daily cold therapy at home in my plunge tub, and I want to share the personal benefits I've seen it have on my life as well as the science behind the process. If doing cold therapy is a goal of yours, keep reading for tips and resources for you to start your cold therapy journey.
The Physical Benefits of Ice Baths
I originally started doing ice baths in 2018 to reduce muscle soreness after an intense workout, but now I use them as a method to reduce inflammation in my knees and perform at a higher level during workouts. I recently had a double meniscus repair on my right knee, and daily ice baths have helped with my recovery process as well.
Since beginning cold therapy daily, I've seen an increase in my energy levels and improvement in my sleep patterns. Even though my workload has remained the same or slightly increased at times, I've been able to maintain my level of energy throughout the day without feeling completely depleted by the end of the night. Likewise, I used to have intense insomnia, but now I'm averaging 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
In addition to the direct benefits I've experienced in my physical health, science has shown that cold therapy can also boost your immune system, increase blood flow, reduce chronic pain, and boost your metabolism.
The Mental Benefits of Ice Baths
Since incorporating daily ice baths into my daily routine, I've noticed that when I get overwhelmed and feel stressed, I'm able to better manage my anxiety and control my nervous system. One method that is taught to novice ice bathers is utilizing your breath as you enter the cold water. This teaches you how to calm down your fight, flight or freeze response.
By understanding how to use my breath in stressful situations and practicing this usage daily, I'm able to implement this same practice when I feel anxiety or panic attacks coming on in my everyday life. Let's be clear: I still have anxiety, but I’m able to breathe through those moments and quickly move past them.
In addition, another benefit I've found is mental clarity and awareness. This is one of the top benefits I receive from ice baths. Learning how to direct my thoughts and focus with my breath, I find clarity even in stressful moments. Though I’ve been bombarded with a variety of tasks and obstacles daily, I’ve been able to navigate through with a clear mind. This also allows me to articulate my thoughts and emotions more clearly because I’m more aware of what I’m experiencing in real time.
Lastly, daily cold therapy teaches you discipline and commitment to yourself and your goals. It allows you to focus on one thing at a time and teaches you how to be present in the moment. It's also a daily reminder that you can do hard and uncomfortable things even when they seem impossible.
Resources
If you're interested in learning more about starting your own ice bath practice I'd suggest looking into these resources and following these experienced cold therapists.
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Featured image courtesy of Christa Janine
The Great Report
2020 Global Report Sheet
