Dietitian's Dish
 

June 26, 2020
June 26, 2020


Here’s the scoop on fruits that you can eat by the spoonful!

There are quite a few fruits that can be easily eaten by cutting and scooping out with a spoon. Great for a snack or picnic/packed lunch item, cut the fruit before wrapping it up. Then, just be sure to grab a spoon!

Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit that can be cut in half to scoop out the slices (called “segments”). Using a spoon with a serrated front edge is best. They are full of nutrients like Vitamins A & C that may improve immunity and heart health. Some nutrients may interact with certain prescription medications so check with your pharmacist or physician before you eat or drink anything with grapefruit.

Kiwifruit are egg-shaped fruits known for their fuzzy brown skin and sweet-tart flesh. With only 70 calories, kiwis are a great source of potassium and fiber, plus twice the vitamin C of an orange. It’s a portable fruit that you can cut in half and scoop out with spoon. The skin is edible but most people just eat the green or golden flesh and tiny, edible seeds. Add kiwis to salads, smoothies, juices, or low-fat yogurt.

Mangoes range in color from green to yellow to red. Packed with vitamin C, mangoes are a good source of fiber and easy to enjoy. Cut the “cheeks” from either side of the large seed in the center. Take the cheeks and make slices in both directions to form cubes, then scoop away from the peel. Mangoes are available fresh, frozen, or dried, and are versatile enough to use in many dishes ranging from sweet to savory.

Passion Fruit is purple, red or yellow when mature, and shaped like an egg. The passion fruit is rich in potassium, and fiber, with only 16 calories per whole fruit. Slice it in half, then scoop out and eat both the seeds and pulp. Serve it in fruit salads, or with chicken, pork, or fish. Strain the pulp to use it in juices, cocktails, desserts, and sauces.

Which one will become the next adventure for your tastebuds?

 

June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020

Think more globally this Wellness Wednesday!

Let’s think about wellness of the planet. More foods than we care to admit are wasted in the US. This became even more concerning with the coronavirus pandemic. With the packing industry and supply chain disrupted, farmers who were producing at optimal capacity had to destroy their crops, harvests, and herds. They just had no way to sell to the public with a disrupted supply chain. That reality is long from over and the implications are far from known. But, each of us can do our part to help the planet recover by trying to limit our personal or household food waste.

We’ve probably all been guilty of not properly storing foods at cold temperatures. Raise your hand if you admit to trying to reduce waste by freezing extra servings. Keep it held high if you’ve forgotten to label it (date, what it is, etc.). You’re definitely not alone! I’m also guilty of buying in bulk, repackaging it into single meal servings to freeze, and then letting it fall to the bottom only to come out years later freezer burned and unidentifiable. Not a proud moment when I discover one of those gems, but I’m being real.

Check out this chart from the USDA that should help you determine optimal lifespan for various cold and freezer storage items. It is one small way to be better informed to do your best to reduce household food waste.

 

June 22, 2020
June 22, 2020


“Photo used by permission of the National Mango Board. All rights reserved.”

Mango-rific Monday should be a thing!

Mangos are a super delicious, nutrient-rich food that may help boost immunity. Within just a 3/4 cup serving of mango, you’ll consume 50% of your daily vitamin C, 15% of your daily folate and copper needs, 8% of your daily Vitamins A and B6 and 7% of your daily value of fiber. Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, helping to make them a superfood.

Kids will go crazy for these fruity, fresh snack ideas.

  • Fresh Mango Berry Pops
  • Cinnamon Oat Mango Bites
  • Mango and Yogurt Waffle Cone Parfaits
  • Mango Kabobs

Check out Mango.org for the recipes and a wealth of other delicious recipes; selection, preparation and storage tips; and details about the difference in varieties available throughout the year.

 

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Dietitians Dish – June 22, 2020

Fire up the grill – for FRUITS!

You probably wouldn’t think about preparing fruits on the grill. But, grilling allows foods to take on a whole new flavor profile and intensifies the natural flavors that might typically be very subdued. Fruits get a more intensely sweet, caramelized flavor.

Grilled Fruit

Vegetables get a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. Meats and seafood get a smoky flavor also. Any fruits that aren’t too delicate will be great on the grill. Try these and strawberries on the grill this summer!

Grilled Watermelon and Pork Kabobs

Grilled Watermelon and Pork Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • 6 Tbsps. brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsps. low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 Tbsps. diced red onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsps. lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. ground thyme
  • Dash of pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb. pork chop, cut into 1-inch cubes (38-40 pieces)
  • 32 cubes watermelon (1-inch)
  • 16-24 zucchini rounds (1/2-inch)
  • 16 pineapple chunks (1-inch), fresh or canned
  • 4 yellow or orange peppers
  • 8 skewers

Directions:

  • Combine sugar, soy sauce, onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Pour into a zip-lock bag and add pork pieces. Seal bag, mix thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, turning bag on occasion.
  • Remove pork from bag and reserve marinade. Thread 5 pork pieces, 4 watermelon cubes, 2 to 3 zucchini rounds, 2 pineapple chunks, and 3 peppers on each of 8 skewers, alternating the order.
  • Heat the grill to medium high. Use non-stick spray on cooking surface and then place kabobs on grill. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on grill heat, or until done, turning and basting frequently with reserved marinade.

Recipe and image courtesy of Watermelon.org. Check out a video of the recipe at https://youtu.be/LoGwDaM4qdE

 

June 20, 2020
June 20, 2020


What will you include for SUPERFOOD SATURDAY?

This week’s focus is on beets. They’re nutrient dense, full of potassium, magnesium, folate, Vitamin C and nitrites. With all these nutrients they’re great for reducing blood pressure and anemia, improving circulation, and helping improve cognitive function. Strengthening the heart and brain are key to wellness!

If you’re not sure you can eat them alone or in a dish, try starting by pureeing them as part of a smoothie or juice drink. They’ll add sweetness but you may not even realize it!