Hunger-- Do you accept the challenge?

The past few years have been economically tough for many Americans. To mainstream the struggle, food banks and related programs across the nation are sponsoring a "Food Stamp Challenge". Could you live off the daily $4.15 allowance... each day for a week?

I like to think that I eat fairly healthy in a sort-of thrifty way. However, considering this challenge gave me a bit of a headache. And, the FBCENC "sample menus" deeply saddened me... both as a health educator and a person.

As an exercise in awareness and humility, I encourage you to consider trying this with me (officially starts next week). Even if you only do a couple days or use a slightly higher dollar amount, it still offers a valuable perspective. Unfortunately, not all of our neighbors are lucky enough to have those choices...

Feel free to share your "Food Stamp Challenge" experiences and/or frustrations on the blog.

- For "rules" & to register online for the Food Stamp Challenge:  FBCENC Food Stamp Challenge
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC) serves 34 NC counties, including Granville & Vance Counties.

- Celebrity experiences:
The Chew's Mario Batali (some creative ideas from a chef)
Phoenix. AZ Mayor Greg Stanton

- Possible Recipes or Meal Ideas:
Food Network's 4 Family Dinners for $10 or Less
Better Home & Gardens' 20 Healthy Dinner Recipes Under $3
EatingWell's Cheap Eats
Delish.com's A Dozen Healthy Dinners for $3 per Serving
WebMD's Cheap & Healthy: 15 Nutritious Foods for About $2

ABCs of Breakfast

How often have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
Well, research has proven the old adage is actually true. Eating a healthy breakfast has been shown to go hand-in-hand with:

- reduced hunger levels later in the day (possibly why it's recommended for both losing & maintaining a healthy weight).
- a more nutritionally complete diet.

- increased concentration in both kids & adults.

- increased energy.
- lower cholesterol levels (even when eating eggs) & a decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Need inspiration or new ideas? Check out:
- WebMD's The Many Benefits of Breakfast

- Kids' Health Ready, Set, Breakfast! (written for kids but great for all ages!)

- Cooking Light's 12 Smart Ideas for Breakfast on the Go

- Eating Well's Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Don't have time? Not hungry in the morning?
Read Fitness Magazine's No More Excuses- Breakfast Recipes for Every Morning.

Need a FREE Medical Check-up?

Healthy Living For a Lifetime Event

Date:  Wed., Sept. 26, 2012 

Time:  10:00am – 6:00pm

Location:  Just $ave parking lot (116 Granville Corners in Oxford... behind McDonald's on Linden Ave).
Although this event is predominately for Granville County residents, everyone is welcome!

Services:  Various health screenings including Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Body Mass Index, Bone Density and Vascular Ultrasound. Plus, there will be informational booths regarding the many health-related programs, services, and providers located in our community.
** Note:  For the most accurate results, at least 8 hours of fasting is recommended but not required.

Cost:  NONE

Catch:  NONE
Healthy Living for a Lifetime (www.healthylivingforalifetime.com) is an initiative sponsored by Farm Bureau of NC. They seek to provide rural North Carolinians with the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle by providing FREE professional health screenings, educational materials, and resources designed to encourage a commitment to healthy living.

Please help us spread the word.  

If you have questions, contact Shasheena Atkins (Granville Co Health Dept) at satkins@gvdhd.org or 919-693-2141.

Con-mercials

Media sources are reporting that over 90% of advertising slots for the Super Bowl have already been sold. Why are companies chomping at the bit to pay a record high $3.7 million (or more) for 30 seconds of your attention?

"Put quite simply, it works!" explains a TV director. But, do commercials or other sales gimmicks really influence us?

Maybe...
- Merchandisers have learned that shoppers will buy more items if they advertise 3 items for $5 than a price of $1.67 each.
- Researchers found that both kids & adults ate more while watching TV with junk food ads (vs healthy food ads or non-food ads). Ironically, participants ate more of whatever snack was offered... not what was advertised. Interestingly enough, participants were unaware of the influence. To read a summary of the study, go to Psychology Today's Sneaky Commercials.
- Concerns are being voiced about the impact of "food porn" (close up, doctored photos of food). Ever seen a tasty looking treat on TV & get a craving? (Then, ever feel disappointed when you get the item? Much like pictures of models, professionals use lots of tricks to create the perfect image...)

So, what strategies are used to influence our behaviors?
- Scarcity:  An item is said to be limited in quantity, availability, or temporarily has a lower price.
- Authority:  Recommended by an "expert" (e.g., as with many diet plans/pills or fitness gadgets)
- Commitment:  Often based on an adopted or desired lifestyle choice or value system (e.g., "all-natural", no carbon footprint, etc.)
- Likability:  You like & trust the seller (e.g., a celebrity or your own family member).
- Consensus:  It is portrayed that everyone else is doing or buying it.

To learn more about the "tricks of the trade", check out:
- Advertising- What psychological tricks do they use? (4 minute video)
- Media Awareness Network's Food Ad Strategies List

Since the influence may be on the unconscious, health advocates recommend limiting TV time. Check out Eat Smart, Move More's Tame the Tube Tips for ideas.

Assignment-- Watch some commercials to identify the strategies used & the likely target audience. Share some of your favorites with us!

Pop Quiz!

It's back to school time! How much do you know about healthy eating?

Take WebMD's Test Your Nutrition IQ quiz to find out!

Need a refresher or want to learn more? Check out http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/.