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Unlock the Secret to a Happy, Healthy Gut

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By Dylan Bailey, MS Candidate

A Happy, Healthy Gut

Here at Libby’s, we understand the importance of enjoying family meals together, and a crucial component of that is having a happy and healthy gut. After all, can you truly enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones if your GI system is out of whack? We think not. Although this issue is now being researched and discussed more openly, most of us still remain in the dark about how we can improve it. That changes today! Read on to learn the key to unlocking a healthy gut.

Let’s start with the basics. Your gut flora – scientifically speaking – is the complex and diverse community of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. The tract is home to some 39 trillion bacteria, which is more than the number of cells that make up the human body! These invisible heroes are vital to a happy, healthy gut, and can have huge impacts on your overall health.

So, who are these heroes? There are three types of functional substances you should know about:  

Sauerkraut, cucumber pickles and yogurt

Prebiotics

  • Prebiotics are foods with “non-digestible” components that help strengthen and grow your gut flora. Essentially, they’re food for your gut. Examples of prebiotics include vegetables—like corn or peas—as well as whole wheat, grains and fruits, like apples or bananas.

Probiotics

  • Probiotics, on the other hand, are the live bacteria that can be ingested as part of whole foods (like in yogurt or sauerkraut) or even in supplements. They play a major role in helping us enjoy all the scrumptious meals we eat by fighting off diseases and assisting in digestion.

Synbiotics

  • What do you get when you combine prebiotics and probiotics? The answer is simple: synbiotics! These bacteria combine both pre- and probiotics and stimulate the healthy bacteria in your large intestine.

Get Happy, Gut Happy

Pork, Sauerkraut & Potato Skillet Supper

 

Fortunately, properly nourishing your gut can be simple, budget-friendly and most importantly, tasty! Set yourself on a path towards optimal gut health with this recipe for savory and wholesome Pork, Sauerkraut & Potato Skillet Supper. Made with Libby’s® Potatoes and Libby’s® Sauerkraut, the dish combines apples, sauerkraut, and potatoes, providing both food and new friends for your existing gut flora community. From our table to yours, we wish you happy mealtimes – and happy gut health! 

Change Up Your Menu for Vegetarian Awareness Month

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By Samantha Bailey, Registered Dietitian

When you think of October, you likely picture pumpkins, candy corn and scarecrows, but do you ever dream of a plate full of colorful, nutritious veggies? If not, this is your time to start. Why?! October is Vegetarian Awareness Month! Studies have shown that following a vegetarian diet can reduce your risk of serious health conditions (think: heart disease, type two diabetes and high blood pressure). Vegetarian diets are also linked to an increased intake of vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber. Reap these various health benefits by trying a new vegetarian meal at least three times a week throughout the upcoming month. Here are some nutrient-filled recipes to get you started!

Veggie-fy Old Classics

Many classic, meat-centric dishes can be easily—and tastily—updated to omit meat. Case in point: this Vegetarian Lasagna. Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables stand in for ground beef, a flavorful trade that will set you on the right track for achieving your daily serving of vegetables. Serve alongside a warm loaf of your favorite whole grain bread for a filling, family-friendly dinner.   

Vegetarian Lasagna

The New Comfort Food

Soups make a hearty, satiating and naturally meat-less meal option—especially on those chilly autumn nights. When the temps drop, fire up your stove for this Roasted Carrot & Apple Soup. Made with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots, apples and onions and spiced just right with cumin and chives, it’s a colorful, aromatic blend that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch. 

Roasted Carrot & Apple Soup

Spice Up Burger Night

No need to forego burger night just because you’re eating vegetarian. Ditch your regular beef patty for this kicked-up, fiber-filled Mexican Salsa Veggie Burger. It’s concocted with pinto beans, oatmeal, spices, and Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn—a winning combo so flavorful that you’ll forget what meat even tastes like. Give it a try and see that experimenting can be fun—and incredibly delicious! 

Mexican Salsa Veggie Burger

Five Reasons You Should Probably Eat More Beets

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Beets are more than just pink, earthy-tasting vegetables. They’re nutrition powerhouses packed with essential vitamins and minerals that keep your body humming and your heart happy. What’s more, their unique flavor and colorful hue bring an exciting pop to your palate AND your plate. Here are five reasons you should eat more of these produce gems, along with three Libby’s recipes that celebrate the absolute best beets have to offer.

1)     Beets may combat cancer.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents found in beets may help lower the risk of many types of cancers.

2)     Beets are loaded with six different important nutrients. They’re an excellent source of folate, vitamin A and K, and a very good source of manganese, copper, and potassium. Give a “toast” to good health with these adorable and tasty Beet & Bean Salad Crostini.

 

3)     Beets can fend off hunger. Beets are high in fiber, which helps with satiety and regularity. For a refreshing, healthy and delicious lunch that will keep mid-afternoon stomach rumblings at bay, try this Grilled Beet & Peach Spinach Salad featuring Libby’s® Sliced Beets alongside grilled Libby’s® Peach Slices, candied walnuts and blue cheese.

4)     Beets can help your body cleanse itself.

Beets have also been shown to support your body’s natural detoxification process. That’s thanks to betalin, a compound naturally found in beets (which, fun fact, gives them their red color!), as it captures toxins and pushes them out via the urinary tract.

5)     Beets can lift your spirits. They contain betaine, a substance that calms the brain and is used in other forms to treat depression. Beets are also a source of tryptophan (found in chocolate as well), which contributes to a sense of well-being. Reach your nirvana with this Pastry Wrapped Roasted Beets & Brie. It makes a warm and flaky appetizer, side dish or even dessert.   

