RECIPES TO LIVE TO 100 FROM THE TODAY SHOW

Through NBC’s Today Show, we visited three of the five Blue Zones^® around the world – Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California! Blue Zones (the two not mentioned include Okinawa, Japan and Sardinia, Italy) are regions of the world with the highest concentrations of centenarians (people who live to be 100 years or older). We took in-depth look at diet, lifestyle, and other commonalities that these regions share through a series called “Eating to 100 TODAY” hosted by NBC News Special Anchor Maria Shriver. Their quest was to compile recipes from these communities to live a longer, healthier, happier life. Here are four yummy, plant-based recipes that they shared:

Ikarian Stew

Ikarians use a small amount of olive oil to saute the vegetables, then a generous drizzle finishes the dish. This practice is brilliant: heat breaks down the oil, so saving most for a final drizzle assures its rich flavor and maximum health benefits! Here’s the recipe.

Costa Rican Black Beans and Rice (Gallo Pinto)
Homemade Nixtamal Corn Tortillas

This national dish, called Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica, is eaten on a daily basis, even at breakfast! Their tortillas don’t come from the supermarket; they’re handmade at home -- something we should definitely try! Here's the recipe.

Kale, Spinach and Coconut Soup

During their time with centenarians in Loma Linda, California, they enjoyed a delicious-looking, bright green soup. Leafy greens contain so many antioxidants that something this stunningly green has to be great for you! Additional benefits, this soup is jam-packed with calcium and iron too! Here’s the recipe.

Needless to say, Maria and Dan seemed to have a great time globe-trotting and feasting on centenarian cuisine! To see the entire “Eating to 100 TODAY” series, click here.

Mahalo to NBC’s Today Show for sharing Blue Zones recipes with the country!

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Find more recipes, events, and community updates at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com