10 REASONS TO DINE OUT FOR LIFE FOR FOOD & FRIENDS

Dining Out for Life^® is less than a month away! Have you pledged to dine out on April 25th? If not, maybe these 10 reasons will encourage you to make that commitment. Our clients are counting on you!

10. YOU WERE HUNGRY ANYWAY
Chances are, you were probably planning to eat that day anyways, right? You might as well grab some grub at one of the more than 100 restaurants participating this year.

9. YOU WANT TO IMPRESS YOUR DATE
Sure, it’s sweet that you bought flowers and opened the car door for your date, but this is your chance to really shine; suggest an establishment that is giving a portion of proceeds to a good cause.

8. YOU ALREADY HAVE DINNER PLANS, BUT LUNCH IS OPEN
There is an abundance of restaurants participating not just for dinner but lunch as a way to raise money.

7. YOU WANTED TO TRY THAT NEW PLACE
More than 100 restaurants in the Washington, DC Metro Region are taking part in this year’s Dining Out for Life®. There is something for everyone!

6. YOU CAN MAKE IT A TRADITION
If you haven’t already, make the Dining Out for Life® experience a yearly tradition. When it’s over, you’ll be counting down the days until next year’s event!

5. YOU WERE PLANNING AN OUTING 
Whether it’s a business luncheon or a colleague’s going away party, your office is always finding a reason to get out to the local watering hole. For just one day out of the year, that office excursion can raise money to support your neighbors in need.

4. YOU WANT TO BE PART OF A NATIONWIDE FIGHT
You may have your own table, but you’re eating dinner with thousands of people – across the country -- that night who, just like you, want to join together in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses.

3. YOUR SUPPORT STAYS IN YOUR CITY
There’s nothing like seeing your contribution have an influence right in front of your eyes. When you Dine Out For Life you’re raising money for Food & Friends, a nonprofit in your city, for your city.

2. MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Though it’s so easy to Dine Out, it will mean a world of difference to someone in your community. Your help will make a direct and immediate impact in the lives of thousands of our neighbors battling illnesses.

1. THERE’S NO EASIER WAY TO GIVE
Your meal will cost just as much as it would any other day of the year, only this time a portion of what you’re spending goes to Food & Friends’ mission of providing home-delivered nutritious meals to our neighbors facing illnesses. All you need to do is eat at a participating restaurant.

PLEDGE TO DINE OUT TODAY!

Adapted for Food & Friends. Original blog courtesy of Dining Out for Life® International Blog. Posted by Julie@chatterblast.com on April 24, 2012. www.diningoutforlife.com.

31 Days of Healthy Living: Week 5

Congratulations, you made it to the LAST WEEK of National Nutrition Month®.

We hope you've found these tips and ideas helpful and that you've been able to create healthy habits that will not only last for the rest of the month but for years to come.

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013
Meat Free Monday 
Get creative in the kitchen tonight and make a tasty vegetarian meal. Try cooking up vegetarian chili or lasagna, be adventurous with a veggie burger or soy hot dog, or make a tofu stir-fry with fresh or frozen vegetables.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013
Catch some Zzzz’s 
Research shows that people who get the least amount of sleep tend to gain weight faster and are more likely to become obese than those sleeping more. Along with reducing the chance of weight gain, sleep will keep you sharp and feeling ready to go throughout the day!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013
Be Heart Healthy 
Follow a heart healthy diet to reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing sodium, balancing your calories with physical activity, and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
Don’t Fall for the Fads 
Keep an eye out for fad diets and diets promising results that are too good to be true. Rapid weight loss, cutting out entire food groups and rigid menus are all unrealistic and short-lived.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013
Shave 100 Calories A Day 
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by making small changes that can cut calories. Use fat-free creamer in your coffee, trim fat from meat and poultry, try sorbet or frozen fruit instead of ice cream, and dip veggies in salsa instead of chips. Small lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference in the end!

SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013
Fill Your Plate With Flavor, Not Salt 
Reduce your sodium intake by flavoring foods with herbs and spices, using lemon or vinegar for sauces, soups and salads.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013
Give yourself a pat on the back!
This month has been full of new ideas and challenges to help you adopt a healthy lifestyle. Keep up the great work!

31 Days of Healthy Living: Week 4

Only two weeks left of our 31 Days of Healthy Living. Enjoy these tips and let us know how you’re doing.

MONDAY, MARCH 18TH

Be a Smart Snacker

Eating snacks can be part of a balanced diet by helping you get all the nutrients you need, controlling hunger, and preventing overeating. Keep healthy snacks like trail mix, yogurt, and fruit on hand so you will not be tempted to snack on unhealthy foods during the day.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH

Keep Portions In Mind

Avoid overeating by being aware of portion sizes. Try using smaller dishware, measure out portions instead of eating directly out of packages, and be aware of your hunger level before helping yourself to a second serving. These simple changes will help you save calories and stay on track.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20TH

Save Time by Planning

Prepare meals during the weekend for the entire week so that you can eat healthy even when you are short on time. Make casseroles, cut up vegetables in advance, pre-cook rice and pasta, or make a healthy soup. Since all your meals will already be prepared, all you have to do is warm them and enjoy!

