Live Well. Eat Well. 2014

Farmers market season is almost upon us, a sure sign that spring is finally here. After a seemingly endless winter, many are ready to get outside and browse the stalls filled with colorful, fresh produce.And if you don't already frequent farmers markets, you might want to consider a trip. But why...

Apple donuts - the quintessential fall-time treat. But donuts, no matter what their flavor (even if they have fruit!), are typically high in fat, sugar, and calories. Fried and smothered in sugar or glaze sure makes them delicious, but you can get your donut fix without all the extras. No need to...

It's state fair season! If you can't make it out to the fairgrounds and need a funnel cake fix, you can have it any time of year with this healthier alternative. (Scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable PDF version of the recipe!) Basic Funnel Cake...

As we've posted before, canning is a great way to use the foods you have grown in your garden or have purchased from your local farmers' market. Canning allows us to enjoy the wonderful tastes of summer all year long, but to keep your food safe, you have to know which method of canning to use....

In case you were curious, the maximum monthly allowance for SNAP (aka Food Stamps) participants is this: Family of 1: $189.00 = $47.25/week Family of 2: $ 347.00 = $86.75 Family of 3: $ 497.00 = $124.25 Family of 4: $ 632.00 = $...

March is National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. T

When you think of yogurt, what comes to mind? Words like, fruity, smooth, creamy, and sweet. Perhaps visions of smoothies or parfaits dance through you head. Some of us health minded folks might think the health benefit of probiotics, as mentioned in...

Leia- I have a recipe that everyone in our family LOVES - but it has to be the most fattening dish ever invented. Is there anything you can do with it to make it healthier? It is yummy, and there's never a smidge left over. However, I'd rather not kill everyone in the family by bringing it to...

They say that sex sells, and ain't that the truth? Yet so many people shy away from discussing it in public. And seeking help when there's trouble in the bedroom? Yeah right. Like any other aspect of health, we're quick to look for cure-alls. The idea of aphrodisiacs is nothing new. Throughout...

Summer has gone by quickly yet again, and now is the time when backyard gardens and supermarket bins alike are overflowing with tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and more. That's all fine and dandy from a nutritional standpoint – these vegetables are chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and...

Today we're making over an all-American summer side dish – pasta salad! Mayo-based dishes like potato salad or macaroni salad can be filled with fat and calories. I think summer food should be light and tasty, so I took on the challenge of making over this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe. ...

Health Benefits and Risks of Eating Fish Fish is an important part of a balanced diet. It provides essential fatty acids, lean protein, and several vitamins and minerals (zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, iodine, Vitamins A, D, E and B Vitamins). The types of fats found in fish...

Eggs! The wonderful protein –cheap, easy to prepare and versatile! You can poach, boil, coddle, bake or fry them. Fold them into an omelet or bake them in a casserole. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, eggs are a perfect addition to anyone's diet. Why not eggs? Here are some tips/facts about...

"All that and a bag of chips"---this phrase is usually a slam against someone who is conceited or arrogant. Perhaps the phrase originates in the concept of completeness; a meal complete with a "bag of chips". The phrase itself got me to thinking…."and a bag of chips" is ubiquitous in our society,...

Have you ever gotten an e-mail, text, or letter that made you go, "Wow, what is her problem?" In text, short sentences and using lots of periods can convey curtness. In person, the same message is tempered by facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. The written word is tricky – so much can...

We love customizable burritos and bowls, but do you know how to make yours diet-friendly? The giant tortilla, rice, beans, and corn make it a carb fest, while cheese and sour cream ramp up the fat. Roll it all together (literally!) and the calorie count - like the burrito - is as "big as your head...

The kids are back in school, so what better time to make over everyone's favorite cafeteria classics? Fried finger foods like chicken nuggets and "tater tots" are high-fat and not the best choice for growing brains and bodies. (Not to mention for adults watching their weight.) Our faux-fried...

June is National Dairy Month, a time to celebrate all the nutritious benefits of milk, cheese and yogurt. But what if you don't do dairy? Whether it's for food preferences, religious purposes or health reasons, there are lots of reasons why people may not partake. Food companies...

Fact or Fiction? The average person will gain between 7-10 pounds over the holiday season (mid-November-January). Fiction! Though we may begin to see this statistic in various places such the gym, CNN or even in a staff newsletter this time of year…it is more...

Images courtesy of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Illinois official spring hunting season is here. No, I am not talking about wild turkey