Pink Bottom Cupcakes

It is a really simple recipe and something you can make with kids.  It basically consists of a store bought cake mix, some cream cheese, sugar, and white chocolate chips, along with the other things you normally need to make store bought cake mix.

I like the simplicity of the recipe, and the cupcakes taste really good!  Try it out and let us know what you think.  Check out the video below for step by step instructions on how to make Pink Bottom Cupcakes:

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Women: Life-changing tips for better health and energy

(ARA) – Moms, career women, singles enjoying life with close friends and family, and even women approaching their retirement years – women at every life stage can benefit from adding simple activities to improve their happiness and health. Activities can range from enjoying a delicious breakfast to incorporating a cardiovascular workout to limbering up and stretching those muscles.

In honor of National Women’s Health Week, May 13 to 19, consider incorporating a new element to your day to enrich your lifestyle, improve your digestive health and give you energy to tackle the rest of your day. Need some ideas? Try one of these options:

* Flexible body – Healthy stretching can improve flexibility, and help reduce joint or muscle pain. Target core muscles in the legs – such as hips, thighs and calves – and in the upper torso including the lower back, neck and shoulders. While stretching, don’t bounce, or push the stretch past the point of pain. Gently hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.

* Fun workouts – Exercise can be a very negative word for some women, but there are several ways to enjoy a physical workout. Like to dance? Sign up for an adult jazz, ballroom dance or even Zumba class. Don’t like to sweat? Take your workout to the pool with some water aerobics. Bored? Bring a friend or family member with you for some exercise like a bike ride, inline skating, a walk or maybe even a yoga class.

* Breakfast treats – What you consume at the beginning of the day can determine how the rest of your day goes. Getting good amounts of fiber and protein through fruits and dairy products is a great way to target heart health, and maintain high energy levels throughout the day. Enjoy a fruit smoothie at the start of your day, and add some Sunsweet Prune Juice a good source of six vitamins and minerals naturally found in California-grown prunes. This all natural, high quality juice is a great way to introduce more fiber, potassium and magnesium into your diet. Try this smoothie recipe to kick start your day:

Sweet and Sassy Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain or vanilla low fat yogurt
1/2 cup Sunsweet Prune Juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 medium banana, peeled
* For an extra boost of protein, add 1/4 egg substitute or 2 tablespoons protein powder
3 ice cubes

Directions:
In a blender container, combine all ingredients except the ice cubes. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes, cover and blend until ice is chopped.

* Me time – The constant on-the-go of children, careers, spouses and thousands of activities can wear a woman down. Add a little “me time” into the daily schedule. Try setting the alarm 10 minutes earlier for stretching before tackling the day. Over the lunch hour, take a walk to a local park in nice weather, or call your best friend for a quick catch up. Or take the time before bedtime to paint your toenails or read a novel. Consider adding a half hour of interrupted time for an at-home spa treatment. This “me time” is very important for a female’s mental and emotional well-being, and should cater to her specific indulgences.

Adding a new healthy living event on a daily basis should be a goal for every woman to boost her health, her energy levels and even emotions. For additional general health tips, recipes and information from dietitians, purchase two Sunsweet Juice products and receive a free Healthy Mornings Guide. Visit www.facebook.com/SunsweetJuice to learn more.

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Fisher Grilled Asian Steak Salad

(ARA) – As summer approaches, you’re more inclined to opt for fresher foods and simpler meals. But lighter fare doesn’t mean a boring bed of lettuce. There are plenty of delicious ways to get creative with your leafy greens, making your salad the star of the cookout.

Here are a few tips to make your salad worthy of top billing:

* Go nuts: Almonds, pecans and walnuts provide flavor, body and crunch, giving your salad the perfect boost. Nuts are some of the most versatile salad add-ins, as they go well with both sweet and savory flavors. Keep re-sealable packs of Fisher(R) Pecan Halves, Walnuts and Slivered Almonds on hand for a fresh and easy addition to any salad.

