National Baked Scallops Day - Nutrition Profile

References
EatWell, Healthy Scallop Recipes

National Johnny Appleseed Day

John Chapman (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), called Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

The Story of Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed, Wikipedia 

Embrace the Unusual: The Hidden Gem of Ugly Produce

 Don’t Judge Produce by Its Cover: Nutritious, Delicious, and Beautifully Unique

When you think of fresh produce, you likely picture pristine, uniform fruits and vegetables displayed neatly at the grocery store. But have you ever considered the fate of those that don’t meet these strict aesthetic standards? Enter ugly produce—a term that challenges our perception of beauty in food while addressing a major issue: food waste.

What is Ugly Produce?

Definition:
Ugly produce refers to fruits and vegetables deemed cosmetically imperfect due to irregular shapes, discoloration, blemishes, or scarring. While they may not look perfect, they are just as nutritious and delicious as their traditionally “ideal” counterparts.

Reasons for "Ugliness":

• Shape: Misshapen, asymmetrical, or odd-looking produce.

• Scarring: Natural surface blemishes or growth marks.

• Discoloration: Unusual or uneven color variations.

Some common examples of ugly produce include:
🍅 Lumpy tomatoes
🍑 Misshapen peaches
🥕 Twisted carrots
🍠 Triple sweet potatoes
🍓 Oddly shaped strawberries

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The Hidden Nutritional Value

Looks can be deceiving! Ugly produce is just as nutrient-rich as “perfect” produce, containing the same vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their appearance does not impact their taste or health benefits in any way. In fact, some argue that these less uniform fruits and vegetables may even be tastier due to their natural growth patterns.

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The Ugly Truth About Food Waste

Did you know that up to 20% of fruits and vegetables are discarded because they don’t meet cosmetic standards? This leads to millions of pounds of edible food being wasted each year. Food waste is a significant environmental issue, contributing to excessive land, water, and energy use, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.

By embracing ugly produce, we can:

• Reduce food waste and lessen its environmental impact.

• Support farmers by giving them a market for all their crops.

• Make fresh produce more affordable by purchasing discounted imperfect fruits and vegetables.

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The Ugly Produce Movement

The ugly produce movement aims to rescue and redistribute fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded. Many companies and initiatives have emerged to make these products accessible to consumers while promoting sustainable practices.

Companies Leading the Way:

• Imperfect Foods

• Misfits Market

• Hungry Harvest

These companies specialize in sourcing imperfect produce directly from farms and delivering it to consumers, often through subscription boxes. By purchasing from them, consumers help reduce waste while enjoying fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of the Ugly Produce Movement:

✔️ Reduced Food Waste: Less discarded produce means a smaller carbon footprint.
✔️ Sustainable Practices: Many ugly produce suppliers work directly with farmers and use minimal packaging.
✔️ Affordable Produce: Ugly produce is often sold at lower prices, making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible.

Criticisms and Considerations:

While the movement has many benefits, some critics argue that not all ugly produce should be redirected to consumers. Some may be better suited for animal feed, composting, or processing into other food products like sauces or juices. A holistic approach to food waste would incorporate all these solutions.

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Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection

Next time you shop for produce, consider giving ugly fruits and vegetables a chance. Whether it’s a knobby carrot, a curvy eggplant, or a perfectly imperfect peach, each one is a testament to nature’s diversity. By supporting the ugly produce movement, you’re making a sustainable choice and discovering some of the most delicious, unique, and affordable foods available.

Let’s redefine beauty in food—one oddly shaped vegetable at a time! 

Meatballs Around the World: A Global Comfort Food

Meatballs are a beloved dish found in cultures worldwide, each with its own unique twist. Whether served with pasta, rice, or sauce, these flavorful bites bring comfort and tradition to the table. From Italy to Sweden, Asia to the Middle East, let’s explore the delicious variety of meatballs enjoyed across the globe.

 

Meatball Nutrition

A Classic Dish with Endless Variations

At their core, meatballs are made by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, and seasonings, shaping them into balls, and cooking them by frying, baking, steaming, or braising. While many meatballs are made with beef, pork, chicken, fish, or even game meats, plant-based options using lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas are also popular for a vegetarian twist.

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Meatballs from Around the World

Italian Meatballs (Polpette) – These rich, herby meatballs are often served in a hearty tomato sauce with pasta or crusty bread. Unlike American-style meatballs, Italian polpette are sometimes eaten as a standalone dish rather than over spaghetti.

Swedish Meatballs – Made with a blend of pork and beef, these tender meatballs are served in a creamy, savory gravy with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes. They’re a staple of Nordic cuisine and are famously found in IKEA cafés worldwide!

