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Blog

Evolving During a Pandemic - An Interview w/ HealthStart's Events Chair

8/31/2020

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When the COVID-19 pandemic caused drastic changes to everyday life, many organizations were faced with the imperative need to evolve. Though this has been an unprecedented time, the dedicated Events Committee of HealthStart Foundation has risen to the challenge.

The organization will be hosting the Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala on September 17th at 7 PM CST. The event will include a virtual happy hour, silent auction, and a virtual cooking demonstration led by award-winning Chef Bobo of the Calhoun School in New York City. ​
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Katie Kahn, Events Committee Chair, believes that having a virtual gala creates unique opportunities for HealthStart. “It was a heavily weighted decision to have a virtual gala, but I knew it was not only the responsible decision, but one that gave us a unique opportunity to reach new individuals, companies, and other organizations outside of the Austin area. In hosting a virtual gala, non-Austinites can easily attend and support HealthStart’s critical work,” said Kahn.
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HealthStart’s Events Committee has worked hard to make this a one of a kind event that is not to be missed. Throughout the planning process, they have been creative and enthusiastic problem solvers. “We have had to think differently about how to raise money and broaden our reach to continue to make a positive impact on the community during such a challenging time. Additionally, the events committee has really had to come together to reimagine what this year’s gala would look like. This is our first virtual event, so initially, we had to do quite a bit of research to figure out what our approach would be for HealthStart. I am so proud of everyone on the events committee because each person has worked really hard to make this year’s event a success.”
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The efforts of the Events Committee have definitely paid off. They have worked hard connecting with businesses and friends to inform them about the importance of HealthStart’s mission and the exciting opportunities the virtual gala has to offer. HealthStart has received a generous and positive response from the community in Austin and around the country. The virtual nature of this event is creating a space to reach beyond the borders of Central Texas. “My hope is that attendees from far and wide fully understand the importance of HealthStart and consider how the foundation can benefit their own communities. I would love to gain new partnerships and re-energize our current supporters,” said Kahn. ​
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This is truly an exciting and unique event. Many people, including Kahn, are looking forward to the event. “I am most excited about connecting everyone who has been so supportive of HealthStart at our virtual event. I am also very excited about watching our headliner, Chef Bobo Surles, in the kitchen! He has been at the forefront of healthy school lunch programs, so watching the expert will be a real treat for everyone who attends. I encourage everyone to visit www.bit.ly/C4KGala to learn more about HealthStart, donate to our cause, and register for our Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala.”

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Back to School with Better Sleep

8/24/2020

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The holiday season has come and gone, so that means we’re all trying to get  into a back to school routine. Whether your children are starting classes in-person or online, this change in routine really shakes things up. This often means longer days, more responsibilities, and having less time to rest, but a great way to set yourself up for success is by prioritizing sleep. 

Sleep makes a huge impact on our health and well-being. During the day, our bodies work hard to make sure we have all the energy we necessary  to do the things we need to do. And by the end of the day, our body craves a break. Good, quality sleep allows our body to rest and recover for the next day. Having a regular sleeping schedule can improve sleep quality and prepare us to tackle the day ahead. ​
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What happens if I don’t get enough sleep?

Getting a full night of rest has many benefits for our minds and bodies, so when we don’t get enough sleep, especially quality sleep, it can harm our health.

  • Lack of sleep increases health risks. Sleep deficiency can raise your risk for chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Without proper rest, your body cannot heal and repair itself as it should. For example, long-standing sleep deprivation is associated with increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and high inflammation levels, which can put extra strain on your heart. 
  • Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Most of us know that the food we eat and how we move is essential in maintaining strong, healthy bodies, but did you know that sleep is just as important? Sleep deficiency has been linked with overeating, weight gain, and obesity. When we’re sleeping, our bodies release hormones that regulate our appetite, metabolism, and sugar handling.
  • Sleep can affect our brain function. Without enough sleep, your brain cannot work properly. You might have a hard time following directions, or a school assignment that's usually easy may feel impossible. You may not even be able to remember things or might stumble over your words. 
  • Sleep can affect our emotions. Sleep deficiency has a negative impact on the way you act and feel. Have you ever slept too little and woken up feeling tired and angry? Or maybe you find yourself getting in a fight with a loved one for no reason? These are signs that you did not get enough sleep.

