Yearly Archives: 2013

10 Healthy After-School Snacks

I used to serve my kids Goldfish crackers and granola bars after school. It’s not that Goldfish crackers and granola bars are a terrible option, but the crackers are not very nutritious, and the bars are typically high in sugar and low in protein. But it was easy to serve them something that I knew they would eat.

The past New Year, one of my resolutions was to clean out our cupboards of all the junky snack foods. The reasoning? If it’s not in the house, I can’t serve it. At first, the kids were annoyed. They missed their junky, or semi-junky snacks. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see how fast they adjusted to their new and improved after-school snacks.

These days, a typical after-school snack in our house may include a cup of VOSKOS® Greek yogurt (they love the plain mixed with a little honey or jam), a hardboiled egg, carrot sticks with hummus for dipping or sliced fruit. They love this snack, and I feel much better about serving it to them.

Of course, it’s good to change things up and avoid serving the same snack every day. So here are a few ideas for healthy, nutritious after-school snacks:

1. VOSKOS® makes a wonderful after-school snack, of course. High in protein, calcium and potassium, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, especially when topped with a handful of nuts and berries.

2. Hardboiled eggs are yummy simply sliced and salted, or make quick, no-fuss deviled eggs by removing the yolks and mixing with a little VOSKOS®, mustard, salt and pepper.

3. Celery sticks or carrot sticks are fun to dip into hummus, or into tzatziki.

4. Apple slices are extra yummy when dipped into plain VOSKOS® mixed with cinnamon.

5. A smoothie makes a nutritious, filling snack.

6. Whole-grain muffins, such as these oatmeal and apple muffins, are a great snack, especially when not overly sweetened.

7. An egg salad sandwich isn’t just for lunch – try a snack of half a sandwich, served with baby carrots.

8. Fresh cut veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli and cauliflower florets) served with yogurt ranch dip.

9. Tortilla chips or veggie strips, dipped in guacamole.

10. Homemade fruit and nut bread is tasty and filling.

If your kids are used to junk, it may take a few weeks for them to get adjusted to healthier fare, but rest assured, they will eventually adjust!

5 Reasons Dairy is Good for You

Despite recent trends to avoid dairy (such as the Paleo diet), there are several good reasons for people who are not lactose intolerant or sensitive to casein (the protein in milk) to keep enjoying dairy products. Dairy products have been shown in many studies to have major health benefits, including:

Strong bones. Osteoporosis, or the loss of bone mass, has become a major health problem in recent years. Studies show that calcium is crucial for building strong bones in childhood and adolescence and to maintain bone health in adulthood. Milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, so make sure you consume two to three servings of dairy each day. A serving of dairy can be a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt or 1.5oz hard cheese (such as cheddar).

Heart health. For years, we’ve been told that saturated fats are unhealthy. But newer research actually shows that dairy fat can reduce the risk of heart attack. Dairy foods contain a number of potentially beneficial substances, such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, noted the researchers. They have also been shown to increase people’s levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

Blood pressure. Another interesting study found that the regular consumption of low-fat dairy can lower blood pressure. It appears that this benefit is independent of the calcium found in dairy. Instead, the researchers say potassium and magnesium found in dairy products may be partly responsible for their study results.

Diabetes. Diabetes has become an epidemic in recent years. That’s why we were excited to learn that a natural substance found in dairy products appears to protect against diabetes. Trans-palmitoleic acid is present in milk, cheese, yogurt and butter but cannot be made by the body. The study found that higher levels of trans-palmitoleic acid were linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. People with the highest levels cut their risk by 60 percent!

Colon cancer. Other studies have shown that dairy products may help protect against colon cancer. Again, it seems that the benefit is not just because of the calcium found in dairy, so simply taking a calcium supplement won’t necessarily have the same benefits, and could actually be a problem.

Even if you’re lactose intolerant, and cannot consume milk, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to tolerate fermented dairy products such as Greek yogurt and aged cheese. As always, it’s best to enjoy the many benefits of dairy by consuming natural foods rather than trying to supplement, as artificial supplements often have undesirable side effects.

Children and Families of Moore, Oklahoma Celebrated Yesterday at Back-to-school Event

VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt Participates in One of the Largest Community Gatherings Since the Tornadoes

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Yesterday, VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt gave away over 9,000 cups of Greek yogurt as part of the “Student Strong – A Feed The Children Rebuilding Event” in Moore, Oklahoma. VOSKOS® was one of the partners who joined forces with the Oklahoma City based organization, Feed The Children, to host an event for the families who have children that attended the two schools that were destroyed by tornadoes earlier this year.

