Family Dinner Day The Rewards are Amazing. Make the Time

Family meal time is an ageless tradition shared by people all around the world. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.
 

Why Eat Together As A Family?




Family Dinner
Segment from World Report, April 2009

A recent family study conducted by Brigham Young University, quizzed more than 1500 IBM employees. The results show that families who spend time eating dinner together will encounter less conflict between family and work.

The BYU study appeared in issues of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report and Slate magazine. Dr. Jacob expressed the hope for society to value dinner time, and not allow things to interrupt it.

In fact, a multi-national study cited by the marriage and family therapy program at the University of Minnesota and its director, reports family meal time has a more positive influence on emotional and intellectual development in children and teens than sports or additional time in school.

Quick and Easy Meals to
Bring Families Together at Meal Time



Meet 6 real families taking the
LET'S FIX DINNER Challenge

Meet six families who are struggling to get to the dinner table, but are committed to seeing what having more dinners can do for them. Each family has different goals and struggles, but theyre willing to do what it takes to see just how powerful dinner together can be.

A Date With Your Family
1950s Instructional Video - Somethings have Changed

September 26, 2010 World Heart Day

2010 Theme

"Workplaces Wellness: Take responsibility for your own heart health"

World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year, 80% in the developing world.

The World Heart Federation exists to prevent and control these diseases through awareness campaigns and action, promoting the exchange of information, ideas and science among those involved in cardiovascular care, advocating for disease prevention and control by promoting healthy diets, physical activity and tobacco free living at an individual, community and policy maker level. Our work is organized in four programme areas.

     Awareness

     Advocacy

     Applied Research
     Sharing Science & Building Capacity

Visit the World Heart Foundation for more information.

    

September 25, 2010 Family Health and Fitness Day USA

Family Health and Fitness Day USA is a national health and fitness event for families always held the last Saturday in September. This year is the 14th Annual Family Health and Fitness Day USA and is set for Saturday, September 25, 2010.

The event's purpose is to promote the importance of regular physical activity for children and their parents. Families will participate in health promotion events at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including YMCAs and health clubs, park districts, schools, houses of worship and state and local health organizations. 

It's Family Time!

You can jump rope, ride bikes, and take a walk as a family. Remember to be safe by using sunscreen, bike helmets, and staying hydrated.

Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Expert Sarah Earhart, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Assistant Director of Nutrition for the Rite Bite
Website. The Rite Bite

 Blog. The Rite Bite     

Twitter. @TheRiteBite

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LinkedIn. Sarah Earhart

“The family bond is a powerful one when it comes to weight and health.
Increasing nutrition through healthy meals, planning activities for fun
and movement, and supporting one another in your efforts is a family affair.
Take action today and decide on the first change you all will make for better health.”

Sarah is the Assistant Director of Nutrition for the Rite Bite. Since 2003, Sarah Earhart has worked as a Registered Dietitian in the field of worksite wellness. Sarah has a Master of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science, both from the University of Utah. She has presented several wellness seminars on topics related to nutrition and weight management. Sarah also enjoys counseling clients in both individual and group settings for a variety of nutrition needs including diabetes education and weight management. Sarah is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Her career goal is to help others make positive behavior changes in their eating and activity in order to help them fully enjoy a healthy life.

The American Dietetic Association Announces the Theme for National Nutrition Month, March 2011.

"Eat Right with Color"

March 2011starts the American Dietetic Association annual National Nutrition Month® Campaign. The theme is "Eat Right with Color".

The American Dietetic Association created National Nutrition Month® as a nutrition education and information campaign to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The fourth annual Registered Dietitian Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Registered Dietitian Day was created to increase awareness of registered dietitians as the food and nutrition experts and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Expert Alysa Bajenaru, RD, CPT

Website/Blog. Inspired RD

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“It's always a good idea to have a few quick and healthy food items around to whip up when you are short on time. Being prepared can keep you from dialing up the pizza place or heading for the nearest drive-thru ”

Alysa has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2002 as a registered dietitian and personal trainer. Motivating people to get fit and stay healthy is a passion for her. After having her son, she became interested in supporting other moms in their quest to be healthy and active. Alysa believes the key to getting in shape is to have lots of fun and support.

Alysa holds a BS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Oklahoma. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Her areas of interest include: Fitness Educator, Group Exercise, Weight Management, Family Nutrition, New Mom Fitness and Nutrition Education. She is a Writer and Blogger. Alysa is also a contributor and instructor for Baby Boot Camp Nutrition Solutions Program. 

Students' Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

by Jill Eckart, BA, Kathryn A. Strong, MS, RD, Darlene K. Moppert, MS, RD, Neal D. Barnard, MD

From the Florida Public Health Review, 2010; 7, 64-69.
The significance of the study in determining if offering plant-based options as part of a comprehensive school wellness policy may encourage healthful eating patterns, and can complement the benefits of nutrition education and physical activity. Whereas more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of offering plant-based options in schools, providing these items appears to be feasible and beneficial in the short term.

Abstract
Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

To view the full study click the following link: Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program.