Eating Green

Is it possible to "eat green"? According to the "Feeding Kids" Newsletter editor and writer, Connie Liakos Evers, MS, RD, LD, not only possible but highly recommended. So, for the 40th anniversary of EARTH DAY, here are eating green tips that will undoubtedly supplement your efforts toward a greener lifestyle. Happy Earth Day!

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10 Steps To Eating Green
Feeding Kids Newsletter: News and Views On Child Nutrition
August 2009

Better health, a safer food supply, and a more sustainable environment all result from making conscious choices about food and eating.

The principles of eating green run parallel to the basics of eating well. A green diet emphasizes a wide variety of whole, unprocessed vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy (or a dairy substitute made from soy, rice, or almonds), healthy oils, eggs and smaller portions of meat, poultry, and fish. A green diet is naturally high in fiber, nutrients and beneficial plant compounds known as phytochemicals. Not only are green foods easier on the planet, they also provide optimal nutrition for growing, active kids.


1.) Eat whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. Foods in their whole, natural forms require far less energy, packaging and transporting than their highly processed counterparts. Think baked potato instead of "potato crisps."

2.) Eat less meat. Plant-based foods such as legumes, grains, nuts and seeds are rich sources of protein. Most Americans eat far more protein than needed for growth, repair and maintenance. Meat production – particularly that involving ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats – has the largest carbon footprint of any agricultural activity. You don't have to go total vegetarian to make a difference. Simply cut back on portion sizes, use smaller amounts of meat in mixed dishes, or incorporate a few meatless main courses each month.

3.) Whenever possible, eat food that is grown, caught and processed close to home. Adapt diets to accommodate the local foods that are in season. Patronize local farmers by purchasing food at farmer's markets, farm direct stores, or community supported agriculture (CSA) food shares.
Grow some of your own food in a home garden, patio containers, or a community garden plot. It's fun, educational and delicious.

4.) Learn more about certified organic foods and when it makes the most sense to purchase organically grown foods. Grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms, organic farming employs green principles of agricultural production. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.


Get the remaining 6 steps at: http://nutritionforkids.com/emlnews/FK-August09.htm#grn

Kids Will Be Too Fat To Fight

Our kids are becoming too fat to fight... so says a group of US military leaders in Washington yesterday. The trending toward obesity is so significant, it's reportedly become a national security issue.

"When over a quarter of young adults are too fat to fight, we need to take notice," Barnett said. He noted that national security in the year 2030 is "absolutely dependent" on reversing child obesity rates."

Now that's saying something... potentially headed toward not having enough people to defend our country. As well, consider that the military speaking out about childhood obesity and the quality of school lunch meals may not be such a bad thing. As the article goes on to remind us, it is because of the military's issue with poorly nourished recruits that we have a national school lunch program today. School lunches were supplied for our national security back in 1946. What about now? And, what about all the other contributors to the "obesity epidemic", besides lunch?

Nevertheless, perhaps the military's input will produce some changes in the program they've touted since its inception as a national security need. Maybe now it will get supported and funded as if it is "a need". Read the story for yourself and comment below.

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Report links school lunches to national security
By MARY CLARE JALONICK (AP) – April 20, 2009

WASHINGTON — Too fat to fight? Many American children are so overweight from being fed french fries, pizza and other unhealthy foods at school lunchrooms that they cannot handle the physical rigors of being in the military, a group of retired officers say in a new report. [Continued at --- http://goo.gl/ML8P ]