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 →
Feed Your Kids a Rainbow Serve 5 fruits and vegetables a day. Did you know that ½ cup of dried fruit counts as one serving? This is because the loss of water during the drying process concentrates the calories and nutrients. Check the nutrition facts label for added sugar when buying dried fruit, as it... 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 →
A starchy vegetable full of vitamins A, C, fiber, potassium, and FLAVOR! Sweet Potato Apple Casserole A new twist on sweet potatoes! 4 Sweet potatoes (scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)2 Apples (washed under cold running water, sliced)½ cup Orange juice1 tablespoon Butter1 teaspoon Cinnamon½ cup raisins... Continue Reading →
While we are able to get apples all year round, this time of year they are particularly tasty. This is apple season. Apples are a great snack, that are also very healthy. You can grab one on the go, cut it up and enjoy it as an after-school snack, or mix it into dishes to... 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...
We are now nestled into the Fall season here in Idaho, which means crisp air, crunchy leaves, and a bounty of winter squashes! The most common varieties that can be found in stores are pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Winter squashes are a great source of vitamin A for promoting vision health,... Continue Reading →
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us don’t have time every morning for a sit-down meal. Convenience is part of our lives, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy prepackaged breakfast foods or hit the drive thru. Try this simple recipe and in less than 30 minutes you’ll... Continue Reading →
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 →
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!
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
The combination of cranberry and turkey flavors makes a beautiful dish! Hopefully you froze all your leftover turkey so you can continue to use it. If you did, here is a great recipe to use some of that leftover turkey in. When using frozen-cooked turkey it is best to first defrost it in the... Continue Reading →
Tips for Making Soup Soups are a great way to fill you up without having to spend hours in the kitchen. In fact, most soups can be made in 30 minutes or less. Always read through your recipe before beginning.Pre-chop veggies and measure ingredients ahead of time.Still short on time? Buy rotisserie chicken at your... Continue Reading →
With fall upon us I find myself craving all things pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, Pumpkin spice lattes, Pumpkin smoothies, and my favorite Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin pie has that sweet, spicy, smooth filling with a buttery crust I crave each fall. The only down fall…. It has so much sugar! But you’re in luck! This Pumpkin Pie... Continue Reading →
Warm up this hearty recipe! Zesty Pumpkin Bean and Rice Bowl This dish is easy and satisfying! Use any type of winter squash. 1 cup Pumpkin (or any winter squash)1 tsp Vegetable oil1 Tbsp Garlic (minced)1 Onion (diced)1/2 tsp Oregano1/4 tsp Black pepper1/8 tsp Cinnamon1/8 tsp Cumin3 cups Kidney beans (cooked)3 cups Brown rice (cooked)2... 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 →
Want to go places fast, and hear the wind whistle through your ears? Take a bike when the weather is nice if you need to run errands near home. Bike with your friends and family after work or school. Explore bike paths in your town or adventure down country roads. Idaho has over 12,000 miles... Continue Reading →
Idaho is a beautiful state, and trails are everywhere. Some are free, and closer than you think. Look around your town or county, drive the back roads and explore. Idaho state parks are just $10/year to use, and a parks pass can even be purchased with your car registration. Get outside and enjoy the serenity... Continue Reading →
It’s the end of the week, and you have leftover bananas. Don’t throw them out. When life gives you very ripe bananas, make ice cream! Low in fat and naturally sweet, try this icy-creamy-fruity treat. Cool down and share this thrifty ice cream recipe with family and friends on a hot day. Easiest Banana Ice... Continue Reading →
Make a meal your family and friends can enjoy together with this zesty, flavor-packed recipe. Letting everyone choose their own toppings makes taco night a summer hit! This is a fun easy recipe to try at home with your kids or friends. Eating together at home could help build healthier eating habits. Help build... Continue Reading →
Simple and delicious way to prepare fresh asparagus. The whole family will love it!
Looking for a quick, colorful, no-bake recipe with flavor and flare? Look no further. Jicama Black Bean Salad Fresh & crunchy! Add some color to your meal with this simple recipe. Enjoy as a dip with crunchy baked tortilla chips or a tasty salad. 1 small jicama (washed, peeled and chopped)1 can (15 ounce) black... Continue Reading →
Simple and delicious way to prepare fresh broccoli. The whole family will love it!
Barley is too amazing to be overlooked. Try it out for dinner this week!
Perfect your potatoes like a real Idahoan.
Whole wheat pasta is a good way to get great grains.
This super food is so yummy and so convenien to make and store!
Oats are really easy and versatile. They are great for more than just breakfast!
Delightfully fluffy rice, every time!
Six Eggs, Three Ways. Simple & delicious.