* Sass up your salads: Leafy greens are often the foundation of any salad, but don’t forget to add other veggies. Snap peas provide a fresh and delicious crunch, and cucumbers are a cool and refreshing addition during the hottest summer months.

* A fruitful effort: Dried or fresh fruits provide sweet and tart flavors to complement the more bitter varieties of leafy greens, like arugula. Adding something like Fisher Dried Cranberries can really help even out the flavor of a salad that’s heavy on the veggies. Try mixing in dried cranberries and Fisher Chopped Walnuts for a great one-two punch.

* Say cheese: The right cheeses provide a rich and savory boost to your salad. Feta works well with a vinaigrette dressing, and freshly shredded Parmesan is a great way to top off almost any salad.

* Fire up the grill: Even if you’re going lighter with your main course, you can still grill something tasty for your get-together. Beef up your salad with a cut of fine meat, marinated in your favorite dressing. Then, drizzle the dressing on your salad too. Try this Grilled Asian Salad from Fisher Nuts and let your salad dressing do double-duty.

Fisher Grilled Asian Steak Salad

Marinade and dressing:
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons less-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Salad:
8 ounces boneless beef top sirloin steak, about 3/4-inch thick
1 package (10 ounces) hearts of romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped red or green bell pepper
1/4 cup julienne sliced carrot
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup Fisher Chef’s Naturals Whole Almonds, toasted

Directions:
1. For marinade, combine all ingredients in small bowl; whisk until blended. Reserve 2/3 cup for salad dressing.
2. Place steak and remaining marinade in resealable plastic food storage bag; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator several hours or overnight; turning occasionally.
3. Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium coals. Remove steak from bag; discard marinade. Place steak on grid of grill. Grill, uncovered, 12 to 15 minutes turning occasionally or until preferred doneness.
4. Remove steak from grill to cutting board. Carve steak crosswise into thin slices.
5. Meanwhile, place lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, carrot, and onion in large bowl; toss. Arrange salad on large serving platter; top with steak slices. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve with reserved dressing.

For more summer recipes, go to www.fishernuts.com/recipes. Visit Fisher Nuts on Facebook and share your summer entertaining ideas.

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Steak with Gorgonzola Thyme Crust

(ARA) – Simply put, summer is entertaining season. Patio parties come together at the last minute and long-planned events fill up the calendar months in advance. But no matter whether you’re having an impromptu gathering or an invitation-only celebration, focusing on the flavors and sensory delights of summer will make your party a success, without demanding too much of your time.

The heart of any party is the food and drinks you serve. Summer offers hosts an array of delicious options unlike any other season – when else can you find as much variety and such good quality, often right from the farm? Let that spirit of simplicity guide your approach to putting together a meal, and you’ll find that easy-to-prepare recipes can be real crowd-pleasers.

With a trip to the farmers market and a stop at the grocery store, you can get inspiration, as well as all the ingredients you’ll need. As you shop, consider what’s in season, and when buying things that are available all year like cheese and meats, look for sustainable options that focus on quality, sustainability and letting natural, unadorned flavors shine through.

Grass-fed beef steaks and handcrafted Salemville Amish blue cheeses are two simple ingredients that, when combined, make a show-stopping centerpiece. Add grilled vegetables adorned with herbs and a seasonal salad with a creamy dressing for a perfectly balanced plate that’s easy to put together and focuses on what’s in season. For drinks and desserts, turn your attention to fruits that are ripening at the moment, which provide maximum flavor with minimum effort. Lemonade with mint and blueberries is a refreshing thirst-quencher for the height of summer, and grilled peaches make a great stand-alone dessert.

While it’s hard to predict the weather for a pre-planned party, for spur-of-the-moment gatherings, make the most of the weather by choosing a scenic location. Your yard can be the perfect backdrop, but you can also pack up the ingredients and head to a local park and enjoy the natural setting as well as a glowing sunset.

