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Hot Glass, Cool Mom

Heidi Hess
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Hot Glass, Cool Mom

By Heidi Hess

The whining came from the back of the minivan… “Where are we going now?”  The tone was more akin to a child in kindergarten.  The person (who shall not be named) is not 5.  They are actually closer to 15.  I didn’t look back.  I just replied, “We’re going somewhere cool.” 

It was a warm Saturday afternoon.  The sun was beating down and as I turned onto a small street in downtown Lake Worth I was starting to second guess my decision to venture to the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts.

I had read about this place.  Actually, I have always been interested in glass blowing but let’s face it, it’s not like you can do it at home.  My husband would certainly frown at the idea of turning our kitchen stove into an oven for molten glass.  He freaks out every time I forget to turn the oven off – let alone keeping an oven going constantly at 1200 degrees.  

The outside of this converted train station is unassuming.  I didn’t think we were in the right spot at first but then I parked and decided to have a look around.  There’s statue closer to the entrance in the parking lot.  It’s a large head of a woman.  This is what my family is going to do to me if this place is a dud.  

“I don’t know about this…” the other child (who shall not be named) murmured.  “Oh, come on.  It might be fun.” I chirped back, bounding up the stairs.   Once inside, the atmosphere changed.   Everything opened up and we were greeted with large pieces of colorful glass twisted into unusual shapes.  Further down were more familiar things… small vases, glasses, and pendants.  And everyone we encounter is uber friendly. 

Online I read about their classes in glass blowing, fusing and flamework – (doesn’t the name just sound like fun)? We passed a classroom that had a flamework class already in session.  And further down there was a small group of women working on a piece in the glass blowing class.

There were chairs and tables just on the outskirts of this class and, to my surprise, my family sat down.  They were slightly interested.  The gentleman leading the class was explaining the process and how glass can be unpredictable.  We all watched in amazement as they transformed a glowing orange blob into a colorful vase just by rolling and blowing and reheating to shape the glass.  It was fascinating. 

We took a stroll through the gallery.  A large portion of the pieces were made by local artists but some were from artists from all over the country.  Everyone was quiet now – a good sign.  We started to leave and both the kids asked if they could take a class.  It turns out they are old enough to take the glassblowing class.  So for all the mom’s out there looking for fun things to do this summer with their kids, you might want to think about signing them up.  

Now comes the good part.  We all pile back into the minivan.  “Hey, Mom.” Whiny child #1 says… “That was pretty cool.”  I smile on the inside knowing that not only was that place cool but I’m a pretty darn cool too.  

If want to be a cool mom too, check out the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts located at:

1105 2nd Avenue South
Lake Worth, Florida 33460
(561) 508-7315  

benzaitencenter.org

SALTY’S:  PORTLAND’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SEAFOOD

Mike May
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<strong>SALTY’S:  PORTLAND’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SEAFOOD</strong>

Home of Great Seafood, Steaks, Service, & Smiles — in Rip City

Certain sports entities spring to mind when you think about the greater Portland, Oregon area.  It’s the headquarters for Nike, the North American hub for Adidas, the home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, the home of the MLS’s Portland Timbers, and the site of the LPGA’s annual Cambia Portland Classic golf tournament.

Portland also has its own distinct geographic identity as its downtown is split by the winding Columbia River.  While Portland, admittedly, is often overshadowed by its metropolitan neighbor to the north — Seattle, Washington – one area where Portland stands second-to-none is its inventory of restaurants, specifically those that specialize in serving seafood.

One dining destination which stands out from the competition is Salty’s on the Columbia River (3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon; 508-282-2201; www.saltys.com)

If you are craving seafood, Salty’s should — er, must — be your first restaurant choice in Portland.  Perched along the banks of the Columbia River, Salty’s provides two dining options – either inside its quaint, well-decorated dining room or to go or for delivery via Uber Eats, Door Dash, Caviar, Grub Hub, or Seamless.  Open for lunch and dinner, the views of the Columbia River — with Mt. Hood in the background — from any location of the dining room at Salty’s help add to the overall experience.  

As for the selection of seafood on the menu, it can only be described as mouth-watering, tasty, and delicious.  Delectable is another way to describe what’s served at Salty’s.  As the menu clearly indicates, Salty’s specializes in seafood — always has and, hopefully, always will.  This is not the kind of place where you go if you want fried chicken, lasagna, or a grilled pork shop, but there are some red meat exceptions – three of which are the 7 ounce filet mignon, the 12 ounce New York strip, and Salty’s Burger and Fries.  At Salty’s, the specialty is seafood – all day and all night.  And, it’s always spectacular.

If you are interested in eating prawns, scallops, crabs, crab cakes, clams, calamari, halibut, lobster, steelhead salmon, or cod, you will find multiple combinations and permutations at Salty’s.  Its appetizers, soups and salads also help put an exclamation point on any visit to Salty’s.  The four side dishes – charred green beans, pesto risotto, creamy Brussels sprouts, and crispy smashed potatoes – are all first-class additions to any entree.  And, the four of the desserts – peanut butter pie, white chocolate mousse cake, spiced apple cheesecake, and key lime pie — may well be as good as you find anywhere west of the Mississippi.  And, definitely, the best along the Columbia River.  

This story would be remiss if it didn’t provide complete details on Salty’s World-Famous Seafood Chowder.  The standard portion includes surf clams, Oregon Bay shrimp, scallops, Washington potatoes, and applewood-smoked bacon.  You can also order it with Dungeness crab.  Simply put, this seafood chowder gets better with every bite.

And, for those who have a few dietary restrictions, four items on the menu are gluten-free.  They are blackened cod tacos, Adobe halibut tacos, grilled halibut, and smoked Columbia River steelhead.

The wide variety of Oregon-based craft beers and wines on the menu further emphasizes the emphasis on locally sourced food and beverages which are served and enjoyed at Salty’s.  The wines come from Oregon, Washington, California, Argentina, France, Italy, and New Zealand.

“Salty’s is a great place to go for wonderful, first-class seafood,” says Bobbie Montgomery, a resident of nearby Vancouver, Washington.  “Every item on the menu is exceptional and the views of the Columbia River add to the overall experience.  It’s one of Portland’s great seafood restaurants.  My favorite is the prawn pasta.”

“It’s a great place for a date, special events, and when you have a hunger for seafood,”  adds Bonnie McCutcheon-Scruggs, a resident of Happy Valley, Oregon, a suburb of Portland.  “I enjoy the halibut and I love the clam chowder.”

As for that Salty’s Burger, it may well be the best burger in Portland.  The burger is served on a brioche bun and includes carmelized onion mayonnaise, bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, vine-ripened tomatoes, butter lettuce plus sweet and spicy pickles.

In order to stay current and trendy, Salty’s has a footprint within the world of social media as its hash tag on Instagram is saltysonthecolumbiapdx.  And, its website is saltys.com.

Next time you visit Portland, bring along an appetite for seafood and make plans to visit Salty’s on the Columbia River.  It’s a dining experience that is mouth-watering, tasty, and delicious.  And, second-to-none.  It always has been and always will be.  And, don’t forget to order that Seafood Chowder.

League of Women Voters PBC to Host Two Free Hot Topic Discussions on Zoom, June 15 & July 15

Carly Cantor
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League of Women Voters PBC to Host Two Free Hot Topic Discussions on Zoom, June 15 & July 15

(West Palm Beach, FL – May 26, 2022) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited local taxpayers, property owners, and concerned citizens to two upcoming Hot Topic Discussions, both at noon and on Zoom:

Wednesday, June 15 at Noon

The Importance of Public Defenders on the Supreme Court

Sharing the criminal defense perspective will be Carey Haughwout, Public Defender in Palm Beach County since 2001. A board-certified criminal trial lawyer, she established and chaired the Re-entry Task Force for the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission which established services for ex-offenders to reduce recidivism.

