Showing posts with label Vegetables. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegetables. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

National Agricultre Day



Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America join together to recognize agriculture's contributions. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level.

Thank you to all our farmers.
Happy National Agriculture Day!


Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture to our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:


*Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
*Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
*Appreciate agriculture's role in providing a safe, abundant, affordable product.


Do you know where the food on your plate comes from?




Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, dramatically increasing from 25 in the 1960s. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Tempura Tofu and Spring Vegetables


Tempura is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.

Tempura batter is traditionally mixed in small batches using chopsticks for only a few seconds, leaving lumps in the mixture that, along with the cold batter temperature, result in a unique fluffy and crisp tempura structure when cooked. The batter is often kept cold by adding ice or by placing the bowl inside a larger bowl with ice in it. Over-mixing the batter will result in the activation of wheat gluten, which causes the flour mixture to become soft and dough-like when fried.

Specially formulated tempura flour is available in worldwide supermarkets. This is generally light (low-gluten) flour and occasionally contains leaveners such as baking powder. Tempura generally does not use breadcrumbs (panko) in the coating.


Thin slices or strips of vegetables or seafood are dipped in the batter, then briefly deep-fried in hot oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are the most common; however, tempura is traditionally cooked using sesame oil. Many specialty shops still use sesame oil or tea seed oil, and it is thought certain compounds in these oils help to produce light, crispier batter.



Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) package water-packed extra-firm tofu, drained
12 cups peanut oil
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari
1 ½ teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 pound baby carrots with green tops
4 ½ ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
6 ¾ ounces rice flour (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups club soda, chilled
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed

Directions
1. Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with paper towels. Top with a heavy skillet; let stand for 30 minutes. Discard paper towels. Cut tofu in half horizontally; cut blocks into 16 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Cut slices in half, crosswise, to form 32 (1 x 1/2–inch) rectangles.

2. Clip a candy/fry thermometer onto the side of a large skillet; add oil to pan. Heat oil to 385°. Combine vinegar and the next 3 ingredients (through ginger). Trim carrot tops to 1 inch; peel carrots.

3. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add club soda, stirring until smooth. Using a slotted spoon, dip the tofu in the batter. Place tofu in hot oil, and fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove tofu, and drain.

4.  Return oil temperature to 385°. Using a slotted spoon, dip carrots in batter. Place carrots in oil; fry for 2 minutes or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove carrots; drain. Return oil temperature to 385°.

5.  Using a slotted spoon, dip peas in batter. Place peas in oil; fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove peas, and drain. Serve tofu and vegetables with tamari mixture.



Resources
1. Wikipedia, Tempura
2. Cooking Light, Tempura Tofu and Spring Vegetables


Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Edible Christmas Tree

A fun and healthy project for the family to enjoy.

Supplies
Styrofoam Cones, assorted sizes (Can purchase at a craft shop
Toothpicks (Young children should be assisted by an adult)
An assortment of Fruits and Vegetables, such as Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Grapes, Watermelon, Mushroom, Arugula, Broccoli, Kiwi, Mango, Carrots, Tomatoes, Figs, Blueberries, Strawberries, Peppers, Squash, Carambola, Pomegranate Seeds
Protein: Cottage Cheese or Goat Cheese for snow


1. Wash your hands.
2. Wash the fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Wash your hands again.
4. Cut fruits and vegetables into a variety of shapes. Make sure the pieces are large enough to fit onto a toothpick.


5. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Use the largest fruits and vegetables first.

6. Be creative


7. Top your Christmas tree with Carambola (Starfruit).
8. Sprinkle Goat Cheese over the tree.
9. Serve with low-fat vanilla yogurt.










Tuesday, December 5, 2023

The Edible Hanukkah Menorah

The Hanukkiah, also known as the Hanukkah “menorah,” is a candelabra designated specifically for the Hanukkah candles. The Hanukkah lamp contains room for nine candles — one for each night, plus the shammash or helper candle.

Menorah is the Hebrew word for a lamp. Lighting the candles is Hanukkah’s most central ritual. One candle is added on each night of the eight-night holiday until it is ablaze with light on the eighth evening.

