YMCA Member News

October 2009

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WE ALL KNOW PORTION SIZES HAVE BEEN STEADILY GROWING over the past twenty years, but it can be hard to remember what's "normal" when faced with a giant serving of pasta or a full box of cookies. Adjusting our portion sizes, along with healthy snacking (think fruits, vegetables and whole grains) or "mini-meals" between breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with regular physical activity can make a significant difference in our energy level and our weight. Below are recommended serving sizes from www.mayoclinic.com for a variety of common foods as well as easy visual references.

RECOMMENDED SERVING SIZES
Cooked pasta or oatmeal = 1/2 cup
Whole-wheat bread = 1 slice
Whole-wheat crackers = 6 whole
Apple, pear or banana = 1 small
100 percent fruit juice = 1/2 cup
Raw leafy vegetables = 2 cups
Raw vegetables = 1 cup
Cooked or canned vegetables = 1/2 cup
Low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt = 1 cup
Part-skim mozzarella cheese = 1½ ounces
or about 1/3 cup shredded
Cooked skinless poultry or fish = 3 ounces
Cooked lean meat = 1½ ounces
Cooked or dried beans = 1/2 cup or about
the size of an ice cream scoop
Egg = 1 medium
COMMON OBJECTS TO USE AS PORTION REFERENCES:
3 ounces = checkbook, bar of soap
1 ½ ounces = palm of your hand, deck of cards
1 ounce of cheese = large matchbook, 4 dice, ping-pong ball
1 cup = baseball, your fist
½ cup or small fruit = tennis ball
2 tablespoons = golf ball
YMCA Mission in Action

SERVING CANCER SURVIVORS
In 2009, the American Cancer Society estimates that 1,479,350 people will have been diagnosed with cancer. It is the rare family that has not been touched by the diagnoses of a friend, neighbor or loved one. The good news is that more people are surviving cancer, and the YMCA has engaged in a unique partnership to offer specialized programming to help those with cancer reclaim their wellbeing.
     In 2007, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and the YMCA partnered to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a physical activity and wellbeing program to support people affected by cancer. Research has indicated that physical activity after cancer treatments helps to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and increase muscle strength and physical endurance. With 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, there is a great need to offer those living with, through and beyond cancer a safe and accommodating environment where they can engage in physical and social activities.
      Initially piloted in 10 cities across the country, the number of Ys participating will expand to 150 by the end of 2010. Working with a panel of medical experts, Ys are implementing innovative solutions related to environment, programs, staffing practices and general operations – all aimed to better meet the needs and interests of cancer survivors.

The YMCA's Commitment To America

America’s YMCAs commit to extend our charitable heritage by directly engaging 25 million children and adults from all segments of our communities in achieving health of spirit, mind and body by 2012.

Every child and youth will deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn.
Every family will build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities.
Every individual will strengthen their spiritual, mental and physical well-being.

 

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