Families lined up two hours before the start of the event in order to take advantage of the various donations that took place. Four Feed The Children 18-wheelers lined the Moore Baptist Church parking lot in anticipation of the large crowds. There was even a “drive thru” set up for families who needed easy pick up of their 20 plus pound box containing a variety of necessities. Products donated included school supplies, clothes, shoes and food, including VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt in a variety of flavors.

“This was a wonderful day,” said Gohar Ohanian, VOSKOS® Chief Marketing Officer. “It is amazing to see people and organizations like Feed The Children come together to help their neighbors. VOSKOS® delivered thousands of cups of Greek Yogurt into the hands of families that really needed this boost of support and we were happy to be able to help.”

More than 1,600 families attended the event. In addition to the product donations, there were also all kinds of activities for the kids such as face painting, games and even free haircuts for the start of the school year. The event was an energizing, fun-filled jumpstart to the upcoming school year.

A brief program kicked-off the event where representatives from various organizations addressed the families, including: Dr. Robert Romines, Superintendent for Moore Public Schools who spoke about preparing for the school year; Kevin Hagan, CEO/President of Feed The Children who educated the audience about their work throughout the U.S.; and Audrey Rowe, the Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C who spoke to the families about proper health and nutrition.
For more information visit voskos.com or Facebook/voskos.greek.yogurt.

CONTACT: Bonny Martinez, RIESTER, 310-818-9750, bmartinez@riester.com

Kids In Moore, Oklahoma Prepare To Go Back to School with Aid From Feed the Children and VOSKOS®  Greek Yogurt

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Bonny Martinez, RIESTER, 310-818-9750, bmartinez@riester.com
Leslie Sonnenklar, RIESTER, 602-462-2215, lsonnenklar@riester.com
Erin Engelke, Feed The Children, 405-949-5152, Erin.Engelke@feedthechildren.org

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – August 8, 2013 – VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is partnering with Oklahoma City based organization, Feed The Children, for a “Student Strong” Back to School event in Moore, Oklahoma. The event will provide much needed supplies and entertainment relief for families affected by the region’s massive tornados in May of this year. VOSKOS® will provide a variety of Greek yogurt flavors to the 1,600 families that are expected to attend.

The “Student Strong – A Feed The Children Rebuilding Event” in Moore, Oklahoma would not be possible without the help of the Moore School District which worked closely with Feed The Children to invite families that have been hit hardest by the recent devastation. Many of the families attending the event have children who attended Plaza Towers and Briarwood Elementary Schools, the two schools that were destroyed by the tornadoes and in the case of Plaza Towers, had seven casualties.

“We are honored to be part of this event in partnership with Feed The Children,” said Gohar Ohanian, VOSKOS® Chief Marketing Officer. “After all of the devastation that this community has gone through, we hope to offer even the tiniest bit of help and relief to the families of Moore. Making an impact in our communities is an important focus for us, and we want to help however we can.”

“With the support of VOSKOS® and our other amazing corporate partners, the children affected by the Oklahoma tornados will be headed back to school with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Kevin Hagan, president and CEO of Feed The Children. “Student Strong is one of the many ways we are helping and will continue to help those affect as we respond as long as there is a need.”

It is expected to take at least a year to rebuild the two schools that were destroyed by the tornado. In the meantime, these students will begin attending school at temporary locations when the school year starts on Aug. 15. Families who attend the Student Strong event will be given various necessities as they prepare to go back to school and attempt to begin a normal routine. Attendees will receive a box filled with useful toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and lotion, as well as school supplies, clothes and snacks like VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt. A carnival and fun interactive activities like face painting and games will be provided for families at the event.

The “Student Strong – A Feed The Children Rebuilding Event” in Moore, Oklahoma will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 NE 27th Street.  The event is by invitation only. For interview opportunities and more information, please contact Bonny Martinez at bmartinez@riester.com or 310-818-9750.

About Feed The Children

Founded in 1979, Feed The Children’s mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life’s essentials. A BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity; Feed The Children is one of the largest charities based in the U.S., providing more than 350,000 children around the world with a hot, nourishing meal every day. Here in the U.S., nearly 10 million people receive assistance each year from food and supplies distributed through over 1200 local partner agencies. For more information, visit  www.feedthechildren.org

About VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt

Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is nature’s premium blend of authentic yogurt and is Better Than Good in more ways than one. VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is hormone-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Through VOSKOS®’ proprietary ProStrain™ method, VOSKOS® yields two times more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency.

