2015 Q3 LIFE@reliance Newsletter

Introducing the Q3 Wellness Theme:

BREAKING THE CODE:

Deciphering Food Labels

Obesity is the single greatest threat to public health in this century, says the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Our levels of physical activity have changed little in the last 30 years, yet our calorie intake has increased on average by 700 calories per day. Large portion sizes and more convenient food options both contribute to calorie overload. This quarter, we focus on nutrition and the importance of paying attention to food labels, and how this can help us make healthier and smarter food choices. Here’s a preview of the Quarter Three Wellness Activities: JULY - Learn about the role that food labels play with the WHAT’S EATING YOU? CAMPAIGN AUGUST - Learn how to break the code of food labels by viewing the DECIPHERING FOOD LABELS SEMINAR SEPTEMBER - Test your new knowledge about food labels and complete the WHAT’S YOUR LABEL? CHALLENGE

To help kick off our Quarter Three theme of nutrition, here’s a heart healthy recipe to enjoy at your next backyard BBQ or work potluck!

Texas Caviar Serves 8 150 Calories 77 mg Sodium $1.29 Per Serving

Ingredients • 30 oz. canned, reduced-sodium black-eyed peas • 2 green onions • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn • 1 small bell pepper, yellow or red • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro • 3 fresh jalapeño peppers • 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes OR 14.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added, diced tomatoes • 3 cloves fresh garlic OR 3 tsp. jarred, minced garlic • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 2 Tbsp. lime juice • 1/2 tsp. lime zest • 1 tsp. ground cumin • Salt (to taste) • fresh, ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions 1. In a medium bowl, combine the black- eyed peas, green onions, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeños, tomatoes, and garlic. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, zest, and cumin. Pour over vegetables, add salt and pepper and toss together until vegetables are coated completely in the oil blend. 3. Serve as a side dish or with whole grain pita chips. Best if chilled for 2-3 hours. For this and other heart healthy recipes, visit www.heart.org/gettinghealthy.

This Simple Cooking with Heart recipe is a classic and traditional Southern-American black-eyed pea salad that's full of flavor and fresh vegetables.

DEADLINE REMINDER – DON’T FORGET! You must EARN 50 WELLNESS CREDITS and, if required, COMPLETE FOUR HEALTH COACHING SESSIONS by AUGUST 31, 2015 to be eligible for the 2016 incentive

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