Meal Plans and More

Should you avoid these shady vegetables this spring and summer?

Nightshades are a category of plants, some of which are edible, like eggplant, tomatoes, white and purple potatoes, artichokes, and peppers, while others such as tobacco and certain flowers are not.

The buzz around the internet is that nightshades have a shady reputation and should be avoided. Some claim the compound called alkaloids (solanine in particular) found in nightshades may cause or exacerbate inflammation, particularly for certain health conditions like arthritis.

What does the science say?
No studies have demonstrated that removing nightshades from diets actually lowers inflammation markers in people. Most evidence is anecdotal at best.

Solanine sensitivity is possible, but for most people nightshades are anti-inflammatory and feature health-promoting nutrients:
1️⃣ White and purple potatoes have been shown to reduce inflammation in arthritis patients.
2️⃣ Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and peppers provide vitamins A, B6, C, and K, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants!

What`s the takeaway?
A variety of vegetables will improve health and reduce inflammation. If needed, work with a registered dietitian to identify any food sensitivities you may have.

#TheBuzz #NightshadeDebate #NutritionMyths #FoodSensitivity #InflammationFacts #AntiInflammatoryFoods ...

Use your overabundance of zucchini in these Zucchini and Chickpea Fritters! Try them out with a drizzle of yogurt or even topped with a poached egg for your next brunch.

Makes 10 - 12 servings

INGREDIENTS
1 cup chickpea flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 medium zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
3/4 cup water, additional water as needed

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, whisk chickpea flour with salt and turmeric. Stir in zucchini, basil, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and cup water. Add more water as necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the batter is the consistency of pancake batter.

Let the batter stand for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (this can be prepared the night before). If the batter is too thick when removed from the refrigerator, add another tablespoon of water.

Heat remaining olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium high. When oil is hot, pour batter and spread with a spoon to create 3-inch fritters. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes or until fritter is cooked throughout. Repeat process with remaining oil and batter. Top as desired and serve warm.

#EatSeasonally #VegetarianRecipes #CookingAtHome #MeatlessMonday #BrunchRecipes ...

Explore our kitchen hacks for regrowing your vegetables! (Yep, you read that right!) 🌱

One of our favorite ways to save money other than using nontraditional vegetable parts like beet greens is to use stems that are often tossed away to grow new vegetables!

It`s a simple equation:
Properly cut vegetable
➕ Water
➕ Sunlight
➕ Love
🟰 regrown lettuce, celery, romaine, leeks, green onions, potatoes, and even bok choy!

Here are more in-depth examples to try at home:

1️⃣ Lettuce and bok choy | Leave 2-3 inches at the base, stand it in the sun in a mug, glass, or jar with water halfway up, and make sure you change the water daily.

2️⃣ Green onions | Keep 2 inches of the base with roots intact, fill a mug, glass, or jar with a 1/2 inch of water, and place the onions in root end down near a window for sunlight. Change the water daily.

3️⃣ Basil and mint | After purchasing from the store, trim the stems and place the cut ends down in a jar of water on the counter. Leave it there long enough, and the roots will start sprouting!

Although you can leave them in the water and harvest that way, you can also transfer them into soil after they have more fully developed in the glass. #KitchenHacks #SaveMoney #GrowYourFood #ZeroWasteKitchen #FightFoodWaste ...

Graduating students and families on campus tomorrow for commencement day will have a few options to fuel up. Plum Market will be open from 8AM to 5PM and Starbucks will be open from 7AM - 5PM. Also, as a fun way to celebrate mom, guests at these campus dining spots are welcome to grab a complimentary rose (limited supply!). #CongratsGrads #CelebrateMom ...