The best part about this diet – it is not actually a diet. The Mediterranean Diet is an eating pattern that is used to promote more heart healthy foods. The basis of the pattern came from the traditional diet of the residents of mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. Through this pattern, we want to start to think about our habits and traditions surrounding foods and how we can design our plate to support the heart to do its job more efficiently. Small changes to your current diet can help promote a more heart healthy way of eating.
Eat more plant based foods. This means incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Add heart healthy fats. To help the heart function better, we want to decrease the amount of saturated and trans fats we consume. Try adding in more unsaturated fat sources such as olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel). Think of butter as a “sometimes” food rather than a daily food.
Embrace herbs and spices. Food tastes only as good as it is prepared. Keep the salt shaker in the cabinet and experiment with other herbs and spices. You could even start a small herb garden right in your windowsill for fresh herbs to use as needed.
Limit red meat to no more than 3 times per month. Red meat makes it harder for your heart to function the way it would like to. Decreasing this meat source means decreasing cholesterol and decreasing the fats that cause build up in your arteries- a win-win.
Incorporate more fish and poultry. These proteins are not only going to help you feel full, but they also contain less saturated fats than red meat does. The omega-3’s found in salmon have been found to naturally reduce inflammation.
Enjoy meals with loved ones. The Western diet culture promotes a fast paced way of eating. Try getting back to your roots by sitting down to a homemade dinner with family. Cooking and eating together is a great way to share recipes and appreciate the company of those around you. Try alternating cooking duties so that different individuals can contribute to the process.
Include healthy movement. Find a form of movement that you truly enjoy. The gym may not pull your interest – and that is okay. Begin to explore different activities and see what works for you. Exploring local hiking trails, taking a walk with a friend, or even searching YouTube for a workout you can do from your living room are great ways to get your body moving.
Keep in mind that any changes to regular meal patterns take time. When starting out, try choosing just one these changes per week to begin implementing, and allow yourself the time to comfortably adjust.
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February Harvest: Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a member of the same family as kale, cauliflower and mustard greens. They are a cruciferous vegetable and closely resemble a mini cabbage. Along with their yummy taste, these little guys provide a ton of health benefits.
Each 1/2 cup serving of cooked Brussels sprouts provides 28 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber. Their high fiber content helps to support regularity, gastrointestinal health and has also been associated with improved heart health and blood sugar control. Brussels sprouts are also high in vitamin K – which aids in blood clotting (talk to your dietitian if you are on a blood thinner). The vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost immune function and tissue repair.
Brussels sprouts are also very versatile – enjoy them roasted, boiled, sautéed or baked.
Tangy Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 pound trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 3 tbsp chopped pecans toasted
Instructions
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Heat olive oil and crushed red pepper in a large skillet over medium-high. Add trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, cut sides down. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
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Add pomegranate juice and white balsamic vinegar. Cook, tossing often, until sauce thickens, about 5 to 6 minutes.
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Top with crumbled goat cheese and chopped toasted pecans.
January Harvest: Leeks
Leeks are a member of the same lily family as onions but are a slightly sweeter and not as overwhelming in recipes. European chefs actually call leeks “poor man’s asparagus,” as the leek is a distant relative of asparagus. Don’t be fooled by this dismissive description – the leek actually has many positive health benefits you do not want to miss out on! Leeks are a great source of vitamin A, C, and folate, which translate to vision, immunity, and cell regeneration. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked and incorporated into salads, soups and many other favorite dishes in place of (or in addition to) onions.
Select leeks with as much light green and white coloring as possible that are crisp and firm. Do not choose leeks that are withered or have any yellow discoloration present. Wash them well and remove any roots and hard green leaves before preparing. Horizontally slice the leek from above the root to the green end and submerge in a bowl of cold water to remove debris. Alternatively, feel free to slice into thin strips and clean the same way.
Pro Tip: Store leeks in the refrigerator for a maximum of two weeks in tightly wrapped containers to prevent the spread of aromas from the leeks. You can also freeze your leeks in airtight bags for up to three months. Do not thaw leeks before preparing to enjoy maximum flavor!
5 Tips to Feel Good About food During the Holidays
Happy Holidays everyone – we hope you’re enjoying your time spent with family and friends! Along with the celebrations of the holidays come the decadent and delicious foods we often steer clear of during the non-holiday months. With these stigmas, it can be difficult to enter the holiday season with a positive mindset. Frequently, we immerse ourselves with guilt or throw in the towel completely for our health and weight loss goals. It’s important to remember that the holiday season is a time for celebration – not guilt. With so many tasty foods available during the holiday season, it can be beneficial to go into this time of year with a strategy. Here are a few tips to help with adopting a healthy holiday mindset:
#1: Try to think of holiday food indulgences as treats, not cheats. Simply changing this label and removing the stigma associated with certain foods can remove the guilt. With guilt pushed aside you will likely be able to have and ENJOY that slice of nana’s pecan pie without the urge to binge.
#2: Go to holiday parties with a controlled appetite. Many of us rationalize that if we skip meals before parties and big dinners we will save calories. This can lead to uncontrolled hunger, promote binge-eating behaviors and lead to overeating. The overeating behavior leads to more stress and guilt instead of enjoyment of the food and company you came for! Instead of skipping meals, eat your normal breakfast, lunch and maybe a protein-containing snack before you leave. This will keep your hunger in check and allow you to make more appropriate choices.
