HAPPY RD DAY & National Nutrition Month!

This morning I had the pleasure of going on ABC Channel 8 Richmond morning news and presenting a segment about National Nutrition Month and to share ways you and your family can eat healtheir!

Below are the details from the segment in case you missed it. It was a lot of fun and to promote this year's theme "Savor the Flavor" the following recipes were prepared and sampled on the show:

1. What tips do you have for families who want to get healthy together this month?

• Drink more water: Reduce consumption of high sugar beverages, such as soft drinks, fruit drinks, punches, flavored milks, sports drinks and flavored coffees. Even fruit juices can be high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. These beverages are liquid candy and should rarely be served.

• Pack in the produce: High fruit and vegetable consumption decreases risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Ensure that your child eats fruits and vegetables at every meal and as a snack.

• Check your labels: Look for the USDA organic label. Organic not only means the food was grown without pesticides or fertilizers, but it also guarantees there is nothing artificial in it, such as artificial coloring, preservatives, etc. None of our bodies need anything artificial!

• Words like “bran,” “wheat germ” and “fiber” do not mean a product is whole grain. Check the ingredients – if the first ingredient contains the word “whole,” then it’s likely (though not guaranteed) that the product is mostly whole grain. 2. What should parents be on the lookout for when shopping at their local grocery store for healthy food? Are there things they should avoid?

• When planning your grocery list, consult healthy food guidelines and nutrition websites. Make sure you are filling your cart with healthy choices from the food pyramid.

• Try to buy a new fruit or vegetable every week to help your kids become more adventurous eaters and open to trying new foods.

• Labels indicating organic, gluten-free and other specialty diets are important. They stand out when parents are looking for healthier foods for their families.

• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where produce, dairy, meat and fish are located and try to avoid the center aisles, which are usually filled with processed foods. 3. Can you share a few healthy recipes that the whole family can enjoy?

• Fajita Fun Night: This is a family favorite that encourages the kids to make a colorful meal that is delicious and good for you! By simply preparing all of the ingredients and allowing your kids to create their own meal, you are also inspiring independence!

• Hummus and Meatball Wraps: This dish is sure to be a family favorite. It’s made with Mom Made Turkey Meatball Bites, which contain antibiotic-free turkey, low sodium and are great protein!

• Rainbow Wraps: This is a healthy school lunch made with dinner leftovers from Fajita Fun Night. Filled with veggies and protein-packed chicken, your kids will stay full until dinnertime!

• You can find these and more healthy family mealtime options on MomMadeFoods.com!

Fajita Fun Night

Ingredients:

8 flour tortillas

1 lb chicken breast or flank steak

Marinade:

3 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, diced

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

Juice from 1 lime

Suggested Toppings:

Onions

Red pepper

Green pepper

Cheddar or Monteray Jack Cheese, shredded

Sour cream

Salsa

Fresh spinach

Grated carrot

Avacado

Black beans

Directions:

Marinate Chicken or Beef (can prep in the morning for cooking after work). Cook meat to desired doneness (grill, bake, or pan fry). While meat is cooking, saute onions and peppers, and clean and prep other veggies and toppings. Shred or slice cooked meat. Serve all items family style on the table.

Suggestion: marinate and freeze an extra 1lb. of meat for the next time you want to make fajitas!

Hummus and Meatball Wrap

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) box of Mom Made Turkey Meatball Bites

3 tbsp of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter

1 can of Garbanzo beans

1 tsp of Cumin

2 tsp of Oil

1 cup of Water

1 tsp of Lemon juice

1/4 tsp of Salt

4 Whole Wheat Tortilla Wraps

Lettuce

1 Cucumber (thinly sliced)

1/4 cup of Feta Cheese

Directions:

Place Mom Made Turkey Meatballs in the microwave on high for 60 seconds.

Rinse and drain can of garbanzo beans.

Place garbanzo beans, almond butter, cumin, lemon juice, oil , water and salt in blender until mixed.

Spread hummus on tortillas.

Layer lettuce, feta, cucumbers and meatballs.

Wrap tortilla tightly.