The family home is the place that defines, creates and predicts a family’s lifelong health and wellness.  The challenge is that many families see healthy living as an all or nothing.  What they really need are practical tools and permission to celebrate the small wins; they need a place to start.  That’s what Healthy Family Home is all about, families making small, feasible, and sustainable changes for everyone under their roof.  Visit www.HealthyFamilyHome.org for more resources.  As you experience some of the benefits of Healthy Family Home we would love for you to share your experience with us by leaving a comment on our blog!

Every Thursday, starting March 18th from 4-8pm, kids eat FREE at Earth Fare with the purchase of an adult meal of $5 or more.

Download and view the flier here.

After the last pick up of the winter’s bounty from Winter Sun Farms CSA (part of the Blue Ridge Food Ventures) this month, it is now time to think ahead for spring and summer’s local fruit and veggies. We would like to share some benefits of being a member of a CSA and how to join.

What is a CSA?

A CSA is a membership that a customer purchases during the winter before the planting season begins from a local farm.

What are some benefits of joining a CSA?

It is a great way to support local agriculture because the farmer gets a customer’s commitment early in the planting season and money which is provided ahead of time can be used to purchase needed seeds or farm supplies. However, real advantage in this partnership is for the consumer, who receives a fresh weekly supply of local food and gets connected with a local farm. This can be a wonderful way to get a variety of fruits and vegetables for that 5-9 needed every day.

There may be a few more local farms that still have CSAs available for this spring, for more information on farms in the are check out the Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project (ASAP) at http://www.asapconnections.org or give them a call at 828-236-1282.

If you missed joining a CSA this year, stay tuned for local food at the Asheville City Market which will be up and running on April 17 from 8am to 1 pm on Saturdays at 161 S. Charlotte Street or the Asheville City Market South on Wednesdays from 2 pm-6 pm. The Mountain Tailgate Markets will soon be up and running also, check ASAP’s for updates for those also.
Why buy local fruits and vegetables?
• They taste fresher, better and are more nutritious.
• It helps farming neighbors stay in business and sustains our mountain heritage and landscape beauty.
• Local farmers are more likely to use sustainable, environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.
• Buying food from a local farm strengthens the local economy, which is more important now than ever.
• It saves fossil fuel because food doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles.

If you are thinking ahead for local fruits and veggies next winter, Winter Sun Farms
http://www.wintersunfarmsnc.com/

is taking applications for winter 2010-11 members. The membership runs from December-March. Last year, they had 150 customers but are expanding to 300 customers for the upcoming year, however-if you want to take part don’t delay because the memberships are going fast.

Eating fresh, local fruits and vegetables is delicious and contagious!

Healthy Eating,

Carol and Denise

Their Story Most people think of the YMCA as a great place to work out or swim, but it is so much more. Just ask Isaiah, Deanea, Mahogany or any one of the people that have had their story transformed at the YMCA. The YMCA is providing them and more than 50,000 people in Western North Carolina a place where they can learn, play, and grow through programs and activities that build valuable skills, confidence, and self-esteem.

The Strong Kids Campaign provides support making it possible for the children, families, and individuals facing economic, medical and emotional hardships to participate in YMCA programs that might not otherwise be available to them.

In 2009, more than 3,900 people received financial assistance or scholarship. For all program subsidies and support, the YMCA provided a total of $1.88 million for those in need during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. It is a common misconception that membership and program revenue solely fund programs and access for those in need.

It is actually your contribution that ensures that the YMCA has the ability to serve those less fortunate in our community. Every dollar raised goes directly to those who need it most. Your contribution can TRANSFORM THEIR STORY INTO A GREAT FUTURE.

For more information contact: Dana Davis, Director of Financial Development (828) 210-9656

What’s Your YMCA Story?  Please share by commenting to this post, we would love to hear your story!

Kristen Weaver

March is National Nutrition Month® and the American Dietetic Association wants to remind all of us that an easy way to focus on healthy eating is to begin with the basics by building our nutritional health from the ground up.

Registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Toby Smithson suggests “By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you can work towards a healthier life. Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a difference.”

Here Are Some Suggestions from Smithson to improve your nutrition from the ground up:

1.   Focus on fruits and veggies: “Take a good look at your current diet and you’ll probably realize you’re not eating enough fruits or vegetables. Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.”

2.   Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. “This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time”.

3.   Make calories count: “Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and that only those on the ‘good foods’ list are okay to eat. When you’re choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.” To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov

4.   Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. “Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites. Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.”

5.   Trick yourself with treats: “A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation. If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.”
For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up, during National Nutrition Month and all year long and to find out more about registered dietitians visit www.eatright.org and click on “For the Public.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

Click on the link below to take a quick to rate your eating habits.

“Are You Eating Right?”

http://old.eatright.org/videos/nnm/2009%20quiz/index3.swf

Happy National Nutrition Month!

Carol and Denise

Checking in to see how we are doing with following through on our New Year’s resolution goals.

As we get into March, and getting ready to begin a new season this is a great time to check in to see how we are doing with following through on those New Year’s resolution goals.  Here are general health and well-being tips that can help to get us back on track, if needed, or to help sustain the momentum of achieving those goals we set for ourselves. 

First, let’s start with the top two priorities for your mental well-being:

-          Get adequate sleep – this may involve changing your routine a bit, but less stress and better health are worth it.  Getting a descent mattress may help out a lot.  We spend approximately eight hours a day on our matress, and only a couple in a car.  Perhaps that bed is worth a few extra dollars?

-          Laugh – Let humor enter your life.  One of the easiest ways to be healthier is to find a way to relax and have more fun.  Find a way to bring joy to your life.  Have friends over to play a board game such as the game called, “scatagories,” and give a prize to the winner.   For example, the winner could “win” a small winner trophy or winner ribbon (you can pick these type items up from a party store in your local area).  This is a low cost way to smile and bring a smile to others. This makes for a great night of socializing with friends, family, and even makes for a great date night! 

Second, let’s talk about the top two priorities for your physical well-being:

-          Hydrate – dehydration is a subtle problem that affects many of us.  When you are not hydrated, the effects show up as diminished efficiency, fuzzy headiness, and lack of energy.   We have heard about drinking those eight to ten glasses of water a day, this cleans out toxins and helps the body function better.   Support your environment by keeping a washable sports bottle with you during your day and sip constantly to stay hydrated.  As a side note, drink water before, during and after exercise.  Thirst lags your body’s need for water.  So…drink water early and often.

-          Eat a large variety of fresh produce, the more richly colored the better.  In general, fresh foods are more nutritious than packaged foods.  Eat vegetables every day.  They are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.   The fresher, the better!

These are just a few basic health and well-being tips to help get us back on track (OR) to sustain the momentum with achieving the New Year’s resolution goals we set for ourselves. 

Have a healthy and wonderful day!
Kristen Weaver