National Day of Unplugging. is a holiday that consists of a 24 hour period from sundown to sundown, to unplug, unwind, relax and do things other than using today’s technology, electronics, and social media.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 2 and less than 2 hours per day for older children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents create an electronic-media-free environment in children’s bedrooms.
The Benefits of Reduced Screen Time
• Reducing screen time can help prevent childhood obesity.
• Children who spend less time watching television in the early years tend to do better in school, have a healthier diet, and are more physically active.
Hazards of Too Much Screen Time
•Adolescents with a television in their bedroom spend more time watching TV and report less physical activity, less healthy dietary habits, worse school performance, and fewer family meals.
• Children with a television in their bedroom are more likely to be overweight.
Alternative Activities During National Day of Unplugging
Prepare a family meal together.
Take a walk in the park.
Join a family fitness group.
Plant a vegetable garden or grow a fruit tree.
Visit the zoo.
Plan a picnic or barbecue.
Go to a museum.
Take a nature hike.
Organize a scavenger hunt.
Learn yoga.
Go dancing.
Volunteer for a community or charitable organization
The American Peanut Council proclaims peanut butter one of America’s favorite foods. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, niacin, and folate. It is enjoyed by many of all ages.
Below are a few ways to enjoy peanut butter - be creative.
The National Peanut Board has a fun website filled with recipes, classroom activities and fun facts. Did you know...
*It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
*There are enough peanuts in one acre to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
*By law, any product labeled "peanut butter" in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts.
*Peanut butter has been banned in some schools due to peanut butter allergies. Make sure to read the ingredient label.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. A baked potato is a healthy food choice and contains no fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. The potato’s reputation as being fattening is related to the method of preparation, such as greasy French fries; and the addition of butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon. Below are some heart healthy recipes, prepared by the Idaho Potato Commission.
Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving: (Omit the salt and use a low sodium broth to lower the sodium content) 250 calories, 25 mg cholesterol, 660 mg sodium, 11 g protein, 14 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates (Based upon 6 - 8 servings)
Pistachios were introduced in the United States in the 1930s. Today, California produces more than 400 million pounds of pistachios each year making it a leading producer of pistachios worldwide.Each pistachio tree averages around 50 kg of seeds, or around 50,000, every two years.
Pistachio nuts, eaten as part of a healthy diet, can increase the levels of antioxidants in the blood of adults with high cholesterol, according to Penny Kris-Etherton, Penn State professor of nutrition, along with an international team of nutritional scientists. Previous research has shown that pistachios also lower lipids and lipoproteins, which benefits heart health.
To learn more about the Pistachio, visit the following links: Website. Pistachio Health
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week) is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families. This year’s theme is It’s Time to Talk About It and we’re encouraging everyone to get screened. It’s time we take eating disorders seriously as public health concerns. It’s time we bust the myths and get the facts. It’s time to celebrate recovery and the heroes who make it possible. It’s time to take action and fight for change. It’s time to shatter the stigma and increase access to care. It’s Time to Talk About It!
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life.
“Eating disorders can hide in plain sight and frequently go undiagnosed until someone’s health is at significant risk. These are life-threatening bio-psycho-social illnesses, not a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s time to get beyond the stigma and stereotypes and recognize the diverse experiences of people affected by disordered eating," said Claire Mysko, interim CEO of NEDA. "Early intervention is a critical first step toward ending this epidemic, and everyone who is struggling deserves to be able to access help without delay to provide them the best chance possible of full recovery."
Get involved today!
Mission “The aim of NEDAwareness Week is to increase outreach and awareness of eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment resources. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses - not choices - and it's important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.”
NEDAwareness Week is committed to raising awareness of eating disorders. The goal of outreach efforts leads to a greater chance of people seeking out resources and help for an eating disorder - which saves lives.
How You Can Help
NEDA provides resources to help raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders. Visit the NEDAwareness Week website for numerous ways to get involved.
Tweet About It
§ Eating disorders aren’t just about food- they can also be about stress, depression & perfectionism, but there is hope and help. myneda.org
§ You are not alone. #NEDAwareness
§ Skipping meals, hating your body & obsessing about food are signs of disordered eating, call 800-931-2237 to talk about it
§ Do constant thoughts about food & exercise interfere w/ your life? It could be an eating disorder. Call 800-931-2237 to talk about it
§ 35% of dieters develop disordered eating. If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, call 800-931-2237 to get help
§ Not ready to talk about it? Chat about it with NEDA Click to Chat option. Visit Find Help @myneda.org
§ Eating Disorders don’t discriminate, they affect all ages, sexes, ethnicities, races and every socio-economic status- You are not alone.
