National Nutrition Month 2024: Beyond the Table

Many things come to mind when thinking about nutrition “beyond the table.” Perhaps your mind wanders to dreams of a romantic homestead full of rich produce and a laughing family. It might be that your heart is pulled toward the injustices and inequities faced by migrant farmers. Or maybe the memory of your grandmother cooking a traditional meal from your heritage plays in your mind.
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Mediterranean Salad

It’s a new year, and we’re all looking for a fresh (and refreshing) start! Nothing is quite as refreshing as a crispy crunchy cold wedge salad with a healthy twist. Blue cheese dressing is tasty, but it’s typically made with heavy cream and mayonnaise, making it high in saturated fat and not the most physically nourishing choice. This recipe has a Mediterranean alternative, made with heart-healthy olive oil and tahini.

The Mediterranean diet is known for its many health benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory qualities and positive effects regarding heart health and even cognitive well-being. If you’re looking for some easy nutrition guidelines to start 2024, Mediterranean is a good place to go.

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Pomegranate Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition! They are packed with fiber—with 1g of fiber for every teaspoon—and a good source of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. However, an interesting fact about omega-3 fatty acids is that they come in various forms. AHA, alpha-linolenic acid, is the form found in plant oils and is converted in the body into DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is then used by the body. Unfortunately, our bodies are not very good at this conversion process, and we must still directly consume foods high in EPA and DHA, such as cold-water fish, fortified foods or certain types of algae. Despite this, chia seeds are still a great addition to your diet; their healthy fats and fiber help you feel full and satisfied. Chia seeds are also high in protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B3 and zinc.

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Refreshing Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce 

It is HOT out, and all the hefty meats and sides that come with barbecue season can leave us feeling sluggish and tired. This recipe is a great break from that feeling. It’s light and refreshing, giving you the energy to move through the heat of summer.

Spring rolls are a great way to get in a ton of nutrition-dense veggies and include some antioxidant rich herbs like mint, cilantro or basil as well. This dish also packs in the plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats between the tofu and the peanut sauce—plus it’s so easy and fun to make!

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Healthy Tailgate Party

The big game is coming up soon!

It’s often hard to maintain healthy eating habits with the typical football party offerings, but you don’t have to sacrifice taste in order to eat healthy. Most every tailgate dish can be made healthier. 

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All About Heart Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of all deaths in the United States are from heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.  Because February is Heart Health Month, it seems fitting to discuss what constitutes heart disease, the risk factors and how we can improve our heart health this year.

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