Fruit2o “Docks” at Boston Harborfest to Get Pledges for Healthy Living

Hey Beantown residents… Are you without plans for the fourth of July? Boston Harborfest (www.bostonharborfest.com) in the Boston, Massachusetts City Hall Plaza could be just what you’re looking for! Running from the 2^nd of July to the 5^th, the event is free with over 200 events and Fruit2o will be there too.

Between historical reenactments, tours, concerts, and Chowderfest, stop by the Fruit2o booth to sample some of the new Fruit2o Essentials flavors and make a pledge to be healthier with “small changes”. You may have heard me talk about making small behavior changes before on my interview with Fox 5 in D.C. and other interviews throughout the summer in my work with Fruit 2o.

A small change is the best jump start to living healthier. Small changes can be anything from walking 15-30 minutes each day or drinking less sweetened beverages (sodas, energy drinks, sweet tea). Sugar sweetened drinks have little nutrition for the calories and can lead to weight gain and diabetes. According to the Massachusetts Diabetes Prevention Program, an estimated 110,388 more people in Massachusetts had diabetes in 2007. As little as one 20-oz sugar sweetened beverage a day (17 tsp) is nearly twice the recommended “sugar limit” (9 tsp) — eek!

If you want flavor, you can try hydrating with a zero calorie water beverage like Fruit2o. Miss soda bubbles? Mix equal parts Fruit 2o and seltzer water over ice for a zero calorie fruit flavored cooler.

When you pledge to make a small change like the ones above, you can also make a difference in the fight against diabetes. For every pledge, Fruit20 will generously give a dollar to your local American Diabetes Association. A small change for you can mean a big change for the community! What a great trade off!

Can’t make it to Boston? Visit Fruit2o on Facebook and write a pledge on their wall. They’ll still donate a buck on your behalf. Be sure to specify the Boston chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

For more information on the Boston Harborfest, follow them on twitter or visit their website.
www.twitter.com/bostonharborfes
www.bostonharborfest.com

Fuel Up to Play 60 Gives Tips for a Healthy Summer with the Kids

By: Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern

Over the past year more than 60,000 schools were involved in ‘Fuel Up to Play 60’, an online challenge between schools. Students kept track of healthy options they took advantage of within their schools and at home. The first place winner was Enslow Middle School of Huntington, WV (yes, Food Revolution Huntington)! One fantastic thing the school did was to hold a taste test event to help choose healthy lunches to be made in their cafeteria, as well as start a walking club.

Even though school is out for summer, it’s important to remember to help kids eat nutritious foods through their vacation. Snacks are an easy way to help teach your family how to prepare healthy dishes in the form of a ‘mini lesson’ providing some great family bonding time and nutrition education rolled into one. Snacks like these strawberry frozen yogurt squares are a good source of calcium and provide a more nutritious alternative to an ice cream cone. Remember that calcium provides growing kids with healthy bones and teeth!  Another good snack to make would be fresh vegetable burritos, filled with fiber and protein, an important component of every part of your body. Try to avoid packaged snacks as they tend to be less nutritious than fresh, home made foods. Cutting up an apple to have with some peanut butter is more nutrient dense than a bag of chips, and will help keep the family healthy during vacation and instill good habits in the kids.

When outside at sports events or family gatherings, it’s crucial that children stay hydrated, especially with hot weather. Remind the kids, and your self, to take a break and have a sip. Some of us don’t even drink as much as we should! Take advantage of the outdoors during summer and aim to be active for 60 minutes per day. Go for a swim, play soccer in the back yard, or flex those creative muscles and make up your own game. You could even take after Enslow Middle School and start a neighborhood walking club. Summer can be a great opportunity to teach your kids how to stay active, and chose healthy foods.