Healthy Eating Week is officially around the corner! Our chefs have developed an array of dishes that offer excellent nourishment and prioritise wellness in the workplace to be served.
In this article, we explore the benefits of embracing a healthier lifestyle as we introduce the dishes in our Healthy Eating Week menu, many of which are inspired by Blue Zone countries.
So, what is a Blue-zone country? Blue-zone countries are simply areas where populations have a much longer life expectancy beyond 80 due to a lower risk of chronic diseases or other health conditions—partly due to the diets that they enjoy.
But that's not it; across the week, many of our dishes will also be inspired by national festivities and cultural mishmashes whilst offering an educational approach to how each ingredient serves more benefits to your body than you think.
Eager to read more about Blue-zones? Here's an article by BBC Good Food exploring in more depth the research behind these 5 special Blue-zone locations: Okinawa (Japan), Nuoro Province (Sardinia), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California).
Click here to read
Now, let us take you on a tour through all the nourishing main dishes we're bringing to the tables this Healthy Eating Week:
Monday
Chinese Healthy Eating Day
Peanut Roasted Tempeh & Chinese Aubergines
Peanuts offer an abundance of healthy fats and fibre, which are great for maintaining healthy heart and blood glucose levels.
Garlic Chilli Tofu & Broccoli
Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source containing nearly 3g of fibre per 100g. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamins C and A.
Szechuan Steames Salmon, Julienne Veg
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, whilst Szechuan pepper contains anti-inflammatory properties to boost our immune system.
Poached Chicken with Ginger & Spring Onions
Ginger is a great superfood. This is rich in plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant properties.
Tuesday
Sardinia - Blue zone
Slow Roast Tomato & Summar Veg Fregola
Tomatoes offer many nutrients, including lycopene, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene and flavanol antioxidants.
Melanzana alla Sarda-Roasted Aubergine with Tomato, Herbs and Bocconcini
Aubergines are high in fibre and low in calories, but they are also abundant in antioxidants and minerals such as copper, manganese, B-6, and thiamine.
Sardinian Roasted Seabass, Olives, Tomato & Herbs
Seabass is a superb protein source that is rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Selenium, and Vitamin B12, all of which are linked to improving a healthy heart, better immune system, and reduced risk of anaemia.
Chicken Agrodolce, Roasted Squash & Herbs
Chicken is an excellent protein source. Squash is abundant in vitamins A, B, and C and also contains magnesium and potassium, all vital for supporting bone, blood, and heart health.
Wednesday
Ikaria - Blue zone
Pitarakia - Leafy Greens & Herb Filo Pie
Leafy greens are associated with longevity due to their richness in folate, lutein, vitamin E and K helping reduce inflammation and protect cells in the body.
Chickpea & Veg Soufiko Stew, Goats Curd
Beans and pulses have amino acids to make a nutritional whole protein low in calories and high in fibre.
Lemon & Oregano Lamb Stew
This locally sourced lamb contains high-quality protein,vitamins,, and minerals, such as iron, zinc,, and vitamin B12.
Herby Yoghurt & Honey Grilled Chicken, Greek Roasted Tomatoes
Honey is high in antioxidants. Yoghurt has all nine essential amino acids and a potent protein source.
Thursday
Mash up Special - Persian & French-inspired cuisine
Served with Lebanese Flatbreads and Hummus
Harissa Cannellini Bean Cassoulet & Sumac Fennel
Beans are high in soluble fibre and high in magnesium. This is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy arteries.
Middle Eastern Halloumi, Provencal Vegetables & Tarragon Chermoula
Halloumi is an excellent calcium source. Calcium contributes to healthy bones, nerve transition and muscle function.
Middle Eastern Seabass, Salsa Verde & Pickled Cabbage
Seabass is an excellent source of selenium and Omega 3 fatty acids that contribute to a healthy heart.
Grilled Chicken Shwarma Chasseur
Button mushrooms are full of many vegetables, including carrots, leeks, celery, and garlic, which are all good for prebiotics, helping improve digestive health. They are also high in niacin and vitamins A and B, supporting a healthier immune system.
Friday
Okinawa - Blue zone
Seaweed Crusted Tofu, Teriyaki & Stir Fried Red Pepper
Seaweed is an excellent fibre source containing lots of vegetables. Red peppers are also great prebiotics and are high in vitamins C.
Spicy Japanese Tempeh & Egg Champuru
Tempeh is a probiotic packed with healthy bacteria inspired by the Blue Zone island of Okinawa. Chanpuru contains a mixture of vegetables that are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Seaweed Crusted Pork Loin & Tamari Dressing
Pork loin and seaweed are excellent protein and fibre sources. Seaweed also contains a mix of bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants. Ginger also has great anti-inflammatory properties.
Grilled Miso Chicken Thighs & Aubergines
Miso's fermentation process makes it very probiotic-rich. The aubergines and onions are great sources of antioxidants and fibre.
It’s a Wrap
As we sail through this culinary journey during Healthy Eating Week, let this be a reminder of the importance of feeding your teams with food that doesn't just satisfy your team's cravings and supports their healthy lifestyle.
Remember, a healthy heart always leads to a happy heart! From the wholesome dishes of Chinese-inspired cuisines to the nutrient-rich flavours of Sardinia, Ikaria and beyond, Healthy Eating Week with Fooditude brings a new opportunity to explore the secrets of good health.
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