Cent$ible Nutrition News • October 2022 • Volume 26 | Number 1
Whether it’s watching football, basketball, or a holiday celebration, it’s the season for parties. During these events, it’s common to move away from our normal routines and habits, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Getting together to enjoy time with family and friends is an excellent way to connect, socialize, try new dishes, add variety to your diet, and be physically active!
Healthy Celebration Meals
Watching the game is only half the fun. Make being active part of your celebration! Physical activity doesn’t have to be outside- below are some activities you and your family can do during timeouts or halftime.
Plan for Variety– At your next event, choose snacks and dishes that include a variety of foods from all 5 MyPlate food groups. Not only does MyPlate provide a wide range of foods for you and your family to choose from, but it also gives you the opportunity to try new dishes.
Put a Spin on Your Dish– If you’re looking for a new snack, try mixing it up. Our white chili recipe in this newsletter is excellent as a main dish or a dip for chips and crackers.
Choose Fruit for a Sweet Alternative– Fruit is an excellent source of fiber and nutrients! Including fruit in desserts is an easy way to get in your recommended servings of fruit! Pocket Pies , or a tasty Fruit Salsa with crackers or sweet chips are excellent dessert options. Looking for a vegetable to highlight? Try a crustless pumpkin pie.
Gather around the punch bowl– Whether you’re playing sports, singing on a grand stage, or getting together with friends and family, everyone needs to stay hydrated! Serving up water with frozen fruit and herbs or spices, plain water or unsweetened iced tea or coffee are low-cost options that won’t break the bank. Looking for punch? Bubbly water with a splash of 100% fruit juice can be a great choice for a sweet drink without a lot of added sugar.
When you are hosting a game day event or holiday, easy, simple, and delicious recipes are a must. Below are some ideas to add a healthy variety to your game day meals.
Put a Spin on Your Dish– If you’re looking for a new snack, try mixing it up. Our white chili recipe in this newsletter is excellent as a main dish or a dip for chips and crackers.
Gather around the punch bowl– Whether you’re playing sports, singing on a grand stage, or getting together with friends and family, everyone needs to stay hydrated! Serving up water with frozen fruit and herbs or spices, plain water or unsweetened iced tea or coffee are low-cost options that won’t break the bank. Looking for punch? Bubbly water with a splash of 100% fruit juice can be a great choice for a sweet drink without a lot of added sugar.
Plan for Variety– At your next event, choose snacks and dishes that include a variety of foods from all 5 MyPlate food groups. Not only does MyPlate provide a wide range of foods for you and your family to choose from, but it also gives you the opportunity to try new dishes.
Choose Fruit for a Sweet Alternative– Fruit is an excellent source of fiber and nutrients! Including fruit in desserts is an easy way to get in your recommended servings of fruit! Pocket Pies , or a tasty Fruit Salsa with crackers or sweet chips are excellent dessert options. Looking for a vegetable to highlight? Try a crustless pumpkin pie.
Let the Games Begin
Coin Toss Workout– Watching a show or a game as part of your celebration? Who gets to decide the next physical activity during the next break? Flip a coin to find out!
Roll the Dice Workout Can’t decide on an activity, let the dice decide!
For this activity, you need 2 dice and a piece of paper. Make a list from 1-6 of easy workout activities. The first dice you roll chooses the activity; the second dice you roll indicates how many you do! Simple as that.
Have a little more time to prepare? Click the link to try or DIY Dice Game Workout.
Snack Attack Scavenger Hunt- Oh no! The ingredients for a healthy snack have scattered around the house. Can the family find them before the timer runs out and still have time to make a snack?
For this activity, pick an easy, simple recipe, like this banna sushi recipe, or this black bean and corn salsa. Hide them around the house and see who can find them before making the snack together as a family.
“Touchdown” Dance Off– You’re watching a game, and your team scored! Celebrate with a quick dance off and see who has the best moves that rock the party.
Cleanup Race– Your celebration is almost over, but there’s still time for some fun! Set a timer for 5 minutes and assign everyone tasks. How much is clean after 5 minutes, and who did the most?
Watching the game is only half the fun. Make being active part of your celebration! Physical activity doesn’t have to be outside- below are some activities you and your family can do during timeouts or halftime.
Coin Toss Workout– Watching a show or a game as part of your celebration? Who gets to decide the next physical activity during the next break? Flip a coin to find out!
Roll the Dice Workout Can’t decide on an activity, let the dice decide!
- For this activity, you need 2 dice and a piece of paper. Make a list from 1-6 of easy workout activities. The first dice you roll chooses the activity; the second dice you roll indicates how many you do! Simple as that.
- Have a little more time to prepare? Click the link to try or DIY Dice Game Workout.
Snack Attack Scavenger Hunt- Oh no! The ingredients for a healthy snack have scattered around the house. Can the family find them before the timer runs out and still have time to make a snack?
- For this activity, pick an easy, simple recipe, like this banna sushi recipe, or this black bean and corn salsa. Hide them around the house and see who can find them before making the snack together as a family.
“Touchdown” Dance Off– You’re watching a game, and your team scored! Celebrate with a quick dance off and see who has the best moves that rock the party.
Cleanup Race– Your celebration is almost over, but there’s still time for some fun! Set a timer for 5 minutes and assign everyone tasks. How much is clean after 5 minutes, and who did the most?
News and Updates
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Fall Feature Recipe
White Chili
A great make-ahead recipe that can be stored and reheated to save you valuable time during game day or family events.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken, or diced boneless, skinless turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (1/2teaspoon powder)
- 4-6 cups low sodium broth
- 2 small jalapeños, diced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 6 cups Great Northern beans cooked (p. 426) or 3 15-ounce cans, drained
- Black pepper to taste
Directions
- Wash hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds.
- In a large saucepan, or electric skillet, brown poultry and onions on medium heat. Add garlic when meat is browned, and onions begin to soften.
- Add 4 cups chicken broth, jalapeño, if desired, and chili powder. Stir. Simmer 10 – 15 minutes.
- Add beans, black pepper, and additional broth or water, if needed.
- Heat through. Do not boil.
- Serve hot. Add toppings, and serve over chips or rice, if desired.
Makes 9 cups | 6 servings
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