Cracking the Zip Code Crisis

#DidYouKnow that in a national study of 28,000 zip codes lower income zip codes that 25% fewer per capita supermarkets than its middle class counterparts. It’s no surprise that a lack of a healthy diet leads to higher risk of chronic diseases. Nearly 2/3rd of all Texans are either overweight or obese. People who live in neighborhoods with a lack of supermarkets have way higher rates of obesity which often correlates with heart disease and/or diabetes.

In a poll conducted by Ebony magazine respondents were asked a basic question: “Which of the following will be effective at reducing the number of obese persons?’ Here are their responses.

What’s more important to you?

· Make physical education part of everyday school life 76%
· Public Health education 59%
· More parks and gyms 50%
· Easier access to grocery stores with fresh produce 49%
· Fewer local fast food restaurants 40%
· Better food labeling 35%
· Restaurant food information 27%

The last three resonated with us. Research is showing that more and more people are eating more meals outside of the home. More food portions are way larger than they used to be, more calorie laden and cheaper. If you lived in a city that menu labels how would that affect you eating habits? If you live in a city that doesn’t menu label does that help or hinder your health.

Houston Ranks #1 In Average Meals Eaten Out

And the survey says… Houston ranks No. 1 in the average number of meals eaten out of the home per week. That’s according to Zagat’s 2012 America’s Top Restaurants survey. The survey found that Houstonians eat meals out an average of four times per week, and Houston wasn’t alone. Texas cities rounded out the top four with Austin (3.8 meals per week), Dallas / Fort Worth (3.6) and San Antonio (3.5).

These numbers prove that now more than ever Houstonians needs to make healthy choices while dining out. It has been proven that foods eaten away from the home typically are served in larger portion sizes and are higher in energy density compared to food eaten at home.

By making healthier choices while dining out Houstonians can help lower instances of Type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

Are you dining out four or more times per week? Stick to healthy choices and make a difference in your future.

See the link below to the full article.
http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/10-26-11-houston-still-the-undisputed-champion-in-eating-out-no-1-city-in-country-for-meals-out-per-week/


M. Allen

Lacy Brussels Sprouts with Poppy Seeds Recipe

Try this for the holidays.

8 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, sliced
2 pounds Brussels sprouts, shredded
Salt and black pepper, as needed
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and add sliced shallots. Shred Brussels sprouts in a food processor or by hand. After shallots have softened stir in shredded sprouts and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for a couple minutes until bright green and tender. While the sprouts are cooking whisk together remaining 6 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Pull sprouts off heat and toss in vinaigrette.

Get the recipe: Lacy Brussels Sprouts with Poppy Seeds and Golden Cauliflower Soup

Provided by the Food Trust.

A Star is Born? Simplifying Food Nutrition Labels.

Imagine going into a home appliance story in search of your dream washer and dryer. You know you want one that’s bright orange, stackable and energy efficient. You’re prepared to spend your entire Saturday on a scavenger hunt; however you walk down aisle 6 and there is it! An orange, stackable washer and dryer with the Energy Star label front and center. The hunt is over. You pay for your purchase and go home day dreaming about fabric softener. Scenario number two, you head to the grocery store to grab some vittles for the family. You love them dearly and only want the best for them. Each item you grab you read the label, trying to calculate the fat versus total grams of fat, sodium, calories and Tran’s fats. By the time you make it to the checkout line you have an equation that would stomp Albert Einstein. Sadly, that’s the reality for many Americans at grocery stores and restaurants. Trying to determine the healthiest choices can be as daunting as the SATs.

In October, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report calling for less complicated nutrition facts on food items. The report recommended placing the nutrition information on the front of the package instead of the back, that it show the number of calories per serving and that it includes stars as health check marks. Three stars would be considered a healthy food while zero starts would be considered a food high in fats, sodium and added sugars. Foods high in fat, sodium and sugar typically correlate with obesity and other morbidly factors. The report was compiled at the request of Congress to submit to the FDA, CDC and Department of Agriculture.

The information was a step toward replacing the existing nutrition labels which are dominated by numbers that are often difficult to decipher. The star system would make it easy to read and understand. Three stars = healthy! Zero star= bad. The details are still being worked out but at least we know Congress is looking for ways to reduce obesity and help us make healthier choices.

Helping Houston Make Healthier Choices

Did you know that Texas ranks 7th in the nation among childhood obesity? Last November, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission started The Medicaid Child Obesity Prevention Pilot, a two year program created to reduce obesity. A one year report on this program has just been released.

We want to share this report with the Houston City Council, and also empower them to make proactive changes that will make Houston healthier.

Click here to take action now!

One of the goals of the program is to improve nutritional choices and increase physical activity levels. But there are things our city leaders can do to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Take action and tell your councilmember to support programs that reduce obesity:

-By making access to healthier foods easier. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables are often times limited but access to fast foods is plentiful.

-Encouraging efforts that would have restaurants post calories on menu items especially kid’s meals.

-Supporting the P.E. standards in schools as well as before and after school programs designed to get kids active.

Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice...

If you're anything like me and the millions of other patrons you love a seasonal latte. Pumpkin Spice, Mint Mocha and lets not forget Cinnamon and Nutmeg flavored drinks. By the end of September one whiff of an autumn drink makes me nostalgic and reminiscent of the good old day. However, by November the holiday pounds begin to sneak up.

#DidYouKnow that one 16oz flavored latte can range from 260 calories to 380 depending on your love for dairy like whole milk or it's city cousin whip cream. Nearly half of a food spending is used on food outside of the home. That includes fancy coffee houses (and the not so fancy ones). There are ways to enjoy your coffee indulgence without the guilt. Having calorie information available at restaurants would be ideal for combating the weight gain grinch. The average person should only consume between 1600-2000 calories per day. Using 15% of your daily calorie supply on one drink probably isn't such a good idea.

Here are some tips:

1. Order a regular cafe latte sans whip cream. A 16 oz cup is. Only 130 calories! It gives you your coffee fix minus the scale shocking pounds.

2. Drink green tea instead. It gives you that same bolt of energy as coffee plus it has antioxidants.

3. If you just absolutely must have a Pumpkin Latte pair it with at least thirty minutes of exercise. These days exercise can be really fun and can include almost anything conducted at a moderate pace.

4. Know how many calories you're drinking. If the nutrition information isn't posted on the menu ASK for it. Take charge of your health and your dollar. As a patron you have a right to know!

For more information on ways to take charge and take action visit:
Www.yourethecure.org