Join me Wednesday April 10 for a #SoyChat at 1pm ET

April is National Soyfoods month and I’m thrilled to join Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) to celebrate all things soy by hosting a Twitter chat!

When: Wednesday, April 10th at 1 p.m. ET

Who: Everyone on Twitter, especially you Supermarket RDs out there

Where: #SoyChat and your favorite “chat” platform (e.g. TweetChat.com)

The chat will focus on the role of Soyfoods in a healthy diet and easy ways to incorporate it into everyday meals. Everyone is welcome to join — just RSVP below and use the hashtag #SoyChat to be part of the action.

How to RSVP

Mark your calendars today, and if you’re planning to join, just leave your Twitter handle and blog name (if you have one) in the comments section below (You’re not required to RSVP to join the chat, it just gives us a chance to follow you on Twitter before it starts).

Celebrate Soyfoods Month Now

You don’t need to wait for the chat to start celebrating Soyfoods month. Check out this video from the series I did with SANA on the benefits of soy for energetic kids:

I really hope to “see” you at the chat next Wednesday at 1pm EST, using the hashtag #SoyChat. Remember to RSVP with your Twitter handle and blog name below if you think you can join.

Get Cookin’ with Soyfoods

Check out these easy soy-based recipe ideas, and have fun getting creative in the kitchen!

• Start the day off right with Raspberry Streusel Muffins
• This Mango Soy Smoothie is the perfect way to fuel up mid-afternoon.
• Satisfy snack attacks with this tasty Edamame Hummus.
• Try a healthier take on pizza night with this recipe for Asian Chicken Edamame Pizza.
• This Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect way to end the day and satisfy your sweet tooth.

* Be sure to follow @ScritchfieldRD and @SocialSANA with #SoyChat on Wednesday, April 10th at 1:00 p.m. ET to participate!

New Video: Benefits of SoyFoods for Active Adults

Last summer I had a blast creating a series of four videos with the Soyfoods Association of North America.  The series highlights benefits of soyfoods for people of all ages and activity levels.

I’m excited to announce that the third video in the series has launched, titled “The Benefits of Soyfoods for Active Adults” — check out the video below:

Other Videos In the Series:

You can watch the other videos that have launched below. Stay posted for the final video which launches later this year!

The Benefits of Soyfoods at Every Stage of Life (Video Series Introduction)

The Benefits of Soyfoods for Elite Athletes

The Benefits of Soyfoods for Energetic Kids

How Do You Incorporate Soy Into Your Healthy Eating Plan?

Leave a comment below and let me know how you like to enjoy soyfoods in your everyday life. Share a recipe or two!

Energetic Kids Soyfoods Video Launches Today!

You might remember that earlier this summer I launched a series of videos  with the Soy Foods Association of North America that aimed to show how soy can be a nutritious part of your eating plan — no matter what your age or activity level.

I’m thrilled to announce that TODAY the second video, titled The Benefits of Soyfoods for Energetic Kids, launches and shares tips for how to incorporate plant-based protein like soy into meals and snacks to fuel your active child.

View Entire Video Here:

Here’s a press release that appeared today on CNBC.com that includes a quote from yours truly!

Food and nutrition expert Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, ACSM HFS encourages parents to serve nutrient rich and calorie wise soyfoods as dinner and snack options for regaining energy after an active day. “Soy veggie tacos could be a quick and healthy dinner for families. Low-fat soymilk is a nourishing recovery drink after sports for your ‘all-star’ in training,” said Scritchfield.

As a plant-based protein, soyfoods are a great choice for kids. Soy is easily digested, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and are comparable to beef, milk, eggs, and fish as quality sources of protein. Some studies have even shown that if you start eating them when you’re young that they can help prevent some forms of breast cancer.

Here’s a recipe I shared in the video that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly:

Easy Veggie Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp soybean oil (vegetable oil)
• 1-2 cups soy crumbles
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced bell pepper
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 diced tomato
• chopped lettuce
• low-fat cheese
• taco shells

Saute the diced onions in the soybean oil until translucent. Add the soy crumbles and heat throughout. Then add the taco seasoning (follow the package instructions). Once combined, assemble your taco and add toppings like tomato, pepper, black beans, lettuce and cheese.

Watch a full recipe demo in the video.

