Feature — by Jo Marie Scaglia
Become a “Super Foodie”
“Real Food” is something that grows from the Earth; wild salmon that swims freely, free-range chicken, grass-fed
beef. Genetically modified food (GMO), fast food, and most products with a bar code are not “real food.”
Diabetes, cancer and heart disease are on the rise, but society
remains unsure of how to tackle
this problem and live healthy. Society has the mindset that taking a
“magic pill” is the solution. These
“quick fixes” are not the answer.
Eating for wellness, health, wholeness, and prevention is the solution. Getting back to the roots of
“real food” will allow Americans to
get healthy and stay healthy. Eating well is a prime contributor to
living well. Studies suggest a
healthy diet may reduce the risk of
degenerative disease by 30 percent
or more. It’s as simple as incorporating “real foods” into our daily
diet.
“Real Food” is something that
grows from the Earth; wild salmon
that swims freely, free-range
chicken, grass-fed beef. Genetically modified food (GMO), fast
food, and most products with a bar
code are not “real food.” Think of
our grandmothers in the kitchen
making meals from scratch using
whole, fresh ingredients. That is
“real food.”
My mom cooked every meal from
scratch. I have memories of going
to the City Market in the summer.
If Mom was rushed, she would
drive her Ford Pinto Wagon
through the aisles and the farmers
would pass fresh fruits and vegetables to me and my brother through
the back window. This was true
curbside pickup, the old fashion
way of food shopping.
Growing up, I had a garden every
summer. This was my original
“organic garden.” I didn’t even
know what “organic” meant at that
time. I planted the seeds, watered
and tended my garden every day. I
would pick the vegetables and run
into my mother’s kitchen to showcase my prized produce. This was
“Real Food” in the purest form.
Over the past 50 years, fast food
has grown annually in popularity
and the majority of foods found in
grocery stores are pre-packaged,
shelf-stable food that are full of
chemicals, pesticides, hormones
and genetic alterations. A “real
food” diet will lead to a healthier
population. Since opening The
Mixx five years ago, I have learned,
hands-on, how healthful food provides the foundation for living a
healthy and good life. Lately, I
Tomatoes are a main
component in the fight against
prostate cancer.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends that
we consume 25 grams of fiber daily, yet the
average American consumes a mere 11 grams
on any given day.
have been studying about “Real
Foods” called “Super Foods”.
A “Super Food” is one that can
aid in anti-inflammation and slow
down the oxidation process that
causes disease and rapid aging.
Through my research, I have identified some foods that will contrib-
Blueberries are known as
“brain food” with great ability
to improve memory.
EATING WELL IN KANSAS CITY ~ 12 ~ Summer 2010
ute to healthy living. Incorporating
these foods into your diet may reduce the risk of cancer, obesity,
heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis as well as many other diseases. These foods will lead to a
healthier life.
Pumpkin is great to repair
muscles after heavy exercise
Broccoli (Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Cauliflower,
Swiss Chard, and Mustard Greens) is rich in
Vitamin C and a great source for vegetarian
iron. These greens come from the Brassica
Family, considered true royalty when it comes
to vegetables, and are major contributors in
decreasing inflammation in the body.
Spinach is high in plant derived Omega-3
fatty acids, Vitamins C, E and B6. It’s great to
ward off hypertension!
Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Oats, Wheat,
Barley, Buckwheat, Millet, Quinoa, Kumut,
Wheat Germ, and Flax Seed) contain fiber that
aids in reducing the risk of heart disease and
stroke. Oatmeal is great to lower cholesterol.
Oranges are high in vitamin C, folate, fiber,
potassium, and pectin. Pectin will help stabilize
blood sugar and lower glucose absorption. Oranges are one of the original “health foods.”
Berries, whether fresh, frozen or dried, are
great antioxidants. One to two cups of these
super fruits is recommended daily. Blueberries
are also known as the “brain food” with great
ability to improve memory and keep your brain
sharp.
Orange Vegetables (Pumpkin, Carrots, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Potatoes) are chockfull of essential nutrients. One carrot a day may
reduce the chance of lung cancer by as much as
50 percent. Pumpkin is great to repair muscles
after heavy exercise.
Turkey may lower the risk of heart disease and
cancer. The zinc found in turkey will strengthen
your immune system. Skinless chicken breasts
are a good alternative.
Yogurt is a great source for probiotics (good
bacteria) that create a healthy digestive system
and bolsters your immune system.
Tea is full of flavonoids, which induce mechanisms that may kill cancer cells and slow tumor
invasion in the body. Studies show that tea may
also aid in weight loss and heart health. Tea has
been linked to fighting gum disease and cavities
as well.
Beans are one of the most potent sources of
fiber. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends
that we consume 25 grams of fiber daily, yet the
average American consumes a mere 11 grams
on any given day. Ancient cavemen were known
to consume 50 to 100 grams of fiber daily. Incorporating beans in your diet may reduce your
chances of heart diseases, cancer, obesity, and
diabetes.
Over the past 50 years, fast food has grown annually in popularity
and the majority of foods found in grocery stores are pre-packaged,
shelf-stable food that are full of chemicals, pesticides, hormones
and genetic alterations. A “real food” diet will lead to a
healthier population.
Tomatoes are the main source of lycopene, a
carotene linked to fighting cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even
male infertility. Tomatoes are also a main component in the fight against prostate cancer.
Nuts are a great source of good fats packed
with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, Vitamin E, potassium, and B6. Nuts are great for
good heart health and for reducing the risk of
hypertension. Nut butters are great additions to
your morning oatmeal or to spread over a slice
of whole grain toast. Eating one ounce of nuts,
five times a week, may reduce your chance of a
heart attack by as much as 50 percent.
It is time to become a “Super Foodie” for a
better, healthier you. Incorporating just a few
of these “Super Foods” into your diet will make
a great impact in your health. With the influx of
farmers markets, spring is the perfect time to
explore all these great “Super Foods.” Happy
eating!
EATING WELL IN KANSAS CITY ~ 13 ~ Summer 2010
Jo Marie Scaglia founded
The Mixx in 2005 after a
lifetime of love for cooking and restaurants. Having spent 10 years in San
Francisco as a high-end
caterer, where she
quickly became recognized as one of the best in
the business, Jo Marie
moved back to Kansas
City and quickly recognized the area’s void for a
much needed option of healthy, delicious and
fast-casual cuisine. The Mixx was Jo Marie’s
solution. Every dish on The Mixx’s menu is an
original creation of Jo Marie.
The Mixx has locations at 4855 Main Street in
the Plaza Colonnade and 1347 Main Street in
the Kansas City Power & Light District.