FFYWB - Embrace Whole Foods
Food for Your Well-Being (FFYWB) is a nutrition and wellness education series from Bon Appétit Management Company that supports your well-being, whether you’re working or learning onsite or at home. Read the tips, watch the videos, and try the recipes for all FFYWB topics.
EMBRACE WHOLE FOODS
Whole foods offer more than individual vitamins and minerals — they are packed with nutrients that build upon one another to provide a greater benefit for your body. Choose whole foods over supplements for the most health gains.
Here are a few tips on how to increase whole food consumption:
- Start with simple swaps. Make big nutrient gains by switching to less processed foods such as whole grain pasta for white or go all the way to whole foods with a baked sweet potato instead of French fries.
- Eat food found in nature. Eating food found in nature is linked to increased energy and longevity — whereas highly processed foods may contribute to inflammation and chronic disease.
- Replace packaged foods with homemade versions. Many packaged products can be made at home easily. Consider making your own salad dressing, granola bars, dips, or pasta sauce.
- Buy convenience items, if needed. When pressed for time, convenience items such as fresh broccoli florets, washed and shredded greens, pre-diced mirepoix mix, or steam-in-the-bag whole grains can help increase consumption of whole foods.
- Read food labels when shopping. Marketing claims on food packages can be misleading. Look for ingredients you recognize as food or better yet, stick to mostly whole foods to get the most nutrient bang for your buck.
- Stretch your dollar by using all parts of the plant. The all too often discarded roots and stems are hidden nutrient gems that are incredibly delicious and can add unexpected flavor to your home cooking.
Whole Foods Video
Want to start embracing whole foods? Build your own whole food-based yogurt cups to get the most nutrition from your fruit-filled yogurt habit.
Learn More
Surprisingly Edible Plant Parts
When most of us think of vegetables, we see visions of ruby red beets and vibrant carrots roasting in the oven, or forests of tree-like broccoli stalks waiting to be steamed or stir-fried. But, what about those feathery carrot tops or deep green beet or broccoli leaves?
5 Ways to Go Further with Your Vegetables
Gone are the days of boring steamed broccoli or boiled Brussels sprouts as the (let’s admit, somewhat punishing!) way to eat your vegetables.
Smoky Roasted Eggplant Garlic Dip
Hummus lovers, raise your hands! We’ve got a new dip for you. Roasted eggplant and garlic come together to create a smoky, savory dip that will have you craving more.