By Christy Tapocsi
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I love to eat. One of my favorite ways to get a taste of a foreign place is through the cuisine. This could be while traveling or by trying new dishes at home. Cooking food from all over the world gives us insight and understanding into different countries and cultures. Inspired by top athletes from around the globe, I wanted to share five delicious and healthy recipes.
Let's start with the home of the current athletic games: Brazil. Acai (“ah-sah-EE”) bowls are growing in popularity. For good reason! They are tasty, full of nutritious foods and beautiful, too. But, did you know acai is native to Brazil?
Acai is a berry like the fruit of a palm tree. It is a nutritional powerhouse—with fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and chock full of other vitamins and minerals. Putting together acai bowls offers an opportunity to get creative with the toppings and fruits you love most!
Recipe: Try this Acai breakfast bowl.
1. Acai Bowls
Let's start with the home of the current athletic games: Brazil. Acai (“ah-sah-EE”) bowls are growing in popularity. For good reason! They are tasty, full of nutritious foods and beautiful, too. But, did you know acai is native to Brazil?
Acai is a berry like the fruit of a palm tree. It is a nutritional powerhouse—with fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and chock full of other vitamins and minerals. Putting together acai bowls offers an opportunity to get creative with the toppings and fruits you love most!
Recipe: Try this Acai breakfast bowl.
2. Ceviche
Ceviche (“suh-VEE-chey”)—the national dish of Peru—is a simple combination of fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, such as limes or lemons. It's a must-eat for anyone visiting the country, and can be easily made right at home! The juice of the citrus fruits “cooks” the fish. Ceviche is served cold, which makes it a refreshing summer meal.
Recipe: Here's an easy way to make ceviche.
3. Pho
Pho (“fuh”) is a popular street food in Vietnam. It is a delicious and nourishing broth-based soup. Traditional pho can take hours to make and simmer. However, there are some quick and easy pho-inspired dishes.
Recipe: Give pho-on-the-go a shot. Not on the go? This is a great dish to serve at home, too. Just skip the Thermos step.
4. Doro Wat
Doro Wat ("DOH-roh waht") is the national dish of Ethiopia and renowned among African cuisine. It's basically a chicken stew, packed with flavor. The key to doro wat is the spice blend, berbere, which you can buy or make yourself. Don't be intimidated! Once you have berbere, doro wat is a simple dish to assemble and a great place to start if you've never cooked African food.
Recipe: This step-by-step recipe with beautiful photos will add adventure to your weekend.
5. Souvlaki
Let's end our recipe roundup where the games began—Greece. Opa! Souvlaki ("soov-LAH-kee") is a popular dish made of pieces of meat on a skewer, usually pork or chicken. It's healthy, easy, and pairs great with salads and sides.
Recipe: Fire up the grill for this chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce.
I hope these around-the-world recipes transport you to a new place. Enjoy every bite!
About the Series
Healthy Helpings is an ongoing series of sound information and inspiration for a healthier lifestyle. Look here for fresh recipes, fitness tips and more bite-sized advice on maintaining a better balance in life—from your friends at the Y.