THURSDAY, MARCH 21ST

Rethink Your Drinks

Added sugars in soft drinks, energy drinks, and sport drinks can contribute to weight gain by making us consume excess calories throughout the day. Make healthier drink choices by switching to water or low-fat milk, drinking 100% juice instead of sugary fruit drinks, or sipping on flavored seltzer water instead of carbonated beverages.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22ND

Eat Right Before Exercise

Eating proper foods before working out can give you the energy you need so you don’t feel burned out. Eat a meal 3-4 hours beforehand that is high in carbohydrates and contains some protein, fat, and fiber. Closer to your workout, have a small snack like fruit or nuts to get you ready to go!

SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD

All About Satisfaction

It takes about 20 minutes for our bodies to realize we are full. Instead of eating until you are full, eat until you are satisfied. This will help to prevent overeating and reduce caloric intake. Remember to eat slowly, keep your hunger level in mind, and don’t feel like you have to clean your plate!

SUNDAY, MARCH 24TH

Eat Something Blue

A diet rich in blue and purple foods can have anti-aging benefits, help prevent urinary tract problems, and reduce your risk of cancer. Blackberries, blueberries, eggplants, and plums are a few good options you should throw into your cart next time you’re at the store!

31 Days of Healthy Living: Week 3

Can you believe it is already the third week of March?

Here’s another week of great tips for National Nutrition Month^®. Are you following along?

MONDAY, MARCH 11TH

Get In Your Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. They protect our bodies from damage and keep our immune system strong.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH

Make March Your Month to Move!

Adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. Get movement in at work by taking the stairs, walking during your lunch break, doing chair exercises at your desk, or taking a stroll around the office.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH
Start Your Day Off Right With Breakfast.

Eating breakfast can help prevent overeating later in the day, gives you brain power, and can help you get many of the nutrients you need on a daily basis. Choose healthy options like oatmeal, low-fat yogurt, high-fiber cereal, fruit, or eggs to get your day started the right way!

THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH
Drink Water to Lose Weight.

Studies show that drinking water before a meal can help you feel fuller and reduce caloric intake by about 75 calories per meal, which over a year can add up to 14 pounds.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15TH
What is this BMI business?

Your Body Mass Index is a formula used to correlate your weight to your height. It’s a tool used to identify the risks with being under or over weight, and can help you understand what your healthy weight should be. BMI calculators can be found online, so find out what yours is today!

SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH

Keep Food Safety in Mind.

Food safety is extremely important. Take precautions to prevent foodborne illness while preparing meals by washing your hands frequently, keeping raw meats separate from other ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the correct temperatures, and refrigerating foods promptly.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH
Go Green Today!

In honor of St. Patty’s Day, eat green foods such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kiwis, and limes. These are high in fiber, rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, and magnesium, and can help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.

31 Days of Healthy Living: Week 2

As promised, we’ll be providing you with healthy living tips all month long for National Nutrition Month^®.

Stay connected with us this month on Facebook and Twitter for access to quizzes, videos, games, tips, prizes, recipes and more!

MONDAY, MARCH 4TH
Reuse, Reuse, Reuse.
Reusable grocery totes are a great way to be earth friendly, but these bags can harbor bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Wash reusable bags frequently and keep meat, poultry, and fish in separate totes away from produce and ready to eat foods.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH
Reduce Empty Calories.
Set a goal to reduce empty calorie foods, which are foods and beverages that are high in fat and/or sugar and provide few nutrients. Try to make healthier, nutrient dense choices when eating meals and snacks!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH
Got Milk?
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is important for building strong and healthy bones. Adults need 3 servings of dairy a day. Choose low-fat or fat-free options, and incorporate other dairy products to get your recommended daily amount!

THURSDAY, MARCH 7TH
Bake Healthy.
Baked goods can be delicious and good for you if you make healthy substitutions. Try substituting Greek yogurt for oil or butter, use applesauce instead of sugar, switch from white flour to wheat, and use tofu or bananas instead of eggs.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH
Go Fiber!!
Fiber can help keep us full, and studies show that people who eat high fiber diets weigh less than those who do not. Other health benefits of fiber include reducing bad cholesterol, controlling blood sugar, and keeping your bowel healthy.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH
Eat Out the Healthy Way!
Make healthier choices when dining out by looking at restaurant menus in advance, choosing items that are grilled, baked, or steamed, asking questions if you are unsure about what a menu item contains.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10TH
Eat Right On A Budget.
Save money by planning weekly meals ahead of time and taking a shopping list with you to avoid impulse buys. Check for supermarket specials beforehand, buy in season or local produce, and buy in bulk and freeze extras if you can.

Don’t forget to submit a recipe for our 25th Anniversary Recipe Contest. Submit a recipe for a soup, salad or entrée and your recipe may be featured on our menu for clients facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life challenging illnesses.