Healthier Snacks for Santa's Snacks

You can make many of your favorite recipes healthier by using lower-fat or no-fat ingredients. These healthy substitutions can help you cut down on saturated. Try subbing this for that. You're skinny jeans will thank you later.

When recipe calls for . . .

Whole milk (1 cup) use
1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk, plus one tablespoon of liquid vegetable oil

Heavy cream (1 cup) use 1 cup evaporated skim milk or 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt and 1/2 cup plain low-fat unsalted cottage cheese

Sour cream use Low-fat unsalted cottage cheese plus low-fat or fat-free yogurt; or just use fat-free sour cream

Cream cheese use 4 tablespoons soft margarine (low in saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat) blended with 1 cup dry, unsalted low-fat cottage cheese; add a small amount of fat-free milk if needed

Butter (1 tablespoon) use 1 tablespoon soft margarine (low in saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat) or 3/4 tablespoon liquid vegetable oil

Egg (1) use 2 egg whites; or choose a commercially made, cholesterol-free egg substitute (1/4 cup)

Unsweetened baking chocolate (1 ounce) use 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or soft margarine; since carob is sweeter than cocoa, reduce the sugar in the recipe by 25%

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyCooking/Smart-Substitutions_UCM_302052_Article.jsp

True or False: Next Year You Plan to Eat Out Less?

According to a poll in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A recent Harris Poll showed 61 percent of U.S. adults say they'll likely spend less in restaurants, while 58 percent say they'll cut back on entertainment during the next six months.
Those sentiments haven't changed much over the past three years, according to Harris, which has been tracking Americans' spending and savings habits. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,499 adults surveyed online between Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 by Harris Interactive. The latest responses are similar to those from a similar survey conducted in May.

The average person typically spends about 46% of his/her food budget on dining out. Slightly over 32% is spent dining outside of the home. Given the results from the poll if over 60% plan to spend less on dining out and make more meals at home, do you think that would affect the obesity rate?

Keeping it local, Houston was ranked number 1 in terms of cities the dine out. The average Houstonians ate their meals out three times per week. The current obesity rate is a little less than 30%. Maybe next year people will live healthier lives void of overpriced meals that are high in calories. What's your thoughts?

Click here to read the entire article:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/AccessAtlanta-sharing_/poll-americans-say-theyll-1259156.html

Coalition Building Call

Join the American Heart Association's Houston DINEs and the Midwest Academy for a call on Coalition Building TODAY ONLY!

Have you ever met other organizations in your field doing similar work and wondered if you should work together as a coalition? Or have you joined a coalition that turned out to be a waste of everyone's time and energy? How do you decide whether your organization should join a coalition or build a new one? How can you help an ineffective coalition become healthy and effective?

Join the Midwest Academy and the American Heart Association for a lunchtime webinar (12 - 1:30pm) on Monday, December 12th to discuss solutions to these questions and hear best practices for joining, building and sustaining a healthy and effective coalition.

When: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 12:00 PM-1:30 PM. Central Standard TimeWhere: 888-709-8938 pass code 6554263

Meet Michelle Aguilar, The Biggest Loser's Biggest Winner

Join the Houston DINEs Grassroots Action Team meeting on December 13 at 6 p.m. along with Michelle Aguilar, winner of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

Michelle will tell her awe-inspiring story of struggling with obesity, her triumphant journey of weight loss and what it felt like to win season 6 of The Biggest Loser. Michelle will also share information about the Houston DINEs obesity prevention campaign, weight loss tips, and principles she used to conquer her struggles. This meeting will provide a platform for strong community advocates such as you to alert the community about various health issues.

Together, we can find ways to combat obesity and make Houston healthier!

When: 6 - 7:30 p.m. on December 13, 2011

Where: American Heart Association 10060 Buffalo Speedway Houston, TX 77063

Why: Because You’re the Cure! Cost:This event is free!

Please donate your time to the cause by submitting your RSVP to t-arsheill.sinclair@heart.org

Holiday Pounds

The holidays are a time for giving thanks, spending time with friends and family, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and…packing on pounds. The average adult (depending on gender and age) should have within 1500-2000 calories TOTAL per DAY. Calories need to go in (for energy purposes) and most come out (by exercising) or a person will gain weight. Check out the calorie totals for these favorite holiday delicacies.

How many have calories are you eating?