Hanukkah menorahs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The eight candles should be the same height and at the same level, but the shammash is often placed higher or set off to the side.

Fruit and Vegetable Menorah

A fun project and a healthy snack for all. 
I used the following ingredients (but you can use your favorite fruits and vegetables):
1/2 cucumber
1/2 yellow squash, diced
1/2 zucchini diced
4 red seedless grapes
1/2 cup watermelon, diced
1/4 cup raspberries
1/4 cup cantaloupe, cubed
1/4 cup blueberries
4 strawberries, chopped
9 golden raisins

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Giving Tuesday
Gifts that Make a Difference

You can purchase gifts to support causes, educate and foster awareness, and show you care about a loved one's health. These gifts make a difference in a person's life. The gifts listed below are just samples of what is available. Please check the websites to view the entire catalog.


Donate to a Food Bank

A Guide to Practical and/or Healthy Food Staples to your Local Food Bank.

Breakfast Foods to Donate
Whole Grain Cereal
Rolled Oats
Pancake Mix
Baby Cereal
Syrup

Lunch and Dinner Foods to Donate
Tuna Fish
Canned Chicken
Peanut Butter
No-Nut Butter
Jelly
Whole grain pasta
Brown Rice
Canned Beans
Dry Beans
Canned Vegetables (low sodium/no salt)
Canned Fruit (light syrup/in own juices)
Pasta Sauce
Condiments
Dry Goods – Sugar, Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Spices
Baby Food

Snack Foods to Donate
Applesauce
Raisins
Dry Fruit
Granola Bars
Whole Grain Crackers
Trail Mix
Nuts

Fresh Foods (Not All Food Banks Offer)
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh Fruit
Yogurt
Milk
Eggs
Bread
Frozen Vegetables


What not to donate to a food bank

The number one rule to remember is this: if your donation is perishable, i.e., it’s something with a limited shelf life if not refrigerated, food banks won’t accept it. But there are other categories of food that you can’t donate.

Items needing refrigeration:
Food like produce, dairy, and meat can spoil quickly, and your local food bank may require the refrigerator or freezer space needed to keep these items fresh. 
Many food banks work directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants, and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation. 

Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what you’d be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you don’t eat food past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date, so avoid donating anything past those dates to food banks as it could be unsafe to eat.

Leftovers: While sharing the bountiful food from big meals like Thanksgiving may be tempting, keeping leftovers for the family is best. To ensure the people they serve are safe, food banks can’t accept leftovers or anything made in personal kitchens because they aren’t individually sealed. The food bank can’t verify the ingredients or preparation process.

Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging, such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it.

Baked goods: Like leftovers, food banks can’t confirm how your baked goods were made or their ingredients, so they can’t be donated. However, food banks often have relationships with local restaurants or bakeries that donate extra food appropriately labeled and handled to nearby pantries, soup kitchens, or shelters.

Just a note: You can ‘clean out your cabinets’ and donate, and some food banks can use the food after it is expired, but think of the Golden Rule. Would you want someone to give YOU their expired food? It’s better than wasting it, but be gracious and loving.


Finding a Charity, You Can Trust
Charity Navigator
and more...

Gifts to Support a Cause




The Humane Society is the nation's largest animal protection organization. They work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals by advocating for better laws, investigating animal cruelty, encouraging corporations to adopt animal-friendly policies, conducting disaster relief and animal rescue, and providing direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries, emergency shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics.


Gifts to Educate and Foster Awareness
Books by Dietitians
 Dietitians-Online Books by RDNs 



National Nutrition Month®  at the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
 Check out the National Nutrition Month® catalog for exciting products featuring the Eat Right Campaign.
 Perfect for colleagues and clients alike!

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Celebrate National Farm to School Month


The National Farm to School Network advocated for the creation of National Farm to School Month and now organizes the annual celebration in October. National Farm to School Month was designated by Congress in 2010 to demonstrate the growing importance of farm-to-school programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local economies and educate children about the origins of food.

