Sunshine is finally here in abundance! It is time to celebrate Mothers Day, Memorial Day, summer vacation, weddings, graduations and the chance to enjoy outdoor barbeques. We have all of the fresh vegetables you will need to bring some healthy additions to your menus. And don’t forget our Party Platters and Snacks on the Go for those in between munchies.
Please Don’t Supersize Me
At least twice a week I read articles on the obesity epidemic in the United States. The projections now estimate that by 2030, 42% of our nations adults will be obese and 11% of those will be severely obese.
Child obesity is also on the rise. In 1980 5% of children aged 2-18 were obese. Today that number is 17%. One theory on the increase in obesity rates is that daily caloric consumption has gone from 1,842 calories a day to 2,022. A decrease in physical activity is also another reason. The other theory is our environment has changed and promotes obesity in several ways: advertising; larger portions in restaurants; and fast moving society ingesting more fast foods with fatty content than cooking healthier meals at home. Many fast food and regular restaurants promote the larger super sized portions. It is not uncommon to see someone walk out of a convenience store with a 48 ounce soda. How much do we really need to consume?
A population increase in obesity will cost over $550 billion over the next 20 years in increased treatments for diabetes, heart disease, depression and high blood pressure. Being overweight causes many other diseases.
Training for a healthy lifestyle needs to begin in the home with children when they are just learning eating and exercise habits. A body in motion stays in motion. A healthy diet and exercise will help combat this problem. School salad bars are a step in the right direction, but the real solution begins at home with adults accepting responsibility for their diets and passing healthier choices on to the younger generations.
To define where your weight range is, and should be, go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
National Barbeque and Salad Month
What a great combination, barbeque and salad! With summer just around the corner, it is time to get the grills out and throw some veggies on the grill. We have plenty of recipes for you to try. Graduations, weddings, friend gatherings or just a nice warm evening on the patio is all you need to try some of these recipes.
- Grilled Herb Vegetables
- Grilled Broccoli and Cauliflower Parmesan
- Grilled Garlic Cauliflower
- Grilled Lemon Dill Vegetables
- Green Bean Cherry Tomato Salad
- Roasted Butternut and Beet Salad
- Butternut Squash Broccolini Salad
- Or go right to Salads on our website
Mother’s Day
Set your alarm to remember Mother’s Day, May 13. Celebrate your mom, wife, step mom, mother-in-law (or outlaw), sister, aunt, wise woman you wish were your mom or any great lady you know that has been there for you. Hopefully you applaud these special women all year, but special appreciation is very welcome on Mother’s Day.
Sometimes presents of the heart are better than presents from the store. Offer to cook for her. Breakfast in bed is always a good start. Veggie Torta For Breakfast. A walk on the beach, a few hours helping in her garden, just spending time will go a long way. Remember all of the time she spent with you while you were growing up, Sunday is a good day to return the favor. Happy Mother’s Day!
Arthritus Update
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of the joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Other types of arthritis can be caused by uric acid crystals, infections or even an underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus.
Medications used to treat arthritis include: analgesics; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; counterirritants; artirheumatic drugs and biologics. Some natural remedies that have shown positive results include: glucosamine; chondroitin; bromelain; essential fatty acids; ginger and turmeric.
This disease strikes all ages and can be debilitating if left undiagnosed and untreated. More than 21 million Americans are affected with arthritis, with more than 100 different conditions related to arthritis. Working with your health care professional can give you options with both conventional and natural solutions. Lifestyle changes can also make a difference: weight loss; eating healthy fats and low impact exercise at least 30 minutes a day. May is arthritis awareness month. If you think you may have any symptoms that suggest arthritis, please see your doctor.
May Highlights and Fun Facts
- May is National Arthritis Month, Bike Month, Salad Month and Barbeque Month
- May 5, Cinco de Mayo
- May 6, National Teachers Day
- May 13, Mothers Day
- May 24, Victoria Day, Canada
- May 28, Memorial Day
- Broccoli has been around for more than 2000 years, but has only been grown in the United States for about 200 years.
- Broccoli can help boost the immune system, build stronger bones and is useful during pregnancy. One cup of broccoli provides 94 mcg of folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects.
- Researchers at the USDA found that study participants who consumed two carrots a day were able to lower their cholesterol levels about 20% due to a soluble fiber called calcium pectate.
- Broccolini® is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale and is grown exclusively by Mann Packing Co.
Consumer Questions and Answers
Question: Brad, Medicine Hat, AB, CAN wants to know if our products are washed and rinsed before packaging.
Answer: Yes, our items are trimmed and washed before packaging. The only exception is our Romaine Hearts. They are picked and packed in the field and require washing before using.
Have a wonderful month with all of your outside activities. And don’t forget to call your mom on other days besides Mother’s Day, she loves to hear from you all year round. And she will probably tell you to eat your broccoli, so just say okay!
Sincerely,
Susan Cameron
Mann Packing Co.
Fresh Vegetables Made Easy!