How much sleep do I need every night?

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One of the first steps to getting a good night's rest is to make sure we are sleeping enough. In general, toddlers need around 12-16 hours of sleep, children age three to six require 10-12 hours of sleep, pre-teens age seven to twelve need 10-11 hours, and teenagers and above need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Getting enough sleep isn’t just about the hours slept. The quality of sleep can play a significant role in our ability to perform throughout the day.

What are the benefits of getting enough sleep?

There are many benefits to getting quality sleep each night.
  • Sleep is our body's time to repair itself.  Deep sleep is essential for our bodies to rest and repair old cells. During a good night's rest, your body works to repair damaged cells and remove dead blood and brain cells. This clears the pathways for new blood and brain cells to replace the old ones. 
  • Sleep helps you learn better. While you’re sleeping, your brain sorts through and stores information to help you learn and remember it the next day. A good night’s sleep also enhances your skills to problem-solve, make decisions, and be creative.
  • Sleep improves concentration. The quality of our sleep impacts the ability to concentrate on our work throughout the day. Good sleep keeps brain fog at bay and helps you to focus. Not only does sleep help us stay alert, but it also helps strengthen our memories.
  • Sleep builds a stronger immune system. Having a strong immune system is always important, especially these days. There are many ways to improve how strong your immune systems is, such as getting proper nutrition and exercise, but sleep is equally important. Getting the recommended hours of sleep can improve your immune system and help fight against germs. Watch our Snack Science video Ep. #28 to learn more ways to keep your immune system healthy and strong.
  • Sleep helps us grow. During deep sleep, or what some people like to call “beauty sleep,” our bodies are working hard to grow and repair itself. This is especially important for children and teens. When we are in deep sleep, our bodies release growth hormone. If someone consistently gets too little sleep then growth hormone is suppressed.​​

How can I improve my sleep quality?

To enjoy the benefits of getting quality sleep, you might need to adjust your sleeping schedule. Make falling and staying asleep easier by following some of these tips.

  • Make a bedtime routine. Being consistent with the time you go to bed and the time you wake up. This improves your sleep quality over time. It also helps your internal clock keep a regular schedule, and soon your body will find it easier to fall asleep and wake up around the same time every day.
  • Turn off electronics before bedtime. Your favorite video games and TV shows can make it difficult to fall asleep. Electronic devices such as a tablet or television can trick our brains into thinking that it is daytime, confusing our internal clock. Try to avoid screens within an hour before bedtime. You could try reading, going on a family walk, or doing something creative like coloring. 
  • Exercise regularly. Not only is regular exercise great for overall health, but it also helps you sleep more soundly. Just be sure to avoid any activities that are too intense right before bed. A nice walk or bike ride is enough to relieve stress in our bodies and help us fall asleep faster. Yoga is especially great right before bed because it helps you get in a relaxed state. Check out our Snack Science video Ep. #3 for a few yoga poses you can do with the whole family!
  • Change your sleeping environment. Did you know that the environment you sleep in can be affecting the quality of your sleep? Things such as noise level, amount of light, and temperature can all affect how easy it is for us to fall asleep. Sleep experts recommend sleeping in a quiet, dark, and cool environment (around 68 degrees). Try hanging blackout curtains in your bedroom and lowering your thermostat at least 30 minutes before bed. 
  • Try meditating or belly breathing. When people are stressed, they usually find it harder to fall asleep. Meditation is a powerful method that helps calm the mind and relax the body. Another technique is belly breathing. Belly breathing is a way of breathing that helps calm us and prepare us to go to sleep. Try it by imagining your belly is a balloon. Then breathe in and out through your nose while letting your belly fill up like a balloon. Check out our blog “Belly Breathing for Calm and Sleep” for more information about the benefits of belly breathing.


What are your tips for a better night’s sleep? Let us know in the comments below!

