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(ARA) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released the sixth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- with some big changes. While the guidelines recommend tailoring your diet to fit your individual needs, there is a big focus on increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. The number nearly doubles from five daily servings, as suggested by the former Food Guide Pyramid, to nine, leaving many searching for a tasty way to adjust their diets. Eat your veggies
We always moaned and groaned when mom insisted we eat our brussels sprouts. Let’s face it: mom was right about eating your veggies, but accommodating the new dietary guidelines doesn’t have to be such a chore if you pick tasty versions of your mom’s old favorites. It’s also important to choose colorful fruits and veggies because they provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good health and energy levels, protect against the effects of aging, and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation.
Seeing red
Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals that many researchers believe may work together to help protect against cancer and other degenerative diseases. They also contain an important antioxidant called "lycopene" that contributes to their bright, vibrant red color. However, finding a tasty tomato outside of the summer farmer’s market months sometimes make this healthy choice less than appealing. In fact, tomatoes at your local chain-grocery store are more often than not mushy and pink, not juicy and red.
Bite-sized healthy treats
Enter Santa Sweets, Inc., the Florida-based grower of the Santa Sweet variety tomato -- the grape tomato boasting the most flavor because of its higher brix (natural sugar content) compared to other varieties. The best part? It’s available year-round, so those summer farmer’s market months don’t stand alone as the only time of year you can snack on tasty tomatoes. The pure variety, smaller size, sweetness, thin skin and firm texture have been credited with the variety’s success. Santa Sweets also have a long shelf life, and unlike most cherry tomatoes, they are a squirt-free choice for social occasions. Recently, Santa Sweets, Inc. unveiled a “first” on the market: dried grape tomatoes. The flavor of dried Santa Sweets is unique, capturing the sweetness of these small red beauties with a rich and tangy taste. Including a handful of these tasty little tomatoes in you lunch or throwing a few on your salad suddenly doesn’t make the new nine-a-day recommendation seem so out of reach. Choosing tasty alternatives, such as Santa Sweets means a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Grape Tomato Recipes
Sautéed Grape Tomato Sauce•
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pt Santa Sweet Grape Tomatoes
2-3 tbsp. finely chopped parsley or basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Sauté Santa Sweet Grape Tomatoes in olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with herbs; toss to coat and season to taste. Great as a side dish or add to your favorite pasta recipe where appropriate. Serves 6.
Italian Bruschetta
1 pint Santa Sweet Grape Tomatoes
2 celery ribs, diced
1/4 cup black pitted olives, sliced
1/3 cup stuffed green olives, sliced
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 large carrot, julienne
1/3 sweet onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Taste and correct seasoning if needed. Let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes. Serve over grilled sliced Italian or French bread. Slice bread about 3/4 inches thick.
Courtesy of ARA Content
