Posted on Thu, May 27, 2010
Posted by Debbie Huber on May 27, 2010
You may remember a blog post announcing the One Day One Dollar One Goal fundraiser in April. Great Harvest bakeries across the U.S. raised money for cancer research in memory of our friend and Great Harvest bakery owner, Mauri Booton. As a follow-up, here is a letter from Mauri's wife, Mary Hellerstedt:
To everyone in the Great Harvest Family-
I am overcome with joy and emotion as I try to take in what you have accomplished with the One Day, One Dollar campaign. I don't know how I can ever express or show you my appreciation for all the money you have raised for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in honor of Mauri. I know he is dancing and woo hooing big time over this tremendous accomplishment!
As most of you know, Mauri didn't do anything he wasn't passionate about and if he was on a mission he put his heart into it. I learned a lot about passion and really living every day from Mauri, especially in the last four and a half years since he was diagnosed with cancer. He had many passions. Owning a Great Harvest Bread Co. and living the Great Harvest mission statement were high on that list. He loved being able to treat people like he wanted to be treated, being very community involved, mentoring young people, being productive, sharing ideas and banter and, of course, music.
Cancer changed a lot of things in our life, but not Mauri's passion to be the best he could be on a day in day out basis. He became committed to raising awareness and funds to help make a better tomorrow for cancer patients and their loved ones. He spent countless hours volunteering and talking to patients and families about resources available, sharing experience, concerns, music, stories and hope. He would be so proud of what has been accomplished through your efforts to carry on his mission.
Many cancer patients will benefit from what a committed group of small business owners can accomplish! I hope you are all truly proud of this wonderful gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart...I send huge hugs and will be forever grateful to the Great Harvest family! My story and blog are on my Team in Training site. Woo Hoo!!!
Affectionately, Mary Hellerstedt
Mary, our own Great Harvest Field Rep, Kayla Conner, and a former Great Harvest Des Moines employee, Jill Morrill, will be 
running their half marathon in San Diego at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on June 6th.
Rock On Girls! We'll be sending great vibes your way for a fast and easy race!
Posted on Fri, Apr 16, 2010
Posted by Brittny Bird on April 14, 2010
As a parent you take extra steps to make sure your kids are safe - car seats installed correctly, food cut in bite size pieces, shoes tied, etc. And you also make healthy choices for your family, like buying them great tasting whole wheat bread. Whole grains give kids needed energy and essential nutrients to keep their minds and bodies strong and healthy.
This weekend, communities and YMCAs across the country are celebrating Healthy Kids Day. You can find local events here and YMCA Healthy Kids Day events are free and open to all. In addition, here are a few fun and engaging ideas for the whole family to promote year-long wellness and health.
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Go for a family walk once a week.
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Eat dinner together every night. Many studies show that families who eat together have much healthier diets and family relationships.
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Have your kids help plan and make dinner. Use the time to talk about each of the different food groups you are using and why they are important. Also kids are more likely to eat good foods when they help prepare them.
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Each week have your child pick out a new fruit or vegetable from the grocery store to try.
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Enjoy the warmer spring weather -- get outside and play Frisbee, catch, tag or shoot hoops.
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Set a family fun night each week where you do an activity as a family.
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Play at the park or go for a bike ride.
What are your favorite ways to stay healthy with your kids?
Posted on Tue, Jan 19, 2010
Posted by Brittny Bird on Jan. 19, 2010
Thousands of people each year make a New Year's Resolution and year after year, statistics show the number one resolution is to lose weight. It is not a surprise after a month long celebration of food, friends and growing waist lines. It is also fitting that this month is National Diet Month and I can't think of a better concept to focus on in January than diets. Losing weight is complicated but let me give you a few tips to help you be among the few who keep their resolutions. 
To myself and many other dietitians, diet is a four-letter word. Diets don't work for the long term; the weight goes off and then comes back on. Instead of picking a trendy diet this year, try to make lifestyle changes that will continue to give you results.
Exercise and eating healthy go hand-in-hand, especially when shedding pounds. Start small and work up to the recommend 60-90 minutes most days of the week to lose weight. Make sure you are eating all the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Multiple studies have shown that eating 3 ounces of whole grains each day cuts belly fat and helps you weigh less! It also helps you maintain weight after those pounds are shed. Check out the hearty whole grain breads at your local Great Harvest that will help keep you full and looking great.
Do you have an exercise tip or a favority healthy meal idea to share?