Inside LI and AARP Long Island Present Living 50-Plus: HEALTH

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” 

You’ve heard the saying countless times, but rarely has the sentiment rung more true than during the Herald Inside LI “Living 50-Plus” webinar presented by AARP Long Island on August 18. The first of a three-part webinar series focusing on health, wealth and self, the evening put healthful eating and cooking top of mind, educating and entertaining attendees with insights from nutritionist Farnaz Fahimirad, MS, CLC, Chef Paula Gottlieb Herman of Cooking with Stars and Bernard Macias, Associate State Director Long Island, AARP New York.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 50 or older — you should start eating your fruits and veggies a lot younger!” Macias said in his opening remarks, noting that AARP supports the community through outreach in webinars, services and more. 

“What if I told you we could change the planet through our food choices?” Fahimirad asked. Through a mix of visuals and engaging explanations, she delved into the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into our everyday lives, and helped dismiss such notions as there not being enough time to eat well—in fact, there is not enough time in a day to work off a bad diet (such as one filled with foods like cheeseburgers and sweets). Choosing a plant-based diet can help prevent cancers, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions, she explained, while also noting how plant-based diets can help the environment in the long-term. With a rainbow of fruits and vegetables behind her, she had everyone explained that the more “colors” in foods like greens, berries and other vegetables help with the immune system.

After a few questions from the audience regarding health benefits and ways in which people can begin to transition to a more plant-based approach to eating, it was time to sharpen the knives and break out the bowls for a live cooking segment. 

With a plethora of organic ingredients and great ideas for the home chef at her fingertips, Chef Paula presented two tasty plant-based recipes (both available below)—cranberry apple quinoa salad and strawberry ricotta bruschetta. Sound delicious, right? It will sound even better when you tune in here to learn how to pronounce the name of this delightful dish like a true pro. 

While chopping and blending ingredients and walking viewers through each step, she also explained the “Dirty Dozen List” and the “Clean Fifteen,” annual rundowns of produce that has been subjected to extensive pesticide, and those that have not, noting the importance in using organic versions of those foods wherever possible. Chef Paula even offered the lucky attendees a free virtual cooking class where they can learn more about making delicious food right at home. 

“The younger you are, the more you need AARP,” Macias declared as the HEALTH webinar wrapped up, previewing WEALTH and SELF for September and October.

Don’t miss the next installment of the Inside LI Free Live Webinar Series: AARP Presents LIVING 50 PLUS—HEALTH, WEALTH, SELF” as experts gather to discuss WEALTH: FINANCIAL WELLNESS on September 22 at 6 p.m. Register now at liherald.com/wealth.