When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.
One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.
Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.
We actually combine Keto, Mediterranean and Carb Counted to get a healthy diet of flavors, and a lot of the dishes can be altered to this style of eating. It keeps things so flavorful you probably won’t even realize you’re on a diet….
Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.
At breakfast, add a few blueberries to your pancake, flapjack or hotcake. National Blueberry Pancake Day is observed January 28.
The early pancakes consisted mostly of flour and milk and were more like biscuits. Later, eggs, milk, a leavening agent (such as baking powder) and fat were added creating the fluffier, lighter pancake we know today.
Adding blueberries to the pancake batter when mixing up the ingredients may result in a bluish hue. To avoid this, add them right after dropping dollops of batter to the hot griddle.
Blueberries add a freshness to pancakes and nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese and copper.
National Cappuccino Day on November 8th whips up a frothy, hot cup of cappuccino. It’s a perfect drink on a frosty morning, meeting with friends or just to enjoy a creamy cuppa.
Traditionally prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam, a cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink.
The word cappuccino comes from the Capuchin friars and is the diminutive form of cappuccio in Italian, meaning hood or something that covers the head. This popular coffee beverage got its name not from the hood on their habits but from the color of the hooded robes that the friars wore. (The Capuchin friars is an Order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans.)
In 1945 Achille Gaggia invented the modern espresso machine which further popularized the cappuccino.
The Mid 1990s – Cappuccino was made more widely available to North Americans as upscale coffee houses sprang up.
Late 1990′s to Early 2000′s – Cappuccinos became popular in the United States concurrent with the boom in the American coffee industry.
The start of the 21st Century – A modified short-cut version of the cappuccino started being served at fast-food chains.
While steaming the milk you must pay close attention to attain the correct ratio of foam, thus making the cappuccino one of the most difficult espresso-based beverages to make properly.
A skilled barista may create artistic shapes while he/she is pouring milk on top of the espresso coffee.
HOW TO OBSERVE #CappuccinoDay
Visit your favorite coffee shop to enjoy a nice hot and delicious cup of cappuccino. While you’re there, give them a shout out using #CappuccinoDay to post on social media. Read up on your coffee history while enjoying a delicious cup.
United Nations Day recognizes the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. The celebration is observed annually on October 24th.
U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization.
The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people and cares for the Earth, our one and only home. ~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Today the United Nations consists of 193 member states and 2 observer states. The mission of the United Nation is to maintain international peace and security.
The UN also sets terms for protecting human rights around the world. In 1948, they created international law with a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The member nations deliver humanitarian aid to populations in crisis. The first aid delivered was an immediate response to the devastation following World War II.
Another aim of the international organization is to promote sustainable development.
Some major achievements of the UN include:
The UN peacekeeping budget is less than 0.5% of global military spending
Their World Food Programme (WFP) provides food and assistance to 91 million people in 83 countries
They also supply vaccines to 45% of the world’s children
The UN helps people who displaced by violence, conflict, and persecution
NATIONAL UNITED NATIONS DAY HISTORY
Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the name “United Nations” during World War II. Twenty-six nations united to pledge their governments to continue fighting against the Axis Powers. In 1945, delegates from 50 countries drew up the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California. They signed the Charter on June 26th, 1945 and it was ratified on October 24th, 1945. United Nations Day originated in 1948.
Throughout the day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris hosts conferences and meetings. They also display exhibits of UN achievements. On United Nations Day, schools throughout the world celebrate the diversity of their student bodies. These schools also hold cultural performances and food fairs.
A UN Day concert is held each year to commemorate the day. The concert is held at the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Performers at the concert have included the KBS Traditional Music Orchestra, Stevie Wonder, the Harlem Boys Gospel Choir, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
To participate in United Nations Day, think about how diversity makes our lives better. Make it a goal to learn something about each of the 193 countries that make up the United Nations. Find out what all the flags of each country look like. If you know someone who is of a different nationality, ask them questions about their country of origin. To spread awareness, share #UnitedNationsDay on social media.
Get the pure coffee essence on National Espresso Day! Whether you sip one cup or keep buzzing all day long, November 23rd is the day.
The word espresso (/ɛˈsprɛsoʊ/; Italian pronunciation: [eˈsprɛsso]) in Italian means ‘quick in time.’ Before the advent of the espresso machine, espresso was simply a coffee expressly made for the person ordering it. It was also made with recently roasted and freshly ground beans. The cup was brewed shortly before serving. In the late 1800s, this practice was commonplace in cafés and restaurants.
While today’s espresso maintains the freshness quality, it has undergone a transition in meaning. We’ve come to know espresso as a highly concentrated brew served in smaller quantities. We may also use espresso as a base for other delicious coffee creations.
We can thank the espresso machine for this modern view of espresso. In 1901, Italian Luigi Bezzera invented the first successful espresso machine. The newer technologies produced a smaller, more concentrated cup more quickly than traditional coffee brewing methods. Additionally, this thicker, more intense brew created a creamy foam on top called the crema. The richer flavors and aromas of an espresso create delicious lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, macchiato, and many cafe’ creations.
Beyond the range of beverages, the intense flavor of espresso lends itself to baking. Where coffee may become lost when blended with other flavors, espresso remains vibrant. Blend it with cream cheese, sugar and flour for a cheesecake. Add it to ladyfingers and make tiramisu. Many desserts call for espressos such as ice cream and creme brulee.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEspressoDay
This holiday calls for the perfect cup. Whether you brew it at home or visit a local cafe, you know how you like it. Will you enjoy your espresso one of these ways?
Order through the local drive-through and pay it forward (backward?) by also paying for the customer behind you in line.
Pick up extra espressos for everyone in the office.
Have espressos delivered to front-line workers at the hospital, fire station, police station, or ambulance bay near you.
Send a gift card to your favorite teachers for National Espresso Day, letting them know just how much you appreciate them.
Step out of your comfort zone and try your espresso in a new flavorful latte or cappuccino.
Realize you’ve never tried baking with espresso and break out the mixer you got for your birthday.
You’re a traditionalist when it comes to espresso. You only drink espresso. You don’t add flavors. It’s espresso. Don’t mess with the espresso.
Enjoy a cup of espresso and use #NationalEspressoDay to post on social media.
