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NUTRITION NEWSLETTER

Go Green with Food!

“Green” foods can mean two different things;

1. The color of the food itself, like leafy green vegetables or


2. Eco-foods, choosing foods that are good for the planet.

The common thread is that they can both be good for your health.

Let’s first discuss the green vegetables, I know, not everyone’s favorite topic. Green vegetables can be prepared in many tasty ways. Let’s name a few contenders: kale, chard, spinach and broccoli (as well as the related broccolini and broccoli rabe). All of these vegetables can be simply steamed or sautéed in garlic and olive oil, then seasoned with salt, soy sauce or my favorite, balsamic vinegar. The trick is to not over-cook the vegetables. Explore other recipes through cookbooks and internet searches.

Eco-foods are foods that are grown in manner that supports the environment by maintaining healthy soil, without use of petroleum based pesticides and rotated in a way that doesn’t deplete the soil. This type of agriculture, which I call “eco-culture”, produces a healthier plant with higher nutritional values because they are grown in nutrient-rich soils. Eating a plant-based diet uses less resources and prevents chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. You don’t have to become a vegetarian but can try to incorporate more vegetarian meals into your diet.

Introducing Cruciferous Vegetables!—These are a family of vegetables that contain the powerful cancer fighting compounds called sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Add these dietary inhibitors of cancer to your meals.

• broccoli, broccolini, broccoli rabe
• cabbage (green, red and purple)
• cauliflower (white and purple)
• bok choy
• kale
• Brussels sprouts

Nutrition in the News 

Michelle Obama’s Initiative on Prevention of Childhood Obesity

• Help Kids Stay Active—one hour of physical activity a day and limit TV.
• Encourage Healthy Eating Habits—plan healthy meals, eat meals together, ensure that your child eats breakfast and learn how much food to serve your child.
• Promote Healthy Choices– ensure your child gets adequate sleep and understands why these changes are important. Be a role model for healthy living.