which supports thyroid function and metabolism maintenance . What ’ s Trending : You may have seen aquatic veggies used as an addin for poke , or a wrap for sushi . Fresh products can be found packaged in the refrigerated section of Asian markets . Shelf-stable , dried varieties can be rehydrated for recipes .
Fresh Citrus Varieties
Packed with vitamin C to help keep your immune system on track , citrus fruit is a great hydrating snack for athletes . Certain exotic varieties are becoming popular in the States , including Yuzu , Calamansi , Sumo , and blood oranges . What ’ s Trending : Whole Yuzu and Calamansi are still hard to find outside Asian markets , but their juices can be found on store shelves and online . Easy-to-peel , supersweet Sumo and antioxidant-rich blood oranges are more commonly found in major grocery store produce sections .
Purple Potatoes and Yams
Potatoes of all kinds are packed with nutrients like vitamin C , potassium , and fiber . Their complex carbs provide food for your gut microbiome , and energy for your game . The brilliant color in purple varieties is evidence of powerful antioxidants that help us ward off disease . Yams contain a chemical called diosgenin , which may contribute to brain health and allow us to remember the score more often . What ’ s Trending : Purple potatoes are more commonly found in co-ops or higher-end supermarkets in their tuber sections . They can be used in the place of any sweet or white potato recipe .
Pistachios
Have you noticed the explosion of pistachio products ? These delicious nuts are trending in part because of the tree ’ s drought resistance , making it a practical choice for farmers and increasing the supply for lucky us . Not only are pistachios a good source of protein , they are also rich in vitamin B6 , which helps keep your cells oxygenated , and lutein and zeaxanthin , which both support eye health . What ’ s Trending : Pre-shelled pistachios now come in several flavors and are easy to throw in your pickleball bag . You might also see pistachio-packed nut bars , and pistachio butter used as an alternative to peanut butter .
Sourdough
This one has been trending since the pandemic , and making homemade sourdough at home continues to grow in popularity . Sourdough is not exactly a health food , but may be a little better than traditional bread . It ’ s made with wild yeast and live bacteria , which gives it that tangy flavor . These microbes make sourdough easier to digest and may help support the gut microbiome . What ’ s Trending : In addition to making your own , look for sourdough products on shelves — including crackers , pasta and baking mixes .
See you on the courts , pickleball friends ! •
Sheet-Pan Pistachio Salmon Meal
This one-sheet recipe is versatile since you can use any kind of potatoes or yams . You can also trade the broccoli for cauliflower , Brussels sprouts , or asparagus . Enjoy !
Ingredients : 2 cups purple sweet potatoes , cut into 1-inch cubes 2 cups broccoli florets 2 6-oz . salmon filets ( equal thickness ) ¼ cup pistachios , shelled and finely chopped 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil , separated Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Heat oven to 400 ° F . Grease a large sheet pan with ½ tablespoon of olive oil . In a medium-sized pot , par-boil potatoes until just fork-tender . Drain well and mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil . Spread cooked potatoes evenly onto half of a large sheet pan . In a small bowl , mix broccoli with 1 tablespoon of oil . Spread broccoli evenly on the other half of the sheet pan . Using the same bowl , mix pistachios , parmesan , and remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil . Nestle salmon filets , skin side down , on the pan in the middle of broccoli and potatoes . Sprinkle potatoes , broccoli and salmon generously with salt and pepper . Spoon pistachio mixture onto salmon . Bake salmon and vegetables for 15 minutes , or until salmon flakes with a fork .
Brandi Givens has been a registered dietitian since 2010 , and earned a personal trainer certification in 2024 . Questions can be posted to her blog at brandigivensrd . com .
Brandi ’ s Kitchen
MARCH / APRIL 2025 | MAGAZINE 77