Link to Register in Advance

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xctuIeI0R1a768WtP3ss9g

Wednesday, July 15 at Noon

Civil Rights in Florida

James Shaw, Chair of the ACLU of Florida’s State Legal Panel, will discuss the current state of civil rights statewide and changes in the law from this year’s Legislative session.

Link to Register in Advance

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PQJV197mSSWqCAMg49SLQA

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or 

www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.

 Carey Haughwout
James Shaw

Enjoy the Little Things … And Other Stuff I Have Learned From My Dogs

Tricia Roberts
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Enjoy the Little Things … And Other Stuff I Have Learned From My Dogs

By Tricia Roberts

M. K. Clinton said, “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” I believe the world would also be a happier place – or at least many of the people in it would be happier – if they would see things from a dog’s perspective. Of course, we have responsibilities that keep us from completely acting like dogs (of that I’m thankful), but we can still learn a thing or two from our furry friends and benefit from adopting their mindset every now and then.

Enjoy the little things.

When I was a kid, I loved it when my mom came home with a sursie for me. If you aren’t from the south, a sursie is a small impromptu gift (also spelled sirsee or surcy). Usually my sursie was something like a candy bar or a small bottle of fingernail polish. The happiness that little surprise brought me – that’s how my dogs feel about a treat or a car ride. We don’t even have to go anywhere. Just getting in and out of the car is an adventure. How great would it be if we didn’t need something huge and extravagant to put a lasting smile on our face, and something simple like a cookie or a car ride around the neighborhood made our day?

Take a break.

When my dog feels under the weather or over-exerts himself, he rests or sleeps. He never has an issue listening to his body when it is time to take a break. I can’t say I do the same. When I feel tired or not my best, I have a tendency to think of all the things I need to be doing and muscle through them. As a result, most of those things aren’t done well or in a timely manner. I usually have to do something, if not everything, all over again. If I would simply take a break and refresh, I’d be much more productive and focused. 

Ask for help when you need it.

At least once a day a ball or a bone will travel under a piece of furniture and end up out of reach for Oliver, our 9-month-old Labrador. He could probably get it himself by knocking things over and destroying part of the house, but he knows that a simple little whimper will get our attention. Without any damage done, one of us will gladly retrieve his toy and give it to him. How many times do we insist on doing something ourselves when there is someone nearby that would be happy to help if we just asked?  

Be the best you can at whatever age you are.

Our 9-month-old dog is a ball of fire. He’s lean, energetic and quick. Our other Labrador, Brodie, will be 14 later this year. He’s not as fit or fast as Oliver. He sleeps most of the day and can’t hear as well as he used to. He’s officially a senior dog, but he is still living his best life. He doesn’t try to stay up to speed with Oliver. When Oliver runs, Brodie walks. When Oliver fetches over and over, Brodie fetches once. He knows his limits, he does what he can, and he does so happily. As Madeleine L’Engle said, “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” I think Brodie knows this, and I hope I do too when I’m in my senior years.

STAND UP FOR HOPE’ COMEDY EVENT RAISES OVER $30,000 TO BENEFIT SOUTH FLORIDA SUICIDE PREVENTION CHAPTER

Carly Cantor
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STAND UP FOR HOPE’ COMEDY EVENT RAISES OVER $30,000 TO BENEFIT SOUTH FLORIDA SUICIDE PREVENTION CHAPTER

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — May 25, 2022  — Alan Mednick had the idea that stand-up comedy could work as a successful fundraising event for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Mednick, a former longtime Wellington resident, speaking of his inspiration for ‘Stand Up for Hope,’ said “laughter is sometimes the best medicine, and it feels good knowing we were able to do that and give hope to so many people who needed it, like my family did.” He lost both his teenage daughter as well as his niece to suicide and he became an active board member for the Southeast Florida chapter of the AFSP organization. 

This past Thursday, Mednick co-hosted ‘Stand Up for Hope’ at the West Palm Beach Improv with popular stand-up comic Sarge as the headliner on a lineup that also included Rick Corso and Josh Rosen. Mednick’s co-host for the event was Miranda Khan, who is also his co-host on their Real America’s Voice network TV show, ‘Real Convo.’ Khan said, “We’re making a difference and saving lives, while giving people a much-needed dose of laughter after what has been a very stressful past two years.” Khan is also a board member for the Southeast Florida chapter of AFSP, as well as a survivor of suicide loss following the death of her sister.  The former WPTV channel 5 anchor became open about the topic after completing her sister’s book, ‘Blossoms of Floraland.’   

The event drew close to 200 people and was a smashing success, even exceeding Mednick’s stated goal of $30,000 in funds raised, thanks largely to about 20 named sponsors, including Joseph Perez, Good Greek Insurance, Umttr, and Forever Frosty, among many others. In addition to the top-shelf stand-up acts, Janice Hamilton served as auctioneer for items that ranged from vacations to exotic locations like Bali to a ride in the Goodyear blimp.  

Miranda Khan and Alan Mednick hosting Stand Up for Hope at the West Palm Beach Improv (photo: Shawn Moss)
Popular comic Sarge performing at Stand Up for Hope at the West Palm Beach Improv (photo: Shawn Moss) 

The Arc Is Stronger Together After Community Ribbon-Cutting

Carly Cantor
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The Arc Is Stronger Together After Community Ribbon-Cutting

Riviera Beach, Fla. (May 26, 2022) – The Arc of Palm Beach County unveiled its reimagined north campus in Riviera Beach at a ribbon-cutting and open house event on Wednesday, May 25. The 15,000-square-foot Achievement Center, formerly the headquarters of Seagull Services, was transformed into a dynamic, specialized educational and career development hub for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The Arc’s mergers with Seagull Services and Palm Beach Habilitation Center have created amazing opportunities for our agency to enhance and elevate our services through the combined effort of the most experienced disability professionals in the county,” said Kimberly McCarten, president & CEO of The Arc.

Community members attended the event to celebrate the improved campus and services, including the mayor of Riviera Beach, Ronnie L. Felder, County Commissioners, and Arc funders, clients, and friends. Designed with the intention of supporting the whole person and helping adults with disabilities focus on their tasks, the new campus features six distinct studios and classrooms, a fulfillment work center, and indoor and outdoor social areas.

Each specialized room adds a layer of support to help adults with disabilities achieve their educational and employment goals. The “About Me” room promotes mental health and wellness, the music and movement studio encourages mental and physical stimulation, the sensory room allows clients to take a break and relax if they feel overwhelmed or stressed, and the Artisan studio fosters engagement with the arts and culture.

“These changes have drastically improved workflow, productivity at the work center on campus is the highest it has ever been, and our clients are thriving thanks to the diversity of activities available to them,” McCarten explained.

“Through The Achievement Center, The Arc is showcasing a continuum of care model for helping all adults with disabilities succeed,” said Mayor Felder. “These innovative spaces allow participants to engage in structured learning, recreation, and employment options in an environment that fosters growth in every aspect of their lives, uplifting the whole community.”

The transformation was made possible by The Arc’s team and volunteers from The Breakers Palm Beach, with support from The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation and another private foundation. Looking to the future, The Arc has bold, cutting-edge plans to advance the rights of all individuals through inclusion, diversity, and equality. Renovations to The Arc’s south campus in Palm Springs, Fla., are on the horizon, and The Arc is leading the conversation around disability inclusion in the workforce by forging new business partnerships throughout the county.

About The Arc of Palm Beach County 

The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.

The Arc’s North Campus Achievement Center Ribbon-Cutting

Summer acting classes

Carly Cantor
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Summer acting classes

Making summer plans? Sign up for acting classes! There is even a class for seniors!

