NATIONAL ANTS ON A LOG DAY

September 7, 2026August 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

Designated the second Tuesday in September of each year is National Ants On A Log Day. This day recognizes this iconic and healthy food snack enjoyed by millions of people across the USA and around the world.

We make this delicious snack by spreading peanut butter on celery and placing raisins on top. The snack name was first used in the 1950s. The typical peanut butter version of ants on a log is recommended as a healthy snack by the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. How healthy is it? We’ve outlined each ingredient to give you an idea.

JUSTIN'S Classic No Stir Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Spread, 28 Ounce Jar — SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter, 5 Pound

Raisins add a little sweet to snack time while also providing vitamin C, selenium and zinc. They’re also low in sodium and are a good source of potassium, making them great for blood pressure. Another healthy benefit of raisins includes iron, copper, and magnesium. Coupled with the potassium, these pH-balancing minerals help keep stomach acid in order.

The next layer, peanut butter, is an excellent source of protein. Along with that, peanut butter offers a boost of healthy fat, too.

Finally, crispy celery is low in calories. But that’s not all! In the crunch of celery, you’ll find fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Not only is it low in calories, but it doesn’t have any of the fat and cholesterol other snack foods have either.

Early September is a time when kids are headed back to school and more importantly, back to studying. To keep them (and their parents) fueled with brain food is an important tool for staying focused. The designation is to celebrate and encourage healthy snacking using one of the most iconic treats that both old and new generations enjoy.

ANTS ON A LOG DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Peanut Butter & Co. submitted National Ants on a Log Day to recognize the nutritious and delicious snack.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAntsOnALogDay

No matter where you are, ants on a log makes the perfect snack. Make some for work or home. Send them to school or daycare. Make extra for an after school, after work treat. Prepare yours and share using #NationalAntsOnALogDay to post on social media.

Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins - 13 oz Resealable Canister - Dried Fruit Snack for Lunches, Snacks, and Natural Sweeteners — Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins – 13 oz Resealable Canister – Dried Fruit Snack for Lunches, Snacks, and Natural Sweeteners

Sun-Maid Organic California Sun-Dried Raisins - (2 Pack) 32 oz Resealable Bag - Organic Dried Fruit Snack for Lunches, Snacks, and Natural Sweeteners — Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Raisins – 13 oz Resealable Canister – Dried Fruit Snack for Lunches, Snacks, and Natural Sweeteners

NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH

August 31, 2026August 4, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

All through September, National Mushroom Month celebrates the wide variety of mushrooms available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also takes advantage of the opportunity to educate people on the versatility mushrooms offer, including health benefits. As a result, mushrooms are gaining more and more appreciation as we learn more about them.

To fully celebrate the heritage of mushrooms, we must first learn about the Mushroom Capital of the World. Located just outside Philadelphia, PA, you will find a small town known as Kennett Square. Surprisingly, this small Pennsylvanian town produces over a million pounds of mushrooms a day. Each year Kennett Square holds the annual Mushroom Festival starting with a parade. Visitors also enjoy tours of mushroom farms or visit vendors to buy food and other goods.

Harmony House Foods Freeze-Dried Mushroom Dices (1.5 oz, Quart Size Jar)

Del Monte® Mushrooms Stems and Pieces 8 oz. Can, 12 Pack — Harmony House Foods Freeze-Dried Mushroom Dices (1.5 oz, Quart Size Jar)

‘Shroom Science

Scientifically, mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom. Fungi grow from carbon and energy from dead plants and animals. Interestingly, this has helped scientists to conclude mushroom DNA is similar to humans rather than plants, as previously thought. Through the study of mushrooms, scientists learn more about fungi, especially identifying whether they are single-cell organisms or multi cellular organisms.

Mushrooms contain a ton of nutrients. Because of this, mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamins. Eating mushrooms is a great way to naturally get copper, fiber, potassium, protein, selenium, vitamin B, and zinc into your body. As scientists continue to study mushrooms, there is hope to discover possible medicinal uses. These discoveries only add to the many benefits of mushrooms.

Mushrooms are either edible and non-edible. We find edible mushrooms in cuisine throughout the world. Almost all mushrooms available at the store are cultivated and not wild. These types of mushrooms are available year-round. The most common cultivated mushroom are the white button, flavorful cremini, earthy portobello, shiitake, and delicate oyster.