To keep your home’s outdoor spaces party-ready, don’t underestimate the power of container gardening. Pots overflowing with bright flowers and fun foliage soften the space and make it feel naturally festive without having to decorate. Use pots of different heights for a staggered effect and a variety of plants – but keep in mind that establishing a theme, whether it’s chartreuse and pink or emerald green and orange, can make the look more cohesive.

Enjoying summer is as easy as stepping outside and setting your table with the fresh foods of the season. Try these recipes for your salad and steak courses and you’ll be preparing fuss-free dishes that perfectly capture the essence of good entertaining. For more recipes and grilling tips, visit www.salemville.com.

Summer Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients:
Dressing:
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup green onions (including green tops), thinly sliced
1/4 cup Salemville Amish Blue or Salemville Smokehaus Blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 clove garlic, pressed
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon rosemary, crushed
Dash salt, to taste

Salad:
1 large head iceberg lettuce
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup Salemville Amish Blue or Salemville Smokehaus Blue cheese, crumbled
Black pepper, to taste
Chopped pears, walnuts, red onion and/or tomatoes, to taste

Directions:
In small bowl, stir together yogurt and milk. Mix in onions, cheese, garlic, herbs and salt. Cover and chill 30 minutes or more to blend flavors.

Cook bacon until crisp and crumble into large pieces. Cut lettuce into four to six wedges. Pour blue cheese dressing over the top. Sprinkle bacon over dressing. Add additional crumbled cheese, freshly ground black pepper, chopped pears, walnuts, red onion and/or tomatoes, if desired. Makes four servings.

Steak with Gorgonzola Thyme Crust

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 beef tenderloin or small rib eye steaks (about 6 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick
1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup Salemville Amish Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Directions:
Preheat grill. Spoon Worcestershire sauce over both sides of the steaks and let stand five minutes. Sprinkle garlic and pepper over steaks.

Place steaks on the grill. Grill 3 to 4 inches from heat source three to four minutes per side for medium rare steak.

Remove steaks. Sprinkle thyme, then cheese over steaks. Return to the grill, cheese side up, and grill two minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

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Wasa Crisp 'N Light Wholesome Wheat with Fresh Fruit and Yogurt

(ARA) – Hunger pangs between breakfast, lunch and dinner can strike even those with the most nutritious meal regimens. In fact, snacking has increased in popularity; 97 percent of Americans snack daily, up from 71 percent four decades ago, according to a recent study from the Journal of Nutrition. That makes for a lot of snacking.

For those who believe snacks are off-limits, here’s a pleasant surprise – snacking can actually benefit a diet. In addition to curbing hunger, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that healthy snacks help keep your metabolism on track, stabilize blood sugar and provide the opportunity for supplementary nutrient intake. The Academy recommends consuming snacks with less than 200 calories.

Try these tips below for guidance on how to snack smart, while not sacrificing great taste.

* Mix ‘n match. Choose versatile snack options to keep up your new snacking habit. Wasa’s new Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat Crackerbread offers fewer calories and portion control. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed by itself, with a variety of toppings or as a bread substitute. One slice of bread is about 100 calories while three Crackerbread slices total only 70 calories.

When a savory craving kicks in, pair two slices of Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat with a thin layer of low-fat cream cheese, a slice of smoked salmon and sprinkle capers and chives on top. The salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to heart health, and the crunch of the Crackerbread offers a feeling of satiety.

If you have a sweet tooth, try this delicious recipe that boasts approximately 110 calories, three grams of protein and only two grams of fat.

Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat with Fresh Fruit and Yogurt

Ingredients:
1/2 orange, segmented
1/2 kiwi, thinly sliced
1 strawberry, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon mint, chopped
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 slices Wasa Crisp ‘N Light Wholesome Wheat Crackerbread

Directions:
Mix together all fruit and lime zest with lime juice and mint. Spread 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt on each Crackerbead slice. Top with a few tablespoons of the fruit mixture.

* Prepare. Instead of grabbing calorie-laden chips or candy, think of snacks as mini-meals and integrate them into your overall meal plan. By planning ahead and only eating when you are hungry, you will also avoid eating out of boredom or stress, according to The Academy.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend two to three cups of vegetables daily, so as you purchase vegetables for the week, set aside some for snack time. Try spicing up your normal veggie routine of broccoli and carrots by considering bell peppers or jicama, a root vegetable low in calories and high in vitamin C and potassium. Pair your veggies with a hummus dip for a fiber-packed snack.

* Go (a little) nuts. The Academy highlights that, in addition to providing protein, folic acid and zinc, nuts have been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Two tablespoons of raw or dry roasted slivered almonds, walnuts or pecans offers less than 200 calories and can be a great portable option.

For more snack ideas, visit www.Facebook.com/WASA.

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Up in smoke: Don't let a grilling mishap ruin your cookout

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Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine

(ARA) – Eating right and exercising are the two most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. We hear it time and again that these simple principles hold more power than the latest fad diet, and for those who heed the advice, the proof is in the results. However, it’s not always easy to figure out what’s really good for you in the process of building – or maintaining – a healthy body.

There’s no question about it: if you’re exercising regularly, the food you eat should support your workout routine. Whether you’re a casual visitor to the gym three times a week or training for your first 100-mile bike ride, proper nutrition is essential. That means paying attention to the nutrient content of the foods you’re eating, as your body will use and demand them differently than if you were living a sedentary lifestyle. And don’t be fooled – there are lots of foods which are packed with sugar and calories, with no or few important nutrients, aimed at athletes.

For fitness fanatics and newcomers alike, smart snacking options can provide an added boost of nutrients that the body needs – even when you’re on the go. Consider making a combination of these snacks a regular part of your routine.

* Pistachios. Not all nuts are the same, and studies are increasingly finding that these little green treats might just be an athlete’s best friend. Pistachios are packed with nutrients that rank among the most important for optimal performance and health. They provide wholesome protein that is crucial for building and repairing muscle, in addition to gamma-tocopherol (a member of the vitamin E family) that has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant nutrients, which can be sapped during intensive exercise. The healthy fats in pistachios, which are the “Official Snack” of the USA Water Polo Men’s and Women’s teams, are no threat to your workout results, either – in fact, they’ll bolster your routine because they are a fuel for endurance.

* Fruits and vegetables. The USDA’s new dietary guidelines make no bones about it – fruits and vegetables are an incredibly important part of a healthy diet. And for athletes, they’re a great source of vitamins and minerals that are important when your body is subjected to the extra demands of exercise. Choosing fruits and vegetables over juices can also give you added fiber to keep your body healthy. Whether you pack fresh or dried fruits and veggies for your pre- or post-workout snack, you can be sure that you’re giving your body the extra vitamins it needs for top performance.

* Whole grains. No, you don’t need to carry a loaf of bread with you. Instead, look for small, portable bars that offer the multiple benefits of natural whole grains. They’re yet another source of healthy fiber that can help keep you going and will keep you from feeling hungry again shortly after you’ve eaten. And because they’re whole, these grains retain much of their vitamin content that your body craves. If you can find bars that incorporate honey, so much the better, as it is yet another great source of energy.

Taking care of your body will help it serve you well over the years, whether you’re a student athlete, an active senior or anywhere in between. To do so, keep in mind that fitness and nutrition always go hand in hand and you’ll be able to get the results you really want. For more information about healthy snacking, visit www.AmericanPistachios.org, where you’ll also find delicious recipes like Thyme and Garlic Pistachios.

Thyme and Garlic Pistachios by Chef Grant MacPherson

1 pound American pistachios, in-shell
4 sprigs thyme, chopped
1/2 ounce garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons canola oil
Sea salt to taste
Warm canola oil in roasting pan on the stovetop, add the pistachios and toast. Add the sliced garlic and thyme sprigs, continue toasting until the garlic and thyme have coated the pistachios; season with sea salt to taste. Remove from heat, serve warm in the vessel of your choice.

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Healthy children's options are now appearing on restaurant menus

(ARA) – Today’s youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What’s encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating – and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive.

