Will junk food finally get the boot?

It’s been a long time coming and it’s already years too late: The Obama Administration is finally pushing legislation for candy and sugary beverages to be banned from school vending machines.
Many schools would be required to offer more nutritious fare.

Here’s a link to the article in the New York Times covering the developments on this legislative effort.

Childhood obesity rates are growing and this campaign may be stepping in at just the right time.
For children, prevention really does seem to be the best method. Learning healthy eating habits young could save children from a lifetime of weight related health problems as well as the emotional stress that accompanies obesity.

Children are sponges and learn what they know from the people they trust. Teachers, parents, mentors and siblings can all take a stand and help children make the right decisions early on. Chances are it will remind the older generations what it means to take care of their bodies as well!

Here’s an idea to replace the PB&J: [5 minute prep time]
Recipe from Eatingwell.com

Strawberries n' Cream Cheese

Strawberry and Low-fat Cream cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel)
* 1/4 teaspoon honey
* 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
* 2 slices very thin whole-wheat sandwich bread
* 2 medium strawberries, sliced

Preparation:
1. Combine cream cheese, honey and orange zest in a bowl.
2.Spread bread with the cheese mixture.
3. Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.

DONE!

Nutrition
Per serving: 128 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber; 191 mg sodium; 63 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (25% daily value), Vitamin C (90% dv), Folate (67% dv), Iron (20% dv).

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