Sinkie Day. Celebrated the day after Thanksgiving for people who enjoy eating over the kitchen sink.
National Eat a Cranberry Day
and National Cashew Day
National Espresso Day
Black Friday
Maize Day
National Flossing Day
Friday, November 22, 2019
November 23, 2012 Food, Nutrition and Wellness Topics
Sinkie, Espresso, Black Friday, Cranberries & More
November 23, 2012. A Look at Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Topics the Day After Thanksgiving
The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening. It is a special gift you can give this holiday season. This year, StoryCorps has chosen to feature the stories of veterans, active duty military, and their families.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Family Health and Fitness Day USA
The event's purpose is to promote the importance of regular physical activity for children and their parents. Families will participate in health promotion events at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including YMCAs and health clubs, park districts, schools, houses of worship and state and local health organizations.
It's Family Time!
You can jump rope, ride bikes, and take a walk as a family. Remember to be safe by using sunscreen, bike helmets, and staying hydrated.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Plate Size Matters
The History of Plate Sizes
Fast foods do not have a monopoly on supersize. The plate industry has had its own growth spurt during the past 50 years. In the 1960s dinner plates were about 8.5 to 9-inches in diameter and held about 800 calories; by 2009 plate size had grown to 12-inches with the capacity to hold about 1900 calories. The calorie differences are illustrated in the graphic below. (Calorie amounts will vary depending on the foods you choose.)
Portion Planning 5. How Would You Spend 500 kcal?
Portion Planning Series 5
How would you spend 500 calories?
How would you spend 500 calories?
The Simple Life...
When Apples and Blackberries Were Only Fruits
When Apples and Blackberries Were Only Fruits
On September 22, 2011, the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) provided Free Apples and Blackberries to encourage healthy snacking. The technology college students are addicted to and the need for something healthy inspired the event. Students received free antioxidants, fiber and vitamins from the fruits instead of actual cell phones, while they learned the importance of healthy nutritional habits.
“What surprised me the most was that when other clubs give out free pizza, there is a line around the corner, but if you give out free fruits, you really have to market it well. It was a very eye catching, clever idea.” - Megan Huard
"It’s a great idea that an association is giving out healthy snacks. I was tricked by the advertisement and thought they were giving some kind of phones. At the end, I learned about the benefits of apples and blackberries." - Mario Garcia
"This was a great opportunity for nutrition education; it was great to see so many students interested in learning more about the benefits of these fruits and about our association." - Marcela Lucena
The SDA at FIU is dedicated to making the world healthier, one plate at a time. Through on and off campus activities, they serve the community and fellow students as they teach the importance and benefits of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
MyPlate, a Tool for Meal Planning
Throughout the month of March we celebrate National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
The March 2013 theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day." The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare a nutrition education video to look at MyPlate as a tool for planning healthy meals.
The March 2013 theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day." The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare a nutrition education video to look at MyPlate as a tool for planning healthy meals.
Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day with the
Student Dietetic Association at FIU.
A look at MyPlate as a tool for meal planning.
Student Dietetic Association at FIU.
A look at MyPlate as a tool for meal planning.
National Nutrition Month Messages from the FIU SDA
A special thank you to the Student Dietetic Association at FIU.
A special thank you to the Student Dietetic Association at FIU.
Edible Flowers by Guest Blogger: Brittaney Bialas, MS, RD
You may have seen floral garnishes adorning fancy meals or flashy desserts; but you may not know that you can eat many of these flowers fresh from the plant after rinsing. Edible flowers can be cooked like a vegetable, sprinkled on top of a favorite dish, used to make soups and sauces, or stuffed and sautéed as a main part of a recipe. They can be made into vinegar, syrups, butters, and jellies, or used in custards, sorbets, and other desserts. They can also be frozen into ice cubes to add extra excitement to an otherwise boring beverage on a hot day. Now is the time of year when many edible flowers are in peak bloom. They may even be in your garden already - just waiting to be added to your next dish!
Some of the edible flowers that may be in your backyard or vases include pansies, violas, chrysanthemums, carnations, fuchsias, geraniums, jasmine, lavender, violets, and certain roses. Flavors range from sweet and honey-like to spicy and peppery, while scents can add a floral aroma or a citrusy tang. Nasturtiums are a popular edible flower that adds a spicy, peppery kick. The purple flowers of banana trees and blossoms of citrus trees (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, kumquat) are edible fruit flowers that may be in your back yard. Many herb flowers, including alliums (garlic, chives, leeks), cilantro/coriander, chicory, dill, mint, sage, and thyme are also safe to eat. Most of the flavors of herbal flowers resemble those of the herbs they come from. These can be added to a dish along with or in place of the herb itself. Several vegetable flowers probably already make a regular appearance in your diet, such as cauliflower (who would have thought?), broccoli, and artichoke, which are all flower blossoms. In addition, the flowers of arugula, okra, radishes, peas, and squash are edible. Squash blossoms appear quite often in the produce stands and taste a bit like the raw gourd from which it came.
Best of all, many edible flowers have vitamin C, vitamin A, and other beneficial essential nutrients. Edible flowers can replace sodium and sugar when used in conjunction with herbs and spices, adding more flavor and aroma to foods. However, keep in mind that edible flowers have a delicate taste that is detected best when added to simple dishes that do not have overpowering flavors.