§ Early intervention for an eating disorder could save your life. Don’t wait to get help- find out more @myneda.org or call 800-931-2237
§ For #NEDAwareness cultivate body appreciation! What has your body done for you lately? Take a moment to say thanks
Facebook Posts
§ People don’t choose to get an eating disorder, but you can choose to get help. Recovery is possible. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness week: Go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call 1-800-931-2237 to find help and information.
§ Not ready to talk about it? Try NEDA’s new Click to Chat feature. Visit the Find Help & Support section on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to let someone know what you are feeling.
§ Constantly thinking about calories, exercise and your weight are signs of disordered eating. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one call 1-800-931-2237 or visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.
§ It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder are serious mental illnesses but recovery is possible. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information or to find an event near you!
§ Everybody Knows Somebody affected by an eating disorder- whether it’s a friend, partner, family member or you’ve suffered. If you’re worried about an eating disorder, talk to someone you care about or call 1-800-931-2237 for help and information. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to learn how to help a friend.
§ Did you know over half of the people diagnosed with an eating disorder have an “eating disorder not otherwise specified” (ENDOS)? This means most people struggling don’t exactly fit into the categories of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa but may still have some symptoms of each, or may be struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.
§ Weighing yourself frequently, feeling out of control with food, and feeling like you have to work-out to “burn” calories could be signs of an eating disorder. Millions of men and women struggle with disordered eating but help is available. Call 1-800-931-2237 or visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.
Eating disorders cut across socioeconomic lines and affect people at all stages of life. This talk focuses on how eating disorders are diagnosed, their prevalence, and current treatments.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
Resources and Support National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides education, resources, and support for those individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves to prevent, cure and access quality care. NEDA sponsors events, programs and research on eating disorders, and contains a section on its site featuring recent news articles and information.
Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). The Academy for Eating Disorders aims to provide comprehensive information on the facts of eating disorders, treatment plans, and education to prevent others from developing eating disorders.
Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness was created as a source of community outreach, education, awareness, and prevention of the various eating disorders. Their goal is to spread the message, recovery from these disorders is possible, and individuals should not have to suffer or recover alone.
Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. They are committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. AOA provides obesity awareness and prevention information.
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.
BodyImageHealth.org introduces a model for a healthy body image and provides a variety of resources to help children and adults develop a positive body image, effective eating habits, nutritional health, fitness, and weight.
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA). A 12 step self-help fellowship for anorexics and bulimics. EDA offers membership to any person who needs help recovering from an eating disorder. The site has meetings around the United States, publications, recovery information, EDA news and helpful links to other sites.
Eating Disorders Coalition. The goal of Eating Disorders Coalition is to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The nonprofit organization lists the federal policy on its website, congressional briefings, events, information/resources on eating disorders and a blog.
Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of all types of disordered eating, from obesity to anorexia, and the promotion of positive body-esteem through education, outreach and action.
Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC) is a non-profit organization that links resources, information and support for eating disorders in Silicon Valley. The mission of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health legislation and effective insurance coverage. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory.
F.E.A.S.T. Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organization providing support to families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. The site announces events and conferences, groups around the world, treatment providers, online caregivers and current news.
Green Mountain at Fox Run - Women’s Center for Binge & Emotional Eating: Bingeing and emotional eating are much more common in our culture than you might think, and the symptoms are often unrecognized. Weight becomes the primary focus when it shouldn’t be. Now there’s a place created to help this growing problem, and the results are liberating.
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) is well recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.
Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) is a nonprofit organization working to prevent and treat eating disorders. Their aim is to do this through early detection and increased public awareness. This site has events listed, resources and a place for individuals to join the organization.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders by educating the public and healthcare professionals, encouraging research, and sharing resources on all aspects of these disorders. Their website includes information on finding support groups, referrals, treatment centers, advocacy and background on eating disorders.
National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders provides information on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, the effect eating disorders can have on men, treatment options and helpful resources and links.
Perfect Illusions. Discover what an eating disorder is, find help and resources, and look into the lives of several individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of anorexia and bulimia.
