Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

August, National Sandwich Month - Use Your Creativity

August is National Sandwich Month. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. During the 1700s, it is said John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.







Resource: Build a Better Sandwich, 
@Healthyfamprj
 

Greatest Movie Sandwiches



Sunday, August 3, 2025

August 3, National Watermelon Day - Food Safety, Nutrition, and Recipes




The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators, and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.

2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.

3. Wash cutting boards, countertops, scoops, knives, and other equipment or utensils with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination.

4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.
5. Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.


Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium, and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.





Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.



Creating Snacks or a 
Light Meal using Watermelon

Watermelon Circles with Feta Cheese and Lentil Salad

Fun with Fruit




Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad



Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons

Carving Watermelon 


Friday, August 1, 2025

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 30, 2025

Watermelon Wonderland: Fun Creations for all ages

Watermelon Wonderland: Fun Creations for all ages. 









The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators, and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.
2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.
3. Wash cutting boards, countertops, scoops, knives, and other equipment or utensils with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination.
4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.
5.
Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium, and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.

Creating Snacks or a
Light Meal using Watermelon



Shrimp Cocktail Watermelon

Watermelon Fruit Cup

Watermelon Stuffed Sushi

Watermelon Stuffed Chicken Salad
with Crackers, Raspberries & Mango


Watermelon Stuffed Tabouli with Goat Cheese

Watermelon Stuffed Granola with Seasonal Fruit

Watermelon Circles with Feta Cheese and Lentil Salad

Fun with Fruit



Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad


Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons


Carving Watermelon
 



Saturday, July 26, 2025

December Wellness News: Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

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. Wellness News is updated daily. 

December Highlights

December Produce



A Happy & Healthy Holiday from
All of Us at Dietitians-Online and Wellness News


Thank you for your support.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.
Sandra and Jake.

Prepared by
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN
Jake Frank



Sunday, July 20, 2025

July, National Ice Cream Month
Join Our Ice Cream Social

It’s fun, cold, delicious, comes in many flavors. Which one to choose? What meets your taste? Test the Brands, Read the portion size, check the calories and fat. An educated consumer has the knowledge to make the right decision. 

The third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day. Enjoy



Our Ice Cream Social


Toppings
Ice Creams

Berries, Light Vanilla Ice Cream,
Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream
Nutrition Information. 212 Calories; 4 g Protein; 30 g Carbohydrates;
1 g Dietary Fiber; 9 g Fat; 50 mg Cholesterol; 71 mg Sodium

Blueberries with 
Blueberry Crumble Ice Cream
Nutrition Information. 151 Calories; 3 g Protein; 17 g Carbohydrates;
1 g Dietary Fiber; 9 g Fat; 46 mg Cholesterol; 26 mg Sodium

Raspberries with 
Red Velvet Ice Cream and Vanilla Wafer
Nutrition Information. 157 Calories; 3 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates;
1
 g Dietary Fiber; 9 g Fat; 49 mg Cholesterol; 59 mg Sodium

Kiwi, Blueberries, and Strawberries with 
Caramel Delight Ice Cream, Light 
Nutrition Information. 131 Calories; 4 g Protein; 23 g Carbohydrates;
1 g Dietary Fiber; 4 g Fat; 30 mg Cholesterol; 46 mg Sodium

Nutrition Information


Scoop Size Matters


Heidi Diller, Registered Dietitian, 
has tips to help pick a delicious ice cream 
without busting your diet!

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

From the table below you can see ice cream has a variety of calories and amounts of fat. I have never been a fan of no sugar-added ice cream. However, the flavor of some of the light brands I found to match those of the regular and premium brands. Try some of the light brands and see what you think?



Resources







Ben and Jerry’s
Nutrition Information - Click Ice Cream

Blue Bell Creameries
Nutrition Information - Click Ice Cream Links

Breyers
Nutrition Information-Click product for info


Häagen-Dazs
Nutrition Information-Click Product for Info








Tuesday, July 15, 2025

National Pickle Month - Nutrition and Pickling


Quick Pickles - Everyday Food with Sarah Carey




Nutrition


Resources
1. Pickling Vegetables, Oregon State University.
2. Prepare for Pickling, Penn State Extension. 
3. Let’s Cheer For National Pickle Month, The Foundation for Fresh Produce.





Friday, July 11, 2025

Join Our Ice Cream Social - Make Your Own Sundae

Celebrate the occasion of Make Your Own Sundae Day by hosting an Ice Cream Sundae Party. Take the opportunity to indulge in your favorite ice cream, ice milk, or frozen yogurt while also exploring some delicious and healthy toppings. Here's a selection of wholesome toppings to choose from:




  1. Fresh Fruit Medley: Slice up various colorful fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, and kiwis to add a burst of natural sweetness and vitamins to your sundae.
  2. Crunchy Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola over your ice cream to add a delightful texture and a hint of whole grains.
  3. Chopped Nuts: Opt for heart-healthy nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios that provide a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats.
  4. Shredded Coconut: Add a tropical twist to your sundae with a sprinkling of shredded coconut, rich in fiber and medium-chain triglycerides.
  5. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Indulge your chocolate cravings with a small handful of dark chocolate shavings. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may have various health benefits.
  6. Chia Seeds: Boost the nutritional value of your sundae by adding chia seeds, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
  7. Greek Yogurt Drizzle: Swap out traditional whipped cream for a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, which adds a tangy twist and some extra protein.
  8. Cinnamon Sprinkle: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over your sundae for added flavor.
  9. Dried Fruit: Experiment with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots.
By incorporating these healthier toppings into your ice cream sundae bar, you can enjoy a balance between indulgence and nourishment, making it a delightful treat for everyone at the party.



Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt with a Variety of Fruits


Ingredients
1/2 cup (102 g) Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Variety of Fresh Fruits. 1 Tablespoon of each: Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries, & Mango






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