Good morning, good afternoon!
Today has included: kiwi (Mazen’s first!), coffee and tea, kettlebells, HGTV magazine, and a picnic.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, half of a banana (rejected by M because of a brown spot), half a kiwi (with skin!) and a quarter of a Great Harvest Oat Berry muffin.
Karen {My mother-in-law who is visiting from California for those of you asking!} and Mazen went out on a day trip together. They rode the bus, went to a few stores and had a delicious lunch that involved mac and cheese and malt shakes. Their traditions!
Meanwhile, I did some work, went to the gym, showered and met up with my friends for a picnic lunch at Jefferson Vineyards.
I stopped into Salt for a sandwich and salad. Plus some Chesapeake chips! My sandwich was fruit spread, bacon and brie all heated up together – incredible!! And the little salad was just perfect to fill me up with some nutrients. So impressed they offered actually fresh veggies other than tomatoes and cucumbers on their little house salads.
I’m settling down now with some Relax Teami Tea and a piece of chocolate. The Relax blend is packed with lavender – love! {Reminder you still have a chance to get 10% off with the code EATS10!}
I wanted to share this post I read on Fannetastic Food about a little controversy going on with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). AND’s Kids Eat Right program recently put its seal of approval onto Kraft Singles cheese – the processed American “cheese product” kind – implying that AND considers the product a healthy choice for kids. I’d like to know what criteria they used as “healthy.” As much as I am a believer in real food, I think from a public health standpoint it’s also realistic to recognize that for kids in food deserts “cheese product” might be the only calcium they get. HOWEVER, I think putting a stamp of approval on the product is sending the wrong message to the millions of already confused consumers out there. Calcium alone does not make a food healthy. Why don’t sweet potatoes and swiss chard and broccoli get seals?You can sign a petition to raise awareness about this concern here.
On topic, here are a few other great nutrition posts from around the web lately:
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Lunch looks delicious! And yay for first tastes of kiwi!
Angela Gilmore says
I read about the cheese food controversy in a few places and I agree that it was not the best idea to call the food a healthy one. And I agree that it is confusing for people who are trying to make better choices for their families. I don’t usually eat American cheese, but being pregnant has turned it into a craving of sorts. I definitely consider it a junk food and, when I’m not pregnant and craving it, I rarely eat it. I still don’t understand how that decision was made.
Kerry Dyer says
That lunch looks good.. I hate standard salads we get a lot of them here which is why I rarely order salads when out!
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I love it when small side salads have a variety of vegetables rather than just the simple basics.
Sam says
That is a great point about food deserts. I hadn’t thought about that.
Great veggies for a small salad to go!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
I keep meaning to try eating kiwi with the skin on because I always see you do that! I need to put kiwi on my shopping list next weekend haha 🙂
Tiffany says
I love the tradition that M and Karen have together. That is so sweet!
I’m curious to know how M liked the Kiwi?
KathEats says
Liked it ok! Didn’t love
Sarah says
I’ve been thinking about ordering the RELAX tea from teami…I’ve never tried their products but with my mind running a thousand miles a minute it takes a lot to get me to relax enough for bedtime. Would you recommend it for a newbie?
KathEats says
Yes I’ve been really impressed with the Teami teas. I think, like wine, the secret is in the blends
Fancy says
Hey Kath!
Fyi…Sometimes your text shows up in all different sizes on my iPhone (such as in this post). Some paragraphs/sentences are normal sized while others in the same post are very tiny…Just thought you would want to know…
KathEats says
Hmmm that’s weird! Thanks for the heads up
Katie says
FYI, it looks normal on my iPhone… Not sure if that helps but wanted to share!
Tonya says
Yes I thought it was just me. The text size changed on me last week. All one size, but smaller and skinnier font. I’ve since gotten used to it so I don’t even notice it any more. Just chiming in as an FYI since this user mentions it. (Using a PC)
Linda @ thefitty says
I’ve always liked firm bananas that were even slightly green. oncE they have spots, I don’t find them appealing anymore, but you can certainly freeze them and make the into muffins!
Sydney says
Hey Kath! As an AND member, I too was concerned about the Kraft Singles/Kids Eat Right relationship. I also do not lovesome of the other sponsorship that AND receives (such as pop companies). I think you did bring up an important point that in some parts of the country, Kraft singles may be an important calcium source–but real food is always better when its an option!
I just thought I would share this letter from the AND CEO that was sent out yesterday. It provides opportunity for direct comment from dietitians, as well as what steps they are making to amend the situation. I don’t love that this situation happened, but can appreciate that it was acknowledged and corrective actions are in the works:
March 17, 2015
To all members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
Let me begin by apologizing for the concerns caused by the education initiative with Kraft. The Academy and the Foundation are listening. As a member-driven organization, the Academy’s staff and leadership hear your concerns and welcome your input.
Unfortunately, recent news articles misstated a collaboration as a Kids Eat Right “endorsement” of Kraft Singles, and that it represents a “seal of approval” from Kids Eat Right, the Foundation, or the Academy. It is not an endorsement. It is not a seal of approval. We understand this distinction is of little consequence to many Academy members who are concerned with the perception. We are working on a solution.
In addition, we are working to establish a joint, member-driven Member Advisory Panel. This Panel will work closely with both Boards to:
Establish dialogue with members
Gather input and give feedback on member issues
Make specific recommendations
Recognizing sponsorship as a significant issue of concern among members, the House of Delegates leadership team, who also serve on the Board of Directors, scheduled a dialogue on sponsorship for the upcoming virtual House of Delegates meeting, May 3. We encourage all members to reach out to your delegates and share your thoughts on the benefits of, concerns about and suggestions for the sponsorship program. The Academy and Foundation Boards are looking forward to your input.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Patricia M. Babjak
Chief Executive Officer
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
KathEats says
Thanks for sharing this! I am an optimist, and I believe that they are as concerned as we are deep down. I don’t think AND is evil. I think the whole thing was probably a big misunderstanding on everyone’s part. I’m glad it’s all been brought up too – moving forward we can all be more transparent.
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
I totally agree on AND’s recommendations.. it seems like a terrible idea! Kraft mac and cheese?! Could it at least be something organic/with grassed cheese?!
Kate says
I feel the similar to you regarding the Kraft/AND situation. While certainly not a “health” food, I don’t think Kraft singles should be demonized… Food deserts are a real issue.
Hannah @ eat, drink and save money says
I want that sandwich! It looks so good.
Thanks for the info about Kraft. I do find that odd, can’t wait to read more about it.
Hannah @ Sprints and Scones says
I want to remake that sandwich – it looks so yummy!!!
I completely agree about the AND issue. While I would never recommend someone eat Kraft cheese product, it some situation, the choice may be between cheese singles or cheese popcorn. At least the cheese singles are providing some calcium. Hopefully public concern will open up important dialog between Kraft, AND, and other foot manufacturers.
Laura says
I keep seeing people call the cheese a kids “desert”. I’m confused by that as to me a desert is a treat like chocolate or a cookie or something. Does it mean something else in this context?
KathEats says
A food desert is a place where is little or no healthy food that people can access – so maybe the only restaurant is fast food and the only “grocery store” is a gas station.
Tonya says
Laura, food deSert not food deSSert. Lol 😉
Robin says
I still remember the day my now 10-year old (then 2) discovered a kiwi in the produce aisle at the store. She wanted to touch it, thinking it was a caterpillar! She held it so gently in her hands through the entire store. When we got home, she was so amazed that something scratchy and brown could be bright green with black seeds on the inside. It was so fun to watch. She devoured it, immediately asking for more “weewee.” We still laugh about it today. And even though she has tried it, she won’t eat the “brown fuzz.”
KathEats says
That is so cute!
Cassie says
They need to find calcium in healthier sources than dessert. Yogurt, kale, chia seeds, etc.!
Rainey says
Cassie- they are not talking about desserts (cake), they are talking about food DESERTS (barren places with not much growing)…usually in the inner cities where fresh foods are scarce. In such areas things like greek yogurt, kale, and chia seeds are nowhere to be found. Often times people in these areas are lucky to find any whole, fresh foods at all!
Cindy says
Your first photo looks amazing! I really want kiwis with eggs and muffin now. 🙂 Thank you for the inspiration Kath! BTW your photos look prettier and prettier each day. Keep up the amazing work!