Power up your year by reading “A Taste of Wellness” magazine

San Bernardino County Update. SBCounty.gov

Make 2025 your year by creating sustainable health changes to become a healthier, happier “you” by reading the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health – Nutrition and Wellness Services (NWS) “A Taste of Wellness” electronic magazine. NWS health experts will support your steps to a successful year by sharing delicious recipes that prioritize healthy habits and help you meet your goals.

Powering up your food bowl is one way of creating delicious options to a fresh start. Leticia Allen, a health education specialist II with the NWS program, shares her nutritious recipe to powerup your year. “Power Bowls are popular because you can pack a bunch of ‘power’ foods in a bowl to make a complete meal,” says Allen. “They can be very filling, especially when adding a good source of protein such as legumes, poultry, Greek yogurt, nuts, and/or seeds. When adding the right ingredients, they can be the perfect choice to fuel your body with the right flavors, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh vegetables.”

Create a mediterranean power bowl by using these superfood ingredients:

½ cup quinoa, uncooked
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth or water
1 cup roasted pepper hummus or any hummus flavor of your choice
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 Kalamata olives, sliced
2 medium Persian cucumbers, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

Directions:

Preparing the quinoa – Combine rinsed quinoa with broth or water in a medium sized saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Assembling the bowls – In two round, deep bowls, divide the quinoa, hummus, and chopped spinach, arranging different sections of the bowls. Continue doing the same with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and onion. Spoon the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the bowls. You might be tempted to add dressing, but I recommend just using the hummus as dressing. If you must add dressing, adding just a drizzle of olive oil will be sufficient.

Start your journey today and make this your best year yet! For more health tips and other delicious recipes, read the latest ‘A Taste of Wellness’ magazine issue and subscribe to “A Taste of Wellness” magazine or visit the Public Health website nutrition page at dph.sbcounty.gov/programs/nutrition.

Additional County Update News – Feb. 20, 2025