The Renfrew Center. Residential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders) and related mental health issues. The Renfrew Center is a women's mental health center with locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania; Coconut Creek, Florida; New York City; Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Bethesda, MD.
Womenshealth.gov The National Women's Health Information Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site has information on body image, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, and a list of links to various informational websites.
Grapefruits come in many varieties. The most popular assortments are red, white, and pink colors. The flavors range from bitter to sweet and tart. The grapefruit was introduced to Florida in the 1820s. Today, most grapefruits are still grown in Florida.
Grapefruit is an excellent source of many nutrients and phytochemicals that contribute to a healthy diet. Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system. It also contains the fiber pectin, and the pink and red colors contain antioxidant lycopene.Lycopene appears to have properties that help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells. Studies have shown grapefruits help lower cholesterol, and there is evidence that the seeds have antioxidant properties. Storage. If you plan on using grapefruits within a week, store them at room temperature. If you are planning on using them after a week, store grapefruits in the refrigerator crisper where they will keep fresh for two to three weeks.
Grapefruit Active Lifestyle Meal Plan
Preparing Grapefruits
1. Grapefruits should be rinsed under cool water before consuming. The peel may contain dirt or bacteria that may reside on the skin's surface. 2. Grapefruits are usually eaten fresh by slicing the fruit horizontally and scooping out sections of the halves with a spoon. 3. To separate the flesh from the membrane you can cut it with a sharp knife, a special curved-blade grapefruit knife, or a serrated grapefruit spoon. 4. If there are seeds, you can remove them with your spoon before you eat the grapefruit. 5. Grapefruits can be peeled with your hands or with a knife. If using a knife, start at the top, make a vertical incision that runs downward and then back up to the top on the other side and then repeat so that there will be four sections of similar size. Be careful to only cut through skin and not into the membrane. The skin can then be peeled back with your hands or with the knife.
The Best Way to Cut a Grapefruit
Grapefruit Juice Has Serious Side Effects With Certain Medications
References: 1. Wikipedia. Grapefruit 2. The World’s Healthiest Foods: Grapefruit.
Almond pasteurization became mandatory for the California almond industry on September 1, 2007, and was implemented on a voluntary basis over the previous two years. All almonds must be pasteurized before being sold to consumers in North America.
Pasteurization
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with a technical review panel comprised of almond scientific experts, are responsible for evaluating and approving the treatment processes that demonstrate effectiveness in achieving a reduction of possible contamination in almonds while not impacting their quality and sensory attributes. To date, FDA has approved oil roasting, dry roasting, blanching, steam processing, and propylene oxide (PPO) processes as acceptable forms of pasteurization for almonds. Organic almonds will be pasteurized using treatments, such as steam pasteurization, that meet the USDA Organic Program’s national standards. Other forms of pasteurization continue to be researched, evaluated and tested. ABC worked over several years with leading experts and weighed all perspectives and issues in developing this industry-wide pasteurization plan.
Random Act of Kindness: A selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There is no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.
Established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide a wide variety of materials on their website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher’s guide, project planning guide, publicity guide and workplace resources - all free of charge.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the United States delegate to the World Kindness Movement, an organization that includes various nations. People in these countries promote kindness within their countries’ borders and are creating a global network of kindness and compassion. As people from different cultures and from all walks of life are joining to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world.
Health Benefits of Kindness
Studies have shown acts of kindness can result in physical and mental health benefits. • Kindness can bring a sense of richness and fulfillment to our lives, and promote good health and longevity. • Helping others can decrease the effect of diseases. • After performing an act of kindness many experience a feeling of euphoria followed by a period of calm. • Acts of kindness have shown to reduce feelings of stress, depression, loneliness, overeating, etc. • Helping others increases self-worth, happiness and optimism. • A person feels more energetic after performing an act of kindness • A more optimistic and happier outlook on life
Kindness is not only something that has positive benefits for ourselves,
it is something that has a positive effect on the community.
As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change in their lives and the lives around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.
Jelly or jello comes from gelatin. The Gelatin found in Jell-O comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones, hooves and connective tissues. Gelatin is not recommended for vegetarians. In 1923 D-Zerta became the first sugar-free gelatin dessert.
Agar or agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from agarophyte (red algae). Agar is used as an ingredient in desserts, a vegetarian gelatin substitute, a thickener for soups, in jellies, ice cream and other desserts. Agar-agar is approximately 80% fiber and serves to regulate bowel movements.
