Master Food Preserver

Do you live in Los Angeles County?

Do you want to know more about food preservation and share that with the
larger community?

Los Angeles County Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications for its Master Food Preserver class. The course runs Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 9:30 pm from March 20, 2012 through June 5,2012. Successful graduates will be expected to share and expand their knowledge through community service and ongoing education. To apply to the program, complete the following online application:

http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6914

For more details about the program, and to access the course announcement, please visit the MFP website:

Posted in canning, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Finding Your Passion

Garden Gutter

Sharon, ever since you mentioned that you should find your passion, I can’t stop thinking about it! I keep thinking what is ‘my’ passion?

These were the words from a woman in my class. Let’s not jump to conclusions here…I will be the first one to tell you that I’m not the expert. It didn’t occur to me to pursue a “passion” until I was in my thirties after I got married. Now, your thinking, “What does this have to do with nutrition?” Here’s how:

Posted in gardening, Motivation, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Meal Wars: Part 2 – The Child Who Refuses to Eat Healthy Food

I have a picky eater at home, no doubt about that. But I find it’s not always my son (wink, wink). However, that being said, it’s always important to be a good role model for your kid(s). If you don’t like broccoli and say that at the dinner table, then your child will demonstrate that behavior.

One of the best authors on this subject is Ellyn Satter. She wrote several books on infant and toddler feeding. She emphasized the parent responsibilities of providing the what, where, and when food will be served, and children choosing whether, what, and how much to eat from the healthy choices you provide, as a parent.

Posted in Child Nutrition, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Making SMART Goals

With the New Year beginning, several people make New Year’s resolutions. But only 45% of folks who make a New Year’s resolution actually stick with it after 6 months. The problem…? They don’t make SMART goals.

S = Specific

M = Measureable

A = Attainable

R = Relevant

T = Tied to a deadline

Here’s an example: I want to exercise more. OK…good start but it’s too general. Think of the SMART goal. What type of exercise, how often, is it realistic for me (if I never have done it before)? These are all questions that should be answered when you develop your goal.

Posted in Health, Motivation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

To Exercise or Not to Exercise?

To Exercise or Not to Exercise? Is that really the question…? Our bodies not only rely on good, healthy food, but, also, on regular (physcial) activity. Regular physical activity happens to be what we need to live a healthy lifestyle.

Posted in Exercise, Health, Motivation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eat Well Now…no REALLY.

Was the holidays an eating disaster on your waistline? Want to try cleansing your body with eating healthy foods? Go to http://www.21daykickstart.org/. The Physician’s Committee on Responsible Medicine is promoting a 21-Day Vegan Kickstart on Jan 2nd, 2012, to help you out. Sign up today!

Posted in Health, Nutrition | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Natural Beauty: Inside and Out

As winter approaches, we want to be eating healthier food options. Eating a variety of foods will help boost our immune system and reduce the signs of aging. There is more research out there that what we eat is better for our skin than all the makeup and moisturizer we use. So here is a list of foods that are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight the free radicals that can contribute to cancer inside our bodies.

Greens – spinach, kale, mustard greens, collards, bok choy and beet greens can provide a lot of Vitamin A to help with our skin. But they are a good source of calcium and B vitamins, as well.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Meal Wars: The Struggle of Healthy Eating, Part 1

It is not uncommon for parents to wonder if they are doing the right by their child.  Am I going to breastfeed my child?  Should I use cloth or disposable diapers?  Is he watching too much TV?  How often should my child eat?  While most parents can answer most of these questions for themselves, I can definitely help answer the last one.

Posted in Child Nutrition, Food groups, Health, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Junk Food Dangerous?

If you haven’t been watching Dr Oz on television, then you might not have heard about the high levels of arsenic in apple juice.  Apple juice made from apple juice concentrate, 60% of which comes from China, has been linked to high levels of arsenic.  Why is this a concern?  Arsenic along with other heavy metals is known to cause cancer.

Posted in Health, Junk Food, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hazards of Canned Food

Since I have a family, I have become more discerning about the food I make for them.  Yes, I cook more than we eat out.  I could usually use convenience foods to get the job done. However, I recently found out that varies canned foods I buy at the supermarket might not be the best choice for me and my family.  Canned beans and tomatoes save me time in the kitchen, but may be putting my health at risk.

Posted in Cancer, canning, Cooking, Diabetes, Health, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment