AND tip of the day: Washington and His Cherry Tree

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

February 28, 2013

Washington and His Cherry Tree

George Washington knew cherries are delicious, that’s why he had a cherry tree! Cherries don’t just taste good, though; they are a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants.
This time of year when cherries aren’t in season, enjoy them frozen. Research shows frozen and canned foods can be as nutritious as fresh. Frozen fruits come in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties, so make sure to check the label and choose unsweetened.
For more information on leading a healthier lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit Eat Right Nutrition Tips.


SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

AND tip of the day: Coping with a Picky Toddler

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

February 26, 2013

Coping with a Picky Toddler

Do you feel like your child survives on dry cereal and air? Every parent of a young child has been through the pain of a picky eating phase, but how can you ensure toddlers get the nutrition they need without constant worry about their well-being?
Many parents go right to forcing or bribing their kids to eat foods but that rarely gets the desired result, making mealtime a tense situation for everyone. Your job as a parent is buying and preparing a variety of delicious, healthful foods; offering regular meals and snacks; and making the mealtime as pleasant as possible, the rest is up to your children. Whether they eat, how much they eat and what they eat is their responsibility.
Children are often more open to new foods when everyone surrounding them is relaxed about eating. Although your child may not eat perfectly every day, rest assured, they tend to eat well enough over the course of several days or a week.
For more information on feeding your picky toddler, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit the Academy's Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers page.


SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

AND tip of the day: It's Persimmon Season

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

February 19, 2013

It's Persimmon Season

During the summer months, we enjoy the bounty of in-season fruits and vegetables. Keep looking for what’s in season all winter, too. For example, you’ll find persimmons available this winter.
Persimmons look somewhat like an orange-red tomato with a pointy end. If it’s ripe, it’s sweet. If not, persimmons can be mouth-puckering, bitter and sour. Eat it whole or use it in desserts and baked foods.
This fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A—one medium persimmon provides about half your daily recommended amount. Persimmons are also a rich source of vitamin C and fiber.
For more information on leading a healthier lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit the Academy's Eat Right Nutrition Tips.


SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

AND tip of the day: MSG Sensitive

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

February 13, 2013

MSG Sensitive

Are you someone who experiences symptoms like body tingling or warmth after eating foods containing monosodium glutamate or MSG and think you are MSG sensitive?
The symptoms people describe after eating foods with MSG have been called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” because MSG was once common in Chinese cuisine. In actuality, research hasn’t found a definitive link between MSG and Chinese food. Other food components, perhaps a common allergen such as soy, could cause this adverse reaction.
If you want to control the amount of MSG you eat, order food without added MSG in restaurants and when choosing seasonings, read the fine print on the labels for MSG. If the menu says “No MSG” it likely means no added MSG but it could be in other ingredients such as soy sauce.
For more information on MSG, consult a registered dietitian in your area and learn more about Food Allergies and Intolerances.



SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

AND tip of the day: Keep Your Produce Safe

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

February 8, 2013

Keep Your Produce Safe

Most health risks that are linked to produce can be eliminated with proper food preparation, like cleaning produce thoroughly. We think to clean produce like apples before we eat them, but do you wash fruits with an inedible peel like bananas and oranges?

• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables with cool tap water immediately before eating.
• Wash produce before you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren't transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There's no need to use soap or a produce wash. For firm produce such as melons and cucumbers, scrub with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating. Remove and discard outer leaves of lettuce.
• Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.

For more information on keeping your produce safe, visit www.homefoodsafety.org.
SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics