Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL   36507

Carolyn Bivins

Regional Extension Agent

Human Nutrition, Diet & Health

July 28, 2009

“I like to move it, move it!” “He likes to move it, move it!”  “She  likes to move it, move it!” “We like to… MOVE IT!”

That little song (my grandchildren’s favorite) was playing through my mind as Susan Wingard and I drove into the parking lot of Tate Creek Faith Partnership Center in Blackshear, Alabama.  We were there to implement the Just Move Program.

Exercises and recipes from the Just Move Program proved to be very effective at getting a message about health and nutrition to youth attending the day camp in North Baldwin County.  This same program was also held in other surrounding counties in Southwest Alabama  this summer.

Susan Wingard, County Agent Coordinator for Baldwin County encouraged the youth to exercise and  play games.  She also introduced the MyPyramid to the Blackshear group.  This innovative activity used a large quilted MyPyramid that the children were prompted to place “foods” on the correct food groups.

Carolyn Bivins, Regional Extension Agent, explained the MyPyramid and encouraged the youth to always make healthy food choices.  Carolyn’s activity included 2 displays of foods on trays.  The first tray displayed foods high in nutritive value (a colorful array of fruits and vegetables) and the second tray showed foods low in nutritive value (soda, chips and candy).   She challenged the youth to select a variety of fruits and vegetables daily for good health and well being. 

A fun activity that the youth had an opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills was making smoothies and crunchy trail mix. The purpose of the activity was: to help the children learn to select lots of healthy foods, to follow directions in a recipe and to measure ingredients.  The children were reminded to always wash their hands before and during food preparation. They also learned that nutritious foods are tasty foods.  With a little creativity snack time can be fun!  For more information on eating a colorful variety of fruits and veggies everyday go to the following website: fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org and on MyPyramid go to www.MyPyramid.gov

Cool Smoothie

1 cup skim milk

1 cup fruit juice (assorted V-8 Splash* juices)                                        

1/2 cup sliced fruit (canned or fresh peaches, blueberries, or fruit cocktail)

1/2-1 cup crushed ice

 Artificial sweetener or sugar to taste (optional)

Measure milk and put in blender or food processor.

Add 1 cup yogurt to blender.

Measure fruit juice.

Add sliced fruit and a little crushed ice.

Add artificial sweetener or sugar to taste (optional).

Cover tightly and swirl in blender until smooth.

Munchy Trail Mix

Mix up munches in minutes!  Whole-grain cereal and dried fruits are naturals.  Prep time:  10 minutes.  Start to finish: 10 minutes   Makes 7 cups

     2 cups Cheerios* cereal (or like cereal)

     2 cups bite-size squares cereal (any variety)

     2 cups puffed rice cereal

     1 cup yogurt raisins (or assorted dried fruit)

     1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies (optional, (examples, mm’s)

     1 cup chopped almonds or peanuts (optional)

In large bowl or re-sealable food-storage plastic bag, mix all ingredients.  If serving to children under 4 years old, omit the raisins and peanuts.) Store tightly covered.  * Trade name was used for specific information.  Similar products may be substituted.

Nutritional Information:

½ Cup:  Calories 90 (calories from Fat 0): Total Fat ½ g (Saturated Fat 0g,  Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 130;  Total Carbohydrates 20g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugar 7g); Protein 2g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A, 4%,

Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 4%; Iron 25% Exchanges: I Starch; ½ Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable Carbohydrate*%Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

Recipe tip:  Whole Grain Goodness:  Eating at least 3 servings of whole grain daily may help reduce blood cholesterol.  Look for the word “whole” to be sure you get the whole grain. Source: eatbetteramerica

 Participants learned about MyPyramid at Tate Creek Faith Partnership Center

Youth at Tate Creek Faith Partnership Center prepare a healthy snack

 Youth in Southwest Alabama prepare a healthy snack.  

Email address: cbivins@aces.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.