July is National Blueberry Month!

1. Blueberries are the fruit with the highest antioxidant capacity. It beats out any other berry! These powerful antioxidants have been known to improve the immune system and prevent infections in the body (especially urinary tract infections).
2. Blueberries can help with weight loss. Blueberries have fewer than 100 calories in a cup, making it a healthy choice for snacking. There have also been numerous studies linking blueberries to the loss of stomach fat.
3. The deeper the color of a blueberry, the richer they are in antioxidants, vitamins and medicinal perks. Go for the darkest berries!
4. Blueberries can reduce the risk of cancer. Anthocyanins (which give the fruit its hue) have been studied and known to attack cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
5. Blueberries help support the brain! Numerous studies have shown that blueberries can help reduce the risk of memory loss. Brain food at its finest!
6. Blueberries are good sources of Vitamin C and fiber, so eating, sharing and serving them is a smart choice you can make all year long.
7. Your heart might love them even more than you do: they’re certified as heart-healthy through the American Heart Association Heart-Check Food Certification Program.

Food Insecurity Webinar: On-Demand Recording Available
Last month the Healthy Hospital Initiative hosted a webinar where five experts from four local organizations shared the work they are doing to support hospitals and the community to address food insecurity. 

Farmers Market Guide: Updated for 2022!
This guide provides information on more than 40 farmers markets across all eight wards in the District. 

Worth a Read: Finding Food Freedom
Ditching Diet Culture and Learning to Trust Your Body’s Cues
“Food freedom” — it’s a complex term, with definitions ranging from ditching diet culture and restrictive diets to attaining good health and food security through growing your own foods. It’s marketed as an approach to address eating disorders for some and as a way to promote intentional weight loss for others. However, in the health and wellness space, it’s an emerging, revolutionary concept that challenges societal norms of dieting and the thin ideal and promotes a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to health.

• 1 each 6 oz fresh clean Sea Bass
• 1 ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (sauce)
• ¼ cup Julianne shallots
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
• Lemon peel
• Cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Thaw fish and blueberries, if frozen. For blueberry sauce, cook and stir shallots and garlic in a small saucepan in hot oil about 3 minutes or until softened. Add the blueberries, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and lemon peel. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until sauce has thickened and reduced to 1 cup, blend together with a hand mixer
• Meanwhile, rinse and dried the Sea Bass; pat dry with paper towels. Lightly coat the Sea Bass with cooking spray; sprinkle with pepper. Measure thickness of the fish, Seared on a hot sautéed pan, turning few minutes and finished in the oven about 4 to 6 minutes.

1. Remember to send Q3 data if you haven't already.
2. Don't forget to share your wellness stories with us!