Celebrating Exciting August Food Days With Lentils & More

August is known for its long summer days and scorching weather in Canada. It’s also a time when families go on road trips during the provincial holiday long weekend. But did you know that there are actually many national food days to celebrate in August? I have chosen a few interesting food days to share and will provide some nutrition info about how you can use these fun days to feed your family even healthier meals throughout the month of August.

Watermelon Day

Yes, August 3rd is actually Watermelon Day! This melon is sweet with 90% water so every bite will bring relief during a hot summer’s day. Not only yummy, watermelon contains a beneficial antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene has health benefits in helping to reduce heart disease. So feed your family more watermelon this summer and feel good knowing that they are getting good hydration as well as some health benefits while eating this thirst-quencher. Besides eating fresh watermelon straight as is, you can also try including it in this perfect summer watermelon-lentil salad.

Potato Day

Potatoes can be purchased all year round but August is one of the peak harvest months for this root vegetable. It may sound like a simple food but potatoes actually contain a high amount of Vitamin C and potassium (both of which have health benefits). The potato has gotten some bad rap in the past because of how they are prepared (deep fried as fries or as chips), but if prepared in a healthy way, it can be satisfying and nutritious. For instance, this Roasted Baby Potato & Lentil Salad with Green Goddess Dressing is low in fat and calories and packs huge nutritional punch! Give potatoes another try this August 19th on Potato Day!

Peach Day

Peaches are one of those fruits that are ever so fragrant yet so refreshing tasting! August is definitely the month of the peach. Not only are peaches a good source of fibre, but also an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. Although peaches are mostly enjoyed fresh, you can also try them in a crostata (an Italian term for Tart). Baking this Summer Peach & Lentil Crostata is an excellent way to spend an August weekend, especially on August 22^nd, National Eat A Peach Day.

Banana Day

Bananas are known for being a good source of potassium but did you know that they are also a good source of prebiotics that can help to give you good gut health? If you have ever eaten a perfectly ripened banana, you will know there are few foods that match its delicate flavour. Even if bananas are not perfectly ripe, you can still enjoy them this summer. Try these Coconut & Banana Lentil Bites on August 27^th, the National Banana Lovers Day. We hosted a series of cooking classes for dietitians across the country during Nutrition Month this March; I have yet to meet any attendant who has tried this recipe and did not absolutely fall in love with it. Be warned, there won’t be any leftovers!