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 →
National Dairy Month was originally created in 1937 as National Milk Month as a way to promote drinking milk when there was an extra supply of milk during the warmer months of summer. Then in 1939, June became the National Dairy Month because of research that supported the positive contributions dairy products make to our... 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 →
March is National Nutrition Month. Eating nutritious meals and snacks does not need to be boring! Adding color to your meals through fruits and vegetables, not only will make meals fun to eat, but also keep your kids healthy. Trying a variety of new fruits and vegetables is an enjoyable way to get in vitamins... 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 →
It is never too late to reap the benefits of smarter food choices. Eating healthy is key to enjoying good health as we age. The benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, getting important nutrients, and lowering the risk of chronic disease. Follow these tips to help get started on a healthier YOU! Eat a variety... 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.
Oatmeal is one of the most versatile and inexpensive foods around. It is packed with nutrients to keep you full and help fight many health issues. This amazing whole grain meal is loaded with fiber and proteins that help keep you full longer. They are also full of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for... Continue Reading →
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 →
A few easy ingredient changes can make meals less stressful and a lot healthier Canned Fruits & Veggies: Try low or no sodium and low or no sugar when choosing canned veggies & fruitsMayonnaise, Buttermilk, or Sour Cream: Try using plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise, buttermilk, or sour cream.White Flour: To get more whole grains,... Continue Reading →
The holiday season is full of treats and festivities that impact your families eating choices. Holidays are a perfect time to teach your kids mindful eating habits. When attending holiday gatherings remind your child that eating too many sweets could upset their belly. Discussing ways to savor foods will enhance your child’s satisfaction with their... Continue Reading →
This time of year can be challenging with treats and special foods constantly around. Here are some tips that can help you manage these challenges during this holiday season: Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.No food should be on the naughty list. Choose the dishes you really love that you can’t... Continue Reading →
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 →
Though the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults eat at least three to five servings of whole grains a day and children two to three, most Americans consume one or less. And a whopping 40% of Americans don’t eat whole grains at all! If you are feeling discouraged at the thought of switching... Continue Reading →
If you’re going to be at work or school all day, pack a snack to take with you. Convenience foods cost more and have empty calories. Choose healthy and tasty snacks that boost your energy between meals. Making your own trail mix can save you money and help you eat healthier. Here’s a recipe your... Continue Reading →
Eating a healthy breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. Not only does it “break the fast” from not eating since dinner the night before, but studies show eating breakfast increases overall diet quality, can help maintain a healthy weight, and improves behavior and learning with children. However, not just any breakfast... Continue Reading →
Water is just fine, thanks: Serve water or milk instead of soda. Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened waters are associated with a range of health conditions, including weight gain/obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. When you substitute water for a single 20-ounce sugar sweetened soda, you can reduce... Continue Reading →
Play time, not screen time: Cut screen time to 2 hours or less a day. Are you new to meal planning? Start small. Which meal would be easiest to plan for in advance? Breakfast may be a busy time, or difficult to plan for if household members awake at different times. Dinner tends to be... Continue Reading →
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Quench your thirst with this refreshing Summer beverage. 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)2 tbsp Honey or sweetener of choice2 lemons (juiced)3.5 cups sparkling water Puree strawberries and honey in blender or food processor.Pour sparkling water into a pitcher, then stir in strawberry puree and lemon juice.Serve at room temperature or... Continue Reading →
Many of our schedules and routines have been disrupted during this time, which can make it difficult to make sure we are getting enough water. Approximately 60 percent of our body consists of water, so it is essential to make our bodies function. Water is vital to the life of every cell in our body,... Continue Reading →
Raise your hand if you have ever burned a batch of beans… or just dinner. *Raises hand slowly* You leave a pot on the stove, get distracted, and suddenly dinner is a bit more charred than you would like. You might ask yourself, “What can I do?” An easy solution is to pull out that... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee – University of Idaho Extension As the meat supply in the nation is possibly disrupted due to COVID-19, you might find some stores that have placed limits on purchase amounts and have smaller selections of meat. With meat prices expected to rise, this could be a good time to consider expanding... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension Fruits and vegetables taste better and cost less when they are in season. As you enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness, you also save money because in-season produce are typically on sale at the store. Before heading to the store or... Continue Reading →
We open the fridge to find our spinach has wilted to a slimy mess and the zucchini we had planned to eat before the stay-at-home had been placed is shriveled to almost nothing. We know it is important to eat vegetables and fruits, but how do we purchase enough to get us through until our... Continue Reading →
By Siew Guan Lee, MS, RD – University of Idaho Extension As many of us continue to stay home, you may wonder how to maintain healthy eating habits. The good news is that it’s still possible to consume a balanced, healthy diet during this restrictive time. Having a variety of healthful foods on hand and... Continue Reading →
Serve 5 fruits and vegetables a day. A variety of fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals important for growth, development, and a healthy immune system. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower rates of diseases like high blood pressure, stroke heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables may... Continue Reading →
Water is just fine, thanks: Serve water or milk instead of soda. By tracking water intake throughout the day, you can determine whether or not you are getting enough to drink. It’s easy to make adjustments in order to meet your healthy hydration goals! Try these simple tips to improve your water intake: Use a... Continue Reading →
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 →
How do you get your kids to eat 5 fruits and veggies a day? We've got a couple of ideas and we would love to hear your ideas. Let Kids Choose a New Fruit or Veggie Kids are more likely to try a food that they have a hand in choosing. Plan a trip to... Continue Reading →
Yes! It IS possible to raise children who like to eat a wide variety of vegetables. Follow these fun tips to develop your healthy eater and remember to always talk about vegetables in a fun and inviting way to encourage even more positivity! Enjoy a variety of vegetables yourself. The most important thing that adults can... Continue Reading →
Let’s talk dairy! Dairy is an important component to our daily diets. It’s one of the five food groups that is recommended by the USDA. You might be familiar with MyPlate, if not, below is a graphic that’ll help you get familiar with what a healthy balance of food looks like. The USDA recommends that... Continue Reading →
There is a constant struggle with choosing the right foods for our bodies. "Is this salad really healthy or am I just telling myself that?" "My coffee doesn't have THAT much sugar. Right?" Lucky for us, ChooseMyPlate.Gov has an abundance of tips and tricks on healthy eating for all ages. Some general tips include varying... Continue Reading →
FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH #AmericanHeartMonth #IdahoHasHeart #OurHearts #LongLiveIdaho #EatSmartIdaho Click on the links below for tips from the American Heart Association: Eat Smart Follow these tips when you go food shopping. Add Color Sneaking more vegetables into meals. Move More Ways to get yourself moving and enjoy being physically active. Be Well How to... Continue Reading →
Between Christmas and New Years we tend to go to so many parties, get so many sweets, and generally have many opportunities to not be healthy. So here are a few tips to help you stay healthier this week. Have healthy snacks: make sure you have some healthy foods on hand so you can snack... Continue Reading →
Many of us want to avoid weight gain during the holiday season. Yet we don’t want to miss out on the fun or traditional holiday foods! Set yourself up for success this holiday season by establishing healthful habits now. Eat a breakfast of whole grains and fruit. This will help you stay full throughout the... Continue Reading →
Barley is too amazing to be overlooked. Try it out for dinner this week!
