Blog
Earth Day – How it all began
April 16, 2012
Denise Simmons, Corporate Chef
In doing research for this post, I came across this article. It gives a detailed history of how Earth Day came to be. I found it fascinating, and learned a great deal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Read more about the history of Earth Day here: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement
How Earth – How it all began
April 16, 2012
Denise Simmons, Corporate Chef
In doing research for this post, I came across this article. It gives a detailed history of how Earth Day came to be. I found it fascinating, and learned a great deal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Read more about the history of Earth Day here: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement
Being sustainable
April 16, 2012
Sherri Meyer, MG Registered Dietitian,
Looking for inspiration for an earth week blog, I mentally evaluated my environmental habits. Unfortunately they are nothing to inspire a “being sustainable” post. Hmm, lets see, I still use disposable Keurig pods to make my coffee, my children are classic foods wasters (it seems the less I put on their plate, the less they eat), I have 2 children in disposable diapers & the only yogurt I can get my 2 year old to eat comes in individual disposable containers. As I evaluate my behaviors I realize most of them are a result of convenience…quick coffee, easy diaper disposal and avoidance of a “food fight” with my stubborn 2 year old. So, what is an “environmentalist wanna be” to do?! Well, rather than focusing on what I don’t do, I made another mental list of what environmentally responsible behaviors I do engage in. I recycle all my paper products, newspaper, plastic & glass & I bring my own reusable bags when I shop. I buy glass bottles of milk and return them to the store, I shop at the farmer’s market, have a small garden & buy local whenever I can. As I write this I realize even small contributions make a difference. If we all “do our part” as they say, aren’t we working together to save the planet? I will never live fully “green”, but I can continue to make my best effort and just take comfort in knowing my boys won’t be in diapers forever. In this new spring season I endeavor to work on my environmental deficiencies.
Trash Talk – Earth Week 2012
April 16, 2012
Becky Tweedy, Assistant to the President
Earth Week 2012
“All these little actions add up to something BIG…!”
‘Mobilize the Earth’ is the theme for 2012 as we are encouraged to be a part of one billion
ACTS OF GREEN
Do something to help the Earth today!
For more information go to http://www.earthday.org/
Weekly Wisdom – Why eggs
April 10, 2012
Sherri Meyer, MG Registered Dietitian,
Why eggs…are actually good for you
- Recent research suggests the cholesterol in foods only makes a small contribution to our blood cholesterol
- Studies don’t show an association between heart disease and eating eggs
- Eggs contain an impressive nutritional punch….Vitamin D, B vitamins, & 6 grams of protein
- A whole egg or 2 a day is not a problem for the majority of people. Replace your morning sugary muffin or sugary cereal & reap the nutritional benefits.
Weekly Wisdom – Decoding “healthy” bread labels
April 3, 2012
Sherri Meyer, MG Registered Dietitian,
Decoding “healthy” bread labels
- 100 % Whole Wheat - whole indicates the wheat’s heart healthy, high fiber bran & germ haven’t been removed.
- Multigrain/9-grain/12-grain - simply means your slice has several grains in it. Some or all may be refined (i.e. bran & germ are removed). Make sure the first ingredient listed is whole.
- Wheat Bread - This is a deceptive label as all bread is made from wheat. Be sure the ingredient states
whole wheat, not simply wheat.
Newfound love for cooking
April 3, 2012
Sherri Meyer, MG Registered Dietitian,
With a new baby and 2 toddlers, my free time to experiment in the kitchen is limited. However, we recently underwent a kitchen renovation which has left me with the desire to prepare delicious meals in my new light filled space. Until of course, I hear the crying baby and 2 little "helpers" who end up putting most of the food in their mouth (especially if it involves chocolate). That said, since we moved back into our new kitchen, I realize how an inviting space makes preparing meals so much more pleasurable. A recent meal of grilled cheese sandwiches prepared on our new stove gave me more pleasure than should be allowed when making such a simple meal. My surroundings have transformed my attitude about simple food preparation.
For the last 9 months I was uninspired and my previous love for baking and cooking was dampened. Simply being able to see the light and outdoors while I cook has rejuvenated my previous love for cooking. I am really looking forward to our first holiday meal in our new kitchen.
Foodborne illness could trigger health problems
April 3, 2012
Denise Simmons, Corporate Chef
Thanks to Brian for passing this along. It's yet one more excellent reason to be ever vigil about food safety! Does Foodborne Illness Trigger Lifelong Health Problems?
Here's a quick summary:
"The few studies that have followed victims of foodborne illness for years afterward show that later in life, they suffer higher-than-usual rates not only of digestive trouble, but of arthritis and kidney problems, as well as greater risk of heart attack and stroke."
To read the full article click here
Trash Talk – Spring & Summer Berry Season is fast approaching
April 2, 2012
Becky Tweedy, Assistant to the President
Spring & Summer Berry Season is fast approaching - Don’t let berries spoil & go to waste because you can’t eat them fast enough! Try this tip for storing fresh berries:
- Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar & 10 parts water (use white or cider vinegar)
- Pour berries into solution & swirl
- Drain well; rinse if desired, but not necessary (dilution is so weak, you will not taste the vinegar)
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Raspberries will keep for 1 week, strawberries and blueberries up to 2 weeks since the vinegar kills surface mold, spores & bacteria!
Trash Talk – Improving gas mileage
March 19, 2012
Becky Tweedy, Assistant to the President
Improving Gas Mileage – every little bit helps!
As gasoline prices continue to increase, an improvement of just one or two miles per gallon can really add up!
- Slow down As speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. You’ll save fuel, and be surprised that trips really don’t take that much longer!
- Check tire pressure Time & temperature affect tire pressure, and underinflated tires have more rolling resistance. Check pressure once a month and fill to manufacturer’s specifications
- Accelerate with care ‘Jack-rabbit’ starts (and hard brakes) are major fuel wasters; moderation is the key!
- Lighten up Keep your vehicle cleaned out. Additional weight adds up and wastes fuel. Every little bit helps!
- For more information, visit http://cars.about.com/od/helpforcarbuyers/tp/ag_top_fuelsave.htm
