Power Up! with Power Foods on Maria's Light Menu

Maria Trabocchi

This month we are focusing the popular Maria's Light Menu on "powerfoods", those vegetable, fruit, grain, nut and seed products that serve as powerful sources of clean proteins, vitamins, minerals, beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, good fats and oils, and other nutrients.  Maria's menu already features low sodium, low carbohydrate options. 

The powerfoods on the Maria Light Menu will change daily, but you can expect to find items like goji berries, quinoa, radicchio, baby kale, and whole wheat pasta. 

Goji Berries (goh-gee)

Originally from the Himalayan Mountain region, the naturally dried goji berries (also known as wolfberries) have long been touted for their medicinal purposes, including enhancing the immune system, improving eyesight, and protecting the liver. They are high in Vitamin A, and have a slightly sweet, sour flavor. Some varieties tend more toward a distinct "berry" flavor, others taste more like a sundried tomato.

Quinoa (keen-wah)

An ancient grain-like crop grown for its edible seeds, which provide a complete source of protein. Quinoa originated in the Andes mountains of South America, and was one of the three staple foods of the Inca civilization.

Radicchio

Radicchio boasts an antioxidant content that rivals blueberries and spinach!

Baby Kale

This versatile green is an excellent source of both vitamins A (as beta-carotene) and C, along with a decent amount of fiber. Kale also delivers vitamin B6, which helps maintain healthy nervous and immune systems, as well as iron and calcium. Perhaps most impressive, this versatile green contains especially high amounts of phytochemicals that may help safeguard the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.

Whole Wheat Pasta
Whole grains provide a longer supply of sustained energy and are high in dietary fiber.


We hope to see you at Fiola for a new definition of the "Power Lunch"!