Although it is the season of giving, foodborne illness is a gift nobody wants! Many of the favorite holiday foods pose a potential health risk if not stored, prepared and handled properly. Two of the most important rules to remember are:  1) Keep hot food hot and cold food cold...

This blog post is written by Ariana Rosado Lafontaine, Illinois State University dietetic intern. Thanksgiving Day is near! This is a time to gather with family and enjoy eating traditional thanksgiving dishes. However, for some people, the traditional feast can be a cause of concern...

 If it's your turn to host the family holiday dinner, you hopefully have your game plan ready. There's a lot to consider, including whether or not you have the space: dining table space, burner/oven space and refrigerator space. Not to mention, what foods you are going to prepare and what...

This blog post is written by Pauline Wrocenski, Illinois State University dietetic intern.  November is National Sweet Potato Awareness Month! Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and contain a rich flavor profile, making it ideal to enjoy by itself or as part of a dish....

'Tis the season of cooler weather and comfort foods. Nothing warms up the heart better than savory dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, potato soup, meatloaf, or fried chicken. But while these all-star fare are certainly delicious, they're also heavy and high calorie.  Lightening up your...

As you carve frightening or charming faces in your jack-o-lanterns this Halloween, be sure to keep the seeds for a nutritious snack. Pumpkin seeds are truly one of the greatest rewards to this fall activity.  Saving the seeds is easy. Once cutting out the stem of the pumpkin, the fun part...

If you have children at home, you're probably all too familiar with the loads of candy your child receives in the month of October. While we all know that overloading our children with sugary treats isn't the healthiest, how can we lessen the temptations, but still not deprive our children of the...

What’s green, oblong and appears to have warts?  No, it’s not a Wicked Witch of the West costume, it’s bitter melon. Bitter melon looks more like a bumpy cucumber, which is like a cousin in the squash family. This fruit bears it’s name and is quite bitter. While it can be eaten raw, it’s...

Fish and seafood are such healthy additions to one’s diet, delivering important nutrients such as iron, choline, vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults eat at least eight ounces every week. However, many people have questions...

The summer 2024 Olympic games recently concluded and took place in Paris, France, the culinary capital of the world. Athletes from around the world had the opportunity to choose traditional French cuisine and in fact, the Olympic Village included a bakery where athletes can shape their own French...