- Author: Ashley Elisabeth Abrahamson
Although the majority of the United States population consumes three meals a day, 40 to 50 percent also consume two to three snacks a day and about one-third consume four or more snacks a day. As outlined in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, eating an appropriate mix of foods (including vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, protein foods, and oils) is important to promote good health. On Healthy Snack Day, attendees were reminded that healthy eating patterns can be achieved by making small changes in food choices, including healthy snacking, over the course of a week, a day, or even a meal.
In partnership with Champions for Change Statewide Day of Action, UC CalFresh educators Ashley Abrahamson, Angelica Perez, Elizabeth Lopez, and Ruth Salazar hosted a Healthy Snack Day Event at Madera Housing Authority's community center on August 29th. At this event, the community was invited to learn about incorporating healthy MyPlate foods as everyday snacks. Participants were encouraged to try easy and healthy hummus and veggies, and given the recipe to make at home. Participants were also given a recipe wheel that can be used to find a quick and easy snack recipes based on different cravings - such as savory, sweet, and spicy. You can find the personal recipe finder here. The event also included a C.A.T.C.H. activity obstacle course for children to compete in.
Overall, Healthy Snack Day was a fun educational event that shared helpful information about making snacks healthier. The community was encouraged to incorporate the MyPlate into meals and snacks, as well as create opportunities for daily physical activity.
Reach: 29
- Author: Araceli Delgadillo
Spring is upon us and with it comes warmer temperatures. This is perfect weather for a refreshing peach banana smoothie, whether you're looking for a healthy, refreshing recipe for your next family gathering or simply a new breakfast idea. This peach banana recipe is sure to keep you cool as the temperature warms up. Enjoy!
Image source: http://www.thelittlesouschef.com/easy-banana-peach-smoothie/
Ingredients:
1 banana (medium, peeled and sliced)
2 cups of peaches (peaches can be fresh or frozen)
½ cup of canned pears (drained)
1 cup fat-free milk (or 1 cup of low-fat milk)
Directions
- Combine banana, peaches, canned pears, and milk in a blender.
- Blend until smooth
Recipe Source:
https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/recipes/food-distribution-fdd/peach-banana-smoothie
- Author: Alisha Byrd
- Editor: Emily Harris
It's inevitable, growing kids are going to snack. Snacking can help kids maintain their energy, provide fuel for school activities and fill nutrition gaps in their diets. Encourage your child to develop healthy eating habits early on by setting an example in your home. Your child can't reach for cookies, chips or candy bars if you don't have them on hand. Model healthy eating by choosing nutritious snacks for yourself, too!
For more snack ideas and tips, visit choosemyplate.gov!
- Author: Shawna Rogers
When I arrived to do a lesson demonstration in the second grade class of Ms. Kopacz at Columbia Elementary, I was taken by surprise. Ms. Kopacz and her students were in the middle of their morning workout. She was playing some upbeat music, the lights were turned down and her students were engaged in an exercise routine. Students worked at their own level and pace while doing push ups, sit ups, planks, squats and stretches. As if I was not impressed enough by the students' attentiveness to the workout, I watched as they returned to their desks, finished stretching and enjoyed a healthy morning snack of bananas, yogurt, sandwiches on whole wheat bread, string cheese, and peanut butter crackers.
I complimented the students on their exercise routine, which I found out they had designed on their own. As I briefly described the benefits of exercise to the students, they sat at attention. I told them, as I am sure they have noticed, that exercise helps them both physically and academically. They had a sense of pride of their accomplishments. I felt guilty that I had to stop them so that I could teach, but it was a great segway into healthy eating and my lesson on Anytime vs. Sometimes snacks.
The movements of physical activity before my demonstration paid off tremendously. The students were focused, eager to answer questions and respectful. I did not have to redirect their attention once during my lesson! I was amazed!
During my lesson Ms. Kopacz took time to enjoy her morning snack as well. Demonstrating a strong example for the students, she had a banana, a yogurt drink and a hard boiled egg. Seeing this gave me the ability to make the easy connection to my lesson with the students. I applaud this behavior and I hope that others may follow suit. Way to go Ms. Kopacz and students in room 6!
- Author: Emily Harris
Super Bowl 50 brings many opportunities to snack this Sunday. UC CalFresh would love to help you make healthy snack swaps as you sit down to watch the big game. Check out our ideas below:
Try a twist on a classic with our
Mango Salsa
Makes: 8 (2 Tablespoon) servings | Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and diced (or 1 cup thawed, frozen mango chunks)
1 Tablespoon diced red onion
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lime or 2 Tablespoons bottled lime juice
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Serve with baked tortilla chips.
Need more ideas? Try these:
Whole Wheat Garlic Bread Sticks
