Let’s Get Our Plate in Shape: Breakfast National Nutrition Month

Let’s Get Our Breakfast Plate in Shape

National Nachos Day Election Day Nachos

August 8, Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch

Due to overzealous planting of zucchini, people are asked to drop off baskets of squash on neighbors’ door-steps. Annually, August 8.

Hot weather brings an abundance of summer squash. Yellow crookneck, straight neck, zucchini, pattypan and Mediterranean are some of the popular varieties.

Fruits and Veggies More Matters has a list of 10 ways to enjoy zucchini.

The Produce Lady in the following video provides
preparation ideas, cooking tips and recipes for squash.

Sesame Street: Veg Side Story
Sesame Street introduces the zucchini to children everywhere through
music and a delightful story.

For more information about this event, visit
Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbors' Porch Day

August 3, National Mustard Day

Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard; brown or Indian mustard; or black mustard). The whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices, to create a mustard ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor.

There are many varieties of mustard, which come in a wide range of strengths and flavors. The basic taste and heat of the mustard is largely determined by seed type, preparation and ingredients. Black seeded mustard is usually the hottest type. Preparation also plays a key role in the outcome.

The National Mustard Museum, located in Middleton, Wisconsin was founded by Barry Levenson in 1986. The Museum has a collection of more than 5,300 mustards and hundreds of mustard memorabilia.

On August 6th the Mustard Museum will host the 20th Annual National Mustard Day festival in Middleton, Wisconsin. The festival is considered the "world's largest condiment party." There will be mustard tastings, mustard-themed games, kids activities, live music and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.

World Famous Mustard Museum

The world's foremost collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia
with curator Barry Levenson in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Culinary Uses

Mustard is often used at the table as a condiment. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing. Mustard is popular with hot dogs, pretzels, and sausages. Mustard is also an emulsifier which can stabilize a mixture of two or more unblendable liquids such as oil and water.

Weight Control Tip. Mustard is low in calories and depending on the brand contains a moderate amount of sodium (see table below). Instead of mayonnaise, tartar sauce or other high fat-high caloric dressings try mustard. Use prepared mustard with fish, instead of tartar sauce to create a wonderful flavor that saves 50 calories per tablespoon.

Mustard Nutrition Information

A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water and inflame the nasal passages and throat. Mustard can also cause allergic reactions: since 2005, products in the European Union must be labeled as potential allergens if they contain mustard.

How Mustard is Made
Discovery Channel

Resources:
National Mustard Museum
Mustard (condiment), Wikipedia

July 24, National Drive-Thru Day The Pros and Cons of "Drive-Thru Restaurants”

Nutrition Entertainment

Taco Bell Drive-Thru Song

As a Registered Dietitian, I was curious about how many calories, fat and sodium were in their order. Per person, if everything was consumed, the total intake would be:

Calories: 3,549; Fat: 179 g; Sodium: 7782 mg

The calorie intake is excessive (by about 1000-2000 calories); Fat about 3 times the normal range; and sodium is off the chart (recommendation - less than 1500 to 2300 mg/day). However, the song is funny and I look forward to hearing more from Rhett and Link.

Drive-Thru Rap: Healthy Version

Rhett and Link are concerned about people's health and created the
Healthy Version of the Drive-Thru Rap.

Rhett and Link are a North Carolina-based comedy duo consisting of life-long best friends, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal. They are best known for their Internet videos. In addition to their web presence, Rhett and Link are also musicians and filmmakers, and have worked in network television as hosts. They own and operate a video production company, Rhett and Link, Inc. To learn more about the talented duo visit http://rhettandlink.com/.

July 5, National Graham Cracker Day

The graham cracker was invented in 1829 in New Jersey, by Sylvester Graham. The original graham cracker was made with graham flour, a combination of finely-ground unbleached-wheat flour with the wheat bran and germ coarsely-ground and added back in providing nutrition and flavor. Graham crackers started out as a bland food, unsweetened or mildly sweetened; today they are known as a sugar sweetened baked good, similar to the English term biscuit.

Graham crackers are a common American snack for young children and older adults; often accompanied with fruit juice or milk.

How to Make Graham Crackers

Resource
Graham cracker, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

June 21, 2013 Take Your Dog To Work Day Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day® was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event asks pet lovers to celebrate the humane-canine bond and promote pet adoption by encouraging employers to support “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.

On Friday June 21, 2013 businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Pet Sitters International invites your business to participate in this fun and worthwhile event.

For nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. "Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Health Benefits of a Dog

Studies have found that:
• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
• People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.
• Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without pets.
• Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

Caring for a pet can help 
with those healthy lifestyle changes by:

• Increasing exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to involve boring repetition at a gym. Taking a dog for a walk, riding a horse, or simply chasing a kitten around are fun ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.

• Providing companionship. Isolation and loneliness can make disorders such as depression even worse. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems. Most pet owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.

• Helping meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.
• Reducing anxiety. The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world.
• Adding structure and routine to your day. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—you’ll always have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for your pet.
• Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. This could involve petting a cat or taking a dog for a walk.

Pets and older adults
The key to aging well is to effectively handle life’s major changes, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, and the physical changes of aging. Pets can play an important role in healthy aging by:
• Helping you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, you’ll lose things that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. You may retire from your career or your children may move far away. Caring for a pet can bring pleasure and help boost your morale and optimism. Taking care of an animal can also provide a sense of self-worth.
• Staying connected. Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older. Retirement, illness, death, and moves can take away close friends and family members. And making new friends can get harder. Dogs especially are a great way for seniors to spark up conversations and meet new people.
• Boosting vitality. You can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with aging by taking good care of yourself. Pets encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which can help boost your immune system and increase your energy.


Resources and References
Facebook. Take your dog to work
5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets
Take Your Dog To Work Day
Pet Sitters International

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

A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care

A Gift from the Heart
for the Heart

A Special Father's Day Gift to Show You Care
"Health is the Greatest Gift and Happiness the Greatest Wealth"
1. Print the card and cut along the grey outer border.
2. Fold the card in half. It's about the size of a business card.
3. Place wallet size photos on the blank side of the card.
4. Optional Gifts to place inside:
    Lottery Ticket, Dinner at his Favorite Restaurant, a Day at the Beach,
    Voucher to Wash His Car, Family Picnic, Tickets to a Sporting Event,
    Time Together

Your father will carry around photos of loved ones with health reminders.
A perfect gift for a Special Father.

Sample Outside

Checklist to Stay Healthy

June 8, World Oceans Day

June 8th is World Oceans Day.

The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network has helped coordinate events and activities throughout the world. In December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution making World Oceans Day officially recognized by the UN on June 8th each year.

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water. The oceans have played a crucial role in the history and sustenance of all life.




From the Ocean Project: 
The World's Oceans....

*Generates most of the oxygen we breathe

*Helps feed us

*Regulates our climate

Celebrate World Oceans Day

Why the Ocean?

Goals of World Oceans Day

This year, World Ocean Day encourages us to reach out to young people in our community and help inspire them for the 2012 theme Youth: the Next Wave for Change.

Discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.

Celebrate - whether you live inland or on the coast we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organize or participate in activities that celebrate our world ocean.

It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations. Please don't just leave memories of the wonders of the Oceans for our children and grandchildren.

Celebrate World Oceans Day

Watch Oceana spokeswoman January Jones journey to Belize on a La Mer-sponsored dive.

Disney describes the
beauty and important role
the ocean plays in our lives.

Oceans - Disney Nature Trailer

The "Little Mermaid Under the Sea"

Explore http://oneworldoneocean.org/ocean-we-want-to-know to learn more about the amazing places Ferdie and Mitzi visited and critters they saw on their thrilling trip through the world's ocean habitats.

Ocean Facts

1. The oceans occupy nearly 71% of our planet's surface.

2. More than 97% of our entire planet's water is contained in the ocean. 

3. Fish supply the greatest percentage of the world's protein consumed by humans. More than 3.5 billion people depend on the ocean for their primary source of food. In 20 years, this number could double to 7 billion. 

4. Each year some 70 to 75 million tons of fish are caught in the ocean. Of this amount around 29 million tons is for human consumption. 

5. Eighty per cent of all pollution in seas and oceans comes from land-based activities.

6. Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion (US) a year. 

7. Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and countless fish each year. Plastic remains in our ecosystem for years harming thousands of sea life every day. 

8. Over the past decade, an average of 600,000 barrels of oil a year has been accidentally spilled from ships, the equivalent of 12 disasters the size of the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in 2002. 

9. Although coral reefs comprise less than 0.5 per cent of the ocean floor, it is estimated that more than 90 per cent of marine species are directly or indirectly dependent on them. 

10. Species of fish endangered by overfishing are tuna, salmon, haddock, halibut, and cod.

Resources.

Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Foundation

Save the Sea

Memorial Day Traditions and Safety

Memorial Day Food Safety

visit www.fightbac.org

and Home Food Safety

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials of soldiers who lost their lives protecting our freedoms.  On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. At 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season. Families gather together for a long weekend marked by barbecuing, fireworks and trips to the beach. This is an important time to remember food safety practices.

The History of Memorial Day

Safe Summer Grilling Advice 
from the Department of Agriculture


Food Safety Advice for

Beach and Boat Outings