Healthy People, Healthy Planet

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1. Save Energy. Jump on the energy conservation bandwagon by getting back to basics. ... you reuse the less waste you ge
fresh & HEALTHY

SPRING

Healthy People, Healthy Planet Spring is that time of year when the beauty of nature surrounds us. Everything seems greener and we’re inspired to recommit to healthy living. It’s the perfect season to go green with healthy choices that are good for you as well as the environment. Here are a few ideas to help you go green this spring.

Eat more plant foods Your menu choices impact your health and your carbon footprint. The health benefits of eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are well known but choosing plant foods over meat and meat products also has benefits for the environment. Did you know that raising animals for meat generates significant greenhouse gas emissions and requires much higher amounts of fuel and water than growing fruits, vegetables and grains?* So choose plant foods more often, for your personal health and the health of the planet.

Buy more locally grown There are many good reasons why locally grown produce is good for you and the environment. On the good for you front, locally grown produce comes from nearby farms that grow a variety of seasonal crops which are more likely to be at the peak of freshness, nutrition and taste. Locally grown produce is also good for the environment. It tends to leave less of a carbon footprint because less fuel is used to transport it from the farm to the store. In the spring, locally grown produce is available whether you buy from the local farmers market, a community supported agriculture group (CSA) or a traditional supermarket.

Get more organic Go for organic produce grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. While recent studies show that organic produce is no more nutritious than conventionally grown, organic farming conserves water and soil and creates less pollution. If you’re looking for packaged organic foods such as bread or salad dressing, the ‘USDA Organic’ label means that 95% of the ingredients used in the product are organic. Whatever type of spring fruits or veggies you choose, making more plant based choices is a great way to improve your health and the health of the planet. *http://www.meatlessmonday.com/why-meatless/

Your friends and family will enjoy veggies more often if you try different ways of cooking them.

Marinate before you grill One way to get great tasting grilled veggies is to marinate them before you grill. Use olive or canola oil with balsamic vinegar as a marinade base. Add a little maple syrup or orange marmalade for sweet flavors. Add garlic and wasabi or cayenne pepper for spicy flavors. Whatever your preference, coat your veggies and marinate 30 minutes before you grill.

Roasted veggies are trendy and tasty Roasted veggies are quick and easy to prepare. Roast a variety of veggies in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Sliced carrots, asparagus, eggplant or red peppers are ideal for roasting with olive oil and a sprinkling of your favorite dried or fresh herbs. Roasted veggies are great hot or cold; they add a burst of flavor to any meal.

Sauté with your favorite flavors Sauté over medium high heat with some healthy oil for tender, tasty vegetables. Start with the veggies that take a longer time to cook, then add those that cook quickly. If you love citrus, squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. For Southwest flavors add chili powder, chopped cilantro and corn kernels. For a taste of Asia, try garlic, ginger and lower sodium soy sauce on any vegetable combo.

Dip into great taste Raw veggies can be great tasting healthy snacks with the right dip. A little flavored yogurt, salsa or peanut butter for dipping is a great way to get your family to go green and eat more veggies.

HEALTHY Lifestyles Go green at home Most of us participate in environmentally friendly activities at work or school. Many buildings now have motion sensing light switches or recycling programs. It’s easy to take this one step further at home with five ideas to help you become more environmentally savvy where you live.

1. Save Energy Jump on the energy conservation bandwagon by getting back to basics. Turn lights and televisions off when not in use. During the cold weather, turn the thermostat down and wear a sweater indoors or sleep with an extra blanket. During hot weather, turn the thermostat up instead of wearing extra layers in cold air-conditioned rooms. And lastly, choose ENERGY STAR® certified products that are more energy efficient.

2. Conserve Water To save water indoors, start by slowing down the water flow. Install water saving shower heads and faucet aerators onto each tap in the house. They are inexpensive and save water without significantly reducing the water pressure. Save water outdoors with drought resistant plants and shrubs in your garden that need less water.

3. Use less gas Walking or biking to work saves on gas. It’s a good way to improve your cardiovascular health and manage your weight. It’s also a great way to decrease your greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll also get the added bonus of saving money.

4. Reduce Waste Buy reusable instead of disposable. Reuse everything that you can, options range from napkins, towels and food storage containers. The more you reuse the less waste you generate for the landfills.

5. Recycle Learn about your neighborhood’s recycling rules. Dispose of glass, bottles, paper and cans properly. Place recyclables in designated storage bins. Bring your old electronics, like cell phones and computers, to a local hazardous waste drop off location, or check locally with your electronics store. Every little effort to go green counts!

Sweet Chili Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Makes 8 servings Ingredients: 3 cups fresh broccoli florets 3/4 (14-oz) package medium rice stick noodles 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic 2 cups diced yellow onions 2 cups shredded carrots 2 cups sliced mushrooms 2 cups sliced red peppers 2 cups sliced bok choy 2 cups fresh edamame 1 cup sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup sliced green scallions 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1 lime cut into 1/8 wedges

Preparation: Steam broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain. Pour boiling water over noodles. Let stand, stirring occasionally until al dente, 6-8 minutes. Heat oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onions, and stir fry for 30-60 seconds. Add broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, bok choy and edamame. Stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add noodles and chili sauce. Stir fry until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Place noodle mixture into a serving bowl and top with chopped scallions, cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately. N U T R I T I O N A L I N F O R M AT I O N per serving Calories: 410

Protein: 10g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 290mg

Carbohydrates: 65g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Total Fat: 13g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

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