The sky is blue, and the sun is out, which can only mean one thing, it’s time to head outside! Put on a pair of shorts, lace up those sneakers, and enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer. However, it is important to take the proper precautions when exercising in the summer.   The…

Pass by the park on a hot summer day and you are sure to find crowds of people enjoying a picnic or playing. One of the best parts of the summer is being able to eat and exercise outside.   However, the hotter climate can pose some health risks, among them foodborne illness.   The…

Break out the red, white, and blue! It’s almost the fourth of July, the biggest barbecuing holiday. No celebration is complete without hot dogs, hamburgers, corn, and you can’t forget the baked beans! Before the festivities on the Fourth of July commence, another national holiday deserves its fair share of recognition: National Bean Day on…

Raise your forks from July 24th to July 30th for National Salad Week! Some people may consider a salad a side dish, however, salads make a winning main course and the perfect vehicle for protein, fruits, and tons of veggies.   There are so many ways that you can make a great salad. You can…

It should come as no surprise that the biggest day for picnics in the United States happens on July Fourth! The entire month of July is dedicated to packing up a basket, putting down a blanket, and enjoying a meal outside. There is no time like the present to head outdoors with the perfect meal…

Summer has begun and so has the season of the berry! From raspberries to blueberries, to blackberries there are so many to choose from. Berries are bright, fresh, and enjoyable all season long. July is National Berry Month and an excellent time to celebrate all that berries have to offer.   Not only are berries…

The July weather is perfect for sitting outside and relaxing, which is one of the reasons National Picnic Month is celebrated in July. Grab a basket, and some friends to celebrate, after all some of the best foods are eaten on the go.   When packing your basket full of treats there are some food…

What’s a better way to celebrate summer than enjoying a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream? The month of July is National Ice Cream Month, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy this nice ice-cold treat.   Did you know that vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor? However, there a ton…

As the availability of vaccines spreads, the world is slowly beginning to open back up again. For months, many people have been separated from their closest loved ones and friends. Although people have been able to connect over webcams and online meetings, nothing can replace human-to-human interaction. Gradually a return to normalcy has begun, and…

Did you know that batology isn’t the study of bats? It’s the study of berries! Celebrate these pulpy and delicious fruits this July for National Berry Month.   It makes sense that July is home to this national holiday because it is the month when berries are at their peak. There are so many different…

Did you know that blueberries are considered one of the only foods naturally blue in color? They get their blue and purple coloring from the antioxidant anthocyanin. Celebrate this colorful berry throughout July for National Blueberry Month!   There is so much to enjoy with this delicious blue fruit. The anthocyanins that give this berry…

Did you know that July is National Grilling Month? While many things are different this summer, one thing you can still enjoy is barbequing in your backyard!   When you think of grilling, hotdogs and hamburgers are probably the first things that comes to mind. However, after a few nights, these foods can become a…

Sometimes, all you need is a good hearty burger. Its juicy middle, paired with fresh toppings, cooked at exactly the right temperature, with nice soft and fluffy buns just has a way of making some people smile from ear to ear.  If this is you, then you’re in luck because National Hamburger Day is coming…

National Salad Week is next week! Salad makes a great meal on a hot summer day.  Any way you toss it, a salad is always a great option as a meal or even as a side dish. So to celebrate this foodie holiday I encourage you to whip up some fancy salad creations this week. …

July is National Baked Beans Month and for good reason.  Baked beans are a favorite during the cold months but they’re also the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues.   Baked beans are most commonly made with navy, pinto or kidney beans, and they come in a range of flavors.  Many commercial brands now…

This Sunday, July 17th, is National Ice Cream Day!  Not many people know this about me (although after reading this blog, thousands will) but I love ice cream.  Ice cream can be a year-round favorite, but it is enjoyed the most during the warm summer months.  With summer’s heat at its peak, this is the…

July is National Berry Month, so what better way to celebrate than learn all about the benefits of berries and different ways to incorporate them into your daily eating pattern?   Berries, like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain a wide variety of antioxidants, which can help in preventing cancer. They are very nutrient dense without…

Eggplant’s Excellence By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern There’s no mistaking those shiny purple oblong shaped veggies for anything else besides eggplant! Eggplant, or aubergine, as it is referred to by our friends “across the pond, is extremely in season during July through October. Because of its meaty texture, it is often used as a vegetarian…

Salting the eggplant and allow its juice to drain in a colander, removes the bitterness of the eggplant before roasting it, in addition to requiring much less oil for roasting. This is a great summer side dish that complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully. To make it a healthy Mediterranean inspired snack, eat it together with some whole pita.

With summer in full swing and July 4th upon us, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to grill!  July is National Grilling Month and the warm summer nights make for an enjoyable night perfect for grilling.   According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, outdoor cooking remains more popular and easier…