(ARA) - Child obesity in the United States has nearly tripled since 1980. According to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman health experts are using words like "crisis" and "epidemic" to describe the problem of obesity in America, especially as it relates to children.

More than 14 percent of children and 11 percent of adolescents are overweight, and 66 percent of all children eat more fat than is recommended. In addition, only one in five children gets the five servings of fruits and vegetables a day as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid.

In an effort to confront this public health problem the federal government is putting more resources toward nutrition education and has launched a program offering financial incentives to schools that support a healthy environment, including nutritious lunch options that are meat-free.

"Healthy eating, physical activity and a balanced diet are important messages to instill in our children and in consumers, in general," says Veneman.

One easy way for parents to improve their kids' eating habits is by adding soyfoods to their menus. Soy is the primary source of protein for more than one billion people every day and is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids. It's also very low in saturated fat with no cholesterol.

"The FDA is now saying that 25 grams of soy per day is a benefit," says Jamie Dressler of Dressler Foods, Inc., a natural foods company. "You don't need to change your whole diet. You can add soy in moderation for a great way to include protein without a lot of fat in your meals. And kids definitely need protein."

Dressler's Soy Add-Ums is a textured soy protein that comes in a dry form and is extremely versatile because you can "add" whatever flavor or seasoning you desire. It can be used either dry or re-hydrated and is a good meat substitute.

The following are some healthy recipe ideas from Dressler:

Beafy Burrito Stuffing

1 cup Soy Add-Ums, rehydrated with beef or chicken flavoring. We recommend McKay's chicken or McCormicks Beef, available at your grocery store.

1 tablespoon soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Amino's

1 onion diced

1 can refried beans

1 cup salsa

Place onion, beans and salsa in sauté pan with 1/4 cup water, add Soy Add-Ums, cook to desired consistency. Put 1/4 cup of filling into burrito shell, top with cheese, heat to melt cheese add sour cream, guacamole to taste. Fills 8 burrito shells. Can be used as chip dip or taco filling.

Tuny Roni Salad

1 cup Soy Add-Ums, rehydrated fish style. We recommend Old Bay Seasoning. Use 1/4 cup seasoning to 1 cup of Soy Add-Ums

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

dash salt

Mix together in a bowl

Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon flax oil

1/4 cup each of black olives, celery, cherry tomatoes (use child's favorite)

2 cups cooked macaroni noodles

Chill when finished. Makes 8 servings Add-Ums Pockets 1 package whole wheat pita bread (split in half)

3 cups total chopped onion, peppers and garlic (use yellow, green and red peppers for color)

3 cups hydrated soy add-ums (chicken style -- We recommend McKay's 1/4 cup to 1 cup Soy Add-Ums)

Spaghetti sauce or salsa

Toppings - mushrooms, olives, artichokes, broccoli, fresh sprouts, cheese

Lightly sauté onions, peppers, garlic, and Soy Add-ums in soaking water until tender.

Remove from pan.

Spoon inside pita pockets, which have been covered with sauce.

Top with favorite pizza toppings.

Heat until warm. Enjoy with a salad.

Variations: Use Nanonaise, Vegenaise or other vegan mayo for a great sandwich. To increase health benefits, leave veggies raw.

Dressler Foods Inc. also makes a line of dairy alternative soy milks. For more information and healthy recipe ideas, visit www.Dresslerfoods.com or call (888) 526-6330. Available in specialty health food stores nationwide.

Courtesy of ARA Content





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Courtesy of ARA Content