Agar-agar is sold in packages as washed and dried strips or in powdered form. For making jelly, it is boiled in water until the solids dissolve. Sweetener, flavouring, colouring, fruit or vegetables are then added and the liquid is poured into molds to be served as desserts and vegetable aspics, or incorporated with other desserts. Reference: Wikipedia
Liz Hickok is a San Francisco-based artist known for her work in Jell-O. Her artwork is exhibited across the country and internationally. Hickok’s San Francisco in Jell-O has been covered by The New York Times, Harper’s, Gastronomica, and appeared on the cover of Artweek. Hickok also appeared on the Food Network Awards Show, where she won an award for “Best Use of Food as Art Medium.” Click the link to view Liz Hickok portfolio
As a dietitian, gelatin became known as a stable for clear liquid and full-liquid diets. It is often recommended for vomiting as a means to replace fluid loss and provide calories. The sugar-free gelatin became a favorite for individuals as a "Free Food" on weight-loss programs and diabetic diets. Gelatin is considered a fluid and therefore must be calculated when a patient is placed on a fluid restriction.
*1 ounce of a bagel equals 80 calories (most bagels weigh about 3 ounces). *Scooped, when the inside of the bagel is removed (Saves about 40 to 80 calories). *Smear equals about one to two tablespoons of cream cheese.
Joy Bauer, RD takes us through the bagel's history from its start in the royal palace of Poland, to the streets of Manhattan's Lower East Side to the plates of millions of Americans. Find out what's in a bagel and how you can enjoy the bagel without the guilt.
In 1982, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) was officially formed. This organization became a voice for Florida strawberry growers. The mission for the handful of farmers was to become "partners in research, promotion and member/community service”.
FSGA is a non-profit organization located in the city of Dover, which is a part of Hillsborough County, Florida. It is the parent company of the Florida Strawberry Patent Service and the Florida Strawberry Research and Education Foundation.
Over the years, the growers have formed a voluntary organization representing over 8,000 acres of berries. Hillsborough County, Florida produces about 15 percent of the nation’s strawberries and virtually all the berries are grown during the winter. The 18 million flats produced each year, if placed end to end, would extend from Plant City, Florida to Seattle, Washington and back again.
Hillsborough County, Florida is recognized as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and the home of some of the sweetest, reddest and juiciest strawberries around."
Strawberry Sue is the home of the FSGA blog. Sue Harrell, known affectionately as Strawberry Sue, is FSGA’s director of marketing, seasoned strawberry grower and the voice of the blog. Sue will keep you informed and inspired. You’ll find helpful strawberry-related links, year-round news from the fields, special events and easy to prepare strawberry recipes.
Strawberry Sue demonstrates how to make an Edible Strawberry Bouquet (not just for Valentine's Day)
Visit the FSGAwebsite for additional information, including research, educational resources, recipes, events and contact information.
Dietary fibers are found naturally in the plants we eat. They are either soluble (dissolves in water) or insoluble (does not dissolve in water, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract relatively intact). Both types of fiber are important for health, digestion, and preventing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, diverticulitis, and constipation.
Health Benefits 1. Fiber may aid in the prevention of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol. 2. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. 3. Adequate amounts of fiber from foods can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. 4. A high-fiber eating plan is lower in calories and tends to make you feel full faster.
Recommendation The recommended daily amount of fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. After age 50, the daily fiber needs drop to 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men.
Sources of insoluble fiber: whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, corn bran, seeds, nuts, barley, couscous, brown rice, bulgur, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, raisins, grapes, fruit, and root vegetable skins.
Serving Ideas 1. Include 2 cups of fresh fruits and 2 ½ cups of vegetables every day 2. Use whole grain breads and cereals 3. Snack on fruits and vegetables 4. Include vegetables and beans in stews and casseroles 5. Add oats to meatloaf and breads 6. Add fruit to cereal 7. Include a salad with at least one meal per day Kids 'n Fiber Getting kids to eat the fiber they need can be a challenge. Join FDA dietitian, nutritionist, and mom Shirley Blakely and a group of hungry Kids in a kitchen for some good-tasting high fiber foods.
Liz Weiss, RD explains how your kids can make whole grain choices at school and at home.
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN at recipenews@gmail.com
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