Deja vu?

 

  Not too long ago our English class was having a discussion about the many different fast food franchises in all of the United States. Having been mentioned, it made me think about the very thing that is contributing to our country's sky high obesity rates. But this one franchise in particular goes about on feeding on the young, targeting and marketing their very addicting fast food to children. Whether it be because of the cool little COLLECTIBLE toys and gadgets that come in each happy meal, or the brightly colored playground that can been seen from off the highway children are being sucked in.
   It was only after our class discussion that I began to notice one McDonalds after another every couple of blocks, and after a while it became a bit disturbing. Because I am always on the go between work and school, I can hardly ever find the time for a real meal. This is where fast food comes into play. Many other Americans, like myself, have so much to do and very little time forcing healthy eating habits to take a back seat. McDonalds is so accessible and affordable that it is almost a no-brainer. We prioritize valuing convenience over our well being (and more improtantly our children's well being), ultimately giving an obscene amount of umssen power to numerous fast food chains.
   After doing my research, I learned that there are approximately 354 McDonalds locations in New York, NY alone. Such a thing should make you wonder, if there are so many so close: How many McDonalds restaurants could there possibly be in all of the United States?

Yummy Cupycakes =)

Now here is a recipe that everyone can enjoy, and a dessert that kids are sure to love. Cupcakes are easy to make and fun to decorate. With just the right ingredients you can have a delicious and healthy batch of cupcakes in no time!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 egg whites

2/3 cup plain yogurt

Directions:

1.        Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line the cupcake cups with foil or paper liners (I like to use pretty colorful paper cupcake liners J)

2.        In a bowl, add and stir together the flour, baking powder and baking soda - set it aside.

3.       In a large separate mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter and vanilla for about 2-5 minutes, or until it’s well mixed. Now add the egg whites (one at a time) whipping for about a minute after each one. Then add the flour mixture consecutively with the yogurt, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed.

4.        Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake pan one cupcake at a time (only pour the batter in ¾ of the way up or else you’ll have a batch of deformed cupcakes on your hands lol) and then place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. It always helps to stick a toothpick into the middle of a cupcake and if it comes out clean they’re ready to go. Let cool and ENJOY! =)

(To the right is a picture of cupcakes made using this recipe by my little sister, my best friend and I. Not only were they yummy, but they were so much fun to decorate!)

From Their Mouths..

   Children can hardly ever be blamed for their constant struggle with weight, their school and home environments play a huge role in what they eat. These days, parents are constantly on the go and have very little time to spend with their children let alone focus on their eating habits. Though eating is a part of our everyday lives, and has a large impact on our overall health, many of us deem it insignificant. Below I have a fairly short interview with one of the youngest members of my family, to analyze what an average teen/preteen eats everyday.

Q: Okay, so what is your name and how old are you?

A: I'm Joshua Fernandez Torres and I'm 13 years old

Q: What did you have for dinner today?

A: Today? I had some white rice, steak, tostones, and some taco meat with Tostito chips 

Q:  What is a typical dinner for you and your family like?

A: Well we usually have rice and beans (i like it with ketchup or barbecue sauce), steak, pork chops or breaded chicken. I love the breaded chicken my dad makes.

Q: How many times a week do you eat fast food/junk food?

A: Almost every day... well no, EVERYDAY 

Q: At school what do you have for lunch?

A: I don't eat the school lunch, I really don't like how it tastes, and all I drink is the white milk.

Q: And how about after school?

A: After school I usually go to Vinny's to eat pizza everyday

Q: What is your favorite thing to eat?

A: I like Wendy's because the Spicy Chicken Cesar salad they have is the best

Q: Do you ever worry about what you eat and how it might affect your body?

A: No because I don’t really care about that kind of stuff, I just eat what tastes good to me

Q: Josh, if you could create the perfect meal for yourself, what would it be?

A: Oh that’s easy. I want the spicy chicken Cesar salad from Wendy’s, risotto, fried chicken breast from KFC, chicharrones de pollo (Dominican fried chicken chunks), tostones (crispy fried plantains), empanadas, a taco, a large Mountain Dew and to top it all off a banana split with all strawberry ice cream and strawberry syrup!