April 9, 2018 - Nutrition, Food, and Health Topics: Chinese Almond Cookie Day, World Food News and History

Chinese Almond Cookie Day Recipe: Chinese Almond Cookie Day http://bit.ly/2v1OBso

Chinese almond cookie is a plain cookie with an almond in the center, which was thought to bring good luck. Almond cookie is dry, crispy, and sweet. It can be found in bakeries in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, as well as Chinatowns in cities worldwide.

Chinese almond cookie (known in the USA) is adapted from the Chinese walnut cookie from China, which first appeared in the Ming Dynasty during the 16th century.

The recipe was introduced from the first wave of Chinese immigration to the U.S. in the 19th century. Today this recipe is widespread around the world, and there is even a National Chinese Almond Cookie Day on April 9th.

Today's Recipe and Photo

Brown Rice, Quinoa, Barley and Oats with Asparagus and Strawberries, 1 serving

Ingredients

1/2c Brown Rice, Quinoa, Barley, and Oats, prepared

14 Asparagus Spears, steamed

4 Strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare multi-grains as per manufacturer’s directions.

2. Lay asparagus down on the plate; like a tree trunk.

3. Top asparagus with sliced strawberries.

News

1. Jacksonville veterans use fitness, nutrition to treat PTSD
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local-veterans-use-fitness-nutrition-to-treat-ptsd_

2. Maine Farmland Trust rebrands nutrition program for low-income shoppers http://bit.ly/2GJgFGh

3. Dads need to play a greater role in preventing childhood obesity, says study | Toronto Star http://bit.ly/2Hl7Q2x

4. 811 HealthLine expanded in Newfoundland and Labrador to include dietitian services | The Pilot http://bit.ly/2HqgzAJ

5. 25 Vintage Kitchen Tools You Don't See Anymore #NationalCherishanAntiqueDay https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4105/vintage-kitchen-tools/

Today in History

1850 William Prout died. An English chemist, he was the first to classify food components into 3 main divisions - carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

1872 Samuel R. Percy of New York received a patent for dried milk. (Milk Trivia and Facts)

1950 Pierre Gagnaire was born. French chef, cookbook author, and restaurateur. Considered one of the founders of both fusion cuisine and molecular cuisine.

April, National BLT Sandwich Month

Ingredients
3 slices Turkey Bacon
2 slices Tomato
Romaine Lettuce
2 tsp Light Mayonnaise
2 slices Whole Wheat Bread
3/4 oz Muenster Cheese, low fat
4 Grapes

Nutrient Analysis

Nutrient Analysis Service
Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 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: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com

March 10, 2018 Food and Nutrition Topics - National Nutrition Month

National Pack Your Lunch Day - Over 50 Healthy Work Lunchbox Ideas http://bit.ly/2oYkOLt  #NationalNutritionMonth  #MealPlanning #ReduceFoodWaste 

Nutrition Across the Lifespan. Directors of three U.S. nutrition research centers went to Capitol Hill March 8 to emphasize the critical role good nutrition plays in good health and the ways federal nutrition research can help keep people healthier and combat the nation’s rising health-care costs. http://bit.ly/2p4XR8S  #TuftsNow

Lentil recipes for National Nutrition Month. Melissa Joy Dobbins  #RDN talks about the health benefits of lentils. http://abc7.ws/2FJ1s6K

Debate stirs over 'America's Harvest Box,' food benefit plan,  Associated Press. The proposal, unveiled last month in the Trump administration's 2019 budget, is part of an effort to reduce the cost of the SNAP program by roughly $213 billion over a 10-year period.  http://bit.ly/2p4UdMh

Nutrition labels were a California thing, but now the whole US is following the state’s lead http://bit.ly/2FEu0OL

World Kidney Day - Kidney Disease in Women

All About the Day

World Kidney Day started in 2006 and celebrated on the second Thursday in March. The mission of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The 2018 theme is focused on Kidney Disease In Women.

World Kidney Day - Are Your Kidneys OK?

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More than 600,000 women die every year from chronic kidney disease, the eighth leading cause of death among women. Chronic kidney disease, a progressive condition in which the kidneys are damaged and function reduced, affects 195 million women worldwide. Women face additional risks to their kidney health, specifically during pregnancy, but may be less likely to access treatment such as dialysis and kidney transplantation in some parts of the world.

To mark World Kidney Day and International Women’s Day 2018, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) highlights the impact of kidney disease on women’s health and the urgent need for targeted, gender-sensitive prevention and treatment throughout the lifecycle of girls and women.

