ask the dietitian
By Marlisa Brown MS RD CDE CDN
Safe Summer
Picnicking
It’s the ideal time for a picnic in the park, but without careful planning you can wind up with food poisoning at day’s end. The culprit? Bacteria. Many summer salads are loaded with mayonnaise or wet, high protein choices that breed bacteria. Also when uncooked foods are not sealed properly dripping liquids can lead
to a disaster.
Take these
simple steps to protect you
and your family.
-
Don’t pack raw meat, poultry
or fish with cooked foods.
-
Keep cold food cold, and hot food hot until ready to serve.
-
Stay away from mayonnaise and dairy-based sauces and
spreads unless they will be
served immediately.
-
Use leak-proof containers
and zip-lock bags.
-
Don’t forget hand wipes,
paper goods and utensils.
Meet The
Mangosteen:
The mangosteen is a fruit that is relatively new to this country.
No relation to the mango, it is a sweet, tart fruit with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Researchers are investigating its possible antioxidant benefits. In select stores, or by calling 800-588-0151 or melissas.com
Q&A
I was told I have high blood pressure and should have less salt, but I don’t salt my food. What else
can I do?
There are many ways to help control your blood pressure: maintain a normal body weight, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, reduce your alcohol intake, take medications as prescribed, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and lower your sodium intake. You may not salt your food, but salt is in almost everything we eat—especially our summer favorites. Hot dogs, sausages, pre-seasoned hamburger patties, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, cheese, pickles, potato chips, potato salad, heroes and more.
Reading labels is the first step to reducing your salt intake (listed as sodium on food labels) most people should keep their sodium intake below 2000 mg a day. Always multiply the sodium content by the amount you eat, (see serving sizes noted on the food label).
Marlisa Brown MS RD CDE CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, chef, author and President of Total Wellness in Bay Shore. Send your questions for Marlisa Brown to Wellness Magazine, Island Publications, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747.
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