Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Food on a Stick Day


Food on a stick is thought to be among the earliest examples of human utensils. The “Kebab” is a dish consisting of small pieces of meat and vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled. The kebab originated in Persia and later spread to the Middle East and Turkey. The traditional meat for kebab is lamb, but depending on location and traditions, it may be beef, goat, chicken, pork, fish or seafood. Today the kebab is found worldwide. There are numerous variations of foods you can add to a stick and it's not just limited to meats.

Fun and Nutritious
Food on a stick can be fun and nutritious. Barbara Beery is a kids' cooking instructor. In the following video, Barbara shows how to make healthy foods on a skewer.


State Fairs and Food on a Stick
Putting food on a stick is popular at many state fairs because you can eat and walk at the same time. The food choices go from simple to bizarre and many items are high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. The video below shows all of the 59 foods on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair from 2006.


Resources

50+ Brilliant Recipes for Food on a Stick, Taste of Home 




Friday, March 1, 2024

National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

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.

A Journey through the Years
with Peanut Butter

Peter Pan Peanut Butter, 1957


1960's Skippy Peanut Butter



Kraft Peanut Butter, 1987




Thursday, February 8, 2024

Super Bowl Food Safety and Healthy Recipes



The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends closely refereeing food safety violations so every party-goer returns home a winner.

Illegal Use of Hands. Unclean hands are one of the biggest offenders for spreading bacteria, and finger foods are especially susceptible. Chefs and guests should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Be sure to clean surfaces often and wash platters before refilling them with fresh food. 

Offside. Prevent violations at all costs and keep uncooked and ready-to-eat foods in their own zone. The juices from raw meat may cross-contaminate other food if they contain harmful bacteria. Use one cutting board for raw meat and poultry and another for vegetables. If you use only one cutting board, wash it with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.

Time Out. Call a "time out" and use a food thermometer to be sure foods are cooked safely. Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef to 160 °F, and all poultry to 165 °F.

Holding refers to never holding hot or cold foods for more than two hours at room temperature or between 40 °F and 140 °F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly to block offensive bacteria from multiplying. When in doubt, throw it out; do not eat it.

Instant Replay
There is no opportunity for an instant replay. To avoid these violations, make sure you understand the rules completely. Great resources are available before kickoff at the USDA's 
Selected Federal Agencies with a Role in Food Safety.





3. Kara Lydon, RD @karalydonRD  50 Plant-Based Super Bowl Snacks



Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Peanut Butter Magic: Tasty Recipes & Fascinating Facts

The American Peanut Council proclaims peanut butter as one of America’s favorite foods. It is a good source of protein, niacin, and folate and is enjoyed by people of all ages.


Peanut Butter Magic: Tasty Recipes & Fascinating Facts





1. 54 Delish Peanut Butter Recipes, Delish








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.

A Journey through the Years
with Peanut Butter

Peter Pan Peanut Butter, 1957


1960's Skippy Peanut Butter



Kraft Peanut Butter, 1987




Saturday, January 20, 2024

Squeeze the Rainbow


Squeeze the Rainbow:
The Journey of Fresh-Squeezed Juice
from Nature to Juice. 







A glass of fresh-squeezed juice is a great way to meet your fruit and vegetable needs. There are numerous combinations to create a variety of flavors that are packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals.





Juicer Recipes
Note that not all juicers produce the same amount of liquid. Consider buying extra ingredients if your juicer produces a low output. To avoid pesticides and other chemicals, use organic fruits and vegetables and be sure to wash everything thoroughly. Some juicers heat juice slightly, so chill your ingredients before juicing them.

Carrot, Granny Smith, and Ginger Juice
yield: Makes about 7-1/2 cups, 1 serving (3/4 cup)
Calories (kcal) 69.7; Carbohydrates (g) 16.8; Fat (g) 0; 
Saturated Fat (g) 0; Trans Fatty Acid (g) 0;
Cholesterol (mg) 0; 
Vitamin A (IU) 12250 (245.0%); Vitamin C (mg) 5.3 (8.9%); 
Potassium (mg) 114.7; Sodium (mg) 56.7

Ingredients
4 to 5 pounds Granny Smith apples
3 to 4 pounds carrots, peeled and trimmed
1 (6-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger
Special equipment: a juicer (see cooks' note, below)


Preparation
Slice apples. Process enough slices in a juicer, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 4 cups juice, then transfer the juice to a pitcher. Process enough carrots, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 3 1/2 cups juice, then add to the pitcher with apple juice. Process ginger, then stir 2 1/2 tablespoons of ginger juice into a pitcher. Chill until cold, about 2 hours.  Serve over ice, if desired. 
 
Spa Juice
yield: Makes 1 (1-cup) serving
Calories (kcal) 90; Carbohydrates (g) 21; Fat (g) 0; 
Trans Fatty Acid (g) 0; Cholesterol (mg) 0; 
Vitamin A - IU (IU) 4988 (99.8%); Vitamin C (mg) 51 (84.6%);
Iron (mg) 0.6 (3.2%); Sodium (mg) 67 (2.8%)
In addition, the recipe contains Vitamin B1; B2; B6; Folate;
Calcium; Phosphorus; and Potassium

Editor's note: This juice is fruity but not overly sweet. It gets its green color from parsley and spinach, but neither ingredient overwhelms the flavors of the pineapple, grapefruit, and carrots. The recipe is part of a spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Chris Miller, executive chef at Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Bali.

Use an electric juice extractor or heavy-duty juicer that can process stems, skin, and seeds.

Ingredients
5 ounces fresh pineapple (about 1 cup or 1/8 large pineapple), peeled, cored, cut into large chunks, and chilled
4 ounces pear (about 1 cup or 1/2 medium pear), unpeeled, cut into large chunks and chilled
2 cups (packed) spinach with stems (about 4 ounces), chilled
1 (2-ounce) bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley with stems, chilled
1/2 medium carrot, peeled and chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (from 1/2 small grapefruit), chilled

Preparation

In juice extractor, process pineapple, pear, spinach, parsley, and carrot, skimming foam if necessary. Stir in grapefruit juice, chill if desired, and serve. The juice is best served immediately but will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.

In Memory of Jack LaLanne
Jack LaLanne Sings His Theme Song
as I conclude this Blog on Juicers.
In this clip from the Power Juicer infomercial,
Jack LaLanne sings the closing song from his old TV show
as a duet with an old video of himself.



Wednesday, December 13, 2023

December 13, National Cocoa Day

Save Calories and Fat by using Skim (Nonfat) Milk, 
instead of Whole Milk. You still receive the
benefits of calcium and vitamin D.
Skim /NonFat Milk
90 Calories
0 g Fat;
250 mg Calcium
124 IU / 3.2 mcg Vitamin D

Whole Milk
149 Calories
8 g Fat;
276 mg Calcium
124 IU / 3.2 mcg Vitamin D




The Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate

Hot cocoa and hot chocolate differ in the type of chocolate used, consistency, and taste.

Hot cocoa
Made from cocoa powder, powdered milk, sweetener, and water or milk. Hot cocoa is thinner and sweeter than hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate
Made from grated chocolate, milk, cream, or water. Hot chocolate is thicker and creamier than hot cocoa.


The Polar Express, "Hot Chocolate Song" 




Saturday, December 2, 2023

December 4, National Cookie Day
Healthy Cookie Recipes and Tips

The Holiday reminds me of the wonderful aroma of fresh-baked cookies. My family owned a bakery in New York. This is my son Jake peering through the glass, wondering what cookie he wants.



Try healthy homemade cookies from EatingWell, Healthy Cookie Recipes, and Tips.
(You still need to watch how many cookies you eat.)


Resource

My Favorites:
Meringues at 8 Calories per cookie.


For young and older - here is Cookie Monster,
sharing how he feels about cookies.

Sesame Street: 
Cookie Monster Sings C is for Cookie


Other Food Events This Week:
12/1 to 12/7. Cookie Cutter Week
12/5 to 12/11.  Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week

   



Tuesday, November 28, 2023

National Peanut Butter Lovers Month

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 and enjoy.





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.

A Journey through the Years
with Peanut Butter

Peter Pan Peanut Butter, 1957


1960's Skippy Peanut Butter



Kraft Peanut Butter, 1987




Friday, November 10, 2023

Happy Birthday Sesame Street
Super Healthy Heroes

Sesame Street premiered on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations on November 10, 1969. 