Turkish Köfte – These spiced, grilled, or pan-fried meatballs are a street food favorite in Turkey. They're often made with lamb or beef and served with rice, pita, or yogurt sauce.

Lion’s Head Meatballs – A Chinese delicacy, these oversized, tender pork meatballs are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth and served with steamed bok choy.

Indian Malai Kofta – Unlike traditional meat-based meatballs, malai kofta is a vegetarian delight made with paneer (Indian cheese) and potatoes and served in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce.

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Serving Meatballs in Different Ways

Meatballs can be served in countless ways:
🍝 Over pasta with a rich tomato or creamy sauce.
🍛 With rice or flatbread, accompanied by flavorful spices.
🥣 In soups or broths, adding depth and texture.
🥪 In a sandwich or sub, packed with melted cheese.

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A Dish That Stands the Test of Time

With a history that spans centuries, meatballs remain a staple in kitchens worldwide. Whether you're enjoying a plate of Italian polpette, Swedish köttbullar, or Turkish köfte, meatballs showcase the beauty of cultural diversity and how food connects us all.

Next time you’re in the kitchen, why not try making your own version of meatballs inspired by flavors from around the world? 

Recipes
Healthy Meatball recipes, EatingWell

International Women's Day

"Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark women's economic, political, and social achievements. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations, and the media celebrate the day. Many groups worldwide choose different themes each year that are relevant to global and local gender issues.

2026 Theme:  “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls."

Imagine a gender-equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together, we can forge women's equality.
Collectively, we can all #BreakTheBias.
Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. 

International Women’s Day

The Tooth Fairy's Mission Nutrition and Your Child's Dental Health

Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean their teeth with a soft, clean cloth or a baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle, and check the baby's teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, you should
1. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
2. Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups

Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

Resources
1. WebMD. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth
2. Canadian Dental Association, Nutrition for Children
3. National Institute of Health, Child DentalHealth

Homemade Banana Mango Bread

 Homemade Banana Mango Bread

Yield. 1 loaf, about 10 slices
Pan size. 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 medium bananas, heavily speckled (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)

8 tablespoons vegetable oil

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ripe mango, sliced into chunks

Directions 

1. Center a rack in the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Use a non-stick spray or margarine and flour a loaf pan.

2. Place on a baking sheet.
3. Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together, set aside. In the bottom of a medium bowl, mash bananas into a chunky paste. Whisk the oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the bananas until blended.
4. Switch to a large rubber spatula. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, stirring gently until they disappear and the batter is smooth. 

5. Stir in mango.

6. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 55 to 75 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

7. After 30 minutes in the oven, check the bread for color. If it looks like it is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

8. When the bread is done, transfer it, in the pan, to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Unmold the bread and place right side up on the rack. Cool completely.

Nutrition Profile
Analysis based on 1 slice

264 Calories (kcal) 

4 Protein (g)

36 Carbohydrates (g)

2 Total Dietary Fiber (g) 

18 Total Sugars (g) 

11 Added Sugar (g) 

12 Fat (g) 

1 Saturated Fat (g)  

37 Cholesterol (mg)  

169 Potassium (mg) 

200 Sodium (mg) 

Cabbage Craze - National Cabbage Day

Cabbage: Nutrition. Selection. Storage

How to Select

Choose green cabbage heads with compact leaves that are heavy for their size.

How to Store

Refrigerate green cabbage for up to 7 days.

Nutrition Benefits

Fat-free; saturated fat-free; very low sodium; cholesterol-free; low calorie; high in vitamin C.

Top 5 Ways To Enjoy Cabbage

1. Drizzle and Enjoy. Cut up any type of cabbage, drizzle it with lemon and add a little salt for a mid-day snack.

2. Prime Pasta. If pasta is for dinner, increase your vegetable intake by tossing some thinly slice cabbage into your sauce.

3. Stir Fry. Cabbage has a mild taste and can be added to any stir fry.

4. Add Crunch to Your Lunch! Add extra crunch to your salads, soups, wraps, or sandwiches by topping them off with thinly sliced cabbage.

5. Slow-Cooked. Pump up the veggies on your hamburgers by adding slow-cooked cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and light mayo.

 CaramelizedCabbage with
Whole-Wheat Penne and Provolone
Cooking Light  

References:

Fruits & Veggies— More Matters, Cabbage

From Cherries to Chowder, explore the Presidential Palate.

Every president has his favorite foods. And it doesn't take long for the nation to become captivated with a president's eating habits - with Ronald Reagan, it was jelly beans; Jimmy Carter munched peanuts; George W. Bush loved pretzels; Trump likes fatty fast foods, and Joe Biden delights in ice cream.

Reference

Food Timeline American Presidents' Food Favorites

National Girls and Women in Sports Day Resources in Sports Nutrition and Dietetics

From the National Girls and Women in Sports Day 

Thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students, and parents across the country will show their support. 

