Healthy Eating: Recipes that Support Wellness
On February 4, World Cancer Day, noted dietitian and cookbook author Rachel Beller made a special appearance on "Good Morning America" to share antioxidant-rich recipes aimed at promoting health and well-being. While Beller emphasized that no single food or diet can prevent or cure cancer, she highlighted the cumulative effect of our dietary choices over time. These choices can significantly reduce risk and enhance overall health.
Nutritional Powerhouses
Beller’s recipes introduce familiar foods with simple upgrades that enhance their nutritional value. Research suggests these improvements may benefit gut health, bolster immune function, and reduce inflammation—concepts that resonate with holistic well-being.
Morning Power Tonic
Start the day with a refreshing black tea tonic that supports your metabolic functions.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lightly crushed cardamom pods
- 1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
- Juice of 1/4 lemon (added after steeping)
- 1 cup hot water
Directions:
- Steep tea and spices in a strainer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and sip warm.
This simple tonic serves as a reminder of how nurturing our bodies is akin to stewardship, a principle echoed in Scripture. As it is written, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Banana Flax Bites
These nutritious snacks are rich in fiber and omega-3s, making them an ideal pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons date syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients and form small rounds.
- Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden.
This recipe not only empowers you to take charge of your health but also demonstrates the importance of mindful eating—an act that reflects gratitude for the nourishment we receive.
Spice-Forward Roasted Frozen Vegetables
For a budget-conscious dish, Beller offers a recipe using frozen vegetables, which capture nutrients at their peak freshness.
Ingredients:
- Frozen organic vegetables (like cauliflower)
- An all-purpose savory spice blend
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Roast the frozen vegetables on a baking tray at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, then toss with olive oil and spices.
- Return to the oven until golden and crisp.
This meal embodies stewardship of resources, reminding us to embrace what we have sustainably, much like the biblical principle of stewardship over the earth.
Cooking with Intention
As we engage with these recipes, it’s worth reflecting on the larger themes of health, community, and responsibility. Each choice we make in our diets can serve as an act of caring for ourselves and those around us.
In the spirit of encouragement, consider this: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). By nurturing our bodies and minds, we can better fulfill our purpose in this world.
Encouraging Takeaway
Beller’s focus on health through nutrition serves as a powerful reminder that caring for ourselves goes hand in hand with caring for others. As you explore these recipes, invite reflection on how your daily choices can echo larger values of stewardship and gratitude. In doing so, you may find a deeper connection between your eating habits and a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
If you want to want to know more about this topic, check out BGodInspired.com or check out specific products/content we’ve created to answer the question at BGodInspired Solutions
