Healthy Kids ( & adults too) : Fighting childhood obesity, a lesson learned at the playground...

I came across the videos below today and I just have to share them!

I am on a very serious note here because I wanted to talk about this sometimes down the line but I feel like I have to do it now as my heart and my mind are truly bothered by the subject of childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a subject that is starting to become dearer and dearer to me because of something I witnessed a couple of weeks ago.

  One Sunday afternoon after lunch, my husband and I took our healthy active children with some friends to a  big local Mall so they could play at an indoor playground. As I watched the children playing, I noticed a little girl, still in her diapers or pull ups that was seriously overweight. I observed her the whole time she was there and it crushed my mood to see that absolutely no children tried to befriend her and play with her. 

 She was constantly playing by herself, she entertained  herself pretty well but it was akward to witness that nobody approached her. I was somewhat painful because I kept thinking that this playground was a place for children to make new friends. I kept watching how some kids were attracted to each other and this little girl had no attention from anyone. Nobody interacted with her. It's almost like she was invisible to everyone.  I know that none of the children playing there did it intentionally as they were all busy going wild, but it was quite a thoughts provoking scene. 

 She stayed there playing for 30-45 mns by herself.  With a man, I assumed must have been her dad, watching her. I was thinking that it's a good thing that she's very small and might not even realized it...but then it hit me: children become teenagers and teenagers become adults. I realized that she might grow up scarred by the memory that kids did not even care to play with her, not even pay her any attention.  Yes, I am blessed to have healthy and fit children but it  nonetheless pained me to witness that scene. I am a mother, empathy for children come naturally even if the child is not mine.

This picture was available on google search

I felt sad for her, then I felt mad because I know that we the adults are the one feeding our children. So I was mad that the parents allowed her to be that fat, but I also felt sad for the parents...thinking and assuming that if the statistics are right, the mother or caretakers of that precious little girl might themselves be battling obesity and a plethora of health conditions.  If it's true that the majority of obese kids are from obese parents then it's obvious that "We can not always give to our kids what we don't have".   That's why it has to start with us adults taking responsibilities for our health and our children's health.

Watching that cute yet overweight little girl playing alone, I comforted myself by telling myself that to her parent's credit she was at the playground getting active. The man with her was a young looking Caucasian male probably in his 20s and he looked normal. Not fat at all, even though he was not necessarily the athletic type. Minutes before that little girl left, a family came that instantly got my attention. A little girl and a little boy arrived with their parents in shorts and athletic shoes. As soon as I saw both the husband and wife I felt for them, pride, respect and from them I gained a fresh motivation. They were FIT and dressed in active gears, there is no doubt that the whole family knows a whole lot about being active, making better choices and being role models to their children.

 It was 2 weeks ago and I still can't erase those scenes and observations from my mind. I certainly did not expect to get a lesson from just watching a bunch of children playing at the playground!  I used to let my hubby take the kids there while I am hanging at the Barnes and Nobles. My time there that Sunday afternoon, watching a bunch of families and their children showed me some things that no books could have illustrated better.

I will probably talk more about child obesity in a near future, for today I simply want to get this off my chest and sincerely motivate any of you that might stop by here to: watch those videos and be active with your children. You might not have children but there are children around you, get fit, take care of your health and influence a child, a nephew, a niece, anyone, to become active and fit.

I think Obesity is a painful subject to talk about but it has to be addressed, with love, with understanding , with knowledge, with education and with no more excuses.

Please watch the videos below and be inspired to take action today!



Those women are obviously very different, their styles might be different but at the end, their messages is the same. So please, please, please...

               Let's make better choices

          Eat nutritious food

          Be active &

          Have Fun Doing it

As adults we owe it to ourselves and our children to be their role models and to protect them. Good health is a gift money can't buy but that we can obtain as we make better choices, it's a gift that's in us and no one can give it to us but ( God and)  ourselves.