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Cooking For a Cause with Chef Bobo Surles

8/17/2020

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Have you heard about HealthStart’s Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala? On September 17th at 7 pm (CST), award-winning Chef Bobo Surles will be headlining HealthStart’s event. Chef Bobo signed up to support HealthStart because he shares the organization’s mission.

Chef Bobo and HealthStart believe that the best way to ensure adults eat well is to start forming good habits early in life. HealthStart knows that investing in early health education is crucial to building the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. One of the ways HealthStart addresses this is with our school nutrition initiative, What Are YOU Feeding?. This program uses a labeling system that helps kids learn which foods are good for the brain, bones, circulatory system, muscles, and digestive system, connecting what they eat at school to their health. 
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What Chef Bobo and HealthStart do is critical to the future of young children, especially now. It has never been more important for children to understand how their body works and how to keep it healthy. By learning the importance of good health at an early age and providing families with nutritious and affordable food options, we can help prevent illness and future preventable diseases.

When creating school lunches, Chef Bobo’s motto is “Nutrition, bold flavor, and keeping costs down.” Almost everything he makes for lunches is made from scratch. Despite this, Calhoun’s lunches cost about $3 per meal (this is around the average budget for many public schools), proving that we don’t have to spend large amounts of money to feed ourselves and our families healthy, tasty foods. With the lunch program, they hope to promote a healthier mindset about food and eating behaviors.

Who is Chef Bobo?

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Robert Surles (aka Chef Bobo) graduated from the French Culinary Institute. He was hired by Calhoun School to change the way their students saw school lunches. Traditionally, school lunches are not known to be very healthy or delicious, but Chef Bobo helped change that. 

Chef Bobo believes that learning how to eat is a life skill. With his help, Calhoun began the Eat Right Now Lunch Program, which provides students with healthier meals and promotes a well-balanced diet. Chef Bobo started by offering food that looked like the processed food students were accustomed to, but instead was made with all fresh ingredients. 

“I feel that, automatically, if food is made fresh, from scratch, it’s already healthier and tastes a whole lot better than the processed food they were eating,”  says Chef Bobo. 

Calhoun’s Eat Right Now program has been a model for healthy school lunches. It brings awareness to the impact of school lunch on children and the lifelong habits they form. This program also extends past the kitchen and tries to help students understand how food relates to their physical and mental well-being and even their success in the classroom. 

“When kids return to class after a nutritionally balanced lunch, they have “fuel in the tank” to learn. They tend to be more alert.” says Chef Bobo

When you register for HealthStart’s free virtual event, you can watch and follow along as Chef Bobo cooks up his world-famous and family-friendly Jambalaya!
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Chef Bobo's Recipes

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Chef Bobo is also the author of the Good Food Cookbook. His cookbook features over 140 healthy, kid-friendly recipes along with tips for healthy eating. All the book recipes are favorites in Calhoun’s lunch program and include a variety of foods and cultures. 

The book also includes tips on how to involve the entire family. Bobo is a big believer that cooking can be fun and an excellent way for families to spend quality time together. 

“Cooking is fun, creative, and somewhat physical. It requires math skills and strategy, along with planning. Parents need to invite the kids to help them. Give kids some responsibility, i.e., if you are scaling a recipe up or down, let the kids do the math. When the food is finished, let the kids prepare the final presentation. Show them the fun that can be had in the kitchen.  Also, I think it’s important to take kids to the farmer’s markets to select foods to prepare.”

Here are a couple of his recipes that will be similar to the ones in his books. Both of these recipes are easy to pack for school lunch and kid-approved.

Vegetable Quesadillas
Not only are quesadilla fun to eat, but they are also quick and easy to make. This vegetable quesadilla gives us the taste of quesadilla that we love while also serving assorted vegetables with high amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients: 2 small zucchini (cubed), 1 red bell pepper (chopped), 1 medium carrot (grated), 8 (8 inch) corn or flour tortillas, 1 cup of shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:  Place zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, onion, and mushrooms in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, about 2 to 6 minutes. Place two tortillas, side by side, on the prepared baking sheet. On each tortilla layer, cheddar cheese, vegetables, then Monterey jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Top each with another tortilla.  Place under the broiler and cook until lightly browned. Carefully turn tortillas and cook on the other side until lightly browned. Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Cut into quarters and serve. Serves 4 people

Hummus Pitas with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Chef Bobo’s lunches are mostly made from scratch. Learn how to make your hummus with this Hummus pitas with cucumber yogurt sauce recipe.

Hummus Ingredients:
2 cans of garbanzo beans, 4 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp. Tahini paste, 1 tbsp. Sesame oil, ½ tsp. Cumin, 2 cloves garlic(crushed), juice 2 lemons

Yogurt Sauce Ingredients: 
½ cucumber diced, 1 cup of yogurt, ½ tsp. Salt, 2 plum tomatoes (cut into slices), 1 cup of thinly sliced romaine lettuce, 6 pocket whole wheat pitas

Directions: Mix all ingredients for the hummus in a food processor, process until smooth. If too thick, add some water until the hummus is the consistency of soft mashed potatoes.
Stir yogurt sauce ingredients together, set aside.
Heat pitas in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed. Remove, cut in half, and fill with hummus, 2 tbsp of yogurt sauce, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Serve the remaining yogurt sauce on the side.
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Join Us
If you like the recipes you see, make sure to join us on September 17 at 7 pm CST to watch Chef Bobo work his magic in the kitchen!

Registration for this event is FREE, so make sure to register to access this exciting opportunity. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to get tablets and learning tools in the hands of 100 low-income families, so they can access the vital information needed to stay healthy and return to school safely. With your support, we can build a healthier future for our children. We hope to see you there!
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7 Superfoods We Should Be Eating

8/10/2020

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There is not a single food or food group that will give us all the nutrition we need. Because our bodies have an extensive range of needs, it is essential to consume a large variety of foods. 

Although there is no perfect food out there, there are “superfoods.” These foods are recognized as being nutrient-packed powerhouses and an excellent choice for improving and maintaining health. You can learn more about nutrients in our previous blog, “What Are Nutrients Anyway?”. 

By incorporating more superfoods into our daily eating, we get more of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants we need and all the amazing benefits that come with them.

Avocados
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Did you know avocado is a fruit? This fruit is well known for its high nutrient value and creamy texture. There are many reasons to incorporate more avocado into your meals. 
  • Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. Eating healthy fats like this also supports skin health and helps you absorb vitamins and minerals from your food.
  • Avocados are high in magnesium, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar. 
  • Did you know that avocados contain more potassium than bananas? Potassium is an important mineral that helps keep fluids balanced in the body and helps reduce blood pressure.
  • Half of an avocado provides approximately 25 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for bone health. 

Avocados’ rich creaminess makes them very versatile in the kitchen. You can even add avocado to desserts! You might be pleasantly surprised. Try this recipe: Avocado Chocolate Mousse.
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Salmon
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Fish is packed with healthy fats, protein, vitamin B, and potassium. 
  • Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. What are omega-3 fatty acids? They are essential fats that our body can’t make on its own, so we must get them from our food. Omega 3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels, keeping our heart healthy and happy.
  • The omega 3s in salmon also reduce inflammation in the body, so your joints won’t hurt, and your brain stays healthy.
  • Salmon is a great brain food because the omega 3s, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and other minerals all help you improve your memory so you can do better in school and work. 
  • Salmon is also a great source of protein, which keeps our muscles strong and healthy. Protein also helps us stay full for longer, so we can spend more time being active.

​Berries
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Berries are a simple and delicious way to add lots of nutrients to our diets. Some berries to try are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries.
  • Berries are packed with a variety of nutrients and antioxidants.  Antioxidants help defend our cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, leading to disease. However, eating foods rich in antioxidants can help our bodies fight these free radicals. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting effects.
  • Berries are a delicious sweet treat but are very low in sugar, so they are ideal for keeping your blood sugar low. 
  • Berries are high in fiber, so they keep your digestive system happy.
  • Berries contain so many phytonutrients, they nourish and protect the entire body! Phytonutrients are chemicals produced by plants and are essential to keeping us alive.
  • Berries have more Vitamin C than an orange. Our whole body depends on Vitamin C to stay healthy.

