Twenty-five years ago, breakfast for me was either two cups of coffee, or two cups of coffee with a maple bar. At lunchtime, I’d grab a burger or a dog, usually accompanied by fries and a Coke. By mid-afternoon, my butt was dragging.
This morning’s breakfast was two cups of coffee – plus unsweetened vanilla yogurt with a little granola, part of a multi-grain muffin and a banana. Lunch involved no patty melts, Polish dogs or batch of fries. Instead, there were vegetables, whole-grain bread and lean protein. I guarantee you that I won’t need a nap at 4 o’clock. I’ll be looking for my running shoes or gym clothes at about that time.
I’m not the paragon of nutrition, but at some point during the past 25 years I learned that I function a whole lot better if I eat well. It might seem like there is a great deal of contradictory information out there about what constitutes “eating well,” but the fundamentals are not seriously in doubt. You may learn about nutrition basics and a whole lot more during a series of Wednesday events this month organized by the Shasta Coalition for Activity and Nutrition. Here’s the schedule:
• March 9, 3 to 6:30 p.m.: A healthy cooking demonstration at Sav-Mor Foods, 6536 Westside Road, Redding, will include samples of sweet potato hash, goodie bags and prizes.
• March 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: The “Eat Right When Money’s Tight” workshop at the Redding Library will feature a healthy cooking demonstration, recipes and food samples.
• March 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: The “Rethink Your Fitness” presentation at the Redding Library will include even more giveaways and food samples.
• March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Anderson Lean-N-Green Day at Volonte Park is, in my opinion, the series highlight because it engages hundreds of kids with interactive booths and displays. Everyone young and old is invited.
• March 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dr. Mohammad Khan will talk about the health consequence of salt consumption, and Healthy Shasta will provide a light meal at the Redding Library.
Every one of these events is free of charge. Learn more about them and about National Nutrition Month right here.
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• Healthy advocacy … Joanne Tippin, a registered dietitian at Shasta Regional Medical Center’s diabetes care center, is in Washington D.C. this week as one of 200 experts from across the country who were invited to participate in the American Diabetes Association’s three-day “Call to Congress.” Tippin and others are urging greater federal funding for diabetes research and prevention programs.
• Scholarship deadline … High school seniors planning to attend Shasta College in the fall are eligible for the $500-per-semester Isaac Lowe Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 15. For an application or to learn more, contact Shasta County Citizens Against Racism at (530) 245-1160.
• 60 is enough … The reunion committee for the Shasta High School class of 1946 has decided that its 60th reunion was the last one. The committee has donated the $715 remaining in its treasury to the high school district’s Foundation for Students, which expands and enriches educational opportunities. A very thoughtful gesture.
Paul Shigley is senior editor of California Planning & Development Report, a frequent contributor to Planning magazine and doesn’t feel guilty about the greasy pizza he ate yesterday. It was only two slices. Really. He lives in Centerville. Paul Shigley may be reached at pauls.anewscafe@gmail.com.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment.