Six-ounces of turkey = 400 calories
1/2 cup of gravy = 150 calories
1/2 cup of cranberry sauce = 150 calories
1/2 cup green bean casserole = 150 calories
1/2 cup mashed potatoes = 150 calories
1 roll = 100 calories
1/2 cup sweet potatoes casserole = 300 calories
1/2 cup stuffing = 150 calories
Pie = 300 to 500 calories depending on kind

One meal containing each of these items can add up to 1750 calories! That doesn’t include more calories if you didn’t pay attention to serving seizes or if you had seconds or thirds. The average holiday meal is closer to 2,500 calories. You will need to walk almost 26 to burn it off.

Information provided by the Oliver Foundation

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

#DidYouKnow People Care About Calorie Count

Did you know that one in six fast food customers used calorie information and purchased lower calorie menu items since the introduction of a labeling system in the U.S.? This is according to a new study published on the British Medical Journal website. A ScienceDaily article also says that obesity rates for children and adults currently are at an all time high in the U.S. with 13 percent of children and 33 percent of adults being obese. It’s more important than ever to begin making healthy choices.

The researchers found that there have been small, positive impacts from a law that was introduced in New York in 2008 that requires restaurants with more than 15 locations nationally to provide calorie information on menus and menu boards in the city. Although this is a positive change, the researchers said that menu labeling is only one piece of the framework to address the obesity epidemic. They concluded that special attention should be focused on educating customers on how to interpret and use nutrition information.

Although only select eating establishments in Houston are offering nutrition information on their menu boards currently, the American Heart Association encourages consumers to ask questions about the calories they consume. This will increase the ability of consumers to make informed choices in the food and beverages that they purchase in restaurant.

So, the next time you are dining out, become an informed consumer and ask questions about nutrition information prior to making your purchase. Asking questions leads to a healthier choice.

Please see the link below to the full article. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726213458.htm


M. Allen
October 21, 2011

UNDOing Obesity in Houston with UH

On October 18th, The University of Houston's Science & Community hosted an After-School Health Expo: Health Fair and Symposium. The event was a great success! Approximately50 community members attended including the kiddies and over 25vendors/exhibitors attended the event. Attendees were able to participate in a walk to the UH community garden, (which burns calories), participate in a Nightclub Cardio fitness demonstration, (which burns calories) and engage in a group discussion about reducing early childhood obesity via a collaborative research (which can determine ways to burn calories). Are you seeing a trend?

The Science and Community aims to undo obesity (Understanding Neighborhood Determinants of Obesity) in Houston. Health Symposiums are just one to become involved. For more information about this organization and ways you can help reduce obesity visit their website. It's listed below!!

http://www.hhp.uh.edu/undo/?page_id=267

Chain Reaction: First Calories Now Other Important information

Restaurants are super-sizing their nutritional disclosures

In a LA Times article we learned that we Americans are as picky eaters as five year olds. We need to know how many calories we’re consuming for health reasons and we also need to know how our meals are prepared. Who knew Chipotle Mexican Grill’s used bacon in cooking its pinto beans? Overall, Americans want more information about the foods they eat and restaurants (fast food joints and fine dining) are giving the people what they want beyond just calorie counts.

Here is what the article says:

The article boasts that “they are updating their signs and menus for diet-conscious customers, and they also are highlighting potential problems for those with food allergies or other dietary restrictions.”Although responding to demand, quick-service restaurants also see that providing the additional information can help them stand out in the highly competitive marketplace."If you can demonstrate to families that you can offer them a safe meal, you establish a tremendous sense of loyalty and create repeat customers," said Chris Weiss, vice president at the nonprofit Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

"As we look to the future, we'll definitely see more restaurants doing this."Healthful eating is already at the forefront of the food industry. California requires large chains to disclose calorie counts for each meal, and similar federal rules are coming next year.Adding another layer of information is a natural progression, industry experts said, especially for restaurants eager to woo the growing number of customers who aren't eating beef burgers or can't eat food cooked in peanut oil. Non-meat eaters rose to 8% of American adults in 2009 from 6.7% in 2006, according to the latest figures from nonprofit education organization the Vegetarian Resource Group. Moreover, food allergy cases increased 18% from 1997 to 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-diet-signs-20111022,0,3305400.story

Community Leader Roundtable Discussion

Are you a community leader who works in the area of obesity prevention? Get up off your soap box and join us on Monday at the American Heart Association office from 6-8pm! Your opinion is extremely valuable to us and we "heart" what you have to say!!

Where: 10060 Buffalo Speedway Houston, TX 77054
When: Monday, October 17th, 2011
Time: 6pm-8pm
Why: Because You're the Cure, duh!

Contact: t-ar'sheill.sinclair@heart.org to RSVP.

