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.
Every year in May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month aims to improve the health of the global workforce. Through initiatives and helpful programs, the campaign encourages employers to engage their employees in healthful activities. It also provides a variety of wellness and fitness programs to complement already existing programs. Employers with wellness programs have healthier employees who are more productive. Wellness programs reduce overall healthcare costs and reduce illness and injury.
Employees who participate in wellness programs have lower stress levels, better overall health, and improved confidence, too. Challenge employees to pair up with partners to take the stairs or go for a walk on their lunch break. Take stretch breaks and eat healthy meals. Make sure to get plenty of rest and track your exercise, too. Join the movement and encourage others to join you.
GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH
The National Association for Health and Fitness launched the observance in 1989 to encourage employers to invest in their employees’ health. Each year the campaign has grown from a national observance to a now global event.
Employers can participate by offering wellness programs and incentives to employees who participate. Create challenges and opportunities to encourage employees to be physically active and focus on their health. Employees, encourage your employer to join the movement. Other ways to participate include:
Invite other co-workers to join you for a walk on your lunch break
Choose the farthest parking space or walk to work
Take the stairs
Use a standing desk
Participate in desk exercises
Use #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth to share on social media.
Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities really pile onto our plate. The thing about stress is, a little bit of it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find that healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life.
A small amount of stress once in a while is a good thing, because it means you’re working hard and you care about what you’re doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you’re living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress doesn’t allow us to think straight, and is overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress even leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, and many more.
This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place within the madness.
HISTORY
Stress Awareness Month is supported every year by the Stress Management Society
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #NationalStressAwarenessMonth or #StressAwarenessMonth to post on social media. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high. Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.
Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings.
Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
National Sunkist® Citrus Day on March 1 honors the rich history of California citrus, recognizes the legacy of multi-generational, family-owned Sunkist citrus farms, and celebrates the many health and wellness benefits that Sunkist citrus provides.
The Sunkist cooperative has a rich history of values and a legacy of multi-generational, family-owned citrus farms, and is delighted to celebrate its 130th anniversary this year.
Since 1893, Sunkist has been doing what they do best: growing citrus. What started as citrus growers in the late 1800s joining forces to collaborate and combine efforts, has evolved into more than 1,500 citrus grower members stretching across California and Arizona today. This is why Sunkist’s motto is “Stronger Together.”
Seed By Seed
The first Navel orange tree in California was planted in the 1800s and became the very first citrus variety in the Sunkist portfolio. Today, Sunkist offers a robust portfolio of nearly 40 fresh, premium citrus varieties, including:
Oranges
Lemons
Mandarins
Grapefruit
Tangerines
Tangelos
Do oranges have different flavors? Yes. Each citrus variety has its own unique flavor profile. Sunkist Navel oranges are one of the most popular varieties and offer the perfect balance of sweet and juicy. Sunkist Cara Cara oranges, also known as The Pinkie™ Orange, is sweet, seedless, and uniquely pink on the inside due to the natural presence of lycopene. Cara Cara oranges offer 100% of your daily vitamin C intake in just one orange. These oranges provide folate, fiber, potassium, and vitamin A in every bite.
A Growing Legacy
What do citrus farmers do? What do citrus farmers do? Sunkist citrus growers take pride in growing and nurturing high-quality citrus for consumers around the world using traditional growing practices, stewardship of natural resources, and a dedication to innovation.
Growing fresh citrus requires hard work, dedication, resilience, skill and innovation. It can take five years for one tree to make the citrus that arrives in stores. Once the fruit is ripe, Sunkist growers hand-pick the fruit, and once at the packinghouse, they are sorted, washed and packed before making their way to the store. Year after year, crop after crop, citrus growers share a commitment to providing fresh quality citrus consumers enjoy worldwide.
Sunkist citrus growers take pride in growing and nurturing high-quality citrus for consumers around the world using traditional growing practices, stewardship of natural resources, and a dedication to innovation. Year after year, crop after crop, citrus growers share a commitment to providing fresh quality citrus consumers enjoy worldwide.
CITRUS CELEBRATION
Learn about the different varieties of citrus.
Head to your local grocery store and purchase a variety of citrus products and have a tasting party with friends.
Learn a new recipe using citrus ingredients. Recipe inspiration can always be found on Sunkist.com/recipes.
Share your favorite citrus recipe or wellness hack and give Sunkist a shout-out on social media using #NationalSunkistCitrusDay.
National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being; as well as losing weight or staying at your ideal weight, which reduces risks of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes.
The campaign, originally “National Nutrition Week,” was first launched in 1973, with the theme “Invest in Yourself – Buy Nutrition.” The American Dietetic Association (ADA) was an early advocate in getting the message to the public organizing educational events held in schools and health care centers.
By the beginning of 1980, due to an intense increase in popularity, the House of Delegates expanded National Nutrition Week to National Nutrition month. ADA is now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and, with more than 70,000 members, is the world’s largest organization of registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians. This year’s theme is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” focusing on exercising regularly and making the best food choices.
National Nutrition Month began in March 1973, and is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals. The campaign was immediately embraced by members of the American Dietetic Association as an effective way to promote messages about nutrition all over the country and world. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being; as well as losing weight or staying at your ideal weight, which reduces risks of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes.
Explore More…
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #NationalNutritionMonth to post on social media. Spread the word about how you are boosting your nutrition this month! Eat healthy and get exercising… You’ll be glad you did!
