Produce Spotlight: from L-W

This month I am highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables. We are learning about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We've already learned the A, B, C's of produce. Today, we'll learn more about how to pick the best produce.

Lemons

• Selection: Choose lemons that are firm and heavy for their size. Look for thin, smooth skin.
• Storage: Lemons can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and high in vitamin C
• Fun Fact: The color "lemon" was added to the Crayola coloring box in 1949.

Mandarin Oranges aka "cuties"

• Selection: Select mandarin oranges that are heavy for their size. Avoid blemished fruit that has cuts, mold, or soft spots.
• Storage: Refrigerate mandarin oranges up to 2 weeks. They may be stored on the counter for a few days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, a good source of vitamin A, and an excellent source of vitamin C
• Fun Facts: Mandarin oranges are a class of oranges the include Satsumas, Clementine, Honey, and tangerines. The skin of these oranges is easy to peel. There are even seedless varieties!

Peaches

• Selection: Choose peaches that have firm, fuzzy skins. Peaches are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure.
• Storage: Store at room temperature and use within 1-2 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and a good source of vitamin C
• Fun Fact: You can accelerate peach ripening by placing unripe peaches in a paper bag.

Red Potatoes

• Selection: Choose firm, fairly smooth potatoes; avoid potatoes with wrinkles.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place that is well-ventilated. Use potatoes within 3-5 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of vitamin C.
• Fun Fact: Red potatoes were first cultivated in Peru. They are best for roasting or boiling.

Sweet Potatoes

• Selection: Choose firm, fairly smooth potatoes; avoid potatoes with blemishes, cracks, or soft spots..
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. Use potatoes within 3-5 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: good source of dietary fiber and potassium and high in of vitamin C.
• Fun Fact: Red potatoes were first cultivated in Peru. They are best for roasting or boiling.

Watermelon

• Selection: Choose a watermelon that is heavy for its size and has yellowish underside.
• Storage: You can store a whole watermelon at room temperature. Refrigerate watermelon in a zip-top bag or airtight container and use within 5 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and high in vitamin A and C.

Stay tuned all month for ideas to include more fruits and vegetables into your diet. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

The A, B, C's of Produce

This month I am highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain  a plethora of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. There are many health benefits to consuming adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals including promoting good health and disease prevention. Today, we're also learning the A, B, C's of how to pick the best produce.

Apples

• There are a variety of types of apples: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, the list is almost never-ending. The different varieties of apples have different textures, tartness, and sweetness.
• Selection: The key to picking a good apple is to pick a firm apple and avoid bruises that create mush spots.
• Storage: Refrigerate apples in a plastic storage bag; keep away from strongly-odored foods. 
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and a good source of dietary fiber

Bananas

• Selection: Choose bananas that are slightly green near the tip and stem. Bananas should be firm; avoid bruises.
• Storage: Bananas continue to ripen at room temperature. You may also store banana in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The skin of the banana may darken.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Beets

• Selection: Choose beets that have smooth, firm skin. Look for fresh leaves that are not wilted.
• Storage: Remove leaves, but leave about one inch of stem. Store in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Use within 3 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of folate
• You can eat the beet and the leaves!

Bell Peppers

• Selection: Chose firm, brightly colored bell peppers. Avoid dull or shriveled peppers.
• Storage: Refrigerate in a zip-top plastic bag; use within 5 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, high in vitamin C
• Fun Fact: Pepper, including bell peppers, originated in Central and South America.

Broccoli

• Selection: Choose broccoli with bluish-green florets and tight heads. Choose broccoli that does not have an odor.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Use within 3-5 days for maximum flavor and freshness.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, high in folate, and a good source of fiber and potassium.

Blueberries

• Selection: Choose firm, plump blueberries with a dusty blue color. Avoid shriveled or moldy berries.
• Storage: Refrigerate for 10-14 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: low fat and a good source of vitamin C and fiber
• Fun Fact: Early American colonists made grey paint by boiling blueberries in milk!

Cherry Tomatoes

• Selection: Choose tomatoes that are plump and firm with bright, shiny skin. Avoid mold.
• Storage: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. 
• Nutrition Benefits: high in vitamin A and C and a good source of potassium

Grapes

• Selection: Choose grapes that are plump and firm. Avoid mold.
• Storage: Grapes can be refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat-free, cholesterol free, and very low in sodium

Stay tuned for more on picking produce in the remainder of the alphabet. Throughout this month, I will share ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Eating Local Year-Round

There is a huge trend in food - eating local! Eating local gives you fresh produce packed with micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals. The best way to eat local is to eat in season. So, what's in season year-round?

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell Peppers
• Broccolini
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cherry tomatoes
• Leeks
• Lemons
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Olives
• Onions
• Papayas
• Parsnips
• Pearl Onions
• Potatoes
• Snow Peas

Thank you to More Matters for this year-round produce list. This month I will highlight a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We'll learn how to pick the best produce and ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Here's to a great month!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

September is Fruit and Veggies Month

Happy Fruit and Vegetables Month! This month, we will focus on one healthy habit, eating more fruits and vegetables. We will discuss what's in season, what nutrients we get from each of the featured fruits and vegetables, and creative ways to work fruits and vegetables into our diets. We are taking small steps to big results!

Today, we are discussing a healthy habit, which is . . . eating more fruits and veggies! We know that fruits and vegetables are important. I'm sure you've been told to eat more fruits or vegetables in your lifetime. But, why is it important? 

Importance of Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients. Every color in fruits and vegetables represents a different micronutrient, vitamin or mineral, that helps nourish your body. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber serves many purposes including: filling us up (satiety), aiding in regularity of bowel movements, and fiber can help lower cholesterol and mediate blood sugar levels.

This month I will highlight a variety of fruits and vegetables. We will learn about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We'll learn how to pick the best produce and ideas for including more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Here's to a great month!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Kids Eat Right Month: Green Chips

Happy Kids Eat Right Month! As a pediatric registered dietitian (RD), I often get asked many questions about feeding children in a healthy way. This month we will discuss many topics about healthy eating with a focus on teaching children how to eat healthy. Luckily, these principles can be applied to children of all ages (including adults who are kids at heart)!

So, the most common question I get is "How do I get my child to eat healthy?". Today, I have an easy recipe that might just get your child to try Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a member of the cabbage family, that's why they look like mini cabbages. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A; they are low in calories and fat.

You may have grown up with mushy, smelly Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a mineral, sulfur, in them. If you over-cook this vegetable, there can be an odor. I happen to love Brussels sprouts. I love a crispy, roasted vegetable, which is how I came up with this simply, quick recipe.

For children, I think marketing is important for fruits and vegetables. We can make eating fruits and veggies fun by incorporating colors or giving dishes fun names. For grown-ups, I would call this roasted Brussels sprouts. For kids, we could name this green chips or Hulk chips (if your child is an Avengers fan). Here's the recipe.

Green Chips or Roasted Brussels Sprouts
8 oz Brussels sprouts
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Wash and trim your Brussels sprouts. Cut Brussels sprouts in half and trim the woody end. Separate leaves. Toss in olive oil and place in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. After 15-20 minutes, turn the Brussels sprouts and salt them. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until caramelized.

The leaves of the Brussels sprouts get caramelized and crispy. They turn into mini green chips. These are so delicious! Try them; I think you'll like it. Enjoy!

Stay tuned all this month for more on healthy eating and Kids Eat Right Month. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 10

How are you doing with the #HealthyRD Challenge? I hope you are doing well! 

What is the Healthy RD Challenge?

This is my challenge for each of us to take one step a day on the road to being healthier . . . the healthy road or #HealthyRD if you will. If you participate in the #HealthyRD challenge, make sure you use the hashtag #HealthyRD. Tag me on Instagram and or tweet me, @RDtipoftheday, for a chance to be featured! I am sharing the five healthy choices I'm making each day this week.  Here's a reminder of what I did for the Healthy RD Challenge last week: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and Day 7, Day 8, and Day 9. Check out the links to get ideas on living a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 10

Today, I am going to try a new food and eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies today, which is my #HealthyRD Day 10 healthy choice. One healthy dietary obstacle most people face is eating enough fruits and veggies. Many people state that the taste of fruits and vegetables is the number 1 obstacle to meeting the #5aDayChallenge. So, I encourage you to try a new food. If you have tried a food before and not liked it, try the food cooked in a new way. My sister in law makes sauteed Brussels sprouts that are a Thanksgiving favorite. One of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants makes roasted cauliflower that are so delicious. If I did not try these foods, I would be missing out on some deliciously healthy foods. So, try a new food; you might just like it!

Today, I am going to meet the #5aDayChallenge. I first issued a #5aDayChallenge last summer as a way to encourage myself and others to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. I am taking the #5aDayChallenge to become a #HealthyRD (healthier Registered Dietitian). Who's with me?

How will you choose to be healthy today?

Check with your personal RD or MD before starting a new diet or exercise program to make sure it is healthy, safe, and the right choice for you.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter . You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy:

Healthy RD Challenge Roundup

3 Hummus Recipes

Lasagna Bake Recipe

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 3

How are you doing with the #HealthyRD Challenge? I hope you are doing well! Here's a reminder of what I've done for the Healthy RD Challenge: Day 1 and Day 2.

What is the Healthy RD Challenge?
This is my challenge for each of us to take one step a day on the road to being healthier . . . the healthy road or #HealthyRD if you will. If you participate in the #HealthyRD challenge, make sure you use the hashtag #HealthyRD and tag or tweet me, @RDtipoftheday, for a chance to be featured! I am sharing the five healthy choices I'm making each day this week. 

Healthy RD Challenge: Day 3
Today, I am going to meet the #5aDayChallenge, which is my #HealthyRD Day 3 healthy choice. I issued a #5aDayChallenge last summer as a way to encourage myself and others to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

I have the privilege of counseling children of all ages. The number one healthy dietary obstacle they face is eating enough fruits and veggies. Most children state that the taste of fruits and vegetables is the number 1 obstacle to meeting the #5aDayChallenge.

I also have the privilege of teaching several collegiate nutrition courses. My college students also have challenges to eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. My college students say lack of time (aka busyness) or lack of availability of fruits and vegetables are the two common obstacles to meeting the #5aDayChallenge.

I am a Registered Dietitian (RD). I encourage people to meet the #5aDayChallenge. I am a recovering picky eater. I, like everyone else, am busy. We all have budgets, time constraints, and obstacles that make it challenging to live a healthy lifestyle. However, we also know the importance of eating healthfully. So, I am taking the #5aDayChallenge to become a #HealthyRD (healthier registered dietitian). Who's with me?

How will you choose to be healthy today?

Check with your personal RD or MD before starting a new diet or exercise program to make sure it is healthy, safe, and the right choice for you.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter . You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy:

 

Healthy RD Challenge Day 1

Healthy RD Challenge Day 2

4 Tips for Setting and Achieving Goals

Five Tips to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables

Happy National Nutrition Month! Each day this week, we will focus on one healthy habit to work on. We are taking small steps to big results!

Today, we are discussing a healthy habit, which is . . . eating more fruits and veggies! We know that fruits and vegetables are important. I'm sure you've been told to eat more fruits or vegetables in your lifetime. But, why is it important? 

Importance of Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients. Every color in fruits and vegetables represents a different micronutrient, vitamin or mineral, that helps nourish your body. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber serves many purposes including: filling us up (satiety), aiding in regularity of bowel movements, and fiber can help lower cholesterol.

How can I eat more fruits and veggies?
1) Aim for 5 a Day
How can you reach a goal you haven't set? It's impossible. So, let's set a more specific goal and eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

2) Fill half of your plate with fruits or vegetables
I love the MyPlate model of building a healthy plate. You simply take your plate and fill half of it with fruits and vegetables. One serving of fresh fruit is about the size of your fist or a tennis ball. One serving of leafy vegetables is 1 cup. One serving of sliced fruit or cooked vegetables is 1/2 cup. If you fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, you will usually get 2 servings of fruits or vegetables per meal. If you eat 3 meals per day and have 2 servings of fruits or vegetables per meal, you will succeed (or maybe even exceed) your goal of getting five servings of fruits and vegetables per day!!

3) Choose a fruit or vegetable as a snack
Many fruits and vegetables are perfectly packaged to transport and eat on the go. Think about apples, bananas, carrots, celery, cuties, Mandarin oranges, and satsumas. One of my cousins would carry around a tomato and eat in as a snack.

4) Eat the Rainbow
As we discussed earlier, every different color in food provides us with different nutrients. So, challenge yourself to eat different colors and make a beautiful, nutritious plate.

5) Try a New Food
In my experience as a registered dietitian (RD), the most common reason I hear people do not eat fruits or vegetables is because they don't like the taste. Our taste preferences change over time, so I would encourage you to try a food you've had before and cook it differently. Challenge yourself to try a new food!


I hope you enjoyed these 5 tips on how to eat more fruits and vegetables. I hope you learned a little something. And, I hope you apply these simple steps to your life. Remember, small changes can produce big results. For more information on healthy eating, you might enjoy these posts on fiber, cholesterol, and healthy fats.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter . You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

Dietary Fiber and Heart Health

February is American Heart Health Month, so we are looking at lifestyle changes you can make to be more heart healthy. So, how can you be heart healthy? 
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Be Physically Active
- Check in with Your Doctor

Today we are focusing on healthy dietary choices to be more heart healthy. A diet high in fiber helps keep your heart healthy.

Types of Fiber
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. In the body, it serves attracts water to slow intestinal transit time. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water; it passes through the body undigested and speeds intestinal transit time. In other words, insoluble fiber has a laxative-type effect to help prevent constipation.

Food Sources of Fiber
Fiber is found in many foods. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are all good sources of fiber. Sources of soluble fiber include: apples, beans, blueberries, carrots, celery, cucumber, lentils, oatmeal, oranges, pears, and strawberries to name a few. Source of insoluble fiber include corn bran, wheat bran, nuts, raisins, root vegetable skins, seeds, and whole grains. If you are unsure if your food choice is a "whole grain," look on the Nutrition Facts Label to see if the food has > or = to 3 grams of fiber. If it does, that is a great whole grain choice!

Functions of Fiber
So, what does fiber do? Fiber helps fill you up. It slows stomach emptying, which can help with weight management. Fiber also slows absorption of carbohydrates which can help aid blood glucose management. Soluble fiber can also inhibit absorption of dietary cholesterol, which helps lower blood cholesterol like LDL (low density lipoprotein) when included as part of a heart healthy diet.

How Much Fiber Is Recommended?
Adults need about 25-35 grams of fiber per day. However, most Americans only consume about 15 grams of fiber per day. That's only 50% of the recommended amount! So, how can you get more fiber? 

• Switch to whole grain products. 
• So instead of eating white rice, flour tortilla, or flour pasta, choose brown rice, whole grain tortillas, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, or popcorn (try 94% fat free with reduced sodium). 
• Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• Fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber. Try eating fruits and vegetables with the skin on to get more insoluble and total fiber. 

Please note that different medications or disease states require more or less fiber. Talk with your personal RD or MD before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart attack (myocardial infarctions), please check in with your doctor to get a physical. Tell your doctor your family history of heart disease, your concerns for your health, and ask about what screening you should do.

We will go through each of the dietary and lifestyle topics this week to look more in depth on how you can be heart healthy. Stay tuned for more on physical activity or take a look back at cholesterol, dietary fats, and sodium in relation to heart health.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter . You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.