FREE FEBRUARY-MARCH H e a l t h f u l, a f f o r d a b l e o p t i o n s f o r y o u r f a m i l y Put Your Best Fork Forward • You Can’t Beat a Healthy Heart • Rice, Rice Baby H e a l t h f u l, a f f o r d a b l e o p t i o n s f o r y o u r f a m i l y Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle 4 You Can’t Beat a Healthy Heart 10 Rice, Rice Baby 7 Let’s Stay In! 12 National Pet Dental Health Month March is National Nutrition Month ® Positive changes can be made in your diet – This National Nutrition Month®, remind yourself to “Put Your Best Fork Forward.” Whether at home or out and about, YOU have control over what you put in your body. Every time you eat, try to make one small, healthy change. Can you eat a piece of fruit instead of dessert? Snack on carrots without dip? Skip the roll with your dinner? Small changes like these add up over time – you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to positively impact your health! one forkful at a time! Here are some tips to get you started: Start with a plan for lifelong health. Focus on the big picture – achieving overall good health – not just shortterm weight loss. Set healthy, realistic goals. Meredith McGrath, RD, LDN Corporate Dietitian • HealthCents Redner’s Markets Email your questions to [email protected] Meredith holds a B.S. in clinical dietetics from the University of Pittsburgh. Disclaimer: The food and nutrition advice in this newsletter is not meant to take the place of your primary care physician. We recommend that you ask your health care provider or registered dietitian for further information specific to your needs. Redner’s Markets, Inc. • 3 Quarry Road, Reading, PA 19605 2 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com You are more likely to succeed in reaching realistic goals when you make changes step by step. Start with one or two specific, small changes at a time. Track your progress by keeping a food and activity log. Get a personalized eating plan. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for a plan that will give you the amounts you need daily of each food group. If you have special dietary needs, consult a registered dietitian for a customized plan. Eat at least three meals a day, and plan your meals ahead of time. Whether you’re eating at home, packing a lunch or eating out, an overall eating plan for the day will help keep you on track. Know when you’ve had enough to eat. Quit before you feel full or stuffed. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your body is getting food. When your brain gets this message, you stop feeling hungry. So, fast eaters, slow down and give your brain a chance to get the word. Get plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Fiber can help you feel full longer and lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Balance your plate with a variety of foods. Half your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables, about one fourth with lean meat, poultry or fish, and one fourth with grains. To round out your meal, add fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. Start your meal with low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and a salad. These foods are packed with nutrients your body needs. Focus on your food. Pick one place to sit down and eat at home. Eating while doing other things may lead to overeating. Also, switching from a large plate to a smaller one may help you feel satisfied with reduced portions. Watch portion sizes to manage your calorie intake. This is the key to an effective weight management plan. To make sure your portion sizes are “just right,” visit the MyPlate Food Groups Food Galleries at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for healthy eating guidelines in household measures. Snack smart. Include snacks as part of your daily calorie allowance, and limit portions to one serving. Plan for nutritious snacks to prevent between-meal hunger. Keep portable, healthy snacks in your desk, backpack or car. Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness – plus, it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Pick activities you like, and do each for at least 10 minutes at a time. Aim for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes or more each week of moderate activity such as brisk walking. If you are currently inactive, check with your doctor concerning increased physical activity. Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com 3 You Can’t Beat a Healthy Heart! Don’t take your heart for granted. Responsible for providing your whole body with necessary oxygen and nutrients, your heart has a full workload! Heart disease, often referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD), is the leading cause of death among American adults. CVD describes conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which can lead to chest pain, heart attacks or stroke. The good news is that many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. Help your heart Your overall eating pattern has a huge impact on your health. Follow these guidelines set by the American Heart Association to promote cardiovascular health. Eat more … • Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains • Nuts and legumes • Low-fat dairy products • Poultry and fish Choose skinless options, and try to consume a variety each week. StarKist® Tuna can be a great option to keep on hand and have ready in a pinch! www.starkist.com Eat less … • Saturated fats Found in animal and dairy products such as beef, lamb, butter and cheese. • Trans fats Small amounts of trans fats are found in animal products, but the main sources of trans fats in the diet are oils found in cakes, cookies, crackers and margarine. • Sodium • Sweets • Alcohol • Sugar-sweetened beverages 4 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com In addition to these dietary recommendations, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week. Act now We know that diet and exercise play a large role in heart health, but did you know that oral health factors in too? Although not totally conclusive, we do know that oral health is a good indicator of overall health. So keep your teeth and gums healthy! Simple things like brushing after meals, flossing daily, and regular checkups are easy ways to accomplish a bright healthy smile. And don’t forget to use a fluoride mouthwash like ACT® to strengthen your tooth enamel. www.actoralcare.com Give any meal some color ` with fresh, bright yellow/ orange mango. Drizzle mango puree over grilled or sautéed chicken, pork or fish. Toss mango chunks into a fruit salad or a green salad. Shrimp, Avocado & Winter Fruit Salad Heart Helpers! Total Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced 3 cups bite-sized salad greens 1 mango, peeled, pitted and cubed 1 1/3 cups red grape halves, seedless 1/2 cup prepared orange-flavored salad dressing 1 lb. shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined 1 lime, cut in wedges Great Grains “Whole grain” should be the first ingredient on the food label when choosing products like bread, pasta and cereal. Make sure at least half of your grain servings are whole for heart health! Loaded with important nutrients, quinoa is an easy, unmodified whole grain you can prepare. For a time-saving option, try Nature’s Earthly Choice™ Easy Quinoa™, ready in just 15 minutes! www.earthlychoice.com Looking for a brand with a great variety of whole grain products? Try Hodgson Mill! Their premium whole grains are stone ground, just like in the olden days, for more nutrition, and fresher, better flavor. We love this fettuccine recipe that is great for the whole family. www.hodgsonmill.com Looking for a gluten-free option for your weekly pasta meal? Look no further than Schar. Made with millet, a nutritious gluten-free grain, Schar pastas have the original Italian taste that everyone can enjoy. www.schar.com Veggies Fruit Seafood In large bowl, toss greens, mango and grapes with half of the salad dressing. Arrange avocado and shrimp on top; drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve with lime wedges. Nutrition Facts: 320 Calories, 16 g. Total Fat, 467 mg. Sodium 20 g. Carbohydrates, 4 g. Fiber, 25 g. Protein. Source: Avocados from Mexico Spicy Basil Shrimp Fettuccine Prep Time: 25 minutes Serves: 6 16 oz. box Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Fettuccine 1/4 – 3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (to taste) 5 garlic cloves, minced 25 oz. can chopped or diced tomatoes 1 Tbsp. tomato paste 16 oz. shrimp, peeled, deveined and defrosted if frozen 1/2 tsp. dried basil or 4 Tbsp. fresh, chopped 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 3 Tbsp. plain, fat-free Greek yogurt 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Heart Helpers! Veggies Low-fat Dairy Whole Grains Seafood Cook fettuccine according to package directions. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and sauté red pepper flakes and minced garlic for one minute, until sizzling and fragrant. Add raw shrimp (defrosted if frozen) and sauté until springy and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt and pepper, and bring sauce to gentle boil for 1 minute. Reduce to simmer for 3-5 more minutes to let some water escape. Add Greek yogurt, stir until combined, and turn off heat. Serve immediately, or cover and keep warm. To serve, put 1/2 cup fettuccine in a bowl and spoon sauce and shrimp over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and top with 1 Tbsp. Parmesan. Nutrition Facts: 366 Calories, 3.5 g. Total Fat, 97 mg. Cholesterol, 740 mg. Sodium, 64 g. Carbohydrates, 13 g. Fiber, 25 g. Protein. www.hodgsonmill.com HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com 5 Start Life Right Encourage your children to keep their bodies healthy! Here are a few things to keep in mind when feeding kids to promote cardiovascular health early. Offer often It can take a child upward of five to seven exposures to a new food before accepting it. Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t eat a new fruit or vegetable on the first try. Don’t overfeed Infants and young children are usually pretty good about self-regulating the amount of calories that they need. Don’t force children to finish meals if they aren’t hungry! Encourage activity Kids should be physically active for at least 60 minutes per day! Limit screen time, and get your kids outdoors so they can get the exercise they need. Measure milk Children ages 1-8 need 2 cups, and children 9-18 need 3 cups of milk or its equivalent each day to help build bones. Provide either low-fat or fat-free options. Just juice 100% fruit juice is a great source of fruit in the diet, however, it is important not to consume too much. Delay introducing juice until your child is at least 6 months old, and throughout childhood, limit consumption to 4-6 oz. per day. Heart Helpers! Low-Fat Dairy Breakfast On the Go! Breakfast Smoothie Pops Fruit Whole Grains Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 6 hours Serves: 12 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats 3/4 cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice 2 1/4 cups frozen blueberries 1 cup 2% vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 cup almond milk 3 Tbsp. honey Add oats to blender and pulse until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Pour into 12 ice pop molds (approx. 1/3 cup mixture in each mold). Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until firm. Nutrition Facts: 87 Calories, 2.5 g. Total Fat, 0 mg. Cholesterol, 27 mg. Sodium, 14 g. Carbohydrates, 1 g. Fiber, 2.5 g. Protein. www.welchs.com 6 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com Let’si Stay n! Don’t let the idea of cooking a romantic meal stress you out! Follow our easy plan this Valentine’s Day to keep things simple, affordable and, most importantly, delicious! Chicken Marsala Don’t spend hours in the kitchen – just make it seem like you did! Ready in less than 30 minutes, chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for two. Total Time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 cup Marsala wine 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Cook chicken in pan until browned on both sides (about 3 minutes each). Move chicken to side of skillet. Add mushrooms, onions and garlic to other side of skillet; cook and stir until mushrooms and onions are tender but not browned. Add wine; bring to boil. In small bowl, mix broth and cornstarch until blended. Add to skillet. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cover. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes or until chicken is done (internal temp. 165°F). To serve, place chicken over rice and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with parsley if desired. Nutrition Facts: 213 Calories, 7 g. Total Fat, 73 mg. Cholesterol, 392 mg. Sodium, 8 g. Carbohydrates, 1 g. Fiber, 25 g. Protein. www.kraftrecipes.com HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com 7 Parmesan Rice Pilaf Good enough to stand alone yet also the perfect complementary side, we love this rice pilaf. Start cooking this before the chicken so that you don’t need to worry about it anymore. Total Time: 30 minutes Serves: 2 1 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup rice 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Parsley 1/8 tsp. McCormick® Black Pepper, ground 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds, lightly toasted 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese Melt butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add rice; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in broth, garlic powder, parsley and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in almonds and Parmesan cheese. Nutrition Facts: 211 Calories, 10 g. Total Fat, 17 mg. Cholesterol, 121 mg. Sodium, 25 g. Carbohydrates, 1 g. Fiber, 7 g. Protein. www.mccormick.com How To Toast Almonds: We know that veggies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so we have answered with variety. Pick any of these recipes for a light, bright side that adds color and freshness to the plate. Garlic Basil Green Beans Total Time: 15 minutes Serves: 2 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed 1/2 Tbsp. butter 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Basil Leaves 1/8 tsp. McCormick® Garlic, minced 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Black Pepper, ground Pinch of salt Cook beans in boiling water 7 minutes or until desired doneness. Drain well. Melt butter in same saucepan on low heat. Add seasonings; mix well. Add green beans; toss until well coated. Nutrition Facts: 73 Calories, 3 g. Total Fat, 8 mg. Cholesterol, 102 mg. Sodium, 11 g. Carbohydrates, 4 g. Fiber, 3 g. Protein. Place almonds in an ungreased skillet. Stir often over medium heat until golden brown, being careful not to burn the slices! Dress up your everyday dishes and flatware with a few stems of beautiful roses for a simple romantic touch! 8 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com Dreamy Cheesecake Minis We can all agree that a sweet treat is necessary to end this meal. Woo your Valentine with these mini pink gems. They can be made a day ahead for a no-fuss, relaxing end to your romantic dinner at home. Total Time: 5 hours Serves: 2 (2 mini cheesecakes each) Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes Total Time: 25 minutes Serves: 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder Pinch of McCormick® Black Pepper, ground 6 oz. broccoli florets 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 1/2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1 tsp. honey 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Basil Leaves 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Oregano Leaves 1/2 pkg. cream cheese, softened 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp. McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract 1/8 tsp. McCormick® Pure Almond Extract 4 drops McCormick® Red Food Color 4 vanilla wafers Preheat oven to 325°F. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. In separate bowl, beat egg then discard half. Add remaining egg, extracts and food color; mix well. Line 4 muffin cups with paper baking cups. Place a wafer in bottom of each muffin cup. Spoon batter into each cup, filling each 1/2 full. Bake 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate 4 hours to overnight. Nutrition Facts: 321 Calories, 22 g. Total Fat, 107 mg. Cholesterol, 254 mg. Sodium, 27 g. Carbohydrates, 0 g. Fiber, 5 g. Protein. www.mccormick.com Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix oil, garlic powder and pepper in large bowl. Add broccoli and tomatoes; toss to coat well. Spread in single layer on foil-lined 15” x 10” x 1” baking pan. Roast 13 to 15 minutes or until broccoli is lightly browned. Meanwhile, mix vinegar, honey, basil and oregano in small bowl. Drizzle over roasted vegetables; toss to coat well. Serve immediately. Nutrition Facts: 75 Calories, 4 g. Total Fat, 0 mg. Cholesterol, 26 mg. Sodium, 10 g. Carbohydrates, 2 g. Fiber, 2 g. Protein. www.mccormick.com Wine Pairing So let’s talk wine pairings. Start by choosing a wine that you enjoy on its own. Don’t mistakenly think that you’ll suddenly like something based on what it’s served with! Complement the browned chicken and subtly sweet Marsala sauce with a full-bodied white Chardonnay or a medium-bodied red Pinot Noir. Serving Tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate, and top with a few fresh raspberries. HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com 9 Rice, Rice Baby Checking out at only 10¢ a serving, U.S.-grown rice is a budget-friendly alternative to potatoes and pasta. Coming in many varieties, U.S.-grown rice pairs well with other healthy foods including beans, seafood, chicken, vegetables and even fruit. Use wild rice to make an interesting blend of flavor and texture. Dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, along with chopped nuts are a delicious and colorful addition! As you may already know, rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, which play an important role in your daily intake! Your body needs carbohydrates for energy, which is why they should compose 45% to 65% of your diet. Still not convinced? Keep reading! Why U.S.-Grown Rice • Nutrient rich – Brown and enriched white rice provide more than 15 vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium, fiber, iron and zinc. • Weight management – Rice increases satiety and can help you feel fuller longer. • Heart health – Whole grains, such as brown rice, help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. • Gluten free – Rice is one of the least allergenic grains, making it a healthy option for those who are gluten intolerant or have food sensitivities. Get Cooking After selecting the appropriate rice-to-water ratio, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer for about 40 minutes. Turn the heat off, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and enjoy! TypeRice Water/Liquid U.S. White 1 cup 2 cups U.S. Brown 1 cup 1.5 cups U.S. Jasmine 1 cup 1 cup U.S. Wild 3 cups 1 cup 10 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com Buy in bulk, and cook extra rice to keep on hand for a quick start to your next meal. Pair with fresh herbs and leftover cooked vegetables for an easy and healthy side dish! Cooked rice can be stored frozen for up to six months! Spicy Thai Chicken Bowl 6 oz. pkg. precooked, grilled chicken strips, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 cups cooked U.S.