Are you making your kids fat?

Recently a company in Canada partnered with Ontario's Ministry of Health to help parents of children 12 and under deal with obesity.
This program is very different as it focuses on the parents NOT the children. (The children, however, will have small group sessions with clinical social workers, and will be focused on issues such as depression, anxiety, bullying, self-esteem, anger management and body image.)

This program really shouldn't be too surprising as it's the parents who make those kids' lifestyle choices for them, and it's the parents who provide the role modeling the kids carry with them the rest of their lives as these kids are less than 12 years old!

What is surprising is that most of the parents tried to direct the responsibility for sensible, healthy eating onto their kids. Are they really old enough?
It's not that these parents don't adore their children. It's that we as a society have bought in - hook, line and sinker - to the notion that obesity is a simple personal choice.

One young mother who was interviewed seemed somewhat confused by the notion that personally managing weight was beyond the reach of her pre-teen, still Barbie doll playing daughter! Unbelievable:(

 Kids today are just normal kids living in a world where there's a torrent of calories directed at them every day; where governments dupe consumers by lax front of package labeling laws that allow brightly colored breakfast cereals to boast about its nutritional benefits; where schools serve no-name junk food and teach kids that if a chip is baked, it's suddenly good for them; where young parents may be two generations away from regular home cooking and nightly family dinners; and where what were once portions designed for fully grown adults now featured on kids' menus. And that is just the start!!!!

Parents should stop the finger wagging and teach by example not lecture. Take some exercise, start COOKING at home. Then, as a family you will become healthier for now, and for the future.


Happy Birthday Julia Child!

Today would have been Julia Childs'  birthday - she would have been 101!

The American chef is known for bringing French cuisine to America in a way that was simple enough to understand.  Her book 'Mastering The Art of French Cooking' became a best seller and has since become a standard guide for the culinary community.
Following the success of her book, a TV series - The French Chef - followed, and continued to educate the American public, and change how they related to food.

The success of the TV series and Childs exuberant personality made her a celebrity!

She had many famously quoted quotes - these are just some of my favorites!


“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.”

“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.”  

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.”

“If you're afraid of butter, use cream.”

"It's so beautifully arranged on the plate - you know someone's fingers have been all over it.”  

Chabelita - a new line from Scott's Food Products

Scott's Food Products have launched a new line of products specifically aimed at the carniceria markets. These products will be manufactured under the Chabelita Foods label.

Firstly there is Citrus Marinade -
"Lemon, orange, and hand chosen Latino spices gives you a Citrus Marinade that is incredibly mouthwatering! Marinate chicken,pork or seafood in a zipper type bag. Add slices of lemon, orange and lime for an unbelievable taste sensation! Toss on the grill and serve with rice and beans for a taste like Comida de Casa!"
 
Secondly, Chipotle Marinade -

"Experience the fiery flavor of Chipotle Asada; the perfect taste combination of aged smoked chili peppers, and the authentic spices of Mexico. Marinate beef, pork, chicken or seafood. Enjoy a fresh outdoor experience at home."

 Last but not least, Vaquero Seasoning -

"Vaqueros get mighty hungry tending cattle and riding the range. When it comes time for dinner they prepare food fit for a King! Vaquero Asada Seasoning is full-bodied and flavorful with the spices of Mexico. Mama’s special recipe will make your beef, pork and chicken succulent! Close your eyes and you’re at a Mexican fiesta!"

 

Pork Belly with Java Chili Rub

I never knew that Pork Belly was such a 'delicacy'!
Seems everyone LOVES this recipe. Thank you Annette Legaspi (San Diego Rep) for this fabulous recipe

Java Chili Pork Belly Sandwich
Dry a Pork Belly and top with Java Chili.
Cook in oven to render off some fat.
Slice and made a sandwich with Toasted Bun, Arugula Tomatoes and Avocado mixed with Wasabi to give a nice kick!

 

 

 

May is National BBQ Month!!!!

Key points for successful grilling!

Summer is just around the corner and it's time to dust off that barbeque!

Here are some tips for successful grilling-

 

 

 

The Four Keys to Successful Barbecuing

• Good preparation of the equipment and appropriate utensils
• Good marinades/seasoning - Scott's Food Products!!!!!.
• Good cooking - not burned or undercooked.
• Good accompaniments - salads, dressings, sauces, veggies.

 

 

Recommendations and Warnings

• Open the barbecue lid before starting the gas to avoid gas build-up 
• Never use the barbecue inside or in a confined space without adequate ventilation.
• Always keep water on hand in case of fire.
• Propane tanks must always be kept upright even when stored.
• When storing the barbecue at the end of the season, leave the propane tank outdoors because of the risk of explosion.
• Never start a charcoal barbecue with fuel or paraffin.

Basic Preparation Techniques

• Clean the barbecue grill after each use with a metallic brush to remove any food that may have stuck during cooking. Cleaning avoids the risk of contamination.
• Keep the meat in the refrigerator until time to cook it.
• Preheat grills for about ten minutes and oil them lightly to avoid food sticking to them.
• Place the grill as far as possible from the heat source to avoid flaming. Before cooking the food on a charcoal barbecue, wait until the briquettes are white hot.
• Degrease your meats and drain well to avoid splattering.

 

Eat yourself skinny!

Eat yourself skinny may sound like a contradiction, but, it's true!!!

Your BASAL METABOLIC RATE is the key to weight loss. The higher your metabolic rate the faster, and more efficiently your body utilizes the food you put into it.

Now, you cannot expect to lose weight by eating fast food all day long, but if you eat healthily and have 6 small meals spaced out during the day, this will go along way to speeding up your metabolism and making your digestive system more efficient. Stick to high protein, high fiber and low fat foods, snack on nuts, fruits (almonds, carrots, raisins etc)

To help increase your metabolic rate further include regular exercise. You don't have to go out and run a marathon everyday!!!! a brisk 30 min walk is sufficient to increase your heart rate and help boost metabolism. Walk to the store and carry home those shopping bags. Use the stairs at work. Small changes added into your daily routine all add up to making a BIG change to your metabolic rate and ultimately your health and weight.