Berries are very versatile. You can enjoy berries in your breakfast, desserts, salads, and smoothies, just to name a few possibilities. Berries can also be bought fresh or frozen and enjoyed all year long. Try adding berries on top of a Watermelon Pizza! Watch the Snack Science video to learn how to make it.
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Yogurt
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Another superfood that pairs great with berries is yogurt. 
  • Yogurt is famous for containing live cultures called probiotics, also known as “good bacteria.” The good bacteria in our gut support our immune system and promote a healthy digestive system. 
  • Some yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is a great source of protein. Protein helps your muscles grow and repair and keeps us fuller longer. 
  • Yogurt has a lot of calcium, so it keeps your bones strong and healthy. 
  • Yogurt has lots of potassium, which can remove the extra sodium in your body and keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. 

Double-check your labels when buying yogurt because many flavored yogurts contain high amounts of added sugar. Instead, look for just fruit or choose plain yogurt. You can always add your own fruits or a little honey to add some sweetness. Yogurt is also great in savory dishes! Try this Spinach Yogurt Dip.
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Cruciferous Vegetables
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Although they generally go by different names, you have probably had some of these vegetables before. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and more. 
  • Most cruciferous vegetables are rich in lots of vitamins and minerals, such as folate and vitamin K, which help build strong bones and muscles. Folate is B-vitamin that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Folate can help reduce fatigue, muscle soreness, and toxic damage.
  • Cruciferous veggies are known for containing special types of compounds called glucosinolates that help detoxify the body and reduce the risk of cancer. 
  • These vegetables are full of fiber, which keeps our digestive system happy. Fiber feeds the “good bacteria” in our gut and helps us eliminate waste from our bodies. Fiber also helps keep us fuller longer.

An easy, kid friendly-way to eat these vegetables is by adding them to smoothies. Adding kale in a smoothie adds more vitamins and minerals without sacrificing the taste.

Legumes
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​Legumes are fantastic for a quick and affordable meal with a range of health benefits! Some common legumes are beans, peas, chickpeas, peanuts, and lentils. 
  • Legumes contain fiber, which helps slow the movement of your food through your body. This keeps you fuller longer and helps regulate blood sugar, which helps prevent diabetes. 
  • Legumes are a good source of plant protein. By now, you are probably tired of hearing the benefits of protein, but it is crucial to the body. A lot of our body is built from protein. Proteins also carry out many essential functions within our bodies. 
  • Beans are full of vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
  • Beans are high in polyphenols, a class of antioxidants. Studies have shown that polyphenols help reduce high blood pressure and even helps the immune system with antibacterial effects.

Beans typically come dried, canned, or frozen, and can easily be added to many of the dishes we already eat. Try this recipe for Chickpea/Spinach Salad with Cilantro Dressing.​
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Oats
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Oats are one of the healthiest grains out there. They are beneficial due to their high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. 
  • Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that reduces low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which places plaque in the arteries. Oatmeal’s insoluble fiber content makes it a cancer fighter and preventer because it reduces toxicity in the body.
  • Oatmeal helps to prevent diabetes. It is a good source of magnesium, which helps in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels.
  • Oatmeal has beta-glucan fiber that fights against bacterial infection, boosting your immune system.
  • Oatmeal is great for preventing cardiovascular disease. It has special antioxidants that stop free radicals from harming the good cholesterol in the body.

Oats are most commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal, but they can be found in granola bars, cereals, and many other baked goods. Adding berries and nut butter to our oatmeal can be an excellent way to add even more vitamins and antioxidants

Each of these foods is high in micronutrients and macronutrients that have benefits for our health. By eating a varied diet, we can keep our bodies healthy and happy. To see more recipes using these superfoods and more, make sure to check out our Snack Science Video Series. Comment below to let us know how you’re incorporating superfoods into your meals!
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5 Refreshing Summertime Hacks

8/3/2020

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One of the best ways to stay cool during the summer is by enjoying a cold and hydrating snack. What we eat directly impacts our health and ability to keep fresh in the heat. In our most recent blog, we provided tips to beat the heat. One of the ways we mention was by staying hydrated and enjoying cooling meals. Eating healthy and hydrating food during warm weather, when the body loses water and vital electrolytes through sweating, can help keep hydration levels up and provide essential nutrients. Here are some of our favorite nutritious recipes that are great for the summer months.
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Watermelon Pizza
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A fan favorite summertime treat is none other than the watermelon! Not only is watermelon tasty and filling. It is also 94% water and is excellent for preventing overheating. Due to its high water content, they can help us stay hydrated, which is essential if you plan on spending time outdoors.

