More Dance Mob Coverage!

PUFFA Youth worked really hard to put together the Dance Mob in Love Park on May 31st in order to increase awareness about healthy choices and physical activity.  POPPYN (Presenting Our Persepctive on Philly Youth News) was there to interview Tiffany Spraggins, PUFFA Youth Supervisor and the PUFFA youth dance mob crew.  Much thanks to POPPYN for helping us spread the word!


Check out the video below!

Why We Do What We Do!

Are you wondering why SALT & PUFFA decided to do that Dance Mob back on May 31st?

Youth from SEPC's Youth Leadership Council and break-dancing programs organized and led the dance mob to help raise awareness of living an active lifestyle and to get other community members up and moving! 

Check out these videos of youth interviews to learn more about their perspective on the importance of fitness, the influence the dance mob had on their physical activity.

 



Were you at the dance mob? Did it change the way you think about fitness?  How can WE help change minds about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, how can WE show people that not only are these changes important but they can also be fun?!  Let us know in the comments!!

Healthy Ideas for your 4th of July BBQ!

Looking for some alternatives to high fat burgers and mayonnaise laden potato salad?  Try our PUFFA Signature Salsa!  

photo from howtocookhero.com

2011 PUFFA Youth Signature Summer Fresh Salsa

“Salsa “means “sauce” in Spanish. It is so easy to make at home and serve with baked tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping. Or try salsa as a healthy salad dressing or sauce for fish or chicken dishes.

Ingredients:

5 medium tomatoes, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

½ medium onion, chopped small

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

Optional—1 chopped jalapeno pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:

1)      Wash all ingredients before cutting. Trim and cut ingredients as you are ready to add them.

2)      Mix tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a large bowl.

3)      Add the jalapeno pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

4)      Taste and adjust the seasonings.

5)      Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate.

Helpful Recipes Hints for Tomatoes

·         Add tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, soups and casseroles.

·         Try on pizza, and in scrambled eggs and omelets

·         Add color and flavor to cook corn, beans, rice, meat, fish and poultry

·         Cook up a fresh tomato sauce with onions, garlic and herbs.

In Season Tip

• Looking for a variation?  Try adding peaches or corn!! Check out this peach salsa recipe from Purposeful Eating.

2012 Arts Sanctuary 28th Annual Black Writers Conference

Check out this video of PUFFA Youth at the 28th Annual Black Writers Conference!

Dance Mob for Fitness!

Youth from SEPC's Youth Leadership Council and break-dancing programs led and participated in PUFFA's Dance for Awareness Dance Mob on Thursday, May 31st at LOVE Park. The youth organized the dance mob to help raise awareness of living an active lifestyle and to get other community members up and moving.

Photos by PUFFA Youth David Everette

Did you see us in Love Park?! Share your pictures to our Facebook!

Low in Calories and High in Nutrients?!

(Re-posted from 5/29/12)
Having good blood pressure is very important now and when you get older because your body needs healthy organs.  The only way you can have healthy and clean organs is by eating good food that is rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs day by day.  For example dark leafy greens are low calories but high in good things like fiber, iron and vitamins A, C, E and K! By eating more low calorie high nutrient foods you can keep your organs working efficiently!

So, instead of reaching for chips and other types of junk food as snacks, try something fresh that will satisfy your appetite and feed your body with what it needs.  Try making fresh kale chips with nothing but kale, a little olive oil and a touch of salt!  With just a little baking these crispy treats will curb your craving for chips!


Remember eating healthy not only a good choice for today, but also smart choice as time goes by and you grow older.


Let us know, what kind of nutrient rich foods do you like and choose for snacks??

The Scary Story of Junk Food

(Re-posted from 5/24/12)
Junk food isn't just a tasty snack...

Junk food is food of little or no nutritional value that is high in fat, sugar, and calories.  In addition, consumption of junk food has the ability to alter brain activity in a manner similar to illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin, meaning it can be just as addictive.  Junk food does not contain nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. In most cases, these foods are filled with harmful carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol that do not provide any useful energy. As a result, somebody consuming junk food has reduced level of essential nutrients thereby causing weakness in the body.  This is why the addictive nature of these foods is even more problematic.


Junk foods have been identified as a major cause of heart diseases including myocardial infraction, cardiac arrest and atherosclerosis.  This is due to the fact that junk food contains excessive amount of low-density lipoproteins and cholesterol that get deposited on the inner linings of blood vessels.


Overall junk food is very bad to your body and should not be eaten frequently.


Tell us how you make healthy substitutions for junk food during snack or meal time!