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When Planning Meals, Think Frozen

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(Family Features) Research from the Journal of Nutrition found that nearly 80 percent of Americans do not consume the recommended amounts of fruit, and nearly 90 percent do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables.  While a variety of factors may contribute to this low consumption, including cost and convenience, a recent study revealed one easy solution: frozen fruits and vegetables.

Fresh versus frozen

The University of California-Davis (UC Davis), in partnership with the Frozen Food Foundation, conducted an in-depth study to evaluate the nutrient content of eight commonly-purchased frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables:  blueberries, strawberries, carrots, corn, broccoli, green beans, green peas and spinach.  The research was designed to eliminate discrepancies in the harvesting, handling and storage of fruits and vegetables used in the analysis.  Like produce found in farmers’ markets, the fruits and vegetables used in the study were locally grown, harvested and stored by the UC Davis research team.

“The study was designed to mimic the quality of produce found at farmers’ markets or grown in consumers’ backyards,” said UC Davis Lead Researcher Dr. Diane Barrett.  “The study revealed that frozen produce is nutritionally equivalent, and often superior, to its fresh-stored counterpart.  In particular, the vitamin C content of frozen corn, green beans and blueberries was significantly higher than their fresh-stored counterparts.”

Tips to boost nutrient intake

For those looking to reap the nutritional benefits found in frozen foods, the Frozen Food Foundation offers these tips:

  • Blend easy treats. Perfect for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or a sweet anytime treat, just add frozen fruit and your other favorite ingredients in the blender for a yummy smoothie.
  • Prepare quick sides. Add color and flavor to lunch and dinner entrees by stocking your freezer with frozen vegetables.  Frozen vegetables come peeled, pre-cut and ready to cook or eat.  No washing or cutting is required, which saves time and reduces waste.
  • Make the sensible choice. The portion-controlled packaging of many frozen entrées and sides make them the all-around clear choice for consumers seeking well-balanced nutritious meals for themselves and their families.

Freezing is simply nature’s pause button.  Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, locking in the nutrient value at the point of freezing.  Today’s families don’t need to sacrifice health to have a quick meal with quality ingredients.  For more tips and tricks to enhance your family’s diet, visit www.frozenfoodfacts.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Frozen Food Foundation



F-U-N Learning with Food

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ABC Crispy Bars

(Family Features) If you’re searching for ways to get little ones excited about learning, try combining fun and function, using food as your teaching tool. Foods that come in letter shapes are a great way to introduce young learners to the alphabet and make learning delightfully F-U-N.

Although it may contradict the popular mealtime mantra to “quit playing with your food,” teaching children to recognize letters using a familiar food, such as cereal, can actually be a great way to promote literacy and a love of reading early on.

You can get started promoting the joys of learning with these “snacktivities” to make snack time as entertaining as it is educational for your littlest family members. Use a nutrient rich cereal, such as Post Alpha-Bits, so when letters start disappearing into those tiny tummies, you can feel good knowing each serving provides 12 of the essential vitamins and minerals growing kids need.

Family tree
Draw a big tree with lots of branches on construction paper. After the tree is drawn, write out each family member’s name on the branches with colorful markers. Encourage your little ones to match the letters you have written with letters from the Alpha-Bits box. Let them glue the cereal pieces to the tree so you can display their works of art on the refrigerator.

Vowel play
Give your little one a one-cup serving of Post Alpha-Bits and ask them to eat all of the consonants and leave only the vowels. They’ll learn their letters a little better and get 20 grams of whole grains along the way.

For more great recipes your family will love, visit www.postfoods.com.

ABC Crispy Bars

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
  • 1 package (10.5 ounces) miniature marshmallows
  • 8 cups Post Alpha-Bits Cereal
  • Alphabet-shaped cookie cutters

Preparation

  1. Line 13-by-9-inch pan with foil; lightly grease foil.
  2. Microwave butter in large microwavable bowl on high for 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows and mix well.
  3. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 45 seconds.
  4. Stir in cereal.
  5. Press cereal mixture firmly into prepared pan. Cool.
  6. Using the alphabet-shaped cookie cutters, cut cereal mixture into 12-15 pieces.
  7. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

SOURCE:
Post Foods



Power Up Throughout the Day with Protein

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(Family Features) As the building blocks of life, your body requires protein to function properly. But protein is also an important nutrient for those who wish to stay satisfied and full throughout their busy days.

Why protein is essential

A vital part of every diet, proteins are made up of a chain of amino acids which work to repair damaged cells and create new ones. According to the National Institutes of Health, the right amount of protein can be found in a well-balanced, complete diet.

While sources of protein are often found in meats, eggs and fish, they can also be found in a variety of plant-based foods, such as soy, nuts and certain grains. As the average American’s schedule grows busier by the minute, it’s important to know the many convenient sources of protein available.

Fuel the day

A successful day at work requires the focus and energy from a complete, balanced diet, including the addition of protein sources when possible. Try these tips and meal ideas for filling your morning and afternoon meals with smarter, more powerful food picks:

  • Breakfast. Check one item – having a wholesome morning meal – off your list of things to do each and every day. Perfect for those rushed, on-the-go mornings, opt for a protein-packed smoothie. Available in many flavorful varieties, they’re easy to throw in your bag and enjoy as you commute.
  • Snack. A satisfying snack is one that will keep energy levels up and carry you over to your next meal. Some smart and satisfying options include Premier Protein 30g Bars and Fiber Bars. They are gluten-free and a good source of fiber, available in a variety of flavors and offer up to 30 grams of protein per bar. Keep them on hand in your desk or computer bag so you’re always able to snack whenever hunger hits. For more satisfying snacks, visit www.premierprotein.com.
  • Lunch. Amp up the protein on your turkey sandwich by replacing mayo and mustard with hummus, and use high-protein bread instead of regular whole wheat. For salads, add sliced hard boiled eggs and chickpeas. For a sweet power-packed side, try cottage cheese topped with sliced peaches or Greek yogurt topped with fresh blueberries.
  • Post-workout fuel. Whether you exercise in the morning or after a long day at the office, give your body the fuel it needs to recover. A rich and creamy Premier Protein Shake, available in chocolate, vanilla and strawberries & cream, offers up 30 grams of protein and contains only 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar.

Make balanced meals and snack options a part of every day with the various protein-packed sources available. No matter what your social or work life demands, there are always simple ways to help you stay balanced, fueled and healthy.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Premier Protein



Classic, Cool Family Fun

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Enjoy summer favorites from classics of the past

Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Unilever
Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Unilever

(Family Features) Summer is the season when many of the best childhood memories are made. That’s why introducing future generations to treasured pastimes is an ideal way to ensure classic summer moments live on for years to come.

Though the world has changed over the years, the simple pursuits of summers past can and should still live on. The long, warm days of the season are meant for making memories, and there’s no better way to do so than by revisiting “throwback” summer pleasures.

Reminiscing on the Road
Whether traveling across the country or state, a road trip is a terrific way to bond with family while exploring the world away from home. When parents take their children on a road trip to their favorite childhood vacation spots, they can explore how the sites have changed over time, and gain a whole new experience through their kids’ eyes.

Long trips on the road don’t have to require the latest technology like cell phones and tablets. To relieve boredom, parents can teach their kids classic road trip games from their youth like I spy, 20 questions or the license plate game. These timeless activities are a great way to have fun, pass time and encourage family bonding.

Nearby Neighborhood Fun

Closer to home, there are undoubtedly various ways to fill the steamy days of summer, which many of today’s parents remember fondly from their own youth. As shocking as it may be for kids today to learn that summer fun can exist beyond video games, tablets and other electronic devices, “unplugged” family fun may be just what the season calls for.

In many areas, families can find fun summer activities right in their own backyards. The joys of entrepreneurship with a lemonade stand at the end of the driveway can be just as fun for today’s children as they were for their parents. Making and sharing “summer camp” style friendship bracelets creates memories. Creating a colorful world in the driveway or on the sidewalk with chalk can also bring out a child’s artistic side, and can lead to other summertime favorites like hopscotch with friends.