Our Watermelon Pizza is a fun and refreshing take on the fruit. To make it use a sharp knife, cut off a slice of watermelon right down the middle, about 2-3 inches thick. Use a spatula to spread an even layer of yogurt around the watermelon, leaving a bit of empty space. Layer your fresh fruit on top as you please. 

You can add as few or as many toppings as you like. We like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries. If you use strawberries, cut them in half before adding to your "pizza." We recommend drizzling honey on it if you want a little extra sweetness. Pro tip: Using locally produced honey may help people with seasonal allergies.

Watch this HealthStart Snack Science video to make watermelon pizza with HealthStart Sharon!
​Find the full recipe here.  

Hummus Cups
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Hummus is high in fiber that promotes digestive health and feeds your good gut bacteria. It is also a good source of plant-based protein so it will keep us feeling satisfied for longer, so we can focus on the day ahead. Carrots, cucumbers, and peppers are all full of vitamins and water.

Make your hummus cups by placing a few tablespoons of hummus at the bottom of a small container, then stand raw veggie sticks, like carrots, cucumbers, and peppers, in the hummus. Find the full recipe here.
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Breakfast Popsicles
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Nothing says summer like a popsicle on a sunny day. These breakfast popsicles will satisfy any sweet tooth, and they are also nutritious. This treat is made with Greek yogurt, which has more protein and a thicker, creamier, and tangier flavor than regular yogurt. It also contains beneficial nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

Here's how you can make your own breakfast popsicles: first slice strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis into small pieces. Mix the cut fruit with yogurt. Pour the yogurt and fruit mixture into cups and pop them into the freezer. Don't forget to place a popsicle stick in the popsicle mixture before placing it in the freezer if you prefer eating the treat on a stick like a traditional popsicle. Once it's frozen, you can remove it from the cup and enjoy.

These popsicles aren't limited to the fruits we recommend. Each cup can be personalized with your own favorite fruit. Try mixing in granola for an added crunch.
Find the full recipe here. 
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Spinach Fruit Salad
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Frozen desserts aren't the only snacks that can keep us cool during the summer heat. Vegetables also have high water content making salads a great source of water during the warmer months.   

Leafy vegetables, like spinach, contain lots of water to help us stay hydrated, they also have properties that help boost our immune system. In fact, spinach is 91% water. It can help strengthen our bones, which is especially important for growing bodies, and it is rich in Vitamin K, which helps stabilize calcium in bones.

In a bowl, add fresh spinach, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple or peaches, walnuts, and red onions and toss it all together. In a small jar, stir together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the salad dressing. Gently mix the salad ingredients and the dressing, and then it's ready to enjoy. For exact measurement check out the full recipe.
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Pumpkin Ice Cream
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Ice cream tastes great when it's hot outside. Most at-home recipes for ice cream include some kind of dairy ingredient. Did you know you can make healthy and delicious ice cream without dairy by using frozen bananas? This banana-pumpkin recipe is perfect for those who want a frozen treat but can't have dairy. The pumpkin is also terrific for you because it is one of the best-known sources of beta carotene. Food with high amounts of beta carotene may help us by offering protection against asthma and heart disease.

Using a blender or food processor, blend the bananas, pumpkin, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice thoroughly. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 24 hours. Let it rest on the counter for a while before eating to let it thaw so it will be easier to scoop

If you don't like pumpkin, you can substitute it with a cup of frozen berries to make a healthy berry ice cream. Find the full recipe here. 