Blended with balance, VOSKOS® products have the best protein to sugar ratio on the market. Available nationwide at Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Shoprite, Wakefern, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and more. For store locations, visit voskos.com or Facebook/voskos.greek.yogurt.

VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt Announces Partnership with Feed The Children

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Bonny Martinez, RIESTER, 310-818-9750, bmartinez@riester.com
Leslie Sonnenklar, RIESTER, 602-462-2200, lsonnenklar@riester.com

Product Contribution Initiative to Support Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

LOS ANGELES, JULY 11, 2013 – Sun Valley Dairy, the purveyors of VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is partnering with an Oklahoma-based charity, Feed The Children, to support tornado recovery efforts. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Feed The Children is one of the largest international charities based in the U.S. with programs that serve people across the Nation and the Globe focusing on meeting four key needs, the first being access to nutritional food.

“We have much admiration for the perseverance and the spirit of the people of Oklahoma,” said Gohar Ohanian, VOSKOS® Chief Marketing Officer. “VOSKOS® is committed to playing a role in the food supply needs, so that people can focus on the task at hand, recovery and rebuild.”

“We are incredibly grateful to VOSKOS® for their partnership and support of our work at Feed The Children,” said Erin Engelke, VP of PR and Communications. “Their donation will be instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission of providing much needed items to the victims of these recent disasters.”

Sun Valley Dairy has made a commitment to provide product, as needed, for Feed The Children’s tornado relief efforts in the coming months. As the communities surrounding Moore, Oklahoma and other parts of central Oklahoma begin the healing and recovery process, Feed The Children is supporting impacted families and individuals by providing relief supplies and assisting with clean up. Local officials have stated that the damages in the Oklahoma tornadoes could reach as high as $2 billion dollars.

About Feed The Children

Founded in 1979, Feed The Children’s mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life’s essentials. A BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity; Feed The Children is one of the largest charities based in the U.S., providing more than 350,000 children around the world with a hot, nourishing meal every day. Here in the U.S., nearly 10 million people receive assistance each year from food and supplies distributed through over 1200 local partner agencies. For more information, visit www.feedthechildren.org

About VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt

Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is nature’s premium blend of authentic yogurt and is Better Than Good in more ways than one. VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt is all natural, GMO-free, hormone-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Through VOSKOS®’ proprietary ProStrain™ method, VOSKOS® yields two times more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency. Blended with balance, VOSKOS® products have the best protein to sugar ratio on the market. Available nationwide at Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Shoprite, Wakefern, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and more. For store locations, visit voskos.com or Facebook/voskos.greek.yogurt.

Lose Weight with Protein

If you’ve been following the old USDA food pyramid, trying to lose weight with no success, the problem could be too many carbs, and not enough protein and healthy fats. A diet high in carbohydrates encourages fat storage, while a diet low in carbs, moderate in protein and high in good fats encourages fat burning and helps you avoid constant hunger and annoying dips in blood sugar, both typical to high-carb diets.

One of the best things about a low-carb, higher-protein-and-fat diet is that it’s really satiating. You won’t be as hungry as you are on a high-carb diet, and so you’ll likely eat less without feeling deprived. There’s no need to count calories or grams of anything – just base your diet on the healthy protein sources listed below, add lots of veggies and healthy fats, and you’ll watch the pounds melt away.
Of course, this is not without sacrifice – you do need to mostly cut out sugar, and limit complex carbs as well (ideally, to no more than 4 slices of bread per day, or a small bowl of pasta). But chances are, you’ll feel so good (especially after the first couple of weeks), it will be worth it.

Protein-rich foods include meat, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and to a lesser extent beans and nuts. A diet low in carbohydrates and high in these protein sources, in addition to lots of vegetables and healthy fats (such as olive oil), will make it easy to lose weight and maintain the loss.

Can you still eat out? Of course you can. Go to your favorite restaurant, but instead of ordering a huge plate of pasta, order a grilled salmon with veggies sautéed in olive oil. When you order steak, typically served with a side of baked potato and a veggie, ask the waiter to hold the potato and double the veggies.

When you eat a high-protein diet, you won’t need to snack as often, but when you do feel the need to snack between meals, grab a handful of dry-roasted nuts, a hard boiled egg or a cup of creamy Greek yogurt instead of pretzels or potato chips. Protein snacks, especially when coupled with fat, are very satiating.

Many people think that giving up sugar and limiting carbs will be difficult, but quite often they discover that once they do, they actually feel free – free from constant hunger, free from cravings, and free from having to constantly snack. That freedom, coupled with being able to lose weight without feeling hungry, makes the “sacrifice” of limiting carbs more than worth it.

