Summer Streets and Healthy Eats: A Delightful Tandem!
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, New York City comes alive with exciting summer vibes! A beloved event, Summer Streets, is back for a double dose of fun this season. Mark your calendars because on consecutive Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the streets of NYC will transform into a car-free playground. Whether you’re an early bird or just loves the worm, you can roam freely, enjoy the fresh air, and embrace the day. For all the juicy details, you can hop on over to nyc.gov/summerstreets â just don’t get lost in cyberspace like a dad trying to find the remote!
Happy Nutrition Month: The Path to a Healthier You!
In conjunction with all this outdoor activity, it’s time to feast your eyes (and bodies!) on Nutrition Month! This month, let’s raise a toast (of whole grain bread, of course) to healthy eating! Did you know that a balanced diet can zap away the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers? And if youâre aiming to slim down for summer, munching on lots of fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, and lean proteins can seriously up your energy and mood!
So, what’s the recipe for success? Well, get ready to break it down nutty-style as we bring you the "how-to" handbook of wholesome office eats!
The Meal Prep Puzzle: Put It Together!
Whether youâre a whiz in the kitchen or someone who thinks âmeal prepâ is short for âmeal prep-some-easy-microwave-cuisine,â creating a healthy meal to take to work or school can be a game-changer.
If you’ve got access to a fridge and microwave, your options are as endless as that open tab on your browser that you just keep forgetting to close. Let’s get cooking with leftovers from last nightâs dinner or whip up something new and fabulous!
Easiest Meal? How about those cozy dinner remnants bringing joy to your lunch hour? Websites like Nerd Fitness are packed with guidance for meal planning, while searching for terms like âgrain bowls," "soups," or "salads with protein" will kickstart a culinary adventure you didnât even know you were craving!
Oh, just remember: a complete meal should feature three componentsâthe trifecta of nutrition! Think two cups of low-carb veggies (like a healthy green army), 3-4 ounces of protein (the size of your palm, but without any âhot potatoâ antics), and one fist-sized portion of carbohydrates (because we are all a little âstarchâ crazy!).
Who’s Ready for a Grocery Adventure?
Want to make your meal prep successful? Try shopping and cooking on the same days each week â you know, like a well-rehearsed dad-joke routine! Planning a grocery run on Sunday? Treat preparing your meals like self-careâput on your favorite tunes, dance around like no oneâs watching, and voilĂ ! Deliciousness awaits.
Plus, think of how proud youâll feel to bust out a homemade meal at work, effectively saying, "Eat your heart out, overpriced deli sandwiches!"
Timer Alert: Stay Healthy, Stay Hydrated!
For those busy bees among us (and you know who you are), bringing your own lunch has benefits galore! Not only does it keep you away from crowded eateries, but it can also save you loads of time. Perhaps remember the wise words of an OB/GYN who balances her intense day with a lunch she brought from home â she sips not one, not two, but three bottles of water to keep hydrated! Stay sharp and ready to take on the world!
And letâs not forget our snack game! A âmini pantryâ at your desk filled with 100-calorie snacks like popcorn, nuts, and crunchy veggies is like having a party in your mouth whenever hunger strikes.
Balancing Act: Perfectly Imperfect Eating
While youâre busy being proactive and bringing meals, remember, it’s perfectly OK to indulge in your favorite pizza every now and then! Moderation is key. You donât need to exist on tasteless twigs to be healthyâlifeâs too short to skip the cheese (cue trumpet sounds)âenjoy it!
So as we dive into summer activities with Summer Streets and embrace the vibrant spirit of Nutrition Month, take this time to transform your meals and bolster your health. After all, a happy heart, a happy belly, and a sunny day work wonders⌠just like a dad joke (you canât help but groan at it, but they secretly make you smile!).
If you want to learn more about healthy eating or have any curiosities, feel free to consult with a registered dietitian or health educator. Claire Garon MPH, CLC, is your go-to Senior Health Educator ready to step into action at the Montefiore Health System!
So, letâs make this summer sizzling hot with wellness, laughter, and perhaps a side of dad jokes! đđđ˝
Follow us at Pasta From the Sea for more nutrition news!