Jun
16
2011
Hello my fans. If you were expecting another update about the Superbug E. coli* in Germany or an installment in the Best Diet in the Universe Series*, you will just have to wait. Today’s column is about our kids. Yes, that’s right, our children and what they prefer to eat. Matthew A. Lapierre and his research associates at the University of Pennsylvania, tested the preferences and tastes of children using cereals, and found that the cereal packaging showing media characters (e.g. Ronald McDonald and Shrek, etc.) and the wording “Healthy” influenced their taste and preferences. Is this anything new? I don’t think so. Have you taken a walk down the aisle of the cereal section at your local food market? At eye level for our children to see, are box after box of their favorite cartoon characters promoting all types of cereals. Sugar coated, maple flavored, marshmallow added taste sensations abound. Chocolate bits, crunchy, chewy, and melt in your mouth images reach out to our kids as they make their way down the aisle. Haven’t we all heard , “Mommy, can I have…” Of course we have. But are they reaching out for the healthy choices? In my experience, they are not. Why? Why aren’t they picking the “Fiber Most” cereals? Well, if you look at the cereal boxes of the healthier cereals, the ones that have little to no ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
May
08
2010
I wonder if many of you feel like I do when I go out to a restaurant for dinner that having a large main course is not exactly what I really am in the mood for ? I guess this started recently for me. I look at the menu and can’t quite find the right choice. Then I look back at the appetizers and say-hey how about if I order two appetizers. They look much more appetizing anyway-maybe a salad and soup or a shrimp cocktail. But then the guilt hits-I say to myself-how will everyone react when I don’t order a main course? Will they be upset that I went against the grain? Will the waiter be upset? I just don’t want a big, bulky main course-I don’t! So there! So I wait until the person taking my order gets to me and I lower my voice to a whisper and say,” I’ll have the salad and the vegetable soup.” Then I hear the response in a booming loud voice so all at the table can hear,” is that all you want?” “ Yes, that’s it.” I realize that this becomes a complicated order for the staff. What do they bring first? Do they bring one of the appetizers for the main course or both at the same time? I try to make it easy and tell them exactly ...
Posted in: Editor's Page, Home
Mar
04
2009
All About Breakfast:
Breakfast is an important meal for everyone to eat. It is especially important for children and teenagers. A good breakfast plays an important role in physical health and supports emotional stability and mental alertness. Breakfast should have lots of fiber, good fats and protein; and should contain as little added sugar as possible.
Nutritious Lunch Tips: Lunch needs to be balanced so that there's enough energy both for the brain and the body to finish the day productively. Lunch should have a protein, a good grain and good fats. It should be similar to breakfast but contain a slightly larger portion to get you through the brunt of your work day as well as at least one serving of veggies. Veggies are important because they provide the mind and body with much needed energy as well as many vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants. These all help you reach your maximum potential throughout the day.
Easy munchies such as finger fruits like grapes, Clementine's (they peel easily) bananas, apples, pears and nectarines offer a great natural pick me up. Veggies like carrots, celery, peppers, cucumbers and broccoli are easy to dip in salsas, guacamole or hummus. Lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich. Salads are great ways to get in your veggies and protein. Add some nuts and dried fruit for that extra brain boost! Stuffing veggies such as the Stuffed ...
Posted in: What's In the Food
