Children learn by touching, tasting, feeling, smelling, and listening. They love to help prepare food and cook because they can use all their senses. Children like to eat the foods they help make. Encouraging children to help prepare meals and snacks can build healthy lifestyle skills, creativity and healthy food choices. You are also helping... Continue Reading →
Involving your children in food preparation has many benefits! Cooking builds self-esteem. Children develop confidence, responsibility and independence when they can help you prepare a snack or meal. When they get more practice and as they get older, they will be able to prepare more foods on their own. Cooking teaches! When kids begin to... Continue Reading →
According to foodsafety.gov, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans will get sick from food poisoning each year. You can help protect yourself and your family from food borne illnesses by following these 4 steps for food safety: clean, separate, cook and chill. CLEAN Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and... Continue Reading →
As children, many of us may have heard songs and stories about beans. While these songs and stories tried to encourage more bean consumption, it seems that legumes aren’t eaten quite as often as they could be. Legumes include beans like black, pinto, navy, and kidney beans as well as chickpeas, split peas, and lentils.... Continue Reading →
While you’re packing the sunscreen, bug spray and camping gear, don’t forget basic food safety. Here are some camp-specific tips. Plan Ahead! To avoid leftovers, plan menus and portion sizes ahead of time. Plan meals that require one pot to lighten your load. If possible, bring shelf stable foods. Keep Cold Foods Cold! Pack foods... Continue Reading →
Fermenting vegetables at home can reduce food waste, save money, and can promote a healthy gut. Sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi are a few fermented vegetables that provide a variety of health benefits. Why make fermented vegetables? Fermented vegetables can be healthy for your gut and improve your digestion.The fermentation process increases the vegetables’ naturally occurring... Continue Reading →
There is nothing quite like eating fresh fruit and vegetables when they are at their peak of freshness, but in order to enjoy them throughout the year they must be preserved. There are many ways of preservation such as canning, freezing and drying. When canning, the food is boiled in a can or jar to... Continue Reading →
Fresh fruits, especially berries, are one of the best things about the spring and summer months. Read more!
This week we talk about types of canned tomatoes and ways to use them. Read more.
Spring is a time for new beginnings and clearing out winter stillness with bitter, astringent foods like dark green leafy greens. Intentionally adding in more dark green vegetables to your family meals is a great way to embrace new spring beginnings and slowly incorporate healthy habits. What are your family's favorite dark green vegetables? Some... Continue Reading →
Whether you are a new cook or an experienced chef, using herbs can increase the flavor of any food, and they have natural health benefits. Fresh herbs increase the flavor in food more than dried because of all the oils in the leaves. In addition, fresh herbs are full of antioxidants, To incorporate fresh herbs... Continue Reading →
What is seasonal eating? Eating foods that are at their peak ripeness and nutritional value during a specific time of the year. Often times, these foods are less expensive, more flavorful, support local famers, and provide health benefits. Planning meals around seasonal fruits and vegetables is an easy way to save on groceries. Just look... Continue Reading →
Eggs are packed full of essential nutrients. There are only 70 calories, 13 essential vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and antioxidants all combined into one egg! If you will be dyeing and hunting for Easter eggs this year, it’s important to follow some food safety rules to prevent illness. Keep fresh eggs refrigerated in the... Continue Reading →
Planning meals ahead can help you stick to healthy eating and save money. MAP OUT YOUR MEALS Outline meals for the week ahead. Sit down and think about the week ahead. Do you and your family have plans or special events? Think about what foods you have on hand and wouldn't have to buy. FIND... Continue Reading →
The National Nutrition Month® campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrated each year during the month of March. It focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, showcases how flavors from different cultures around the... Continue Reading →
Baking sparks creativity, teaches how to follow instructions, involves math & counting, improves kitchen skills and safety, and always brings smiles. Enjoy these 5 Tips for Baking with Kids 1. Accept the Mess and Take your Time: Baking with kids can be messy, but that’s part of the fun. Messy doesn’t mean dirty though, so... Continue Reading →
Ever wonder what to add to your meals to make them more nutritious and colorful in the winter months? If you can't find affordable fresh fruits or vegetables, look for canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables. These are all great choices and provide health benefits just like fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't over think... Continue Reading →
