Fad Diets, Classroom Party Snacks, & Everyday Exercise

Topics Mentioned:

Introduction
0:04-3:45

Is there anything more annoying than appliances that keep acting up? This week it looks like Emily’s fridge, washer, and dishwasher are acting up! While this is definitely annoying, it did lead to an important conversation about natural dish washing soap, and dishwashing detergent. If you find that natural dishwashing detergent works well but then stops, Emily recommends rotating between brands! Janet and Emily also update us on what Jane has been eating recently.

First Segment: Trending Topics
3:45 – 15:49

On this week’s episode, Janet and Emily are discussing fad diets! Janet and Emily discuss some of the ridiculous fad diets of the past and present, some of these diets include: the chewing diet, the blue light diet, the grapefruit diet, and even the cookie diet. It seems that the majority of fad diets are just creative ways to get individuals to eat less calories, which isn’t sustainable long term. Strange diets aside, there are a lot of popular diets that individuals are doing as the new year rings in – vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and keto just to name a few! Janet and Emily touch on the positives, negatives, and things to be aware of while executing these diets.

Audience Questions

Second Segment: Questions from Listeners
17:32 – 25:26

Question #1

Daisy asks, “Hey ladies! My little one is having a class party and they need to bring in a home-made dish. I’m having trouble brainstorming a recipe that 25 eight year olds will generally like – any suggestions?! Thanks in advance!”

Emily Says:

Keep it simple and stress free!
Regular, plain popcorn – a lot of the time class parties are filled with sugar and sweets, popcorn is still a treat but doesn’t add to the amount of sugar
Cantaloupe or watermelon – super easy, fresh, and generally liked

Janet Says:

The first time Janet did this she made biscuit dough in the shape of animal to go with soup the class was making
Guacamole with sour cream – a lot of kids tend to like it and you can serve it with corn chips, vegetables, or crackers
Chocolate pecan clusters without the pecans (you can find this recipe in Share Goodness)
Olives and pickles – simple and healthy!
Roasted pumpkin seeds with lots of salt – also an option

Question #2

Brianna asks, “Hi Janet and Emily – My goal for 2019 was to incorporate more exercise and physical activity into my daily routine but I am feeling unmotivated with this not-so-great weather. Any tips?”

Emily Says:

One of her goals for 2019 was to get / feel stronger but not to have crazy expectations of herself
Small goal of trying to incorporate a little bit of exercise daily
Signing up or things is also a way to motivate yourself while also holding yourself accountable

Janet Says:

Having a commitment – going and doing an activity with your friend or neighbour is a great way to get out and get exercise!

What’s For Dinner
25:27 – 27:08

Delicata Squash

Here is a quick side dish that is easy to prepare and quick to bake. Delicata squash has a delicate rind once cooked, so you can eat every bit of this vegetable, including the rind and the seeds.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and set them aside. Turn the squash cut side down into a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water to the pan.
Bake at 350 till tender, about 25 minutes.
Turn cut side up and brush with olive oil or butter, then drizzle 1 tsp maple syrup over the surface. Dust with a light sprinkle of salt.
Return it to the oven for a few minutes and let it lightly brown. Slice into helf circles and serve.

For the seeds:

Place them in a baking dish and cover them with water. Add a generous amount of salt.
Place the pan into the oven along with the squash and bake until all the water has evaporated and the seeds become crunchy.

Optional: if you prefer, let the seeds soak in the salted water for an hour or up to overnight before baking. This improves their digestibility.