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 →
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 →
Did you know that you can use EBT to buy food-producing seeds & plants? Imagine how far your SNAP benefits can go when you plant a garden. Here is a handy chart to learn what and when to plant in Idaho. For questions about gardening in Idaho, contact your local University of Idaho County Extension... Continue Reading →
April is National Garden Month Planting a garden is a great way to spend time as a family. Spring is a perfect time to plan and plant your crops. Planning ahead will lead you to the most success in growing fruits and vegetables. Planting a garden will provide a fun outdoor activity loaded with lots... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Thanksgiving weekend is hands down, all about the leftovers. From Turkey Soup made with leftover turkey, to Senate Soup made with leftover ham, to a classic Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sandwich, Thanksgiving leftover foods can be even more exciting than the Thanksgiving Day food itself. Following some simple guidelines for your leftovers will ensure safe... Continue Reading →
Let's get ready to roast a turkey. Use our handy chart to find the right times to thaw and roast. Then get some pointers to enjoy a safe and tasty Thanksgiving turkey dinner . NEVER DEFROST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE- Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan... Continue Reading →
Everyone seems to have at least one holiday meal that will never be forgotten…for the wrong reason. The neck and giblet bag cooked in the bird, forgotten eggs in the pumpkin pies, or our furry four-legged family member being the first to sample the holiday feast. These are just a few of the mishaps that... Continue Reading →
Holidays may look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of our favorite holiday meals! To keep ourselves and loved ones safe this Thanksgiving it is important to keep food safety in mind. As you are buying food for your holiday feast, it is important to be aware of... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
During this cold season we are all ready to curl up with a blanket, and not step outside. But staying active, even in the cold, is important. And these cold months brings with it something for all of us to enjoy - snow. Playing in the snow as a family is a great bonding activity... Continue Reading →
Citrus is known for its high vitamin C content- just one orange supplies a full day’s requirement. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc., are great tasting, low-calorie foods which are good sources of fiber, and are low in sodium, cholesterol, and fat. Add Zest to Just About Any Dish! Lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit zest! Citrus zest–... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
This week, our 3 recipes have two things in common... 1. They feature pears from the Pacific Northwest. 2. Each recipe is available for families OR for K-12 schools. Read more...
August is Kids Eat Right Month and a great time for families to learn how to cook healthy together! A clever way to encourage children to try new foods is to get kids in the kitchen. This week, we're featuring recipes to help kids start young and learn simple cooking tasks before moving on to... Continue Reading →
Idaho is known for its potatoes, but what about the other vegetables and fruits that grow in abundance? There are over 40 different types of vegetables and fruits grown in the summer months alone. Listed below are a few examples of the produce that are in season in August. Apples, Apricots, Beans, Beets, Berries (various),... Continue Reading →
Idaho is known for super sweet and tasty watermelons. They are available from July through early October. Find a local farm to pick your own or get a bargain at the store. Spot the Field Spot- This yellow/gold spot on the bottom means the melon basked in the sun on the farm and was ripe... Continue Reading →
This week, Eat Smart Idaho shares 3 of our fave recipes for Idaho Summer produce: beets, sweet corn, and watermelon. We also take the guesswork out of picking a great watermelon!
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 →
Don’t forget the MOST important BBQ tool - a FOOD THERMOMETER! Download a FREE "Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart" The Main 4 Practices for Food Safety: CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK, and CHILL Cantaloupe Gazpacho Try this COOL summer recipe with your Summer or Fall BBQ Blender 1 cantaloupe, medium (washed, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)1... Continue Reading →
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 →
As the weather starts warming up we start getting outside more. Some of these outside activities includes sports for us and our children. This is a wonderful way to get our daily exercise. But, we often wonder, what should I or my kids be drinking to stay hydrated? The short answer is: your go to... Continue Reading →
It’s Egg Week at Eat Smart Idaho! We're bringing you egg cooking, egg safety and egg-citing recipes. 5 Egg-spert Questions About Easter Eggs How can I safely color and decorate hard-cooked eggs? Wash your hands between all the steps of cooking, cooling, dyeing and decorating.Can I use anything to decorate the eggs, such as pens... 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 →
Instead of cursing the winter, find ways to enjoy it! Instead of talking about the things we CAN'T do, bundle up, get outside, and be active with these activities: SNOWBALL FIGHT: what better way to run around (and exercise) without even realizing that you are exercising? Put on your gloves, gather your kids, and start... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
When it is cold in Idaho, warmer parts of the country are picking ripe, fresh oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and other sweet or tangy citrus fruits. This is the time of year when these fruits taste wonderful and prices are lower! So, when the weather gets chilly, break out the citrus recipes! Carrot, Jicama, and Orange... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Eating healthy does not have to be boring! Try these fun, holiday treats that the whole family will love! They are simple, delicious, and healthy! Peanut butter is not only delicious, but it is full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full for hours. While peanut butter may be higher in calories,... Continue Reading →
Today is your last day to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers unless you are freezing them. Here are a few safety tips to remember when using up your Thanksgiving (and any other) leftovers: Leftovers should be used within 4 days if they are stored in the fridge This means that for Thanksgiving leftovers, if your... Continue Reading →
BEFORE YOU BUY THE TURKEY- Make space in the refrigerator KEEP IT SEPARATE- In the shopping cart, bags, and the refrigerator,separate raw turkey from other foods. NEVER DEFROST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE-Thaw in a refrigerator, 40 °f or below. Allow about 1 day for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place... 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 →
Fall activities are even more pleasant when it’s cooler outside and the scenery is changing. Grab a jacket, comfortable shoes, and try some of these activities: Take a walk through your neighborhood or local park to see the changing colors of FallGet the whole family involved - Turn leaf-raking and other Autumn yard work into fun... Continue Reading →
Fall is finally here and now that the weather is changing, you might be looking for some fun fall activities to do. Whether you’re the type that wants to visit a pumpkin patch to pick out that perfect pumpkin, or maybe you want to adventure through a corn maze with a hot chocolate in hand,... Continue Reading →
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 →
