A Global Mindset to Balanced Eating
In a followup to Where to Find Real Food Recipes, JUGS writer Julia Blanchard shares how travel can inspire a whole new thought process around food and balanced eating.
“I have been fortunate enough to visit a number of islands in the Caribbean. During my travels, I like to immerse myself in the culture as much as I can which for me includes trying as much local cuisine as I can find. Each time I am pleasantly surprised by the bean salads, stews, vegetable medleys that these cultures use as staple dishes on a daily basis. Each dish is filled with a wonderful array of spices that create such incredible flavor.
While visiting Jamaica, I found myself obsessing over their Chickpea stew so much so that I actually asked the chef where I could find a recipe to take home. The chef was kind enough to find me a recipe online that would help me find everything I needed (including the right measurements) to follow once I was home in the US. If you like curry powder and coconut, try this Vegan Chickpea Stew.
Another dish I really like to make, especially in colder months, is the West African Peanut Soup that I’ve shared previously. I ordered this in the Cayman Islands and was skeptical when they told me it was made using peanut butter and potatoes – two things I wouldn’t ever think to combine. Needless to say, I couldn’t have been farther off in my pre-assessment because the peanut butter, turmeric and cumin-based broth was incredible. Not only do these spices create a flavor powerhouse but they can be incredible beneficial to overall well-being.
Trying some of the resources I’ve mentioned previously can actually lead to you find some classic and unexpected, globally and seasonally inspired options for whichever food philosophy you follow. When thinking about what fuel you choose it’s crucial to remember that it’s not about what you can’t eat, but what you can and what makes you feel your best.”
Julia Blanchard is a content contributor for JUGs by night, by day she works at Amazon on some of Alexa’s feature expansion programs. You can follow her @jcblanchard6 on Instagram.