Free Dietitian Appointment

Hershey's is the last company that you would think would promote nutrition, health and dietitians...but low and behold, they are!

Hershey's has 2000 free certificates available to anyone on their website, promoting their new campaign "Moderation Nation". Clever.

1) Go to http://www.hersheys.com/moderationnation/connect.aspx

2) Search for an RD in your area - or just skip this part and write "Ashley Harris, RD, CD" on the certificate.

3) Bring the certificate to any Registered Dietitian (it MUST be an RD, "Nutritionists" don't count and wont be covered) for one full hour appointment, paid for by Hershey's. Offer open through March of 2011.

The dietitian or the client will then submit the certificate along with a copy of the clients drivers license to the Hershey's address for full coverage up to $250 for a one hour session.

Now there really isn't any excuse for you to not make an appointment. You'll learn something, and its free.

---

Okay and just to explain my view on this...I don't like when corporate companies like candy, soda, cereal, etc try and partner with health care because I think its contradictory and just a blatant conflict of interest - yes I'm saying I don't agree with ADA sponsorship. BUT...when anyone actually goes out of their way to promote Registered Dietitians, who are the nutrition and food experts to give FREE nutrition care to ANYONE...then I'm all for it. I still wont be happy if you tell me you are eating Hershey bars, but Ill thank the company for paying for your visit.

Read More

Health Food at the Mariners Game

Hummus Plate with olive tapenade, hummus, bell peppers, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and whole grain pita slices with a veggie dog on the side....$12.50.

Feeling full and having fun without killing your arteries....priceless.

Read More

Back to School Nutrition

Tweaking some of the favorites

Bring or buy? What to pack? Snacks? Soccer practice?

There is so much planning involved with food away from home that its important to know where to start and how to make the process as easy and as healthy as possible.

1) Keep “buying” school lunch to 2-3 days maximum.

The independence that comes with buying school lunch is a good thing. For a student, having money in their possession and getting to choose whatever they want is a step towards independence and confidence. There is a social aspect and a health aspect here. Make sure your child understands what components they need at lunch:

· Carbohydrate or Starch – For energy, brain boost and blood sugar
· Lean Protein – For blood sugar stability and satiety
· Healthy Fat – For satiety
· Non-Starchy Veggies – Vitamins, Minerals, Water & Fiber

2) Breakfast is non-negotiable.

So make it balanced, nutritious and fast. You’ll need:

· Lean Protein
· Carbohydrate or Starch
· Healthy Fat

**NO CEREAL & MILK.
**Try a flavored, 0% fat greek yogurt with 1/4 c of nuts or seeds for a fast grab & go option.
**English muffin with a Morningstar Patty, 1 slice cheese and 2 tsp butter for a quick made- at-home breakfast sandwich
**Protein Smoothie: protein powder, 1 cup fruit, 1T Peanut Butter, water + ice

**Breakfast Parfait: 0% Fat Plain Greek yogurt with layers of berries and whole grain cereal

for a fun option.

3) Dessert is not a daily meal.

So don’t pack it in their lunch every day! If you are the one packing the lunch then you are the one setting the examples and creating the habits. Desserts should not be an everyday occurrence despite what you may be used to. They will get enough energy and carbohydrates from their sandwich bread, fruit, jelly, etc.

4) Have your kids EAT their calories, not DRINK them.

Juice, soda, hot chocolate, or any other liquid beverage that has calories listed on the back shouldn’t be a staple in your home or in their meals. An appropriate serving of juice is about 4 oz or ½ cup. When was the last time you saw someone drink just 4 oz of juice? Liquid calories go down fast and don’t fill you up.

Better options are:
· Plain Water (adding lemon, lime or orange slices to the bottle)
· Sparkling Waters like Perrier
· Flavored Sparkling Waters like Talking Rain (find ones flavored with fruit essence, not

artificial sweeteners)
· Flavored Flat Waters like Hint – no artificial stuff
· Adding cucumber or mint or basil to flat water
· Pre-Flavored Mint waters like Metromint

Read More