We have to let go of all our excuses and just do it! Being role models and motivating our children is one of the best gifts we can offer them as it will protect them not just from physical ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes but from emotional and psychological ailments as well.  It's seems silly but lives are at stakes. Either some will die from those physical ailments or some might literally take their lives away because of all the rejections and shame they might suffer due to obesity.

Please start today to make a change, one step, one choice, one day at a time to give yourself or someone you love the gift of a better body and a better life!

I love you and I want to see you and those around you thriving!

We are all in this together, it doesn't matter if you are reading this and you are a size 2 or a size 14 or whatever. As a society we are all in it together. We all come across someone who deserves good health and a better life. We all need this generation and the next one to be healthy because without our children there is no legacy to leave, no baton to pass on. So it's more serious than just losing weight and looking good in our clothes. It's about having healthy bodies and lives that will offer us healthy minds and the power and ability to do great things as individuals and as a nation.

I am eager to learn from you, any suggestions, any actions you think will work to reach the children around us and the parents as well. Please take the time to express your thoughts and opinions. Leave some comments, every suggestions is valuable.  If it's your first time visiting the blog please become a Follower and let's build together a healthy community!
In your opinion, what are ways we can make a difference in the lives of people that suffer from obesity? How can we all reach out and truly motivate those who are not fit yet,  to take control of their health and start valuing themselves, their lives and their bodies? Do you know of any inspiring stories of change that would motivate and inspire someone reading this post to start living a better life?

N'na

Delicious Tuna Croquettes recipe inspired by the Queen of Soul Food!

A few nights ago I decided to surprise my hubby with one of his favorite food. I figured I will share the recipe with you because it's really easy and would make a great appetizer or great snack for the week-end or any week night when you just want something delicious and quick.
The recipe below is originally from Evelyn Woods, sister-in-law of Sylvia Woods owner of the world famous restaurant Sylvia's restaurant in Historic Harlem! I have never had the pleasure of eating there but since I have had her book "Sylvia's Family Soul Food Cookbook" for over 5 years now, I have had the pleasure of eating some delicious meals inspired by her cookbook!


 I say inspired here because I have the habit of always adding my own ingredients to a recipe. I can never stay true to the ingredients suggested when I am cooking an American dish. Having been raised with French and International Food, my palate is pretty obstinate and always after delicious flavors. For example, if a cake recipe did not call for flavoring like cinnamon, vanilla extract or nutmeg you can count on me to add one of those or lemon zest to the recipe. I even twist a simple waffle recipe to taste like a delightfully perfumed little treat! I love adding unexpected flavors to my cakes and dishes so below I will just share her original recipe and add pictures I took 3 evenings ago when I was fixing those croquettes. Even though I don't like frying, this recipe is certainly worth it.

Ingredients for Tuna croquettes by Evelyn Woods
Two 6 ounces cans tuna, drained
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped bell pepper
3 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ginger teriyaki sauce ( or 1 teaspoon soy sauce plus a pinch of ground ginger)
1/8teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8teaspoon salt
2to3tablespoons vegetable oil

 1. In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients (except the oil)! Well in the book she explained step 1 by listing all the ingredients one by one come on! If you read the ingredients it's obvious that you keep the oil for frying and mix everything else.

2. In the author's words: "In a large skillet , heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium -high heat until the oil bubbles when a little bit of the tuna mixture is tossed in. Drop the tuna mixture by soup spoonful into the oil to make patties about 3 inches in diameter. Fry until browned on the bottom, for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn and fry until browned on the other side, for 1-2 minutes more. Drain on paper towels. Continue until all patties are cooked,adding more oil to the pan if necessary." ( Sylvia's family Soul Food Cookbook p.159)

I use a measuring cup or soup spoon to place each patties in the oil and I do put much more than 2 tablespoons of oil . I use my wok constantly so I do not use a skillet. I generally fill my wok  1/3 of the way for all my frying, which I do rarely because I really do not like frying food. I don't  like the smell of fried food and I especially do not like to deal with left over oil. I never re-use the same oil because it's unhealthy  and I discard my oil by pouring it in clear jar that I seal with a lid and wrap in an old grocery bag before placing it in the trash can.  In college I was taught in my environmental sciences classes that pouring oil in the toilet, the drain or the backyard like some people do, it not healthy at all for the environment! I don't buy jars for that, I simply save empty jars from pasta sauce or jams and re-use them as needed! Well that was a little GREEN lesson here! (smiles)

Soooo back to the recipe, I did not use ground red peppers in mine. I did use ginger and soy sauce instead of the ginger teriyaki sauce and I used more ginger than suggested in the recipe. I don't care to measure my onion and bell pepper. So I just used what I had left over from the lunch I had fixed earlier that day. I actually had sardines for lunch and had used onions and green pepper with some seasoning and apple cider vinegar to make a small fresh sauce for my sardines.
In fixing the tuna croquettes I prefer to use olive oil. I also added some garlic to the recipe. I would have preferred fresh ones but had used it all for my lunch so I made due with garlic powder.The recipe in the book did not suggest adding any so that's just me playing with flavors here. I also added cayenne pepper, some red Cajun spices that I got from the Dekalb farmer's market in Atlanta,GA and I added some fresh chili peppers that were left from my lunch. So as you see I added a few ingredients that the original recipe in the book did not call for. I call my version my Cajun tuna croquettes considering all the 'heat' I added!
But the croquettes did not taste that spicy just very juicy and tasteful. Said with all modesty right?lol. I did not drain my tuna unlike what she suggested. My tuna had vegetable oil and I figure I will pour the whole thing in my mixture to moisten it.

Mixture for tuna croquettes

Now, if you are watching your weight your probably should not imitate me on that! Remember I mainly fixed those for my husband and he barely has any extra body fat. He is all lean muscles so he can afford eating like this once in a while. I can too...while I do the quality control that is!!! Quality control a.k.a. snacking while cooking!!! (lol)

 But I left the rest to him! The picture above shows the plate I fixed for my hubby.  He was delighted when I presented this plate to him as soon as he stepped into the kitchen upon returning from work. I heard many " Humm this is real good" " Man this is goooodd" the whole time he was eating them. In the meantine all I ate for dinner was what you see on the picture below, after saving some for  my lunch for the day after.  Well, yes that was my only serving...considering that by the time all was said and done I did not have much appetite left due to my diligent quality control while cooking... Yessss, I snacked on quite a few of those while I was cooking them! (Making a guilty grin)

So you see that I did indeed add my little twists to the original recipe. I am sure a lot of people are like me! A cookbook is mainly for inspiration and guidance after all! Don't you think?! I like to own what I cook so I can't help twisting a recipe. I stay true to the ingredients only to some extent! When it comes to flavoring a sauce,a cake or a any dish I stay true to my well trained French palate! (smiles)

 The author explained in the book that the recipe was actually intended for salmon cakes but that day they ran out of salmon and all they had left was tuna. So if you don't have tuna or don't like tuna you can simply use some salmon and you will be gooood to go!!! (smiles).

I hope you will get the chance to try this recipe and indulge! This is truly an easy recipe worth sharing! I got home from my morning walk and decided to take some time to share this recipe and my adaptation with you. If you can try it let me know how yours turned out. For the fun of it you could cook both the original version of Miss Wood and my own "Cajun" adaptation and tell me which you like the most. Every one's taste is different so that would be a tasty experiment!

Before I leave I will also share with you a picture of some branches I cut this morning. It has nothing to do with cooking but it will have a lot to do with eating my meals while enjoying the charms of flowering shrubs.  One neighbor allowed me to cut it from her yard when I asked her this morning. It's so exciting to see Spring coming back. Each morning as I was passing by my neighbor's home this week, I kept thinking about how lovely those would be as floral arrangements. So glad I got the opportunity to get some today.

