Live Well. Eat Well.

Although National Pepper Month is celebrated in November, sweet and hot peppers are coming out of gardens and farmers markets in mid- and late-summer here in Illinois. While the peppers are peak quality, I'll enjoy them fresh as a...

It’s back-to-school time, and we all want the same thing: healthy, happy children who are learning and on their way to becoming productive members of their communities. Studies show that well-fed children are ready to learn and have fewer discipline problems than those who are not well-fed. ...

Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial kickoff to summer. And what better way to celebrate than pulling out the grill and inviting friends and family over for a cookout? Grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen cool and enjoy the classic summer favorites like burgers, grilled chicken,...

Water is amazing, right! Human bodies contain around 60% water; it's part of our natural environment from weather to watersheds; and we need water for our...

Eggs are a tasty and easy-to-prepare source of protein. But when storing and handling them safely, you might have some questions. How long do eggs last in the fridge? If an egg floats, does that mean it’s bad? Can you freeze eggs? Let’s crack open some common egg safety questions!How long...

Once (maybe twice) each winter, my rural grocery store will stock whole pomegranates. They are a highlight of my winter fruit picks because of their sweet taste and pop of vibrant ruby red. Plus I get a chance to practice mindfulness...

There are more varieties you can grow and buy, but the main winter squashes I see sold in grocery stores and from farm stands around me are butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squashes.  Acorn squashes are typically small, and if...

“All that candy will make your teeth fall out” is a common expression typically heard around sugar-filled holidays. The brain needs sugar to function, but too much sugar can cause problems, including cavities and gum disease....

"I have more eggs in the summer than I know what to do with," said a community member calling into my office. If you have backyard chickens, there might come a time when you have more eggs than your household will eat. Let's talk about some...

June is Dairy Month, a perfect time to explore the wide variety of dairy and dairy-free options available. Whether you enjoy traditional dairy products or prefer plant-based alternatives, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into the delicious world of dairy and dairy-free options...