 | Rod Baumberger
is a Fitness Specialist at Health Strategies/Life Strategies Foundation. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness Management from Newman University. In addition to his other duties, Rodney is an education coordinator in pulmonary rehabilitation and is a senior initiative coordinator. You may reach Rodney at Health Strategies, (316) 651-8015, or at the facility at 551 N Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214. |
Diet & Nutrition
2005-01-01 08:51:00
Black-eyed peas on New Years?
ANSWER: A staple in the Southern diet for over 300 years, Black-eyed peas have long been associated with good luck. A dish of peas is a New Year's tradition in most areas of the South, thought to bring luck and prosperity for the New Year. The symbols of luck have survived their ancient origins and are fascinating to trace. Those connected with foods tend to have obvious connections to fertility, health, abundance, and survival. Tracking these symbolisms is a wonderful trip into folklore and legend. Foods used as luck symbols have to be available foods. After all, if an entire culture is to use them (that is, rich and poor alike), it must be something everyone is familiar with, rooted in tradition, commonly grown, abundant at that season, and within the reach of everyone, if only now and then.Black-eyed peas are an ancient crop that spread from central Africa and was brought to America around 1700. George Washington Carver promoted it as an excellent food, for man or beast. They are also known as cowpeas and are still used to feed cattle. Black-eyed peas are full of protein, and fiber, but are very low in fat.
