September Food Observances Made Healthy
By Brandi Goodman
September sees a slew of food observances, just like any other month. Now's a great time to discover which observances are being held and find healthy recipes that you can enjoy throughout the month a-- or whenever there's a craving. Chicken, rice, mushrooms, and more are on the menu.
National Chicken Month
Chicken Month is just one option for September. With school starting back up, sports commencing, and fall TV shows to binge, popping some chicken in the oven is an easy dinner option. Grilled or baked chicken are the two best methods anyways. You don't want to fry the meat and get all that extra oil and fat in the mix. A seasoned piece of chicken in the oven can still be plenty flavorful and give you the protein you need to satisfy your hunger.
National Rice Month
Rice comes in a variety of forms. You shouldn't grab the cheap rice bags accompanied with seasonings and cheese, though. These are often high in sodium and won't do your body much good. You should cook a homemade rice instead and season it yourself lightly -- skipping the salt. Brown rice is a healthier option than white.
National Mushroom Month
Tons of mushrooms exist in all different versions, sizes, and shapes. Many offer beneficial nutrients that should be added to your meals. Shiitake, white button, oyster, Porcini, and Reishi mushrooms are among some of the healthiest versions. Anti-fungal properties, antioxidants, and vitamins are found within many of them.
National Potato Month
Potatoes are incredibly versatile. That doesn't mean you should enjoy hefty amounts of every single version, though. Certain options are going to be more beneficial than others. Don't dice up your potatoes and fry them, for example. Fried foods are not heart-healthy. A baked potato is a great option because you aren't using oil or adding in extra fat that isn't necessary. However, you need to skip the salt and butter when it's finished cooking. Sweet potatoes are also the healthier choice compared to white potatoes. They contain more antioxidants and are said to have cancer-fighting properties.
No matter which of these foods you decide to eat -- or if you want every single one on your plate -- you just need to be sure you're cooking them in a healthy way. These foods are generally healthy to begin with, but too many people cook them with unnecessary ingredients or buy them from a store that adds in extra sodium. They'll be more beneficial for your body and mind if you eat them baked and seasoned lightly instead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Charles, Mo.