So Many Reasons...

I wanted to share a recent news release from Dietitians of Canada regarding the OMA's call to action for food taxes, different labelling, etc.  Remember, as a parent you are a role model and there is not just one factor causing today's obesity issues, there are so many reasons....

Dietitians agree that action is needed now to support more children to have a healthy weight

Toronto, ON – October 24, 2012.  Dietitians of Canada, the professional association representing dietitians from coast to coast calls for policies and programs that make healthy foods more accessible to children where they live, learn and play. “We all need to eat healthy food to achieve and maintain good health, including a healthy body weight,” says Janice Macdonald, Director of Communications. “We want children to enjoy healthy food most of the time,” she adds. The Association is responding to the recent call for action by the Ontario Medical Association, for aggressive new measures, including taxes on junk food, restricting marketing of fatty and sugary foods to children and policies that would dictate changes in food labelling.

There is no one way to make healthy eating the norm. School nutrition policies make a difference by limiting the availability of low nutrient foods and those high in fat, sugar and salt while kids are at school. Expanding nutrition policies to include recreation centres and children’s sports events furthers the impact. Dietitians have called for stricter controls on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. The current system of self-regulation, although a step in the right direction, does not go far enough. This system needs to apply consistent, science-based standards to determine what and how food and beverages are advertised. The Dietitians of Canada position on advertising of food to children and its views on other food and nutrition issues, are available at www.dietitians.ca under ‘Dietitians Views’.

Parents are powerful role models and dietitians encourage parents and caregivers to get the whole family involved in meal planning, shopping and cooking. Eating together as a family as often as possible can result in healthier food choices and eating habits. For resources, tips and recipes to make the job of parents a little easier, visit ‘Your Health’ at www.dietitians.ca To find a dietitian, visit www.dietitians.ca/find

Dietitians of Canada (DC) is the national professional association for dietitians, representing more than 6000 members at the local, provincial and national levels.

For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating, visit the Dietitians of Canada website at www.dietitians.ca

Additional Information:

Media Contacts:

Janice Macdonald
Director, Communications
250 590 2429
Janice.macdonald@dietitians.ca

or

Pat Vanderkooy
Public Affairs Manager
519-823-7725
pat.vanderkooy@dietitians.ca

Students Get Moving

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport has proclaimed October 14 - 20, 2012 as 'School Sport Week' in Saskatchewan. 

Objective:
Increase the public’s awareness of the values of interscholastic athletic programs.  Schools are encouraged to set aside time during the week to acknowledge the Coaches, Officials, Student Athletes and Fans who contribute to the success of High School Sport in their community. An important aspect is to also recognize that High School Sport is an extension of the classroom and provides an opportunity for the education of leadership, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, motor skills, sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity.

History:
National High School Activities Week was initiated in 1980 by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) as a means to promote the value of interscholastic activities. School Sport Canada has encouraged its provincial organizations to make schools across the country aware of the initiative. The NFHS highlights each day of School Sport Week as a means to promote the benefits of high school sport and recognize the many individuals involved in what some have come to call “The Other Half of Education”. The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October 14 – 20 as School Sport Week in Saskatchewan.

Key Messages:

• Extra-curricular activities are inherently educational.
• Extra-curricular activities support the academic mission of schools.
• Extra-curricular activities foster success in later life.
• Participation in high school sport is a valuable part of the overall high school experience.
• Participation in high school sport has promoted higher grades and better attendance.
• Participation in extra-curricular programs yields positive results after high school.
• Extra-curricular activities teach lessons that lead to better citizens.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17: COACHES and OFFICIALS RECOGNITION DAY
FRIDAY OCTOBER 14: SCHOOL TEAM RECOGNITION DAY
SATURDAY OCTOBER 20: SHSAA REGIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Throughout October and November I am traveling around Saskatchewan to provide sport nutrition education to grade 6-12 students and athletes. 

Since it's q's day, I want to know:
How has your participation in sports and extra-curricular activities enhanced your life?

