"People who laugh actually live longer than those who don't laugh. Few persons realize that health actually varies according to the amount of laughter."
James J. Walsh, MD
Having a good laugh usually makes us feel good about ourselves.
I Love to Laugh
Research published in the International Journal of Obesity discovered laughter can be beneficial in weight control.
Laughing helps burn calories by increasing the heart rate by 10 to 20 percent: The metabolism increases as well, meaning you will burn more calories at rest once you have stopped laughing.
Scientists calculated 15 minutes of laughter a day will burn 10 to 40 calories, depending on a person’s weight and the intensity of the laughter.
Laughter can relieve physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which promotes an overall sense of well-being.
Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which may benefit the cardiovascular system.
Laughter may benefit people with diabetes. One study showed after watching a comedy, the group had lower blood sugar levels than they did after listening to a boring lecture.
Laugh because it feels great, because it is healthy for you, and because we take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to lighten up. “Laughter is the best medicine.”
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 preventing and treating some cancers, such as colon, prostate, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
2. Tomatoes are low in calories. One medium-sized tomato (about five ounces) has 25 calories, making it a great snack in 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 heal wounds.
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 that it 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.
11. The Daily Value (DV) of foods comes from the Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). DV provides a frame of reference for evaluating the nutrients consumed.
Tomato Wellness – Snacks
Are you looking for some ideas of affordable, healthy snacks, that you can make out of products you already have in your cupboard? Corinne Dobbas, MS, RD stops in to show us some great easy treats that will keep your body nourished and provide you some great disease-fighting dishes that everyone will enjoy!
Growing Tomatoes Recipes Yellow Squash with Tomatoes
John Denver sings about "Homegrown Tomatoes" and includes suggestions on How do you use them in your favorite recipes?
Tomato Food Photography
Mini Pizza with Spinach, Diced Tomato, Onions, Butternut Squash, Blue Cheese, Oregano, Scallions
From Our Garden
Gazpacho
Tabouli Salad with Grape Tomatoes and String Beans. Canon EOS T3i; f/5.6; expt 1/25 sec; ISO 3200; focal length 47 mm; artificial light; 78 calories/servings
On March 12, 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA was founded. "The Girl Scouts of the USA maintains a strong influence on girls in an accepting and nurturing environment; girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth." In the 1960s, my mother was our girl scout leader. While cleaning up some old files, I found a home video of my mother and other girl scout leaders who took a group of us on a field trip to an Animal Farm and Botanical Gardens (Nassau County, Long Island, New York). It was a wonderful experience and extra special since mom was our leader. I learned about charity, commitment, friendship, family, and much more. However, we did not learn about nutrition in the early 1960s.
To complement the video is a sample of the song called "Julliette" (Girls Scout Founder) by Melinda Carroll.
In 1960, licensed bakers first began wrapping Girl Scout Cookie boxes in printed aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve their freshness. In 1961, 14 licensed bakers were mixing batter for thousands of Girl Scout Cookies annually. By 1966, several varieties were available. Among the best sellers were Chocolate Mint, Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies. Nutrition information was not required on the labels during this time. In the early 1990s, eight varieties were available, including low-fat and sugar-free selections. By 2007, Girl Scouts of the USA announced that all their cookies now had zero trans fat per serving; many required reformulation to accomplish this. Girl Scout cookies are listed as having "0 trans fat per serving" and will have packaging saying Trans Fat-Free. The cookies are not truly trans fat-free, as various partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs, i.e., trans fats) are still listed in the ingredients. Nonetheless, they now have a sufficiently small amount per serving to comply with the government's official standards for the Trans Fat-Free label. (The official rules allow the label to appear where there are fewer than 0.5 grams per serving.) In addition, the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a research review entitled Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Weighing In addresses various underlying causes leading to the epidemic of obesity and being overweight among children and adolescents and the lifestyles, cultures, and behavior that have contributed to this condition. Read more about this research review.
One Girl
Girl Scout Promise: On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Promise is often recited at Girl Scout troop meetings while holding up the three middle fingers of the right hand, which forms the Girl Scout sign. Girl Scout policy states that the word "God" may be interpreted depending on individual spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, "God" may be substituted with the word dictated by those beliefs.
Girl Scout Law: I will do my best to be honest and fair, Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring, Courageous and strong, and Responsible for what I say and do, And to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
January 15 is designated as National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. Many people associate ice cream as a high-calorie dessert, but with portion planning, you can turn ice cream into a healthy snack.
Portion Control
Strawberry Sundae with Granola
Ingredients. 1/4 cup Light Strawberry Ice Cream
1 Tablespoon Granola
1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup Strawberries
Strawberry Ice Cream with Granola
Ingredients. 1/3 cup Light Strawberry Ice Cream
2 Tablespoon Granola
1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup Strawberries
1.5 teaspoons Strawberry Preserves
Nutrition Information. 165 Calories; 3 g Protein; 34 g Carbohydrates; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 3 g Fat (g); 7 mg Cholesterol; 49 mg Vitamin C; 120 mcg Folate; 48 mg Sodium
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 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.
TheNational 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.
The Mustard Museum hosts the 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, kid's activities, live music, and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.
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.
A root beer float, also known as a "black cow" is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.
From the traditional root beer float to an ice cream treat made with vanilla ice cream and frozen root beer soda, National Root Beer Float Day was a big hit in our home.
We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid excess sugar and limit the calories. The amount of diet root beer is not limited because it has "zero" calories.
Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy. Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw and a spoon and enjoy.
Ices. Add 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream to a 4-ounce cup. Slowly pour diet root beer soda on top. Add an ice pop stick (optional). Leave in the freezer overnight. Serve as an ice pop or with a spoon.
Ice Cubes.Freeze root beer soda in an ice cube tray. Leave in the freezer overnight. Add ice cubes to water, milk, or explore the possibilities.
National Hot Dog and Sausage Council How It's Made - Hot Dogs U.S. Laws Regulating Hot Dogs Food Safety Hot Dogs and Nutrition Hot Dogs and Sodium Nitrate Choking risk Commercials Then and Now
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce designated July as National Hot Dog Month in 1957. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (http://www.hot-dog.org) is an organization created in 1994 by the American Meat Institute and is funded by contributions from hot dog and sausage manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, ingredients, and services. The Council conducts scientific research and informs consumers and media on questions related to quality, safety, nutrition, and preparation of hot dogs and sausages.
What's In A Hot Dog by Joy Bauer
How It's Made - Hot Dogs
U.S. Laws Regulating Hot Dogs
A hot dog, frankfurter, or wiener is a cooked sausage. They are made from beef, pork, veal, turkey, chicken, or a combination, and the label must state the type of meat and other foods used. Federal Standards of Identity.
1. Hot dogs may not contain more than 30% fat or no more than 10% water.
2. Beef or all-beef: Contains only beef with no soybean protein or dry milk solid fillers added.
3. Kosher: All beef, usually heavily seasoned.
4. Frankfurter may contain up to 3.5 percent fillers and made from a combination of meats.
5. Turkey or Chicken Franks can contain turkey or chicken and turkey or chicken skin and fat in proportion to a turkey or chicken carcass.
6. If a variety of meats, cereal, or soy fillers are used, the product name must be changed to "links," or the presence must be declared on the label. Hot dogs can be 15% byproducts; heart, kidney, liver, or other organs. But it must be labeled.
7. Up to 3.5% non-meat binders and extenders (such as nonfat dry milk, cereal, or dried whole milk) or 2% isolated soy protein may be used but must be shown in the ingredients statement on the product's label by its common name.
8. The label must say so if a hot dog has a casing or a thin skin and it is different from the meat used in the hot dog. For example, if a chicken hot dog has a pork casing, the label must list the pork casing on the ingredients list. If the casing is artificially colored, the label must indicate this
9. All ingredients in the product must be listed in the ingredients statement in order of predominance, from highest to lowest amounts.
10. To protect consumers against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, mechanically separated beef is considered inedible and is prohibited for use as food. It is not permitted in hot dogs or any other processed product. (Mechanically separated meat is a process whereby meat is separated from the bone by scraping, shaving, or pressing the meat from the bone without crushing, breaking or grinding the bone.)
11. Mechanically separated pork is permitted and must be labeled as "mechanically separated pork" in the ingredients statement. Hot dogs can contain no more than 20% mechanically separated pork.
12. Hot dogs can contain any amount of mechanically separated chicken or turkey.
A vegetarian hot dog is a hot dog produced completely from non-meat products. Vegetarian hot dogs are usually from some sort of soy protein, but some contain egg whites (not acceptable to vegans). There are also vegetarian hot dogs made from tofu.
Food Safety 1. Hot dogs should be reheated until steaming hot before eating due to the threat of listeriosis.
2. If there is no product date, hot dogs can be safely stored in the refrigerator in the unopened package for 2 weeks; once opened, only 1 week.
3. Frozen hot dogs maintain their quality for about 1 or 2 months.
4. Do not leave hot dogs at room temperature for more than 2 hours and no more than 1 hour when the temperature exceeds 90 °F.
Hot Dogs and Nutrition The traditional hot dog is high in fat and salt and contains very little or no fiber. Yet Americans typically consume 7 billion hot dogs during Hot Dog Season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Below is a list of hot dogs: beef, pork, turkey, low-fat, no-fat, and vegetarian. Moderation, individual needs, and preferences are key to planning your meals. If you eat hot dogs more than once a week, it might be wise to choose a lower-fat variety. The analysis provided is based on 2 ounces cooked. It is important to read the label and check the portion size. Some of the hot dogs listed below were rounded up to 2 ounces in order to show a comparison of equal weight.
Hot Dogs and Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite
Many brands of hot dogs contain sodium nitrite and nitrate. It is used as a food preservative and flavor enhancer, prevents spoilage, and helps prevent botulism. Sodium nitrite and nitrate occur naturally in some vegetables, fruits, grains, spices, and water. In the 1970s, several studies linked nitrite consumption with cancer in laboratory rats. As a result, the FDA and the USDA commissioned a comprehensive review of sodium nitrite's role as a food additive. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) results stated that nitrite does not cause cancer, although exposure to high nitrate levels in certain populations may be associated with cancers. The NAS recommended people's exposure to both nitrates and nitrites be reduced as much as possible without endangering the protection against botulism.
The meat industry made substantial changes in the past 20 years to address the concerns about nitrite in cured meats. It reduced the use of nitrite in the processing of cured meats and now averages one-tenth of what the regulations allow.
A Consumer Report analysis found that the nitrates and nitrites in all the hot dogs tested were well below the maximum level for the additives established by the USDA. A hot dog labeled uncured cannot add nitrates or nitrites, but that does not necessarily mean the product is free of them. The three uncured hot dogs tested contained nitrites and nitrates because the compounds occur naturally in spices and other natural ingredients added during processing.
As I reviewed the literature, it was clear the controversy over nitrites causing cancer still exists today. The American Institute for Cancer Research report found that consuming one 50-gram serving of processed meat (about one hot dog) every day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 20 percent. According to the AICR, the average risk of colorectal cancer is 5.8 percent, but 7 percent when a hot dog is consumed daily over years.
Choking Risk
Hot dogs present a significant choking risk, especially for children under 14 years of age. Seventeen percent of all food-related asphyxiations are caused by hot dogs. It is suggested the size, shape, and texture of hot dogs be modified to reduce the risk of choking. Pediatric emergency doctors note that a wedged hot dog is almost impossible to dislodge from a child's windpipe. To serve hot dogs safely for children, one should slice the hot dog into bite-size pieces. For adults, it is recommended to slice hot dogs down the middle length-wise.
Commercials Then and Now
Hebrew National Hotdog Commercial
1978 commercial for Oscar Mayer Hot Dog Wieners. Hot diggity!
July 7 is designated as National Strawberry Sundae Day. With portion planning, you can turn a sundae into a healthy snack or even a nourishing breakfast.
Strawberry Sundae with Granola
Ingredients. 1/4 cup Light Strawberry Ice Cream 1 Tablespoon Granola 1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped 1/2 cup Strawberries
Nutrition Information. 97 Calories; 2 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 2 g Fat (g); 5 mg Cholesterol; 49 mg Vitamin C; 70 mcg Folate; 34 mg Sodium
Strawberry Sundae with Yogurt and Granola
Ingredients. 1/3 cup Light Frozen Strawberry Yogurt 2 Tablespoon Granola 1/4 cup Strawberries, chopped 1/2 cup Strawberries 1.5 teaspoons Strawberry Preserves
Nutrition Information. 165 Calories; 3 g Protein; 34 g Carbohydrates; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 3 g Fat (g); 7 mg Cholesterol; 49 mg Vitamin C; 120 mcg Folate; 48 mg Sodium
The ice cream soda has been around since 1874; when invented by Robert McCay in Philadelphia, PA. The story told is Mr. Green ran out of ice for the flavored soda he was selling and used vanilla ice cream from a nearby vendor, hence inventing the ice cream soda.
Today, the ice cream soda can be found in countries across the globe. The ice cream soda is known as a float, coke float, cooler, snowball, or spider depending on where you are in the world.
An ice cream soda is a beverage containing ice cream with either a soft drink or a combination of flavored syrup and carbonated water. Varieties The ice cream soda has numerous varieties of sodas and ice cream flavors. Some of the most popular are listed below:
Chocolate ice cream soda: Chocolate syrup, chocolate ice cream, unflavored carbonated water and top with whipped cream. Black and White: Chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, unflavored carbonated water and top with whipped cream. Root beer float ("black cow" or "brown cow"): Vanilla ice cream and root beer Coke float: Coca-Cola and vanilla ice-cream. Boston Cooler: Vernors ginger ale and Stroh's vanilla ice cream. Snow White: 7 Up or Sprite and vanilla ice cream. Purple cow: Vanilla ice cream, purple grape soda. Orange Float (Orange Whip): Vanilla ice cream and orange soda.
Root Beer Float is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.
We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid the excess sugar and limit the calories. The diet root beer has "zero" calories.
Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy. Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw, spoon, and enjoy.
Nutrient Analysis Services Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com
Corn grows in "ears," each of which is covered in rows of kernels that are then protected by the silk-like threads called "corn silk" and encased in a husk. Corn’s traditional name is maize, by which it was known to the Native Americans as well as many other cultures throughout the world. Although we often associate corn with the color yellow, it actually comes in many different colors, including red, pink, black, purple, and blue. Corn is now available in markets year-round and locally grown varieties can be purchased during the summer months that not only taste the best but are usually the least expensive.
Nutrition Information Antioxidant phytonutrients are provided by all varieties of corn. The exact phytonutrient combination, however, depends on the variety itself. Yellow corn is richer in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Blue corn has unique concentrations of anthocyanins. Purple corn provides unusual amounts of protocatechuic acid. Ferulic acid, beta-carotene, vanillic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and syringic acid are other key phytonutrients provided by corn. Corn is a good source of pantothenic acid, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin B6.
Corn on the Cob with Tomato Salsa
How to Grow Corn
"Crazy About Corn"
Entertaining song, try it without the butter and salt.
Ground Turkey Tacos
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The BEST Ground Turkey Tacos from scratch for a healthy, quick and easy
taco dinner the whole family will love! Ground Turkey Tacos This is the
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Sweet and Spicy Salmon Bites
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Recently I have been having fun making random recipes from Instagram reels,
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