​We hope these recipes keep you cool and comfortable. If you recreate any of the recipes, let us know by tagging us on any of our social media pages. 

For more delicious recipes and tips for maintaining happy and healthy bodies, check out our Snack Science Video Series.
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How To Beat the Summer Heat

7/27/2020

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Summer is here in full force. July and August are usually the hottest months of the year. During the summer, we would normally be heading to movie theaters, hopping into pools, and dining in restaurants to escape the heat. With the closures of some indoor locations and social distancing concerns, many families have taken recreational activities outdoors. 

Taking time to go outside and get vitamin D is proven beneficial for our mental health and immune system. However, extended time out in the heat can lead to some unintended issues.

What are some problems that severe heat might cause? Being outside and active in the heat can cause dehydration and increase our body’s internal temperature, leading to heat rash, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Thankfully there are some ways to stay cool this summer and beat this heat.
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3 Step Guide to Eating Healthy on a Budget

7/15/2020

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The past few months have had a huge impact on many of the families in our community. Due to COVID-19, many people have not been able to work because of recent closures and health concerns. Job loss has left some families struggling to make healthy and nutritious meals while sticking to their budgets. 

Although it might seem impossible right now, it is incredibly important to look after our health. Maintaining a healthy diet is especially important because it keeps our immune system ready to fight infections and viruses. In the Health Education for Youngsters! Curriculum, we learn that for our bodies to stay healthy and strong, we need to eat whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Whole foods give us nutrients like antioxidants and Vitamin C, which are essential to boost your immune system. Because our bodies require a healthy balance of real food, ensuring we have all the nutrients we need is a top priority.

​Making nutritious meals and prioritizing our health doesn’t have to be more expensive. To make eating healthy on a budget a little easier, we have made a 3 step guide with tips on what to do before, during, and after a trip to the grocery store. Let’s begin with some steps you can follow before going to the grocery store.

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6 Ways To Help Kids Deal With Stress Now

7/7/2020

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Many of us are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety during this time. Our kids may feel stressed too. For many of us, when COVID-19 forced schools to move classes online, businesses to close down, and families and friends to “social distance,” the virus upended our lives. 

Around this time of year, many kids would be attending summer camps, going on vacation, and visiting friends, but social distancing and closures of parks and recreational sites may make those things unavailable. Moreover, kids have seen and heard scary things about the virus. 

All these changes may lead to an increase in stress levels in children. According to a Gallup Poll, nearly 3 in 10 (29%) parents say their child is “already experiencing harm” to their emotional or mental health because of social distancing and closures. 

Things are not likely to return to normal anytime soon. Many schools are still trying to figure out what classes will look like in the fall. As schools prepare to resume, they want to support children’s social and emotional needs as they get used to a new normal. 
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Talking To Kids About Protests and Race

6/29/2020

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​Have you turned on the news to see protesters on your community streets? If so, your kids may questions. Young kids especially may have asked why people were holding signs or why they seemed angry or upset. The news reports on the protests demanding change have started to grab the attention of many people. If you haven't had a chance to talk with your kids so they can make sense of the current events, we offer some tips below for answering their questions and resources parents can use to start a conversation.

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The Case for NOT Cutting K-12 Health Education… ever!

6/19/2020

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Guest Post by Jessica Lawernce
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As I hear stories of districts’ dire need to balance a budget that is hurting and has been hurting for years and years, I hear that some might cut the one content area that not only could have prevented the widespread infection rates of COVID-19, but could have helped so many young people and adults cope, advocate, & access to keep themselves and loved ones safe… health education.
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Many adults outside the education field still remember their health education experience as memorizing the bones of the body, or learning about the birds & the bees in binary male/female groupings. School administrators still stereotype health education as a thorn in their side with controversial topics such as addiction, suicide and sex education. This is not what current, quality health education is about anymore. In fact, if you haven’t viewed Andy Milne’s TEDx, This is Not Your Parent’s Health Class, watch it now! His message is delivered in three parts – an apology for many of the bad practices from health class, a message of hope from the direction in which todays health class is focused, and a plea for community members to embrace our students for their passion, vision and drive so that together we can improve the health of our community.  


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