Snackin’ on Soy — Some Other Kid-Friendly Ideas

Fresh or dried edamame or honey roasted soy nuts can be a great alternative to traditional “salty” snack foods. Soy nut butter can be a way to shake up the traditional “ants on a log”  — top celery sticks with soy nut butter and raisins. To satisfy a sweet tooth try low fat chocolate soy milk. It’s especially great after a long practice or sports game to help athletes repair and build muscle.

I hope you enjoy these videos — the next one will be out in a few months so stay tuned! What are some of your favorite ways to get soy protein? How have you introduced soyfoods to your kids?

More info on the benefits of soy for kids available at Soy Foods Association of North America website.

Disclosure: I was compensated for my work creating the videos with the Soy Foods Association of North America, but I was not compensated for writing this blog post or any related tweets announcing the “Energetic Kids” video.

New Video Series Shows the Power of Soy Protein

The Olympics are right around the corner — I can’t wait! I love watching how the events seem to inspire people to get out and exercise more. Part of becoming more active (or just being active) is knowing how to fuel your exercise so you have the energy to go the distance, but also to repair your body after a workout.

I’m thrilled to be a part of a new education initiative by the Soy Foods Association of North America. We created a series of four videos in which I offer tips for individuals of all age and activity levels to eat a healthy, balanced eating plan that includes antioxidant and nutrient rich soy foods.

The first video just launched in time for the opening ceremonies in London 2012 is “The Benefits of Soyfoods for Elite Athletes” and highlights the importance of soyfoods for competitive and active Americans.  These athletes have unique nutrition needs including an increased need for protein to help the body repair itself after rigorous exercise.

The 3 other videos coming out quarterly over the next year include:

• The Benefits of Soyfoods for Energetic Kids
• The Benefits of Soyfoods for Active Adults
• The Benefits of Soyfoods for Aging Americans

For more information on soy you can visit: www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-and-performance.

One of my favorite ways of including soy is making a recovery smoothie with fruit and soymilk. Frozen banana adds a creaminess that is divine. Adding some chia seed, peanut butter, or coconut (or a combo) goes a long way with flavor and nutrition. What are your favorite soy recipes for your active life?

Disclosure: Soyfoods Association of North American compensated me for my work in the video production, but not for writing this blog post.

Highlights From My Soy Foods Video Shoot

I’ve been a fan of soy for a while now. It offers so many nutritional benefits: high in protein, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and contains essential fats, fiber, iron and other nutrients.

I had the amazing opportunity recently to make a series of videos with the Soy Foods Association. I’ll update the post as soon as the videos is available on their website. In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the highlights: We did several vignettes, about 3 minutes each to cover the uses of soy for several specialty groups.

Soy and Athletes

Soy is especially great for athletes who train hard, because after muscles are broken down during exercise, we need protein to help build them back up. Soy is absorbed more slowly than other types of protein so some research studies suggest that soy can help maximize muscle building by extending protein absorption. That’s why recovery nutrition, high in protein, is so important — chocolate or vanilla soy milk is a great choice. resource: http://www.soyfoodsmonth.org/soy-and-performance

Posing with the athletes we used in the video. They loved refueling.

Why Soy is Great For Kids

Soy is an easily digestible protein for kids with sensitive tummy’s. And, the quality of soy protein is comparable to animal proteins like fish, dairy and meat. Soy foods also contain vitamins and minerals important for bone and muscle development. You can check out the soyfoods website to find recipes your kids will love.

Can It Be Good For Seniors?

Athletes aren’t the only ones who need strong muscles. Seniors need physical activity and protein to help maintain muscle mass and mobility throughout old age. It’s also packed with antioxidants which have been shown to be protective against some types of cancers. It’s so important to maintain a heart healthy diet as we age, and soy can be a great source of protein.

How Can I Eat It?

Basically soy foods can be part of a healthy plate for any age group and activity level. Following the balanced plate model, you could have a stir fry with tofu, mixed veggies and brown rice. Swap out meat for soy crumbles next time you’re having taco night. Or for lunch, a veggie burger on a wheat bun, piled with veggies and a side of fruit. Smoothies made with soy milk and frozen fruit are delicious as well.

When I see a food that is good for your heart, can lower your cholesterol, and is rich in protein and antioxidants, I can’t help but want to share it with others. I hope you’ll give soy a shot next time you’re looking to switch up your meal routine.

What is your favorite way to enjoy soyfoods?