National Potato Month - Rose, Gold, and Purple Potato Salad with Mustard Curry Vinaigrette

Potatoes are one of the vegetables in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, which includes eggplant, tomatoes and bell peppers. It is a starchy, tuberous crop. Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice.

Nutrition

One medium potato (5.3 oz) with the skin contains:
110 Calories; Vitamin C (45 % DV); 620 mg potassium; Vitamin B6 (10 % DV); No Fat; No Sodium; No Cholesterol; and Trace amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Potatoes also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity. Among these important health-promoting compounds are carotenoids and flavonoids.

About 20% of the potato’s nutrition is found in the skin.  Most of the vitamin C and potassium are found in the potato’s flesh, but the fiber is found in the skin.  That’s why it’s best to enjoy every part of the potato.

According to MyPlate, Potatoes are a vegetable.  It counts toward the total recommended servings of vegetables. One medium-sized potato (5.3 oz.) counts as 1 cup of starchy vegetables.

Recipe

Rose, Gold, and Purple Potato Salad

Ingredients

5 Small Round Potatoes: 
  1 Honey Gold 
  2 Enchanted Rose
  2 Purple Splendor
Dash Curry Powder
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Italian Dressing, fat-free

Directions
1. Roast potatoes and dice.
2. In a bowl combine curry, mustard, and Italian dressing. Mix.
3. Add potatoes to marinade and coat well.

Nutrition Information

Family Health and Fitness Day USA

Family Health and Fitness Day USA is a national health and fitness event for families on the second Saturday in June.  

The event aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity for children and their parents. Families will participate in health promotion events at hundreds of locations nationwide, including YMCAs and health clubs, park districts, schools, houses of worship, and state and local health organizations.

It's Family Time!

You can jump rope, ride bikes, and take a walk as a family. Remember to be safe by using sunscreen, bike helmets, and staying hydrated.

Pancakes: Bringing fun, family, and creativity to every bite!

Celebrate National Pancake Day as a fun family activity.

1 stack (10 pancakes) equals approximately 1000 calories

"Perfect Pancake" - "Sid the Science Kid"

What is a Pancake?

A pancake is a thin, flat cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter. Most pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. Depending on the region, pancakes may be served at any time, with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, fruit, syrup or meat.

The pancake's shape and structure varies worldwide. There are numerous variations of them throughout Europe. A crêpe is a French variety of thin pancake cooked on one or both sides in a special crepe pan to achieve a network of fine bubbles often compared to lace - a savory variety made from buckwheat is usually known as a galette. In Germany, pancakes can be made from potatoes. In Italy, they can be fried and stuffed with ricotta and chocolate into what is known as a cannoli.

Healthy Pancake Recipes

Blueberry Pancakes

Serves One

Ingredients
2 Blueberry Pancakes, frozen

1/3 cup Fresh Blueberries

Healthy Pancake Recipes
EatingWell, Healthy Pancake Recipes

National Women's Health and Fitness Day

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. The event is always held on the last Wednesday in September.

This unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout the U.S. — focuses on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

The goal of this event is to encourage women to take control of their health: to learn the facts they need to make intelligent health choices and to make time for regular physical activity.

Because of its grassroots nature, the event provides an excellent opportunity for local organizations to showcase the health-related programs and services they offer to women in their communities.

Some women are so busy caring for their families, and others neglect to care for themselves. On this day, remind the women in your life to improve their health and prevent disease.

It is essential for women to get regular checkups because screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some women need specific screening tests earlier or more often than others. Screenings and routine care can help women lower their risks of many health conditions, including heart disease. 

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is a public/private good health partnership organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), a national clearinghouse for consumer health information professionals.

locations. An estimated 100,000 women of all ages will participate in the 10th annual National Women's Health and Fitness Day at hundreds of community locations across the country.

More than 1,400 groups across the country will host women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation districts, local health and service organizations, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, and other communities.

Symbolic Foods of Rosh Hashanah

Symbolic Foods of Rosh Hashanah

September 22, Dear Food Diary - A Secret to Weight Control

Today is Dear Diary Day, a perfect time to introduce the Food and Activity Diary (or Journal).

Food and Activity Diary

No matter how many great weight control programs are out there, the Food and Activity Diary is one of the key tools to successful weight control.

The research for my doctoral degree was on the study of people who successfully lost at least 20 pounds, kept it off for at least five years and were still at their desired weight range at the time of the study. I wanted to know if there were common factors leading to their success at maintaining weight loss. One of the factors turned out to be the Food Diary. Seventy-three percent of the individuals studied used a diary, journal or some form of record keeping.

You might be surprised by what you discover about your habits. It’s easy to overlook a handful of Parmesan cheese tossed on your pasta or the amount of salad dressing you use. In addition, you may notice patterns of eating; such as boredom, anger, sadness, happiness, or 12 noon. By becoming aware of habits, you can start to make changes.

A Diary is a record of your life in progress. Use the diary to record your daily foods, activities, thoughts, and goals. You will lose weight and keep it off. And if you have the chance to read it ten years from now, you will have fond memories and a documented journey of your adventure and success.

The Food and Activity Diary was designed to be used by any weight control program. So whether your counting calories, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, points, or food groups you can easily use the Food and Activity Diary.

How to Use the Diary

Motivation, Inspiration and Positive Thinking. Start your day off on a positive note. If you start to slide, remember the positive thought for the day.

Record the foods and the amounts of everything you eat and drink, even one grape. Don’t forget to weigh or measure your food. In time, you will be able to guess the size, but for now make sure you have a kitchen scale, measuring cups, and measuring spoons. See the portion control section at Weighing Success for suggested measuring tools.

Be honest. Do not write down a carrot when you just ate a hot fudge sundae.

Record foods right after eating, otherwise you may forget.

In the tracking column, note the number of calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, points or food groups you have consumed. The food plan you are on will determine what you will track.

Obtaining nutrition information on food products is easy today. Check the Internet, the nutrition label, or a book on foods and nutrients.

At the end of the day, total up your numbers and place them in the summary box. How did you do? There is also a place for you to monitor your activities or exercise, thoughts, and goals.

At the end of each 7 days, there is a week in review section. Look at what you have accomplished and set new goals. Practice positive thinking and complete the weekly self-awareness assignment.

Click on the link below to take you to a practice sheet and a seven day food diary. I have filled in the first day as an example for you to follow.
Seven Day Food Diary (pdf files)

Free Resources
USDA, Choose MyPlate 
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH. Daily Food and Activity Diary
WebMD Portion Size Guide 

National Punch Day

FDA does not have a specific definition or standard of identity for punch, or any other requirement that a punch contains fruit juice. A punch may be an artificially flavored beverage, with or without natural flavorings, or it may be made from tea and other ingredients, exclusive of fruit juice. Such products must be clearly distinguished from products which are made from fruit juices or fruit concentrates or purees. Products containing artificial or natural flavors must be labeled in accordance with 21 CFR 101.22.

Read the Label. An educated consumer has the knowledge to make wise decisions.

September is Better Breakfast Month

*Children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight.

*Children who eat breakfast have more energy.

*Children who eat breakfast concentrate better.

*Children who eat breakfast have higher grades in school.

*Children who skip breakfast may have learning and behavioral problems.

*Children who skip breakfast may develop nutritional deficiencies.

*Children who eat breakfast are Alert, Energized, and Ready for a Brand New Day.

Breakfast Ideas

The presentation encourages food exploration 

International Clean Hands Week

Annually, the third week in September is
 International Clean Hands Week. 
A reminder clean hands prevent illness and save lives.

The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating
2. DO NOT cough into your hands
3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands
4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth

Monte Cristo Sandwich - Make it Light

Yield: 4 sandwiches

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Ingredients
3 tablespoons honey mustard
8 (1-ounce) slices white bread
4 (1-ounce) slices Swiss cheese
4 (1-ounce) thinly sliced smoked ham
1/3 cup fat-free milk
2 large egg whites
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Directions
1. Spread 1 teaspoon honey mustard over each bread slice.
2. Place 1 oz swiss cheese slice on each of 4 bread slices.
3. Divide ham evenly over cheese.
4. Cover with the remaining 4 bread slices, mustard sides down.
5. Combine milk and egg whites in a shallow dish. Dip both sides of each sandwich into milk mixture.
6. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
7. Cook sandwiches for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
8. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar.