The restaurant industry is supporting those efforts by doing its part to address the nation’s healthy living challenges and to help improve children’s nutrition offerings.

Last July, the National Restaurant Association launched Kids LiveWell, a first-of-its-kind voluntary program in which participating restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of menu items for children that meet established nutritional criteria based on current dietary recommendations, including the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Well-balanced lifestyle habits established early in childhood, including healthy eating and physical activity, can help to reduce weight gain and the potential risk of disease later in life. The goal is to provide more healthful meal options for children, including a variety of nutrient-rich food groups, when families are dining out. Through Kids LiveWell, parents are provided with the confidence that they can take their families out to eat and enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal.

Across the country, participating restaurants have increased the variety and number of offerings on the children’s menu when it comes to fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, while limiting unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. By offering more options and pairing healthful foods together on one plate, restaurants are providing a real-life opportunity for parents to educate children about well-balanced nutrition choices while eating away from home.

Since last year’s kick-off, the number of restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program has more than tripled and now stands at 68 restaurant brands representing more than 22,000 locations nationwide. The brands range from casual dining such as Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s to neighborhood eateries, from quick serve restaurants like Burger King to fine dining establishments, and the variety and volume of brands is slated to grow as the program further evolves.

Parents can learn more at HealthyDiningFinder.com, which also has a mobile website for parents on the go. Follow the program on Twitter @KidsLiveWell and Facebook to stay informed of new participating restaurants and other health and wellness news.

Everyone can play an important role in turning the tide and nourishing the health and well-being of children and families. For restaurants, providing and highlighting healthful menu options can help parents and children select menu choices that help young patrons grow and thrive. Make yourself a part of the solution too by supporting the menu items and restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell program and, if you don’t see your family’s favorite dining spot on HealthyDiningFinder.com, urge the restaurant to join the cause. By committing to healthful eating and encouraging kids to be more physically active, you are helping to provide healthier futures for children – one meal at a time.

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Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family's health

(ARA) – A visit to your local grocer provides thousands of food options, and it’s likely you’ve recently noticed an increase in the number of healthier choices, including organic offerings and expanded produce selections. But what are the next big things when it comes to healthy food?

Here are some healthy food trends to look for the next time you’re at your local grocery store:

Trend 1: Sprouted grains
You’ve heard plenty about whole grain, but the next level of whole grains is called “sprouted grains.” Because the process of germination changes the composition of grain and seeds in numerous ways, sprouting can increase vitamin content and aid in digestion of the entire grain so your body better absorbs all the nutrients. Food for Life is at the forefront of this trend and offers different products using grains sprouted under an exclusive process. For example, new Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Waffles are made from sprouted grains to maximize nutrition while retaining important natural fiber and bran. These waffles come in several varieties including original, golden flax, blueberry and apple nut. For more information about sprouted grain products, visit www.foodforlife.com.

Trend 2: Omega-3 additives
For years, lots of the food found on grocers’ shelves has been enriched with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Bread might contain iron, orange juice might have added calcium – these additions are often advertised on the product’s label. The newest nutrient being added to some of our favorite foods is omega-3. This essential fatty acid has been shown to have numerous benefits when consumed, from reducing risks of illnesses such as heart disease, to aiding in brain growth for children. You’re likely to see more omega-3 additives in your favorite foods, such as cereal, juice, eggs and even your pet’s food.

Trend 3: Fruits and veggies galore
The benefits of fruits and vegetables cannot be overstated. This was apparent when in 2011 the USDA replaced the old food pyramid with the new circular icon called MyPlate that recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. More people are making an effort to eat a rainbow of colorful produce each day and they want the freshest items possible. Continued demand for locally produced foods is inspiring droves of people to visit their local farmers markets for seasonal fruits and vegetables. These items are usually picked at the peak of freshness, providing you with an optimum amount of vitamins and minerals. Plus your squash or potatoes won’t have to travel thousands of miles before they get to your pantry.

