Serving up veggies in all of our products!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Preventative measures for healthy eating and the Military's concerns with childhood obesity

Here at Peas of Mind we have always focused on creating healthy and innovative food for growing kids. Foods like traditional pizza and fries are quick, easy and fun to eat however, when you look at the ingredients and calories there is no wonder America's youth is suffering from obesity. In an excerpt from an article featured in the Huffington Post today, it appears the Military is also deeply concerned about childhood obesity and its long term affects on their recruiting efforts. 

"The folks that are going to enter the military in 2025 are in school right now. So it's up to us to ensure that when those children reach the age of between 17 and 24 that they are ready or eligible to join the military," Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Norman Seip, told Reuters.(1)

Making sure that we feed our kids nutrient-rich foods and encourage regular physical fitness is our first defense against childhood obesity. Do you have any "house rules" with regards to food or physical fitness? What are ways that you ensure your family gets the exercise it needs to stay heart healthy? 

(1) Huffington Post 9/25/12
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/military-leaders-point-to_n_1911518.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

We just love these yummy popcorn balls! What have you been snacking on lately?


Looking for a great fall time snack idea? Check out our favorite popcorn balls, we hope you like them as much as we do! They are the perfect snack to pack away for a lunch time treat. What did you pack in your child's lunch box today? Got any snack ideas you want to share? 

Popcorn Balls
• 1 C dry roasted peanuts
• 5 C of popped popcorn
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
Caramel
• 1 C sugar
• 1/4 C of water
• 1/2 C heavy cream
• 2 TBL unsalted softened butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 TBL of chunky peanut butter
Mix popcorn, peanuts, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
Put sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil on medium heat. Stir in the cream and butter; continue to boil until mixture turns a dark golden brown. Take off flame and slowly stir in the vanilla and peanut butter.
Pour the carmel over popcorn and mix well. When mixture is cool enough to touch, take a handful of popcorn and mold it into a 2 inch ball (or whatever size you desire.) The balls will become firm as they cool. Wrap in wax paper and store in an air tight container. Makes roughly 10 popcorn balls.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

What are you going to do with all of those delicious hand picked apples?


It is officially fall time and over here at Peas HQ we have apple picking on the brain! How much fun is it to get friends and family together and stock up on sweet, juicy apples that you pick yourself? Here in Northern California apples are ready for the picking from August to November (check out this Seasonal Produce Guide to see when apples are in season for your area.) Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner and apple pie is a staple at the table, how do we get our handpicked apples to last for the next 2 months?

The trick:
Peel your apples, core and slice them. Dip the sliced apples in lemon juice to prevent discoloring. Place the apple slices in plastic freezer containers or zippered plastic bags. Place in the freezer. They will keep in the freezer for about a year. To thaw, place in refrigerator over night and while still cold, use in your favorite baked apple recipe.

Happy apple picking everyone!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Paying Gratitude and Giving Thanks

On this 9/11, in our Tuesday morning meeting we started talking about the importance of today and how we were all feeling. No doubt, it's a hard day for many of us to get through. As we continued reflecting, our discussion turned into a sharing session about what we are grateful for. Here were some of the thoughts that came out from our circle of gratitude, what are you grateful for?

Ranibow Grocery for their bulk section, so I can buy my tea in bulk
Hot water because there is nothing better than a hot shower after a stressful day
Music but specifically, Arcade Fire
Being able to feel loved and give love
The 4 seasons...each one brings newness and the hope of a better tomorrow
Iced Coffee
Our Freedom
Eating dinner with my family
The internet
My education and how empowered it makes me feel
Jill's cousin, Major Evan Gotkin, coming home from Afghanistan last week





Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Peas Pointers by Melanie Silverman


After school activities are a fun way for our little ones to get exercise, build team spirit and get outside to play with their friends. Needless to say, the heat is still on! Let's make sure our kids stay hydrated.  Children need the same amount of water as adults (about one quart for every 1000 calories they expend), but trying to track calories is difficult and is not my idea of a good time.  You don't need to chase your kid around the playground or pool forcing swigs of water either. A much better approach is two pronged:  First, allow your child's thirst be the guide and second, offer water or milk at regular meals and snacks.   (An exception to this is for infants who should not drink water. Breast milk or formula provides plenty of hydration during the hot summer months) You can also make sure your child is urinating every few hours.   And did you know the fruits and vegetables also provide a source of hydration?  They do!  So get out there and enjoy the rest of summer with your kids.  Just make sure water, fruits and vegetables are part of it.

Peas,
Melanie