10 Perfect Foods for Summer‌ July, 2013
Quotation - JULY
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body” … Ben Franklin
Chef Christopher Daly Speaks… When the Fourth of July rolls around, it always reminds me of one of my favorite memories of foraging for “black-caps” with my older brother. The Fourth was the unofficial kick-off for a summer season of early morning adventures that yielded buckets full of wild blackberries for the tops of cereal bowls, sundaes and pies.
A large percentage of the treasure was depleted on the walk home. Sweet liberty - What a “Declaration of Independence”! Along with a family garden it was one of our connections to agriculture at a time when 73 % of Americans were still involved with that pursuit in some way shape or form. Fast forward to today and the figure for Americans linked to agriculture is about 3 % and falling. We have outsourced the bulk of our cooking to fast food franchises and have forgotten the simple pleasures and rewards of so much fresh food. As we forget, so continues our national crisis of obesity. In the interim, partisan politics, a rigged farm bill and legislation paid for and “sponsored” by your local and state legislators helps keep about 50 million Americans underpaid and anchored to what we now call food insecurity.
It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about city or rural citizens any more with income disparity widening to unseen gaps. Americans working two jobs can’t afford quality food in many cases. Full time employees at fast food franchises for instance are paid so little that food stamps are the only means of procuring ”groceries”. Millions are put in the position to only be able to afford super processed foods which have plenty of calories and very little nutritional value. This insecurity and access to only highly refined food is at the root of the obesity crisis which is now officially classified as a disease by The CDC in case you missed that recent news out of Washington. I have long maintained that teaching simple food cooking techniques would go a long way to help young people and their parent’s battle obesity.
The purpose of our “Victory Garden” contest which we ran for ten years was to try to nudge kids and parents back into gardening while we connected young people with the extraordinarily rich history of America and the origins of the meaning of “The Victory Garden”. This summer I hope that all of our readers reconnect with a favorite summer food memory, and that you do a little cooking that might lead to better health. This better health may lead you on a course of thinking to make your own declaration of independence from the things like sponsored governmental traps that are destroying this country that so many have fought for to provide that simple sweet liberty that I mentioned.
Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburgers!
And the even the Twinkies are coming back!
The Fast-Food people simply don’t care…
Wendy’s new Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger: A mere 680 Calories (without the ketchup and the fries) And 1,110 milligrams of sodium. Next
The only thing missing are the unions…
They are actually calling it “The Sweetest Comeback in the History of Food”. Next:
A recent Gallup report showed the U.S. obesity rate is 27.1% so far this year, compared with 26.2% in 2012 and 25.5% in 2008. Data also showed 35.6% of Americans are overweight and 35.4% are normal weight so far in 2013. One must wonder where 2014 will take us.
Ten Recommended Foods For the Summer‌
Stay Cool and Enjoy!
Iceberg Lettuce
We are not talking fancy, and perhaps the thought of featuring Iceberg lettuce is too boring to consider. But, it is low in Sodium, and very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Iron and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate and Manganese.
Asparagus
Asparagus is low in calories (less than 4 calories per spear). It contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. It’s a good source of potassium and a source of fiber (3 grams per 5.3 oz. serving). They are also an excellent source of folacin and a significant source of thiamin, and vitamin B6. Asparagus is one of the richest sources of rutin (a compound which strengthens capillary walls).
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in Saturated Fat and Sodium, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Vitamin C, Folate, Iron, Zinc and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin D, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, and Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Selenium.
Watermelon
There's no doubt that watermelon is good for kids -- with its high concentration of lycopene (an important disease-fighting antioxidant). Watermelon is 92% water and 8% sugar, and a favorite sweet treat for kids. A great source of water on a hot summer day.
Potatoes
We are not talking about French fries, and certainly not potato chips, or melted cheese and bacon bits. Keep it simple and potatoes are a great source of vitamins (B6 and C) and copper, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.
Peaches
Peaches are low in calories and contain no sodium or saturated fats. They are rich in many vital minerals such as potassium, fluoride and iron. They are a great source of Vitamins A and C, and great for your dental health. Best of all, they are delicious!
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E (Anti-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Benefits) and they can help lower your Cholesterol. They are also a good source of magnesium that helps reduce high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cucumbers
Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumbers are an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss. The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumbers are very effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, and aiding digestion.
Cantaloupe
They are a great source of Vitamin A, C, and Beta-Carotene. They are good for you lungs, and they help to prevent cardiovascular disease. They even help to reduce stress.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a good source of fiber, which plays an important role in overall good health. They are rich in Vitamin C, and contain substances called phenolic phytochemicals which have antioxidant properties.
M R I E INDS B H T L E Y FU HEIR TUMM T G N I D IES E E F
G d nutrition is fundamental. Organic Valley Stringles® and milk are full of pasture-raised dairy goodness from our family farms. Give them all the good stuff they need — and none of the bad stuff they don’t — to be full and energized, readied to learn all the lessons of the day.
Organic Valley supports Joe Gurrera and Citarella in their effort to support autism research.
Kids’ Kitchen Korner With Chef Sal Yummy (Healthy) Foods!
Bisque of Avocado
Ingredients: 3 large (ripe) avocados peeled and cut into chunks 2 stalks green from celery diced into large pieces 1 tbsp maple syrup - ½ cup spinach or arugula leaves 1 tsp sea salt - 1 cup almond milk - 1 cup coconut milk 1 tsp cayenne - 1 large gala apple, diced 1 tbsp nama shoyu - 1 tsp fresh garlic, peeled and diced Preparation: Put Almond milk and all other ingredients into blender Blend until thoroughly mixed and to desired temperature Serve with ginger pumpkin seeds
See more recipes from Chef Sal at www.evolvewithflavor.com
Who would have thought that a concept such as a health oriented Calista could appear, and more importantly, thrive in New York City (or anywhere in the United States for that matter). For so many years, the thought of actually opening any health oriented restaurant didn’t seem appropriate. As a business, it was not exactly a map for success. The folks were in love with the pizzas and cheeseburgers, and any meal that was over-sized was the way to go. Of course, something happened on the way to lunch. The folks began to realize that we had a problem known as obesity, and something was very wrong in the nation of fast foods. Next:
Calista has burgers (strictly of the healthy variety). Enjoy a one-quarter pound natural grass-fed bison (or veggie) burger on a toasted whole wheat bun. The food here consists of salads, soups, wraps, smoothies, etc. We are talking about globally inspired health food that is actually delicious (and delicious is a critical part of the process). They have two locations in Manhattan, and a visit to their site is a must – www.calistasuperfoods.com And yes, they have the “Healthiest Gourmet Cookie in the World”, and that would be the Chocolate Chip “Hip” Cookie”.
Locations: Upper Eastside 1217 Lexington (82nd Street) Midtown East 301 East 49th Street @ 2nd Avenue
Joel Harper is a celebrity trainer with clients ranging from Dr. Oz to Olympic Medalists…
“Listen to your elder's advice, not because they are always right, but because they have more experiences of being wrong!”
Stay Healthy‌ Have an Apple!
www.Hip4Kids.org