Add a healthier crust to your pizza
Most of us already know what toppings to add to a pizza to make it healthier, but have you ever thought about the crust. To make healthier pizza crusts, try:
- Whole-wheat flour. Forgo the traditional white-flour crust and make your whole wheat flour for some extra protein and a yummy, nutty flavor.
- Thin sandwich bread. Take your favorite deli flat and swap the cold-cuts for your sauce and toppings of choice. (Just give the bread a little toast before topping to avoid any sogginess.)
- Tortillas. Rice and beans aren’t the only ingredients that can top a tortilla. Make your own whole-wheat tortilla for a perfect thin-crust alternative.
- Pita bread. Pita pockets are the perfect size for a personal pizza, and the whole wheat variety adds an extra nutritional kick.
- English muffins. With all the nooks and crannies, an English muffin pizza crust can do no wrong. They toast up perfectly in the oven and are great for making mini-pizzas for a light lunch. (Or as a late night snack!)
Enjoy!
Grandparents as role models for physical activity
I am having to face facts, whether I like it or not, I am getting older and I need to add a fresh dimension to my exercise routine. I know you don’t have to join a gym, train for a 5K, or buy expensive gear, but I have found a great way to motivate yourself is to team up with a fitness buddy. I cannot think of a better buddy than my granddaughter!
We all know that children learn from role models. “Grandparents are in a perfect position to [be that] role model” by stressing the importance of living an active lifestyle.
I say if the older generation takes the younger generation by the hand and engages them in little bits of activity together, they are doing an extraordinary service to the health and well-being of their grandchildren.
Playing tag, jumping rope, playing Simon Says or biking to a destination instead of driving, or playing Wii instead of watching TV encourages kids to be active. Next time you are with your grandchildren, use playtime as a way to get the heart pumping.
Be goofy and encourage movement. Before you know it, your grandchildren will have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re exercising.
Try playing these games with the kids. Besides getting a workout, you’ll all get a wealth of laughs.
Susan
Come join me and move more!
Being physically active has long-term results. What you do right now does have an effect on your future. Including time in your life for physical activity is not just something to do when you want to lose weight. There are so many other wonderful benefits. I found that when I started making time for some physical activity, that I experienced several benefits. I immediately began sleeping better at night and getting back down to a healthier weight. My clothes began to fit more loosely, and I could see that I was building some muscle too. I encouraged some neighbors to walk with me, and I am meeting new people and actually having fun too!
Choose activities that you not only enjoy but feel you can do on a regular basis. Try to have 10 minutes of activity at a time. Shorter periods will not have the same health benefits. Here’s a website with some great tips on how you can increase physical activity for your and your family:
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/resources/physical-activity
Judy
Adding Dairy to Our Diet
Click the link to view a short video on dairy foods and National Dairy Month! http://youtu.be/KNa3w6KtdHs
Dunk 'em, Dip 'em, Enjoy those veggies
Did you know that eating vegetables with dip could help your kids eat more vegetables? A recent study from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that kids ate 80% more broccoli when it was served with ranch dressing as a dip. Other healthy dips you can try with your child include salsa, yogurt, hummus or peanut butter. You can also try the unique and tasty dip recipes below with your child:
Creamy Pesto Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 Tbsp pesto (find a quick pesto recipe here
Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor, blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve chilled alongside your favorite vegetables.
Honey Mustard Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1-15oz can white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions: Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor, blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve chilled alongside your favorite vegetables!
*Store pesto sauce in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week. Pesto freezes well. Freeze in ice cube trays, and then store frozen pesto cubes in plastic freezer bags in freezer for up to 6 months. Pesto may also be frozen in small jars or plastic containers for up to 9-12 months.
Recipes from Super Healthy Kids www.superhealthykids.com
Submitted by Amber Porter, graduate student with EFNEP, located at NC A&T State University.