What is seasonal eating? Eating foods that are at their peak ripeness and nutritional value during a specific time of the year. Often times, these foods are less expensive, more flavorful, support local famers, and provide health benefits. Planning meals around seasonal fruits and vegetables is an easy way to save on groceries. Fruits and... Continue Reading →
Looking for an easy way to cook a delicious and nutrient-packed meal? A slow cooker is a convenient cooking method that helps to save time and money- just toss the ingredients in and wait! By planning ahead now you can have a stress-free family dinner, even on busy nights. Make sure your slow cooked meals... Continue Reading →
Craving a bright, juicy, and nutritious food during these cold, dark winter days? Citrus fruits are at their peak ripeness and highest nutritional value during winter time. It would then make sense that citrus fruits provide health benefits that counteract many winter side effects, like dryness, low immunity, and depression. Health benefits of citrus fruits... Continue Reading →
This time of year can be a challenge with so many treats and special foods readily available. By being more mindful, you can stay focused on health while still enjoying the season. Take advantage of these ideas for healthier versions of popular holiday foods: · Make mashed potatoes with skim milk and low-fat and low-sodium broth.... Continue Reading →
The holidays are a wonderful time to bring friends and family together. Making a fresh batch of holiday desserts is a perfect way to make connections and memories during the holiday season. Think of your favorite family dessert, then think about how it makes you feel. Warm, nostalgic, happy, connected? Does it ever feel too... Continue Reading →
Getting yourself prepared for the holiday’s can be a challenge, so it is important to start planning ahead of time. Planning your menu in advance allows you to Shop smarter by being aware of upcoming salesBe sure you have everythingFind and organize recipesItemize cooking utensils By being aware of shopping sales, you can stretch your... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving is a week away. Get your questions answered here. CAN I DEFROST THE TURKEY AT ROOM TEMPERATURE? NO. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper.Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak.NOTE: A thawed turkey can stay in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking. HOW... Continue Reading →
The cost of food is rising, which can make your Thanksgiving dinner costly. It's also easy to overeat with a large holiday meal. Here are some money saving tips and ways to make your favorite Thanksgiving menu items healthier: Keep it simple. How many side dishes do you serve? Do you serve more than one meat... Continue Reading →
Carving Pumpkins: These are perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns or as a Fall display, but the pulp is watery and is filled with seeds (Bake the seeds for a tasty snack!) Baking Pumpkins: These are smaller and usually labeled as “cooking,” “pie,” or “sugar” pumpkins. These types of pumpkins have a sweet, tender pulp that is... Continue Reading →
Introducing whole grains into your diet is easy, beneficial, and nutritious. For maximum dietary health, whole grains should make up a substantial portion of a balanced diet, just as meats and vegetables should. Whole grains contain: High levels of fiberProteinsVitaminsMinerals All of which, make whole grains a nutrient-rich food. Some examples of whole grains include,... Continue Reading →
Are you packing a lunch for your child to take to school or maybe for yourself to take to work? Harmful bacteria can grow and multiply quickly in a lunch that is not packed safely, possibly leading to illness. Children especially can be at a greater risk of foodborne illness. Here are a few simple,... Continue Reading →
Many people have heard the saying “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. Research has found this statement to be true because eating breakfast can help jump start our brains and metabolism. Our metabolism increases after we eat, so the sooner we eat in the morning, the sooner our body will start metabolizing... Continue Reading →
Late Summer in Idaho means watermelons are at their sweetest and juiciest. Here's an FAQ! HOW TO WASH: Scrub watermelon using a clean produce brush then, dry with paper towels. Use clean knives and cutting surfaces. Watch how to wash a watermelon: https://youtu.be/JUfGp6IWe1w HOW TO CUT: Make sure you wash your hands with soap and... Continue Reading →
It may come as no surprise to parents that their kids enjoy sweet treats or beverages. Many of the products with lots of added sugar are marketed specifically to kids, from breakfast cereals and sweetened drinks to candies and cookies. While these sweet treats may look “fun”, they are not-so-fun for our family’s health, with... Continue Reading →
August is Back to School Month which means it is time to make the decision if you want to pack your child’s lunch or feed them what the school provides. Each option has many considerations and health benefits. Packing a lunch provides an opportunity to be selective and creative with your child while packing a... Continue Reading →
Summer squash can be prepared and served in several different ways. SteamedGrilledSautéedFried Summer squash can also be included in stir fry recipes and can be used interchangeably with most recipes. They mix well with tomatoes, onions, and okra in vegetable medleys. Baby squash can be used as an appetizer or sautéed with other vegetables. Summer... Continue Reading →
