April is Soyfoods Month:

Get Kids Moving Toward Soyfoods

MANKATO, MN (04/19/2010)(readMedia)-- With first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative, this country aims to improve the health of its future. Childhood obesity rates are higher than they've ever been (one-third of today's children are obese) and children are now developing adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Better nutrition for our kids-through improved school lunches and meals served at home-is a goal worth working toward.

As we celebrate National Soyfoods Month during April, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC)reminds parents that soy is a healthy, nutritious and easy additon to their child's diet.

Why are soybeans so healthy? In part, because these legumes are a complete nutritional package. Shawn Edwards, Director of Consumer Insights for WhiteWave Foods, goes so far as to say that soy is "naturally perfect." It offers complete protein (most vegetable proteins are incomplete, lacking at least one of the essential amino acids), complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats. Whole soyfoods are also high in fiber and B vitamins. What soy doesn't contain-saturated fats and cholesterol-is also notable. Soyfoods can be used to replace higher fat ingredients-such as using soymilk instead of cream or higher fat dairy milks in pudding or pie fillings.

Soyfoods are easily incorporated into children's diets. Getting a youngster to enjoy a soy yogurt or tofu stir-fry might even be easier than convincing adult family members to try soy. Soymilks are an easy way to include soy in your child's diet. Pouring vanilla soymilk over breakfast cereal eliminates the need for added sugar. Heating a mug of chocolate soymilk and serving it as hot chocolate is another soyfood enjoyed by children of all ages. Pureeing tofu into fruit-filled smoothies guarantees a healthy breakfast or after-school snack. You can also sneak tofu into a ranch dip. Pureeing a block of silken tofu with an envelope of ranch dressing mix replaces higher fat sour cream with protein-rich tofu. Silken tofu can also be pureed into pudding and mousses.

While mature soybeans may not be favorites with kids, edamame, or sweet green soybeans, are a well liked by the younger set. These "baby soybeans" are sweet and add color (and good nutrition) to pasta salads and soups. Serving edamame in pods makes them a fun finger food that kids enjoy eating.

Soy-based meat substitutes such as burgers, hot dogs, and luncheon meats are also easy ways to slip soy into a child's diet. Soynuts, roasted salted soybeans, are yet another fun whole-food soy snack. Tossed into snack mixes or sprinkled over hot cereal or yogurt, soynuts add crunch and flavor. An easy on-the-go snack to fuel a young athlete is as simple as combining soynuts with a handful of sweetened dried cranberries, whole grain cereal or granola, and a few chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolate pieces.

Along with whole grains, lean protein, and (lots of) fruits and vegetables, soyfoods are a healthy addition to the diet of children. While some has been said (mostly on the Internet) about the negative effects of consuming soy, there is no risk of consuming soy in moderation as an addition to a healthy diet. Just the opposite, including some soyfoods in a nutritious and tasty diet will put kids well on the road to a healthy future.

The MSR&PC is made up of an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean checkoff dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota's soybean farmers.

Featured Recipe:

Chocolate Tofu Pudding

1 (12-ounce) package silken tofu

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender; cover. Process until well blended, scraping side of container if needed. Chill before serving. Makes 3 (1/2-cup) servings.