A diet filled with Middle Eastern food, similar to a Mediterranean diet, incorporates the flavorful foods of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. This food is conducive with a health diet, as it keeps the body healthy by being heart healthy and staving off many chronic diseases.

Middle Eastern food emphasizes the use of fish, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Vegetarian food is often enjoyed, as it is heart healthy and strong flavors can be showcased. Because cholesterol and saturated fat are only found in foods that are animal-based, Eating vegetarian or vegan food is very health-conscious. Heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish and olive oil are healthy sources of fats.

For example, Tabouleh is a superfood that incorporates healthy olive oil with a refreshing mix of bulgur wheat, fresh onions and tomatoes, mint, lemon, and salt. This is a perfect dish for corporate catering as it is a crowd pleaser that can easily go along with any entree meal.

Baba Ghanouj is also great for catering, as its light and fresh consistency pairs well with wood-fired pita bread. Baba Ghanouj is a fresh blend of baked eggplant, fresh garlic, tahini, and lemon. Eggplant is especially good for your health, as it is a great source of dietary fiber, copper, and vitamin B1. It also has manganese, niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin K, and folate. Its phytonutrients include nasunin and chlorogenic acid, which are vital to overall health.

Following a Middle Eastern diet is also beneficial to brain health, cognitive function, and overall mortality. Studies have shown a Middle Eastern diet has been able to have an effect on the prevention of Parkinson’s, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s in 1.5 million people. For lunch, you might enjoy an Aladdin Mediterranean Chicken Salad with homemade lemon and olive oil dressing, with a wood fired pita on the side. For dinner, try some falafels, which is a vegetarian delight, and a Koufta Kabob to add some additional protein to your day.

There are many varieties of food available to help you stay healthy while eating Middle Eastern food. The options are endless for your taste and the taste of others. If you are putting on a corporate catering event, impress your guests by including a healthy menu for them to enjoy that will keep them energized throughout the day. Encouraging your guests to eat healthy vegetarian and vegan foods is a great way to have them experience new flavors that they will want to go back for more.

Put comics and San Diego together and you have the legendary Comic-Con International: San Diego! What started as a small comic book convention or “minicon” in 1970 blossomed into the largest gathering of comic, movie, science fiction and pop culture enthusiasts in the United States. Over the years thousands of artists, celebrities and their fans gather in San Diego to create awareness, show appreciation and celebrate their love for comic books, movie memorabilia and other aspects of popular arts and culture.

The San Diego Convention Center has been home to the Comic-Con for over two decades with a record of over 130,000 attendees. With the massive number of people, satellite locations are now located in nearby hotels and parks. Comic-Con fans can enjoy an intense 4-day convention that includes a film festival, exhibits, workshops, games, the Comic Industry Awards and so much more!

One of the highlights include a candid discussion between fans and comic-world greats. Comics creators, fantasy and science fiction authors, film and television creators, producers, directors and writers, come together with their fans to discuss aspects of their art and pop culture. Along with the academic programming, there’s also a costume competition, several art shows, autograph signing, and portfolio reviews where aspiring artists can show off their work.

Comic-Con continues to be the biggest event in comics and pop culture, presenting countless comics, pop art, fantasy and science fiction to hundreds of thousands who come here from all over the world. This year Comic-Con International: San Diego opens its doors once again at the San Diego Convention Center. The Preview Night opens on Wednesday, July 23, with the 4-day event scheduled from Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27. 2014. This marks the 45th year of the Comic-Con making it the longest running comics and popular arts convention in the United States!