Bringing Home the Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato

In a recent USA Today article we found that teenagers have no idea how many calories are in the fast foods they love. Often times they underestimate their caloric consumption by hundreds of calories per meal. As we have learned, not knowing calorie consumption tends to lead to weight gain which can turn into obesity. With so many people eating outside of the home its important to have calorie information available.

A survey was conducted of 547 adolescences ranging in ages 11-20 when they left five leading chain restaurants. During the survey, they were asked to estimate how many calories they had just ate. The researchers, based on the meal consumed, figured out the correct amount of calories for each entree.

Here is what they found:
•80% of young people underestimated the calories in their meals.
•30% underestimated the amount by 500 or more calories.
•Those who ordered 1,000-calorie meals underestimated the amount by an average of 350 calories.
•Those who ordered 1,500-calorie meals were off by 700 calories


Here is the complete article:
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/teen-ya/story/2011-10-04/Teenagers-underestimate-calories-in-fast-food/50660282/1

Battle of the Lunches

In a recent article in the Associated Press titled Salads Are Nice But Burgers Are What Really Sale (October 3, 2011), American eating habits were exposed. People say they eat healthy but when they are actually ordering food to eat they choose otherwise. Over 2/3rd of all Americans are overweight and spend over 40% of their food budget on dining out. According to the article 47% say they'd like restaurants to offer healthier items like salads and baked potatoes, but only 23 percent order healthier options, according to a survey last year by food research firm Technomic.

Hmmm...with so many food options for lunch its important to have calorie information available. A Chicken Cesare Salad at Chili's will cost you 1100 calories whereas a cheeseburger from Mickey D's is only 300 calories. The restaurant industry has made claims that people don't want healthier options and are hesitant to offer entrees that are more heart, healthy. We think just proving the nutrition facts is a great start for making the right choices. What do You think? Do you know how many calories you are eating?

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_UNHEALTHY_EATING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-10-03-04-15-49

Happier Meals

This year several fast food restaurants have revamped their menus especially options for the kiddies to make their meals healthier. Beginning in October, Arby’s will follow suite and unveil two new kids’ meal entrees and replace fries with apple slices and strawberry yogurt dipping sauce as a side to every option on its Kids Meal menu. The new children’s menu offering will reduce calories by a whopping 40 percent, fat by 70 percent, and sodium by 50 percent.

Studies show that the number of meals eating outside of the home has constantly increased. Having healthier options makes it easier for consumers to make healthier choices. In Texas children have an obesity rate of over 20%. Restaurants providing options that are lower in calories and fat can have a positive effect on children’s health.

Here is the entire article:

http://www.qsrmagazine.com/exclusives/arby-s-revamps-kids-meals

AHA Scholarship for Multicultural Women

The AHA has teamed up with Macy's to provide scholarships to multicultural women interested in healthcare careers. With the Go Red For Women awareness campaign, the AHA will expand access and availability to 16 women who are students in the medical field. This will increase awareness in health care. The scholarships are $2,500 to go toward school. The deadline is November 30th so request an application now!!

Visit GoRedForWomen.org/GoRedScholarship.

Read more from our newsletter:
"Macy's is proud to have helped launch the Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund to encourage students nationwide to explore career opportunities that make a direct impact in their communities by joining the fight against heart disease in women," said Bill Hawthorne, Macy's senior vice president of Diversity Strategies.

"Ethnically diverse women are needed in the healthcare field. They can have a very positive impact on the delivery of healthcare services to diverse populations because they understand their communities and they know how to provide care that is meaningful, appropriate and sensitive to their needs," said Eva Gómez, R.N., Go Red Por Tu Corazón spokesperson and staff development specialist in the Department of Nursing at Children's Hospital Boston.

The City That Never Sleeps is Becoming the City That Never Smokes Too!

Kudos to the Big Apple!

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and company recently announced that New York City’s adult smoking rate has reached an all-time low with only 14 out of 100 New Yorkers still smoking.

Since inception of aggresive smoking ban ads in 2002, there has been a 35% decrease in New York smokers. This equates to 450,000 fewer adult smokers.

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable, premature death in New York City and the nation today and we’re proud that a record number of News Yorkers are saving their own lives by quitting,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

“The fact that the adult smoking rate is the lowest it’s been since 2002 means that lives are being saved, our air is cleaner and New Yorkers are healthier,” said Council Speaker Christine Quinn. “In the last ten years we’ve become an increasingly smoke-free city. We’ve reduced the exposure to secondhand smoke for millions of New Yorkers by passing several measures to strengthen our Smoke Free Air Act, including an amendment last May that made our public parks and beaches smoke-free. This matters because according to experts secondhand smoke causes more cancer deaths than asbestos, benzene, arsenic, and pesticides combined.”