Branches cut during my morning walk from some flowering shrubs in a kind neighbor's front yard!

 On my pescetarian menu this week-end are Fish tacos at J.Alexander's restaurant tonight or tomorrow, Salmon fish sandwich at F2O on Sunday and I will probably fix more of those tuna croquettes for my hubby sometimes this week-end.  Please remember to use a towel to soak some of the oil off of your food every time you fry.
Here are some pictures of Sylvia's restaurant that I just found online:
           I find her life's story to be very inspiring, not just her cookbook.  Hope to get the pleasure of visiting her establishment one day mainly for her red velvet cake! I personally don't care much for " Soul Food" . I initially got the book for cultural reasons as I was curious to educate myself more on the dishes that are so popular with " Soul Food's Lovers". I fell more in love with her personal story than I did with 'Sould Food' itself.  I greatly appreciate her values and the ones she inculcated her children. Another recipe from her cookbook that I used to fix a lot was her chicken soup. I had also adapted it to my taste but it has enough ingredients in it to keep me from being too creative. Cooking that soup is a true labor of love. Should I cook it again I will make sure to share some pictures with you.

I was wondering...What place would you recommend for tuna or salmon /crab cakes? I ate a few years ago at a restaurant in Saint Louis Missouri which I believe was called the Fish Market. I felt in love with their salmon cakes, so so good!!!Too bad  it's now closed! Do you have a salmon/tuna cake recipe worth trying or a restaurant that you would recommend for their salmon or crab cakes? Who is the best salmon/crab cakes cook that you know? Anything that makes their recipe stand out? When was the last time you enjoyed some delicious yummy salmon/crab cakes? Has any of you eaten before at Sylvia's restaurant in Harlem? How is it?



N'na

Why eat salmon?! A little introduction to the benefits of Salmon and roles of some vitamins

1. 

Salmon is one of the most nutritious and delicious food on the planet and it seems that some people who don't even like fish would admit to liking Salmon. It's available fresh, frozen, smoked or canned. It's loaded with beneficial properties as it  has lots of vitamin D,selenium, B vitamins like Niacin,  vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium, as well as the prized Omega-3 fats.
Well you just read that and might still asked yourself: " Well, so?!!! What's the big deal if I don't eat salmon?! "  Well I think that sometimes when we know that things are good for us, we might not eat them because we don't fully realize what exactly they do for us. So I wanted to explain a few of  the benefits of some of those vitamins and minerals that are available in salmon so that when you hear about those vitamins/minerals available in salmon or in other food you might ( I hope) be more motivated to add them to your diet.

Selenium plays an important role in the prevention of generative disease such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infections and aging.
Vitamin D's major role is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.
 Magnesium's benefits are many and include solving or preventing osteoporosis, heart attacks, hypertension, constipation, migraines, leg cramps, kidney stones, gallstones and more. I have heard before that if someone wanted to never be constipated again they should add some magnesium to their diet!


Delectable grilled salmon sandwich with guacamole and much flavors that make you go crazy and...ease stress...lol

     Nota Bene: Just for the record , I did not eat those chips !!! That was my hubby's tray and I had water with my order! The proof is on a picture below! ha ha! My order that day came with a corn chowder soup! Vitamins B or not you will be greatly happy after eating that sandwich. Went with friends last Sunday, I ordered the same sandwich and a salad this time and the friend who took on my recommandations to try the sandwich was all "Hummm this is gooood Hmmmm.." in a delighted Cuban accent! He was so happy!!!!

B Vitamins are mood boosting vitamins and can ease stress, treat anxiety and depression, aid memory, relieve PMS and reduce heart disease risk.

Niacin is actually vitamin B3. It greatly helps with the reducing and controlling high cholesterol levels  and is also known to benefits our bodies in maintaining a healthy skin condition and good blood circulation.  Niacin helps in maintaining good brain function, it boots memory power and it also can aid the digestive tract to absorb sufficient carbohydrates,fats and proteins.

