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The Oliver Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Oliver Foundation Healthy Choices Grant
The goal of the Oliver Foundation is to encourage children, families and communities in Texas to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of Pre-K, elementary and Middle School children.
Grants will be awarded to Texas non-profit organizations, agencies and schools that demonstrate the greatest need and likelihood of sustainable impact on children's nutrition and activity levels through innovative programs.
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This month's recipe prepared by Sydney Fucci, Event Coordinator for the Teen Board. |
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Recipe
Red Lentil Soup
Yield: 6, 1 cup servings
INGREDIENTS
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (1 large onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped carrots, halved lengthwise
1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
1 teas. black pepper
1 teas. paprika
Juice of one freshly squeezed lemon
3/4 cup cilantro, chopped
PREPARATION
In a medium saucepan add 6 cups of low-sodium broth.
Add chopped onion, garlic, coriander, paprika and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil gently uncovered for five minutes.
Add red lentils, reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add carrots, cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes until lentils are thoroughly cooked and soup has thickened.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Serve.
Visit the Oliver Foundation website for more recipes.
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Do you know someone - a parent or teacher - who would like to receive the Oliver Kids TEAM Newsletter? Forward this newsletter to them and help them 
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Heart Healthy Month
February is American Heart Month.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.
Risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physically inactive and family history.
You should also know your numbers: cholesterol and blood pressure.
Total cholesterol -
less than 200 mg/dl Puts you at a lower risk for heart disease
HDL - good cholesterol, higher levels are better
60mg/dl and above
LDL - bad cholesterol
less than 100mg/dl Optimal
Triglycerides
less than 100mg/dl Optimal
Blood Pressure
less than 120/80 (systolic/diastolic)
Maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active and not smoking are still the best approaches to preventing heart disease.
For more complete information about cholesterol levels and additional risk factors go to the American Heart Association website.
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Fiber and Heart Health
Changing how you eat can make a big difference in your heart health. A heart healthy diet should be one rich in vegetables and fruit, low in fat, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and should be a diet rich in whole-grain and high-fiber foods.
The average American consumes 15 grams of fiber daily. How much do you need? According to the Institute of Medicine, women need 25 grams and men should get 38 grams of fiber per day.
There are two types of fibers found in food: insoluble and soluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water. Insoluble fiber does not. To some degree these differences determine how each fiber functions in the body and benefits your health.
Insoluble fibers are considered gut-healthy fiber because they have a laxative effect and add bulk to the diet, helping prevent constipation. These fibers do not dissolve in water, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract relatively intact, and speed up the passage of food and waste through your gut. Insoluble fibers are mainly found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Soluble fibers attract water and form a gel, which slows down digestion. Soluble fiber delays the emptying of your stomach and makes you feel full, which helps control weight. Slower stomach emptying may also affect blood sugar levels and have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity, which may help control diabetes. Soluble fibers can also help lower LDL ("bad") blood cholesterol by interfering with the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
Sources of soluble fiber: oatmeal, oat cereal, lentils, apples, oranges, pears, oat bran, strawberries, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, dried peas, blueberries, psyllium, cucumbers, celery, and carrots.
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Meet the Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board
 The Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board is a 12 member organization represented by students across the Houston area.
Each month you'll meet a different member who will share their perspective on living a healthy life.
Grant Mueller is the 2012-2013 President of the Teen Board. He is a Senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. He has served on the Teen Board since 2009. Grant plays varsity football and golf. He is also an active member of Student Council and various service organizations.
Grant believes that small steps lead to big changes.
Choose low-fat milk over whole milk, skim is even better.
Add low-fat protein to your diet, such as chicken or turkey - of course cooked in a healthy way and without the skin.
Skip sugary snacks, nuts are a great substitute and high in protein.
Drink water instead of sugary sports drinks.
Getting the right amount of sleep every night is valuable to your overall health, aim for at least 8 hours.
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The Heart Obstacle Course
 GRADE: K - 5
OBJECTIVE: Students will incorporate learning about the heart with physical activity.
MATERIALS:
Scooter boards
Foam balls
Rope
Crawl tunnel
INSTRUCTION:
PE coach will set up an obstacle course that represents the human heart; complete with valves, arteries and veins. The students will act as the blood flowing through the heart.
Students will pull themselves on ropes and scooter boards to the "heart", then to the lungs where they will get "oxygen". Foam balls can represent oxygen.
After being "oxygenated" they will crawl through a healthy "aorta".
After the obstacle course, a discussion can be held about the importance of keeping the body healthy through exercise and healthy eating to prevent the buildup of fats and cholesterol.
Looking for more nutrition integrated lessons? Go to the Oliver Kids Manual where you'll find 50+ lessons.
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Have you created a Healthy School Environment in your district? Send us an e-mail and tell us all about it - info@oliverfoundation.org .
You may be spotlighted in the next Oliver Foundation newsletter - T.E.A.M. Talk.
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Sincerely,
Oliver Foundation |
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