National Nutrition Month® 2023: Fuel for the Future

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of National Nutrition Month® created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future." Eating with sustainability nourishes us during our life and protects the environment. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs.

The FAO’s definition of sustainable diets:

Sustainable Diets are those diets with low environmental impacts that contribute to food and nutrition security and to healthy life for present and future generations. Sustainable diets are protective and respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems, culturally acceptable, accessible, economically fair, and affordable; nutritionally adequate, safe, and healthy; while optimizing natural and human resources.

National Nutrition Month® in 2023 is "Fuel for the Future" 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day is also celebrated during National Nutrition Month®, on the second Wednesday in March. This occasion increases awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services while recognizing both RDNs and nutrition and dietetic technicians registered for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

National Family Caregivers Day

National Family Caregivers Day celebrates caregivers everywhere. What caregivers do every day requires superpowers, and though we may not tell them often enough – the care they give matters to all of us.

Are you a caregiver to a parent, sibling, adult child, aunt, or uncle? It is not easy, and not many resources. Recently I came across a support group for caregivers. Most were parents taking care of their adult child. It was a blessing. I wasn't alone.

We know you're focused on the health and well-being of others, but it's important to remember to take care of yourself. Caring for yourself isn't selfish; it's an essential part of making sure you can give your best every day.

Staying strong as a caregiver

*Stay healthy with proper nutrition

*Eating healthy is the best way to maintain your strength, energy, stamina, and immune system. It's also one of the most powerful things you can do to stay positive.

*Good nutrition for your care receiver helps make care easier

*Up to half of all older adults are at risk for malnutrition, that's why it's important to make sure those you care for have a healthy diet. It helps prevent muscle loss, supports Rest. Recharge. Respite.

*Make sure to take some time away to re-energize or ask for help. Caregiving can be stressful, and taking a breather ensures that you'll be ready to take on the challenges Find out if you and your care receiver are getting the right amount of nutrients. Complete this nutrition assessment and see how you are doing.

10 Tips for Family Caregivers

1. Seek support from other caregivers.  You are not alone!
2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
6. Watch out for signs of depression and don't delay getting professional help when you need it.
7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
8. Organize medical information so it's up to date and easy to find.
9. Make sure legal documents are in order.
10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!

Make Your Recipes and Menus Stand Out with Nutrition Analysis

The many uses of Recipes and Menus Analysis and Development to enhance your product. Many people with special dietary needs and allergies will benefit from this information.

• Bloggers: Add nutrient analysis to your Recipes.
• Journalists: Feature Special Food Holidays
• Cookbook Publishers: Add nutrient analysis to Recipes and Menus
• Educators: Teach students how to read a label.
• Chefs: Creating healthy heart recipes
• Consumers: Create healthy recipes & menus
• Health Professionals: Resources
• Food Industry: Recipe and Menu development using their products.

Nutritional Analysis is part of our everyday life. We have grown accustomed to nutrition information being readily available. It helps many control their diets.

Avocado Toast with Fresh Beet Hummus,
 @KidsCookMonday #Hummus #Beets
#Avocado #FruitandVeggiesMoreMatters  

Chili Lime Jackfruit Tacos

Whole Grain Date Walnut Bread, Modified. http://bit.ly/2BQLC5F

Millions of people depend on nutrition information to meet their dietary needs. Some diets include low-calorie, carbohydrate-controlled, high protein, low protein, low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium, high fiber, gluten-free, lactose-free, and peanut allergies

Why use a dietitian for nutrient analysis?

• Purchasing nutrient analysis software and learning how to use the program is only useful if you have the knowledge to convert “as purchased” ingredients to the “edible portion.”
• Recipes are usually written based on what the consumer needs to purchase. The individual analyzing the recipe must evaluate the recipe based on the actual food-ready-to-eat (unless the food is meant to be eaten whole.)
• A nutritional analysis program cannot cook or prepare meals. A person must have skills in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Cooking and Preparation Techniques, Purchasing Guides, Yield Factors, and Nutrient Analysis Software.
• To own professional nutrition software with yearly maintenance fees can be expensive. In addition, there is the cost of an educated person to run the software.

Consider adding nutritional analysis to your online recipes. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. A valuable service for Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutritional Analysis.

References:
Sun-Sentinel, Ft Lauderdale, FL
Condé Nast, Bon Appétit, CA, NY
Atlanta Constitution, GA 

Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI
Fort Worth Star, Worth Forth, Texas

Publications:

Menu Solutions

Menu Solutions: Quantity Recipes for Regular and Special Diets

From "As Purchased" to "Edible Portion": How to Analyze a Recipe Using a Nutrient Database

Cost-effective - Pricing structure

Recipe Nutrition Analysis
(Please contact a company providing laboratory services; this is not a laboratory analysis.) Nutrition Analysis by the database is an excellent resource for the Media, Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. With all recipes and menu analysis, the more information you provide, the more accurate the nutrition information.

  

Fee Structure for Nutrition Analysis
Number of Recipes	Fee/Recipe
	Nutrient Information
1 to 19	$ 40.00/recipe
>20 recipes	call for special pricing
Retainer services are available 954.294.6300 ask for Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

Click the link to download the necessary form. Please call if you have any questions. All information provided is confidential.

For additional information, contact Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN,  FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  at 954-294-6300 

National Kiwi Fruit Day

The Kiwifruit

History of the Kiwifruit.

Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid-1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world.

Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.

How to Eat A Kiwi

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to eat California Kiwifruit. But since most people find that slicing and scooping is a good way to get the most from their kiwifruit, we coined the word "slooping" to describe it! Here's how to sloop your kiwi:

Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! 

The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol, and only a small amount of fat. 


One Large Kiwifruit weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides the following nutrition.

Kiwi Mint Lemonade

Makes 4 servings 

If you don't have mint, try fresh lemon balm. The lemonade is also delicious without the herbs. 

Ingredients

1 cup (250 mL) water

 ½ (125 mL) cup granulated sugar

 ½ (125 mL) cup packed fresh mint leaves

 3 California kiwifruit

 3 lemons

 Sparkling water

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into a pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.

3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups (550 mL) without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.

References.
1. Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Kiwifruit, Fruits and Veggies Kiwifruit

December 21, National Fried Shrimp Day

Batter-Fried Shrimp

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup light beer
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Whisk beer, flour, mustard and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Batter the shrimp right before you add to the skillet.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Hold shrimp by the tail and dip in the batter one at a time. Let excess batter drip off.
5. Add the shrimp to the hot oil, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook, turning once. Adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning. Cook until golden brown on the outside and curled, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel and pat dry. Serve on a platter.
6. Season the shrimp with pepper and serve right away.

Nutritional Analysis

Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A great service for Recipe Bloggers, 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, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com

National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress and Depression

18 tips for coping with holiday stress and depression:

1.       Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.

2.       Set realistic goals for yourself.

3.       Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle. Pace yourself.

4.       Make a list and prioritize the important activities. This can help make holiday tasks
     more manageable.

5.       Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.

6.       Do not put all your energy into just one day. The holiday cheer can be spread from
     one holiday event to the next.

7.       Live and enjoy the present. Look to the future with optimism.

8.       Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the
    good old days of the past.

9.      If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.

10.   Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday decorations, going
   window shopping without buying, and watching the winter weather, whether it's a
   snowflake or a raindrop.

11.   Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of
  depression.

12.   Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.

13.   Spend time with supportive and caring people.

14.   Reach out and make new friends.

15.   Make time to contact a long-lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.

16.   Make time for yourself!

17.   Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks.

18.   Keep track of your holiday spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over. Extra bills with little budget to pay them can lead to further stress and depression.

Resource
1. Holiday Stress and Depression, WebMD   http://wb.md/2kw3Lh7

December 8, National Brownie Day Comparing the Brands

The chocolate brownie is either fudge or cake-like, depending on its density. They may include nuts, frosting, whipped cream, chocolate chips, fruits, or other ingredients. 

