Wednesday, February 27, 2013


Lynze’s Agricultural Adventures

Hey Girl Scouts! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words “eating healthy”? All I used to think is…boring! However, I’ve come to realize that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean lackluster meals. There are many exciting foods that you can branch out and try. Not only are these foods delicious, they contain key nutrients that fuel your body. Being Girl Scouts, we strive to be well-rounded individuals, and that means we can get pretty busy. We need healthy foods to fuel us so that we can keep up with our extensive schedules. I’ve included three new foods for you to try and recipes you can whip up on the go by yourself or with parental supervision, depending on your age. These recipes can also help you meet a few of the requirements to earn a new badge! (See last paragraph for specific badges.) To get started on a healthy lifestyle, here are three great new foods to try. Happy healthy eating!

QuinoaQuinoa is a seed that can be prepared like rice. It has a fairly high content of protein per  1/3 cup and is gluten- and cholesterol-free. It has a nutty flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Pick it up at your local health food store.

Quinoa recipes:
For an easy lunch or dinner, this quinoa burrito recipe is great. 

Real Simple: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-and-quinoa-burritos-00000000052476/index.html

For an easy breakfast, I recommend quinoa fruit power bars. 
Kitchen Daily: http://main.kitchendaily.com/recipe/quinoa-and-fruit-power-bars-142682/

To eat as a plain side-dish, follow this recipe.
Eco Child’s Play: http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/09/05/kid-friendly-organic-grains-fast-cooking-quinoa/

Kale
Kale is a healthy super-food that’s jam-packed with essential nutrients. When consumed on a regular basis, kale provides your body with nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, iron, potassium and so much more! It also has antioxidants and numerous health benefits. It belongs to the food family that includes cabbage and collards. It is available in three different varieties: curly, ornamental or dinosaur. This dark leafy green can be found at your local grocery store and is readily available winter through spring.

Kale recipes:
For a healthy snack, try making your own kale chips.

Babble: http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2010/07/06/its-easy-eating-green-with-kale-chips/

A kale smoothie? I know what you’re thinking…”ick!” Give this recipe a go, and you won’t be sorry! The fruit covers up the taste of the kale, making this sweet smoothie a delicious breakfast or dessert.


For an easy and delicious vegetable side dish at dinner, try sautéed kale.


Jicama
This yummy root vegetable contains dietary fiber, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It has an interesting sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. It can be consumed in a variety of ways and is available year-round at your local grocery store.

Jicama recipes:
Jicama tastes great in all salads; here is one that I really like: .

Simply Recipes: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/jicama_salad/

What’s better than French fries? Jicama fries!
Super Healthy Kids: http://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-kids-recipes/quick-and-easy-snack-jicama-fries.php

Jicama slaw is a fast side dish packed full of nutrition.
Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/jicama-slaw-recipe/index.html

These recipes taste delicious and are fun, quick and easy to make, which is perfect with our hectic schedules. To get started, ask your parent for help or supervision, and get cooking! Learning to create tasty and nutritious meals means that you are taking initiative to become an even more responsible and independent individual. Plus, by following a few of these recipes you are completing a step in earning the My Best Self (Brownie), Staying Fit (Junior), and Eating for Beauty (Cadette) badges.  Have fun creating these recipes and beginning your quest for a healthier lifestyle.



 [mg1]Jen, I’m assuming you’ll just hyperlink these.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Lynze’s Agricultural Adventures

Hey girls! My name is Lynze and I am a writer for Hear&Now teen magazine. I’ve been a Girl Scout since 2000. Through Girl Scouts, I have gained invaluable skills while creating many memories and friendships. I am also an active member of the Future Farmers of America organization. If you are unfamiliar with this organization, its purpose is to teach students about the importance of agriculture while developing their leadership skills. Both Girl Scouts and Future Farmers of America take pride in helping cultivate responsible and independent leaders like me. As a member of both organizations, I have noticed that much of what I have learned in Girl Scouts can be applied to the Future Farmers of America, and vice versa.

On that note, I would like to introduce you to my new series of blog posts that you can read right here on GSHCC’s blog, “Lynze’s Agricultural Adventures.” Agriculture is a vast industry and covers a wide variety of exciting subjects. I plan to post an assortment of topics that show how you can pursue your interests in the agriculture industry while being a Girl Scout. I’m excited to begin; stay tuned.