Refreshing Summer Snacks
Nothing says summer like enjoying a frozen treat on a hot day, and many generations have fond memories of chasing the Good Humor Man driving that iconic Good Humor Truck down the street. Known as the original ice cream truck brand, Good Humor has been reimagining America’s favorite candies and desserts as frozen treats for more than 90 years.

Just as other classic summertime traditions have modernized over the years, so has Good Humor. This year, the brand is introducing a new six-pack of Good Humor Girl Scouts Thin Mints bars, inspired by the classic Thin Mint cookie, which is available in grocery stores nationwide. Other classic favorites have also been updated to offer fans more of what they love, from more strawberry flavor in the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bar to more OREO pieces in the Good Humor OREO bar to more peanut butter swirl in the Good Humor REESE’S peanut butter cup.

A Tradition of Cool Summer Fun
On a warm sunny day, not much can beat the cool taste of a delicious ice cream bar. It probably even harkens memories of your youth, but the origins of this favorite frozen treat date back much further.

It all started in 1920, when Harry Burt created a delicious chocolate coating compatible with ice cream. After his daughter said it was too messy to eat, Burt froze sticks into the ice cream to make a handle, creating the first Good Humor bar, which was also the first ice cream on a stick.

That year, Burt outfitted a fleet of 12 street vending trucks with freezers and bells from which to sell his creations, and the original ice cream truck was born. Operators of those trucks — and many other mobile vehicles for years ahead — came to be known as the beloved Good Humor Man. In those early days, they were required to undergo a rigorous three-day training, in which they learned to tip their hats to ladies and salute gentlemen.

Today, the line of classic Good Humor sandwiches, bars and cones are available in several varieties nationwide in individually-packed single servings at convenience stores, drug stores, newsstands, parks, trucks, kiosks and entertainment venues, or in multipacks at grocery stores.

Learn more about summer’s favorite frozen treats at www.goodhumor.com or on Facebook and Twitter.



Understanding The Individual Needs Of Your Pet

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE: Mars Veterinary
Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE: Mars Veterinary

(Family Features) For the millions of dog owners in the U.S., understanding the health issues associated with their dog’s breed(s) can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of furry family members.

Ancestry and health in mixed breeds

For mixed-breed dog owners, having access to reliable ancestry information can be crucial. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases, provides life-saving information. Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is offering the next evolution of the canine DNA test, the Wisdom Panel® 3.0. With expanded breed screening coverage of more than 250 breeds, types and varieties, the test also includes potentially life-saving medical information with a new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening.

MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The gene is responsible for production of a protein called P-glycoprotein, a drug transport pump that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and enhancing the excretion or elimination of many drugs used in dogs. Dogs with the MDR1-mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs, so it is important to test mixed-breed (and purebreds with the high-propensity breeds) dogs and for owners to share results with their veterinarian so they can provide the dog with the best possible care.

Keeping canines healthy                                                                                    

From the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, the number of recognized dog breeds is vast. But just as varied are the ailments and health issues commonly associated to each breed. Regardless of the type, pet owners who want to provide the best possible care for their best friend should follow these general tips for optimal health:

  • Visit the vet. Only your professional veterinarian will be able to assess the health of your dog. Prevention is essential for finding hidden diseases and illnesses in animals. Also, ask your vet for a body condition evaluation to check if your dog is at a healthy weight for its age and breed.
  • Get some exercise. Be sure to get your pet outside and active to keep muscles and joints healthy. Gauge the amount of exercise based on pet size and age to ensure it’s getting the right amount of activity.
  • Know your pet’s food. Based on age, size and breed, your dog will have different dietary needs. Speak with your vet about a proper nutrition plan to support your dog’s overall health and keep its weight in check.

By understanding more about the breeds in your furry friend, you can make a focused plan for their best nutrition, health and overall wellbeing. For more information about the Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test, visit www.WisdomPanel.com.

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