The secret to living longer may be your microwave

New year, new intentions

Hi friends,

Have you heard about “Blue Zones?” These are places in the world where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. There are a lot of factors to longevity (for all of them, watch theNetflix showabout it!), but folks in the Blue Zones typically follow a diet rich in foods likefish,greens, andgrains— and whatever's available locally.

While we might not all be able to jet off to Japan or relocate to Sardinia, we can bring a piece of the Blue Zone lifestyle into our cooking routines. By using the microwave for fast, hands-off cooking, we can incorporate some of these healthy eating practices more easily into everyday meals!

Here are some ways that the microwave can help you easily get more Blue Zone-approved foods into your diet:

• Fish and Seafood:Ever heard the advice to never cook fish in the microwave? That’s false! In fact, the microwave is a great way to steamfishlikesalmon,cod, or halibut. This method locks in flavor and moisture, keeping those essential nutrients inside of the perfectly flaky fish.
• Grains:Make a big batch of wholegrainsin the microwave to add to meals throughout the week.Quinoahas lots of protein, andlentilswill get more fiber into your diet (something we all need more of!).
• Legumes:Looking to add more protein? Look no further thanbeans! It’s a low-carb and low-glycemic way to add more plant-based foods into your diet.
• Greens:The microwave gets an A+ at gently cookinggreenslikecollardsandspinach. The gentle steam retains the veggies’ nutrients and prevents bitterness that can sometimes happen when you cook greens.

Embracing whole foods doesn't mean spending hours in the kitchen. The microwave makes cooking these nutritious foods faster, simpler, and MAJORLY reduces the pile of dishes waiting for you afterward. Spend more time outside moving your body!

What types of foods are you looking to eat more of in 2024?

Yours,

Rachel

Anyday Recipe Manager

We Microwave Fish!

We’re so proud of being microwaved-fish advocates,we made a tote bag about it. We’ve done a lot of research on how to steam fish beautifully in the microwave, and it’s definitely become our favorite method. The secret? Reducing the power level! A gentler steam helps retain the natural nutrients in fish, including vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

More tips for microwaving fish:

New & improved recipes

Get the tools