American Heart Month
February Means Heart Disease Awareness! It is a fact that heart disease is a number one killer in the U.S. One of the main causes for heart attack and stroke are clogged arteries which can interrupt the blood flow throughout the entire body. Heart disease can happen at any age. High rates of obesity and high blood pressure amoung younger people are putting them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. How does diet and lifestyle affect the risk for heart disease? Obesity, Diabetes, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating patterns to name the main ones. (Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are others). Making heart healthy eating changes and staying active are two main goals of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
There are many things found in the foods we eat and drink, each of them with a specific job. Some things are good for our bodies and help them grow and work, while others are harmful. Knowledge is power when it comes to the food and drinks you put in your body. Talk to the children about the foods they eat and the nutrients found in the foods. Discuss why we need calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals. What foods do we get these from? Discuss, sodium, sugar, fats, fiber, good and bad calories. Make them aware of the foods that are good for their bodies.
Below is a list of foods that can help clear your arteries and lower blood pressure :
Salmon Orange Juice
Coffee Nuts
Persimmon Turmeric
Green Tea Watermelon
Whole Grains Cranberry
Cinnamon Pomegranate
New Meal Pattern Reminders– Again, Again, and Again!
Cookies: of any kind, store bought or homemade are no longer creditable for any meal.
Cereals: must have no more than 6 grams of sugar per serving.
Check the WIC list for approved cereals.
Milk: whole milk is required for children 12 months through 23 months. Low fat, Skim or 1% must be served to children 2 years and older. 2% milk is not creditable for any age.
Grains: At least one whole grain item must be served each day. You must document on your menus those products that are whole grain. (WG)
Processed Meats/Combination meats: Limit processed meats to two times per week. CN labels are required for all combination food products. Chicken Nuggets, Fish sticks, Pizza, etc.
Infant Requirements!!
Infants between the ages of 6 months up to 12 months (who are developmentally ready and eating solids at breakfast and lunch) must be served a fruit or vegetable in addition to their formula at snack times. A bread product may also be served if desired.
Please start adding these foods to your snacks for Infants.
Spring Training Schedules
February 24* Richardson All Day Conference
April 28* Ft. Worth All Day Conference
*Both the above trainings are by registration only.
March 6 Vernon 6-8 PM
March 28 Wichita Falls 7-9 PM
April 24: Tuesday 7-9 PM Gainesvile North Texas Medical Center
April date is not confirmed yet but looking at the first or second week.
CHECK SCHEDULE
Claim Month Due Date Claim Paid
February March 5 March 16
March April 5 April 15
This is a projected schedule. Actual dates may vary. All claims are due in our office by 5 pm on the 5th of the month.
Pizzadillas With Red Sauce
Serve warm from the skillet. Prep Time: 10–15 minutes,
serves 4, 1/2 pizzadilla equals 1 serving 3-5 yr.old
Ingredients
4 whole-wheat tortillas (8 inches)
2/3 cup fresh or frozen spinach, finely chopped
2/3 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
Lay 2 tortillas on a flat surface. Divide spinach and cheese between the tortillas. Top with remaining 2 tortillas. Place skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat pan with cooking spray. Gently slide 1 pizzadilla into the pan and cook until light golden brown on one side (about 1–2 minutes). Using a thin spatula, gently flip over the pizzadilla and cook for 30–60 seconds more or until cheese is fully melted. Remove pizzadilla and cut into triangles. Repeat with remaining pizzadillas. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutritional analysis (per serving): 170 Calories,10g protein,5g fat
Fun Fruit Kabobs
Prep time: 15
Ingredients
1 apple
1 banana
12 strawberries
1 cup red seedless grapes
1/3 c. green seedless grapes
2/3 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup nonfat yogurt
1/4 c. dried coconut, shredded
Directions
Prepare the fruit by washing the strawberries and grapes, washing the apples and cutting them into small squares, peeling the bananas and cutting them into chunks, and cutting the pineapple into chunks, if it's fresh. Put the fruit onto a large plate. Spread coconut onto another large plate. Slide pieces of fruit onto the skewers and design your own kabob by putting as much or as little of whatever fruit you want! Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end. Hold your kabob at the ends and roll it in the yogurt, so the fruit gets covered. Then roll it in the coconut.
Nutritional analysis (per serving): 141 calories, 3g fat, 1g sat. fat.
Valentine Strawberries
Strawberries Yogurt (Greek/flavored anything you would like)
Directions
Optional: Cut the strawberries in half, Dip the Strawberries in yogurt, Put them in the freezer, Enjoy!
Heart Tortillas
Cut tortillas into heart shapes.
You can make quesadillas for breakfast or lunch!
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington , D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).
