Coachella is embracing the Blue Zones Project with healthier options being served up throughout the community. We are delighted to feature this Blue Zones-inspired recipe from El Tranvia restaurant owner Oscar Ventura, who continues his family legacy launched in 1969 as a food truck (El Tranvia translates to “the streetcar”). A Palm Springs Life Best of the Best winner, El Tranvia serves traditional Mexican cuisine with very creative twists and many healthy options. This recipe is inspired by his mother who made it for her kids to get them to eat more vegetables. “Most people believe that eating healthy has to be boring, or painful for those who don’t want to give up a lifestyle,” says Ventura. “This dish shows one of the many ways we can incorporate not only our traditional flavors, but also a little of our culture and family roots in a healthier plate that everyone in the family can enjoy.” Serves 4-5 Ingredients: • 1lb. textured soy protein (unseasoned chunks; available at Clark’s Nutrition and Sprouts) • 5 bay leaves • 16 oz. V-8 juice (a healthier option to traditional Clamato) • 8 oz. lemon juice • 20 oz. tomatoes • 20 oz. red onions • 20 oz. cucumber • 2 oz. garlic powder • Handful of chopped cilantro • Salt to taste (optional) • Serrano peppers to taste (optional) Preparation: 1) Boil or soak the soy meat in hot water for a few minutes with the bay leaves and garlic powder. 2) Drain the meat, squeeze out the excess liquid and let it cool down. 3) Mix the soy protein with the V-8 juice and lemon juice. 4) In a large mixing bowl, add the soy protein, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and serranos if desired for a spicier taste. Stir gently to combine. 5) Season with salt to taste, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. 6) Enjoy with cucumber rounds or baked corn tortilla chips. We thank Oscar and his family for contributing towards a healthier Coachella Valley. Be sure to stop by and visit the festive and flavorful world of El Tranvia at 1221 6th Street in Coachella! For updates and info, visit www.bluezonesprojectcoachella.com. For more recipes, visit www.blue-zones.com/recipes. Thankfully, we still have a few sweet summer days to enjoy as we prepare for autumn, which will usher in the eagerly awaited football season and all the fourth quarter festivities. Beyond excitement for the games themselves, this time of year presents a unique opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to well-being, blending the thrill of football and the holiday season with health-changing habits and “that time of year” activities. This fall, let the spirit of the season inspire you to embrace another level of health. Incorporate one or two small, healthy choices in as many aspects of your life as possible. Here are a few suggestions: Embrace outdoor activity with cooler fall weather. Consider incorporating brisk walks with light weights (2lbs), or short hikes that offer some incline, exploring scenic trails adorned with beautiful flowers and fall foliage. Hiking provides a moderate to high-intensity exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs. The more inclined and quicker the pace, the better the workout. Explore tending a garden. This is a great way to stay mentally and physically active and enjoy the outdoors. From a backyard garden to potted vegetables and herbs, there is a special sense of connecting with nature when growing your own fruits, vegetables and seasonings. Harvest the season. Many fruits and vegetables are in season during the fall. Visit your local organic farms or farmers’ markets to pick up fresh produce like squash, kale, Brussels sprouts, etc. Cooking with seasonal ingredients and herbs is a tasty delight which is good for both you and the environment. Indulge on healthier game day snacks. Prepare nutrient-dense staples like grilled lean proteins, fruit and vegetable platters loaded with wholesome omegas and proteins, and healthier dips such as guacamole and hummus. Modify favorites and make small adjustments to classic game-day recipes. If you’re a meat eater, use extralean ground turkey or chicken in chili and burgers to reduce fat and calories, always opting for organic, grass-fed or grass-finished when possible. Opt for baked chicken tenders or grilled fish/chicken kebabs instead of fried chicken wings, fried veggies and other processed foods. Add this simple spice blend to everything! For years, I have added this nutritious homemade spice blend to almost everything I prepare: dips, sandwiches, wraps, beans, pasta sauces, chili, hummus and even scrambled eggs. You only need three fresh ingredients— garlic bulb, turmeric root and ginger root— all found in the produce section. Grind together in your coffee/herb grinder or blender and add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or water), a squeeze of lemon and salt or pepper as preferred. The consistency should be similar to hummus, and the amount you make is up to you. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and explore its many uses: marinade over fish, veggies, meat; spread on crackers, or toss in salads or tuna. It has so many uses and is so good for you! Happy embracing, exploring, harvesting and indulging your way to increased wellness. Let's all move the goal post on our new "healthy living" choices this season! Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral plant-nutrient mineral supplements. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. www.humineral.com. September/October 2025 www.DesertHealthNews.com Fresh Cuisine The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 16 Thank You! LA QUINTA 79050 Highway 111 at Adams Street INDIAN WELLS 74895 Highway 111 at Cook Street PALM SPRINGS 5200 E. Ramon Road at Gene Autry Trail SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET Desert Health is proud to be featured in Sprouts Farmers Market. Stop by and pick up your copy today! www.freshjuicebar.com Choose real food. Palm Desert La Quinta Palm Springs Indio The Caribbean Bowl The Berry Acai Bowl The Tropical Pitaya Bowl @freshjuicebar Fall, Football and Healthy Fun By Candice Nicole Soy Ceviche By El Tranvia’s Oscar Ventura
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