April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month Discover the Benefits, Planting Methods and Delicious Recipes

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and 

Tomatoes are Low in Calories and rich in Vitamin C.

They are fun and easy to grow, indoors or outdoors.

Included:

*Nutrition Facts

*Florida Tomatoes

*10 Health Benefits of Tomatoes

*Corinne Dobbas, R.D. from Tomato Wellness

*John Denver singing "Homegrown Tomatoes" with suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes.

*Recipes by John Tanasychuk, Food Editor, Sun-Sentinel @FloridaEats, SUP: Florida Eats

*Resources

Nutrition Facts

Florida Tomatoes - So Delicious

Ten Health Benefits of Tomatoes
1. Tomatoes are the most concentrated food source of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention and treatment of some cancers, such as colon, prostrate, breast, lung and pancreatic cancers.

2. Tomatoes are low in calories. One medium-sized tomato (about five ounces) has 25 calories, a great snack to include on a weight control program.

3. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C. One-cup tomato provides about 78 percent of the daily value (DV)1. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps the body resist infection and aides in wound healing.

4. Tomatoes are a good source of fiber. One cup of diced tomatoes provides 7.9 percent of the DV for fiber. Studies show fiber may lower high blood cholesterol levels, aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and help an individual feel full longer.

5. One cup of tomatoes contains 22.4 percent of the DV for vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision and night blindness.

6. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium (11.4% DV per one cup). Research indicates diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

7. Tomatoes enhance the flavor and color of meals making food more appealing.

8. Tomatoes contain chromium; a mineral associated with helping people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

9. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is found in tomatoes. One cup of tomatoes provides 5.1 percent of the DV for riboflavin. Studies on riboflavin show they may prevent migraines.

10. Tomatoes are a source of folate (6.8% DV per one cup). Folate has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and neurological defects in the fetus.

1 The Daily Value (DV) of foods comes from the Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). DV provides a frame of reference to evaluate the nutrients consumed.

Tomato Wellness – Big Red Surprise

Corinne Dobbas, R.D. gives some insight into the difference between fresh tomatoes, and tomatoes packaged as canned, paste, salsa, ketchup, marinara, etc.

Growing Tomatoes

 

Recipes
John Denver sings about "Homegrown Tomatoes" and includes
suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes. 

Time is ripe  by John Tanasychuk, Staff Writer, Sun-Sentinel
Tomatoes are making a comeback after Florida's winter freeze.

The article contains information on storage, handling, preparation and nutrition information. John includes 10 quick tomato recipes, including; one of my favorites, "Tomato Napoleons". To prepare cut peeled tomatoes into four crosswise slices. Layer with mascarpone cheese spiked with fresh dill and slivered smoked salmon. Serve on greens with toast. (Nutrition Information: 172 Calories; 8 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates; 3 g Dietary Fiber; 8 g Fat; 3.7 g Saturated Fat; 21 mg Cholesterol; 1229 IU Vitamin A; 24 mg Vitamin C; 97 IU Vitamin D ; 366 mg Potassium; 299 mg Sodium)

Resources
Florida Tomatoes
Tomato Products Wellness Council

The Easter Egg

The Easter Egg

Where did the colored Easter eggs come from? The egg is a symbol of new life, rebirth and the celebration of spring. The early Christians describes the egg as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.

After a long hard winter with small amounts of food, an egg for Easter was quite a treasure. Later, Christians abstained from eating meat during Lent. Easter was the first chance to enjoy eggs and meat after the long abstinence.

Nutrition Facts
A medium-size chicken egg is only 70 calories and rich in protein. Check the chocolate eggs below and compare.

Nutrition Label Blooper

Wishing you the Joy of Easter

April 7, 2012 - World Health Day "Good Health Adds Life to Years"

Ageing and health - to which each and every one of us can relate - is the 2012 theme of World Health Day. Using the slogan "Good health adds life to years", campaign activities and materials focus on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities. 

Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and the world will soon have more older people than children. This social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities. In particular, countries may only have a single generation to prepare their health and social systems for an ageing world. http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2012/en/index.html

Good Health and Staying Active
Adds Life to Years

April 4, 2012 Wellness News Walking, Whole Grains and Vitamin C

April 4, 2012  A lots happening in the food, nutrition and health fields today.


Whole Grain Sampling Day    The Whole Grains Council is holding its first Whole Grain Sampling Day. The goal is to have people trying new foods with whole grains. Stop by the Whole Grains Council to learn more and meet some of the companies participating.

National Walking Day 

The American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to get out and walk. Great for businesses and families. 

Here is a catchy song to start your walking.

Vitamin C.   On April 4, 1932, Charles Glen King at the University of Pittsburgh first isolated Vitamin C.

Foods rich in vitamin C

Beyond National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU

Beyond National Nutrition Month

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® has been "Get Your Plate in Shape."  The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare this video to review the dietary guidelines in planning healthy meals. 

Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU. 
A look at the dietary guidelines as a tool for meal planning.

National Nutrition Month Messages from the FIU SDA
Feel free to print and attach to your refrigerator.

March 30, Jeopardy celebrates its Anniversary with Healthy Foods

Jeopardy first premiered on March 30, 1964 on NBC. To celebrate Jeopardy's anniversary and National Nutrition Month, some healthy foods got together to compete.

Are you ready to play?

Diabetes Alert Day March 27, 2012

 

The American Diabetes Association has designated
March 27, 2012 as Diabetes Alert Day.

The American Diabetes Association is at the forefront of the fight to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes. They provide education, promote awareness, advocate on behalf of diabetes patients and are the authoritative source on diabetes in the United States.

Resources
Check-up America: Diabetes Basics. 
National Diabetes Education Program  
Tips for Teens with Diabetes: Make Healthy Food Choices
Tips for Kids: How to Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes


To learn more about the American Diabetes Association and events planned for Diabetes Alert day,
Visit American Diabetes Association Alert Day.

March 25, Pecan Day

Most of the fat contained in pecans is unsaturated fat. 
Pecans are a good source of fiber and protein. Pecans 
are sodium-free and cholesterol-free.

One Pecan Half = 10 Calories

Two Tbsp Pecan Halves (9 pecans) = 86 Calories

MyPlate: Nutrition Profile of a Pizza A tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable

Information based on 1/8 of a 12” Pizza
MyPlate Evaluation

1 srv Grain.              1 slice Whole Wheat Crust

1 srv Vegetable.  1 cup Squash, Mushrooms,Onions, Peppers

1 srv Fruit.   1/2 cup Tomatoes, Pineapples

1 srv Dairy.  1/3 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, Low Fat

2 srv Protein.  1/2 cup Black Beans

Approximate 385 Calories per slice

Optional Protein: Tofu, Lean Ground Beef, Turkey Sausage

One-fourth cup of cooked beans or peas counts as 

1 ounce equivalent in the Protein Foods Group.)

March 10, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls. 

It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH). It helps organizations across the country come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS. 

I Know - Women and Girls fight
 stigma around HIV and AIDS

Learn more, visit http://1.usa.gov/x41IsP 

February 28, 2012 National Pancake Day

Celebrate National Pancake Day as a fun family activity.
Remember a stack of pancakes is not a single serving.

1 stack (20 pancakes) equals approximately 1600 calories

"Perfect Pancake" - "Sid the Science Kid"

What is a Pancake?

A pancake is a thin, flat cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter. Most pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. Depending on the region, pancakes may be served at any time, with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, fruit, syrup or meat.

The pancake's shape and structure varies worldwide. There are numerous variations of them throughout Europe. A crêpe is a French variety of thin pancake cooked on one or both sides in a special crepe pan to achieve a network of fine bubbles often compared to lace - a savory variety made from buckwheat is usually known as a galette. In Germany, pancakes can be made from potatoes. In Italy they can be fried and stuffed with ricotta and chocolate into what is known as a cannoli.

Healthy Pancake Recipes

Click the links to obtain the recipes.

Oatmeal Pancake Recipe by Stella Juarez, yields 10 pancakes.
Nutrients Per Serving
Calories (kcal) 59.8
Fat (g) 0.9
Saturated Fat (g) 0.1
Cholesterol (mg) 0.4

Mr. Breakfast, Light And Tasty Lemon Yogurt Pancakes, yields 8 servings
Analysis is based on the use of egg substitutes.
Nutrients Per Serving
Calories (kcal) 104.2
Fat (g) 3.7
Saturated Fat (g) 0.3
Cholesterol (mg) 0.7

Reference
IHOP

 

Sneak Preview March is National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape

March is 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 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Get Your Plate in Shape."

The theme explores the health benefits associated with eating foods from all the food groups and staying active. During the month of March, we will explore the food groups and their benefits. 

Our Host this year is Mary MyPlate.
She puts it all together.

