Eat Well with Late-Summer Foods

Summer may be wrapping up, but farmers' markets are still going strong. August brings large quantities of great-tasting produce. Here are just a few of the fruits and vegetables in season during late summer:

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Corn
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Melons
• Onions
• Peaches
• Plums
• Radishes
• Summer squash
• Tomatoes
• Watermelons
• Zucchini

Information from American Dietetic Association's Tip of the Day. 

School Lunch: Brown Bagging It

Children are headed back to school, and packing a lunch can ensure healthy options that fit your child's taste buds. Just make sure to plan ahead, since last-minute choices often rely on fat-laden pre-packaged foods. Try these tips:

• Involve your child in the planning process. This will make it less likely that lunchbox items will get traded or tossed.
• Can the soda. One 12-ounce serving can contain as much as 12 teaspoons of sugar. Pack a water bottle or 100-percent juice box instead.
• Change it up. Keep lunches interesting by varying the contents. Go heavy on veggies, fruits and whole grains.

Children tend to copy our behavior, so set an example. Eat healthy at home, and consider packing your own healthy lunch to take to work.

Information from American Dietetic Association's Tip of the Day. 

From the Guide to Good Eating to My Plate: The Progression of the Food Guide

By now you have likely seen the latest rendition of the USDA food guide My Plate.  Whether you love or hate My Plate you will likely get a kick out of walking down memory lane looking at all the USDA Food Guides…

In the 1940’s, the USDA released the Guide to Good Eating with the basic 7 food groups, of which butter and margarine constituted their own group!

In the late 1950’s, Food for Fitness was released, and the basic 7 had been condensed to only four groups.

In 1979, Americans were ready for something new, and the Hassle-Free Daily Food Guide was developed.

Keep reading about the progression of the American food guides...

Foods Moms-to-Be Should Avoid

Regardless of cravings, not all foods are good choices for moms-to-be. During pregnancy, women are more susceptible to food poisoning and the symptoms can be much more severe.
To keep both mom and baby healthy, avoid these foods:

• Rare, raw or undercooked meats and poultry
• Raw fish and shellfish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche, oysters, mussels, scallops)
• Fish containing high levels of mercury (swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark)
• Raw or undercooked eggs and foods that contain them (French toast, homemade Caesar salad dressing, Hollandaise sauce, raw cookie dough)
• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, clover, radish)
• Refrigerated smoked seafood, pate and meat spreads
• Unpasteurized dairy products ("raw" milk and fresh, soft cheeses)
• Unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices

Also note that some ready-to-eat foods require reheating before use. These foods include hot dogs, luncheon and deli meats and fermented and dry sausages.


September is National Food Safety Education Month. To learn more about how to lessen your risk of food poisoning, visit www.homefoodsafety.org.


Information from American Dietetic Association's Tip of the Day. 

Eat Right Knox is on Twitter!

Eat Right Knox is now on Twitter!

Become of follower of @eatrightknox to stay connected!

Can You See the Benefits of Vitamin A?

Making good food choices can help keep your eyes healthy. Vitamin A promotes normal vision and it also helps your eyes see normally in the dark, helping adjust to lower levels of light. In addition, vitamin A also influences the immune system, is essential for bone growth and affects both male and female reproductive processes.

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 3,000 International Units for men and 2,310 IU for women 14 and older. IUs are listed on food labels and dietary supplements.

Good sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots and dark, leafy greens, as well as eggs, tomatoes and fortified milk.

For more information on food sources of vitamins your body needs, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit the American Dietetic Association Vitamins and Nutrients section.

Information from American Dietetic Association's Tip of the Day.