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The Belt and Beyond I September 7th, 2017

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<strong>September</strong> 7, <strong>2017</strong><br />

13<br />

CHIA SEEDS<br />

By Jackie Talero-Rueda,<br />

<strong>The</strong> Crunchy Mom<br />

Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language<br />

<strong>and</strong> runners <strong>and</strong> warriors would use them as fuel<br />

while running long distances or during battle. Chia<br />

seeds have made a comeback <strong>and</strong> very popular amongst the health<br />

community. Chia seeds are a nutrient dense superfood. <strong>The</strong>y are rich<br />

in fiber, proteins, omega-3 fats, beneficial antioxidants, vitamins <strong>and</strong><br />

minerals. Minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium<br />

<strong>and</strong> potassium. To provide a comparison, 3 tablespoons of chia has, 15x<br />

more magnesium than broccoli, 6x more calcium than whole milk, 30%<br />

more antioxidants than blueberries, 2x more potassium than bananas.<br />

Three tablespoons also contains 9 grams of protein (more than 1 egg)<br />

<strong>and</strong> 15 grams of dietary fiber. Now that you know what a nutritional<br />

punch these seeds have it’s time to learn what health benefits they<br />

have.<br />

• Digestion: Chia seeds are high in dietary fiber <strong>and</strong> help promote<br />

bowel regularity. <strong>The</strong> rich fiber content helps people feel more full<br />

quicker because it absorbs a considerable amount of water <strong>and</strong><br />

immediately exp<strong>and</strong>s in the stomach when eaten.<br />

• Energy <strong>and</strong> Weight management: Clinical studies have proven that<br />

chia curbs hunger <strong>and</strong> suppresses appetite, which can also lead to<br />

weight loss. Chia seeds promote energy, increase metabolism <strong>and</strong> help<br />

shrink visceral (belly) fat. Since they are also rich in protein this makes<br />

them an excellent food for athletes. Instead of going for a sugary sports<br />

drink take some chia seeds in water instead! Always drink a lot of water<br />

when consuming raw chia seeds.<br />

• Diabetes <strong>and</strong> heart: Studies from University of Litoral in Argentina<br />

found that chia seeds helped stop <strong>and</strong> reverse diabetes. Chia seeds<br />

also regulate cholesterol <strong>and</strong> lower blood pressure making it important<br />

to consume for heart health.<br />

• Skin <strong>and</strong> teeth: Chia seeds pack so many nutrients like calcium,<br />

zinc, phosphorous <strong>and</strong> Vitamin A. <strong>The</strong>se nutrients are essential for<br />

strong <strong>and</strong> healthy teeth. <strong>The</strong> antioxidants in chia seeds repair skin <strong>and</strong><br />

help prevent future damage.<br />

Eating too much chia seeds can cause stomach discomfort so always<br />

start slow <strong>and</strong> consume a lot of water. You can eat chia dry or soaked.<br />

When you soak them they turn into a gelatin like pearl. <strong>The</strong>y make a<br />

great addition to oatmeal, cereal, baked goods, or smoothies. Many<br />

chia drinks are now being sold on the market. <strong>The</strong>y are quite pricey but<br />

you can easily make your own!<br />

Chia Seed Drink<br />

1 cup of the juice of your choice (I like pomegranate)<br />

1 cup water<br />

3 TB chia seeds<br />

Warm the water, put in a cup <strong>and</strong> add 3 TB of chia seeds. Stir well until<br />

the chia seeds are evenly dispersed <strong>and</strong> start to swell. Cover <strong>and</strong> put<br />

cup in the refrigerator. Let sit overnight.<br />

<strong>The</strong> next day, get your cup out of the fridge. Your chia seeds should be<br />

blown up in size <strong>and</strong> gelatinous. Your “water” should now be a thick gel.<br />

Mix 1 cup of your chia seed gel with 1 cup of<br />

the juice of your choice <strong>and</strong> mix well. This recipe<br />

serves 2.<br />

Enjoy!<br />

Jackie<br />

* <strong>The</strong>se statements have not been evaluated by the Food <strong>and</strong> Drug<br />

Administration. This product or food is not intended to diagnose,<br />

treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing,<br />

taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your<br />

physician before using this product or food.<br />

Questions? Email Jackie at jcrunchymom@gmail.com<br />

Now on Facebook www.facebook.com/jcrunchymom<br />

Senator Scavello to Host Get Outdoors PA Festival<br />

Stroudsburg, PA – State Senator Mario Scavello will host his second<br />

annual Get Outdoors PA Festival on Saturday, <strong>September</strong> 30th<br />

from 1:00pm–4:00pm. at Brodhead Creek Park (North Fifth Street,<br />

Stroudsburg) in partnership with Stroud Region Open Space <strong>and</strong><br />

Recreation Commission. This family-friendly event will be held rain or<br />

shine for all ages.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Get Outdoors PA Festival is a free event <strong>and</strong> will highlight the many<br />

outdoor experiences available throughout the region. Exhibitors will<br />

provide h<strong>and</strong>s-on activities <strong>and</strong> experiences including the opportunity to<br />

meet Smokey the Bear <strong>and</strong> Woodsy the Owl. Children <strong>and</strong> parents can<br />

also practice their archery <strong>and</strong> fishing skills, take a guided nature walk,<br />

participate in a live animal presentation, learn about stream wildlife <strong>and</strong><br />

much more.<br />

“As state senator <strong>and</strong> member of the Senate Game <strong>and</strong> Fisheries<br />

Committee, I am very excited to host this event in partnership with<br />

the Stroud Region Open Space <strong>and</strong> Recreation Commission,” Senator<br />

Scavello said. “This festival will highlight numerous local <strong>and</strong> regional<br />

organizations focused on protecting our precious natural resources <strong>and</strong><br />

providing exciting outdoor experiences through many fun activities. I<br />

encourage all families to come out <strong>and</strong> enjoy our beautiful park <strong>and</strong> take<br />

part in the day’s festivities.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> schedule of events will include a Live Animal Presentation at 1:30<br />

p.m., a nature walk at 2 p.m. <strong>and</strong> a Stream Study led by Monroe County<br />

Conservation District at 3:00 p.m. Representatives from the Department<br />

of Conservation & Natural Resources, PA Game Commission <strong>and</strong> Fish &<br />

Boat Commission will be present to answer any questions that attendees<br />

may have.<br />

Light refreshments will be provided.<br />

For more information about the Get Outdoors PA Festival please visit<br />

www.marioscavello.com or call<br />

610-863-1200.<br />

We <strong>The</strong> Resilient<br />

by Robert L. Martin<br />

We rise, we fall, then rise again.<br />

We dust ourselves off, then we begin<br />

To work, to rebuild, to follow the plan,<br />

As if tragedy never came into our midst.<br />

Tragedy, the bearer of two different seeds,<br />

One that motivates our instinctive resilience,<br />

And the other that causes us to give up hope,<br />

As we all lie down <strong>and</strong> idle away our dreams.<br />

We arose with the call of the motivation seed.<br />

It blossomed in our hearts as we came to life.<br />

<strong>The</strong> nine eleven disaster wanted us to lie down,<br />

But we came together; yes we, the resilient.<br />

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