The mission of the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) is to develop and deliver equitable and quality sports opportunities for all girls and women. 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) History
NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements of girls and women in sports and encouraging their participation.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of four premier girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: Girls Incorporated,  the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, and the Women's Sports Foundation. 

Significant Events in the Law
NAGWS has served girls and women in sports for more than a century. A  variety of programs have been initiated to prepare teachers and coaches to work with female students and to challenge individuals and institutions to look at how they do business each day. 

In January 2013, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague Letter clarifying the school’s obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) to provide extracurricular athletic opportunities for students with disabilities. The OCR’s announcement underscores our belief that every student, regardless of sex, means, race, religion… and ability, should be able to reap the benefits of sports.

Specifically, the Dear Colleague Letter does the following for schools:
1. Clarifies when and how schools must include students with disabilities in mainstream athletic programs
2. Defines what true equal treatment of student-athletes with disabilities means
3. Encourages and provides a road map for schools to create adapted programs for students with disabilities
Title IX/gender equity issues have been a long-time focus of NAGWS programs through programs like the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). 

The Importance of
Nutrition in Sports Resources

Lisa Dorfman, RDN, was featured on NBC to discuss key ingredients to a successful sports nutrition eating plan.

Resources.

1. Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, Sports Dietitian
2. Lisa Dorfman, MS, RD, CSSD, LMHC, aka The Running Nutritionist®

February Wellness News - American Heart Month

Monthly Events

 American Heart Month

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
International Boost Self-esteem Month
International Expect Success Month
Library Lovers Month
National African American History Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Time Management Month
Spunky Old Broad Month
Youth Leadership Month
Dog Training Education Month
National Pet Dental Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
Canned Food Month
Chocolate Month
February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
National Grapefruit Month
Great American Pies Month
National Cherry Month
National Snack Food Month
National Wise Health Consumer Month
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
Potato Lovers Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month

Weekly

1-7 Women's Heart Week

1-7 Burn Awareness Week

2-6 International Networking Week

2-6 Pride in Foodservice Week

7-12 Solo Diners Eat Out Weekend

7-14 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

8-14 Feeding Tube Awareness Week
8-14 Children of Alcoholics Week

10-12 World AG Expo

14-21 Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Staff Education Week

22-28 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Daily Event
Sunday	1	Freedom Day, Baked Alaska Day, International Day of Black Women in The Arts, Ice Cream For Breakfast Day
Monday	2	Groundhog Day, Hedgehog Day, National Tater Tot Day, Crêpe Day, Heavenly Hash Day
Tuesday	3	National Carrot Cake Day
Wednesday	4	Homemade Soup Day, World Cancer Day, Medjool Date Day, National Hemp Day
Thursday	5	National Weatherperson Day, World Nutella Day
Friday	6	Wear Red Day, National Frozen Yogurt Day, Massachusetts 6th State Canadian Maple Syrup Day, National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Winter XXV Olympics
Saturday	7	National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
Sunday	8	National Molasses Bar Day, Super Bowl, Autism Sunday, Popcorn Day
Monday	9	National Pizza Day, National Toothache Day, Bagel & Lox Day
Tuesday	10	National Cream Cheese Brownie Day, World Pulses Day
Wednesday	11	National Shut-in Visitation Day, National Peppermint Patty Day
Thursday	12	National Plum Pudding Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Giving Hearts Day
Friday	13	National Tortellini Day, National Cheddar Day, National Crab Rangoon Day
Saturday	14	Valentine's Day,  Natl Donor Day, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, Oregon 33rd State, Arizona 48th State,  National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day, National Women's Heart Day
Sunday	15	National Gumdrop Day
Monday	16	President's Day, National Almond Day, National Buna Day
Tuesday	17	World Human Spirit Day, National Cafe Au Lait Day, Random Act of Kindness, National Cabbage Day
Wednesday	18	Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day, National Drink Wine Day
Thursday	19	National Chocolate Mint Day
Friday	20	World Day of Social Justice, National Cherry Pie Day, Love Your Pet Day, National Muffin Day
Saturday	21	National Sticky Bun Day, National Grain-Free Day, World Kombucha Day
Sunday	22	National Margarita Day, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day
Monday	23	National Banana Bread Day,  National Dog Biscuit Day, Tootsie Roll Day
Tuesday	24	National Tortilla Chip Day, National Dance Day, World Bartender Day
Wednesday	25	National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, National Clam Chowder Day
Thursday	26	World Pistachio Day, National Personal Chef Day
Friday	27	National Kahlua Day, National Strawberry Day, World NGO Day
Saturday	28	National Tooth Fairy Day, National Chocolate Soufflé Day
Sunday	29

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