To reduce the risk of kidney disease in women, advocate for strategies targeting the main risk factors through lifestyle changes, patient education and screening:

1. Implement public health policies that support lifestyle changes by facilitating healthy food choices, promoting physical activity and reducing tobacco use.

2. Increase patient awareness of kidney disease through effective patient education.
3. Implement systematic screening for kidney disease risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in women throughout the life course.

Resources
1. World Kidney Day
2. The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Kidney Community Kitchen
3. National Kidney Foundation
4. National Institutes of Health, Chronic kidney disease
5. WebMD, Chronic Kidney Disease

March 6, National Nutrition Month Topics

National Dentist’s Day

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing—the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums.

#NationalDentistDay – What You Eat Affects Your Teeth  http://bit.ly/2D4CCZC #NationalNutritionMonth

#NationalDentistDay –  What (and How) to Eat When You're Having Dental Issues #NationalNutritionMonth http://bit.ly/2tmb5Dp

National Oreo Cookie Day

Oreo is a commercial brand of biscuit usually consisting of two chocolate wafers with a sweet cream filling in between. As of 1974, Oreo's are marketed as "Chocolate Sandwich Cookies" on the package. The version currently sold in the United States is made by the Nabisco. Starting in January 2006, Oreo cookies replaced the trans fat in the cookie with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.

#NationalOreoCookieDay How bad are Oreo’s? This nutrition l abel will tell you 

Edible Art: Olympic Colors

The symbol of the Olympic Games is composed of five interlocking rings, colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white field. This was originally designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, adopted in June 1914 and debuted at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.

The Olympic Charter states the Olympic symbol represents the union of the five regions of the world and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

Olympic Colors made from fresh foods.

Olympic Cups and Skewers

Cup: Layer raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, yellow squash, and blueberries in a dessert cup.

Skewer: Use a wooden skewer. Add the following fruits and/ or vegetables: zucchini or kiwi; yellow squash or grapefruit; blueberries; raspberries; and blackberries.

Serve skewer in Olympic cups.

Nutrition Information.

41 Calories

1 g Protein

10 g Carbohydrates
3 g Dietary Fiber

0 g Fat

0 g Saturated Fat

0 mg Cholesterol
36 mg Vitamin C

1 mg Sodium 

Resource.
Factsheet the Games of the Olympiad
Wikipedia, Olympic Symbols

A Social Media Happy Holiday Dietitians, Food and Nutrition Community

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday 

and a Healthy and Happy New Year

From all of Us, We wish you and your loved ones 

a very Happy Holiday 

Dietitians-Online

Wellness News

 Ability Connection

and The Frank Family   

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent 

https://www.gofundme.com/maintain-a-wheelchair-home

Jake is my son. He was born 29 years ago. By the time he was 6 months we learned he had Cerebral Palsy. The doctor didn't give us much hope, but that night Jake looked up at me and smiled. Like most special need parents we were looking for a miracle.  As Jake grew older we learned he was a quadriplegic, but blessed with the ability to talk. All his other needs required assistance. But I promised Jake and myself we would stay together and make it. 

Before Jake was born, I completed my Doctorate Degree and worked as a College Program Director. I raised grant monies for Meals on Wheels for the elderly, disabled, and people with AIDs.

I wanted to be a great mother, but I needed to support Jake's medical needs. (Jakes' father left when he was 4 years old). I found work I could do mostly at home. For over 40 years as a single mother, I worked a full-time job and 4 part-time jobs. I paid my taxes, Medicare, and Jake's medical bills for 29 years plus.

As the years passed, I worried what would become of Jake. There was no family left and he did not want to go to a group home.

I turned our home into a Boarding House hoping to create a home for other people with special needs.

There was no money to make repairs and upgrades to the home. The medical bills came first. If I don't make the upgrades, we will be forced to move out.

I don't have much money to hire an aide,  So I had to give up my work and became Jake's caregiver. I'm in my 60's and I am trying to do my best, but it is becoming more difficult.

Please help us. We want to stay together and I would like to leave the house to Jake and other people needing assistance - giving people a sense of Independence and self-esteem would mean the world to me. 

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

with warmest regard,

Sandy and Jake 

Portuguese Kale and Potato Soup, Gourmet Nutritional Analysis Correction and Recipe Makeover

Portuguese Kale and Potato Soup, Gourmet

Nutritional Analysis Correction
The nutritional analysis provided used raw potatoes with the peel. Analysis provided (per serving): Calories 459, Total fat 24g, Saturated fat 6g, Cholesterol 39mg, Sodium 1468g, Carbohydrate 49g, Fiber 5g, Protein 15g

The corrected version used potatoes cooked and peeled.

