Are you over-eating?

How much food do we take when were making our plates, when our mothers' is done cooking and knowing that we are trying to shed some pounds? We get as much we want, because we don't know the portion size of our food. We are unaware of how much food we are shoveling into our mouths, I believe if we know thew proper severing size can help us loss weight. The US Department of Agriculture has replaced the food pyramid with a new symbol that dictates the recommended servings for each food group – the dinner plate. As its name would indicate, this is a dish-shaped icon, divided into 4 sections, and labeled with the essential food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

You might be asking why did they change the food pyramid? Nutritionists maintain that the pyramid was a misrepresentation of healthy eating, as it failed to differentiate nutrient-dense foods, like whole grains and fish, from empty-calorie foods like refined cereals and pasta.

Instead of vague serving size suggestions, the dinner plate proposes: 3 cups of dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), 2-3 cups of vegetables, 1.5-2 cups of fruit, 5-6.5 ounces of protein (fish, poultry, eggs, etc.), 5-8 ounces of grains (rice, cereal, pasta), and 5-7 teaspoons of sweets, fats and oils per day. Using these daily recommendations, you can start putting together more balanced
meals.

Become a better judge of serving sizes and have an eye for the right portions – doing so can help unlock the door to a healthier lifestyle.

JOWANA GEORGE

The Importance of Child Health IN Africa

In my research I learned that in Africa young kids from the ages of 3-6 have problems do to lack of healthy foods. Child Deaths have declined by a third from 20 million in 1960 to around 8 million in 2009 I feel that this is positive that the rate drop has dropped but at the same time, also they need help in 2009-2011 the government needs to help in some way and also other people as well. At least 6 million child deaths can be prevented each year, if affordable health interventions are made available to the family's and children who need them. I feel that these family's and children need to at least be helped out with food and water. We as people know that healthy foods and eating habits are very important. This is not the only issue that Africa they also have a problem with poverty. So I feel that they need serious help. People who have very less than other around the world needs to be given some kind of place of resource to be helped. Also I know that they, have very less resources than the U.S. So I know that they have less resources so it is hard to do what they can to feed their family's. Twenty-two of the 36 poorest countries in the world are African. After more than two decades of rising commercial food imports and food aid, the region is now experiencing a deep economic problem, with growing balance-of-payment deficits and external public debts. This is a problem because if they really cant even grow food do to the growing balance what are they eating.

Quick And Healthy Recipes

We tend to eat out more because of the hassle of cooking a meal that might take hours. Cooking can be quick and healthy all at the same time, with no hassles of making the children wait long. You can have a delicious, healthy meal within thirty minutes. Don't be afraid to try new things, you might actually like to.

Here Are some delicious, quick and healthy meals:


_ Tierra Walls

www.FoodDanger.gov

It’s funny how we don’t necessarily trust our government, or many of their initiatives. But when we search for information on the internet, we trust the ‘.gov’s as pura verdad. Think about it. I trust that I can visit www.dmv.ca.gov and get my registration renewal form. When its vacation time, I go to http://travel.state.gov/for travel safety updates and even helpful hints for flying. So what happens when these federally funded sources of information are providing faulty advice? Enter www.foodsafety.gov, “Your gateway to federal food safety information.”

I found that their latest article, highlighting the fact that over 15 million youth in this country are home alone after school and prepare their own snacks, offers plenty of unsound cooking-related advice, and in itself contributes to the obesity problem the federal government is working so hard to eliminate.

In an attempt to ensure that these young people are adequately prepared to create their own snack and “not mindlessly running to the fridge and then out to the t.v.”, the blog is neatly divided into 3 parts. I have scoured each part and have offered my critique and advice, having worked in professional kitchens and in culinary training for young people alike.

Part 1: Clean up first! Fair enough, it is important to make sure that surface areas, and hands are clean when preparing a snack. I found it interesting though, that beyond the reminder to make sure food items are stored quickly after use (especially cold stuff like eggs, milk, yogurt), this particular section did not make a lot of distinction on the importance of cleaning up AFTER. Failure to adequately wipe down surfaces (with disinfectant) could be an even greater threat in the long run than some of the germs they may pick up from petting Sparky on the way into the house. I found a great site that gives easy tips for cleanup. (Another note: this article never mentioned composting! Composting is one of the few clean up activities that is actually fun, and the whole process can be engaging for young people once introduced into the process).

