Live Well. Eat Well. 2015

Over the past few years, carbs have gotten an unnecessarily bad rap, but there's plenty of room for bread in a heart-healthy diet. And it's a good thing, because there's nothing quite like biting into a still-warm slice of freshly baked bread; soft and chewy inside, with a slightly crisp crust....

Leave the bottled salad dressing on the store shelf. You might be thinking, "But I buy 'low-fat' dressing so it isn't that bad…" Think again. When food manufacturers take out the fat, they are putting something else in to help with palatability and when it comes to dressing…it's most likely sugar...

Have you broken your resolution yet? Lost 20 pounds? Ran a marathon? Me neither. This year I am keeping it simple. An apple a day… Apples are good for you! Who knew? Recent studies both in the US (University of California, Davis) and in the United Kingdom (Oxford University) have shown that eating...

Okay, so donuts are delicious. Fried dough with a sweet frosting or glaze? Yes please. Of course, we all know that donuts aren't health food. But let's be honest - it's unrealistic to expect that you're NEVER going to eat donuts. Plus, it's definitely possible to occasionally have one in the...

This post goes out to cooks who want to save time preparing meals, use a few less dishes, and avoid heating up the house using the oven or stovetop. Whether reheating leftovers or cooking foods and recipes, it is time to open your microwaves! Tips Reheat recipes to 165°F or until steaming hot Be...

I for one am a breakfast food fanatic! What's more, I absolutely love the smell of bacon in the morning! But what if I told you eggs and bacon aren't as simple as they once were. There are constantly new products out on the market targeting consumers as being a "healthier" alternative or a "new and...

Celebrate a belated Mardi Gras with the one-pot wonder that is jambalaya! Spicy sausage, chicken breast, and shrimp stewed together with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and rice that soaks it all up. The best! (Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable PDF version of the recipe)...

From last month's post on concentrated calories, it is time to look at the opposite: foods that are not so concentrated in calories. While we can reduce portion si

It's an ancient tradition, but over the past few months, boiling animal bones has become a health craze. Speculated to provide health benefits such as healthier skin and hair, improved anxiety/mood levels, decreased joint pain, reduced inflammation arthritis, and better overall digestive health...

All these grey skies have most of us craving a tropical escape – white sands, palm trees, the sweet scent of coconut. Luckily, the latter's surge in popularity has led to the release of scores of coconut products. Coconut oil, milk, water – the (sunny) sky's the limit. And based on what you may...

After the celebrating, Thanksgiving means leftovers for many families. Food Safety Pull meat off the bone and cut into desired sized pieces. Move leftover meat into the refrigerator within 2 hours after carving or soone

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Raise your hand if you've got a case of cabin fever! As we slowly add more daylight and inch toward springtime, I've been craving one of my favorite ballpark snacks -- soft pretzels. Sure, I could swing by the mall for a jumbo pretzel saturated with butter and salt. But it's healthier and just...

University of Illinois Extension staff regularly teach on and answer questions about safe handling, preparation, and cooking of food. (Call your local office to get an

Do you blame your aging brain for forgetting someone's name? Billions of brain cells can get bogged down with age, making it harder to keep up with cognitive demands like remembering where you left your car keys. Or whether your friend's cousin is named Dave or Dan. Unfortunately, we don't have the...

This year's National Nutrition Month theme is "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle." Have you ever thought about what a healthy lifestyle means to you? If you haven't, it's worth pondering. What would it take to achieve and maintain your version of a healthy lifestyle? How would that...

University of Illinois Extension staff regularly teach on and answer questions about safe handling, preparation, and cooking of food. (Call your local office to get answe

Deviled eggs are THE quintessential Easter appetizer. Then again, they can be found year-round at all types of parties, picnics, and holiday gatherings, too. Sadly, deviled eggs can be devilishly high in fat and calories thanks to liberal amounts of mayo and sour cream mixed into the filling, but...

Much of the country has been in a deep freeze since we kicked off 2015. Clearly, only one thing can make this situation better. Yes, I'm talking about hot chocolate. There's nothing better than sipping from a steaming mug of cocoa. Forget pre-mixed packets or spending 5 bucks at a coffee shop. Make...

During this season of renewal, it's a good time to take stock with your health goals. Even if you've been successful in the past, a healthy lifestyle has ups and downs. The phrase "what's old is new again" can apply to food and exercise just as much as fashion trends. We have an insatiable appetite...