#3: Be mindful while enjoying your favorite holiday foods. Instead of loading up your plate, be selective of the items that you have been looking forward to most and use reasonable portions with your selections. Another trick is to take a lap around the buffet first. Take survey of the items offered and make a plan in your head to include what foods you’d like to try. Take smaller portions of the starchy foods like macaroni and cheese, take a moderate portion of the protein such as turkey and load up on non-starchy vegetables.
#4: Practice Mindful Eating. Instead of shoveling in food until you’re stuffed, slow down while you’re eating and allow your body to appreciate the different flavors and textures of the foods your consuming. We are no longer members of the “clean your plate” club. Practice the mentality of eating when you’re hungry and stoping when you’re full.
#5: Keep your hands full. Sitting next to the appetizers can make it easy to mindlessly graze. Try moving your your conversation to another room, away from the food. It may also help to keep a glass of water or sparkling water in your hands to keep them occupied!
December Harvest: Cranberries
Did you know that cranberries are native to the United States and were used to treat diseases such as scurvy and blood disorders by early English settlers ? Aside from the tart yet sweet flavor of cranberries that many of us associate with Thanksgiving and holiday meals, these little red fruits can actually work to improve your health!
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which our bodies use to combat damaging free radicals and also boost immune function. Vitamin C also acts to improve absorption of the mineral iron. Cranberries have high amounts of antioxidant proanthocyanidins (PAC’s) that are the reason this fruit can be used to help prevent urinary tract infections. The PAC’s in cranberries help to inhibit the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract. This benefit may also extend to dental health, as the same antioxidant has been shown to prevent bacteria from binding to teeth! Positive effects of cranberries include gastrointestinal function support, as they are a rich source of fiber. Benefits may extend to the prevention of tumor growth and heart disease, which are areas of continued research. Who would have thought that such a small berry found in bogs and making up just 25 calories in half a cup could pack such a large punch? It is no wonder cranberries are considered a super food.
Also, when choosing cranberry products, be weary of added sugars. Juices are often mixed and contain added sweeteners. A good strategy to start is to look for labels that list cranberries as the first ingredient.
Pro Tip: Although cranberries are harvested during fall, they can be refrigerated for 2 months or stored frozen to be enjoyed later. When selecting fresh berries at the grocery store, make sure to choose only those that are firm and unwrinkled!
Cranberry Rice Salad
** Adapted from Food Network
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown basmati rice
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup almonds chopped
For Cranberry Relish
- 4 cups cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup celery diced
- 2/3 cup apple
- 2/3 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
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First, to make cranberry relish, pulse cranberries and sugar in a food processor until chopped. Then toss with diced celery, apple, and chopped parsley.
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Bring basmati rice, water, olive oil, curry powder and kosher salt to a simmer on the stovetop (low heat). Cover and cook rice until tender (approx. 17 minutes) then fluff with a fork.
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Allow rice to cool then stir in cranberry relish and golden raisins and chopped almonds.
Our Favorite Cold Weather Soups
The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter. If you are like us we love a good bowl of soup after a long day but store bought soups can be sodium heavy and filled with a lot of additives and sometimes unrecognizable ingredients.
We love these homemade soup recipes because we can control what goes in and as an added bonus, these are all crockpot recipes! So gather your ingredients the night before, add them to the crockpot in the morning and come home to a hot a ready meal that filled with nutrients and will make you feel all warm and cozy.
Wondering what to look for in a soup? Below are our tips for picking out the perfect recipe.
- Broth-based – every once in a while a cream based soup can be delicious, but for every day soups look for a broth base. These are lower in saturated fat and calories. Try replacing cream for low-sodium vegetable broth in your favorite soup.
- Lots of veggies – look for at least 3 of different colors
- A protein source – This doesn’t have to be animal protein – beans and legumes are great sources of plant based protein! Whether it be beef, chicken, beans or tofu, a protein source will help keep you full and satisfied.
- Low-salt – Soups are notorious for having high levels of sodium. When using canned ingredients look for a low-sodium version whenever possible. We also love these salt-free seasonings from Mrs. Dash.
Spinach, Quinoa and Cannellini Bean Slow Cooker Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ea yellow onion diced
- 2 ea carrots chopped
- 2 ea celery stalks chopped
- 3 ea cloves garlic
- 7-8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 15oz cans low-sodium cannelloni beans drained
- 1 bag baby spinach large
- 2 tsp salt-free Italian seasoning
Instructions
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Place all ingredients other than spinach in a 6 quart slow cooker and place on low for 6-8 hours. Right before ready to serve, add spinach and stir until spinach is wilted.
Fall Veggie Slow Cooker Soup
Ingredients
- 2 ea carrots chopped
- 1 ea parsnip chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash cubed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
- 1 15oz can diced tomato
- 1 15oz can cannellini beans
- 1 bunch kale torn
- 1 cup water
- salt free seasoning to taste
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients except for kale in a 6 quart slow cooker. Place on low for 6-8 hours. Add kale and allow to wilt prior to serving.
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz cans low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can red kidney beans
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 ea carrot diced
- 1 ea celery stalk diced
- 1 ea large white onion diced
- 5 ea garlic cloves minced
- 1 ea bay leaf
- 1 tbsp salt-free Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
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Add all ingredients other than pasta and spinach into slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. Change heat to high, add pasta and cook for additional 20 minutes, add spinach and stir until spinach wilts. Remove bay leaf prior to serving.
Written by: Michelle Switach – Dietetic Intern