Healthy Shoppers

Cami’s Corner: Eating healthy with Friends  Thanks to Melisa, Amanda and Danielle for sharing what you eat and being a part of Cami’s Corner and Teen Health in Maui!

Cami’s Assignment: Ask three of her friends what they eat for dinner with their families and then Cami’s response on maybe how they can make some healthy options!  Following with a few comments from me, Suzie

Amanda,

What is your typical family dinner? -Rice, beans, and chicken, with salad. Is the portion size typically a plate full, or what? -I go for one plate full, no seconds.

 Do you usually eat with your family together, or do you eat in front of the TV, etc? -It depends; we at least have a family dinner every week. I sometimes eat on the island, at the table, or in front of the TV.

Amanda’s eating habits are really good, one thing I would suggest though is to have less rice with her meal. Rice is fine, but in smaller portions. You do need your grains, Manda 🙂 Cami, you are right!

Nice job guys. I’d like to next time learn about the true portion sizes of food and what kind of salad dressing is being used too. Sometimes the creamy ones are hidden with lots of fat and a gazillion calories!  I’d like to see the rice be substituted, with a multigrain rice or brown rice. Chicken is excellent protein as long as the skin is removed.

Also keep in mind, while eating your meal while watching TV can sometimes lead to mindless eating. Amanda, it’s nice to see that your family eats together and provides a nice meal for everyone.  Thanks, Suzie!

 Danielle,

Rollerblading Fun!

What is the main meal you and your family eat together? -My usual meal always consists of fish. For example, yesterday we had fish burritos with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese. The fish was fresh too!

What is your typical portion size? -I don’t eat that much for dinner, maybe like one main dish and some snacks.*Laughs*

When you eat dinner, do you eat with your family, or alone (in front of the TV, etc.)? -Usually alone, on the couch in front of the TV, or in the kitchen.

I am very proud of Danielle’s eating habits. She is super healthy, and she sticks with what she knows is good for her body, and herself. She eats a lot of veggies with her meals, as she said above. One thing Danielle could do to improve her eating habits, is to maybe turn off the TV and enjoy her meal with her family. Cami, that’s a good observation and we’ll keep an eye on Danielle’s healthy eating habits so other kids can do the same!

Hey Danielle, it’s nice to see that you know all about making good choices. I giggled too and wondered just what kind of snacks you eat!

Do you eat dinner with all of your family, or alone. If you are alone, do you eat in front of the TV, or in another room? -I eat with my family, and sometimes we all watch movies together, or talk. The TV is usually on, and the family is always laughing together.

Melisa is very average with her eating habits. I suggest to Melisa that she eat more veggies with her meals. Vegetables are a important necessity for everyday meals. Also maybe turn off the TV and talk with your family more often! I like the drink she has a lot, because she is getting a lot of her fruits in.

-Cami

Melisa, Cami is correct to recommend maybe some more greens. Imagine looking at your plate like a clock! From 12-3 protein, 3-6 whole grain pasta or multi grain rice, then from 6-12, load up on dark green leafy veggies or a nice healthy salad. 

 Sounds like you are getting some nice fruit in your drinks. Love to hear that! And laughing with our family burns calories! Cool!

Well everyone has done a real good job here, sharing and helping each other discover ways to make a meal healthier. 

 You all are on the right track. So next time, watch your portions, and maybe help others in the house that may really load up their plates. You guys are active and on the go, be sure to eat enough but don’t over do it. Also, remember to drink lots of water. Not only is it good for your organs and other bodily functions, remember it’s great for your skin too! Ditch the sodas and save your teeth!

 Okay everyone, stayed tuned for more Cami’s Corner, and Teen Health on Maui!

Suzie Cooney, CPT