Sesame Street: Healthy Habits with Grover PSA| #CaringForEachOther


To celebrate Sesame Street's commitment and dedication to children's education we created our Sesame Street Friends out of nutritious foods. Can you find the Artichoke Leaves, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Celery, Corn, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Figs, Grapefruits, Green Beans, Guavas, Mushrooms, Onions, Orange, Parsley, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Red Peppers, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Watermelon?



The Sesame Street sign is made from cottage cheese,
spinach, corn, and white beans.











Do you know other foods that are Green?



Can you name the foods that match
the letters in Happy Birthday?


To learn more about the Sesame Workshop, visit http://www.sesameworkshop.org/. Sesame Street is a production of Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of children worldwide by developing innovative and engaging educational content delivered in various ways.

Friday, October 13, 2023

National Dessert Day - Healthy Choices

Dessert is a confectionery or sweet course that concludes the main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods, fruit, and possibly a beverage such as a dessert, wine or liqueur, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many items, including cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, parfaits, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. 

Pink Desserts 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 




Recipes Below are Parfait Desserts
Pumpkin Pie Parfait with Cranberry-Walnut Relish


Strawberry Parfait with Granola


Mango Parfait

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Red, White, and Blue Parfait


Resources
1. Dessert, Wikipedia
2.  Healthy Dessert Recipes, EatingWell
3. Healthy Baking Alternatives, Jessica Cox, RD, Eatright
4. 
9 Vegetables You Can Eat as Dessert, EatingWell

Thursday, October 5, 2023

National Diversity Day - Exploring Food Diversity

National Diversity Day is a day to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability. 

Today is a wonderful day to celebrate the many cultural foods making up the Cuisine from all over the World. The diversity can be seen as we travel across the globe. 










Foods from All Over the World


Healthy Choices
Table of Cuisines (from Menu Solutions)

