News and Notes from The Johnson Center
Rethink Red
JCCHD | Fri, July 26, 2013 | [Family and Food]Getting the daily requirement of fruits and vegetables can be difficult; using the colors of the rainbow as a guide is a great place to start. You should eat a fruit or vegetable in each color group every day. Fortunately, red fruits and vegetables are the most fun to eat, especially in the summer months. Chilled watermelon and strawberries are a perfect treat after a day at the pool. Pomegranates and cherries are an easy snack. You can even jazz up your chicken salad with cranberries for your next picnic.
Nutrients in Red Fruits and Vegetables
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found predominantly in …
Sib Camp Summer 2013
JCCHD | Thu, July 25, 2013 | [Community][Events][Sibling Spotlight]The Johnson Center wrapped up our summer SibCamp last week. The camp was led by our staff psychologist, Dr. Claire Schutte, and certified child life specialist, Jeanna Martinez. A couple of our campers were children who had so much fun in our fall group that they returned for summer camp! Participants included siblings ages 8-10 years old. The camp was one week long, with a focus on integrating specific therapeutic topics into fun recreation activities. These included developing an understanding of autism, family and peers issues, coping skills, and identifying and expressing emotions.
Our campers enjoyed getting to meet other siblings who “get it.” They connected with one another and …
Staff Spotlight, Jarrett Suhr
JCCHD | Tue, July 23, 2013 | [Staff Spotlight]Jarrett Suhr has been working at The Johnson Center in the nutrition clinic since August of 2009. Born in The Woodlands, Texas, he moved to Austin with his family in 1998. Diagnosed with ASD when he was a child, Jarrett enjoys working at The Johnson Center because he gets to be a part of an organization that helps so many others on the autism spectrum.
The staff at The Johnson Center value Jarrett’s kind nature, humor, and optimism. As assistant to …
Read moreEvery Nettle Has Its Thorns
JCCHD | Wed, July 10, 2013 | [Family and Food]Nettles are often overlooked because these plants really do sting. However, taming one is easy and the payoff is worthwhile. Stinging nettles have a pleasant earthy green flavor with a hint of pepper, and they can provide some relief from urinary discomfort, joint pain, and seasonal allergies.
Health Benefits
Ironically, stinging nettles have been …
Fava Beans: A Tasty Palate Pleaser
JCCHD | Mon, July 08, 2013 | [Family and Food]Fava beans have been an international culinary favorite for centuries and are currently making their way into your local grocery store. The slow integration into American markets could be due to their laborious preparation method; however, many agree fava beans are worth the effort. Their subtle nutty taste and buttery texture have made them …
Read moreBrighten Your Diet With Peppers
JCCHD | Wed, June 19, 2013 | [Autism Treatment][Family and Food]Peppers are rich in phytochemicals, which is important because there is no supplement that can replace the nutrients derived from phytochemicals . Most phytochemicals act like antioxidants, reducing the percentage of harmful free radicals in the body. The color of a pepper indicates which phytochemical it contains; each one is associated with particular health benefits. For example, purple and red peppers contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are known to promote urinary tract health and memory function. Yellow, orange, and green peppers contain carotenoids, which lower the risk of eye disease.
Other Health Benefits
The advantages to eating peppers go beyond the phytochemicals. Spicy or sweet, all peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C. In fact, …
What’s for breakfast?
JCCHD | Fri, June 14, 2013 | [Family and Food][Healthcare][Q and A ]Q: My son has autism and multiple food allergies. We try to keep his diet as healthy and clean as possible. Although he eats a wide variety of foods, it’s difficult to keep meals exciting, particularly breakfast. We usually eat cream-of-rice cereal, gluten-free rolled oatmeal, bread and avocado with raw sugar, or coconut milk with cold cereal (the last one only on the weekend). Sometimes I make egg-free French toast. Unfortunately, he’s getting sick of hot cereal altogether. What are some other options?
A: From what you have described, you have a lot of really good options, and those are nutrient-dense foods. This list is wonderful, but it is understandable that you would crave variety.
First, suspend the notion that breakfast has to look like breakfast; this will really …
Read moreRadishes, A Festive Root
JCCHD | Fri, May 31, 2013 | [Family and Food]Every December 23rd since 1897, radishes have attracted thousands of people to a small plaza in Oaxaca City, Mexico. The festival is called the Night of the Radishes. The humble roots are carved into models of buildings, party scenes, and various religious figures and events.
Oaxacans are not the only …
Read moreCeleriac: Don’t Judge a Vegetable by Its Cover
JCCHD | Thu, May 23, 2013 | [Family and Food]removing the bumpy exterior. Celeriac has been a European favorite for centuries, and is often used in French cuisine. Its popularity is due to its fresh, crisp taste (a mix of celery and turnip flavor) that is easily enhanced with a few ingredients. Keep an open mind—celeriac could replace potatoes and celery in your recipes.
Health Benefits
Celeriac helps meet your dietary needs without adding a lot of calories; one cup of celeriac has only 45 …
Artichokes: A Gift from Zeus
JCCHD | Wed, May 15, 2013 | [Family and Food]Rarely do you come across a vegetable with its own folklore. According to Greek mythology, Zeus fell in love with a beautiful woman named Cynara and swept her up to Mount Olympus. Angered when she slipped back to earth to visit her family, he turned her into the first artichoke.
Looking at an artichoke flower, …
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