Have a great week and get moving!
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Holiday Health

In Canada, Thanksgiving is almost here.  I feel like it seems early this year, but I guess that's because September just flew by.  We have the beautiful colours of Fall on our riverbank and a chill in the air to remind us that the season has changed.

I was on CTV Morning Live last week to discuss the Thanksgiving meal and healthy ways to approach the holiday long weekend.  In case you missed the segment, I wanted to share a few tips today.

First of all, it's important to remember that many traditional Thanksgiving foods are nutritious, you just have to remember to practice variety, moderation, and balance.  To make the most of the holidays, find ways to satisfy yourself without sabotaging yourself.  For many people this means aiming to maintain weight, because it can be hard to lose weight over the holidays.  Many people will gain a pound or so, but the trouble is that it will stick with them.  This can occur because our feasts can be upwards of 3000-4000 Calories at times.

Some basics to keep in mind:

• keep active - enjoy a walk with family or friends, destress by getting out of the house and remembering that the holiday isn't just about FOOD
• maintain a basic eating pattern - don't skip meals because then you will arrive for dinner very hungry and less able to make wise choices
• feel free to modify recipes to reduce the fat, sugar, and salt - there are many ways to add flavours (onions, garlic, fresh herbs, cinnamon, lemon, lime...)
• survey the dinner choices before you fill your plate; enjoy your favourites that come but once a year and don't waste Calories on food(s) you can have regularly
• go easy on the alcohol and drink plenty of water instead
• aim to fill half your plate with vegetables

It's also important to remember food safety, so here are guidelines from the USDA on how to thaw your turkey to prevent food borne illness:

• refrigerator - allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs
• sink - use cold water allowing 30 minutes per lb and change the water every 30 minutes (cook immediately after thawing)
• microwave - check your owner's manual and cook immediately after thawing

 As far as food choices go, I also have a few tips for you to keep in mind:

1. Pumpkin - rich in Beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant (aiding in vision, healthy immune system, healthy skin...) and present in Thanksgiving dessert as pie.  Pumpkin pie is often made with cream, so if making your own you can substitute low fat milk.  A graham cracker crust will also be fewer Calories that a pastry crust, but pumpkin still tends to be less than some varieties because it only has a bottom crust.  Skipping the whipped cream will also save you fat and extra Calories.  Note: you can also enjoy pumpkin in a soup to start your dinner.
2. Turkey - is a lean source of protein; although the white meat is lower in Calories and fat, the dark meat is higher in some nutrients like iron.  The key is to go easy on portion size and remember that 1 serving is 75g or 2.5 ounces (a deck of cards).  Avoid the self basting turkeys since they've been infused with fat; you can baste with low sodium broth, wine, juice, etc. to further reduce Calories and fat.  
3. Gravy - made from fat drippings and contains poultry juices so it will contain some nutrients.  Skim off the fat and season with herbs, spices, and pepper.  Again, portion control is key - no need to go swimming in gravy.
4. Cranberries - contain antioxidants that protect the body's cells from damage and may help reduce your risk of chronic disease.  You can use fresh or dried ones in stuffing, salads, or sauce.  Canned sauces are typically high in sugar resulting in 1/4 cup = 110 Calories.  It's quite simple to make your own and then you can reduce the sugar by at least half.
5. Potatoes - are high in potassium and fibre (if you leave the skins on).  When making mashed potatoes skip the cream and use low/no salt broth, garlic, and herbs for flavour.  Hold yourself to about 1/2 cup serving to make room for a variety of different coloured vegetables as well.  If using sweet potatoes try roasting with apple juice, a bit of oil, and white wine vinegar rather than smothering in brown sugar and marshmallows.

Include some great steamed or roasted green vegetables (beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.) and/or a green salad to start.  Remember that you can enjoy leftovers the next day, so you don't need to eat everything at dinner.

Be thankful for your health and all that your body does for you by providing it with activity and nourishment this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com