If you train with me, you know I love to chat about nutrition in ways that go farrrr beyond protein and other macros – and if you don’t, buckle up and get ready for some great recipe recommendations.
I have been passionate about organic, sustainable, and local food since I was in elementary school. Was it the environmental anxiety instilled in me by fears of phosphate detergents, CFCs, and acid rain? (Oh, the simpler times….) The firsthand experience of having more energy and focus when I ate more plants? The intersection of my then-fave causes (saving Tibet, urban planning to avoid sprawl, civil rights…yeah, I just can’t win)?
However it was formed, that pearl of interest has grown to include work on equitable food access, sustainable agriculture, and plenty of health-improving nutrition tips for all of you. As I tell my favorite kiddos, plants are magic! All of the rich nutrition benefits that labs have yet to replicate, all for…just eating your veggies?
Anyway, I want you to eat your plants. Your full rainbow. I talk about it a lot. This time, I’m going to throw out my new fave hobby:
Reading cookbooks from digital library checkouts.
Whatever you can think of, it’s probably available! The recipes were (probably) tested and edited, and the authors also talk about the how’s and why’s of their craft. The photos are inspiring and luscious!
Some selections to get you started, all available online via the Houston Public Library:
Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession
I am starting with my least favorite recommendation because it is the fastest read and has amazing, mouth-watering photos. The salads in this book will surprise you – many of them without lettuce or any leaves at all – and might encourage you to try some new flavor combinations. Nothing wrong with lettuce and ranch, but there are lots of other vegetables in season right now and the simple combinations in this book are quick to put together. On my list to make next: Peach, cucumber, avocado, dukkah once peaches come into season; cucumber breakfast salad
The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100
I can’t say the writing and research are perfect, but I’ll give them and 8/10 (2 point deduction for some unnecessary exoticizing and othering); the recipes are simple, tasty, and exactly how I think you should, largely, be cooking. This trimmed down version of the other Blue Zone cookbooks is a quick read, and ingredient lists are simple. Not familiar with Blue Zones? I got you.) Use this book to learn how to cook more plants in the simplest, most nutritious ways. On my list: Goya Champuru, Costa Rican baked donuts, and Ikarian Longevity Stew
Oh She Glows Every Day
This will likely be the most familiar type of writing and cooking, as the author is a food blogger (no long stories in her books, though!). I have enjoyed her blog since its inception, and her smoothies and quick family meals will probably find their way into your rotation. Like the other books on this list, Angela cooks with the same handful of ingredients throughout the book, so you won’t be picking up and exotic, pricey one-offs. On my list: PB&J thumbprint breakfast cookies, every day glow salad, and six vegetable and “cheese” soup
Living Lively
With plenty of personal touches and inspiration, Haile delivers a book that is half motivation, half quick and amazing vegan recipes. Her journal prompts remind me of someone else’s efforts to help you stay focused on your goals and, as one of my favorite clients once told me, do “higher self stuff”, but even if you just take her cooking tips, I think you’ll appreciate her additions to your life. On my list: fruity Jamaican cornmeal porridge, purple sweet potato and apple toast, islander lively bowl, and straight fire mac and cheese.
I wont feed you during class, but I nonetheless invite you to join one of our group classes this week!
- Saturday 9am Bootcamp (meets in the studio parking lot – sign in online and bring your mat)
- Sunday 9am Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
- Monday 6:30pm Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
Our full-length online Zumba and Bootcamp video classes are still waiting for you! (get them right here if you haven’t yet)
What will you cook first?! xo