Part 2: Foods to Avoid. Okay, okay, I’m not going to completely trash this part, fairly on point (except I will argue that a little mold on cheese isn’t the worst thing. Heck cheese is technically mold in the first place. So your cheddar has some spots….cut that part off! No sense in propagating wasteful habits when most of the world is in need! Here’s a great chart that shows what cheeses are safe to eat with mold cut off)

Part 3: When using the microwave….sigh. Okay, I’ll overlook the fact that carcinogens have been found in microwaved food, (and that the Nazi’s invented it in the first place.) I won’t even get into the details of the 3 major problems found from microwaves (1. Cancer-causing effects, 2. Destruction of nutritional value of food, 3. Major biological problems from exposure to micro-waves), although I do believe they are important should be noted in an article from a government program that promotes food safety. But…but…why should children be microwaving a snack in the first place? Let me see, what needs to be microwaved: hot pockets, microwave burritos, water for cup o’ noodles, microwave meals come to mind. These are not the types of snacks young people should be eating after school, for a myriad of health reasons. And let’s say on the defensive that they’re not eating these highly processed snack foods, what else could they be microwaving? Perhaps, last night’s leftover lasagna, or mac and cheese instead. Well, these are not technically snack foods. I remember being young, getting home from school and feeling like I could eat a horse. But the fact is, all I really needed was some fresh fruit (the glucose would have given me energy) some yogurt or milk, maybe some granola. I didn’t need a pre-dinner, when I was planning on eating a real meal around 7 o’clock.

Unfortunately, this article actually gives advice on how to read directions for our favorite snack (last time I checked, a banana doesn’t come with a label on how to peel it) and the importance of following the provided times on the back of microwave meals. It only gets better. Part 3 also is sub-divided into tips with specific directions for different microwave snacks: Jelly donuts, fruit pastries, and pocket-sandwiches are to be broken into 2 pieces prior to microwaving, for example. Jelly donuts?! I’m confused, I would think that Hot Pockets and jelly donuts should have been in Part 2: Foods to Avoid. Let me tell you, I’d rather have my niece eat a piece of cheese with a bit of mold cut off than to eat a Hot Pocket Philly Steak and Cheese Croissant (that’s their latest people!)

So in essence, this government sponsored site for food safety is actually promoting the eating of microwave meals and/or jelly donuts as an after school snack for children. This is the same government that is putting the obesity epidemic on the forefront of our nation greatest ills, and has the gall rip obese children from their homes and place into foster care. What’s more, is that they have been quite adept at effectively blaming the parents for the obesity problem, and failing in addressing community and economic issues, or ahemm… government messaging as another source of the problem. Now I know without a doubt that I will to go to www.irs.gov to get a copy of my 1040EZ next April. I will not however, go to www.foodsafety.gov when I’m looking for “Practical information and tips from the experts to keep you and your family safe.”

-Alex Candia

Packing A healthy Lunch For Your Child

As a parent you have a duty to make sure that your children are healthy and eating right. Packing them a lunch is a safe way to go and monitoring what your kid is eating at lunch. School lunches are unhealthy and gross to children. I know when I was school I couldn't stand my school lunch, so I would ask my parents to make me a lunch instead. Packing a healthy but delicious lunch and snack for your child is something that you want regret later. Monitoring what your child is eating while at school is a huge responsibility as a parent.

Here are some healthy but delicious meals and snacks: check it out and see what you can pack for your child.

_Tierra Walls

Crank-proof your day

Now, do you have a short fuse when it comes to dealing with life’s everyday stressors, such as your boss, or you kids? Do you reach for food or caffeine during the day in an attempt to feel calm, or find a jolt of energy or a moment of bliss? But beside all else, do you just really crave a better mood? Well if you want to feel less cranky lets continue on so you can know 5 good-mood foods that is dieting too.

