Mild white fish is steamed over a mixture of tomatoes, zucchini, white wine, and herbs in this Low FODMAP Tilapia Italiano.
Self-worth is not determined by productivity
Last week I talked about spoon theory and how my physical ailments prevent me from doing everything that I want to do. While I’ve learned to structure my life in order to prevent further physical pain, with that comes feelings of guilt and failure. I have been thinking a lot lately about this idea (rather, misconception) of a person’s worth being directly tied to their monetary worth. We live in a capitalist society that values work and productivity above all else. But what happens when there are physical or mental illnesses that prevent someone from participating in the money-making machine?
I really wanted to share this because I suspect I’m not alone in fighting feelings of worthlessness. How do we cope? I know that people are worthy simply because they exist. No conditions. Do I place value on the people I care about depending on how much they work or make? No, of course not. However, applying that to myself is more difficult.
Why are we so hard on ourselves?
I’ve always been a very conscientious and hard worker (a perfectionist at times), believing that it would protect me from rejection and criticism. That it would lead to love and acceptance. Thinking like that has not served me well. It has resulted in depression, anxiety, IBS, and other physical manifestations. Deep down I know that I am worthy simply for being me, no matter how much money I make or how productive I am. But it is challenging to believe when, in our society, being “soooo busy” is expected and being disciplined to “work through the pain” is exalted.
Just know this. It’s okay to rest, to be idle, to take your time. It’s okay to not pursue material things. Life is not a competition. Don’t let others project their feelings onto you.
Let’s get to the recipe
Last week I shared my recipe for Low-FODMAP Crock Pot Brown Rice Risotto and I promised a recipe to serve with it. Here it is! Low FODMAP Tilapia Italiano. The two dishes were made for each other. I’m not sure how I came about combining the two recipes, but I’m glad I did. It’s such a warm, comforting, and filling meal. Easy and healthy too!
Low FODMAP Tilapia Italiano
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Fody Garlic Infused Oil
- 1 1/3 cup chopped zucchini (about 1 small)
- 1 – 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 – 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives, drained
- 2 tablespoons drained capers
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 lb. tilapia fillets
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and sauté until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, olives, capers, wine, herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer and continue to simmer 5 minutes.
- Place tilapia fillets on top of the tomato mixtures and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cover skillet and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes (or until fish flakes easily), flipping fish over halfway through.
- Serve fish with tomato mixture on top.
Notes
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