Flourish with Food: Have a Plant® Snacking

Have a Plant® every time you eat is the compelling message of the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH).

This research-based movement was created to promote the inclusion of fruit and/or veggies every time one eats for a “happy and healthier” life. Actual behavioral research identified this happy and healthier pledge: https://fruitsandveggies.org/educational-resources/research.

In recognition of September being National Fruits and Veggies Month (PBH), this month’s Flourish with Food is spreading the word to include a minimally processed fruit and/or veggie every time you snack.

Consider these nourishing snack pairings:

• Apple & cheese
• Nut butter & banana, apple or pear
• Nuts, seeds and/or dried fruit (trail mix)
• Tortilla chips & Pico de Gallo
• Cottage cheese & fruit
• Red pepper slices & hummus

Tip: Pico de Gallo is a minimally processed healthy salsa made from finely chopped tomatoes (Roma less juicy), white onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and lime - simple and flavorful ingredients. It can be found pre-made in the refrigerated section of the market or easily made (no recipe required!) at home. https://cookieandkate.com/classic-pico-de-gallo-recipe/

New find: I recently discovered Love Corn® - crunchy corn kernels that taste like popcorn (sea salt version). https://lovecorn.com This minimally processed snack food has simple ingredients: corn kernels, sunflower oil, and salt.

Compare Love Corn® to convenient, but often ultra-processed, microwave popcorns that have added flavorings, colorings, and less-healthy fats. Importantly, concerns regarding the synthetic chemicals commonly used in the packaging to prevent the artificial butter flavoring from leaking through have been raised.

Love Corn® is found locally at Target, King Soopers, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Natural Foods.

About Mary Lynne Hixson, MA, RD:

Mary Lynne, a registered dietitian, helps others enhance their health through the advocacy of nutrient-rich food choices and safe food-handling practices. Her expertise also includes counseling patients who have Type 2 diabetes and advising those who are in medically managed weight loss programs. After her 35+ year career, she retired and became involved with the launch of Harvest of Hope Pantry in 2012 as a Board of Directors member. Mary Lynne is a weekly volunteer with Cultivate’s Carry-Out Caravan program, shopping and delivering groceries to seniors in the Boulder area, and also a frequent volunteer with Harvest of Hope.