May 26, 2020

Do you tend to serve tacos for TACO TUESDAY? Tacos can be a great way to include more vegetables to help you feed your best self! There are so many meat substitutes that can make tacos plant-based for more fiber and antioxidants. Shelf stable items like beans, lentils, and walnuts are great options. Fresh or refrigerated options like mushrooms and tofu are also a good swap for meats. Grilled veggies or a chunky, fresh salsa offer some great opportunities to boost the value of veggies.

A variety of healthier ingredients and healthier taco recipes are available from the American Heart Association. Be sure to check them out at: https://sodiumbreakup.heart.org

Dietitians Dish – May 25, 2020

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month!

What is Celiac Disease?

• It’s an immune system reaction triggered by gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains).
• Gluten causes digestive problems and damages the lining of the small intestine (where most nutrients are absorbed).
• Currently, there are no medications to treat it, so a Gluten Free diet is the only way to manage it.
• Intestinal lining damage causes vitamin and mineral deficiencies, anemia, infertility, weak and brittle bones, and other serious health conditions.

In recent years, Gluten Free products have become easier to find in grocery stores. More products are labeled with “Gluten Free” or “Free from Gluten” on the package. Some stores also have Gluten Free symbols on shelf tags to help find items quickly. The food industry does NOT require products to be identified as Gluten Free, so it’s important to scan the ingredients list for wheat, barley or rye listed. Also, look for package statements that indicate it was manufactured in a facility where foods containing wheat, barley or rye may have been processed, since cross-contamination is a concern. Learn about hidden sources of gluten in other products by reviewing
http://eatrightforlifeonline.com/home/where-does-gluten-hide/.

Celiac.org has a variety of recipes and feature many gluten-free ingredients and brands. Try this spin on Shrimp Cocktail from Dole.

Tropical Fruit Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 24 jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined, with tails on
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 can (15.25 oz.) Dole Tropical Fruit, drained

Directions:

• Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt
  and pepper. Sauté shrimp until pink, about 5-7 minutes.
• Combine cooked shrimp, onion, cilantro, and tropical fruit in a large bowl.
  Toss to incorporate ingredients.

 

May 22, 2020

Get outdoors whenever you can. Research has found that connecting with nature improves your mood. It offers a brain-boost, which we could all use to get through this temporary period of social distancing and isolation! Go for a walk, sit outside and listen to the birds and other sounds of nature. Get out at night to see the stars. Whatever way you can connect with nature is a mood booster.

May 21, 2020

If you’re struggling with your mood during this time, find ways to get moving. Physical activity can boost endorphins and make you feel happier. It’s also a great way to help the whole family get some energy out and feel happier during this difficult time. Think about ways you can get active as a family. Plan a walk around your neighborhood. Create a scavenger hunt of items to look for on your walk. Get out bikes and take a ride together. If it’s cold or raining, turn the radio on and start a dance party.

May 19, 2020

Find ways to connect as a family and make plans for quality time together to connect and boost emotional well-being. Some ideas to try:
• Have a family game night.
• Have a family movie night with popcorn and snacks.
• Prepare dinner together.
• Do some baking together and share with neighbors (following contactless drop-off).
• Get creative together with crafts, a paint at home night, decorating the house, etc.
• Start a garden together (food or flowers).
• Take a walk or bike ride together.