Men's Health: Foods You Should Be Eating Daily

I brought Nanogreens shots to the boys at Fire Station 5 in Carlsbad, California today!  I get to stop in regularly on these fellas as one of them is my husband.  I'm always amazed at the meals they make for their 'family dinner'.  As a group, they grocery shop together, cook together, and clean up together.  Every time I have been invited for dinner, the meal is well-rounded, healthy & made with tons of love.

Sadly, that's not the case for most of our guys out there.

Pizza, Buffalo wings, Mac n Cheese - we love you guys, and that’s why we think the stereotypical ‘male diet’ is due for a makeover. Times are certainly changing as men are recognizing that the first step to taking control of their health is paying closer attention to the foods they eat!

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of illness in American men, accounting for about 25% of all deaths, according to the latest statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consider that the next leading cause of death among men is every type of cancer combined, heart disease is a major killer.

Focusing on eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and including vegetables as well as cutting back on red meat & alcohol all contribute to a heart health & overall wellness.

Below are some guy friendly foods to include daily:

• Vegetables - While all vegetables are good for you, some stand out above the rest. Cruciferous veggies such as Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts contain cancer protective phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. Not enough time to cook? Get your entire daily dose of veggies from Nanogreens

• Beans - Rich in fiber, beans help lower cholesterol and are also high in antioxidants. They contain B vitamins, folic acid & iron, not to mention they are super filling. Studies have shown that people who eat beans 4 or more times per week were 22% less likely to develop heart disease!

• Oats - Heart healthy oats deliver the perfect balance of carbohydrates, soluble fiber, and protein. There are 10 grams of protein in one-half cup serving! 

Makeover complete! Add in these heart healthy foods & take control of your health.
We love you <3



Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Hearty Sweet Potato Chili

I’ve never been a huge chili-loving person... until now.

Come to find out, I prefer my chili non-traditional. Hearty, yes. Bursting with flavor, yes. But this is not your typical chili. It’s a million times better! And did I mention, it's healthy too? Bonus!

Hearty Sweet Potato Chili:

Ingredients:

-1 tbsp. Olive oil
-1 med. yellow Onion
-4 cloves Garlic, minced
-1 tbsp. Chili powder
-1 tbsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. Cumin
-1 yellow Bell pepper, diced
-1 Sweet potato, cubed
-2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes, unsalted
-2 cups dry red lentils
-2 can Kidney beans
-1 cup frozen organic White corn
-8 cups Vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Avocado & cilantro (as much as you want for garnish)
- Tortilla chips for dipping (ours are gluten free, non-gmo & extra crunchy)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, onion & spices & saute until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper, sweet potato & diced tomatoes. Saute for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the broth, lentils, beans & corn. Bring to a boil over high heat. 
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. Top with avocado slices & cilantro

Take a dip!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Chickpea & Butternut Squash Curry

With 5 winter weeks ahead, we aren't slowing down! Some of the most delicious produce grows in the winter, including butternut squash. No offense to zucchini, but the health benefits of winter squash seriously outweigh their summer cousins. Not only are they low in fat and high in fiber, butternut squash is rich in potassium and high in vitamin B6. It also contains high levels of beta-carotene, which has been identified as a deterrent against breast cancer. We've paired it with a few of our other favorite ingredients in this delicious curry to keep you healthy, warm & going strong for the rest of the season!

Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 chopped white onion
- 3-4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium butternut squash, skinned & chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp. curry paste (pictured is yellow curry, but you can use whatever kind you like)
- 1 can light coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 bunch cilantro

Directions:
1. Saute onions and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add butternut squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, water, curry paste & salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn the heat down to medium, cover & simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Test the squash with a fork, it should be soft but not falling apart.
5. Add frozen peas and spinach. Stir & simmer for 3 minutes until spinach cooks down.
6. Remove from heat. Serve over rice or eat just by itself, topped with fresh cilantro and shredded coconut.

Enjoy!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific