October 6, National Noodle Day - Vegetarian Pad Thai

Noodles are a food made from doughs containing such foods as rice, wheat, potato, buckwheat, maize, legumes, and nuts. There are various shapes, from long, thin ribbons, strips, curly waves, pipes, tubes, and strings. Noodles are usually cooked in a mixture of boiling water and/or oil. Depending upon the type, noodles may be dried or refrigerated before cooking.

Vegetarian Pad Thai, premade 
(stir-fried rice noodle)

Nutritional Analysis

Resources and References
1. The Nibble: Noodles
2. Wikipedia: Noodle
3. EatingWell, Healthy Noodle Recipes

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services.

Contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

World Farm Animal Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month

World Farm Animal Day, founded in 1983, is dedicated to exposing and memorializing the needless suffering and death of cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other innocent, sentient animals raised and slaughtered for food. World Farm Animals Day will continue until animals are no longer seen as commodities and are raised for their flesh and by-products.

Animal Rescues That Will Make You Happy
that PETA Exists

Vegetarian Resources

1. The Vegetarian Resource Group
2. Peta
3. Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group (VN DPG), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
4. The Vegan Society
5. Ginny Messina, RDN - Vegan Dietitian: Recipes to Try - Pinterest 

Note from Author.  Education materials are designed to be "Family Friendly;" therefore, I chose not to portray the slaughter of animals.

October Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. 

October Monthly Events

October Health, Nutrition, and Food Events
Monthly Events

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month Dyslexia Awareness Month  Global Diversity Awareness Month Health Literacy Month Learning Disability Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month  National Chiropractic Health Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression Education & Awareness National Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Liver Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Crime Prevention Month   National Cyber Security Awareness Month National Physical Therapy Month   National Reading Group Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month  National Work and Family Month German American Heritage Month Italian-American Heritage Month Polish American Heritage Month Talk About Prescriptions Month World Menopause Month National Photographer Appreciation Month Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Fair Trade Month Gourmet Adventures Month

UNICEF Tackling Hunger Month Halloween Safety Month National Farm to School Month Vegetarian Month National Apple Month Corn Month  National Bake and Decorate Month Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month National Caramel Month  National Chili Month National Cookbook Month National Cookie Month National Country Ham Month National Dessert Month National Pasta Month National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Pork Month  National Pretzel Month Sausage Month National Seafood Month National Spinach-Lovers Month Non-GMO Month Co-op Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month National Kitchen and Bath Month

Weekly Events

1-2 Yom Kippur
1-7 Universal Children's Week
1-7 National Walk Your Dog Week
3-10 No Salt Week:
5-11 Mental Illness Awareness Week
5-11 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
5-11 4-H Week
5-11 National Metric Week
5-11 Fire Prevention Week
6-12 Pet Obesity Week
6-13 Sukkot
11-14 FNCE, Nashville
12-18 National Chestnut Week 
12-18 National Food Bank Week
12-18 OCD Awareness Week
13-18 National School Lunch Week
13-18 World Rainforest Week
19-25 International Infection Prevention Week
19-25 National Chemistry Week
20-26 Food & Drug Interaction Education
20-24 National Health Education Week
20-26 Freedom of Speech Week

Daily Events

1          UN International Day of Older Persons, World Vegetarian Day, International Coffee Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, Vegan Baking Day,  Yom Kippur (sundown), National Pumpkin Seed Day, National Kale Day, Walk to School Day

2          UN International Day of Non-Violence, World Day for Farmed Animals,  National Fried Scallops Day, National Produce Misting Day

3          National Caramel Custard Day, World Smile Day

4          National Taco Day, World Animal Day, Vodka Day, World Child Health Day, National Banana Pudding Day, World Porridge Day

5          UN World Teachers Day, National Apple Betty Day, National Depression Screening Day, Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day

6          Noodle Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, National Plus Size Appreciation Day, National German-American Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention (First Monday), Sukkot

7          National Frappe Day, National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, National Eat Fruit at Work Day  

8          National Perogy Day, National Fluffernutter Day, National Salmon Day, World Octopus Day, Bullying Prevention Day (2nd Wednesday), S.A.V.E. (Stop America's Violence Everywhere) 2nd Wednesday, National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day (2nd Wednesday)

9          World Post Day, National Moldy Cheese Day, International Beer and Pizza Day, National Depression Screening Day (Thursday of first full Week)

10        World Mental Health Day, National Angel Food Cake Day, World Homeless Day, National Cake Decorating Day, National Metric Day, World Egg Day

11        International Day of the Girl, National Sausage Pizza Day, Southern Food Heritage Day, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, I Love Yarn Day (2nd Saturday)

12        National Gumbo Day, National Farmer’s Day, World Arthritis Day, Columbus Day

13        Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, National Yorkshire Pudding Day, Columbus Day observed; Indigenous Peoples' Day (2nd Monday)

14        National Dessert Day, Chocolate-Covered Insect Day, Native American Day, International Face Your Fears Day (2nd Tuesday); Simchat Torah

15        UN International Day of Rural Women, Global Hand Washing Day, National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day, National Mushroom Day, National Roast Pheasant Day, National Chicken Cacciatore Day, National Cheese Curd Day, National White Cane Safety Day  

16        World Food Day

17        UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, National Pasta Day, Mulligan Day, Mammography Day (Third Friday)  

18        World Menopause Day, National Chocolate Cupcake Day, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, National Mammography Day, Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday

19        National Seafood Bisque Day 

20        World Osteoporosis Day, National Brandied Fruit Day, International Chefs Day, National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day

21        National Apple Month, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

22        National Nut Day, National Color Day, National Tex-Mex Day

23        National Boston Cream Pie Day

24        United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, National Bologna Day, Food Day

25        National Greasy Foods Day, World Pasta Day, Sourest Day

26        National Mincemeat Pie Day, National Pumpkin Day, National Chicken Fried Steak Day, Mother-in-Law Day (Always 4th Sunday)

27        National Farm to School Month, National American Beer Day 

28        Wild Foods Day, National Chocolate Day

29        National Oatmeal Day, World Stroke Day

30        National Candy Corn Day, Haunted Refrigerator Night, Checklist Day

31        Halloween, National Magic Day, National UNICEF Day, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Nevada 36th State, National Caramel Apple Day, Frankenstein Friday

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

National Pumpkin Seed Day

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are the edible seeds of pumpkins or certain other squash cultivars. They are typically rather flat and asymmetrically oval, light green in color, and may have a white outer hull. Wikipedia Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. Eat them year-round as a soup or salad topper, with cereal, or in a homemade trail mix.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, approximately 2 tablespoons of unshelled roasted pumpkin seeds unsalted (28 grams) contain:

Recipe. Roasted Cauliflower with 

Pumpkin Seeds and Queso Fresco

Roasted Cauliflower with Pumpkin Seeds and Queso Fresco is a delicious and easy side dish that can complement any main course. This dish adds pumpkin seeds and crumbled queso fresco, creating a surprising and delightful combination.

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients

4 cups small cauliflower florets
2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
kosher salt to taste
6 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco


Directions

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Combine the cauliflower florets, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, black pepper, kosher salt, and chopped garlic in a large bowl.
3. Spread the mixture on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Broil for 8-10 minutes or until the cauliflower is browned and tender, stirring once after 4 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and top with crumbled queso fresco.

The analysis is based on 6 servings.
Calories (kcal)           89
Protein (g)                   3
Carbohydrates (g)     5
Dietary Fiber (g)        2
Total Sugars (g)         2
Added Sugar (g)        0
Fat (g)                          7
Saturated Fat (g)       2
Cholesterol (mg)       5
Calcium (mg)             63
Magnesium (mg)      19
Phosphorus (mg)      75
Potassium (mg)      245
Sodium (mg)             75

Enjoy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.