Trend 4: Plant-based “dairy” products
Interest in plant-based foods is building steam, even among those who don’t have a lactose sensitivity. This interest has inspired a variety of dairy alternatives to appear on grocery shelves. Plant-based foods are known to contain higher levels of nutrients and often have little or no bad fats/oils. As an alternative to 2-percent cow’s milk, now you can easily find almond or coconut milk at your local store. Soy ice creams of today are also far better than in years past. Butter can be made from fruit and sour cream is now made from tofu.

From sprouted grains to healthy new additives, these food trends are growing in popularity because they are delicious ways to benefit your health. Visit your local grocery store or co-op to try something new today.

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School lunch fuels success for spring sports

(ARA) – Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs, finding the energy for spring’s after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush.

While breakfast is often tapped as the most important meal of the day, lunch is arguably just as critical for all-day performance, says Sue Moores, a registered dietitian in St. Paul, Minn. “What kids eat during lunch at school should help them stay focused and concentrate for afternoon classes, plus help to carry them through their after-school activities.”

According to Moores, the best school lunch contains foods rich in protein and wholesome carbohydrates, plus foods filled with vitamins and minerals, and some good old-fashioned fiber. This mix of foods provides energy for the brain and muscles that can last for several hours.

Missing out on lunch means missing out in class and on the field. Skipping lunch, or choosing a lunch of chips, cookies and a sugary drink – two options school food service directors say they see far too often at the middle and high school age – is detrimental to school performance and athletic endeavors.

“We know that eating poorly affects a student’s physical and concentration capabilities, so we work hard in our program to make sure we provide good options – foods students like to eat, such as teriyaki chicken stir-fry and whole-grain, reduced-fat pizza, that are created to be more healthful and wholesome,” says Amy Herrold, child nutrition supervisor, Edmond, Okla.

What makes a good lunch? Herrold suggests these options from the lunch line:

* Salad bar that includes romaine lettuce, shredded or diced vegetables, cottage cheese or hard-boiled eggs, a drizzle of dressing, plus whole-grain breadsticks, fruit and a low-fat milk.

* Roast beef or ham sandwich on whole-wheat bread, accompanied by an orange, carrot sticks with dip and a low-fat milk.

* Tony’s(R) LiveSmart Schools(TM) whole-grain crust pizza, with carrot and celery sticks, grapes and water.

* Quesadillas or a flatbread sandwich with a mixed lettuce salad, melon and a low-fat milk.

* Turkey/veggie wrap with pineapple and mandarin oranges, pretzel sticks and a low-fat chocolate milk.

* Baked potato with broccoli and low-fat cheese sauce, orange wedges, whole-wheat roll and a low-fat milk.

A good lunch equals better results after school

“On any given day, I can tell you within minutes which kids have eaten a healthy lunch and will be productive during practice or in a tournament, and which ones haven’t,” says Jeff Doherty, golf coach at Edmond North High School, Edmond, Okla., who was recently named one of just 20 National Coaches of the Year for 2011 by the National Federation of State High School Associations. “Food is so closely tied to sports performance. More kids today are realizing just how important what they eat is to how they’ll practice or play in the game that afternoon.”

“Athletes who want to get the most out of themselves and rise to the top pay attention to food,” says Moores. “There’s an undeniable connection between food and performance whether it’s on the golf course, the soccer field, the stage or as first chair in the trombone section.”

Lunch provides the energy and endurance for afternoon activities. A nutrient-rich lunch leaves the stomach within four hours and is in the muscles ready for release come afternoon, when the student really needs it, says Moores. No lunch means no energy. The chips-cookie-and-sugary-drink-meal may offer a surge of “liveliness” but, as Moores explains, is quickly followed by a significant dip in it.

Doherty appreciates the work being done by Edmond Public Schools to provide the best options for students. “The increased attention being paid to nutrition throughout our district and at schools across the country is a benefit to all student athletes,” says Doherty. “We want to help kids understand they’re putting fuel in to run a machine – their body,” continues Doherty. “When you eat good food, it allows you to have better results, and I can tell you, the results are noticeable, immediate and lasting.”

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