Create a Kid-friendly Kitchen

June is Home Safety Month and the
 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has prepared tips to

Cooking and spending time in the kitchen is fun for kids, and also provides parents with an opportunity to teach children about healthy nutrition. Here are tips to create a kid-friendly kitchen:

Cooking with Kids - Kitchen Safety - The Smart Shopper

From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Kids Eat Right program.

Kids Eat Right, Monday Message for June 4, 2012

Article of the Week

Help your child become a better eater by inviting one of
their friends to dinner. http://bit.ly/KRMCpL

Hot Tip

Looking for nutrition powerhouse that's easy to prepare?
Look to potatoes! http://bit.ly/KRMZAG

Recipe of the Week

It's asparagus season. Try this delectable veggie grilled,
steamed or broiled! http://bit.ly/L4FtD9

Featured Video

These 15 minute pickles are a great alternative to chips.
Plus they're fast and easy to prepare.  http://bit.ly/uT8c5g  

15 Minute Pickles

Kids Eat Right, Monday Message for May 28, 2012

Article of the Week

Young people with a positive image of themselves don’t obsess about calories, food or weight. 

4 ways to give your child the gift of a positive body image. http://bit.ly/K0Ynv3  

Hot Tip

Pack food right from the refrigerator into your picnic cooler
immediately before leaving home. http://bit.ly/KuWAOp 

Recipe of the Week

Pick up a precooked pork loin roast from your
supermarket deli counter to make these
quick sandwiches for your kids. http://bit.ly/KZLrmG  

Featured Video

Want to give your kids a tasty, creamy snack that hits the spot on hot days? 

Try Mom's Mango Smoothie! http://bit.ly/pYWKAl  

The Kids Eat Right Monday Message is a benefit of the Kids Eat Right Campaign Volunteer program.

May 25, 2012 Nutrition Highlights, Events, and Food Finds

Heat Safety Awareness
Brown-Bag-It Day
Gifts from the Garden

Cooking with Spaghetti Squash

National Brown-Bag-It Day

Gifts from the Garden Month

Not yet, but in about 6 to 8 weeks I should have a
garden filled with fresh vegetables.

Cooking with Spaghetti Squash

Recipe Makeover: Bon Appétit Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Couscous

The original recipe is located at the following link: Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Couscous 

With some slight changes and portion control, you can save over 200 calories, 10 g fat, 30 mg Cholesterol, and 237 mg Sodium.

Modified Slow-Roasted Salmon with
Cherry Tomatoes and Couscous

Ingredients
Yogurt Sauce
1 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Salmon
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 bunch dill fronds
1/2 bunch thyme sprigs
3-pound center-cut skin-on salmon fillet (prepare 4 oz cooked Salmon per person)
8 ounces small cherry tomatoes on the vine

Tomatoes and Couscous
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 cup Israeli couscous, dry (1/2 cup cooked per person)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions
Yogurt Sauce. Mix yogurts, dill, chives, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until well combined. Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Salmon. Preheat oven to 325°. Pour 3 Tbsp. oil in a roasting pan just large enough to fit the salmon. Make a bed of herbs in bottom of pan; top with salmon, skin side down. Drizzle salmon with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Top with tomatoes. Bake until salmon is just cooked through in the center (a small knife will slide easily through flesh), 25–30 minutes.

Tomatoes and Couscous. Toss tomatoes in a medium bowl with 2 Tbsp. oil and parsley. Set aside. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain couscous; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in butter and 1 Tbsp. oil. Gently fold tomatoes into couscous.

Serving. Use a large spoon or fork to serve salmon, leaving skin in pan. Serve with yogurt sauce and couscous.

The Patient, Physician and Nutrition

Are you eating well?
Is not a medical nutrition diagnostic tool.

When was the last time your physician asked you -

what are you eating?

By the time a nutrition deficiency

shows up in your laboratory test -

Prevention is too late.

Contact the

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

to find a Registered Dietitian

in your area.

www.eatright.org

Stamp Out Hunger with the National Association of Letter Carriers on May 12, 2012

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, the National Association of Letter Carriers will do their part to Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 20th year, the Stamp Out Hunger effort is the nation's largest single-day food drive. In 2011, 70.2 million pounds of food was donated, which brought the grand total of donations to more than 1.1 billion pounds of food collected over the history of the drive.

Donate items, such as canned meats, fish, soup, bottled juice, vegetables, pasta, cereal and rice that do not require refrigeration. Please do not include items that have expired or are in glass containers.

Stamp Out Hunger 2012 

Who's Hungry in America?

Remember to help out on May 12, 2012.

Place non-perishable food products in a bag and leave at your mailbox.
Your Letter Carrier will deliver the food to local food banks.

To find out how you can help go to

Stamp out Hunger Food Drive

Nutrition Education for Older Adults, No 7

Choose nutrient-dense foods. 

Nutrition Education for Older Adults, #6

Nutrition Education for Older Adults, #5

Nutrition Education for Older Adults, #4

Kids Eat Right, Monday Message for May 7, 2012

article of the week

Are you an athlete mom who wants to also breastfeed your baby? Follow these tips! http://bit.ly/K50jS8

hot tip

What's for breakfast? Even if kids are on their own in the morning, most can make these easy breakfasts.  http://bit.ly/Kh7F7Z

recipe of the week

Like Italian Beef? Try this wonderful version with an easy and different crust of noodles that you'll use again and again for other casseroles. http://bit.ly/JWQesh

featured video

Sweet potatoes are popular because they taste great and are a nutrition superstar. Try these Sweet Potato Strips next time your child wants a snack. http://bit.ly/IHCgYt

April 23, 2012 Kids Eat Right, Monday Messages

Article of the Week.  Want your kids to get active? Exercise with them. Show them that exercise can be fun instead of a chore. http://bit.ly/IBeXxO

Hot Tip
Yogurt, even plain yogurt, has sugar, but it can still be a healthy choice for your child's snack or as part of a family meal. http://bit.ly/IE1aGP

Recipe of the Week
What can be better than buttermilk pancakes for the family Sunday breakfast? How about adding chocolate chips to the batter? http://bit.ly/HBBUQA

Featured Video
Oats and orange juice aren't just for breakfast! This quick and delicious Southwest Oat and Black Bean Bake incorporates both ingredients to make it a great vegetarian dish as well. http://bit.ly/IBkkgF

Southwest Oat and Black Bean Bake

presented by Vandana Sheth, CDE RD

President's Message from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sylvia Escott-Stump Changing Lives in Little Ways...Every Day

March 2012 Issue Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I am honored to be mentioned in the President’s Message, Sylvia Escott-Stump. 

As a RD and Food Journalist…
- I look to make sense of nutrition and food controversies. Many times there are no answers, only more questions.
- I utilize food and health events to teach and bring awareness to the media, consumer, educator, and health professionals
- I share current news, (natural disasters, legislative policies, food recalls, industry events) so the public is aware of the impact of food and nutrition in our lives and throughout the world.
- I teach and prepare special need adults on how to make food and nutrition decisions; giving them the tools to lead independent lives.
- I believe an educated consumer has the knowledge to make food choices.

Thank you for the recognition.
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month Discover the Benefits, Planting Methods and Delicious Recipes

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and 

Tomatoes are Low in Calories and rich in Vitamin C.

They are fun and easy to grow, indoors or outdoors.

Included:

*Nutrition Facts

*Florida Tomatoes

*10 Health Benefits of Tomatoes

*Corinne Dobbas, R.D. from Tomato Wellness

*John Denver singing "Homegrown Tomatoes" with suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes.
*Recipes by John Tanasychuk, Food Editor, Sun-Sentinel @FloridaEats, SUP: Florida Eats
*Resources

Nutrition Facts

Florida Tomatoes - So Delicious

Ten Health Benefits of Tomatoes
1. Tomatoes are the most concentrated food source of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention and treatment of some cancers, such as colon, prostrate, breast, lung and pancreatic cancers.

2. Tomatoes are low in calories. One medium-sized tomato (about five ounces) has 25 calories, a great snack to include on a weight control program.

3. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C. One-cup tomato provides about 78 percent of the daily value (DV)1. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps the body resist infection and aides in wound healing.

4. Tomatoes are a good source of fiber. One cup of diced tomatoes provides 7.9 percent of the DV for fiber. Studies show fiber may lower high blood cholesterol levels, aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and help an individual feel full longer.

5. One cup of tomatoes contains 22.4 percent of the DV for vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision and night blindness.

6. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium (11.4% DV per one cup). Research indicates diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

7. Tomatoes enhance the flavor and color of meals making food more appealing.

8. Tomatoes contain chromium; a mineral associated with helping people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

9. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is found in tomatoes. One cup of tomatoes provides 5.1 percent of the DV for riboflavin. Studies on riboflavin show they may prevent migraines.

10. Tomatoes are a source of folate (6.8% DV per one cup). Folate has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and neurological defects in the fetus.

1 The Daily Value (DV) of foods comes from the Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). DV provides a frame of reference to evaluate the nutrients consumed.

Tomato Wellness – Big Red Surprise

Corinne Dobbas, R.D. gives some insight into the difference between fresh tomatoes, and tomatoes packaged as canned, paste, salsa, ketchup, marinara, etc.

Growing Tomatoes

 

Recipes
John Denver sings about "Homegrown Tomatoes" and includes
suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes. 

Time is ripe  by John Tanasychuk, Staff Writer, Sun-Sentinel
Tomatoes are making a comeback after Florida's winter freeze.

The article contains information on storage, handling, preparation and nutrition information. John includes 10 quick tomato recipes, including; one of my favorites, "Tomato Napoleons". To prepare cut peeled tomatoes into four crosswise slices. Layer with mascarpone cheese spiked with fresh dill and slivered smoked salmon. Serve on greens with toast. (Nutrition Information: 172 Calories; 8 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates; 3 g Dietary Fiber; 8 g Fat; 3.7 g Saturated Fat; 21 mg Cholesterol; 1229 IU Vitamin A; 24 mg Vitamin C; 97 IU Vitamin D ; 366 mg Potassium; 299 mg Sodium)

Resources
Florida Tomatoes
Tomato Products Wellness Council

Barley Foods For Schools

When Dayle Hayes, MS, RD gets on a combine it looks like fun.

In the photo. Dayle Hayes, MS, RD and Patrick Hayes, a barley geneticist at Oregon State University.

 

A new adventure for an extraordinary person. Dayle Hayes, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and member of the School Nutrition Association. Dayle shares and celebrates what is right with school nutrition in America. She is dedicated to improving school nutrition environments.


Dayle's latest project is Barley Foods For Schools. She is "exploring new ways to bring the whole grain deliciousness of barley foods to school breakfast and lunch programs." 

Dayle shares her interest in BARLEY FOODS FOR SCHOOLS has a family connection - her brother, Patrick Hayes. Patrick is a barley geneticist at Oregon State University. The OSU barley breeding website has a news page, especially for food barleys and recipes.

Dayle is looking for recipes, tips, or ideas that could help encourage kids to eat BARLEY. Please like and send to Barley Foods For Schools on Facebook.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Responds to Forbes Magazine

April 7, 2012 - World Health Day "Good Health Adds Life to Years"

Ageing and health - to which each and every one of us can relate - is the 2012 theme of World Health Day. Using the slogan "Good health adds life to years", campaign activities and materials focus on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities. 

Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and the world will soon have more older people than children. This social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities. In particular, countries may only have a single generation to prepare their health and social systems for an ageing world. http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2012/en/index.html

Good Health and Staying Active
Adds Life to Years

Beyond National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU

Beyond National Nutrition Month

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® has been "Get Your Plate in Shape."  The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare this video to review the dietary guidelines in planning healthy meals. 

Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU. 
A look at the dietary guidelines as a tool for meal planning.

National Nutrition Month Messages from the FIU SDA
Feel free to print and attach to your refrigerator.

Celebrating Green Foods National Nutrition Month

Celebrating Green Foods

Food Sources

Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini.

Do you know other foods that are Green?

Ways to increase Green Food Intake:
•Add spinach or broccoli when cooking pasta, rice or soup.
•Freeze green grapes for a sweet snack.
•Add thin slices of green apples or zucchini on a sandwich.

About Green Fruits and Vegetables.
Green in plants signifies the presence of the plant pigment chlorophyll. The nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels, improve vision, enhance the immune system, and fight harmful free radicals.

Green fruits and vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (vitamin A). They contain phytochemicals such as luteins and indoles, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are high in fiber and support a healthy digestive system.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants. They are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. Phytonutrients help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase of fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene and flavonoids.

Kermit Sings Being Green

March 11, 2012. Daylight Savings Time and Check Your Batteries Day

Daylight Saving Time (DST) 
begins and we turn our clocks ahead one hour.

“Check Your Batteries Day” A reminder to test and
replace batteries on all life saving devices, including
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Nutrition Thoughts

As a dietitian, the word “Batteries” reminds me of the “Energy”
we need to fuel our bodies. Start each day with healthy choices
and your batteries will last longer. 

- Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN, 

Dietitians-Online.com

National Nutrition Month   #NNM

March 8, Ag Day meets What's On MyPlate Day

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

USDA Webinar: Know Your Farmer
Know Your Food Compass

March 7, National Cereal Day

Sneak Preview March is National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape

March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Get Your Plate in Shape."

The theme explores the health benefits associated with eating foods from all the food groups and staying active. During the month of March, we will explore the food groups and their benefits. 

Our Host this year is Mary MyPlate.
She puts it all together.

Her support cast includes ..... 

and Some Surprise Friends

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Many of the photographs are available for purchase with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
http://www.wheelchair-connection.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Lance Li
Michelle Canazaro