Summer is in full swing, so there is no better time to bring friends and family together for some yummy grilled food that everyone can help prepare and enjoy. July is the national month for grilling, and it is also anti-boredom month. One way to combat boredom for kids is to include them in tasks... Continue Reading →
You can grill just about anything! Do you know that there are food safety steps to follow no matter what you’re cooking? Keep reading to learn about safe grilling of all foods. Clean: HANDS: No matter what you’re grilling, always start with clean hands especially before and after touching raw meat, poultry, and seafood items... Continue Reading →
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer events like barbeques, picnics, and camping. The warmer weather and eating outdoors can bring food safety challenges. Food left at room or warmer outside temperatures can increase the chance of bacterial growth in food that can cause food poisoning. To keep the fun in your special events, follow... Continue Reading →
Note: Do not wash strawberries until ready to eat. Rinse strawberries gently but thoroughly under cool running water, drain in a clean strainer, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Picking from a garden: Strawberries do not ripen after they’re picked, so it’s important to pick when the berry is fully red, without green... Continue Reading →
Warmer weather is in the air and the early season’s produce is becoming available. Where can you find the freshest fruits and vegetables possible? Chances are, they may be closer than you think. Check out the farmer’s markets in your area to see what is in store for you. You can find: Fresh-picked fruits and... Continue Reading →
As the weather starts to change from spring to summer, we want to spend more time outside with our families while it is warm and sunny. Salads can be a great addition to any family picnic or outdoor barbeque. When we think of salads, a plain green lettuce salad with a boring dressing may come... Continue Reading →
Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy and delicious, but they are also an investment that could end up in the garbage if not stored properly. Below are a few tips to help keep you produce at their best. Remember not all produce needs or should be stored in the refrigerator. Ripen the following on the... Continue Reading →
You probably know that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can be important for a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that focusing on VARIETY is also important? Different colors and groups of fruits and vegetables provide us with many different vitamins and minerals. By eating a variety, we make sure we get all the... Continue Reading →
It may sound daunting to include 2 cups of fruit and 2-1/2 cups of vegetables in to your meals daily, but some simple tips and tricks will make it seem effortless. A "taco themed" baked potato is a delicious way to work in several vegetables. Top with taco meat, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and salsa... Continue Reading →
MyPlate is a visual way to help us eat a balanced diet from all of the food groups. The goal is to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein sources, grains, and dairy or soy fortified alternatives to fit your culture and lifestyle. Choose nutrient dense options to make every bite count! Nutrient dense means... Continue Reading →
What does it do for us? We all need protein. It provides nutrients and energy and builds, maintains, and repairs the tissues in our body. Most Americans eat enough - but it is important to eat a variety of protein foods each week to improve nutrient intake and health benefits. What should I choose? Protein foods... Continue Reading →
When people decide to eat healthier, they can be tempted to drastically reduce or even cut out certain food groups completely, such as grains and dairy. This can make it difficult to get all the nutrients we need to maintain our health. A safer and much healthier choice would be to watch our serving sizes... Continue Reading →
February is American Heart Month, which is a great reminder that every snack choice is an opportunity to take baby steps toward better heart health. Small and simple swaps add up and can make a big difference over time. Here are a few examples of small, realistic changes that help encourage better overall eating choices.... Continue Reading →
Valentine’s Day is near, so let’s make this day special by preparing a heart healthy dinner. Think about that special someone (family, friends, significant other, etc.) and their favorite meals to get an idea of what you want to make. Once you have decided on your meal of choice, create a list of main ingredients,... Continue Reading →
National Snack Food Month was originally created in 1989 by the National Potato Promotion Board and the National Snack Food Association because both organizations wanted to promote awareness and consumption of healthy snacking. Snack foods can be a great way to eat more nutrients throughout the day and help keep us full until we are... Continue Reading →
Soup is an easy and nutritious go-to meal that has many benefits in addition to making you feel warmer on a cold day. Here are five reasons that we think might convince you to make a soup for dinner tonight. Generally Rich in Vegetables- MyPlate recommends 1-3 cups per day, depending on your age, sex,... Continue Reading →
Follow the directions to choose ingredients from each block. Combine the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the soup reaches 165°F and the flavors combine. Note: For thinner soup, add a little water. For thicker "stew" add less broth or cook longer.
