Healthy Food

We all know that what we eat and do has a direct impact on our health, energy level, performance and appearance. We know it makes sense to do the right thing, but we want to do it in our own way.

But like me, matigas ang ulo ko. Kung ano ang bawal, yun naman ang gusto ko. Sabi nga ng mga nakakarami, kung ano yung masama, yun ang masarap. For instance, if you are diabetic, you know you should limit your sugar intake or none at all. Instead use sugar substitute. Sa akin okay lang habang nandito ako sa America pero kapag nasa Maynila na ako, ang nilalantakan ko ay leche plan, halayang ube, suman na may latik, at iba pang mga kakanin na malusog sa asukal. Sa umaga pag-ihi mo may mga kasunod ka ng langgam ng gumagapang sa kubeta.

Yesterday, I was a good boy. I was at the Filipino Community Center and I watched the lecture-dem conducted by Registered Dietitian Janet L. Kapp. Kapp is a Nutrition Consultant for the Seattle and King County Public Health. She talks about chronic disease prevention and healthy aging.

I’d like to share with my readers the recipe of spicy coleslaw Kapp prepared for the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) group who attended the FCS nutrition program. Here’s the recipe (makes 8 servings):

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup olive, peanut, or canola oil
1 tablespoon sugar (or Splenda)
6 cups shredded cabbage
2 diced bell peppers
1 cup diced scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup minced fresh parsley

Whisk together the mustard and vinegar. Gradually add the oil, whisking “all the while.” Add sugar (or Splenda) and whisk to dissolve. Combine the cabbage, peppers, and scallions and toss with the dressing. Season to taste with pepper and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with fresh parsley.

To suit you better, you may add shredded or chopped carrots. Use both green and red cabbage for variety. Add freshly grated ginger to add a bit of spice. Substitute apple cider or red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar. Substitute favorite cabbage types for green cabbage. I added “Splenda” to the recipe of Kapp for diabetic people.