Introducing the Green Foods National Nutrition Month

Green Foods

Host: Grace

Food Sources

Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini.

Do you know other foods that are Green?

Ways to increase Green Food Intake:
•Add spinach or broccoli when cooking pasta, rice or soup.
•Freeze green grapes for a sweet snack.
•Add thin slices of green apples or zucchini on a sandwich.

About Green Fruits and Vegetables.
Green in plants signifies the presence of the plant pigment chlorophyll. The nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels, improve vision, enhance the immune system, and fight harmful free radicals.

Green fruits and vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (vitamin A). They contain phytochemicals such as luteins and indoles, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are high in fiber and support a healthy digestive system.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants. They are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. Phytonutrients help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase of fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene and flavonoids.

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). My staff started the project in September 2010. Over the next five months, we would take over 600 photographs of colorful foods in order to create the March presentation for NNM. Many of the photographs are available for purchase with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
http://www.wheelchair-connection.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Lance Li

Jonathan Cruz

What a Difference Some Color Can Make!

Book Review: The Small Change Diet, 10 Steps to a Thinner, Healthier You

A weight control program emphasizing small changes and a lifetime of health. The author, Keri Gans, a registered dietitian shares her simple steps to achieving healthy, continued weight loss by making small adjustments that often lead to the biggest impacts. The key is mastering one new habit before expecting yourself to tackle another.

Each chapter describes a step in the program and excuses used "not to succeed"; tips to overcoming these excuses and a short review to see if you're ready to move onto the next step.

Take your time! Once you’ve completed all ten steps, you’ll feel healthier and thinner for a lifetime. The Small Change Diet turns "unhealthy" habits into healthy new habits that become second nature.

A great book for an individual looking for a refreshing and practical guide to achieving permanent weight control, while learning to enjoy healthy foods. Also, a terrific resource for registered dietitians who want to learn how to handle obstacles and excuses they may experience with their clients.

I found myself smiling each time Keri mentioned an excuse – I’ve used in the past or my readers have asked me.

Here is Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN in her own words
as she describes "The Small Change Diet."

 

About the Author: Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN

Keri Gans is a Registered Dietitian in private practice in Manhattan. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University. Before working solely in private practice Keri was a clinical staff dietitian at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan and North General Hospital in Harlem.

Keri has made numerous television appearances, including ABC Eyewitness News, Good Morning America, Discovery Times, and Fox The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, and Dr. Oz's show. She is a regular guest on Sirius/XM's Dr. Radio and is frequently quoted in national publications. For over 5 years Keri was seen weekly on Manhattan public access TV in a nutrition lifestyle program called “Diet Diva”.

Keri is very active in professional organizations. She is a Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and ADA Delegate for the New York State Dietetic Association (NYSDA). Other past volunteer positions include: NYSDA President, NYSDA PR Chair, NYSDA Annual Meeting Chair, Greater NY Dietetic Association PR Chair and Treasurer. Keri is the proud winner of the 2010 NYSDA Media Excellence Award and 2006 NYSDA Emerging Dietetic Leader Award.

You can learn more about Keri Gans
by visiting her online resources.
Website. http://www.kerigansnutrition.com
Twitter. http://twitter.com/kerigans

Check Your Batteries Day and Recharge March 13, 2011

Every day your body needs to recharge.
A great way to recharge is to start your day off with a healthy breakfast.