Vitamin B6 also known as pyridoxine, helps brain function and helps the body convert protein to energy. It works with Folic acid and vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is often called the "energy vitamin" of the Bvitamins as some athletes or people with low energy often talk of needing a B12 injection.  Apparently clinicians use B12 injections to assist people  with low energy level and to support their nervous system.  B12 injections is more common among people suffering from pernicious anemia as their body can't absorb it from dairy products or other foods.
Please watch the video:

B12  might also be important in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. B12 can even be associated with weight loss due the fact that it increases our energy and metabolism when consumed daily.The vitamin B12 is actually called cyanocobalamin or just cobalamin because it contains the metal ion cobalt. B12 can help keep your mind, heart and nerves healthy! Your body needs this vitamin to make blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. B12 also helps with the synthesis of both fatty and amino acids.

Well, this is just a little introduction. Vitamins and minerals both work so mysteriously in term of their beautiful role and efficiency in our bodies and salmon is "loaded". I think that in knowing some of the major benefits of those vitamins and minerals it become more clear as to why/how eating some salmon (preferably wild salmon) at least twice a week could be so important to our health.

Delicious grilled salmon sandwich, a bowl of soup and a bottle of water! You can eat healthy and still be happy!(lol)

I don't know if it's the B vitamins in the salmon that boost my mood but I am always happy eating that sandwich! The truth is I love good food so just smelling a dish and thinking of the flavors will boost my mood!

You might have noticed that I did not mention the benefits of Omega-3! That's because I plan on talking more about them in one of my upcoming post next week!So make sure you come back!

In the meantime I am curious to learn a few things from you: Do you take any of those vitamins/minerals above as supplements? Do you suffer from any condition due to the deficiency of those vitamins? Do you have a diet/lifestyle that offer many of those vitamins and minerals? What's your preferred source of Bvitamins, vitamin D and magnesium?


N'na

Switching to a pescetarian diet-Interview with Kayla

"Switching to a pescetarian diet".

Due to the fact that few people are pescetarian,  I interviewed Kayla with the intention of shedding more light on the subject. Please read the previous post " Switching to a pescetarian diet" where I explain what it means to be pescetarian and share a portion of Kayla's post " Switching to a pescetarian diet".

GHD: What made you decide to be a pescetarian? Did you do it for weight loss or for its health benefits?! What attracted you the most to that diet?
Kayla: I became a Pescetarian after really researching HOW our meat is made. It's pretty unappetizing. I did it more because of how the animals are killed and not so much the fact that they are killed. People have been eating meat since the dawn of time, but now that mass production and money is involved its a whole different world. They pump our meat full of hormones and slaughter the animals in mass manufacturer style. The way fish "go" didn't bother me as much and I know they have a 3 second memory. As far as the weight thing--because many people feel like they'll drop a few pounds--I am the same weight as I started. You've gotta be healthy and eat a diverse diet with vitamins included to be a healthy Pescetarian.

GHD: How long have you been a pescetarian?
Kayla: I have been a Pescetarian for a year and some change. Before being a Pescetarian I was a 'flexitarian'. I ate a vegetarian diet Monday through Friday and only consumed meat on the weekends. I fell off of this and then went into Pescetarianism almost a year later.

GHD: What dish do you like to cook?
Kayla: I absolutely adore cucumber stir fry with tofu. I used a cucumber stir fry recipe from Food.com and substituted the meat for tofu.

GHD: How do your friends react when you eat out with them? What kind of reaction do you get when you ask for fish when there is little option.
Kayla: My friends are totally cool with it. My roommate is a Vegetarian and has been for over 10 years and my other friends willingly eat my food! I don't really announce that I'm a Pescetarian though. I think when you draw attention to or label something you are asking for other people's comments, judgements, etc. Most people don't even notice anything is different. However, THERE WILL BE IGNORANT PEOPLE who turn their nose up at your food just because you say that it's meatless or who will make dumb comments.

GHD: Do you find it hard to eat out with a pescetarian diet? Is there a restaurant chain that you frequent often that have a great dish that you will recommend? What local place ( and what dish)  in AL would you recommend any one visiting or living there to try?
Kayla: I don't find it hard to eat out at all. I don't do it often enough to have favorites, but its not a problem when I do. I am a Pescetarian so I'm willing to eat fish which is on just about EVERY menu. However, most of my meals are 100% meatless. I'll just order something off of the menu that usually has meat and ask that they remove it. I've also ordered burgers without the meat patty and if you look really hard at the menu in big chain restaurants they often have a veggie burger on the menu! I love a good Burger King Veggie! Now, Alabama is the home of barbecue, pork rinds/cracklings/chicherones, shrimp, and boiled peanuts. The last two are the only "Pescetarian friendly options". I love shrimp and my Vegetarian roommate can't get enough of those peanuts!

GHD: How has the switch helped you and improved your health, your life?
Kayla: My health may be a mental thing, but since switching to a Pescetarian diet I just feel lighter. I know that heart disease and high blood pressure are prevalent in the African American community and my chances are lowered with this diet. I also know that I'm not getting any weird animal hormones. lol.

I personally appreciate that Kayla is a young lady who seems to know what she wants and is very focused in life. In a world where young people are often times labeled as undisciplined and irresponsible I find it fascinating and encouraging to meet a young lady in her 20s that have the discipline and maturity to care about her health and embrace such a lifestyle. You can read more on her pescetarian advices on the post below and on http://what-the-kink.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-switching-to-pescetarian-diet.html

Are you or anyone you know a pescetarian? Would you like to share your experience and opinion on the matter? Please leave some comments so that we could all learn from you and if you would like to be featured on the blog e-mail me at goodhealthdiva@gmail.com


N'na

Switching to a Pescetarian Diet

                                    

For many years now my diet has consistenly involved more fish than any kind of meat. However, I never considered converting to a Pescetarian until recently.  For those of you unfamiliar with the term Pescetarianism or Pesceterian,  Pescetarianism is the practice of a diet that includes seafood and excludes other animals.In addition to fish and/or shellfish, a pescetarian diet typically includes some or all vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains , eggs and dairy. The  Merriam- Webster dictionary dates the origin of the term "pescetarian" to 1993 and defines it to mean: "one whose diet includes fish but no meat".                         
  Since I intend to share more about that diet and that I am considering making the change eventually (smiles), I asked a  fellow blogger who made that switch to place here her post on "switching to a Pescetarian Diet". She was gracious to accept to do it and below you will find portion of her post. I stronly encourage you to read the post in full on her blog. (The link is available below! )
I am curious to know how many of you are pescetarian?! Have you ever thought of being one?! What do you think could be your greatest challenges as you consider making such a switch?!


Switching to a Pescetarian Diet by KaylaKayla is a 20 year old college student residing in Alabama. In her free time she blogs about her transition to natural hair on her blog 'What The Kink?!'

1. ESTABLISH WHY YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS

When I first modified my diet, I was a flexitarian or someone who still eats meat--any sort--at times. After a while I forgot why I was even doing this and fell off. If you don't have a strong connection to why you are changing a big part of your life--and eating is BIG, then you too will fall off.

2. TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME

If you know you can do it in one big step, do it! However, some people find it more comfortable to glide into change. Start with cutting out one group of meat, then another, and another until you reach your goal.

3. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

If you think of the things that you are no longer eating as "stuff you can't eat" then you will feel like you are missing out. Change that statement to "stuff you don't want to eat". It sounds small, but it is a big deal. Trust me.

You  read the rest of the article on  http://what-the-kink.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-switching-to-pescetarian-diet.html

Before reading this post were you familiar with the pescetarian diet?! Is it anything you think you might consider adopting?!


N'na