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.
National Shrimp Scampi Day on April 29th gives us a tasty way to celebrate. On this day, we honor the delicious dish of shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine.
Scampi is a culinary term for small lobster known as Nephrops (also known as langoustine or Dublin Bay Prawns) and which is completely unrelated to this day.
The day is wholly dedicated to the buttery, garlicky, lemony, and wine-sauced preparation of shrimp. Prepare the dish using fresh or frozen shrimp. When serving the dish, add a side of noodle or rice, steamed vegetables, and crusty bread or rolls. Shrimp scampi pairs well with white wine. Since the dish is light, a rich dessert of cheesecake or crème brûlée rounds out the meal.
As the days heat up, serve up a dish that tastes like the sun. Pick out some peal-and-eat shrimp for a simple meal or go all out with side dishes and serve a feast.
Use #NationalShrimpScampiDay to post on social media.
National Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, during February is a time for all Americans to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. In addition, the month recognizes the central role of Black Americans in history.
Other countries, including Canada and Great Britain, have also set aside months to honor Black History. February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and noted civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass. A privateer ship named the White Lion records the first Africans brought to the colonies in 1619. Captained by John Colyn Jope, the White Lion landed at Point Comfort, Virginia, now modern-day Hampton, Virginia. There, Jope traded the Africans as slaves in exchange for provisions.
Notable Black Americans
African-Americans impacted our society throughout history and in numerous ways.
Thurgood Marshall – The jurist was the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court. We recognize Thurgood Marshall every year on National Maryland Day.
George Washington Carver – As a man of science, Carver developed over 300 products from peanuts. Celebrate George Washington Carver and his contributions to the peanut industry on National Peanut Day.
Shirley Chisholm– In 1968, New York’s 12th congressional district elected Chisholm as the first Black woman in Congress. She served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rosa Parks – The Civil Rights advocate helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Celebrate Rosa Parks and learn more about her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Louis Armstrong – As a talented musician and performer, Armstrong became a pioneer in jazz. Satchmo Summerfest honors his contributions to music for a week each year in August.
Colin Powell – The 4-star General became Secretary of State. Colin Powell dedicated the Buffalo Soldier Monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, establishing the first Buffalo Soldiers Day.
Barack Obama – Americans elected Obama as the first Black President of the United States in 2009. He served two terms.
Carter Woodson, the twentieth-century historian, created Black History Month. He believed Black Americans were not adequately represented in the study of American history. Carter Woodson also hoped for the day when Americans would accept Black history as a part of American history. President Gerald Ford declared Black History Month (formerly Negro History Week) in 1976.
National Pomegranate Month is an annual designation observed in November. Pomegranates date back to ancient civilizations throughout the Mediterranean, and they are also featured in ancient Egyptian mythology and art.
The pomegranate tree is native to Iran and the Himalayas in northern India, and used to be carried by desert caravans because of it’s thirst-quenching abilities. Now, we enjoy pomegranates in a wide variety of dishes and drinks, because it’s so healthy and almost tastes like candy! Research shows they are among the healthiest fruits in the world because of their wide range of beneficial plant compounds that other foods do not contain.
Check out this list of some of the incredible health benefits pomegranates have to offer.
They are PACKED with important nutrients. I mean, packed. They contain fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium.
Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory effects. This means they can mediate diseases and conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even obesity.
Studies show they can help fight prostate and breast cancer.
Regular consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks.
If you have joint pain, try some pomegranate seeds or juice. It’s anti-inflammatory effects can even help treat arthritis.
Pomegranates may even help you exercise. Studies show intake of pomegranates increases blood flow which can help you perform better in a workout.
Whether you’re eating it or drinking it, take an aesthetically pleasing picture (it’s not difficult with such a beautiful fruit) and use #NationalPomegranateMonth to post on social media.
Every year on May 5th, African World Heritage Day offers an opportunity for people around the world to celebrate Africa.
Africa is the world’s second-largest continent. Some of the biggest threats facing Africa include climate change, uncontrolled development, disease, civil unrest, and poaching. Unfortunately, many of Africa’s cultural and natural wonders are at risk of losing universal value. Because of the threats facing this diverse continent, it’s more important than ever to protect and preserve their heritage.
In honor of this day, explore some interesting facts about Africa:
The continent consists of 54 countries and one non-self-governing country.
Ancient Egypt’s Pharaonic civilization is one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
There are over 2,000 recognized languages on the continent.
The most spoken language is Arabic, followed by English, Swahili, and French.
Africa has 1.1 billion people, and over half of them are under the age of 25.
By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to double.
About 90% of malaria cases in the world take place in Africa.
The continent is home to the largest reserves of precious metals in the world. One more amazing fact about Africa is that it contains the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara. This desert is 3.6 million square miles, which is comparable to China or the continental United States.
AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY HISTORY
In November 2015, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed May 5th as African World Heritage Day. They chose May 5th as it marked the anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund. This initiative was launched in 2006 to support the conservation and protection of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.
People around the world, especially those in Africa, celebrate this day in various ways. Events include the African World Heritage Youth Forum, cultural presentations, and an Instagram photo contest.
To participate:
Read about famous historic sites in Africa, including the Isimila Stone Age Site in Tanzania, Robben Island in South Africa, Luxor Temple in Egypt, and Elmina Castle in Ghana.
Learn about African heroes, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Chinua Achebe.
Commit to taking a trip to Africa someday.
Watch a movie set in Africa, such as Hotel Rwanda, Out of Africa, Goodbye Bafana, and Beat the Drum.
Share this day on social media with #AfricanWorldHeritageDay.
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