November 1 to 7, National Fig Week Figs, Civilizations Oldest Fruit

   The Fig

      How to Plant a Fig Tree

        Nutrition Information

        Edible Recipe Art

        Fig Art
        Side Effects 

        Resources

Selection. Look for figs that are soft and smell sweet. Handle carefully, as their skin bruises easily. 
Storage. Fully ripened figs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Plant a Fig Tree

Nutrition Information

Figs are rich in fiber, potassium, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, such as carotene, lutein, tannins, and chlorogenic. 

Recipe: Peach & Fig Yogurt Flower

Dried figs can be used as a substitute for fat in baked goods. When using dried figs in baking to replace shortening or oil, do not over-mix or over-bake. In a recipe, use half the normal amount of shortening, margarine, butter, or oil when using dried puree. 

Fig Art

Side Effects from WebMD
Avoid prolonged sun exposure when taking fig leaf because it can cause the skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. 

Skin contact with fig fruit or leaves can cause a rash in sensitive people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fresh or dried fig fruit is safe in amounts found in food, but there’s not enough information to know if it’s safe in the larger amounts used as medicine.

Surgery: Fig might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using fig as medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Resources
1. California Figs
2. Figs, Fresh, Fruits and Veggies More Matters 

3. Figs, Wikipedia® 

Sandwich Day - Use Your Creativity

 November 3rd is National Sandwich Day. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. In the 1700s, John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.

Resource: Build a Better Sandwich, @Healthyfamprj

 

Greatest Movie Sandwiches

November 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. 

Celebrate November Produce! @produceforkids 

Monthly Events

American Diabetes Month
Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Healthy Skin Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Hospice Palliative Care Month
National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Prematurity Awareness Month
Family Stories Month
Native American Heritage Month
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Pet Diabetes Month
Military Family Appreciation Month
Vegan Month
National Roasting Month
Banana Pudding Lovers Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
National Georgia Pecan Month
Greens and Plantains Month
National Pepper Month
National Pomegranate Month
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Raisin Bread Month
Spinach and Squash Month
Sweet Potato Awareness Month
Teff and Millet Month
PTA Healthy Lifestyle Month  

Weekly Events

1-7           National Fig Week
8-14         World Antibiotic Awareness Week
7-13         Dear Santa Letter Week 
9-15         National Split Pea Soup Week
11-15       National Young Readers Week
16-22       National Hunger & Homeless Awareness
16-23       International Fraud Awareness Week
21-27       National Farm City Week
23-29       GERD Awareness Week
23-29       National Family Week
23-29        National Game & Puzzle Week

Daily Events

1 World Vegan Day;  National Cook for your Pets Day; National Calzone Day; National Cinnamon Day; National Vinegar Day; Sausage and Kraut Day; World Chili Day; Bison Day   

2 National Deviled Egg Day; North Dakota, 39th State; South Dakota, 40th State; Daylight Saving Time Ends

3 Sandwich Day; Job Action Day

4 National Candy Day; National Easy-Bake Oven Day, Election Day

5 Medical Cannabis Day, National Stress Awareness Day  

6   National Nachos Day; Men Make Dinner Day   

7 Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

8  Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day; Montana, 41st State; National Cappuccino Day 

9  National Scrapple Day; World Freedom Day; National Greek Yogurt Day

10 Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day; Birthday; Sesame Street Premiere; National Vanilla Cupcake Day

11  National Sundae Day;  Washington, 42nd State; Veterans Day

12 National Pizza with the Works Day, except anchovies; Chicken Soup for the Soul Day; National French Dip Day; World Pneumonia Day; National Young Readers Day

13  National Indian Pudding Day; World Kindness Day, NutritionDay

14  Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day; International Girls Day; National Pickle Day; National Spicy Guacamole Day; UN World Diabetes Day

15  America Recycles Day; Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day; National Bundt Day;  National Raisin Bran Cereal Day; National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

16  National Fast Food Day;  Oklahoma, 46th State; Intl Day for Tolerance; World COPD Day;  Pressure Ulcer Awareness Day `

17  World Prematurity Awareness Day; National Baklava Day; Homemade Bread Day; National Take a Hike Day; Homemade Bread Day; National Butter Day

18  National Vichyssoise Day, Mickey Mouse Birthday; National Apple Cider Day

19  Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day; American Made Matters Day; International Men's Day

20  National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; UN Universal Children's Day, Use Less Stuff Day

21  National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Stuffing Day

22  National Cranberry Relish Day

23 National Cashew Day; National Espresso Day; National Eat a Cranberry Day; Family Volunteer Day

24   National Sardines Day; Mother Goose Day

25   National Parfait Day

26 National Cake Day; National Olive Tree Day; National Milk Day  

27 National Bavarian Cream Pie Day, Thanksgiving Day, Turkey-free Thanksgiving;

28  National French Toast Day; Black Friday; National Leftover Day; Flossing Day; Maize Day; National Native American Heritage Day  

29   Electronic Greetings Day

30  National Mousse Day; National Mason Jar Day: Joy of Cooking Published, 1931

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

 

Haunted Refrigerator Night - Food Safety

Resource and Reference
1. Partnership for Food Safety Education, BAC. 
2. FoodSafety.gov

National Oatmeal Day - Health Benefits

What Is Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a warm, comforting dish made from oats — a whole grain known for its high fiber and nutrient content. It’s typically prepared by boiling oats in water or milk until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
Oatmeal can also refer to ground oats, steel-cut oats, crushed oats, or rolled oats, depending on how the grain is processed.

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🌾 Types of Oatmeal

1. Whole Oat Groats: The least processed form; slow to cook but rich in texture and nutrients.

2. Steel-Cut Oats: Oat groats chopped into small pieces. They’re hearty and chewy with a nutty flavor.

3. Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): Steamed and flattened; cook quickly and are common in traditional oatmeal bowls and baking.

4. Quick or Instant Oats: Pre-cooked, dried, and rolled thinner for fast preparation.

5. Oat Flour or Ground Oats: Finely milled oats used in baking, smoothies, or as a thickener in soups.

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💪 Health Benefits of Oatmeal

1. Supports Heart Health:
   Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supports healthy blood pressure.

2. Aids Digestion:
   The soluble and insoluble fibers in oats promote regularity and feed beneficial gut bacteria.

3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar:
   Oatmeal’s complex carbohydrates provide steady energy and may improve insulin sensitivity.

4. Weight Management:
   Oats keep you fuller longer, reducing the urge to snack on high-calorie foods.

5. Nutrient Powerhouse:
   Oats are naturally high in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

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🍓 Creative Ways to Enjoy Oatmeal

• Classic: With milk, honey, and cinnamon.

• Savory: Add eggs, spinach, and avocado.

• Baked: Mix with fruit and nuts for baked oatmeal squares.

• Overnight Oats: Combine rolled oats with yogurt or milk and chill overnight for a ready-to-eat breakfast.

• Smoothie Boost: Blend oat flour or soaked oats into smoothies for extra fiber.

🍓 Nutrition Profile - National Oatmeal and Cat Day

Nutrition Information

Ingredients

3/4 cup Oatmeal, cooked
1/3 cup Raspberries

Resources and References
1. Wikipedia: Oatmeal
2. Healthier Steps, Amazing Health Benefits of Oatmeal

🌟 Takeaway

Oatmeal is one of the most versatile and nourishing foods you can enjoy. Whether steel-cut, rolled, or ground, oats offer sustained energy, heart protection, and digestive benefits — all in a bowl.

Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate, cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, using an extensive research database. An excellent service for the Media, Cookbook 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

Wild Food Day October 28

For thousands of years, people have been eating foods grown in the wild; such as wild greens, mushrooms, roots, fruits, berries, vegetables, and flowers.

11 Edible Mushrooms in the U.S.
Can you tell which Mushrooms are Safe to Eat?

AZ of Bushcraft (E for Edible wild food)

How to identify and eat wild plants and
how to cook Fish over an open fire.

Today, the gathering of wild foods has become increasingly popular.  People consider wild foods healthier and eco-friendly.

Resources:
1. Edible Wild Food
2. How to Find Wild Edible Plants

Celebrate National Farm to School Month

Healthy Halloween Treats

There are healthy Halloween snacks to choose from at the market. Read the label—make sure fruit snacks are made with 100 percent real fruit; choose treats without trans fats; and look for items with whole grains. 

The following items are available in snack-size packages:
1. Whole-grain cheddar-flavored crackers
2. Fruit snacks made with 100% fruit with added vitamin C
3. Fruit leathers made with 100 percent fruit

4. Animal-shaped graham crackers made without trans fat
5. Raisins
6. Individual fruit cups
7. Low-fat pudding cups
8. Baked, unsalted pretzels
9. Popcorn

Make Your Own Halloween Treats

• Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
   Oranges and Grapefruit
• Witches Brew
• Mummy Hot Dogs
• Avocado Frankenstein Toast
• Cheese Fingers with Almonds
• Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins

Resources
1. EatRight, Enjoy a Healthy and Happy Halloween
2. EatRight, 7 Ways to Make Halloween Safer for Kids with Food Allergies, Rima Kleiner, MS, RD, LDN
3. Terrifying Scary Movies to Watch for Halloween

October 24, Food Day - From Our Garden to Our Table

Welcome to Our Food Day Celebration!
From Our Garden to Our Table

Food Day inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Every October 24, thousands of events across the country bring Americans together to celebrate real food, enjoy it, and push for improved food policies. 

