Nutrition

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PELLET AND EXTRUDED

PELLET SNACKS
(indirect extrusion)

In principle, the preparation of these products is similar to the process for extruded snacks: the selected ingredients are mixed and the mixture is placed in the extruder, which supports different temperature changes so that the mass can be cooled at the nozzle outlet, thereby preventing expansion (as occurs with direct extrusion). By this process we obtain a mass similar to soup paste. The next step is to subject the product to a frying process in which the product expands and obtains a characteristic spongy, crunchy texture.

aperitivo_pelet

EXTRUDED SNACKS
(direct extrusion)

The ingredients (corn, rice, wheat, potato and water semolinas and flours) are mixed in an extruder until perfect homogeneity and moisture is obtained. From the action of pressure and heat, the mixture melts to form a highly flexible mass which will adapt to whichever nozzle we wish to use at the machine outlet. When the mass emerges from the nozzle, it expands (as pressure disappears) and different shaped figures are formed (depending on the nozzle). Finally, the product passes through an oven, at which stage the flavour is added.

aperitivo_extrusionado

ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

At Aspil we are very concerned about the nutrition of our youngest consumers.
It is important to encourage healthy lifestyles which include healthy dietary habits and physical activity (lifestyles learnt during childhood are more likely to be continued in adulthood).

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

– Serve suitable rations of food in the main meals.
– Main meals should have a regulartimetable.
– Avoid eating in front of the television or computer.
– Establish regular and adequate rest patterns.
– Eat fruit and vegetables.
– Encourage physical activity and games involving movement.

THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PYRAMID

At the base are situated the exercises which should be done every day or as often as possible. On a day basis, children are encouraged to keep moving and avoid being sedentary by enjoying outdoor activities.

On the next level we can find the activities recommended to be done from 3 to 5 times a week, with a minimum duration of 20 minutes. These are energetic activities and sports.

On the following level are those activities which can be done 2 or 3 times a week. These are activities designed to improve flexibility and strength.

And at the top of the pyramid we find the tasks which children should least be required to do.

THE FOOD PIE-CHART

The FOOD PIE-CHART helps us learn about the proportion and frequency of different food-types in the diet. The foods found in the biggest “slices” (carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables) are those which should be eaten most. The smaller the slice, the less should be eaten. SEDCA’2007

ENERGY FOODS
1. Flours and starch: Pasta, rice, potatoes, cereal, pastries, bread.
2. Fats: Oil, vegetable fats, butter, margarine, vream, bacon, other fats.

PLASTIC FOODS
1. Proteins: Meat, fish, eggs, cold meats, legumes, nuts.
2. Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, milk desserts, cheese.

REGULATING FOODS
1. Vegetables: Vegetables of any kind and in any form: stewed, panaché, puree, soup, varied salads dressed with oil and/or vinegar.
2. Fruit: Raw fruit and its juice; boiled, roast and pureed fruit.

WATER
1. Hydratation: Drink about 1.5-3 litres of water a day (including infusions, soups, etc.), depending on sex, physical activity and ambient tempreature.