We chose a few orchards where you can pick your own fruit, but we would like to hear from you: Where do YOU pick fresh fruits during summer in Idaho? Read more...
Idaho Cherry Season- Just the Beginning of Idaho Stone Fruit Season
3 Summer Activities for the Whole Family
As we enter a bright and beautiful season, the plants are springing up, the kids are out of school for summer, and you are hoping for this summer to be the best! How do you make this happen? Beginning of summer is the perfect time to plan some fun family activities that embrace nature and... Continue Reading →
Why Plant a Garden?
You don’t need a huge yard to experience the benefits of gardening. Container gardens are great for small spaces, and are perfect for balconies, patios, or places where you can't plant in the ground. You will be amazed by how much food you can grow in just a couple of pots! Starting a garden of your... Continue Reading →
Spring Forward with Fun Physical Activities for the Family
You made it through the shortest days of Winter. Now that the days are longer, take time to add more physical activity to your family’s day. Balancing the work and school day can be hectic but making small changes this spring can lead to big rewards. Think about times when your family is sitting and... Continue Reading →
5 Reasons to Grow Your Own Food
March is a great time to start planning to plant your own garden. Even if you do not have a patch of ground, you can plant in containers for a patio or porch garden. All you need is containers, soil, sunlight, water, and seeds. Now is the time to start making your plan and deciding... Continue Reading →
Family Meals Are Good for “All Parts” of You and Your Family
Getting together to have a family meal may seem like a challenge with differing schedules and the all-important question, of what to have for dinner. These barriers may seem impossible to overcome on some nights when you are tired from a long day at work or being with the kids. But the benefits of having... Continue Reading →
5 Tips for Baking Healthier with Kids
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 →
Inexpensive Holiday Activities for the Whole Family
Holidays are a great opportunity to spend time doing family activities! There are plenty of low-cost activities to do, especially during the holidays. Planning ahead will help you find enjoyable activities for the entire family that won’t break the bank. Searching the internet, local newspapers, and school events are a great way to find information... Continue Reading →
Ways to Stay Healthier & Happier in Winter
Did you know that physical activity and certain foods can help us stay happier and healthier in Winter? Rainbow of Fruits & Veggies: In Winter, brighten your plate by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. They are low in fat and calories and high in water and fiber, so we feel satisfied quicker. Go... Continue Reading →
Holiday Light Displays in Idaho
There aren’t many things more magical during the Holiday season than seeing thousands of colorful, twinkling lights brightening the night sky. Whether you live in Northern Idaho, Southeastern Idaho, or anywhere in between, there’s a holiday light display for everyone. Listed are some of the Best Holiday light displays in Idaho. 1: Winter Garden aGlow,... Continue Reading →
Autumn’s in the Air- Get Moving Outside
Fall activities are even more pleasant when it’s cooler outside and the leaves start to change. Grab a jacket, comfortable shoes, and try some of these activities: Take a Walk- You can collect colorful leaves or rocks to decorate for fall or just for fun.Pick-up Game- Join your kids in a game they love. How... Continue Reading →
Forming Connections Through Food
July is the month of farmers markets, in which you can find fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets have many perks, in addition to stocking up on nutrient dense foods you can also form connections. Local artisans, farmers, community members provide a healthy experience for the whole family. It’s a chance to enjoy being in... Continue Reading →
Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is the time to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the long days of sunshine and great weather. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have summer family fun. Write your activity plans on a family calendar and let the kids help in planning the activities. Allow them to check... Continue Reading →
Trails of Idaho
As we enter the summer months you may want to take your walking from indoors on a treadmill to walking in Idaho’s beautiful outdoors. All throughout Idaho there are walking trails that suit all needs. If you are just starting out or if you’re an avid hiker, you can find your perfect trail in any... Continue Reading →
Don’t Just Sit There…
Any time you get up and move, you’re improving your chances for better health. But did you know that being sedentary- sitting a lot- can have the opposite effect. If you find yourself sitting too much, here is a simple way to start small: Set a timer every hour. On your phone or even a... Continue Reading →
New Year, New You
The start of a new year commonly marks the start of new goals or lifestyle changes for many individuals and families. In some cases, the new year marks a new diet or exercise plan. Unfortunately, many people get burned out quickly because these diets or exercise plans are too rigid and focus on taking away... Continue Reading →
10 Tips for a Healthy Mind in the New Year
When setting goals for the New Year, mental health is often overlooked. However, your mental and physical health are very closely linked. Without practicing habits for a healthy mind, it can be hard to practice healthy habits for a healthy body. Here are ten tips to help get you started. Focus on your nutrition. Try... Continue Reading →
Ways to Keep Active During the Winter Break
We all know that staying active is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. But, once the cold weather settles in, it becomes tempting to curl up on the sofa with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and our new favorite TV series. We may even realize... Continue Reading →
Halloween Family Dinner