Her support cast includes ..... 

and Some Surprise Friends

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

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
http://www.wheelchair-connection.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Lance Li
Michelle Canazaro

National Jell-O Week February 12 - 18, 2012

February is National Snack Month

February 12 to 18, 2012

 

Week

Jelly or jello comes from gelatin. The Gelatin found in Jell-O comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones, hooves and connective tissues. Gelatin is not recommended for vegetarians. In 1923 D-Zerta became the first sugar-free gelatin dessert.  

Agar or agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from agarophyte (red algae). Agar is used as an ingredient in desserts, a vegetarian gelatin substitute, a thickener for soups, in jellies, ice cream and other desserts. Agar-agar is approximately 80% fiber and serves to regulate bowel movements.  

Agar-agar is sold in packages as washed and dried strips or in powdered form. For making jelly, it is boiled in water until the solids dissolve. Sweetener, flavouring, colouring, fruit or vegetables are then added and the liquid is poured into molds to be served as desserts and vegetable aspics, or incorporated with other desserts.  Reference: Wikipedia

Liz Hickok is a San Francisco-based artist known for her work in Jell-O. Her artwork is exhibited across the country and internationally. Hickok’s San Francisco in Jell-O has been covered by The New York Times, Harper’s, Gastronomica, and appeared on the cover of Artweek. Hickok also appeared on the Food Network Awards Show, where she won an award for “Best Use of Food as Art Medium.” Click the link to view Liz Hickok portfolio

The Jell-O Gallery

As a dietitian, gelatin became known as a stable for clear liquid and full-liquid diets. It is often recommended for vomiting as a means to replace fluid loss and provide calories. The sugar-free gelatin became a favorite for individuals as a "Free Food" on weight-loss programs and diabetic diets. Gelatin is considered a fluid and therefore must be calculated when a patient is placed on a fluid restriction. 

Jell-O Commercials

1990

2010

Links
Jell-O Recipes
7 Wacky Jell-O Molds from Around the World
Gelatin gets the jiggle back on

January - National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Sponsor: The National Birth Defects Prevention Network 

2011 March of Dimes Report Card 

Preterm birth rates improved in almost every state between 2006 and 2009, and in several states the change was more than 10 percent. According to the March of Dimes 2011 Premature Birth Report Card the United States earned a C; indicating the USA has a long way to go in reducing our rate of premature birth. At 1 in 8 babies born too soon, our country’s rate is higher than that of most developed nations.

Prevent Birth Defects

National Birth Defects Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness of birth defects and promote healthy pregnancies.

A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother’s body. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.

Many birth defects can be prevented. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, these tips can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby:

* Take a multivitamin with folic acid every day before and during pregnancy.

* See your doctor or midwife regularly as soon as you think you're pregnant and throughout your pregnancy.

* Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

* Eat well and stay active.

* Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other drug use.

* Prevent infections from food and other sources.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Diet and exercise
Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Health problems are linked to weighing too much or too little before and during pregnancy. Your health is affected by what you eat and by your physical activity.

Here are a few important guidelines for healthy eating:
• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains such as whole wheat, oats, barley and brown rice. These are excellent sources of the vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber you need every day to feel your best.

• Eat less of the foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as meat, poultry and whole milk dairy foods (low-fat dairy is okay). Saturated fat and cholesterol are strongly linked to heart disease, cancer and obesity.

Regular physical activity helps control weight, strengthen your heart, and give you more energy. It also reduces depression and relieves stress. It’s a good idea to exercise at least 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

Alcohol and drugs
Drinking alcohol or taking any type of legal or street drugs during the early weeks of pregnancy can hurt your unborn baby. That’s when the brain and other organs are forming.

If you drink alcohol, so does your unborn baby. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is a leading known cause of mental retardation. If you are considering a pregnancy, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol before you conceive.

Cocaine, crack, heroin, amphetamines and other street drugs can badly hurt your baby if you use them while you are pregnant. Your baby could suffer lifelong health problems. Get help to stop using drugs before you become pregnant and stay clean.

Join the Beautiful and Bald Barbie Campaign

The Beautiful and Bald Barbie

To help young children who suffer from hair loss due to cancer treatments, Alopecia or Trichotillomania. Also, for young children who are having trouble coping with their mother's hair loss from chemo. Many children have some difficulty accepting their mother, sister, aunt, grandparent or friend going from long haired to bald.

My Barbie is a quadriplegia.
She is in a wheelchair and is a photographer. 

Barbie has become a teaching tool for a variety of professions; eating disorders; body image distortions, etc..

A bald Barbie shows the world that no illness can take away beauty.
Providing resources and accessories gives a bald Barbie the power of

Acceptance for many children, their families and friends.

To learn more, visit Beautiful and Bald Barbie!
and the Bald G.I. Joe Movement