PLAN A HEALTHY DINNER PARTY |
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The holidays are upon us and everyone is looking forward to gathering with friends and family to celebrate over a delicious meal. It's also a perfect opportunity to introduce some fresh ideas into our mealtime traditions.
1. Swap out some of the ingredients:
- Using two egg whites in place of one egg can reduce dietary cholesterol and produce the same tasty result.
- Try low-sodium vegetable broth in your mashed potatoes to add flavor and cut back on added butter or margarine.
- Substitute applesauce for oil, margarine, or butter in muffins and quick breads, such as banana bread.
- For dips and sauces, try using fat-free yogurt in place of sour cream or mayonnaise.
2. Pack your shopping cart with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and other whole
foods:
- Shop the perimeter of the market or grocery store to grab delicious ingredients and limit the number of processed foods that are found in the interior aisles
- Combine whole oats with apples, cranberries, and pears to make crispy toppings for both sweet and savory dishes
- Don’t forget that frozen fruits and vegetables are also suitable substitutions if fresh items are not available
3. Are you planning to leave the cooking to someone else and just be a fabulous
guest?
- Try starting your day with a small meal that includes whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and some type of lean protein.
- Consider eating a small meal or snack before the event so you aren't tempted to overeat later.
- Socialize and settle into the festivities before seeking out the buffet.
- Savor foods you truly enjoy and pass up on those that don't really interest you.
- Move your socializing away from the buffet tables or appetizer trays. This will minimize unconscious nibbling.
4. Drink Lots of water to stay hydrated and consume alcohol in moderation
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Skillet Corn Bake is a great holiday dish with a fluffy, light texture that gives a sweet and savory taste to every bite. This quick and easy recipe is high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and will be a holiday favorite. |
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Serves: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cans (15.25 oz. each) whole kernel corn, drained well in a colander
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves or ½ cup thinly sliced green onion
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt and ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/8 to ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Heat a 12-inch cast iron or other deep, 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add corn (reserve ½ cup for garnish), butter and thyme; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While corn cooks, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and cayenne in a large bowl; add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour evenly over corn.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes until edges are puffed and golden and center is set but slightly wobbly (a knife inserted in center should come out clean). Let cool 5 minutes before garnishing.
Garnish option: Green onions or sliced chives, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced jalapenos, or white cheddar cheese.
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LOOK FOR FOODS THAT ARE IN SEASON |
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Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Beets, Brussels, Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collard Greens, Grapefruit, Herbs, Kale, Kiwifruit, Leeks, Lemons, Limes, Onions, Oranges, Parsnips, Pears, Pineapples, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Rutabagas, Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Winter Squash
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NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS
December 1-7, 2021
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Personal Hygiene is a critical part of effective food safety and sanitation practices. Clean hands, nails, and forearms reduce the presence of harmful materials and foodborne illness-causing bacteria. Basic hand hygiene should be practiced often to prevent illness and food contamination. Here are some tips for effective handwashing:
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- Wet hands with warm water at least 100F or as warm as you can tolerate.
- Apply soap or other hand cleaning solution to your wet hands.
- Rub vigorously for at least 15 seconds, paying attention to the nails, the areas between the fingers and the thumb, the palms, and the back of the hands
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry your hands with a clean, disposable towel or use a high-velocity air drying machine.
- Use a barrier to turn off the water faucet after completion of the handwashing step.
- The entire process should take at least 20 seconds or the amount of time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice.
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JANUARY IS FAMILY FIT LIFESTYLE MONTH |
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Sometimes the best way to get active is to get the whole family active together. January is National Family Fit Lifestyle Month, and what better time than New Year’s to establish healthy habits for the upcoming year and for life. Find time to get active and have fun with the family without traditional exercises or workouts.
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- Learn a new dance together
- Play Simon Says; ask everyone to reach up high, touch their toes, do jumping jacks, or squats
- Walk the dog
- Go on a nature walk and enjoy the beautiful colors of fall and winter
- Have a playground workout while your kids play
- Walk or run your local track while your children ride their bike
- Get creative and move your body
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Source: Texas Health and Human Services |
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SNAP provides monetary assistance to supplement the food budget for households that meet the financial and resource requirements. |
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Foods available under SNAP:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat
More information about SNAP can be found here!
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Second Harvest Food Bank's Nutrition Services is committed to working with low-income families seeking to improve their nutrition and health, partnering with our agency programs and community groups. |
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