Please see the attached link for the online program catalog for to register for the upcoming June classes.

https://secure.rec1.com/FL/village-of-wellington/catalog

Anyone who hasn’t registered for a Wellington program before will have to create a household account, which takes just a few minutes but it makes registering in the future very easy. Once they create an account they will be able to register for Wellington classes online

This Summer: Food, Fashion and Favorite Shows

Carly Cantor
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This Summer: Food, Fashion and Favorite Shows

By Carly Cantor

With school ending in just a couple weeks and for some already, summer is here. Students are antsy in their classrooms, just waiting until their bus is called so they can cool off the summer heat with a popsicle. The anticipation is dreadful, and I’m feeling it too, everyday. Even now, as I am writing this, I’m simply waiting for school to end, both in general and where I am right now, class.

In school, summer is all I can think about. It’s on my mind 24/7, and that’s why I’ve decided to write this article now of all times. 

In this article, I’ll be covering all things summer. 

I’ll start with one of my favorite aspects of summer: Fashion. When summer fashion comes to mind, most just think of bikinis and jean shorts. And, though that is accurate, it doesn’t fully embody the word fashion. What about nighttime? What about when going out to a fancy restaurant? People don’t usually think about these scenarios, but I’m here to help. The following will consist of specific outfits for specific events, summer staples, and of course, a bikini with shorts. 

1.     An outfit for going out. Summer fantasies usually consist of beach days, swimming under the sun, and eating your ice cream before it melts from the heat. However, all of these can only be possible if it is daytime. The night is a large portion of the 24 hours we have in a day, and we must utilize it. When going out at night, whether it’s downtown or you already live in the city, it’s important to be dressed for the occasion. Although outfits differ from place to place, it’s important to have essentials. Some of my favorites would probably be black halter dresses, or really any LBD (little black dress) for that matter, plain white or black sneakers if you’re walking around (Converse preferably). Dresses are probably one of my favorite aspects of the whole summertime-night-out aesthetic, so having a few simple mini dresses are perfect.

2.     An outfit for family outings. Going out with family is an obvious obligation for summer, but I’m afraid some just won’t be wearing their LBDs to First Watch for brunch. Instead, here’s what I would recommend: A ruffled floral dress. It can be blue, white orange, whatever color you would like, but having one on hand can be quite helpful. I have a blue one myself. Any sort of flower, fruit, or summer-type dress can be great for family events.

3.     An outfit for a classy restaurant. Listen, as much as I love feeling free in my clothing, especially in the summer heat, sometimes I love to dress up just as much. Classy restaurants may be an option in the summertime since there is so much freetime you’re utilizing. It never hurts to be prepared, so here’s what I think: Any satin bodycon dress is perfect. It can be short or long, it doesn’t really matter. Personally, I have a teal one that I adore and I think would be perfect for such an occasion. 

4.     An outfit for a beach day. Here’s where jeans and a bikini come in. I love jean shorts, they’re cute, comfortable, and great for the heat. They’re a perfect cover up for bikini bottoms without blocking a tan. However, let’s talk tops. Personally, I’ve really been into the microtrend of crochet tops. I love greens, browns, and beiges for these. I think a pairing of jean shorts and a crochet top would be the absolute cutest thing, and I’m hoping to try the combo the next time I visit the beach. Next, I’ll simply talk about staples and essentials. This summer I would recommend buying the following items: A cap, black sunglasses, a plain, white, loose, button-up top, jean shorts, multiple cute bikinis, one LBD, one floral dress, a plain pair of sneakers, one crochet top, a stretchy, colored crop top, a plain tote bag, and a beach bag. 

 Fashion isn’t the only aspect of summer I’m fond of, however. The food is one of the best parts. I will now talk about my favorite summer foods and why they’re perfect for the season.

1.     Watermelon. I’m sure summer in a fruit would be a watermelon. It’s refreshing, sweet, and conveniently easy to eat. 

2.     Strawberries. Any friend of mine knows that I’m obsessed with strawberries. They’re so versatile in how they can be eaten and there is so much you can do with them. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they taste amazing plain, too. 