Corrected Analysis (per serving)

Note: Most recipes are written based on the foods we need to purchase. However, when analyzing a recipe, foods need to be entered in the ready-to-eat form.

Modification.
The recipe makes for a hardy meal. It is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C and a good source of fiber. 

With some slight adjustments we can lower the sodium, fat and calories.
    *Omit 1.25 teaspoon Salt
    *Omit the one tablespoon Oil (at the end of the recipe).

These changes will save you 35 calories; 4 grams fat; and 728 mg sodium per serving.

Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost effective nutritional analysis for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. 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, LN
recipenews@gmail.com
954-796-7235

Cyber Monday Dietitians Online Store Spread Good Health this Holiday and Every Day

Visit Dietitians-Online Store. If you are a Dietitian (RD or APD) with a published book on nutrition and/or food, Please submit the information to recipenews@gmail.com for our holiday healthy nutrition resources. 

Do You Know What's On Your Kitchen Sponge?

One of the most dangerous sources of virulent bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and others, is the kitchen sponge and 'dish cloths' in American homes.

Ways To Clean Your Kitchen Sponge or Dish Cloth

1. Wet the sponge well and microwave it on high for about 2 minutes. Be careful a dry sponge can catch on fire.

2. Wash it in the hot cycle of your washing machine and leave them there through a drying cycle.

3. Clean the sponge and sanitize it in a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach added to 1 gallon of water) before using a second time.

4. Replace worn sponges rather than reusing.

5. Avoid using your kitchen sponge to wipe up raw eggs, meat juice and other food items typically high in harmful bacteria. If you do use your sponge for such purposes, wash and disinfect it immediately afterward.

6. Clean your sponge after each use.


Resources.
Eat Right. Dos and Don'ts of Kitchen Sponge Safety
Home Food Safety. How Safe is Your Kitchen?

Mango, Tomato, and Green Onion Salad

 Mango, Tomato, and Green Onion Salad

Ingredients
1/3 cup Mango
1/2 cup Tomato, diced
2 Tbsp Green Onions

Nutrition Information

Mango, Tomato, and Green Onion Salad

with Breadstick

Ingredients
1/3 cup Mango
1/2 cup Tomato, diced
2 Tbsp Green Onions
1 Breadstick

Nutrition Information

June 20, National Vanilla Milkshake Day

   Vanilla Milkshake Makeover

       

Vanilla Milkshake, an all-time favorite does not have to be loaded with calories, fat, cholesterol and sugar.

Today’s recipe makeover transforms Paula Deen’s Vanilla Milkshake into a healthier alternative.

Vanilla Milkshake Makeover
Nutrition Information	Paula Deen's Vanilla Milkshake	Vanilla Milkshake Makeover	Makeover Savings
Calories	718	148	570
Carbohydrates (g)	73	22	51
Total Sugars (g)	73	17	56
Fat (g)	40	3.5	36.5
Cholesterol (mg)	252	22	230
Sodium (mg)	193	110	83

Vanilla Milkshake (Original)

Recipe by Paula Deen

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 cups quality vanilla ice cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

8 tablespoons sugar

2 cups milk, less for thicker milkshakes

Directions

Using a blender or milkshake machine, blend all ingredients together until smooth. Serve in tall glasses with a straw.

Nutrition Information

Calories (kcal) 718; Carbohydrates (g) 73; Total Sugars (g) 73; 
Fat (g) 40; Cholesterol (mg) 252; Sodium (mg) 193

Vanilla Milkshake (Makeover)
Serves 4, serving size 8 ounces

Ingredients
2 cups vanilla ice cream (light, used Edy's)
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups skim milk
Artificial sweetner to taste (optional)
Crushed Ice, as needed for a thicker shake

Directions
Using a blender, blend all ingredients together until smooth. Serve in eight ounce glasses with a straw.

Nutrition Information
Calories (kcal) 148; Carbohydrates (g) 22; Total Sugars (g) 17; 

Fat (g) 3.5; Cholesterol (mg) 22; Sodium (mg) 110

May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB).  

The theme has been chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 70/193 and for which the United Nations World Tourism Organization is providing leadership.