6 FOOD DAY PRINCIPLES

1. Reduce diet-related diseases by promoting safe, healthy foods.

2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.

3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.

4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms.

5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids.

6. Support fair conditions for food and farmworkers.

Planning Our Food Day Meal Every family is unique. When planning our meal, we considered foods from our garden, finances, physical abilities, including finger foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and color—the theme for our dinner. 

Our family and friends come from diverse backgrounds with physical and emotional challenges or chronic illnesses, such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Heart Disease.

Our Meal

The main course is tri-color pasta with various toppings. Our garden provided us with tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cucumbers, and basil. We purchased spinach, pasta sauce, locally grown fruits, and part-skim mozzarella. For the meat-eaters, we had ground turkey meatballs and shredded chicken.

In addition, we prepared a red, white, and green grilled cheese sandwich from the US Department of Health and Human Services cookbook “Keep the Beat Recipes. " A free copy of the cookbook is available on their website. 

The dessert was a big hit. We made fruit kabobs using locally grown fruits and paired them with low-fat ice cream, and for Jake, we prepared a smoothie using the same ingredients.

Adaptations and Individual Preferences

My son Jake was born with Cerebral Palsy and is quadriplegic. He is unable to hold utensils and requires a straw to drink fluids. Finger foods and a weighted cup with a flexi straw usually provide him the most independence.

National Color Day - Explore the Many Colors of Food

Music: The Wonderful World of Color,
Walt Disney and Disney World.

Eat Right with Colors explores the health benefits associated with eating foods of many colors. Including color diversity in your meals and food choices enhances your intake of a wide range of nutrients. 

Red and Pink Foods

Apples, Beets, Cayenne, Cherries, Cranberries, Guava, Kidney Beans, Papaya, Pink Beans, Pink/Red Grapefruit, Pomegranates, Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Cabbages, Red Chili Peppers, Red Corn, Red Currants, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Red Pears, Red Peppers, Red Plums, Red Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelons

Green Foods

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

Blue and Purple Foods

Blue Grapes, Blue and Purple Potatoes, Blueberries, Dried Plums, Plums, Eggplant, Pomegranates, Elderberries, Juniper Berries, Kelp (Seaweed), Purple Belgian Endive, Purple Cabbage, Purple Figs

Yellow and Orange Foods

Apricots, Bananas, Butternut Squash, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cheddar Cheese, Citrus Fruits, Clementines, Corn, Creamsicle, Garbanzo Beans, Golden Apples, Golden Flax Seed, Golden Raisins, Grapefruit, Honey, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin Oranges, Mangoes, Nectarines, Orange Jello, Orange Peppers, Orange Tomatoes, Oranges, Papaya, Parsnips, Peaches, Pears, Persimmons, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Rutabagas, Saffron, Salmon, Spaghetti Squash, Squash Blossoms, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tangerines, Whole Grains, Yams, Yellow Apples, Yellow Beans, Yellow Peppers, Yellow Summer Squash, Yellow Wax Beans

White and Black Foods

White: Cauliflower, Coconut, Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions, Scallions, Horseradish, Jicama, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Millet, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Quinoa, Shallots, Soy Products, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu, Turnips, White Beans, White Corn, White Sesame Seeds

Black: Black Beans, Black Cherries, Black Currants, Black Mushrooms, Black Olives, Black Quinoa, Black Raspberry, Black Rice, Black Sesame Seeds, Black Soybeans, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Prunes, Raisins, Seaweeds, Tamari (Soy Sauce)

Wellness News employs 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 needs adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com). 

Prepared by

Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Michelle Canazaro
John Gargiullo

Pasta Perfect Twists

Pasta Perfect Twists

Pasta is a type of noodle and commonly referred to as a variety of pasta dishes. It is a staple food of traditional Italian cuisine. Usually, pasta is made from an unleavened dough of durum wheat flour mixed with water and formed into sheets or various shapes, then cooked and served in any number of dishes. It can be made with flour from other cereals or grains, and eggs may be used instead of water. Kinds of pasta are divided into two broad categories, dried (pasta secca) and fresh (pasta fresca). 

Both dried and fresh pasta come in a number of shapes and varieties. Common forms of pasta include long shapes, short shapes, tubes, flat shapes, and sheets, filled or stuffed, and decorative shapes.

Making Pasta with Children

Shapes

Recipe: Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Diced Tomatoes
Serves One

Ingredients
2 oz Whole Wheat Spaghetti (1 cup cooked)
2 tsp Olive Oil
1 Garlic Clove
1 large Tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese

Directions
1. Prepare spaghetti as per the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and oregano; simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add spaghetti to skillet; toss to coat with tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutritional Information

Resources and References

1. Wikipedia: Pasta   This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
2. Walder Wellness: Pasta Recipes