Kids Walk Across America just finished our 8 week program at Expo Park! We had fun, learned a lot, and made some wonderful new friendships. We are so thankful for Brotherhood Crusade and our dedicated AmeriCorp volunteers.
On the final Wednesday, our Act of Kindness station focused on Appreciation & Generosity. We brought in some red delicious apples and gave the kids a fun craft to decorate a bag, insert a crisp shiny apple, and attach a sweet little tag that read "You are the Apple of my eye!"
The aim was to shower our military and vets with appreciation! Last Friday, we were able to present 65 sweetly decorated "Kindness Bags" to Emily Thornton, produce manager at the LA Air Force commissary. We shared with her our involvement with Brotherhood Crusade, Fit Wednesdays and our affiliation with Coast Produce. She was stunned by our community act of kindness and was so delighted that she personally passed out the bags to military personnel as they came through the check stand. They in turn, were shocked and touched that caring kids from South Los Angeles would just want to say thank you.
Hey Kid Walkers! Have you heard that the USDA unveiled their new food icon, MyPlate, a simple reminder for healthy eating???
Let's all try to eat smaller portions, make at least HALF the plate fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary drinks. What is your favorite fruit and vegetable??? Leave us a message in our comments section!
Written By: Linda Quach, RD
Care Manager, Disease Management Program, Molina Healthcare Inc
Summer barbeques and beach/pool party season has arrived. Try these tips to help lower the fat and salt content of your summer meals.
Party Tips
- Never go to a party hungry or you will most likely eat too much.
- Drink water and sugar-free drinks.
- Start with the fruits and vegetables first. These foods are high in fiber and will help make you full. Choose different color fruits and vegetables to get a variety of antioxidant rich vitamins and minerals.
- Enjoy your favorite dishes, but control your portions by making sure they fit on one (1) small plate.
- Choose your favorite dessert and share it with a friend. Eating less will cut calories. Fresh fruits, sorbets, and low-fat frozen yogurt are healthy choices that taste great.
- Don’t stand near the buffet table. Talk with friends in a different area or room.
- Don’t feel pressured to eat, eat, and eat! Know how to say “No thank you, I’m full.”
- Keep active and burn some calories! Play sports, swim, and dance with your friends and family. Go for an after meal walk with family and friends.
Trim the Fat
- Remove the skin from chicken/turkey. Cut off any fat that you can see from meats.
- Choose white meat instead of dark meat.
- Avoid fried foods. Try cooking sprays. It is better to grill or bake foods.
- Chill soups, stews and chili and then remove solid fat off the top. There are 100 calories for each tablespoon of fat removed.
Instead of Use
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1 cup of butter in baking |
1 cup of applesauce |
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8 ounces regular cream cheese |
1/3 less fat or Fat-free cream cheese |
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1 cup milk |
1 cup 1% or nonfat milk |
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1 cup ... |
Just two weeks after the earthquake tsunami disaster, a senbei maker (rice cake man) from Sendai returned home to dig through the rubble. Bitter and discouraged, he feared all was lost. Surprisingly in the wreckage, he found his old senbei machine. Somehow, it had survived. As he examined it closely, it seemed fairly intact and still useful. Rummaging further, he discovered a few more salvageable pieces, and hope began to grow. It would not be easy, but he could start again with what little remained. He would not give up! “Gambare Nippon! Go for it!” he thought, as he determined to go back to making rice cakes once again.
Kids Walk Across America would like to honor and encourage our brothers and sisters in Japan, who like the Rice Cake Man, are persevering under tremendous loss and hardship. Life is difficult sometimes, but we hope that all those who hear this story will be inspired to not give up, to go for it and work hard -- to give our best! Gambare Nippon!
Please join Kids Walk to to Walk the Farm to benefit Japan relief:
Date: June 18th, 2011, anytime between 9am-2pm
Location: Tanaka Farms
5380314 University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Details: This is a fundraising event, 100% of all admission sales will go to aid a select group of farmers in Japan. This is a fun one and a half mile walk around Tanaka's beautiful farm in Irvine. Along the route there will be samples of fresh locally grown produce. To register or learn more about this event, please email info@kidswalk.org.
Your $20 donation includes:
Scenic view as you Walk the Farm
Bottled water
Sampling of fruits and vegetables from around the farm
Shaved ice
Hot dog/hamburger lunch
The knowledge that you are helping a ...
There are many fundraising opportunities out there selling processed, pre-packaged and unhealthy choices. Why not choose to see a product that promotes nutrition, good health and freshness; and also provides a fruitful opportunity to raise funds for your organization!
Goodbites Healthy Snack Packs are chocked full of peak of season and flavorful fruits and vegetables. They also contain power packed nutritious natural snacks to keep your energy high and your waistline slim. This delicious mix is delivered directly to your organization.
Interested in learning more about how you can increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to save the lives of those you love and secure fundraising for your organization of club, contact us at fundraising@goodbitesstore.com!