Biodiversity, at the level of species and ecosystems, provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. Recognition of the great importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. Many issues addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. A well-managed tourist sector can contribute significantly to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.
For many coastal communities, the survival of marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity is essential to their nutritional, spiritual, societal and religious well-being. But even for the many millions of people who may not think that they have any strong reliance on the ocean, marine ecosystems and wildlife provide all kinds of benefits. Many coastal environments provide protection for those farther inland from the ravages of the sea. Coral reefs buffer land from waves and storms and prevent beach erosion. Dune systems on beaches stabilize shorelines from erosion and encroachment. Mangroves, mudflats and deltas trap sediment, preventing the land behind it from sliding ever-seaward.

The ocean world is in all our daily lives. For example, sponges from the Mediterranean have been used for painting, cooking, cleaning and even contraception for at least 5,000 years. Substances derived from seaweeds stabilize and thicken creams, sauces, and pastes, are mixed into paint and used to make paper and even in skin lotion and toothpaste.

Many marine plants and animals also contain a multitude of substances already being used, or identified as being of potential use, in medicines. Each of the 700 known species of cone snail produces a unique cocktail of 100 to 200 toxins, some of which have already been developed into pain killers: one, which has been on the market since 2004, is more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. A 2010 study predicted the existence of between 250,000 and close to 600,000 chemicals in the marine environment, approximately 92 percent of which remained undiscovered; those chemicals, the study’s authors estimated, might yield up to 214 new anti-cancer drugs, worth anywhere from US $563 billion to $5.69 trillion.


Most importantly of all, tiny marine plants called phytoplankton produce energy, like plants on land, through photosynthesis. As a result of that photosynthesis, they release oxygen. In fact, phytoplankton release half of all oxygen in the atmosphere.

Under the Sea

International Day for Biological Diversity 2017

Resources.

The International Day for Biological Diversity 
Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Foundation

Save the Sea

Food Revolution Day

What is Food Revolution Day?

Food Revolution Day is fighting to put compulsory practical food education on the school curriculum.

With diet-related diseases rising at an alarming rate, it has never been more important to educate children about food, where it comes from and how it affects their bodies.

It’s about celebrating the importance of cooking good food from scratch and raising awareness of how it impacts our health and happiness – we believe that everyone should know about food and it starts with getting kids food smart, making cooking fun and inspiring a love of food that will last a lifetime. Food Revolution Day is a campaign by the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation in the UK and USA, and The Good Foundation in Australia. 

Jamie Olive's Big Bet on Food Education

Who is taking part?
Food Revolution Day is open to anybody, whether you’re a school, organisation or individual.

Many activities are organised by supporters in their local area or voluntary Food Revolution ambassadors who champion food knowledge and cooking skills in their communities.

Why have a day of action?
Learning about food and how to cook from scratch is one of the most valuable skills a child can ever learn.

This knowledge used to be passed down from generation to generation, but now, with an over reliance on unhealthy convenience foods, millions of people lack the confidence and even the most basic skills to cook for themselves and their families. By educating children about food in a fun and engaging way, we’re equipping them and future generations with the skills they need to live healthier lives.

National Bike to Work Day and National Bicycle Month

May, National Bicycle Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.

Mission.  To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

History. The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as "wheelmen", were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians.

In an effort to improve riding conditions, more than 100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined the League to advocate for paved roads. The success of the League in its first advocacy efforts ultimately led to our national highway system.

Benefits of Bike Riding
People ride bicycles for all sorts of reasons, from better health, to saving money on fuel, and helping the environment. In addition, bike riding is a lot of fun.

Bike Safety - Introduction to Bike Safety 

and Sharing the Road

Danger Rangers Bike Safety PSA

Food Art: Bicycle Built for Two

The song "Bicycle Built for Two" was written in 1892.
The American bicycle history spans over 100 years.

Resource

The League provides education for cyclists, including bicycle safety.To learn more about the League of American Bicyclists, visit their website at http://www.bikeleague.org. 

A Garden Sandwich

April 7, World Health Day 2017: Depression Let's Talk

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April. The 2017 theme of the World Health Organization (WHO) is focused on Depression: Let's Talk.  Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.

 World Health Day 2017 - WHO: Depression - Let's Talk

One of the first steps is to address issues around prejudice and discrimination. “The continuing stigma associated with mental illness was the reason why we decided to name our campaign Depression: let’s talk,” said Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO. “For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery.”

Associated Health Risks

WHO has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.

Depression is also an important risk factor for suicide, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Said Dr Saxena: “A better understanding of depression and how it can be treated, while essential, is just the beginning. What needs to follow is sustained scale-up of mental health services accessible to everyone, even the most remote populations in the world.”

Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.

In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Resources 

1. World Health Day 2017: Depression - Let's Talk

2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Depression Puts Low-Income Population at Even Greater Risk for Obesity and Poor Nutrition