2 days Ago By Olivia Thiede
Food is a connector — it nourishes, brings people together and unites cultures. In March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s a time to explore the opportunities for making informed food choices and maintaining an active lifestyle.
This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” reminds us that sharing a meal allows us to learn about ingredients, traditions, memories, health benefits, seasonal sourcing and more. National Nutrition Month also celebrates Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who help translate the connection between nutrition science, cultural foods, and our health.Food choices and genetic history have a cumulative impact on our health.
Here are four positive ways to connect with food this month:1) Explore cultural foods: The flavor of food spans the world. Connect by sharing a recipe that has family roots — Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican and more. History helps explain the uniqueness of each cuisine.
In most cases, original food systems adapted to the agricultural land became the base for cultural food development. For example, the sunny, arid climate in Southern Italy allows for the cultivation of tomatoes, olives and grains (pasta) — all key ingredients in Italian cuisine.2) Cook together: What better way to connect with family and friends than by preparing a meal? Plan an ethnic-themed night.
Boost the meal with coordinated decorations and tableware. Encourage participation with a menu-planning session when everyone gets a say in the day! Remember to balance the meal with plenty of nutrient-rich, colorful fruits and vegetables.3) Break bread: Bread is the staff of life and one of the oldest staple foods in civilization.
Every culture has its variation: Baguette (France), Naan (India), Lefse (Norway), Ciabatta (Italy), Pita (Middle East), Tortilla (Mexico) and Rye Bread (Germany/Eastern Europe).4) Rave about root vegetables and tubers: Root vegetables (carrots, radishes, turnips, beets) and tubers (yams, potatoes, sweet potatoes) have long been significant cultural foods. Sweet potatoes (which may also be classified as a root vegetable) are celebrated as a symbol of abundance in harvest festivals in the southern states of the U.
S. yam festivals are common throughout African and Caribbean countries, highlighting them as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. Root vegetables and tubers also rank high on the nutrition scale with rich sources of nutrients and fiber.
Try a tasty sandwich recipe featuring root vegetables below!This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.Vegan beet and sweet potato sandwich - Serves 4All you need: 2 small red beets 2 small golden beets 1 medium sweet potato 1 1⁄2 tbsp.
olive oil 1 tsp. ground cumin 8 (1/2-in.) slices Whole Grain Bread or sourdough bread 1⁄3 cup vegan mayonnaise substitute 1 cup baby arugula 2 avocados 12 small fresh basil leavesAll you do:1.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with foil; spray with nonstick spray.2.
Arrange red and golden beets on one side of the prepared baking pan and sweet potato on the other.Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin — roast 18 to 20 minutes or until fork tender, tossing halfway through.3.
To serve, spread one side of each slice of toasted bread with vegan mayonnaise. Layer half the toasted bread slices with arugula, red and golden beets, sweet potato, avocado and basil. Top with remaining toasted bread slices, mayonnaise sides down, and cut in half.
Recipe Source: Vegan Beet and Sweet Potato Sandwich | Hy-VeeOlivia Thiede is a Hy-Vee corporate registered dietitian.]]>.
