When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.
One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.
Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.
We actually combine Keto, Mediterranean and Carb Counted to get a healthy diet of flavors, and a lot of the dishes can be altered to this style of eating. It keeps things so flavorful you probably won’t even realize you’re on a diet….
Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.
The first Wednesday in October offers up the seasonal delight, National Pumpkin Seed Day! As the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, snack on these delicious tidbits.
Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern. However, we never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Among other civilizations, the Aztecs and Mayans were believed to revere pumpkin seeds as an essential and powerful source of food and nutrition. As it turns out they were on to something – In comparison to other nuts and seeds, Pumpkin Seeds are one of the most nutritious plant-based foods. A quarter-cup serving alone includes an immune-boosting 17% of an adult’s daily allowance of zinc and a robust red blood cell-supporting 15% of the iron needed.
This little seed also has a whopping 8.5 grams of complete plant-based protein in just 1 ounce. Ounce for ounce, that’s 2.5 times more protein than a hard-boiled egg. These flavorful bites have much more to offer including a plentiful helping of minerals with over 40% of the RDI of magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, essential nutrients that aid in overall body function.
Pumpkin seeds without shells, also known as pepitas, provide an even better standalone snack. Pepitas are especially delicious when dry roasted. Try adding savory seasonings, too. They also make great additions to salads, oatmeal, and even ice cream. Mix them into baked goods for added crunch or to granola and bars for extra protein. Don’t hesitate to elevate a savory dish to a new level by creating a pesto with pumpkin seeds.
SuperSeedz Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds founded National Pumpkin Seed Day to share all the wonderful benefits of pumpkin seeds and the ways they can be enjoyed. A woman-owned company, Kathie Pelliccio founded SuperSeedz in her kitchen with a cast iron pan making healthy pumpkin seeds to add to salads, yogurt, and oatmeal.
Move pumpkins seeds from your memories file and over to your daily file. They really shouldn’t be a sometimes food anymore! Try them in this Maple Buckwheat Flapjack Recipe in this Asian Slaw Recipe from SuperSeedz. Use #NationalPumpkinSeedDay to share on social media.
