We The Future: My Healthy Eating Program

Written by Emily Dolgin

We all have those days where we binge on everything in our pantry, fridge, freezer…you got the idea. I know that when I come home from school, I tend to gravitate towards those mint Milano’s rather than taking the effort to cut-up carrots and celery. However, our eating habits as teenagers are what will determine our health as adults. Making healthy choices now is vital if we want to continue living a healthy lifestyle.

Last month, I crafted a program in order to educate my peers on the importance of healthy eating. I gathered about 20 of my friends and with the help of 3 adults, we all participated in “Iron Chef: Battle Healthy Eating.” This program proved itself to be extremely successful, and I wanted to share it with all of you and challenge YOU to implement this program in your own community!

We started out by splitting into 4 groups of 5: appetizer group, salad, entree, and dessert. Before cooking, however, I lead everyone in trivia based on the facts about organic eating and vitamins/minerals provided on appendices. I felt like everyone learned at least one new thing by playing trivia and discussing our own eating habits and tips on staying healthy.

Now, the fun part: Iron Chef! The groups split up to different stations containing all necessary appliances and silverware for cooking our creations. We also had 5 recipe cards on each table that groups could choose from to prepare. Groups had the option to copy the recipes verbatim, or alter them to either make them healthier, or omit aspects of the recipe for their preferences. All necessary ingredients were provided in our “pantry” and we were equipped with stoves, ovens, and sinks as well.

Appetizer chose hummus dip with a veggie platter. This was AMAZING and the homemade hummus was DE-LISH! (I even helped smash the chickpeas!)

Salad altered their “avocado salad” to become plain ol’ guac with corn chips. Remember, avocado is a healthy fat! I must say, for being healthy, it ALMOST was better than Chipotle. :)

Entree prepared tomato, mozzarella, and onion flatbread pizzas. By cutting down on oils and grease, this totally (and healthfully!) satisfied any craving for a good piece of pie.

Lastly, the dessert (who did NOT win the competition!) made brownie cupcakes…I’m not even gonna say anything other than…it was a dessert.

There wasn’t a clear winner of this battle, but all dishes were judged by the adults on 1) creativity 2) healthiness and 3) taste. I think we all learned how to transform everyday dishes into healthy alternatives–and had fun doing it!

So, friends…I challenge YOU to take this program, make any necessary changes, and implement it in your community. This can be with you school club, youth group, or just a fun activity with friends. It’s all about moderation…and it’s all about having FUN and living a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! If you choose to do this program, PLEASE send all pictures and/or video to wethefuture@cancerschmancer.org! That’s all for now!

XXOO,

Em <3

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