3.     Pizza. I love hanging out with my friends during the summer, and our go-to food is almost always pizza. It’s simple and everybody loves it, so even when the heat is unbearable, pizza can never go wrong.

4.     Bagels. I’m not sure if bagels can be considered a summer food, but honestly I eat them year-round, so I do. They’re such a simple yet delicious breakfast food, and let’s be honest, a bagel with a side of fruit sounds amazing at any time of day. 

While eating, I have a tendency to binge my favorite shows. Entertainment with a mixture of food is the absolute best feeling. Here are my top summer favorites: show edition.

1.     Stranger Things. This show is one of my favorites of all time. It has the perfect mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance while still being youthful and entertaining. Season four comes out this month right after my school ends, so I’ll most definitely be binging it.

2.     The OC. I just started watching this 2000s masterpiece, but I’m loving it a lot. It’s all around summertime vibe is perfect while incorporating drama and action. I’ll be finishing it this summer for sure.

3.     Gilmore Girls. Sometimes it’s important to just wind down on the couch with some ice cream and a blanket, this is the perfect show for that. It is absolutely charming and not to mention addictive. I’ve loved every episode so far and will continue to do so in the future, I’m sure.

Now, I’ve covered enough to get the point across that I’m super excited for summer, and I hope you are too. With May 26th right around the corner of next week, I’m more antsy than I have been all year. I’ve been wishing over and over again for school to end so I can get to experience the wonders of summertime: my favorite season. I hope that this article has given you some ideas on what to wear, eat, or watch this upcoming summer, and I hope you’re excited as I am. 

Sincerely, your local teen talk writer, Carly Cantor

Guatemalan Concert Pianist to Perform in Lake Worth Beach 

Carly Cantor
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Guatemalan Concert Pianist to Perform in Lake Worth Beach 

Lake Worth Beach, FL –  St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, The Guatemalan Consulate of Lake Worth Beach, The Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Inc., and the Global Leaders Program are presenting Guatemalan concert Pianist, Alfonso Hernandez Hernandez is an affiliate member of the Core Ensemble, a Lake Worth Beach-based chamber music theatre company that produces and performs music theatre works that celebrate diversity and social justice. Members of the Core Ensemble are Artists in Residence at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and long-time collaborators with the Farmworker Coordinating Council. 

The event will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Friday, June 10th, 2022, at 7:00 pm.  The program will feature dazzling and virtuosic pieces by Guatemalan composers and the beloved “Fire Dance” by Spanish composer Manuel de Falla. The program is free; a love offering will benefit the Farmworker Council. A reception will follow the concert. All are welcome. St. Andrew’s is located at 100 North Palmway, Lake Worth Beach FL 33460.  For more information, please call (561) 310-3230.  

“St. Andrew’s is thrilled to host this collaboration and to present a tremendously gifted young artist.” Said the Very Reverend Corinna Olson, Rector of St. Andrew’s. “We strive to reflect the diversity of our city in the artists who perform for us; Alfonso Hernandez is a perfect fit for our multicultural community.”  

“We are so grateful to St. Andrew’s Church for organizing this amazing event.  The proceeds of this event will benefit the Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. The proceeds will be used to provide free social services to farmworkers, and many families in need in Palm Beach County”, said Ms. Denise Negron, Executive Director. 

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is a welcoming, inclusive Christian community. Its mission offers love, tolerance and respect for everyone, with ministries for homeless, food-insecure, and LGBT individuals. St. Andrew’s has become a strong voice in our community, leading the local justice ministry efforts of congregations in our area.  

About The Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. 

The Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides social services to farmworkers and other people in need in Palm Beach County for over 43 years.  The services are provided from our two offices located in Belle Glade and Lake Worth.  Services include case management, emergency rental/utility assistance, distribution of food, toiletries, diapers, clothing, and household items, education, referrals, support groups, scholarships, microloans, financial literacy workshops, transportation, etc.  Our mission is to promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of migrant/seasonal farmworkers and other people in need through education, advocacy, and access to services.  For more information, please visit www. farmworkercouncil.com or contact us at 561-533-7227. 

