Hydrate Through Your Food
Did you know that on average, approximately 50-60% of your bodyweight is made of water? This is why staying hydrated is very important if you want your body to function optimally. Water can be consumed through both drinks and food intake.
Some foods are more hydrating than others. Most fruits and vegetables are over 80% water content, whereas it is less than 50% in cheese and less than 10% in processed snack foods and desserts.
Fresh (raw) fruits and vegetables are your best source of hydration from food – and this meal is full of them. Cucumber is one of the most hydrating foods on the planet. It is made up of 96% water! When you eat more hydrating foods, you are more likely to have better digestion, more energy, healthier skin, healthier joints, improved kidney function, a healthier immune system, and so much more.
Wrap it Up!
Why does food taste better when we wrap it up and smoosh it all together and eat it burrito-style? I don’t know, but it’s just true!
When you’re craving a wrapped-up food experience, rice paper wraps are a great alternative to flour tortillas. They typically are made of simply rice flour and water, without any added oils or preservatives, making them a great low-fat option for promoting diabetes health.
Rice paper wraps are shelf-stable; rehydrated when you are ready to use them. Once rehydrated, they get soft and sticky, reminiscent of pasta, making the meal more comforting and filling.
Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Sauce
If you know us, then you know our favorite dressings are made with fruit! This strawberry sauce is divine.
Berries are high in antioxidants and there is increasing evidence that they are beneficial in the prevention of type 2 diabetes development and complications. Although superfood berries like goji berries and amla berries are potent, don’t underestimate more common berries like strawberries. They are superfood in their own right, as they have been shown to help lower high blood sugar and insulin levels after meals in overweight or obese adults with insulin resistance.
But ginger is the real star of this sauce. It adds a tangy zing AND it has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar and A1c in people with type 2 diabetes. Double zing!!
Look, we just know how to make food-as-medicine taste great. No need to thank us - the pleasure is ours!
Mango Veggie Spring Rolls with Strawberry Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup Strawberries
- 2 tbsps Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Grated
- 1 1/3 tbsps Water
- 1 cup Cucumber Sliced into strips
- 1 cup Carrot Peeled and sliced into strips
- 1 cup Baby Spinach Chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Mango Chopped
- 3 Rice Paper Wraps
Instructions
- Create your dipping sauce by combining strawberries, lemon juice, ginger and water together in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Pour into a bowl and set aside
- Ensure you have all your cucumber, carrot, spinach, and mango prepped for easy assembly.
- Add hot water to a shallow skillet. Place a rice paper wrap in the water to soften (about 10 seconds). Do not submerge for too long or the rice paper wrap will become too difficult to work with. Transfer to a clean surface. Add cucumber, mango, spinach and carrot to one side of the rice wrap. Fold the bottom over the filling and then the top. Now roll the rice paper until completely wrapped. Transfer to a plate. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up. (Google a YouTube video on how to roll veggie spring rolls, if needed!)
- Serve with a side of strawberry dip. Enjoy!
Notes
- No Mango: Use pineapple instead
- No Rice Paper Wraps: Use nori sheets or collard green leaves, as wraps instead
- Keep it Fresh: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days (these are bestserved fresh).