Cuisine
Healthier Choices
Limit
Delicatessen Selections
Extra-lean corned beef, pastrami, or roast beef, beef brisket, and turkey breast are best; whole wheat or multi-grain bread; chicken or tuna salad; chopped herring; chef salad; fresh fruit plate with cottage cheese; dry bagel; borscht or broth soup; tossed salad, sliced tomatoes, beet salad, or carrot raisin salad.
High-fat meats (regular corn beef, hot pastrami, beef bologna, hot dogs, knockwurst, liverwurst, and salami); potato salad; mayonnaise-based salads; combo sandwiches (Reuben); smoked fish (lox); creamy coleslaw; chopped liver; excess cream cheese and cheese spreads; sauerkraut (high in sodium).
Pizza Parlor Selections
You cannot go wrong by ordering extra toppings such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomato slices, broccoli, and spinach. Other possibilities include chicken, crab meat, or shrimp.  
Fat starts with the basic cheese, so avoid extra cheese and in particular mozzarella. Other culprits include bacon, meatballs, pepperoni, sausage, and prosciutto, as well as anchovies.
Sandwich Shop Selections
Both 100% whole wheat and pita bread are great choices. Good sandwich fillers are grilled chicken breast, ham, roast beef, and turkey breast. Instruct the server not to add butter, margarine, or mayonnaise to the bread and substitute with ketchup, mustard, or horseradish. Good salad choices include chef, garden, or Greek salads, but remember to ask for low-calorie dressings on the side and to omit egg or cheese. Broth-type soups are good, such as barley, beef, chicken, lentil, split pea, and vegetable noodle.
Avoid croissants, cheese, excess mayonnaise, egg, and creamy soups. Beware of "diet plates" with big burgers and scoops of cottage cheese, which have loads of saturated fat. Omit cheeseburgers, cheese sandwiches, or grilled cheese "melts" over chicken and seafood salads; and cold cuts. Combo sandwiches with meat and cheese and club sandwiches are best avoided due to the large portion size. Remember that salad combos such as tuna, chicken, and crab meat have lots of mayonnaise. Avoid creamy soups such as chowders or cream of "anything."
Submarine Shop Selections
Order the smaller size roll or pita bread. Turkey, smoked turkey, ham, and roast beef are acceptable. Ask the server to go light on the meats, omit the mayonnaise or oil, and generously load up on the shredded lettuce, onion, peppers, pickles, and sliced tomatoes. Choose salads as alternatives when available, such as chef or tossed salads with perhaps a scoop of tuna, chicken, or seafood served with Italian or pita bread. 
Omit meats such as bologna, Italian cold cuts, salami (hard or Genoa), and sausages. Stay away from cheeses and steak and cheese. Other items to omit include antipasto salads, fried eggplant, and chicken cutlets.
Chinese Selections
Order plain steamed rice; boiled, steamed, or stir-fried vegetables (ask for little oil to be used); moderate fish and shellfish; non-fried tofu; skinless poultry and egg roll (insides only).
Anything fried (rice or crispy noodles), or with sweet and sour sauce; egg dishes or soups; salty soups; avoid duck and limit beef, pork, and pickled foods; excess soy sauce; ask chef to leave out MSG and cut down the use of commonly used corn starch, sugar, and salt.
Indian Selections
Order chutney (except mango); curry sauce (yogurt-based); fish (omit butter basting); yogurt with shredded vegetables; basmati rice. Biryani (vegetable dish); chapatti or papadum bread; tandoori chicken; lentil or mulligatawny soups
Creamy or high-salt soups; clarified butter (ghee); deep-fried meats; poori or paratha bread; fried samosa or pakora; ask to prepare dishes without excess salt and to omit coconut milk, if possible; omit garnishes with nuts or dried fruit.
Italian Selections
Order antipasto (no oil or excess meats); crusty bread (no oil or butter); broiled or grilled fish, seafood, chicken, and meats; garlic; plain or vegetable pasta; fresh unsalted mozzarella cheese; steamed leafy vegetables (kale and broccoli); salads; fresh tomatoes; zucchini; ices.
Garlic bread; stuffed pasta (ravioli and lasagna); fried eggplant; meatballs or sausage; sauces with butter, cream, oil, and wine base; pesto sauce; cheese-filled or parmesan style dishes; spumoni or tortoni ice cream. Beware of risotto rice; polenta; and high-fat, high-sodium prosciutto ham and pancetta; veal cutlets, and Caesar salads.
Japanese Selections
Order rice; steamed fish; sushi; sashimi; miso soup; raw vegetables; tofu; sukiyaki (stir-fried); yakimono (broiled fish).
Tempura and other deep-fried food; excess peanut and teriyaki sauce; pickled foods; excess salt and sugar in sauces; excess salt in soy marinades and sauces.
Mediterranean (Middle East) Selections
Order couscous, bulgar, and pita bread; legumes such as chickpeas, fava beans, and lentils; hummus; grape leaves; yogurt.
Phyllo dough dishes for sweet desserts such as baklava; feta and kasseri cheese; excess anchovies and olives; high sodium foods; feta, olives, and sausage; appetizers in general, except salads; excess fat from butter, olive oil, omelets, and tahini.
Mexican Selections
Order soft-shell tacos; burritos; fajitas; salsa; chicken enchilada; black beans or Mexican rice; grilled fish or chicken; salads without chips or shells; moderate corn or flour tortilla, using minimal oil; ceviche (marinated fish); gazpacho; chile con carne soup, with no cheese. Acceptable items include shredded lettuce; spicy meats; diced tomatoes; salsa verde; picante or tomato sauce; use Mexican salads as appetizers, with salsa as the dressing.
Chips, nachos; super nachos; chili con queso; fried taco or tortilla shells; guacamole; sour cream; cheese; refried beans; beef and pork dishes; olives; items such as chilies rellenos, chimichangas, chorizo (sausage), and flautas.
Thai Selections
Order steamed rice; broth-based soups (tom yum koang and pok taek); non-fried proteins, such as chicken, seafood, and tofu; vegetables; satay or steamed mussels; salads with light dressings, made with Thai spices.
Excess sodium; soy sauce and sugar; MSG; coconut milk, coconut oil; cream dishes, high milk, and sodium soups; many fried appetizers; curry or curry sauce; fried eggplant; cashew and peanut toppings.

Resources
1. National Diversity Day 



Dietitian Blog List