EAT UP KIDS!

I came across a great article last week in the Wall Street Journal (that's right you read correctly) which talked about how some school districts here in the States are now establishing relationships with local farmers to get some of their produce for the kids to eat. The school year has just begun and some school districts have signed up for what's called the "farm-to-school" movement. I love this idea and I have to say it's about time. You don't have to be living in the countryside to avail of fresh fruit and veggies. A lot of cities nowadays have farmers' markets which if you know anything about my beliefs, I'm a big fan.
According to the article, 50 million kids eat school lunches every day. Due to cost, most of the produce is shipped in from across the country. This may prove more economical but due to the increasing awareness of child obesity and food safety, some schools are now finally looking into this farm-to-school idea. Although this alternative  may prove more expensive initially, the heads that be realise that the locally grown produce is not only fresher and better tasting but more children are eating it. A school in upstate New York has banned fries, the American delicacy tater tots and started getting actual potatoes in for the kids. Another school has started getting their lettuce from a local farmer. I love this idea. If you're from a farming community or just go to the markets you know how much these folks need to be supported. Even here in LA, which incidentally is the second largest school district in the country after NYC, they've even started buying from local farms.
This 'movement' is definitely taking off. Two non-profit organisations have started a programme to link schools with farmers in their particular area and estimate that 2,000 links have been made thus far. There's no doubt that this is the way forward. People are now realising how important it is to feed and nourish our kids properly.
Aside from the health aspect there's an educational one as well. It's important to teach these kids where their food comes from. Some kids would not associate fries with an actual potato that comes out of the ground. Food doesn't come out of a box and some of these schools are really getting on board with teaching the kids the importance of knowing where our food comes from as well as the environmental aspect of farming. All in all things are gradually improving. As in every business, cost is an issue and this is no exception but at the end of the day can you put a value on our kids health?

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS

We all know the eating and drinking season is here. Christmas parties, office parties--whatever it is, it all revolves around food and drink. Not a bad thing by all accounts but we'll pay for it next month. So I came up with a few health and fitness tips to help make it a bit easier when the word "diet" comes around in a few weeks.
I know there's a lot of stuff on tv and in mags. about getting through the season and not putting on weight and all that crap so I'm going to keep this very basic. Nothing more boring than someone telling you what you should or shouldn't do. It's the holidays so do whatever you want but here's a few suggestions of what I'm going to do or try to do.
WATER:
This is probably the most important thing to consider especially during the holidays. Your body needs to stay hydrated and when we're out and about at whatever party it is, drinking a lot of water will definitely help with the recovery by flushing out the toxins. For those of you thinking hair of the dog, been there done that but be sure to drink water as well.
EXERCISE:
Usually not on the agenda for most people during the holidays, but think about it--if you can motivate yourself to get in some exercise it'll make it all the better having that extra beer or slice of pie. Anything helps. Get out and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, jog or hit the gym (for those not hungover). For walking a basic rule of thumb is to go for 30-60 mins. at 50-70% of your max. heart rate. Do what you can and try to enjoy it.
SNACK:
This is good for those who tend to starve themselves before they go to a party. We've all heard about it or even done it. Someone skipping lunch because they're going to a party 6 hours later. Bad idea. You'll be so ravenous by then you'll end up shoving anything and everything into your mouth. Especially once the booze kicks in. The key here is to EAT a snack before you go so you're not starving. You definitely want to enjoy the food at the party so don't go for dinner but have a bowl of soup maybe or a sandwich. You also don't want to drink on an empty stomach especially at an office do. Could be interesting though!
YOURSELF:
Christmas can be fairly stressful. You're running around shopping, trying to see everyone who's home for the holidays, parties, not to mention family. We all know that's work in itself. Not to get too yogalike here but it's important to make time for yourself. All you need is a few minutes each day to get away from everyone and take a breath. This will help you feel relaxed and less stressed.
There you have it. Nothing too deep or painful, right? We all know the build up is bigger than the actual event so enjoy the month and we'll deal with the rest of it in the new year.