Weekly Greenmarket Preview: Being Healthy Isn’t Corny
Posted in Around the Garden on July 17 2012, by Ann Rafalko
It’s hot, I cannot lie. Another thing I cannot lie about: I’m really bad at dealing with the heat. My favorite ways to cope include sitting in the shade along Tulip Tree Allée, drinking lots of cold water, indulging in an occasional popsicle, and staying as far away as possible from the stove; in other words, it’s time to eat lots and lots of salad.
But, as I’m sure you know, plain old iceberg and tomatoes can get a bit repetitive. What’s the solution? Hit the weekly Wednesday NYBG Greenmarket for inspiration (and check out our recipes below)!
This week, in addition to the usual abundance of fruits and veggies, you will also find representatives from the Montefiore Office of Community Health and Wellness offering advice and screenings, and educators from St. Barnabas Hospital offering advice on healthy habits and staying well. And though it may seem hard to motivate in this intense heat, a bit of gentle exercise is still important, so pull on your sneakers and go for a walk with the members of the Weekly Walking Club.
Admission and parking are free to shop at the Greenmarket and EBT, WIC, and FMNP and NYC Health Bucks are accepted. The weekly NYBG Greenmarket near Tulip Tree Allée happens every Wednesday through November 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekly Walking Club – Meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. by the NYBG information table.
Join Public Education staff for an invigorating 1.5 mile loop around the Garden. Wear your walking shoes and bring a bottle of water for a walk that makes a great part of a healthy lifestyle
Nutrition Tips and Health Screenings This Week – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Good nutrition and exercise are essential to your family’s health. This Wednesday, the Healthy Families Program will teach you how easy it is to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. The MetLife Foundation Healthy Families Program is made possible through the generous support of MetLife Foundation.
Blood Pressure Screenings and Health Education
Montefiore Office of Community Health and Wellness staff provide free blood pressure screenings and advice on healthy habits for staying well.
Fitness and the Food Plate
St. Barnabas Hospital health educators focus on fitness and the food plate; free blood pressure and body mass index screenings are also offered.
Salad Recipes
Raw Sweet Corn Salad
By Lis Ortiz, Public Education Coordinator, and Christina Ruiz, Public Education Assistant
Ingredients serves 4
6 ears corn, husked and cleaned
1/4 pound cherry tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut raw kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, toss together the corn, tomatoes, onion, basil, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Kale Avocado Salad
By Holly Shelowitz, Healthy Eating Specialist at Whole Foods Market
Ingredients serves
1 head kale, any variety, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 1/2 avocados, scooped
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1 lemon, juiced
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together.
- Smash avocado into salad to cream and coat all ingredients. Serve immediately.
Indian Tomato and Watermelon Salad
By Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez, Pastry Chef, Print Restaurant
Ingredients serves 4
4 large tomatoes
3 cups diced watermelon
2 cups diced paneer or other firm white cheese like queso blanco or feta
2 teaspoons chaat masala
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped mint
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes into 1 inch pieces.
- Toss with watermelon.
- Cut cheese into 1 inch pieces. Toss with tomatoes and watermelon.
- Sprinkle chaat masala over salad and let sit in refrigerator 15-20 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, cilantro, and mint.
- Pour over salad and toss thoroughly. Enjoy!
