Sweet Talk, Part two February 26, 2010 12:08 PM
Recent studies tie obesity to consumption of sugary beverages. In fact, we just figured out that sugar consumption has risen steadily since 1982 and that the average teen consumes 3-4 times the amount of sugar deemed as "healthy" by the American Heart Association.
We won't be doing kids any favors, however, to deamonize sugar. The approach to reducing sugar needs to be twofold: decrease access and instill a love of healthier foods and beverages.
Armed with this new knowledge of just how much added sugar we consume and how it may play havoc on our bodies, I fear some may make a knee-jerk reaction and load up on REDUCED AND SUGAR FREE foods. Many of these foods, like the new G2 Gatorade beverage, contain sugar substitutes like sucralose which there is controversy over. Every person needs to come to his own decision about foods, but when little children are involved, my opinion is to err on the side of caution. Rather than consuming sugar substitutes, I personally prefer to use natural SUGAR ALTERNATIVES, and there are many!
A couple of my favorite alternatives to sugar are pure maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar. Maple syrup is a great sweetener for some cookies, granola and power bars. I recently figured out that I like some honeys better than others--I love many varieties LOCAL honey. Blueberry honey is my all time favorite!
As an avid cook, I have found that Agave nectar is in a realm of its own! It is pure sweetness! It is low-glycemic, delicious, and easy to use. I recommend starting by sweetening beverages such as herbal iced tea. I think your family will be pleasantly surprised! Over the years, I have found that I need less and less sweetener in my foods, and I feel using natural sugar alternatives has helped. Maybe it is just a change in preference. But maybe there those who tout "sugar addiction" have a point?
I am presently reading, "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite", by David A. Kessler, MD. Kessler believes that the combination of sugar, salt and fat is absolutely irresistable to humans! Interesting stuff...
-- Jo-an Rechtin
nutrition, sugar | Comments (0)
Take Action September 9, 2009 11:25 AM
Important legislation is presently in review. It is of vital importance that parents talk with legislators about the importance of nutrition and physical activity for our children. Their future is in our hands!
A recent New York Times article highlights major concerns over school lunches.
The Child Nutrition Act is due for review in September, 2009. Write to your legislators and let them know that you support a Child Nutrition Act that creates higher minimum standards for food served in schools, more funding, more freshfruits and vegetables and most importantly, let them know that you want the updated regulations to encourage school districts to establish local standards that exceed the federal mandate.
There are websites that allow you to connect with legislators directly. You might check the Healthy School Campaign
or Slow Food's Time for Lunch Campaign
There are many more.
Physical Activity is the other major legislation being affected this fall. Check out the details on the FIT Kids Act which would amend No Child Left Behind and encourage more time for Physical Activity in the student day.
-- Jo-an Rechtin
legislation, nutrition, physical activity | Comments (1)
Food for Life that is FAST March 30, 2009 10:44 AM
Here is a great idea from local Nutrition Consultant, Tina Trager. Keep Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins in the freezer for grab-n-go breakfasts.
I tried it out this weekend and my 13-year-old loved them! Don't spill the beans that they are amazingly healthy!
Ezekiel breads are baked with sprouted grains. Many believe that live grains unlock a good deal of food energy which, in turn, gives you sustained energy! Sprouted grains significantly increases valuable nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B-vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium and also may cause a natural change that makes the protein and carbohydrates easier for the body to use. In fact, sprouts are lower in carbohydrates and calories than the grains from which they were sprouted.
Dare I mention the ingredients? There are not many, and they all add to your daily fiber needs that keep your immune system in shape. Honestly, taste them first!
The first day I warmed the muffin in a toaster oven for 10 minutes. They are so moist that my son ate it plain and wondered if I had put honey on it. There is no sugar in them--hey that is SWEET!!!!
Today I did not have 10 minutes to spare so I threw a frozen muffin in my bag. By the time I got to the office it was thawed and delicious. I topped it with All Natural peanut butter and feel fantastically satiated.
Thank you Tina for a healthy way to eat on the run!
Today I learned that Ezekiel products are produced by a company named Food for Life, so I had to include the information on our Fit for Life website.
