A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 P S I B E W E L L N E W S L E T T E R Ingredients • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 medium cucumber, chopped • 1 bell pepper, diced • 1 cup sliced snap peas • 1 cup fresh corn kernels • ½ small red onion, diced • ½ cup crumbled soft goat cheese • ½ cup roasted sunflower seed kernels • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil Vinaigrette • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 medium clove garlic, pressed or minced • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt • Pepper to taste Directions 1. In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, snap peas, corn, red onion, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds. 2. In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper 3. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine well. Health Coach Tip: Serve with grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a complete meal with all the delicious flavors of summer! This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Late Summer Salad Reduce Your Caffeine Intake Caffeine can offer real benefits, including sharper focus, improved alertness and better athletic performance. However, consuming too much can lead to anxiety, disrupted sleep, digestive discomfort, increased heart rate and dependency. Cutting back rather than quitting cold turkey can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue while still lowering your overall intake. Consider the following guidance for reducing your caffeine intake: • Cut back gradually. Reduce your intake in small increments, such as swapping one caffeinated drink per day for a decaffeinated option. This approach can help minimize withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability and fatigue. • Track your daily intake. Coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine. It can also be in tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate and some medications. Keeping a simple log for a few days can help you see your true intake and identify where to cut back first • Watch the timing of your last cup. Caffeine can stay in your system for six hours or longer. Avoid consuming it in the afternoon and evening to help protect your sleep quality. • Stay hydrated and keep blood sugar steady. Drinking water throughout the day and eating regular, balanced meals can reduce fatigue and cravings that might otherwise tempt you to reach for caffeine. • Find substitutes that fit the habit, not just the drink . If caffeine is tied to a routine, like a morning ritual or afternoon break, replace it with herbal tea, caffeine-free sparkling water or a short walk so you keep the habit without the caffeine.