Food for Thought
According to the CDC, 30% of Americans consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), including soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, or sweet teas, at least once a day. SSB consumption varies by age, sex, race/ethnicity, geography and socioeconomic status. See below for some key findings and follow the link to learn more.

• In 2011-2014, six in 10 youth (63%) and five in 10 adults (49%) drank a sugar-sweetened beverage on a given day. On average, US youth consume 143 calories from SSBs and US adults consume 145 calories from SSBs on a given day.
• Among youth, SSB intake is higher among boys, adolescents, non-Hispanic Black youth, or youth in families with low-incomes.
• Among adults, SSB intake is higher among males, young adults, non-Hispanic Black or Mexican American adults, or adults with low-incomes.
• The prevalence of Americans who drink SSB at least once per day differs geographically.
  • For example, 68% of adults living in the Northeast, 67% of adults living in the South, 61% of adults living in the West, and 59% of adults living in the Midwest reported drinking SSBs one or more times per day.
  • About 31% of adults in nonmetropolitan counties and 25% of adults in metropolitan counties reported drinking SSBs one or more times per day.
• Americans drink 52% of SSB calories at home and 48% of SSB calories away from home.

Health Check
Did you know that avoiding sugar is one way to help prevent yourself from getting sick?  Take a closer look at Tip #3 below and #RethinkYourDrink!

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp Lawry’s salt free 17 seasoning
• 6 heirloom tomatoes

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion, spices and 1/2 tsp of salt and cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place the chicken on a plate and season with remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and a few dashes of turmeric.
3. Push the onions to the side and add the chicken, seasoned side down and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Add the wine, cream, and broth to pan, stirring gently to combine.
5. Remove the chicken from marinade and grill 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and optionally basting with the marinade.
6. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 18-22 minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro and served with steamed rice.

1. Mix the yogurt and spices in a large bowl until combined.
2. Slice the tomatoes to your desired thickness, drizzle with yogurt sauce and serve atop romaine lettuce.

1. Save the date for this month's committee meeting on September 23, 2-3:30 pm.