-- Jo-an Rechtin
Halloween Intervention October 7, 2008 6:47 PM
Summer can be so much easier to eat well. The bursting red tomatoes, buttery greens, corn-on-the-cob, and fair-weather activities are so suited to a healthy lifestyle. This time of year gets downright frightening. We traditionally overeat for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, but most terrifying for me, as a parent, is Halloween!
Bulging pillowcases full of candy will never facilitate anyone's quest for a healthy lifestyle. It cannot. Not even when doled out in daily rations. Not when the treats last for weeks until your family is so sick you have to figure out how to compost candy. Or worse, find a charity that donates it to vulnerable populations, at which point we have to ask how generous it is to feed the hungry empty calories.
For years I have been trying to tame the Halloween monster. It isn't easy! Many a greedy little goblin has snubbed my pretzels and popcorn. More than a few tears have been shed over the unfairness of limiting candy consumption. But I am still "working it". That is why I was so excited when a friend turned me on to Green Halloween, a non-profit, grassroots community movement to create healthier, and more Earth-friendly holidays.
Check out their website! We would love to hear your ideas for healthy Halloween!
-- Jo-an Rechtin
nutrition, halloween, candy | Comments (1)
Meatless Meatloaf October 1, 2008 4:28 PM
I grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household. Meat was the main course on most days. The rest of the meals were pretty much after-thoughts. But that way of eating is just not healthy.
The new American plate technique urges us to fill half our plate with fruits and vegetables. Further, it invites us to consider those plant-based foods as the "star" of the meal. This mental exercise can really help to plan healthy meals! If half the plate is fruits and vegetables, with one quarter being a whole grain and the final quarter a lean protein, we have a great template for a healthy meal.
Meatless Monday is a national health campaign to help Americans prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer - four of the leading causes of death in America.
There are all sorts of alternatives to meat. Years ago I read a book by Sally and Martin Stone called The Instant Bean. I hated beans, but when I found out how important they were to a healthy diet I began to consciously change my aversion to by trying bean recipes of all types. I now crave beans and find that they are a great source of protein. My family often eats bean dishes instead of meat.
With the temperatures dropping, try making a meatless chili. There are plenty of recipes on the Meatless Monday sitefor chili and other meatless dishes, including meatless meatloaf. Eliminating meat at least one day per week is an easy strategy toward a healthier tomorrow.
-- Jo-an Rechtin
nutrition, beans | Comments (0)
State of Readiness August 27, 2008 1:26 PM
Webster's lists several definitions for the word "fit", including "a sudden activity followed by a relaxation" (commonly experienced by caretakers of the very young). For some reason I have always equated being "fit" with a well-sculpted body, complete with the six-pack result of serious weight lifting, marathon running, and boot camp work-outs--none of which I enjoy.
When the Owen J. Roberts Wellness Council selected a title for programming and a logo we wanted to make sure our message had mass appeal. Given my bias, I was worried about how others might relate to the word "fit".
It was interesting that within our committee, being "fit" had unique connotations for each of us. One council member grew up in a military family learning early on to value the sense of preparedness that the word "fit" conjured for her. I could relate to her feelings about being "ready" and I hope you can too.
Having our physical and emotional selves in a suitable state so that we may live life fully and happily is how we hope you relate to "Fit for Life" . Preparing ourselves in this manner is an ongoing and infinite process. When we think of wellness in that light it is possible to remove the stress, fear, or guilt that we often feel when we attempt to measure healthy lifestyle.
Over the last few decades the average American has become far less healthy than ever before. In fact, it has become so bad that it is now predicted that our children will have a shorter life expectancy than ours. Worse, those shortened lives may be spent not feeling too well. This should inspire each of us to work at evolving to a more "fit" state. Yet, we are so barraged by health improvement messages that it is easy to feel incapable of ever actually succeeding.
Fit for Life embraces a philosophy of collaboration, cooperation and communication where we, as community, may share ideas that help our personal wellness journeys feel uniquely satisfying.
What foods do you eat that nourish your mind and body? What sort of activities do you participate in that help you feel lighthearted? In what ways do you allow yourself to play and rest? Each day holds a unique opportunity to share and learn and move toward our best selves. I am working to accept being fit as a pleasurable journey, rather than an uncomfortable imposition. I think I am ready, how about you?
-- Web Master
nutrition, fitness, Wellness Council
Meals Matter April 7, 2008 8:42 AM
How many times a week does the car become your dining room?
-- Web Master