National Eat Your Vegetables Day is June 17th!

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We all know it’s important to eat a diet full of nutrient-rich veggies, but chowing adequate amounts of produce can be easier said than done. Case in point: a recent study by the CDC revealed less than 9 percent of Americans meet the USDA’s recommended vegetable intake of 2 to 3 cups per day. With National Eat Your Vegetables Day approaching on June 17th, there’s no better time to start sneaking more of these feel-good gems on your plate. Check out the following Libby’s recipes–each featuring multiple types of veggies—for tasty, timely inspiration.

Say Hello to Salad

 

Salads are a great way to consume loads of different veggies all in one dish. This Peas, Carrots & Candied Walnut Salad delivers three types of produce: soft butter lettuce, sweet peas and diced carrots. It’s topped with sweet and crunchy walnuts and tangy feta cheese for an unforgettable medley of flavor.

Jazz Up the Classics

Another pro tip for consuming more veggies: just add them to your favorite dishes! This Turkey Tetrazzini with Green Beans and Mushrooms dresses up classic egg noodle pasta with and hearty diced turkey, creamy mushrooms and French-style green beans. It’s delectable as a hot main course or can also be chilled in the fridge and served up as a summer picnic side dish.

Health-ify Old Favorites

 

Health-ify your favorite takeout items by creating them at home. This allows you to control sodium levels and is also an ideal opportunity to toss in bonus veggies. The next time you’re craving Chinese, pull out this recipe for Mixed Veggie Fried Rice. It unites Libby’s® Mixed Vegetables with healthier-for-you brown rice. You can also switch it up—or add even more veggies—with Libby’s® Sliced Carrots, Libby’s® Sweet Peas, Libby’s® Cut Green Beans or Libby’s® Sweet Corn.

International Picnic Day is June 18th

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The passing of Memorial Day means summer is (unofficially) in full swing and nothing celebrates the best of this warmer season quite like a picnic. The term “picnic” is French is origin, and historians believe this form of casual, al fresco dining became popular in France after the Revolution. French or not, you can partake in this time-honored tradition along with folks from around the world on International Picnic Day on June 18. Here are our favorite Libby’s dishes perfect for the occasion.

Side Show OR Main Show

 

Pay tribute to the creators of the picnic with this French Style Potato Salad. It combines classic flavors of lemon, olive and garlic with the convenience of Libby’s® Sliced White Potatoes and Libby’s® French Style Green Beans for a fresh, hearty picnic side dish. You can also transform it into a simple main dish by tossing in a protein, like canned tuna or garbanzo beans.

Taco Time

 

Enjoy a customizable, handheld entrée with these Lunchbox Tacos featuring Libby’s® Vegetable Cups alongside salsa, black beans, chicken and your favorite cheese. They’re best prepared directly before eating, so pack up all the ingredients in your picnic basket and then assemble on-site.

Upgraded Pops

 

Finish your picnic on a sweet, yet healthy note with these Avocado Sweet Pea Frozen Pops. A fresh, creative take on the traditional popsicle, these green gems are a creamy, nutrition-packed treat. Not a fan of avocados? Try the Sweet Corn variety, starring Libby’s® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn Cups and plain Greek yogurt. Whatever your flavor, just be sure to stash the pops in a cooler with plenty of ice to ensure they’re still frosty come chow time. 

Go Green for Earth Day!

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By Kristin Kessler, Registered Dietitian

Home to more than seven billion people, three trillion trees, and more animals than many of us can count (the ant population alone is 10,000 trillion!), Mother Earth is a pretty populated place. And since we only have just one planet, it’s extra important to take care of it. Earth Day—celebrated every year on April 22—began 46 years ago to increase conversation on environmental issues, like fossil fuels, renewable resources and overall sustainability. This Friday, in addition to conserving electricity and recycling, take your Earth Day celebrations into the kitchen with our simple tips for sustainable eating!

Embrace the “All Produce is Beautiful” movement

Every year, six billion pounds of fruits and veggies in the U.S. go unharvested or unsold—not because they’re spoiled, but because they’re considered “ugly.” Deformed, wonky, crooked, or long-necked, just because this food doesn’t look like your typical produce doesn’t mean it’s not as tasty and nutritious! Honor homely veggies by combining them with Libby’s products in big casserole or soup dishes, like this recipe for Minestrone Soup. No one will ever know you chose the “ugly” produce over the “pretty” produce!

They’re called leftovers, not trash!

 

Food waste is no throwaway topic. Every year, approximately 2.9 trillion pounds of food—about one third of all food produced worldwide—gets tossed. Learn to love (and actually use) your leftovers in creative ways by incorporating them into salads, sandwiches and wraps. Extra helpings from last night’s roasted chicken can be tomorrow’s lunch with these Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Skip the meat (for a day)

Take a tip from the meatless Monday playbook and go vegetarian on this Earth Day. Going meatless can help reduce water usage, greenhouse gases and fuel dependence. To put it into perspective, approximately 1,850 gallons of water are needed to produce a single pound of beef, while a mere 39 gallons of water are needed to produce a pound of vegetables. Choose vegetarian sources of protein (think: lentils and beans) to improve both your health and the health of the planet. The next time you’re hankering for a burger, try this vegetarian recipe for Mexican Salsa Veggie Burgers instead. It’s filled with beans and spice and everything nice.