Showing posts with label calories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calories. Show all posts

Monday, August 5, 2024

National Root Beer Float Day

A root beer float, also known as a "black cow" is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.


From the traditional root beer float to an ice cream treat made with vanilla ice cream and frozen root beer soda, National Root Beer Float Day was a big hit in our home.

We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid excess sugar and limit the calories. The amount of diet root beer is not limited because it has "zero" calories.

Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy.  Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw and a spoon and enjoy.

Ices.  Add 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream to a 4-ounce cup. Slowly pour diet root beer soda on top. Add an ice pop stick (optional). Leave in the freezer overnight.  Serve as an ice pop or with a spoon.

Ice Cubes. 
Freeze root beer soda in an ice cube tray. Leave in the freezer overnight. Add ice cubes to water, milk, or explore the possibilities.













Friday, August 2, 2024

National Mustard Day - All About Mustard



Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard; brown or Indian mustard; or black mustard). Whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices to create mustard ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor.

There are many varieties of mustard, which come in a wide range of strengths and flavors. The basic taste and heat of the mustard are largely determined by seed type, preparation, and ingredients. Black-seed mustard is usually the hottest type. Preparation also plays a key role in the outcome.

The National Mustard Museumlocated in Middleton, Wisconsin was founded by Barry Levenson in 1986. The Museum has a collection of more than 5,300 mustards and hundreds of mustard memorabilia.

The Mustard Museum hosts the Annual National Mustard Day festival in Middleton, Wisconsin. The festival is considered the "world's largest condiment party." There will be mustard tastings, mustard-themed games, kid's activities, live music, and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.


The world's foremost collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia
with curator Barry Levenson in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Culinary Uses

Mustard is often used at the table as a condiment. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing. Mustard is popular with hot dogs, pretzels, and sausages. Mustard is also an emulsifier which can stabilize a mixture of two or more unblendable liquids such as oil and water.

Weight Control Tip. Mustard is low in calories and depending on the brand contains a moderate amount of sodium (see table below). Instead of mayonnaise, tartar sauce or other high fat-high caloric dressings try mustard. Use prepared mustard with fish, instead of tartar sauce to create a wonderful flavor that saves 50 calories per tablespoon.

Mustard Nutrition Information

A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water and inflame the nasal passages and throat. Mustard can also cause allergic reactions: since 2005, products in the European Union must be labeled as potential allergens if they contain mustard.

How Mustard is Made
Discovery Channel


Resources:
National Mustard Museum
Mustard (condiment), Wikipedia

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

National Hot Dog Day
Toppings, Regulations, Safety and Nutrition



Favorite Toppings


National Hot Dog and Sausage Council

How It's Made - Hot Dogs
U.S. Laws Regulating Hot Dogs
Food Safety
Hot Dogs and Nutrition
Hot Dogs and Sodium Nitrate
Choking risk
Commercials Then and Now

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce designated July as National Hot Dog Month in 1957. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (http://www.hot-dog.org) is an organization created in 1994 by the American Meat Institute and is funded by contributions from hot dog and sausage manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, ingredients, and services. The Council conducts scientific research and informs consumers and media on quality, safety, nutrition, and preparation of hot dogs and sausages.

What's In A Hot Dog by Joy Bauer


How It's Made - Hot Dogs  


U.S. Laws Regulating Hot Dogs 
A hot dog, frankfurter, or wiener is a cooked sausage. It can be made from beef, pork, veal, turkey, chicken, or a combination of these, and the label must state the type of meat and other ingredients used.


Federal Standards of Identity.
1. Hot dogs may not contain more than 30% fat or no more than 10% water.
2. Beef or all-beef: Only beef with no soybean protein or dry milk solid fillers added.
3. Kosher: All beef, usually heavily seasoned.
4. Frankfurter may contain up to 3.5 percent fillers from a combination of meats.
5. Turkey or Chicken Franks can contain turkey or chicken and turkey or chicken skin and fat in proportion to a turkey or chicken carcass.
6. If a variety of meats, cereal, or soy fillers are used, the product name must be changed to "links," or the presence must be declared on the label. Hot dogs can contain 15% byproducts, such as heart, kidney, liver, or other organs. But they must be labeled.
7. Up to 3.5% non-meat binders and extenders (such as nonfat dry milk, cereal, or dried whole milk) or 2% isolated soy protein may be used but must be shown in the ingredients statement on the product's label by its common name.
8. The label must say so if a hot dog has a casing or a thin skin and it is different from the meat used in the hot dog. For example, if a chicken hot dog has a pork casing, the label must list the pork casing on the ingredients list. If the casing is artificially colored, the label must indicate this
9. The ingredients statement must list all ingredients in the product in order of predominance, from highest to lowest amounts.
10. To protect consumers against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, mechanically separated beef is considered inedible and is prohibited for use as food. It is not permitted in hot dogs or any other processed product. (Mechanically separated meat is a process whereby meat is separated from the bone by scraping, shaving, or pressing the meat from the bone without crushing, breaking, or grinding the bone.)
11. Mechanically separated pork is permitted and must be labeled as "mechanically separated pork" in the ingredients statement. Hot dogs can contain no more than 20% mechanically separated pork.
12. Hot dogs can contain any mechanically separated chicken or turkey.
 
A vegetarian hot dog is a hot dog produced completely from non-meat products. Vegetarian hot dogs are usually made from soy protein, but some contain egg whites (not acceptable to vegans). There are also vegetarian hot dogs made from tofu.

Food Safety
1. Hot dogs should be reheated until steaming hot before eating due to the threat of listeriosis.
2. If there is no product date, hot dogs can be safely stored in the refrigerator in the unopened package for 2 weeks; once opened, only 1 week.
3. Frozen hot dogs maintain their quality for about 1 or 2 months.
4. Do not leave hot dogs at room temperature for more than 2 hours and no more than 1 hour when the temperature exceeds 90 °F.

 
Hot Dogs and Nutrition
The traditional hot dog is high in fat and salt and contains very little fiber. Yet Americans typically consume 7 billion hot dogs during Hot Dog Season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Below is a list of hot dogs: beef, pork, turkey, low-fat, no-fat, and vegetarian. Moderation, individual needs, and preferences are key to planning your meals. If you eat hot dogs more than once a week, it might be wise to choose a lower-fat variety.

The analysis provided is based on 2 ounces cooked. It is important to read the label and check the portion size. Some of the hot dogs listed below were rounded up to 2 ounces in order to show a comparison of equal weight.




Hot Dogs and Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite
Many brands of hot dogs contain sodium nitrite and nitrate. Nitrite and nitrate are used as food preservatives and flavor enhancers, prevent spoilage, and help prevent botulism. They occur naturally in some vegetables, fruits, grains, spices, and water. In the 1970s, several studies linked nitrite consumption with cancer in laboratory rats.

As a result, the FDA and the USDA commissioned a comprehensive review of sodium nitrite's role as a food additive. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) results stated that nitrite does not cause cancer, although exposure to high nitrate levels in certain populations may be associated with cancers. The NAS recommended reducing people's exposure to both nitrates and nitrites as much as possible without endangering the protection against botulism.

The meat industry has substantially changed in the past 20 years to address concerns about nitrite in cured meats. It reduced the use of nitrite in the processing of cured meats and now averages one-tenth of what the regulations allow.

A Consumer Report analysis found that the nitrates and nitrites in all the hot dogs tested were well below the maximum level for the additives established by the USDA. A hot dog labeled uncured cannot add nitrates or nitrites, but that does not necessarily mean the product is free of them. The three uncured hot dogs tested contained nitrites and nitrates because the compounds occur naturally in spices and other natural ingredients added during processing.

As I reviewed the literature, it was clear the controversy over nitrites causing cancer still exists today. The American Institute for Cancer Research report found that consuming one 50-gram serving of processed meat (about one hot dog) every day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 20 percent. According to the AICR, the average risk of colorectal cancer is 5.8 percent, but 7 percent when a hot dog is consumed daily over years.

Choking Risk
Hot dogs present a significant choking risk, especially for children under 14 years of age. Seventeen percent of all food-related asphyxiations are caused by hot dogs. It is suggested the size, shape, and texture of hot dogs be modified to reduce the risk of choking. Pediatric emergency doctors note that a wedged hot dog is almost impossible to dislodge from a child's windpipe. To serve hot dogs safely for children, one should slice the hot dog into bite-size pieces. For adults, slicing hot dogs down the middle length is recommended.


Commercials Then and Now

Hebrew National Hotdog Commercial

1978 commercial for Oscar Mayer Hot Dog Wieners.
 Hot diggity
!


OSCAR MAYER, 1960’s

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Portion Control: National Strawberry Sundae Day

July 7 is designated as National Strawberry Sundae Day. With portion planning, you can turn a sundae into a healthy snack or even a nourishing breakfast.





Strawberry Sundae with Granola


Ingredients.
1/4 cup Light Strawberry Ice Cream
1 Tablespoon Granola
1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup Strawberries

Nutrition Information.
 97 Calories; 2 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 2 g Fat (g); 5 mg Cholesterol;  49 mg Vitamin C; 70 mcg Folate; 34 mg Sodium


Strawberry Sundae with Yogurt and Granola


Ingredients.
1/3 cup Light Frozen Strawberry Yogurt
2 Tablespoon Granola
1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup Strawberries
1.5 teaspoons Strawberry Preserves

Nutrition Information. 165 Calories; 3 g Protein; 34 g Carbohydrates; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 3 g Fat (g); 7 mg Cholesterol; 49 mg Vitamin C; 120 mcg Folate; 48 mg Sodium




Strawberry Sundae Cone


Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Blueberry Bliss: Fresh, Tasty, and Healthy

Blueberry Bliss: Fresh, Tasty, and Healthy






On May 8, 1999, Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture of the United States of America proclaimed the month of July as "National Blueberry Month".

