Healthy Lifestyles Tip of the Week

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In the fall of 2012, the Healthy Lifestyles Team instituted the Healthy Lifestyles Tip of the Week.  The purpose of the program is to advertise one health tip each week, in one short paragraph or less, on the JWEPTA.org website.  Some members of the 2012-2013 Healthy Lifestyles Team had backgrounds in nursing or nutrition and helped research each tip.  The health tips, either for diet, exercise, or general well-being were then uploaded each week to the website with the assistance of the JWEPTA VP of Communications.  Below are some examples that were advertised this past year:

Meatless Meals

Once a week, make a meat free dinner.  By substituting meat with legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, you and your family will consume more dietary fiber, while decreasing cholesterol intake.  Combine legumes (beans and peas) with grains, nuts and seeds to create "complete proteins", which are equal to protein in meat.  Example of complimentary protein foods are black beans and brown rice, garbanzo beans and whole wheat pita.

Act Like a Kid Too!

Instead of sending your kids outside to play, join them!  Take a family bike ride, go to the park, or play hide and seek around the house.  It's a win-win situation and a great way to decompress and boost you and your family's immune system.

Will You Be My Buddy?

Find a fitness/health buddy to be accountable to.  Or set up accountability with your family members. Make attainable short and long term goals that you will agree on.  Begin the day with a pep talk, and end the day reviewing your goals and accomplishments to keep each other motivated.  Discuss what each of you did well that day and how to improve the next day.

Amazing Asparagus!

Eat more asparagus!  Asparagus contains natural chemicals, such as asparagines, that improve kidney function, increase circulation and help the body regulate and reduce fat levels.  Asparagus may be eaten raw, steamed, or baked.

Quinoa, What's Quinoa?

Give quinoa a try.  Quinoa, pronounced "keen wah", is a "super food".  The Aztecs and Incas called it Mother Grain.  This legume has twice the protein of traditional grains, is lower in carbohydrates, and contains healthy fats.  Quinoa is plentiful in calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper.  Use this awesome legume in place of white rice.