-grown white rice 6 cups pre-cut coleslaw mix 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped 11.5 oz. bottle Thai peanut sauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup water 3/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped In large bowl, combine chicken strips, rice, coleslaw mix and cilantro. In medium bowl, whisk together peanut sauce, oil and water; add to rice mixture and toss well. Garnish with peanuts. Nutrition Facts: 470 Calories, 24 g. Total Fat, 24 mg. Cholesterol, 1,376 mg. Sodium, 44 g. Carbohydrates, 5 g. Fiber, 22 g. Protein. www.thinkrice.com Various Varieties One of the best things about U.S.-grown rice is all of the options to choose from! Different sizes, shapes, textures and colors affect the way the rice is cooked and used. Which variety is best for you? • Enriched White Rice: Enriched with iron, niacin and thiamin, and fortified with folic acid, one cup of this rice provides approximately 23% of the Daily Value of folic acid. • Whole Grain Brown Rice: Retaining all of its nutritious bran and germ layers, brown rice is packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. With 100 calories per 1/2 cup serving, brown rice is equivalent to one whole grain serving. • Aromatic Rice: Known for its natural aroma and flavor, popular U.S. varieties include jasmine and basmati. • Wild Rice: Wild rice is a 100% whole grain, semi-aquatic grass native to North America. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates and protein. Cooked grains have a nutty flavor and chewy texture, perfect for mixing with white or brown rice. • Parboiled Rice: Sometimes called converted or processed rice. This is whole grain rice that is soaked, steamed and dried before milling and polishing, resulting in cooked grains that are firm, separate and fluffy. • Arborio Rice: Primarily used in risotto, this rice develops a creamy texture around a chewy center and has an exceptional ability to absorb flavors. • Sprouted Rice: A type of brown rice that is germinated for full flavor and nutritional benefit. Its mild, nutty flavor is a cross between white and brown rice. HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com 11 February is National Pet Dental Health Month I think we can all agree that our four-legged friends are considered family. They offer companionship, entertainment and much more. So we take their health very seriously! February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s a good time to take a closer look at that furry face and smile that says “I love you,” “I’m hungry,” and “Let’s play.” GETTING USED TO TOOTH CARE Dogs – If possible, get your dog accustomed to having his teeth cleaned at home on a regular basis when he’s still a puppy. To start, gently rub his teeth with a soft cloth or a child’s soft toothbrush, and use a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Cats – Dip the toothbrush or a strip of gauze wrapped around your index finger into the cat’s toothpaste. Gently rub your finger or toothbrush in a circular motion on a tooth. Start with one or two teeth for the first session and increase the number of teeth cleaned per session as your cat gets used to the routine. AVOID HUMAN TOOTHPASTE Do not use toothpaste made for humans. Because pets swallow rather than spit out the preparation, this can cause stomach upset. TOOTH-FRIENDLY DOG FOODS Dry, crunchy foods can also be helpful in keeping teeth clean. As your pet chews, particles from the dry food scrape against his teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help remove plaque. CHECK IN WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN If your pet refuses to allow you to clean his teeth, it’s OK to leave it to the professionals. Talk over a specific cleaning schedule with your veterinarian – and expect to take your pet in for at least an annual cleaning. FEBRUARY 5 - 18 SPECIAL PROMOTION! Post a photo of your pet’s pearly whites on Redner’s Facebook page, and you could win! Enter to Win! 3 random winners will be chosen to win a Purina Goody Basket, Purina Gift Certificates, and a $100 donation toward their favorite local shelter or rescue! 12 HealthCents | www.RednersMarkets.com
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