Barbara Ames
Nutrition, Health,
and Food Safety
When It Comes to Chocolate, Choose Dark!
Where does chocolate come from, and how does it get made into bars?
What are the health benefits and concerns surrounding chocolate?
What kinds of chocolate are the most healthful?
These are some of the questions we discussed in our “When It Comes to Chocolate…Choose Dark” program shared at holiday events in Independence and Fredonia this month. (Parsons is upcoming as this is written.) Yes, there are amazing health benefits to be gained from enjoying chocolate. HOWEVER, although chocolate can fit within a healthful eating plan, the main benefits exist only if it is dark chocolate, enjoyed in moderation and doesn’t replace other healthy foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low fat dairy.
We had a lot of fun sharing this program and sampling some chocolate foods at both locations. We learned some things too. On 65 percent of surveys returned, program participants indicated they had learned “A Lot” as a result of the program while everyone indicated they had learned at least some new things. In addition, 89 percent of participants indicated that after hearing the research based information about chocolate they would be more likely to choose dark chocolate in the future and control portion sizes when eating chocolate! Having fun while learning helpful information at both events.
Both events were a collaborative effort with Financial Management and Entrepreneurship Agent Kylie Ludwig, who shared a very timely and well-received lesson about managing holiday budgets. In addition, FCE and WEC unit members added to the learning experience by preparing some of the chocolate recipes for sampling.
Family Fun Night Geared Toward Wellness and Healthy Eating
We had the privilege of being invited to share a booth with information and activities for kids and parents at a Family Fun Night hosted by Holy Name School in Coffeyville in late October.
In addition to information about topics such as MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines, kids had the opportunity create a healthy Halloween snack. Imaginations ran wild in some cases and we had a lot of fun making, showing off, and eating various forms of ghosts and pumpkins while we learned a little about making healthy choices. The big smiles tell the story! Thanks to Master Food Volunteer, Mary Schaplowsky, for helping create a fun experience for our participants.