Project Healthy You

  Taking Good Care of Our Teeth The true beauty of a smile is in the genuine heart it comes from. Everybody is more attractive wearing a kind smile, no exceptions! Some people find it difficult to smile because they neglect their teeth. Taking care of teeth the proper way is a habit every person needs to build. Once the permanent set of teeth comes in, they are to be treated with care.    Flossing Use whichever type of floss is available at home. The important thing is to clean between all of the teeth. Adding up the surface area of each tooth that's neighboring the next tooth, it comes up to about 35% of teeth. It is important to clean this portion. Clean teeth allow for healthy gums. Dirty teeth can cause gum infections and recession. This is when the gums get weak and slowly shrivel away. Eventually, the teeth have nothing holding them in place, and can fall out.  Brushing Brushing teeth twice a day is a good habit to get into. The best times to do it are always right after waki

This is a simple recipe for a tasty salad which can change every time and still be nourishing and fun. The idea is simple, think of a potato salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, etc. They all have things in common even if the main ingredients are different. ASK FOR HELP Please ask an adult for help with preparing the salad. Do not handle can-openers, knives, sharp objects, or the stove on your own. Components: Bulk Stuff Healthy Fat Veggie Yummies Unique Flavour Bulk Stuff This is the main ingredient in the salad. Could be either carbohydrates, proteins, or a combination of both. What's left over in the fridge that you can make something yummy with? Maybe some boiled eggs, or shredded chicken? Leftover baked potatoes? Look in the pantry, do you have a can of tuna? If you want a vegan option you could use chickpeas or any of your favourite beans. Drain off the liquid and give them a good mushing with a spoon or the back of a clean cup. Healthy Fat This is what holds everythi

SUGAR AND THE BODY Carbohydrates are a group of food important to the body because they give us energy. Foods which are high in carbs are things like sugars, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and several other items.  Like everything in life, moderation is important. That means only using the amount we need; not too much, not too little. Too many carbs doesn’t mean lots of energy, it actually ends up having the opposite effect. To understand why this happens, it is important to learn how the body uses carbs and turns them into energy. After a person consumes carbs, the food travels through the digestive system where special enzymes turn carbs into the simple sugar, glucose. The body then uses the glucose and turns it into molecules of energy to help the cells of the body do their jobs. If a person consumes the right amount of carbs in their diet, then the body can function in a proper and healthy way. The problems occur when we don’t eat the right amounts of different nutrients which we ne

SIMPLE SMOOTHIES Smoothies are a great way to drink about two or three of the five recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day. There are no specific ingredients to making tasty nutritious smoothies. Use what's available at home and always ask an adult for help with sharp objects and electric appliances.  Things to consider when making a smoothie: 1) I ngredients. 2)  Layering. Ingredients There are many flavours to experiment with. For a creamier smoothie use fresh ingredients and for a slushier texture use some frozen ingredients or add ice. The combinations are endless. Get creative, but keep it simple.  Blending liquid : water, juice, milk, etc. (No milk with acidic fruits to avoid curdling.) Sweeteners : honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, etc. Spices and extracts : cinnamon, citrus zest, vanilla extract, etc.  Superfoods : chia, flaxseed, hemp, protein powder, spirulina, etc. Fruits and vegetables : apple, orange, strawberry, gin