7 Tips for Eating Out without Breaking the Calorie Budget

Eating out used to be a special treat for most American families, but now, with busier-than-ever lives, we tend to eat out often. Since restaurants are notorious for their huge portions, and chefs liberally use butter, salt and sugar in their dishes to make them taste good, we need to be very careful when we eat out – anything other than a once-in-a-while splurge will cause weight gain. Here are a few tips for dining out while staying healthy:

1. Cut portions in half. Immediately upon receiving your meal, ask for a to-go bag and place exactly half in the bag. Restaurant portion sizes are so big these days, most entrees can be split into two and each half would still be fairly high in calories.

2. Skip the soda. In fact, if you completely cut soda out of your life, you would probably lose weight without making any other change to your diet and exercise habits. When dining out, the last thing you need is the added sugar and calories in soda. Diet sodas are not much better – they contain harmful ingredients and some research shows they too contribute to weight gain. Try to get used to drinking water. Sparkling water with a wedge of lime are very good.

3. Ask for the dressing on the side. Of course your salad will taste better with some dressing, but you don’t really need the 1/3 cup they’ll pour on it back in the kitchen. Ask for the dressing on the side, and use 2 tablespoons rather than the whole thing.

4. Consider replacing the starch with a veggie. Many meat dishes are served with a starch and a veggie. I often ask the server to hold the starch and double the veggies instead. The vast majority if restaurants are happy to oblige, though some charge a little extra.

5. Say no to supersizing. Whether at a fast food restaurant or at the movie theater (where they often try to entice you to get a larger popcorn), never agree to supersize. You absolutely do not need the extra calories.

6. Go easy on the alcohol. Alcohol is very calorie-dense, and it can also cause you to let your guard down and consume more than you had intended. One glass of red wine with your dinner is fine for most an might even offer some health benefits. More than that is asking for trouble.

7. Split dessert. At the end of your meal, you’re probably very full. You don’t really need dessert, especially not the typical 800-plus-calories restaurant dessert. So share a dessert with at least one more person, or – better yet – ask for a bowl of berries for dessert.

Going Low Carb? Do it the Right Way

It seems like more and more of my friends are getting on the low-carb bandwagon. Hot trends such as the Paleo and Primal eating movements have refocused many of us on the benefits of cutting out junk food and limiting our processed carb intake. If you’re curious to see if lowering your carbohydrate intake could help you lose weight or better manage your blood sugar, here are a few things to consider:

1. Go gradually. If you’re used to the standard American diet, which often includes 300 daily grams of carbs or more, a drastic reduction could be very hard on your body. Some low-carb diets ask that you start with an extremely-low-carb period. This might work for some, but for many, it makes more sense to reduce carbs gradually.

2. Low carb is not just about steaks. Obviously, when you eat fewer carbs, you’ll need to eat more protein and fat. But protein is not just steaks – it can include poultry, seafood, cheeses and yogurt. When you add fats, try to add olive oil – the most heart-healthy fat we know of. Other healthy fats come from avocados, nuts, coconuts, and dairy.

3. Don’t forget fruit and vegetables. Old versions of some low-carb diets neglected the importance of vegetables and fruit, but newer versions of the same diets have rethought this stance. Mom was right: for optimal health, you do need to eat your vegetables (and fruit in moderation). The more we learn about the amazing chemicals that vegetables contain, the more science supports what Mom says.

4. Fat is not the enemy. We’ve been indoctrinated into viewing dietary fat as bad, but current thinking is that this was a mistake. Not all fat is bad. We need dietary fat, and some fats are in fact very good for us – see the list in section 2 above.

5. You need fiber. Low-carb diets need not lead to constipation. Even if you minimize grains, you can – and should – still gets plenty of fiber from vegetables and fruit. Eat plenty of varied vegetables – as many as you can in fact, and 2-3 servings of fruit per day. Vegetables are delicious when sautéed with garlic and olive oil, and a snack of full-fat plain Voskos Greek yogurt topped with berries will provide you with protein, good fat, fiber and antioxidants.

6. Don’t forget exercise. You don’t need a lot – but 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 4-5 times per week will help with weight loss, weight maintenance and just feeling better overall.

If you decide to go ahead and give low-carb dieting a try, be patient. It could take several weeks, even months, for your body to fully adjust, and you will probably need to tweak the amount of carbs you do get. Use fitday.com to track your daily carb intake, and to make sure you’re getting adequate vitamins and minerals.