FCS Nutrition Advisory Board/Healthy Communities Program

The FCS Nutrition Advisory Board/Healthy Communities Program met on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at the LaPlace Library and discussed events coming to St. John the Baptist Parish. Some of the things coming in the near future include:

• Diabetes Walk at East St. John High School on Saturday, April 29
• 2-week Health Clinic with the Military through the Department of Health & Human Services from July 12-22 at East St. John High School
• Relay for Life at Joe Keller Stadium on April 8, 2017, from 2-10 p.m.
• St. John Parish Clean Sweep at Tom Daley Park on Highway 51 in LaPlace on April 29, 2017
• St. John Child Development Center Easter Egg Hunt April 13, 2017

Give A Hoot About Saving (Louisiana Federal Credit Union)

April 22, 2017, is Youth Month event Give a Hoot about Saving with the Louisiana Federal Credit Union. What kind of saver is your child? One who saves happily, or with a scowl? Every saver is unique, but most people who save regularly developed the habit early in life. This is why Louisiana FCU created programs and services designed specifically for young people. One of those is our Youth Month programming. Every member under the age of 18 who makes a deposit during the month of April will receive a special gift. By helping your child Give a Hoot about Saving, you’ll help them soar when they’re older. Visit us online or stop by your local branch to learn more about youth savings. www.LouisianaFCU.org

Healthy Recipe

Cool Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1 cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup broccoli florets

Instructions:

• Place the yogurt and sour cream in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
• Peel cucumber and cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds by scraping them out with a spoon. Grate one half of the cucumber until you have ½ cup grated cucumber. Reserve the remaining cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in the mixing bowl with the yogurt and sour cream.
• Add lemon juice, garlic powder, dried dill weed, salt and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
• Cover the dip and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Stir again just before using.
• Cut the remaining cucumber into ¼ inch slices. Arrange the cucumber slices, baby carrots and broccoli florets on a platter. Serve with Cool Cucumber Yogurt Dip.

Louisiana FCU Trainings

April 26, 2017 – Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

May 24, 2017 -- Sending Your Child to College

June 21, 2017 -- Medicare and Your Retirement

July 19, 2017 – Strong Women, Powerful Financial Strategies

August 23, 2017 – Divorce Changes Everything. First Your Independence

September 27, 2017 – Identity Theft

October 25, 2017 – Estate Planning for Women

All of these trainings will be held at the Louisiana FCU Training Center at 406 East Airline Highway, LaPlace, from 6–7:30 p.m. Please RSVP at getsmart@LouisianaFCU.org or call 985-653-1736.

If you would like to participate in any of these nutrition workshops, please call Cynthia Clifton at 985-497-3261.

Nutrition Blog

POPCORN

Healthy Snack We’re Not Eating Often Enough

Do you crave a big bucket of popcorn when you go to the movies or just sit at home and watch a DVD or movie? Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks to eat. Popcorn has polyphenol, which is a type of chemical found in plant foods that help neutralize free radicals that damage cells and contribute to rapid aging. Popcorn has more antioxidants in total than other snack foods that is consumed and also has a lot of fiber. The polyphenol is enough encouragement to fire up the popcorn maker often.

Don’t Buy Microwave or Processed Popcorn

Preparation and sourcing are critical, so don’t go out to purchase microwave or movie popcorn that is loaded with fats and salt for flavor.

The healthiest popcorn is made the old-fashioned way: on the stovetop or an air popcorn maker. Popcorn is so cheap, most people will find that a nice bag of organic kernels fits into the tightest food budgets. The best oil to cook your popcorn in coconut oil. After popping, sprinkle with sea salt if you just need to have salt on the popcorn. Even though homemade popcorn is a healthy and fantastic snack, don’t overdo but do in moderation as with anything that is eaten.