Many flowers can be safely tossed onto our plates; but there are flowers that are poisonous and should never be eaten. Always make sure a flower is edible before adding it to your food. Some resources that list some edible flowers are at Colorado State Extension and North Carolina State University. In general, edible flowers are best when they are picked during the morning when they have the most moisture. They can be rinsed and placed in a moist paper towel in the refrigerator for storage. Use within a short period to maintain quality.
There are also some safety rules to follow regarding where you find your edible flowers. Do not pick flowers from the side of the road where fumes from vehicles and other contaminants can make the plants unsafe to eat. Do not purchase edible flowers from nurseries or garden centers unless they are grown specifically for consumption. Do consume edible flowers that you have grown from seeds as long as you do not use pesticides or other chemicals. Do introduce small amounts of new flowers one at a time since pollen from the plants may trigger allergies. Do research which parts should and should not be used since each type of edible flower is different.
Flowers are nice to have. Their colors brighten a room, they give off a pleasing aroma, and they bring joy to people who take the time to notice them.
However, one of the most exciting reasons for dietitians to love flowers is that they may be food! Spring is the perfect time to try something new and let an edible flower be a part of your dining room table – and not just as an accent piece in a vase!
Pansy Herb Salad
4 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup fresh sprigs of dill
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
4 large basil leaves, rolled up and thinly sliced crosswise
1 large lemon, halved
Pinch of salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 /2 cup toasted walnuts
3/4 cup crumbled feta
1 cup fresh pansy flowers
Toss salad greens and herbs in a large bowl. Squeeze lemon juice (without the seeds) over the greens and season with salt and pepper. Toss again. Add walnuts and feta and toss well. Divide salad and pansies among four serving plates and serve.
Nutrition Fact Per Serving (Serves 4) Calories: 179; Fat: 16g; Carbohydrate: 5g. Adapted from Pansy Herb Salad
Let’s Get Our Plate in Shape: Breakfast
National Nutrition Month
Let’s Get Our Breakfast Plate in Shape
Friday, July 19, 2019
July is National Blueberry Month
Spotlight on Blueberries
Blueberry Facts.
Blueberries are a native North American fruit produced in 35 States.
Fresh blueberries are available for about eight months of the year from producers across the United States and Canada. North America is the world's leading blueberry producer. The North American harvest runs from mid-April through early October, with peak harvest in mid-May through August.
Blueberries can be found in the market all year round, along with frozen, canned and dried blueberries.
Blueberries are low in calories and sodium and are a good source of fiber.
Blueberries rank high in antioxidants that help protect against cancer, heart disease and other age-related diseases.
Researchers have found compounds in blueberries that may help prevent urinary tract infection.
Purchasing Blueberries
When purchasing fresh blueberries, look for firm, plump, dry berries with smooth skins and a silvery sheen. Check the color - reddish berries aren’t ripe, but can be used in cooking. Avoid soft or shriveled fruit, or any signs of mold. Containers with juice stains indicate that the fruit may be bruised.
Storing Blueberries
Refrigerate fresh blueberries as soon as you get them home, in their original plastic pack or in a covered bowl or storage container. Wash berries just before use. Use within 10 days of purchase.
Freezing Blueberries
Freeze unwashed and completely dry. Discard berries that are bruised or shriveled. Blueberries can be frozen in their original plastic pack or in a resealable plastic or frozen bag or transfered to freezer container. Remember to rinse them before using.
Serving Suggestions
*Add blueberries to your favorite muffin or pancake recipe.
*Combine blueberries with yogurt and granola cereal.
*Sprinkle blueberries over mixed greens.
*Serve blueberries with sour cream, yogurt or cottage cheese.
Makes 3 Servings.
1 small, ripe Banana
1 cup Frozen Blueberries
8 ounces low-fat Yogurt (Vanilla or Fruit Flavored)
3/4 cup low-fat (1%) Milk
1. Peel banana, cut into 1-inch chunks. Place the banana chunks into the blender.
2. Put the frozen blueberries, yogurt and milk into the blender with the bananas.
3. Cover and blenderize on high speed for about 1 minute or until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour smoothie into cups.
Nutrition Analysis per one serving:
Calories (kcal) 124; Dietary Fiber (g) 2.2; Fat (g) 2; Calcium (mg) 177; Sodium (mg) 75
During the month of July, we enjoyed the sweet flavor of blueberries in various recipes. Below are some of the photographs taken to capture their versatility and beauty.
Recipe. Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat) with Fresh Blueberries
Recipe. Blueberry Ices with Kiwi and Blueberries
Recipe. Orange Sections and Fresh Blueberries
Recipe. Blueberries with Vanilla Ice Cream (light),
Blueberry Ices and Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)
Blueberry Ices and Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)
Recipe. Blueberry Crumb Ice Cream
with Fresh Blueberries
with Fresh Blueberries
Recipe. Fruit Garden with Blueberries, Watermelon,
Pineapples, Grapes, and Kiwi
Pineapples, Grapes, and Kiwi
Resources
North American Blueberry Council. NABC, The North American Blueberry Council
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
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