Genesis and Life Center hold “Enjoy the Taste of Eating” events

April 11, 2017

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

The Genesis program in conjunction with the Gila River Health Care Life Center held two “Enjoy the Taste of Eating” events showcasing healthy food samples on March 22 at the District 6 Resource Center and on March 23 at the District 3 Emergency Services building.

Community members came out to both locations to sample a variety of tasty foods like bagel pizzas, hummus, chicken tacos, and refreshing berry smoothies. Registered dieticians and nutritionists from the Genesis program and Life Center presented how to make each meal using healthier alternative ingredients.

“All the kids love pizza, so we have a mini pizza recipe where you can use whole-wheat bagels and [and] rather than pepperoni, we use something a little bit healthier, Canadian bacon,” said Watson.

She said another healthy meal that can be easily made with nutritious ingredients are chicken tacos. Instead of flour tortillas, use white or yellow corn tortillas, which are whole grains. The addition of avocado also adds healthy fats and makes the flavors of the chicken, cheese, and tortilla really pop.

The “Enjoy the Taste of Eating” event also covered everybody’s favorite meal of the day, snack time. Instead of munching on spicy Cheetos or the mid-afternoon chocolate chip cookie, a healthier and just as delicious alternative is hummus, a garbanzo bean dip made with garlic, olive oil, and cumin. Carrots or celery can be dipped into the hummus, making a delicious, filling, and healthy mid-afternoon snack that won’t pack on the pounds.

For those with a bit of a sweet tooth but still looking to keep their desserts healthy, the Genesis and Life Center teams were serving up a “Razz Green MaTazz Berry Smoothie.” The smoothie is made with berries, which are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. To make the sweet cold treat even more nutritious add a dose of spinach to help kids eat more green leafy vegetables.

“We have a smoothie as well, a lot of kids like to eat ice cream and candy, so the smoothie is like the dessert portion of what they can have as a healthier treat,” Watson said.

Watson said the event was held in celebration of March being National Nutrition Month and is just one of several activities the Genesis Program and Life Center are hosting.

In addition to the “Enjoy the Taste of Eating” event, the two programs have been working with Community schools on a door-decorating contest, where students decorate their classroom doors with fruits and vegetables, and other nutrition related designs. During the first week of April the door designs will be judged and the winner of the contest will receive a popcorn party.

For more information about the recipes showcased at the “Enjoy the Taste of Eating” events or to learn more about the door decoration contest, call the Genesis program a (520) 562-1237.