The National Farm to School Network has also developed resources and activities to promote Farm to School Month in schools, communities and media outlets. All of these tools are available on farmtoschool.org.
      


Here are some ways you can help us get the word out about Farm to School Month:
   • #F2SMonth - Use this hashtag in your social
Media Messages
   •@FarmtoSchool - follow on Twitter
   • Follow on Facebook

Learn more about the movement throughout October. They will be sharing stories and information on their blog about how farm to school is empowering children and their families to make informed food choices and contributing to their communities. 

The resource database is home to even more information and includes searchable tags for Farm to School Month as well as topics like farm to preschool, school gardens and procurement.

Celebrate National Farm to School Month

Many farm to school programs begin with a small activity generating interest and engages the whole community.

Organizations and Businesses
• Become an official Farm to School Month partner! Partners commit to using their communications channels to spread the word about Farm to School Month. Suggested messaging and weekly updates will be provided by NFSN. Contact: info@farmtoschool.org
   • Show your support for Farm to School Month by becoming an official sponsor! Contact: info@farmtoschool.org

Teachers
   • Plan nutrition education activities, such as Harvest of the Month, featuring a local food product that is in season.
   • Connect instructional school gardens and garden based learning activities to the curriculum.
   • Organize farm tours or trips to the local farmers’ market.
   • Send information about Farm to School Month to parents.

School food service professionals
   • Promote Farm to School Month on the school menu and in the cafeteria. Find logos, posters and more at farmtoschool.org
   • Do a taste test of local products or feature one item for lunch, breakfast or snacks.
   • Create a farm-to-school salad bar using local products.

Farmers
   • Connect with your local school and offer to conduct a classroom session during October or offer to host a visit to your farm.
   • Promote Farm to School Month on your farm or at your farmers’ market booth with posters and other materials, which can be downloaded or ordered from farmtoschool.org.

Families
   • Visit your local farmers’ market. Buy something you’ve never tried before, cook it and share with your family and friends.
   • Cook with seasonal products as much as possible. Find out what products are grown in your region and when. Most State Departments of Agriculture or Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters can provide you with a regional crop calendar.
   • Volunteer at your local school to support a school garden or classroom educational activity.

Resource:
To learn more, visit the National Farm to School website.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Potty Training Awareness Month
Preventing Constipation


June is Potty Training Awareness Month. Constipation in children is a common problem when potty training. Constipation is often characterized by infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools.

Causes of Constipation in Children

Toilet Training and Withholding. Your child may ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because of fear of the toilet or they don’t want to take a play break. Some children withhold when they are away from home because they are embarrassed to use a public bathroom. Withholding bowel movements sometimes results in a large painful mass of stool in the rectum called fecal impaction. If it hurts to have a bowel movement, your child may try to avoid a repeat of the uncomfortable situation. If you begin toilet training too early, children may hold in their stools, which can quickly become an involuntary habit that's tough to break.

Dietary Changes. Lack of fruits and vegetables or fluid in your child's diet may cause constipation. For some children, too much milk and not enough water can lead to constipation.

Medication or Disease. Certain antacids, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and various other drugs can contribute to constipation. Changes in your child's appetite or diet due to illness may have the same effect.

Emotional Pressure to use the toilet or to give up diapers.

Symptoms of constipation in children
  • *Fewer bowel movements than usual.
  • *The child is fidgeting, clenching buttocks muscles, or other unusual dancelike behaviors.
  • *Experiencing Abdominal pain and cramping.
  • *Painful or difficult bowel movements.
  • *Hard, dry, or large stools.
  • *Feces in the child’s underwear.