Spotlight on Blueberries

Blueberry Facts.
Blueberries are a native North American fruit produced in 35 States.

Fresh blueberries are available for about eight months of the year from producers across the United States and Canada. North America is the world's leading blueberry producer. The North American harvest runs from mid-April through early October, with peak harvest in mid-May through August.

Blueberries can be found in the market all year round, along with frozen, canned and dried blueberries.

Blueberries are low in calories and sodium and are a good source of fiber.

Blueberries rank high in antioxidants that help protect against cancer, heart disease and other age-related diseases.

Researchers have found compounds in blueberries that may help prevent urinary tract infection.


Purchasing Blueberries
When purchasing fresh blueberries, look for firm, plump, dry berries with smooth skins and a silvery sheen. Check the color - reddish berries aren’t ripe but can be used in cooking. Avoid soft or shriveled fruit or any signs of mold. Containers with juice stains indicate that the fruit may be bruised.

Storing Blueberries
Refrigerate fresh blueberries as soon as you get them home, in their original plastic pack or in a covered bowl or storage container. Wash berries just before use. Use within 10 days of purchase.

Freezing Blueberries
Freeze unwashed and completely dry. Discard berries that are bruised or shriveled. Blueberries can be frozen in their original plastic pack or in resealable plastic or frozen bag or transferred to a freezer containerRemember to rinse them before using.

Serving Suggestions
*Add blueberries to your favorite muffin or pancake recipe.
*Combine blueberries with yogurt and granola cereal.
*Sprinkle blueberries over mixed greens.
*Serve blueberries with sour cream, yogurt or cottage cheese.


Celebrating Blueberries
During the month of July, we enjoyed the sweet flavor of blueberries in various recipes. Below are some of the photographs taken to capture their versatility and beauty.


Recipe: Blueberry Smoothie





Recipe. Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)
with Fresh Blueberries
 

Recipe. Blueberry Ices with Kiwi and Blueberries 

Recipe. Orange Sections and Fresh Blueberries 

Recipe. Blueberries with Vanilla Ice Cream (light),
Blueberry Ices and Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)

Recipe. Blueberry Crumb Ice Cream
with Fresh Blueberries
 


Resources
North American Blueberry Council. NABC, The North American Blueberry Council
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council


Thursday, June 20, 2024

June 20, National Ice Cream Soda Day

The ice cream soda has been around since 1874; when invented by Robert McCay in Philadelphia, PA. The story told is Mr. Green ran out of ice for the flavored soda he was selling and used vanilla ice cream from a nearby vendor, hence inventing the ice cream soda.

Today, the ice cream soda can be found in countries across the globe. The ice cream soda is known as a float, coke float, cooler, snowball, or spider depending on where you are in the world.

An ice cream soda is a beverage containing ice cream with either a soft drink or a combination of flavored syrup and carbonated water.


Varieties
The ice cream soda has numerous varieties of sodas and ice cream flavors. Some of the most popular are listed below:

Chocolate ice cream soda: Chocolate syrup, chocolate ice cream, unflavored carbonated water and top with whipped cream.
Black and White: Chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, unflavored carbonated water and top with whipped cream.
Root beer float ("black cow" or "brown cow"): Vanilla ice cream and root beer
Coke float: Coca-Cola and vanilla ice-cream.
Boston Cooler: Vernors ginger ale and Stroh's vanilla ice cream.
Snow White: 7 Up or Sprite and vanilla ice cream.
Purple cow: Vanilla ice cream, purple grape soda.
Orange Float (Orange Whip): Vanilla ice cream and orange soda.

Root Beer Float  is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. 


We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid the excess sugar and limit the calories. The diet root beer has "zero" calories.

Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy.  Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw, spoon, and enjoy.



Resource.
 Wikipedia: Ice Cream Soda


Nutrient Analysis Services
Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com





Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Corn on the Cob, a Delight for All Ages

Corn on the Cob, a Delight for All Ages!
From field to feast, enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of corn on the cob. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and healthy snacking. Low in fat and naturally gluten-free! #CornOnTheCob #HealthySnacking https://dietitians-online.blogspot.com/2015/06/june-11-corn-on-cob-day.html





Corn grows in "ears," each covered in rows of kernels protected by the silk-like threads called "corn silk" and encased in a husk. Corn’s traditional name is maize, which was known to the Native Americans and many other cultures worldwide. Although we often associate corn with yellow, it comes in many different colors, including red, pink, black, purple, and blue. Corn is now available in markets year-round, and locally grown varieties can be purchased during summer. They taste the best and are usually the least expensive.

Nutrition Information
All varieties of corn provide antioxidant phytonutrients. The exact phytonutrient combination, however, depends on the variety itself. Yellow corn is richer in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Blue corn has unique concentrations of anthocyanins. Purple corn provides unusual amounts of protocatechuic acid. Ferulic acid, beta-carotene, vanillic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and syringic acid are other key phytonutrients provided by corn. Corn is a good source of pantothenic acid, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin B6.



Corn on the Cob with Tomato Salsa

How to Grow Corn


"Crazy About Corn" 
Entertaining song; try it without the butter and salt.


Corn - Immigrant Song with Credits



Resources
1. Eating Well, Healthy Corn Recipes and Cooking Tips

2, Wikipedia, Maize

Thursday, June 6, 2024

June 7, Chocolate Ice Cream Day
Scoop Size Matters



Chocolate Ice Cream
Which one to choose?
What meets your needs and taste?
Test the Brands, Read the Portion Size,
Check the Calories and Fat.
Make an Educated Choice.
Scoop Size Matters


How to choose a healthier ice cream
with Heidi Diller, Registered Dietitian

"How to choose healthier ice cream"
Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, CSSD


Sunday, May 12, 2024

National Fruit Cocktail Day - Variety and Nutrition

National Fruit Cocktail Day

Definitions.
1. A mixture of sliced or diced fruits.
2. A mixture of chopped fruit served as an appetizer, often chilled; tends to be less sweet than a fruit salad.
3. A mixture of fresh or preserved fruits cut into pieces and served as an appetizer or dessert; also called a fruit cup.
4. Canned fruit cocktail and canned fruit salad are similar, but fruit salad contains larger fruit while fruit cocktail is diced.



Canned Fruit Cocktail can be purchased in the following packing mediums:
Extra heavy

Heavy
Light
Fruit Juice and Water
Fruit Juice
Artificially Sweetened

The USDA product sheets1 state canned "Fruit cocktail" must contain pears, grapes, cherries, peaches, and pineapples, otherwise it cannot be called fruit cocktail. It should contain fruits in not less nor more than the following percentages:
30% to 50% diced peaches, any yellow variety
25% to 45% diced pears, any variety
6% to 16% diced pineapple, any variety
6% to 20% whole grapes, any seedless variety
2% to 6% cherry halves, any light sweet or artificial red variety



A simple fruit salad or fruit kabob makes a healthy dish and easy to prepare.




Kick off Mother’s Day with a Festive Brunch


Kick off Mother's Day with a Festive Feast



Healthy and Caring Mother's Day Gifts 

Mothers are special. You can create a gift she will cherish forever without spending a lot of money or very little. Some of my favorite gifts have been handmade.

Gift Ideas for Mom with Zero Calories
Photos or Homemade Cards
Nutrition Consult with a Registered Dietitian
Perfume
Spa Day or Massage
Online Video
Flowers and/or Balloons
Handprints
Gift Baskets
Makeover
Vouchers for:
  1. Go food shopping for a month. 
 

  2. Wash mom's car. 
  3. Clean the kitchen for a week.
  4. Treat mom to a movie.


Favorite Mother's Day Videos

Anne Geddes pictures to 
Celine Dions song 'A mothers Prayer'


I Love You Mommy


The History of Mother's Day

Mother's Day Recipes

1. Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes That Are Sure to Impress. FoodNetwork, 
2. 
Mom’s Favorite Mother’s Day Recipes. Half-baked Harvest.




Friday, April 19, 2024

Lima Bean Respect Day



Lima beans are fresh in summer, though they are most commonly found dried, canned or frozen, all year long. Lima beans are also known as "Butter Beans"  in many parts of the United States.

There are warnings to avoid raw lima beans because they contain linamarin (also called cyanogens), which releases a cyanide compound when the seed coat is opened," according to Fruits and Veggies Matter. Linamarin is deactivated during cooking.

Modified Recipes
Lima Bean Burgers

Serves 4
Ingredients
1 (16 ounces) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 egg or 2 egg whites
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray baking sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. 
2. In a medium bowl, mash lima beans with a fork until thick and pasty. Finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic and stir into mashed beans.
3. In a small bowl, stir together egg whites, chili powder, and cumin. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. 
4. Divide mixture into four patties. 
5. Place patties on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes on each side.
6. Serve on a whole-wheat hamburger bun with kale, onion, tomato slices, and avocado.

Nutrition Facts: 255 Calories; 12g Protein; 44g Carbohydrates; 9g Dietary Fiber; 6g Total Sugars; 5g Fat; 0mg Cholesterol; 28mcg Folate; 4mg  Iron; 358mg Sodium


The Delaware Department of Agriculture
presents a Food for Thought 
video on Lima Beans.


Dietitian Blog List