Here's 10 manly tomato recipes to celebrate Movember that you or your man are certain to like. Thanks to tomato products, all of these recipes help fight cancer.
This conversation is sponsored by the Tomato Wellness Council. All opinions are my own.
Do you do Movember?
As a lady, I certainly can't grow a stache, but I do support this great health initiative. Afterall, I am living in a house full of dudes (that sometimes has me going CRAZY due to just. too. much. testosterone.) that I desperately love and want to spend every day of my life enjoying.
What is Movember? you ask.
Movember is a global initiative to bring awareness to men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer, testicular health, mental health and physical inactivity. Men are encouraged to grow mustaches to get people talking about men's health. They also raise money to support research, initiatives, and education in these areas. And thank goodness it exists because let's face it, the stereotype is true and men just don't talk about their health like they should.
Today I am PUMPED to be partnering up with my friends at Tomato Wellness to get you up to speed on men's health, Movember, and some delicious ways to eat to promote men's health. I am on a Movember fundraising team with Tomato Wellness in what they calling (love this!) The Hunt for Red Movember. GENIUS!
I would love it if you considered donating to our Red Movember fundraising page. Every dollar can help support better health for the men we love. Would you even consider just a dollar? No pressure at all, but if you are interested, vist my MoSista page.
Why Tomatoes? you ask.
Tomatoes. Oh sweet, wonderful tomatoes. (Can you tell that I love them?)
They are first nutrition powerhouses, especially when it comes to promoting men's health. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a particular type of antioxidant carotenoid (vitamin A family), that has been found to help reduce a man's risk for prostate cancer, fight inflammation, and promote an overall healthy body. (For the record, it's also been found to help reduce the risk of several types of cancers related to both men and women.)
80% of the lycopene in the average American diet comes from tomato products (tomato sauce, paste, diced, etc). We also know that the lycopene found in processed tomatoes (one you find in cans and boxes) is actually more readily available than that found in fresh tomatoes. This is why it's important to enjoy all versions of fruits and vegetables and why it BURNS ME UP when people flippantly say you should only shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
By all means, shop the whole grocery store and DO NOT miss the canned tomato isle.
My pantry is constantly stocked with a wide array of tomato products because of the reasons I just mentioned but also because it enables us to enjoy to tomatoes year round. AND let's not neglect the fact that all of Team Braddock LOVES tomatoes in every form. In fact, tomatoes get our official family seal of approval. Are you ready for it?
Men's Health Movember Must-Know Tips
To make this easy to remember (and ensure that the men who are being forwarded this blog post will actually read this), I will sum some of the key must-know tips about men's health in my own words:
Tip #1 - Make time for meaningful relationships.
Guys, you work really hard. In fact, I think you are wired to do that. But taking time for friendship is very important to health. If all you do is work to build a certain life, but don't have deep relationships with people to share it with, I assure you it will not be worth it. So this is your reminder to call a buddy to catch up or talk sports, take a walk with your significant other, or invest a little time in a hobby you enjoy.
Tip #2 - Move every day.
"The best thing you can do for your health is to stay active." That's a direct quote from the Movember website. I couldn't say it better. I know after a long day NO ONE feels like moving, but it's so important. Even just playing with your kids or mowing the lawn can totally count.
Tip #3 - Talk about important things in your life.
AKA - don't stuff your feelings in that pit that exists in your man-soul. You know, the one that says: you don't need to talk about it; just think about it longer. Sure, think about it, but it's really important to share some feelings about stuff in your life for your overall wellbeing. Even if you just write it down journal-style and read it to someone who cares about you, you need to do it.
Tip #4 - Stay on top of your health.
It's not someone else's job to know your lab values, weight, blood pressure or whatever. It is YOUR body and YOUR job to take care of it. Pay attention to your numbers from the doctor and know what they mean. Listen to your body and do something when it's sick, stressed, or just out of balance. It's kind of like forest fires; only you can you prevent your own preventable diseases.
Tips #5 - Eat tomatoes and tomatoes products.
If your like the average American, you probably like tomatoes in one of their many forms. This is good news because they are super good for you and taste wonderful. Eating tomato products every day is a wonderful strategy to feeling great and preventing disease.
To help you out, I've put together 10 manly tomato recipes to celebrate Movember that anyone can whip up to enjoy the benefits of the wonderful tomato. I've even had Coach go through and give his stamp of approval.
Thank you to my wonderful blogging friends who allowed me to feature their recipes here. Please visit their sites too for more healthy recipe ideas:
Simple & Sweet Marinara Sauce by Your's Truly (Me)
Veggie & Beef Meatballs Marinara by My Bottomless Boyfriend
Chicken Cacciatore by Nutrition Starring You
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage, Peppers, & Onions by Mom to Mom Nutrition
Shakshuka with Spicy Harissa by The Foodie Dietitian
Kick-Off Tomato Mac & Cheese by Nourish RDs
Tomato & Lentil Soup by Love & Zest
Vegan Winter Chili by Healthfully Ever After
Spinach & Tomato Lasagna by Immeatthat
Super Basil Tomato Soup by ME!!
Did you find a manly tomato recipe you liked? I sure hope so. If you're still looking for more awesome tomato recipes, visit the website of my friends Tomato Wellness. They have a TON of great recipes and more healthy info on how tomatoes just might save your life. Visit their Facebook page as well for useful updates and super fun men's health quiz.
I'd love it if you shared this post wherever you can to spread the Movember men's health and tomato love. The more we talk about men's health, the better.
For the love of men's health (and men in general),
