Jamie Oliver comes to the continent

I have enjoyed watching Jamie Oliver rant about the food offered in the big US school cafeterias. He's putting his money where his mouth is, taking abuse from those who think there is no problem. Neglect IS abuse. Neglecting proper nutrition is a crime. With Canadian Family Health Teams offering dietary services and nutritionists, we have no excuse for people to be ignorant about eating well.

I am happy, too, that Jamie made mashed potatoes WITH the skin, as I do! That is where the nutrients are found.

We supersize, à la US model, with US-owned franchises in the not-to-be-named chains where things are endlessly fried, precooked, filled with additives and preservatives and fat. They are evolving. More chains offer salads, but the fast food notion is a sad one. I heard of one soccer mom who put a crock pot in the min-van. I like that idea! Gone are the days when moms could put a pot of stew on for the early dinner, and we eat smaller meals in the evening.

Huntington, West Virginia, Fattest US City, To Star On Jamie Oliver Reality Show

It is not a surprise that the US has so much obesity, expecially in their children. Those living in poverty cannot afford the fresh, important veggies if they live in the north. Most, however, missed the nutritional information some teacher attempted to promote. Our Ontario Milk Marketing Board spends a bundle of materials for promotion. As do the egg and other marketing boards. Education is the key. Changing the habits of those who overeat, eat the wrong things, too much of one thing, and fail to have a balanced, colourful plate of food with greens every day.

In our case, we find that making our own culinary delights is important. Using simple foods, unprocessed as much as possible. Having children participate is an important part of the process.
This is our lasagna on Easter day! Many of my Muskoka commenters said they, too, had lasagna!
The cats were very upset that the canned food wasn't for them. We put in frozen spinach, fresh zuccini, lean ground beef (Caitlin is pregnant and has had low iron), two cans of tomatoes (we are far from tomato season here!), ready-bake noodles, lots of cheese (for growing bones).

It is interesting in that Caitlin is pregnant, need milk and iron, Josephine is 2 and needs calcium for strong bones. As a menopausal middle-aged woman, I need 3 servings of milk per day. (I supplement with tablets, as I am already having oseoporosis issues. Also, Vitamin D tabs, although I do try for 10 min. of sun per day = Vit. D.)

Lasagna is almost a perfect (group) meal for most of us, except the cheese isn't good for those with high cholesterol. (Yes, I have that, too! Polypharmacy rears its ugly head.)

You'll notice P.O.'d cats in my collage, who thought the canned food was for them. I always have to let them smell the food or they will meow forever. They were not thrilled with the tomatoes. The meat caught their noses, as did the cheese, but

From MYMUSKOKA

This chart of the day is a perfect reason. Andrew Sullivan makes a good point. Even Oprah was attacked by the US-based beef industry.