Eat a Hoagie Day

A hoagie is also known as a submarine sandwich, sub, hero, or one of many regional names. The sandwich consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split width wise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. 

Ingredients
1.5 oz Whole Wheat Roll
20 g (3/4 oz) Salami
1/2 oz Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 oz Turkey Bread
Salsa
Jalapeno
Red Peppers
Tomato Slice
Shredded Lettuce

Resource

Wikipedia, Submarine Sandwich

Papaya Power: Sweet, Nutritious, and Versatile

The papaya is also known as papaw or pawpaw.  The papaya is a melon-like fruit with yellow-orange flesh. The skin varies in color from green to orange. Papayas are a good source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber.

Papaya Power: Sweet, Nutritious, and Versatile

The ripe papaya fruit is usually eaten raw, with or without skin or seeds, while the unripe green papaya can be cooked.  

Recipe

Papaya Salad with Tomatoes, Onions,
Peppers, Brown Rice, Black Beans

In the Disney film, The Jungle Book (1967), 

Baloo sings the song "The Bare Necessities."
Can you locate the Pawpaw in the song?

Resources
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Papaya
Wikipedia, Carica papaya

TV Dinner Day Tracing the Roots of Modern Day Obesity

Invention and view of the original TV dinner

Health Issues

TV dinners have been associated with high amounts of salt and fat, which are linked to risk factors of heart disease and obesity. Today, a number of manufacturers and retailers are making meals that are lower in salt, fat, and artificial additives.

Read the label, be an educated consumer.

Resource

FDA. How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

National Acorn Squash Day - Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins C, vitamin B, magnesium, and manganese.

Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash with 

Brown Rice, Quinoa, Raisins,
Garbanzo Beans, and Apples 

Ingredients per one serving
1/2 Acorn Squash, seeded
1/3c Brown Rice and Quinoa, cooked
2 tsp Raisins
1 Tbsp Garbanzo Beans
1/4 cup diced Apples

Directions
Preheat oven to 350° degrees. Cut the squash in half and place cut side down in an aluminum foil-lined pan. Add two cups water. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes or until tender. 

Combine cooked brown rice, quinoa, raisins, garbanzo beans, and apples. Place half cup in acorn squash.

Nutrition Information

National Read a Book Day for the Young Foodie

  National Read a Book Day for the Young Foodie 

A day to inspire children to pick up a book and get reading. 

The Girls Who Lived in the Refrigerator Hardcover – July 30, 2024, by David Grotto (Author), Brian Dumm (Illustrator)

Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition
by Lizzy Rockwell  

Healthy Foods around the World
by Beth Bence Reinke, RDN  

National Geographic Kids Cookbook:
A Year-Round Fun FoodAdventure
by Barton Seave  

Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook

by Anjali Shah  

Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are
Good for You: AllAbout Staying Healthy
by Tish Rabe  

National Food Bank Day - How we can make a difference?

In many ways, America is the land of plenty. But for 1 in 6 people in the United States, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different.

Right now, millions of Americans are struggling with hunger. These are often hard-working adults, children, and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.

It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America. 

Feeding America network of 200 food banks across the country are first-class organizations in the fight against hunger. They are more than just distribution centers, they are core to providing hope to the communities they serve.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

Nearly 49 million people in America face hunger. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children. Don’t let their struggles go unheard. Join the Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks and Speak Out Against Hunger. 

Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.

Feeding America provides emergency food assistance to an estimated 37 million low-income people annually, a 46 percent increase from 25 million since Hunger in America 2010.

Among members of Feeding America, 74 percent of pantries, 65 percent of kitchens, and 54 percent of shelters reported that there had been an increase since 2006 in the number of clients who come to their emergency food program sites.

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help.  http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during National Food Bank Day.