What is Healthy Food?

Especially during the pandemic, I became more cautious about what I buy from the store and how I cook it. Lately, I've been experimenting a lot in the kitchen, steaming my food more, and even putting the air fryer to work. I'm more considerate about how I can give my body (and my family's, too:) the most significant health boost with every bite, sustain my body's well-being, and retain energy. As we all know, water, carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals are the essential nutrients for a good diet.

I recently read an article about superfoods, which inspired me to write a few words on the topic. They are rich in nutrients that science has shown to have benefits for our health. Besides, it doesn't hurt that they also taste great and add a lot of color to our plates, satisfying our visual appetite. Broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes, almonds, and avocados are extraordinary foods. Common fruits and vegetables, such as apples, oranges, bananas, lettuce, and even potatoes, are rich in fiber and contain unique vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

A healthy, balanced diet includes:

- Vegetables and any subgroup, such as beans, peas, starches, and those that are dark green, red, or orange
- Whole fruits
- Whole grains such as quinoa, corn, millet, and brown rice
- Limited full-fat dairy
- A variety of proteins, such as lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy products
- Oils such as olive, flaxseed, canola, and avocado

Quick Turkey & Veggies Wrap

One whole wheat tortilla

1 tsp scallion cream cheese

One slice of oven-roasted turkey breast

One bell pepper (medium size; color - optional)

One leaf of fresh kale

1 tsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Slice the bell pepper, chop the kale, season them with salt and pepper, and saute them on a non-stick pan with olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Spread the cream cheese over the tortilla, and arrange the turkey, veggies, and sunflower seeds.

Of course, you can substitute any vegetables you prefer. I happened to have the pepper and the kale handy.

I served it with fresh cucumber on the side and water filled with lemon slices.

Bon Appétit!

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Eating should be an enjoyable experience, so occasionally, I have to admit, I do have "guilty pleasures" like a piece of cake! I'm also not forcing myself or feeling pressured to eat something that I don't like. I'm trying to have the most diverse diet possible and, whenever possible, incorporate physical activity. That has been my mindset lately, and it seems to be working since, as they say, we are what we eat.

Stay safe; stay well.