Poster Child - Rice and Peas

Very often I meet someone that is a poster child for what is wrong with our food supply, education system, welfare system or health care system. Two days ago I met someone who was all this rolled into one. A fairly young man, obese with a chronic disease or two, developing more chronic disease and on our disability roles. I will call him Joe.
Joe was admitted to the hospital and asked to see a dietitian. He tells me that his doctor told him that his blood pressure was getting high and that his blood sugars were getting high as well. He wanted to know what else he could do to improve this situation, he thought he was doing everything he could. So we start out with the weight. Can he be more physically active, he says no, because of his asthma (I am thinking he is a lazy dude). I know lots of people with asthma that participate in sports (but don't be judgemental, maybe this guy really can't).
I start talking about portions sizes, when I tell him what a portion size of meat is (size of a deck of cards) he acts like this is news to him. His serving is more like a deck on a house. So we got the eat less part. I show him what 2000 calories a day looks like.
Now for the sugar part. Excess sugars lead to excess calories, lead to excess weight, leads to high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. Turns out he drinks lots of apple juice. More than 4 cups per day, oh and fruit punch. But he does not drink soda. 8 ounces of apple juice is 120 calories and 28 grams of sugar. 8 ounces of soda is about 100 calories and 28 grams of sugar.
Then he says that he buys cereal bars because they have real fruit. If you want real fruit eat real fruit I say. A Nutrigrain bar is 160 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams fiber and 7 grams (almost 2 tsp) of suar.
Shredded wheat is 170 calories , 6 grams of fiber and no added sugar for one cup. Add fat free milk for 85 calories and 8 grams of protein. Add blueberries, strawberries or a banana for the real fruit.
Then we go for the salt part. Remember this guy said he was doing everything he though he could. Canned soup, canned vegetables. That's all I have to say. We talked about making more foods from scratch, since he was not working he had time to do this.
This guy was a little overwhelmed by the end of the discussion. I am hoping he has been able to make a few changes. Obesity is costing all of us too much. To many healthcare dollars, disablility dollars. Most people just need basic education, some guidance and support. This is less expensive than paying for hospital stays, medication and welfare.
Joe mentioned that he ate a lot of rice and beans. A healthy meal, high in protein and fiber. Often can be high in salt and fat, depending on how it is made. Portion size is key to keeping down excess calories. Remember eat less. That saves money too!! This recipe is in honor of Joe.
A nice spicey dish that even my hubby, who is not a bean kind of guy, will eat.

Jamaican Rice and Peas for Joe

1 14 ounce can black eyed peas - rinsed well (removes up to 1/3 of the sodium)
if you can find no added salt version use that (Eden brand)
1 13.5 ounce can lite coconut milk
4 scallions, finely chopped
3 jalapeno peppers, chopped (use gloves when chopping)
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 cups long-grain whte rice (or use brown rice)
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook rice in coconut milk and enough water to make 4 cups of liquid. Rice cooks for 20 minutes on low simmer until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Add scallion, jalapeno, garlic and thyme to pot while it is simmering.
2. When rice is cooked add black eyed peas and pepper, heat through.
Makes 8-10 servings.