Prevention of constipation in children
*Offer high-fiber foods. Include: Fruits and Vegetables; Beans and Lentils; Bran sprinkled on cereals or yogurt; Whole grain bread and cereal; Dried or soft fruit added to muffins or cereal; Fruit spread

If your child does not like vegetables, serve them hidden in casseroles, pasta, or puree in soups. Ask your child to help out when preparing meals. Children are more willing to eat their food if they play a role in making their own meals.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following amounts of fiber needed per age and gender. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 6th ed. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009

            Age/Gender            Fiber (grams)
            2 - 3 years                       19
            4 – 8 years                       25
            9 – 11 years (female)       26
            9 – 11 years (male)          31

  • *Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice.
  • *Establish regular meal and snack times
  • *Promote physical activity. Regular physical activity helps stimulate normal bowel function.
  • *Create a toilet schedule. Set aside time after meals for your child to use the toilet.
  • *Remind your child to use the bathroom.
  • *Ask your doctor if your child is taking any medication that may cause constipation.

Treatment of Constipation in Children
  • *Follow the prevention instructions.
  • *Consult with the pediatrician or family doctor before using over-the-counter suppositories or laxatives.
  • *Contact the doctor if four or five days have passed without a bowel movement, or if constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever.
  • *Consult a dietitian who can help create an appropriate food plan high in fiber.

Resouces
Foods to Boost Your Child’s Fiber, Nourish Interactive (pdf)
American Academy of Pediatrics


This young child describes his
concerns about Potty Training
 

 Potty Training Tips from Parents TV - For Mom
 

Elmo and his Father show How
Potty Time Can Be Fun: Sesame Street
 
 


The information presented here does not constitute medical advice for any individual. Specific cases may vary. Dietitians-Online and Weighing-Success recommend readers consult a qualified health professional on an individual basis. All materials are provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.


Friday, June 16, 2023

June 17, Eat Your Vegetables Day and
June, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month

June 17, Eat Your Vegetables Day



Key Consumer Message:

Dietary Recommendations 
for Americans, 2020 - 2025 
Fruits and Vegetables 

There are three reasons to eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.
1. Most vegetables and fruits contribute a wide variety of nutrients, including folate, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. 
2. Consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
3. Most fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol and are low in calories and fat. Eating more will help maintain a healthy weight.

From MyPlate.gov
What Foods Are in the Fruit and Vegetable Groups?

Fruits. Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed.

In general, 1 cup of fruit or 100% fruit juice, or ½ cup of dried fruit can be considered as 1 cup from the Fruit Group. The following link lists specific fruits and amounts that count as one cup of fruit (or in some cases equivalents
for ½ cup are noted.)
 

VegetablesAny vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the Vegetable Group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed.  Vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups, based on their nutrient content. Dark-green vegetables; Red and orange vegetables; Beans and peas (legumes); Starchy vegetables; and Others. 

In general, 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy greens is considered as 1 cup from the Vegetable Group. The following link lists specific vegetables and amounts that count as 1 cup of vegetables (or in some cases equivalents for ½ cup are noted). 



How many fruits and vegetables 
are needed daily?

Safety with Fruits and Vegetables
* Rinse and wash fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating them. Under clean, running water, rub fruits and vegetables briskly with your hands to remove dirt and surface microorganisms. Dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel after rinsing.
* Keep fruits and vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry and seafood while shopping, preparing, and storing.




Teaching Kids to Eat Their
Fruits and Vegetables



Healthy Kids PSA: Color of Life
Bring color to your life, and your plate,
with nutritious, delicious vegetables.




Fruits and Vegetables Song


Resources









Monday, May 15, 2023

May 15, UN International Day of Families



National Family Month is celebrated every year from
Mother's Day through Father's Day.
May 15th is the United Nations International Day of Families. 


2023 Theme: Demographic Trends and Families

Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns. Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education, which in turn helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development.

Research indicates that decreasing fertility also increases women’s labour participation. On the other hand, fertility declines result in smaller families, which are less likely to cope with care and other household obligations. As such, in times of unemployment or illness, families have fewer members to rely on. Moreover, low fertility rates may undermine labour forces and social structures, triggering drastic responses with hard-to-predict consequences for issues ranging from social security to gender equality.


International Day of Families, 
The Family Meal, a Tradition Celebrated Worldwide





Tuesday, May 31, 2022

National Salad Month - How to Build a Healthy Salad



Salads are a great way to add Nutrition and Color into your day. Choose the right ingredients and keep them handy so you can create a healthy meal.

