March is National Nutrition Month
Nutrition, From Our KitchenThe slogan for this year's National Nutrition Month® is "Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right." But what does "eating right" mean? Does eating right mean that there is a wrong way to eat? [caption id="attachment_23813" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Courtesy: Michelle Rodriguez"][/caption] No! The message from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics simply means to enjoy a variety of foods. "Eating right" can mean different things for different people. If you don't eat meat then including lean meat proteins in your...
Go Avocados!
Nutrition, From Our KitchenAmericans love chips and chicken wings during the "big game." It's estimated that we will consume more than 11 million pounds of chips and 100 million pounds of chicken wings on game day. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "the Super Bowl is the second highest day of food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving." You may not be able to control the outcome of the game, but you do have control of the snacks...
Warm Beverage Benefits
From Our KitchenThanks to the current polar vortex weather phenomenon, many parts of the United States are dealing with frigid, cold temperatures. Aside from bundling up in layers or avoiding the great outdoors, drinking a warm beverage can help you beat the freeze. The best part about a warm beverage? SAGE Registered Dietitian Lauren Hess says it can be beneficial to your health. Here are three examples to help ease the effects of Old Man Winter: Coffee. Studies have shown there is...
SAGE Wisdom For The New Year!
Nutrition, From Our KitchenAccording to the U.S. Government, three of the top New Year's resolutions revolve around living a healthier lifestyle; losing weight, getting fit and eating healthy. However, only about 10% of people actually stay with, and achieve their goal. Sticking to these resolutions doesn't have to be hard with a little help from SAGE's Spotlight Program®. It is a simple approach to understanding how much and how often to enjoy certain foods. It was created by SAGE registered dietitians using...
Tis' The Season For Baking!
From Our KitchenFor many of us the holidays are rich with food traditions. While you may not dare alter Grandma's sugar cookie recipe, other baked goods may be just as tasty with a slight makeover. Follow these tips when venturing into the science of baking substitutions. The purpose of fat in baking is to give the foods a light texture. However, applesauce is a good substitute for some of the fat because the mild flavor and color will not interfere with...
The Candy Strategy
Nutrition, From Our KitchenAll foods can fit into a nutritious diet. Yes, even candy. In fact, Halloween is a fantastic opportunity to implement the principles of the SAGE Spotlight Program®, Variety, Balance and Moderation. The goal of the SAGE Spotlight Program® is to encourage a fun and healthy relationship with all food. Teaching your child how to enjoy less nutritious foods, like candy, without going overboard is a useful skill. What better holiday to do that than Halloween? Variety. Let your child test...
The Chill in the Air
Nutrition, From Our KitchenNovember is just around the corner and many parts of the country are starting to feel the freeze. What’s more satisfying than a bowl of hot oatmeal on a chilly morning? Oats are a whole grain and a good source of fiber (4 grams per 1/2 cup). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that women should consume at least 25 grams of total fiber each day, while men should consume at least 38 grams a day. Oatmeal is a...
From Here, From Near
From Our Kitchen[caption id="attachment_22870" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Thayer Academy Window Garden"][/caption] From day one, SAGE has been committed to serving great tasting, made-from-scratch food that uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. In many instances, these locally grown ingredients come from our own gardens! From simple herb gardens, to full-size student-assisted vegetable gardens, we are using the freshest ingredients available and no space has proven too small. At Thayer Academy near Boston, where space is limited, our Food Service Director got creative and planted...