Non-edible mushrooms are often found in the wild, though many also grow in yards and lawns. However, it can be difficult to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat or poisonous. For example, mushrooms that have red on the cap or stem are known to be poisonous. You should also avoid eating mushrooms with white gills, a skirt, or a ring on the stem. Because wild mushrooms are hard to identify, we suggest leaving the identification of wild mushrooms to professional mushroom hunters or forgers. Eating poisonous mushrooms can and will make you very sick and possibly kill you. So, when in doubt, don’t eat it!

NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH HISTORY

Mushroom history dates back to ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics found in tombs indicate mushrooms were considered a plant of immortality and only enjoyed by the elites of society.

The U.S. Mushroom Council created National Mushroom Month as part of the Mushroom Promotion, Research & Consumer Information Act of 1990. President George H.W. Bush signed the Act into law on November 28, 1990. However, National Mushroom Month did not take effect until 1993. The gap allowed mushroom growers to vote on a referendum relating to a checkoff program for mushrooms.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMushroomMonth

Mushrooms are a versatile food item you can use in just about anything. So whether you put them on pizza or in soup or an omelet, you have the opportunity to decide how to celebrate mushrooms in any tasty dishes!

Use #NationalMushroomMonth in social media correspondence.

Genius Mushroom - Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi - Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement - for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills — Genius Mushroom – Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi – Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement – for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills

Sustainably US Grown, Organic Mega Mushroom 10 in 1 Complex Formula Powder for Immune System Booster, 10 Ounce (284 Days Supply), Chaga, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi & More, Filler Free, Vegan — Genius Mushroom – Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi – Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement – for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills

NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY

June 16, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Every year on June 17, National Eat Your Vegetables Day is honored. National Eat Your Vegetables Day is another chance to encourage everyone to keep up with this component of a balanced diet as June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.

Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Vegetables may be consumed in many different ways, whether as a snack or as part of the main course. Each vegetable has a unique nutritional profile, but in general, they all include a small amount of protein or fat as well as provitamins, dietary minerals, carbs, and vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin B6 in variable amounts. They also contain a wide range of other phytochemicals, some of which have cancer-fighting, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Additionally, a lot of veggies have fiber, which is crucial for gastrointestinal health. Vegetables include the critical nutrients required for good skin and hair, which is another advantage.

Consuming the recommended serving sizes of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These diets could also lessen bone loss and offer some cancer protection. The potassium supplied could aid in preventing kidney stone development.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise eating 3 to 5 servings of veggies daily. Nevertheless, based on a person’s age and gender, this advice could change. One serving of most vegetables is equal to 1/2 to 1 cup and can be either raw or cooked.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Make sure you consume your recommended daily allowance of vegetables. Use #EatYourVegetablesDay on social media.

NATIONAL FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

Add color to your meals during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in June. As the peak season for many early garden crops find their way into markets, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of these freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

Find farmers market near you — Find a Farmers Market Near You

Berries and salad items come to mind first, but don’t hesitate to try exotic produce, too. As we head into a season where more variety is available, our family gets to enjoy the benefits of early summer’s bounty in vibrant color.

From zucchini and tomatoes, leafy greens, onions, and avocado, each provides added fiber, protein, and vital nutrients. Whether we eat them as a snack, on a salad or in smooth, it’s important to have five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Cucumber, Tomato Salad — Cucumber, Tomato Sald

Red, Blue, and Cheesecake Salad — Red, Blue and Cheesecake Salad

No-Fail Fresca Sangria — No – Fail Fresca Sangria

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Skip the canned and frozen aisle and check out the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables coming into the grocery, farmers markets, and even your garden every day in June. Maybe visit a pick-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable farm and bring home the fruits of your labor. Savor the goodness of these delicious foods and use #FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth to share on social media.

A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

Gourmet Fruit Gift Pack, (20lbs) Orchard Fresh Oranges, Pears, Apples, and Grapefruit (32 pieces) loaded with Immunity Boosting Vitamin C from Capital City Fruit, Farm Produce Direct#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

March 15, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish.

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

Easy Artichoke Cookbook: 50 Delicious Artichoke Recipes#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag How to Cook A Sweet Potato