Salads can easily turn into an unhealthy meal if you are not careful with the toppings. Be mindful about what you add and the portions. Measure some of the more caloric items, such as cheese, nuts, and salad dressing.

Your options are endless. Load your plate up with colorful vegetables. Raw vegetables are great and add a pleasant crunch. To add variety, choose some cooked vegetables, such as grilled, roasted or streamed.
   
List of Ingredients to Create Endless Salad Possibilities

Start with Leafy Greens (1 1/2 – 2 cups)
·        Arugula
·        Beet Greens
·        Bok choy
·        Boston lettuce
·        Collard Greens
·        Endive
·        Escarole
·        Green leaf lettuce
·        Red leaf lettuce
·        Iceberg lettuce
·        Kale
·        Microgreens
·        Mixed greens
·        Napa cabbage
·        Radicchio
·        Romaine lettuce
·        Spinach
·        Swiss Chard
·        Turnip Greens
·        Watercress

Add Vegetables (Fresh, Canned or Cooked)
Vegetables (2 tablespoons)
·        Avocado
·        Asparagus, chopped
·        Artichoke hearts
·        Bean sprouts
·        Beets
·        Bell Pepper
·        Broccoli florets
·        Carrots, shredded
·        Celery, chopped
·        Corn
·        Cucumber slices
·        Green beans
·        Mushroom slices
·        Onion
·        Peas, boiled
·        1 Roasted Red Pepper, julienned
·        Radishes, slices
·        Squash, sliced or diced
·        Tomato slices

Add Meat, Meat Alternatives and/or Dairy for a Main Dish Salad
·        1 boiled Egg, sliced
·        2-3 oz Chicken: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Turkey: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Salmon: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Shrimp: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2 tablespoons crumbled Blue cheese
·        ¼ cup Cottage cheese
·        2 teaspoons crumbled Feta cheese
·        1 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced
·        2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
·        2-3 oz Sardines in water
·        2-3 oz Tuna, canned in water
·        ½ cup Tofu
·        2-3 oz Tempeh

Add Beans and/or Grains
Beans (1 tablespoon)
·        Black beans
·        Cannellini beans
·        Chickpeas
·        Kidney beans
·        Lentils
·        Pinto Beans

Grains (1/4 cup)
·        Couscous
·        Barley
·        Bulgur
·        Farro
·        Quinoa
·        Wild rice

Nuts and Seeds (1 tablespoon)
·        Almonds, raw
·        Cashews, raw
·        Pecans, raw
·        Walnuts
·        Poppy seeds
·        Pumpkin seeds
·        Sesame seeds
·        Sunflower seeds

Fruits (optional)
·        1/2 Apple, sliced
·        1/3 cup Blueberries
·        Cranberries, 1 Tablespoon
·        2-3 Dates or Figs
·        10 Grapes
·        6 Mandarin wedges
·        1/2 Pear, sliced
·        1/3 cup Pineapple, slices or diced
·        2 Tablespoons Raisins or Dried Cranberries·        2-3 Strawberries, sliced

Other (optional)
·        1 Anchovy
·        5 Olives, Black, Green or Kalamata
·        2 Tablespoons Whole Grain Croutons

The Finale and Salad Dressing
·        Dash of fresh Oregano, Parsley or Coriander
·        Choose from a variety of Spices and Herbs
·        2 Tablespoons Homemade Salad Dressing:
       Use Olive Oil, Vinegar, Citrus Juice, Salsa,
       Low-fat Yogurt and/or Mustard

A salad can be delicious, healthy, and inexpensive.


Resources
1. Fat-Free Vinaigrette Recipes are easy to prepare and can be used as a marinade, salad dressing, or sauce.  
2. 
21 Lunch and Dinner Salads That Are Seriously Filling, Cooking Light
3. 
Great Summer Salads, Cooking Light
4. 
How to Mason Jar Salads, The Country Chic Cottage









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