Itz Holistically Wholesome

We all know that good nutrition is essential, and as such, we are to take the necessary steps to ensure that our body is getting what it needs to function at its optimal. With this in mind, “National Nutrition Month” was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a way of encouraging people to make healthier lifestyle choices as it relates to their foods and physical activities. It is celebrated annually in the month of March, and it is for everyone. On their website, you can find some valuable tools to guide you if you are desirous of making an informed decision about your health and your families, such as recipes, tip sheets, games and activities, and planning materials. The website also caters to men, women, seniors, and kids. See link here:https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month

As an employee at Northwell Health, I love that this company places great emphasis on members’ health and well-being. Hence, it came as no surprise that they would introduce some challenge for March, National Nutrition Month. Members were encouraged to participate in a Challenge entitled “Food around the Globe’ through Virgin Pulse. We were to form a team consisting of five members and collectively were to work together to unlock several countries worldwide. Some of these countries were Tel Aviv, Israel, Athens, Greece, Tehran, Iran, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (final destination), to name a few. This challenge s from March 1-March 31, 2021. We were required to make a certain number of steps to unlock each location; when we arrived, we got a recipe for that particular country’s local cuisine that we could make and share. However, we chose to meet our goals was entirely up to us as long as we unlocked the final destination by March 1, 2021, at 11:59 pm to qualify for an entry for the grand prize draw. So you see, not only were we being encouraged to be more active and make healthier food choices, but we were also learning about various cultural dishes from around the world. All the teams that successfully made it to the final destination by the month-end will have a chance of winning the grand prize, which is a year’s supply of healthy foods. Tree teams will be selected. There are also other incentives available to members. The team with the most steps will be given bragging rights. Individual members will earn credit for a maximum number of 30 000 steps made per day and 500 points for at least 217 000 steps made overall.

I must admit that this was the most exciting challenge yet, and this was my third year participating in a challenge. Our team was named Franklin Foodies, and I had the most unique, committed team members who were determined to unlock all locations on time. While we would love to be the grand prize’s overall winners, we were just happy for the motivation because it allowed us to see just how much we can be active and healthy even with a busy life. I am also elated that we arrived at the final destination before the end of the month but decided to continue onwards for the rest of the months to see how many steps we can accomplish together. Even though we could not make the various dishes, we had a blast just getting physically active. I am contemplating making a few of these dishes after the competition ended. We are beyond motivated and high-spirited.

If your goal is to live a healthy and wholesome life, but you lack the commitment, finding and participating in various challenges like this can give you the kick start you need. You can also check your different social media pages for challenges. Remember, your health is your wealth.

See recipe from one of the countries that we unlocked.

Port-au-Price, Haiti

Haitian Pikliz (Cole Slaw)

Serving size: 5

Total time: 15 mins plus 8 hours rest

Nutritional Information

Calories: 48

Fat: 0g

Carbs: 1g

Fiber:2g

Ingredients

1/2 cups white vinegar

1-14 oz coleslaw mix

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

3-4 Haberno or scotch bonnet peppers minced (add more if you like it spicey)

Juice from 1 lime

Salt (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine coleslaw mix, vinegar, onion, and peppers. Season with pinch of salt (optional) and lime juice. Toss to combine. Refrigerate overnight. Enjoy!