Amazing Dining at Dawson!

The Right Media Message

"Children, even preschool children, are exposed to countless commercials and messages regarding weight loss, dieting products and beauty products. These messages, coupled with the anti-obesity campaign, promote the message that fat is bad," said Jennifer Harriger lead researcher at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. As adults, we have been exposed to these messages and understand the pressure from the media to be perfect. Yet as adults, we have the tools and the experience to process reality from celebrity. Young...

Turning Negative Talk into Positive Talk

You've heard the negative talk: I'm fat; I don't like how I look in these jeans; I wish I looked like the model on TV. It is all too common for young people to speak disparagingly about their bodies. Stop the cycle. Don't allow the of use negative language when describing physical characteristics. What seems like sometimes innocent talk can inspire destructive feelings and actions. Better yet, let's shift the focus away from appearances and put it towards more desirable...

Family Meal Time May Be More Important Than You Think

Yes, between the football practice, music lessons and PTA meetings, getting dinner on the table can seem like a daunting task. Even though meal time is often the only real chance families have to connect with each another, it is still tough. Perhaps these other benefits will encourage you to find the time. Potentially reduces eating disorders Researchers pooled data from 17 earlier studies and found that youngsters who joined family members regularly for meals were 24 percent more likely...

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

You probably have been hearing a lot about eating disorders in the news lately. That is because this week (February 27 - March 3) is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It was created by National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to increase awareness of the disorders through organized campaigns, presentations and published writings. The week calls on people, organizations, scientists and policymakers to promote change that will improve the detection, treatment and quality of life for those suffering from these disorders...

Holiday Eating for Kids

The tendency to indulge during the holidays is not a characteristic reserved only for adults. Visions of sugarplums--and cookies, cakes, and candy--can dance around in kids' heads, leading to over-eating, under-nutrition, and upset stomachs. Here are some ideas to help your kids navigate the holiday (eating) season. Help your kids understand moderation. At parties, ask them to enjoy the one thing that looks the most delicious or to take a bite of a few things that they think look yummy...

The Great Pumpkin Season

Fresh pumpkins are in season during the fall and winter months, prompting restaurants and shops to serve dishes featuring this colorful squash. At home, pumpkins are great roasted, made into soups or, for the smaller pumpkins, filled with rice or bread stuffing and baked. Visit Local Harvest's website and use the search field to locate a nearby farm that sells pumpkins. Remember, certain varieties of pumpkins are preferred for baking vs. carving. Ask the farmer before you buy. Too much...

Food Day 2011

The first ever Food Day will take place on Monday, Oct. 24. Sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day is a nationwide grassroots effort to encourage people to push Congress for healthy and affordable food produced in a sustainable and humane way. Whether through lobbying, participating in a community event or making a personal change, Food Day hopes to inspire people to transform the American diet. Though many of the goals for Food Day concentrate...