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A bundle of thyme sprigs in a white bowl set on a white wooden table.

Thyme to enjoy fresh herbs

Now is the thyme to enjoy fresh herbs. I have been enjoying the bounty of my herb garden, which my husband and I planted in a garden box made out of a recycled wooden pallet. It sits just outside our back patio for easy access. Thyme is an herb that we plant every year, as I use it in so...
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Yellow weight on a barbell.

Pump up the iron with iron-rich foods

While you may be pumping iron at your gym, your body is pumping iron every day. Most of the iron that our bodies absorb is used to make hemoglobin, a part of red blood cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Since our bodies cannot make this essential nutrient, we need...
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Blue background, glass in the middle of picture with water being poured into it.

Why water?

This blog post is written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Jesi Thome.   Have you ever wondered why people say water is so important? We grow up hearing “make sure to drink plenty of water” for everything! If it’s hot outside, drink water. If it...
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Hiking trail in the woods.

Think food safety before you hit the trails

Many people are itching to get out of their homes and enjoy the beautiful weather, which is why there's been an increased interest in forest bathing. Don't worry, this does not involve actual bathing! Quite simply, forest bathing is being in nature while having a conscious...
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Pile of bread loaves.

Raise your IQ on yeast varieties

Baker’s yeast has had such a rapid increase in consumer sales that manufactures have had a hard time producing enough to keep it stocked on store shelves. More time at home means more time to create homemade bread, no longer a thing in the past. If you’re new to bread making, start by learning...
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Ice cubes

Put your freezer to work

Other than breastmilk, I can honestly say I have never stored milk in the freezer…until now. This is the time to put that freezer to good use. Freezing is one of the easiest ways to store food for longer periods of time. Before you go to the store, check your freezer(s) to make sure you have the...
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Chicken and vegetable recipe in gray bowl, set on table with fork and spooon.

Canned fruit counts

As my household has been stocking up on canned foods like never before, I had to laugh when my husband brought home a can of fruit cocktail. It’s been years since I had fruit cocktail, and it immediately made me think of my dad and his fruit cocktail cookies that he used to make. While I would...
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glass of milk with straw set on a picnic table

A2: A New Milk on the Market

Some of you may have noticed a new milk on the market, known as “A2 milk.” This is not one of those alternative milks, such as almond, rice, or soy, but rather it is an alternative type of cow’s milk. The claim is that A2 milk is “easier on digestion.” A2 milk supporters recommend it for those who...
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Grass with sun coming through the trees.

Picnic Safety and Fun

As the weather is growing warmer and more and more people are itching to get out of the house, picnic meals may be the answer to those craving a change in scenery. Whether it’s a picnic in your backyard or at an open park, keep both food safety and fun in mind when planning. Unless the picnic...
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