Comparing the Brands

Recipe Resources

Fitsugar, Healthy Brownie Recipes That Make a Diet Seem Decadent

   

December 1, National Eat a Red Apple Day

Health Benefits
Apple is a fruit rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber. Quercetin is an antioxidant found in apples and may inhibit lung cancer. Pectin found in apples help treat diarrhea and constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Other benefits being studied include treatments for diabetes, heart disease, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood levels of LDL, reducing risks of Alzheimer’s, and decreasing bone fractures.

Apple seeds should never be eaten. They contain the poison cyanide.

Let’s not forget the peel. The apple peel contains ursolic acid, a chemical that may prevent muscle wasting.

There may be some truth to “An Apple a Day, Keeps the Doctor Away”.

Recipe

Baked Stuffed Apple

Yield 2 servings

Ingredients 
2 medium apples 
1/2 cup bran flakes 
1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1 Tbsp raisins 
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions 
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Core and slightly hollow out the apples with a spoon, leaving the bottom of the apples intact to create a well for the filling. Place the apples in a pan.
3. In a bowl, combine the bran flakes, applesauce, raisins, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Fill and top each apple with the cereal mixture.
4. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the sides of the apples are soft and easily pierced with a knife.

Nutrition Information

U.S. Apple Association Members

NY Apples Are a Smart Choice for Healthy Eating
Kelly Springer, RDN

References and Resources
1. U.S. Apple Association
2. Apple Recipes, Washington Apple Commission

 

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great 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

World Prematurity Awareness Day - Nutritional Challenges and Resources

Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide. 
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay
#MarchofDimes

Premature Infant - Getting to Know the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay
 http://wb.md/2zSKnCh  #MarchofDimes #WebMD

Feeding your baby in the NICU
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay 
http://bit.ly/2A9VcT6  #MarchofDimes

How can a premature baby
affect a family emotionally?
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay
http://bit.ly/2AP6R6p #MarchofDimes 

Nutrition and the Premature Infant -
The First Weeks at Home
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay 
http://wb.md/2hHutWD #MarchofDimes

In honor of babies born too soon and little ones we've lost,
please support the March of Dimes’ work to prevent and
reduce premature birth.
#WorldPrematurityAwarenessDay 
Donate 

World Diabetes Day: Education To Protect Tomorrow

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007. The campaign draws attention to the issues of importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes in the public spotlight. 

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14th. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its association members. It joins millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care. The emphasis for 2022 is “Education to Protect Tomorrow.”

This World Diabetes Day, IDF calls on policymakers to increase access to diabetes education to help improve the lives of the more than half a billion people living with diabetes worldwide. 

Millions of people with diabetes worldwide do not have access to diabetes care.

People with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications. 

Medicine, technologies, support, and care are to be made available to all people with diabetes that require them.

Governments to increase investment in diabetes care and prevention.

The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 530 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk.

 

EDUCATION TO PROTECT TOMORROW

What can we do to control diabetes? 

Halting the rise in diabetes is possible and goes hand in hand with implementing strategies such as:

Prevention of diabetes and its risk factors, especially overweight/obesity and insufficient physical activity.

Screening for diabetes in the general population and closely monitoring the population at risk.

Improving the diagnostic capacity of health services for diabetes.

Continuous monitoring of people living with diabetes.

The capacity for referral and care at the secondary health care level.

Access to quality diabetes education guarantees adequate training for the healthcare team, people living with diabetes, their immediate environment, their caregivers, and society in general.

Access to essential diabetes medicines and technologies, including insulin.

Information systems for data collection for monitoring and surveillance of diabetes.

The change caused by the COVID-19 pandemic makes it essential to integrate evidence-based digital solutions, such as telemedicine and educational and monitoring applications in diabetes health care.

Diabetes care should be part of preparedness and response to health emergencies. People living with diabetes must be guaranteed the uninterrupted availability of their medicines in situations of this type.

Diabetes currently affects one in ten people worldwide. Understanding the condition is the first step towards managing and preventing it. In conjunction with the World Diabetes Day 2022 focus on access to diabetes education, the IDF School of Diabetes has developed a new online education platform to help people with diabetes and those who care for them to make informed decisions about their condition.

For Nutrition Education and Counseling

Contact Family Nutrition Center to schedule an appointment with our Registered Dietitians. Let us help you meet your health and nutrition goals.