Halloween is a great opportunity to practice the habit of eating better and together for Eat Better, Eat Together Month. Whether you are going out trick-or-treating or staying indoors, the children are excited and there is bound to be candy involved. Whatever event you have going on, filling the kids up with a healthy, filling... Continue Reading →
Enjoy a Fall Picnic with Family or Friends
October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month Eating together is a great way to connect. And, Fall in Idaho offers beautiful weather to enjoy a meal outside. A little planning can make it easy. Prep food the day before and pack it in a basket, box or backpack. Keep it simple and don't forget a... Continue Reading →
Creating Healthy, Happy Meals Together
Fall is here, and along with its arrival, we begin to think of having warm and comforting meals with our family. The reality is… some evenings can be chaotic, with limited time, busy work, and different family schedules. We may end up eating on the go or having convenience meals in front of the TV.... Continue Reading →
National Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health issues do not all fit in one box. They come in different forms and shapes, but no matter which form someone is experiencing, it can be a struggle to function on a normal, day to day basis. Here are some tips to help yourself, a family... Continue Reading →
Take A Breath of Fresh Air – Outdoor Physical Activity
Spring is in the air and although we are still practicing social distancing, there are many outdoor opportunities for physical activity. In fact, during this season of Covid-19, it is even more important to be as active as possible, whether indoors or outdoors. Physical activity benefits both the body and mind. On top of having... Continue Reading →
Make Mental Health a Priority
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension We seem to have heard it a million times: Stay Home. Staying home sounds easy, but the fear and anxiety of being cooped up at home may lead to more stress and intense emotions. As the stay-home order continues, here are some tips to... Continue Reading →
Grow Your Own Food
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension The taste of sweet, juicy fresh veggies with vibrant textures cannot be beat, especially if you grow them yourself. As Spring is here and you are maintaining social distancing, you may consider growing your own veggies, fruits, and herbs. Gardening adds nutrition to your... Continue Reading →
Tune into dinner, not TV.
Keep the TV off during mealtimes. Instead, focus on eating together as a family. Screen media entertains, informs, and educates; however, studies have shown that too much time in front of the TV, tablet, and smartphone can negatively impact health. It is important to find a healthy balance between taking advantage of the many benefits... Continue Reading →
Idaho Snow & Ice Sculptures
Idaho is known for great skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other great winter activities. This includes trudging through the snow to create, or at least enjoy, magnificent snow and ice sculptures. Every year, towns put on Winter festivals that highlight outdoor art that can only be seen in the Winter. If you want to experience the... Continue Reading →
How to Become a Fall Fitness Fanatic
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/how-a-christmas-story-became-an-american-tradition The key to all Fall activities is layers! Worried about being too cold? Then put on jacket! Worried about being too hot once you get moving? Then wear a t-shirt underneath! Sometimes our biggest excuse for not going outside is the fact that we don’t know what to wear when being active. A simple... Continue Reading →
It’s camping season !
Have you been camping yet this year? Did you know that camping not only gives you time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also provides health benefits? Camping offers Fresh natural air, Bright natural sunlight, Exercise & Healthy eating, and Family bonding just to name a few. When camping... Continue Reading →
Get Out & Play #MoveInMay
Eat Smart Idaho is celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month During May! #MoveInMay Tell us what YOU do for fitness. #MoveinMay Regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life. It reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Yet in Idaho, more than 24%... Continue Reading →
Unplug. Go Outside.
Spring Fever? Nature is a major distraction from the stresses of life and important for the health of children and adults. People who spend time outside… have more energy.are calmer.feel less stress.focus better.feel happier.sleep better. Start close to home with 30 minutes of activity. If you don’t have 30 minutes, try 10 minutes three times... Continue Reading →
Acts of Kindness
February 14th, a day filled with candy, flowers, hearts, gifts, and Valentine cards. These gifts are fun ways to remind your friends and family how much you love and care them. Valentine’s Day is filled with candy and more candy, but what if you are looking for non-candy related teats for Valentine’s Day? What if... Continue Reading →
Winter Workouts
We are right in the middle of the coldest part of winter. It is so easy during this time of year to curl up under a blanket and attempt to hibernate all winter. Unfortunately, our bodies are not made to hibernate, and even during the cold we need exercise. We are supposed to get 150... Continue Reading →
SMART Goal Setting
How is it already the second week of January?! Like many of us, the beginning of the new year also means a chance to start over. This means resolutions for the new year. But like many of us, we quickly fall back into our old habits. So how can this year be different? By setting... Continue Reading →
Managing Gatherings- Tips to Minimize Stress
Plan Ahead- Here are some holiday menus and recipes on a budget.Don’t Overspend- Stretch your food dollars and still eat well.Make it a Potluck- Here are some budget party &potluck tips.Chop & Chill- Wash and chop vegetables in advance or prep dishes that can be heated later. No-Stress Snacks- Stress can trigger mindless eating. Keep... Continue Reading →
Fall into the Library!
As the weather starts to cool down, you may be looking for some fall activities that let you stay nice and warm, while being inside. What better way to spend some indoor quality time, than at the library? Did you know reading can help improve your memory and reduce stress? So, cozy up in a... Continue Reading →