Recipe for Healthy Kids: Fun Not Fat

National Turkey Federation recommends after-school snacks that cut fat, boost protein

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WASHINGTON, D.C., September 16, 2004 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation
202-898-0100 ext. 227, srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org
or Kathleen Donlin, Devine & Pearson
617-472-2700 ext. 107 kdonlin@devine-pearson.com

Pizza. Doughnuts. Cookies, cake and candy. Kids' after-school snacks and post-activity treats can be loaded with sugar and fat, contributing to the nation's childhood obesity problem.

But the National Turkey Federation is urging parents, teachers, coaches and others to recognize that kids don't have to have fat to have fun. And to help them replace high-calorie, fatty snacks with ones that are high in protein and low in fat, the federation is offering creative ideas for healthy and tasty alternative treats.

"Introducing children to healthy eating habits at a young age can play an important role in influencing their overall health," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, the federation's senior director of marketing and communications. "Lean protein is a great substitute to unhealthy snacks, and turkey in particular is extremely nutritious, low in cost, versatile, and well-liked by kids."

Some studies suggest that children who consume more low-nutrient density foods (defined as visible fat; table sweeteners, candy, and sweetened beverages; baked and dairy desserts; and salty snacks) consume more calories overall. Because turkey breast is higher in protein and lower in saturated fat and calories than many popular snack foods, it is the perfect after-school snack solution.

There are many turkey-based, kid-friendly snacks, among which are:

• 1/2 roasted turkey breast sandwich, made with whole-grain bread, lettuce, tomato, mustard and low-fat cheese
• Turkey roll-ups, made by rolling slices of roasted turkey breast in lettuce leaves or whole-grain tortillas
• Mini personal pizzas, made by topping whole-grain English muffins or tortillas with pizza sauce and turkey breast pieces
• Finger foods, such as roasted turkey breast strips, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers and cucumbers with low-fat dressing for dipping
• A cup of turkey noodle soup
• Or 1/2 turkey bean burrito, made with low-fat refried beans, low-fat shredded cheese, and a whole-grain tortilla

The suggestions for low-fat, healthy snacks are part of the federation's ongoing campaign, called "Turkey. The Perfect Protein™," to educate consumers about the healthy attributes of turkey.

As part of the campaign, the federation has contributed to the effort to curb childhood obesity by unveiling its "New Math for the Lean Lunchbox" program, which offers an easy-to-remember formula for packing a lean lunchbox, five sample lean-protein lunch menus for parents to choose from, and additional kid-friendly recipes. The information is available on the federation's web site, www.eatturkey.com. Click on the consumer page icon, then click on "healthy eating trends." www.eatturkey.com/consumer/healthyeating.html.

Note to editors: Recipes, "Turkey. The Perfect Protein™" logo and press kit are available for download from the pressroom at www.eatturkey.com.

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry. It's award winning web site www.eatturkey.com offers successful on-line professional chef cooking demonstrations and a searchable database of more than 300 recipes that exhibit turkey's versatility as a profit-building item, which enhances menus in all meal occasions during every season of the year. Operators can also go to www.eatturkey.com to sign up for the RecipE-mail program to register and receive unique recipe ideas that add flair to holiday and special occasion menus year-round.

National Cholesterol Education Program
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) launched the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in November 1985. The goal of the NCEP is to contribute to reducing illness and death from coronary heart disease (CHD) in the United States by reducing the percent of Americans with high blood cholesterol. Through educational efforts directed at health professionals and the public, the NCEP aims to raise awareness and understanding about high blood cholesterol as a risk factor for CHD and the benefits of lowering cholesterol levels as a means of preventing CHD. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm