Many cultures celebrate the New Year with various Good Luck Dishes containing lentils or beans for health and prosperity. With all the protein in lentils, beans, and peas, it’s no wonder these nutritional powerhouses are the symbol of good luck, health, and prosperity in the year to come. A cup of most cooked organic lentils, beans, and split peas offer 15 to 18 grams of protein. Buying organic dried versions is very economical and eating them is good for weight loss and a healthy diet to start a new balanced weight regime. Another good choice for weight loss is eating organic nuts and seeds, which contain 3 to 9 grams of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Organic whole grains contain 3 to 5 grams of protein, with fiber and nutrients that aid in digestion. Wheat protein, containing 16 grams, makes up most vegan burgers and is also available as organic seitan. When grains and beans are mixed, as they are in the dishes of many cultures, they become a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids. Organic quinoa is both a complete protein and gluten free and can be used like couscous in recipes. Although soybeans are also a complete protein, much of the world’s crops have been genetically modified. Organic means the food has not been genetically modified, and organic tofu and tempeh are easy to use and packed with healthy protein. Nutritional Yeast is packed with B vitamins and 2 tbsp contains 8 grams of protein. Potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, corn and kale all contain between 2 to 5 grams of protein per cup, plus abundant vitamins and fiber. Protein is what makes kids bodies work, especially when kids get protein from a number of various sources throughout the day. The luckiest kids’ diet for the New Year is a varied diet rich with a rainbow of veggies, whole grains, lentils, and beans.
Cooking Magic for Kids 