Ms. Mason 2^nd grade class making strawberry and kale smoothie with the smoothie bike. The students really enjoyed pedaling the smoothie bike and making smoothie from something that they grew in their garden. This was a great exciting experience for the students. Great Job 2^nd graders!!!!

Nutrition Blog

Eating and Exercising for Good Health

Are you having problems working exercise into your day? Here are some things that you can do to make sure that you are getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

• Not having time to exercise for 30 minutes a day.
• Too tired after work.
• Right clothes.
• Too hot outside.
• Cannot afford to join a fitness center or buy equipment.
• Exercise is boring.
• Not safe to walk in neighborhood.

Do as much as you can during the day because every little bit counts. Try to do 10 minutes at least three times a day. Identify times during the day that you could exercise. Doing leg or arm exercise while sitting at work during your break or lunch. When at home, you could exercise by walking the dog around the neighborhood, parking farther away from the store or even doing commercial breaks while watching a movie.

Try to do some type of exercise before or after work or during the day.

Make sure you wear something that is comfortable and make sure your shoes are for walking or exercising. Make sure you wear comfortable sock that do not irritate your skin or foot.

If the temperature is too hot, cold, or rainy, find a place to walk inside such as a shopping mall or school gym.

Walking or using cans of food or water bottles for weights can be used to exercise.

Look for something you enjoy by trying different activities.

Look for indoor activities in community center or church. Invite your friends to exercise with you when at home. Using a school track can be helpful also.

Healthy Recipe

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fresh green beans washed, ends trimmed
• 2 cups half and half or whole milk
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 7 white mushrooms washed and sliced
• 2 slices of bacon chopped
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup French fried onions

Instructions:

• Cut all beans in half and cook in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
• Butter a 2 qt. baking dish and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, sauté bacon until crispy.
• Add butter, onion, and mushrooms and cook until soft.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch.
• Add the milk to the saucepan, half of a cup at a time and whisk until it thickens.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the mixture over the green beans. Toss gently to coat.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. You can cover the dish with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight or bake right away.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Top with French fried onions and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Let set in room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

The dish serves 5 people and has 169 calories.

Source: Smart Choices

If you are interested in scheduling a nutrition class for your organizations, please contact Cynthia Clifton, Nutrition Extension Agent, LSU AgCenter at 985-497-3261 or cclifton@agcenter.lsu.edu Visit our parish Facebook page at http://facebook.com/lsuagcenterstjohnparish

The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.