Did you know that increasing levels of stress can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease? When your body is under stress, there is a surge of hormones, such as cortisol, which will increase blood pressure. Stress can also raise blood sugar levels, which can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Getting…
Did you know mushrooms are the only source of Vitamin D in the diet that does not come from animals? When exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can produce significant amounts of vitamin D2. It’s time to make more room for mushrooms because April 16th is National Day of the Mushroom! Mushrooms are packed with a…
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to Passover, my days, if not weeks, leading up to it are so busy I barely have a second to breathe. There are multiple trips to the grocery store followed by nights in the kitchen preparing for the holiday. I know I’m not alone. …
Did you know that baby carrots are not a type of carrot? Baby carrots can either be carrots that have not matured, or larger carrots cut into pieces! This was done to prevent the discard of perfectly good, yet blemished, carrots. Put on your gardening gloves and get digging this April 4th for International Carrot…
Did you know sauces were once used to mask the bland flavors of food? While seasonings have evolved to spice up food without the need for additional sauce, sometimes a little sauce is needed to elevate a dish to the next level. Celebrate sauces of all kinds this March for National Sauce Month. Depending…
Did you know that the famous cartoon Popeye was responsible for boosting the consumption of spinach by 33% in the 1930s? Spinach became a popular food for good reason, it is not only tasty but also very healthy. Celebrate this nutrient-rich vegetable on March 26th for National Spinach Day! The unique nutrient profile of…
Did you know that almost half of the people in the United States have hypertension? While hypertension is caused by a myriad of factors, including genetics, one factor that can contribute to high blood pressure is excess sodium intake. Sodium is found in many processed foods as well as table salt which people often add…
March is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign that was started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to raise awareness around the importance of making healthy eating choices and incorporating physical activity. The hope is to help people make informed decisions around…
It may come as no surprise that chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular desserts in America. They are not only delicious, but they don’t require too many ingredients and are easy enough to bake that even the little ones can help make them. Whether it’s cookies, pies, cakes or souffles, February is…
It’s true what they say, spices make everything nice. February 24th is National Chili Day! Chili is the ultimate hearty dish to enjoy all winter long. Full of flavor with a little heat, chili is the perfect warm meal to enjoy for the entire family. Did you know 20% of American families have their…
Valentine’s Day is almost here which means hearts, love, and of course, chocolate! Did you know that over 36 million boxes of chocolate hearts are sold annually for this love-filled holiday? Chocolate became synonymous with Valentine’s Day in the 1920s when heart-shaped boxes of the decadent treat hit the market. Valentine’s Day isn’t the…
It’s almost game day; America’s biggest sports event of the year is just around the corner. The Superbowl brings a ton of excitement for groups of family and friends. And what’s a game day without some delicious Super Bowl snacks?! Not only is it Super Bowl Sunday but, the month of February is also…
Do you find yourself spending endless hours indoors during the cold winter months? Bundling up and staying inside to escape the brutal weather outside sure does sound nice. Even though being outside and active in January is not possible for many, there are still dozens of ways to stay active even while indoors. Throw on…
Nothing hits the spot quite like a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day. Soup has been consumed for thousands of years because not only is it tasty, but it can be easy to make and convenient. For these reasons and many others, January has been designated as National Soup Month. When…
Did you know popcorn was once a popular breakfast food? Back in the 1800s Americans would combine popcorn with milk and a sweetener. Although this practice has gone to the wayside, Americans still enjoy popcorn in other forms! Popcorn is one of America’s oldest and most beloved snacks. On January 19th, sit back, pop…
Did you know that the average American eats over 40 slices of pizzas a year? The traditional style of pizza is thought to have originated in Italy; however, it is now enjoyed throughout the world in various styles. Grab a slice of your favorite variety between January 10th to the 17th for National Pizza Week….
From peanut butter stuffed chocolate cups to PB &J, can you think of any iconic food combinations that don’t involve peanut butter? It can be creamy, chunky, chewy, and spreadable. You can eat it straight out of the jar, or you can serve it in an infinite number of variations with any part of your…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is loved and waited for all year round for so many reasons. But it can also be stressful and busy, with to-do lists that never seem to get any shorter, no matter how many tasks you manage to cross off. It can also be…
You have probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but do you know why? Breakfast is so essential because it provides your body with the fuel it needs to power through the morning. It also breaks the fast that your body goes through overnight. Choosing the right food to help…
Did you know there are over 3,000 known varieties of pears? From red to yellow, there is a pear to accommodate everyone’s taste. Pears not only come in a variety of colors, but they also come in different, shapes, sizes, and tastes. It’s the perfect time of year to get into the pear spirit because…