While good habits such as eating breakfast every morning and regular meals and snacks throughout the day form the cornerstone of an energized outlook,science has revealed the vital ways in which our food impacts our moods. What you about to read may surprise you that some of the best weapons to help cure crankiness can be found in your local grocery store. The following foods will help your mood in two ways. First, they deliver several key nutrients that play a vital role in supporting brain chemistry to reduce the risk of depression and help improve the quality of your sleep. Powerful combinations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help you build up your energy and capacity to handle life from your body’s deepest levels.

Salmon
In order for your brain to function optimally, it needs to have the right nutrient building blocks available, and omega-3 fats are one of the most important when it comes to boosting your mood. Growing evidence suggests that consuming inadequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with depression and poor moods. Fatty fish like salmon is one of nature’s richest sources of omega-3 fats; for a mood lift, enjoy fatty fish 2-3 times each week. Studies have found that people who infrequently eat fish are more likely to suffer from depression. By eating this way, you’ll enjoy a double brain benefit, too: not only do foods rich in omega-3 fat help fight crankiness and improve your outlook today.

Mushrooms expose to UV-light
Vitamin D is another key part of “mood maintenance” because it helps regulate the activity of the brain’s neurotransmitters which have a profound impact on mood. By some estimates, over 50% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, making it a critical component in a crank-proof diet. one fantastic food that has recently come to a supermarket near you is vitamin D-packed mushrooms. These are mushrooms that have been exposed to UV light, which naturally boosts the vitamin D level.

Tart Cherries
Savor a handful of dried tart cherries before you turn in for the night and you’ll set the stage for a better mood when you wake up. Tart cherries are rich in a hormone called melatonin, which acts as a natural sleep aid by improving quality of sleep. Here’s an added bonus: cherries’ powerful bundle of antioxidants helps protect your brain from free radicals, which enables your brain chemistry to be optimized for a good mood.

Amaranth
Amaranth is a delicious “ancient grain” to try if you haven’t yet added it to your shopping list. This supergrain is loaded with antioxidants, minerals, fiber and iron, and was considered a life-sustaining food of the ancient Aztec and Inca cultures. This is a key reason to choose whole grains over refined grains and sweets when looking for a mood boost; sugary treats often trigger blood sugar to, leading to crankiness and faster fatigue. Look for amaranth in the bulk section of your grocery store or in the natural foods aisle. Hey here's a fun twist, try amaranth popcorn: Simply put a dry medium skillet over medium high heat, and when hot, add 2 tbsp amaranth seeds. COVER QUICKLY with a lid so it doesn’t pop everywhere! Gently shake back and forth, and the grains will quickly pop into “micro popcorn” in about 10 seconds. Pour into a dish and repeat with another 2 tbsp. Dust with cinnamon for an added antioxidant and flavor boost.

Medjool Dates

While the initial rush of sugar can indeed perk you up, it ultimately leads to that inevitable crash and the crankiness that comes with it. A sweeter fix for your sweet tooth is to try medjool dates. Their rich, creamy texture and super-sweet taste still give you that rush of satisfying pleasure. But unlike that candy bar, dates are chockfull of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep your energy up in a more sustained way.

There you have it!!!! Some might be hard to buy because you might have never brought it before. It's a good source to not doing all that extra dieting, and keeping you up on your toes and keep your day going.

JOWANA GEORGE

Smart Snacking

Now that summer is coming to an end and school is back in session, students tend to snack during class or in between classes. Parents need to pack healthy snacks for children to snack on in between classes. Between school, homework, sports, your after-school job, and hanging out with friends, it may feel like there's no time for healthy eating. It's probably tempting to grab a burger and fries, potato chips, or candy.

Snacking on nutritious food can keep your energy level high and your mind alert without taking up a lot of your time. Stuffing your face with a large order of fries after class may give you a temporary boost, but a snack this high in fat and calories will only slow you down in the long run.

SO encourage others and along with your self along with others and try healthier snacks. Such as vegetables, fruit, granola bars and other nutritionist foods.

_TierraWalls

RECALLED

Attention: Fresh food concepts, Inc. of Buena Park, CA is voluntarily recalling various layer dip products that contains guacamole because the avocado has the potential of contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.


The product was distributed nationwide and Canada through retail supermarkets and corner stores. You can identify the product by Rojo's ultimate 7 layer dip, Delicisio 5 layer dip, Rojo's layer dip, Rojo's supreme 6 layer dip and Fresh food concepts 5 layer dip. products with expiration dates used by 09/24/11 and after are made with avocado from a different source and not involved in this recall.

_Tierra Walls

If is not the health, then it's the water

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/26314607
watch video

This is very scary a parasite known as the "brain-eating amoeba" a parasite that live in every fresh water every summer swimming hole, lake, pond, streams, and rivers when temperatures climb into the 80s. How you get it by the parasite entering the body through the nose, then making its way to the brain, destroying brain tissue.

The symptoms are: Headache, Fever, Nausea, and them symptoms develop in the first week and the condition gets out of control, then come other symptoms like confusion, loss of balance, and hallucinations.

If you go to the doctors or the hospital, there are no guaranteed early treatment of a cure, I mean it's that serious and that quick. It's crazy how it causes death within two weeks of infection, three people already died this summer from this infection. A sixteen year old girl from Brevard County, Florida, a nine year old boy from Henrico County, Virginia, the other person I couldn't find. This is serious and be a Public Service Announcement, because people are dying and more could come.

People is already like, I am not going swimming no more, but there's a way that you can still go swimming all you got to do is use a nose clip because it enter through the nose.

JOWANA GEORGE

The children do not run us!!!!!

What makes a parent mad when they take their kids to the supermarket? When their kids see their favorite cartoon character on a cereal box (that is unhealthy by the way), and get all crazy when they don't get it. This makes the parent buy the products to stop them from hollering.

New research tells us that the cutesy cartoon characters are used to sell food to young people in TV ads. Dina Borzekowski, an associate professor at the John Hopkins Bloomberg school of the Public heath in Baltimore stated, "The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism behind an interesting problem we face in the U.S. Since 3- to 5-year-old children aren't shopping, how do low-nutritional food and beverages get into the house? It's the 'nag factor.' It's how 3- to 5-year-old get their parents to get them foods they might not otherwise want to purchase."

A big concern is that kids nag their parents to buy the low- nutrition and high calories food that's making America's children so obese and the highly processed, high sugar foods and drinks are the reason why there's an obesity crisis. Like what a parents suppose to do? Even though the parents have the upper hand, the child has control as well, by manipulating the parent. All they have to do is fuss and fight just because they didn't get what they had wanted. If you are one of those mothers that give in, the most effective strategy for you might be to have someone else watch your child while you go shopping.

So, mothers ask what is there we can do to try to stop our kids from having a serious breakdown? Well if your child wants the characters cereal, and you don't want to give it to them, give them options. I suggest have them pick between two healthy choices of cereal.

JOWANA GEORGE

Spiritualy Full

Hello readers I know you guys must of missed my voice. All jokes aside I've been working like mad in the kitchen over the passed few weeks. Last week we prepared a care package for a mother of now three who needed a little support. This package consisted of two large lasagnas , two kinds of soup (corn chowder & cream of asparagus) , six bags of granola( 2 flavors), about a dozen snicker doodles, and one family pack of M&M's. All items, except the M&M's of course , were made fresh in our kitchen.

Once I had left I reflected on my day and felt overwhelmed with joy. My supervisor and I had unlocked foods true purpose, sharing. I began to imagine a world of 'we' instead of 'I'. We here at Youth Radio Eats want all of our readers to think and act on ways they can share with there families or communities.

SEE
(Serenity-Elevation-End)

Yohan Callen

Tips for not getting you sick

Now everybody now that school is about start and kids need to get they're flu shot. Well I have some tips to keep kids and parents to avoid from getting the colds and the flu. If those out there who didn't get the shot well......

Every time you shake someone's hand, wash your hand, but don't stop there, wash them as much as possible. Running lots of water over your hands will dilute any germs and send them down the drain.

Try to keep your hand off you nose and eyes because it can hurt you and they're the most common place to catch germs.

Getting more sleep when your under the weather, When you’re tired, your body isn’t fighting as hard, so getting 8 to 10 hours a night.

Work out so you can sweat, working out regularly enhances immune function.

Try to stay away from people who are displaying symptoms like sneezing and coughing, stay away from sick friends and family when possible.