Unexpected Benefits of Home Delivery Meals that You Probably Didn’t Know 

Julie Khanna
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Unexpected Benefits of Home Delivery Meals that You Probably Didn’t Know 

With expert insights from Adrian Husbands MS, RD, CDN, CDE

Meal delivery services have increased in popularity, especially for busy people looking to save time planning, shopping, cooking, and meal prepping but still want to eat balanced nutritious meals. I was looking for a way to cut calories and save time. As a society, we are saturated with diet options and different ideas of “healthy.” Fad diets, juice cleanses, and weight loss programs are all highly marketed as “get lean fast,” but for people looking to make a lifestyle change, it can be an overwhelming experience. I will share my newfound experience with a popular meal delivery service, Ideal Nutrition, and include insights from experts in food and nutrition to expand upon the unexpected benefits I found.

Learning Portion Sizes

Portion control is essential for dieting because you need a tight handle on how many calories you’re consuming to see results. Ordering these pre-prepared meals helped me see and learn portion sizes. Seeing my daily meals in their pre-portioned containers at the start of each day also allowed me to visualize how much food I would be consuming for the whole day, which was a deterrent to mindless overindulging. It’s almost as if your “food budget” is laid out for each day. It helps to retrain your brain and allows your body to adjust to proper portion sizes. 

Mindless Snacking

Snacking between meals is another common habit that leads to weight gain. Snacking, especially on high-calorie or fattening foods, can reduce hunger at mealtimes, increasing the risk of losing out on important nutrients. “Meal delivery services that provide pre-cooked pre-portioned meals can be beneficial to ‘snackers’ because there is minimal prep time needed, and they provide satiety. So rather than munching on calorie-dense processed snacks throughout the day or snacking in place of a meal, a ‘snacker’ could easily pop one of the pre-cooked meals in the microwave. This would aid in helping the individual feel full, and therefore feel less of an urge to keep snacking,” says Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator Adrian Husbands.

Food for Thought from the Experts

Husbands, a fitness and health enthusiast with a Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Columbia University, also shared some helpful insight into some of the harmful mental habits surrounding overeating. “There is a direct correlation between our emotions and overeating. Feeling stressed, exhausted, anxious, emotional, or distracted are just a few reasons we might overeat. When we experience these feelings, we often gravitate towards foods that will make us feel better”, also known as comfort foods, and they “may not be the healthiest options,” Husbands added. Studies have found that eating junk food causes a release of dopamine in the brain, which gives an intense feeling of reward. This reward encourages susceptible individuals to eat more unhealthy foods and can ultimately lead to the never-ending battle between satisfying foods and unhappiness due to weight gain. “While I don’t believe that a meal delivery service can prevent an individual from overeating, they can aid in portion control. Finishing a meal can sometimes bring about a sense of fullness. While we might feel we could eat more, we’re more likely to resist because there is some satisfaction in knowing we ate a complete meal,” remarks Husbands. 

Food-forward Thinking

While meal delivery services can be a great starting point for a weight loss journey, Founder of Trust Healthy Living, Health Coach & Professor Rhonda Trust makes a point by saying, “While these programs can be a good starting point, they are not recommended for long-term use. These pre-portioned pre-packed meals can help alleviate the overwhelming feeling of starting a new diet; however, it’s not teaching the person how to “fish “for their food. They are just being led to water.” The long-term success of meal delivery services and making proper food choices lies in the foundational education needed to be able to eat on your own. “I have used meal delivery services in the past and have been very satisfied with them. As a dietitian and fitness enthusiast, I rarely eat out. I like to know exactly what is going on my plate and in my body,” says Husbands. 

If you’d like to give Ideal Nutrition a try, use code KHANNA10 to save 10%

— 

Julie Khanna

Public Relations | Communications | Social Media Marketing

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