Even though it’s close to 100 degrees in Los Angeles this week, I know the cooler days of fall will eventually show its face, and you know what that means? The HOLIDAY SEASON! The holidays bring a mixed bag of emotions. On one side, we love the holidays because our kitchen smells so good with all of the food simmering on the stove or baking in the oven. On the flip side, we are riddled with anxiety because the fall also means it is time for friends’ and family parties or work galas. We spend hours rummaging through our closet finding one piece of matching clothing that will actually fit us vs. making us look like the overstuffed tamales we enjoy during Las Posadas.
There are ways we can be smarter and better starting today by making smarter choices with our food and drinks. It all starts at the grocery store (and staying out of the drive-thru). I’ve learned over the years a few things: Never go to the store hungry and make a list. I have to remind myself that especially when I am hungry. I’ll pick up all kinds of cochinadas.
Instead, your shopping cart can be filled with delicious, in-season, fruits and vegetables to prepare healthy dishes for your family like ceviche, salsa verde and so much more! We have a “Heart Healthy” recipe tab on our blog with lots of healthy recipe ideas.
Photo credit: a few photos come from Champions for Change Facebook page.
We learned from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) that September is Latino Health Awareness Month, celebrating healthy living as part of the Latino community’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. We liked that idea.
Improving the health of Latino families and reducing health disparities is a priority of Public Health and the Be Better campaign. Did you know that in LA County, nearly a quarter of adults and children are obese, over 700,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 2 out of 5 adults are estimated to have prediabetes already? These are sobering statistics and hit especially close to home as both mine and Art’s family suffer from diabetes. Yet, these stats are tempered by the fact that these conditions are potentially preventable or manageable with healthy lifestyles. We can do this!!
We wanted to share some of their tips for making healthy food choices for your family:
• Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. They cost less and taste best in season.
• Pick low-sodium or no salt added varieties of canned vegetables.
• Don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You’ll be tempted to buy foods loaded with fat and sugar. (You see! I told you!)
• Let your kids help you prepare meals and dishes. When kids help make it, they are more likely to eat it. Younger kids can tear lettuce for salads or wash fruits and vegetables. Older kids can help cut and cook.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect, just being better. Make small changes to meals that can make big impacts to your family’s health over time.
For more information, tips and recipes, families are encouraged to visit CAChampionsForChange.net.
And, here are a few of our more heart healthy recipes to try this holiday season.
SALSA VERDE CAULIFLOWER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
TURKEY ALBONDIGAS SOUP WITH QUINOA
