Food Brings Us Together
Spring is a time of renewal and a chance to refresh by embracing a seasonal shift in our eating habits. It is a time of transition from the warm and cozy foods of winter to the bright and vibrant foods of spring. We can connect with the world around us as we embrace this shift. Food also brings people together and supports our well-being. This spring, let’s explore how enjoying various fruits and vegetables improves our health and strengthens our bonds with others.
The change in season is a chance to enjoy new in-season fruits and vegetables. Orange vegetables like carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health. Tomatoes, especially in red and yellow varieties, are high in lycopene, which is great for heart health.
Deep red and yellow Beets are high in fiber and antioxidants. Including a range of colorful produce in your meals contributes to overall health.
Food often creates a bond through experiences with friends and family. Eating together promotes mindfulness and can improve digestion and overall health. It also allows us to connect with different tastes and cultures. March is National Nutrition Month, and the theme this year is “Food Connects Us”. Explore new dishes and connect with others through the colors, flavors, and variety of spring produce.
Enjoy this new season of colorful foods, and the opportunity to share meaningful experiences with others while making choices that can benefit your health.
Written by: Rebeka Garcia, BLT Extension Agent – Travis County
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979515/, and https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month/resources
Green Chile Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Recipe by Merritt Cloud, BLT Extension Agent – Collin County
SERVES 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) pack reduced-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, diced and drained
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (5-ounce) can tuna in water, drained
- 4 large whole-wheat tortillas
- 1 cup salsa (optional)
Directions:
- Combine softened cream cheese, tuna, diced green chiles, bell pepper, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Thinly spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll each tortilla into a log and individually wrap with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Slice each rolled tortilla into 6 even rounds (pinwheels) per roll.
- If desired, serve with salsa for dipping.
Estimated Total Cost for Recipe: $7.78; Estimated Cost Per Serving: $.65
Nutrients Per Serving: 140 calories, 7 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, and 8 g protein
