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NATIVE NUTRITION & EDUCATION PROGRAM
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PROGRAMS:
Kids Cooking Classes
This fun new youth program took
place at the Pine Tree Native Centre of Brant during the March
Break (March 11-15). The focus of the program was to teach
kids aged 9-12 years how to prepare nutritious snacks and
to promote healthy lifestyles. Games were used to teach kids
how to avoid after school snacks such as chips and pop will
help reduce the risk of illness and disease later in life.
Each participant received a cookbook. Thank you to all class
participants!
Diabetes Cooking Classes
This new adult cooking class, which was offered
every Thursday from February 2, 2002 - March 21, 2002, was
designed for diabetics and those at risk of developing diabetes.
Guest speakers provided instruction about diabetes, warning
signs, treatments and most importantly, preventative measures
focusing on diet and nutrition to help control diabetes. The
class included hands-on food preparation and cooking. Participants
received a cookbook of the recipes made in class.A special
thank you to Dell Pharmacy for the fantastic prizes they donated,
to the class participants, and to all the guest speakers who
shared their useful knowledge!
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Soy What?
A soy fair was held at the Hamilton Aboriginal
Health Centre on March 09, 2002 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The
purpose of this special event was to inform community members
about the value and importance of soy products.
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Soy can be used as a healthy alternative
to dairy products and can also be used as a protein rich meat
alternative too! Taste testing and a cooking demonstration with
Vinietta Rawat, clinical dietician, was also part of the fair.
Recipes and door prizes were provided to participants as well.
Thank you to all of those who attended this successful event
and a special thank you to Parmalat for their sponsorship!
Soy Solutions
Q - I am lactose intolerant. Are Soy beverages a good,
healthy alternative to milk?
A - Soy beverages provide an excellent source of calcium, they
contain essential nutrients and are a great lactose-free alternative
to milk. Soy beverages come in a wide variety of flavours ranging
from vanilla to chocolate to café Mochaccino and Vanilla
Hazelnut. Soy beverages also make excellent smoothies and shakes!
Toss an expiring banana in the freezer and when you're ready
for a delicious and cool treat whirl the frozen banana and a
glass of soy beverage in a blender or food processor and you
have a fantastic and nutritious smoothie. Use less soy beverage
and you have a healthy lactose-free alternative to ice cream.
Traditional Food Fair
Traditional foods are good for us and are
needed for a healthy lifestyle. A traditional food fair was
held at Kanata Village in Brantford on March 23, 2002. The purpose
of the fair was to assist community members in learning more
about traditional foods and how to prepare them in a healthy
way. Recipes and cookbooks were available to teach participants
how to prepare traditional foods at home. A special thank you
goes out to all the participants who made this event a success.
We would also like to thank all the guest speakers who shared
their knowledge with us! |
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Karen's Tip
Remember to eat lots of fiber, but not too
much at one time! Gradually increase your fiber intake slowly
and be sure to drink lots of water to help the fiber work
properly.
5 Great Ways to Add Fiber & Flavor to
Any Meal
1) Add seeds and nuts to casseroles, salads, cereals, muffins
and other baked goods.
2) Choose whole-grain breads, pasta, cereal, and brown rice.
(Try shopping at a Bulk Food store, they have a great selection
of whole-grain items).
3) Add dried fruit to salads, cereals, baked goods and snacks.
Raisins are both yummy and inexpensive … why not toss
a few in with your next batch of popcorn or with a cool cup
of yogurt?
4) Include wheat bran or oat bran in breading mixtures, meatloaf
or meatballs, chili and as a topping on casseroles.
5) Add beans, lentils and legumes to stews, salads and other
dishes. Replace meat with black beans, kidney beans, or lentils
in your favorite pasta dish or chili. Top a fresh green salad
with chick peas or green peas.
Fiber Facts
| Fiber is only found in plant
foods. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
It is important to have both types in your diet as they
help the body in different ways. Many foods contain a
combination of both types of fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves
in water and is found in dried beans, peas and lentils,
in some grains like oats and barley, and it is in certain
fruits and vegetables including apples, plums, oranges,
strawberries, and carrots. |
It is believed to help blood cholesterol
levels and to control blood sugar levels in some people
with diabetes.Insoluble fiber comes from foods such as
wheat bran and bran cereals, whole grain products like
100% whole wheat bread, brown rice and fruits and vegetables.
Eating insoluble fiber which passes through the system
unchanged, may boost digestive health, prevent bowel problems,
and may lower the risk of certain cancers, such as colon
cancer. |
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Ten quick low fat breakfasts
1. A hot chocolate drink made with low fat milk
2. Toasted 100% stone-ground whole wheat break topped with sliced
banana.
3. Old fashioned oats sprinkled with raisins and brown sugar.
4. A low fat milkshake.
5. An 8 ounce container of fat free plain yogurt with sliced
peaches and raspberries added.
6. Bowl of Bran buds with Psyllium and 1% milk, topped with
unsweetened canned pear slices.
7. Low fat Cheese melted on whole grain pumpernickel, topped
with a slice of tomato.
8. A bowl of All Bran with extra fiber with 1% milk and a glass
of freshly squeezed orange juice.
9. Toasted 100% whole wheat pita spread with fresh ricotta or
light cream cheese and topped with sliced apple, pear or nectarine.
10. Natural peanut butter on whole wheat toast finished with
a piece of fruit. |
The Living Rock
For those of you who think a rock
is a hard thing to find on the ground, think again…
"The Rock is, simply put, a cool place to
get help and good food. The staff will treat you like a human being
and relate to you on any level. The Rock's atmosphere isn't oppressive
or dictatorial. What else can you say? It's a home-like place to
straighten yourself out." - quote from a youth.
"The Living Rock" is a place that reaches
out to youth between 13 and 25 years of age. It offers an opportunity
to not only find refuge but guidance, friendship, work projects
and positive recreation. "The Rock" was founded over 16
years ago by Rev. Allan Craig. Offering the following programs for
youth: *hot meals * chores for bus tickets * clothing exchange *
food bank * YMCA sports/swim night * music and art sessions * access
to a nurse practitioner and many other special events.
The Rock has serviced hundreds of teens in the
Hamilton area. De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health centre
has become an instrumental partner in the development of the health
and clinical resources which service the youth at The Rock. By having
a nurse practitioner on site at The Living Rock the youth have the
opportunity to discuss health concerns, seek health assessment and
access treatment of common illnesses. By providing weekly clinics,
the nurse practitioner has developed strong relationships with many
youth. Within the last year 82 youth have met with the nurse practitioner.
Further more in the first 7 weeks of 2002, 64 contacts have been
made between the nurse practitioner and youth. Common health issues
discussed include mental health problems like depression and anxiety,
coughs and colds, substance abuse issues, pregnancy, family planning
and sexually transmitted infections. The present physician shortage
makes it very challenging for street involved youth to seek and
access limited health care resources. Since many youth don't have
medical coverage the social and Public Health services provide emergency
drug cards which allow youth in need to access much needed medication.
There is no question, there are many challenges in supporting the
youth in their personal journeys, but each challenge is balanced
with an equally gratifying reward.
Submitted by Miriam Reed, some information adapted from the Rock
Pamphlet.
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