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The news of the Haiti earthquake disaster hit all of us hard at Let’s Dish! (as I’m sure it did to you and your family). Yesterday was filled with checking CNN for updates, googling statistics and asking, “How can we help?” Beyond getting out our own checkbooks (and, believe me, we all have), was there something else? And then, it occurred to us… we have a fabulous, wonderful, generous customer base of 40K+ strong. And, there is certainly strength in numbers.

The outcome:

Feed your family, while helping to feed those facing loss of life and devastation.

Today and tomorrow, we’re donating $20 for every session booked using promo code HAITI. Money raised will be donated directly to the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts.

I think we often hear of disasters of this magnitude, but don’t think that our small contributions can help. (I’m personally guilty of that sentiment.) But, the reality is that it’s going to take every penny, every contribution, to help bring the people of Haiti back to their feet. And, if we all come together, there’s no stopping what we can do.

I’m proud to work for a company that shares this philanthropic view and sincerely hope that you will join us in Operation Feed Haiti.

Promo cannot be applied to previously booked sessions or combined with other offers. Valid at Let’s Dish! in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Must sign-up January 14-15, 2010. Must enter promo code HAITI at checkout on letsdish.com. Offer valid only on 4, 8 or 12 meal sessions, HALVES not included. Money raised will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. For more information about the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org. Let’s Dish! is the region’s leading meal-assembly chain, where customers stock up on homemade, freezer-ready meals that take the stress out of dinnertime. For more details visit letsdish.com.

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On her latest blog post, Jessica writes, “After all that Thanksgiving cooking you’re doing today and tomorrow…wouldn’t is be nice during the crazy time between Turkey Day and Christmas to have a bunch of meals pre-made? And bond with your kids while you make them?  Then sign up for a Second Sunday session at Let’s Dish!.”

While supervised kids 8+ are welcome at any time, Second Sunday of each month at Let’s Dish! are always special Parent/Kid sessions.  As Jessica mentions, dishing is a “great way for kids to learn about the things they eat and feel more involved in dinner time… (and) may help to get those picky eaters to try new things.”  Plus, most kids just think it’s fun!

The next Parent/Kid session is Sunday, December 13th, and there are still spots available to sign up.  Jessica, thanks for the rave review and we hope to see you there with your little one in tow!

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Even if we’re eating the right foods, we can still eat too much.  Lack of portion control is a BIG reason our nation is getting chubbier.  Portion sizes are much smaller than you might think.  Here are some common portions:

1 slice of bread
½ cup cooked pasta or rice
1 small piece of fruit (tennis ball or baseball size)
¾ cup fruit juice
1 cup cut up melon or berries
1 cup milk or yogurt
3 ounces of meat (think the size of a deck of cards)

The fact is many of our servings are well above the portion sizes.  We have become accustomed to these larger servings and often feel “ripped-off” if we don’t get the portion expected in a restaurant.  We can make a huge difference in controlling our weight and improving our health by utilizing portion control.  If you don’t have it in you to measure everything out, use some simpler methods:

·        The plate method can ensure you have the correct proportions on your plate by filling half your plate with vegetables (this does not include corn and potatoes!), a quarter of your plate with starch (insert corn and potatoes here), and a quarter of your plate with meat.  Add a fruit and milk serving on the side to complete your meal and include all of the food groups. 

·        I know you have heard it before, but when you go out, split your meal with a friend or put half in a box before you start eating.  Use the other half for leftovers.  This saves you from overeating and helps pad your wallet.

·        Keep an eye on your portion sizes by using everyday items.  1 cup is about the size of a baseball; cut it in half for a half cup.  The tip of your thumb to the first knuckle is about the size of a teaspoon.  Multiply that by 3 for a tablespoon.  6 dice is the amount of 1.5 ounces of cheese, and 3 ounces of meat is the size of a deck of cards.

 To give you an idea of how much our portions have changed and how much it has affected our waistline, take the Portion Distortion quizzes from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/index.htm

Catherine Joiner
Cardiac Clinical Dietitian

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