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SNAP4CT Blog

Tricks, Treats, & Healthier Halloween Eats!

10/27/2016

2 Comments

 
Chances are, your kids will riot if you try to trade out their Halloween candy for fruit and veggies. To keep the peace, it may not be a good idea to throw all  the Halloween candy... But we can give them a few healthier options leading up to the big day. Here are some cute ideas to make this month fun!
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Mini Jack-O-Lantern

Oranges and clementines make the perfect mini jack-o-lanterns! A black permanent marker can get you there. Let the kids choose what kind of faces to draw, then they can chow down on their creations. 

Spooky Popcorn Hands

Put the kids to work, stuffing plastic gloves with popcorn (and almonds for fingernails). They'll have just as much fun playing with this snack as they will eating it!​
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Apple Nachos

Are your kids (um... or you) dying to sink their teeth into a caramel apple? Apart from being way less messy, these Apple Nachos are also a healthier option. You just might be able to talk the kiddos into eating these as a post-trick-or-treating snack (and delaying the candy coma).

M O N S T E R  M O U T H S!

Fun. Tasty. Sort of creepy. Pretty much exactly what kids are looking for in a snack. Monster mouths are made by slathering peanut butter between 2 apple slices, then adding peanuts or pumpkin seeds for teeth. Try sunflower seed butter and raisins for kids with nut allergies.
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2 Comments

Monday Night Yoga Storytime at the Meriden Public Library

10/14/2016

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With the weekend just beginning, the last thing anyone wants to think about is Monday. But what if I told you your Mondays might actually be more relaxing than anything you've got planned?

That's right: if you live in the Meriden area and are looking for something to do with your Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grader on a Monday night, then head to the Public Library for Yoga Storytime. Pairing basic yoga and movement with several books, the event is a staple at the Meriden Public Library. And if you can't make it this Monday? No worries, the event is held every Monday, so there are plenty of opportunities for the little learner in your life to get acquainted with their vowels and their "Tree Pose". 

WHAT: Yoga and Storytime for parent and child K-2nd grade - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
WHERE: Meriden Public Library, MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY, 105 Miller Street Meriden, CT 06450
WHEN: Monday nights at 6:30pm
​Contact phone: 203-640-6347  Register or drop in.    

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Why Whole Grains Will Change Your Life

10/3/2016

2 Comments

 
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What Are Whole Grains?

WHOLE GRAINS are food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or cereal grain, that contain the entire grain kernel. 

REFINED GRAINS are food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or cereal grain, that have been milled, a process that removes parts of the grain.
When grains are refined they lose beneficial nutrients
​like dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins
Most refined grains enriched, meaning some vitamins are added back in.  
Dietary fiber does not usually get added back. 
Dietary fiber from whole grains can....
  • Help reduce blood cholesterol levels
  • Lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
  • Help proper bowel function
  • Reduce constipation and diverticulitis
  • Help regulate blood sugar levels
Fiber packed foods make you feel of fuller longer 
with
fewer calories

Shopping For Whole Grains

Whole grains:
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Millet
Oatmeal
Quinoa
Rolled Oats
Whole-grain/ hulled barley
Whole-grain corn
Whole Oats
Whole Rye
Whole wheat
Farro
​Kamut

  • Use the nutrition facts label, and choose whole-grain products with a higher % Daily Value for fiber (%DV)
  • Choose foods that name whole-grain ingredients first on the ingredient list
  • If you see the words "multi-grain," "stone-ground," "100% wheat," "cracked wheat," "seven-grain," or "bran" they are usually not whole-grain products!
  • Brown does not mean it is a whole grain​​. Some brown breads have molasses or other coloring in them to look like whole wheat.  Read the ingredient list to see if it is a whole grain.  
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Making The Switch to Whole Grain

Making whole grains part of your diet should be a switch, not an addition. You should try to replace refined grains with whole grains, instead of simply adding whole grains.
  • Whole grain bread instead of white bread
  • Brown rice instead of white rice
  • Whole grain pasta instead of plain pasta
If you don't like it at first, try a half & half mix:
  • Half brown rice, half white rice
  • Half whole grain pasta, half plain pasta
​Did You Know?
At least half of all the grains you eat should be whole grains.
Quick Tip: You can use rolled oats or a crushed, unsweetened whole grain cereal as breading for baked chicken or fish!


Try These Whole Grain Recipes

Simple Italian Pasta
Simple Italian Pasta
Whole Grain Strawberry Pancakes
Whole Grain Strawberry Pancakes
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Spanish Rice
Spanish Rice
Healthy Vegetable Fried Quinoa
Healthy Vegetable Fried Quinoa
Colorful Farro Salad
Colorful Farro Salad
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Husky Nutrition at UConn Health
195 Farmington Avenue, MC 6030
Farmington, CT 06032​
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SNAP-ED Event Calendar
© COPYRIGHT 2018.  ​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information was funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.  
SNAP helps low-income people buy nutritious food for a better diet.
​To get more information contact the CT Department of Social Services at
1-855-626-6632 or www.CT.gov/dss.


This institution is an equal opportunity provider.​
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  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Categories >
      • Kid Friendly Recipes
      • No Added Sugar
      • Vegetarian Recipes
      • Heart Healthy Recipes
      • Five Ingredients or Less
      • Quick and Easy Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Salsas
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Meatless Meals
    • Meals with Meat
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups and Stews
    • Sodium Free Spice Blends
    • Recetas
  • Farmers Markets
    • Find a Farmers Market
    • CT Crop Calendar
    • Using SNAP/EBT at Farmers Markets
  • Education
    • Healthy Eating >
      • MyPlate
      • Understanding The Nutrition Label
      • Added Sugar
      • Healthy Snacking Tips
      • Calories Needed Each Day
      • What is "enough" fruits and vegetables
      • Recipe Videos
    • Budget Shopping >
      • Healthy Shopping on a Budget
      • What Can $16 Buy?
      • Budget Pantry
    • Diabetes >
      • Healthy Eating with Diabetes
      • "Diabetes-Friendly" Recipe Guide
    • Heart Health
    • Exercise Tips
    • Physical Literacy
    • Water First for Your Thirst
  • SNAP4CT Blog
  • Resources
    • DSS Offices and SNAP Help
    • FAQ
    • Free Health Events in CT
    • Organizations
    • SNAP-Ed Events Calendar
    • Healthy Food Pantry Donations