JOWANA GEORGE

Not the Strawberries too!!!!!!!

What's juicy, sweet, big, bright red, has dots and fun to eat?. If you guessed strawberries, you guessed right! And if you love to eat them, be aware, because in Oregon, multiple strawberry farms were found with traces of E. coli 0157:h7.
This bacteria's real name is called Escherichia coli and was named for the Austrian doctor, Theodor von Escherich (1857-1911). I wish I could tell you more about the bacteria's history, but it's a lot of big words I can't understand. What I can tell you is that but we need this bacteria to breakdown cellulose in our bodies and it assists in the absorption of vitamin K, the blood clotting vitamin.
Not all forms of this bacteria are so helpful though. The 0157:h7 part of the bacteria was found in 1992 and is a particularly nasty version. See this part secretes powerful poison, called a verotoxin. Normally receptors in the human kidney, brain and gut cells kill them, but not all people have the receptors, so that's way some people get ill.
The Oregon Public Health Division claims that it came from deer, and deer have been known for having this bacteria since 1997, but investigators do not know why its never been shown in the strawberries. A elderly woman in Washington County died from kidney failure and four others were hospitalized. So far, 16 people in Washington, Clatsop, Multnomah counties and Northwestern Oregon have been infected in the past month. So we need to put a stop it from coming to Cali because I don't want to get sick or die or even become infected. Therefore all the supermarkets need to take the strawberries off the floor.
Now if you do go out and buy strawberries, have some precautions. Here can what you do:

1. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
2. Keep fruits and vegetables and other raw food separated from cooked food
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw foods, as well as before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers.

JOWANA GEORGE

No More Red Meat

So lately, I have given up all red meat, I only eat seafood, chicken and turkey. It wasn't hard for me to give up red meat but I know the things that I love to eat are red meat. I love burgers and whenI go out to eat for dinner I love to order a big hearty burger. This new goal will force me to watch what I order when I go out to eat.

Red meat is really unhealthy because it is strongly acidic. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes begin and thrive in an acidic environment. One factor about the dangers of red meat seems to be inherent. Haem, the pigment that is in hemoglobin which gives the red color to our blood, is also present in 'red' meat.

I'm not sure if the rest of the world knows but I hope that you understand the dangers and affects of red meat. Hopefully you are aware of what your putting in your body.

A quick snack to make

This dessert here is everybody favorite Classic Unsweetened-Chocolate Brownie. it's very healthy and fun to eat for those who have diabetes.


Ingredients

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cold large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)
  

now that's one healthy snack or dessert to make, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good, thats what my tummy say.


JOWANA GEORGE

Can somebody help the meats PLEASE!!!!!!!!

THIS GOES OUT TO THE GROUND TURKEY LOVERS...... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that cultures from four retail locations between March 7 and June 27 showed salmonella contamination. How come when we try to change our life around to live longer they end up tearing us down by bypassing things that can kill us. One death, thank God, and 77 illness in 26 states all to ground turkey. A lady name Diana Goodpasture was working at Akron General Medical six weeks ago before she was poisoned with salmonella. Summit County Board of Health stated, that it was Diana fault for the national outbreak of salmonella, come on now she was eating a ground turkey burger and the next day having to go to the bathroom that got worst days on. So what's the solution to this problem? well it say that you have to cook the ground turkey thoroughly and a minimum of 165 degrees. I see why they blaming Diana because the USDA( U.S. Department of Agriculture) is still looking for the cause of this outbreak. Now mothers, what are you doing because you want your kids to eat more healthy to stop the obesity rates. Well it become more worry when a child had become hospitalize for three days and the ground turkey is still on the shelf. Wait there's more to it see the salmonella that's out causes leads of blood infections, now if a child has this type of Strain salmonella that is called salmonella heidlburg and is more resistant to antibiotics, so it's way more harder for people who got it, has to go to the hospital because they become dehydrated, dried out, and need hospital care. Tom Swing at Dorothy Lane Market said, "It all boils down to how the customer takes care of it after it leaves the store." Now is it that hard to do...like for real. Before I finish off I will say the if you do/did buy ground turkey "health experts" say, cook the meat on 165 degrees.

JOWANA GEORGE