Live Well. Eat Well. 2015

For those looking to manage their weight, calories are a piece of the strategy. Calories are the energy we get from food, and some foods have more calories than others. Picking or substituting lower-calorie options in our daily food choices can help us get to our weight loss or management goals....

Who's going to a potluck this summer and needs to bring a dish? Whether going out on the lake, sitting beachside, or having a house party in someone's backyard, try these tips for being a contributor to the food fun. 1. Bring the unexpected Variety is the spice of life, in food...

Anyone else surprised by these high temperatures outside so early in summer? Phew, it's time to get into summer cooking mode. For me, that means using my oven less and adding in more cold temperature recipes. There are a variety of recipes you can make in summer to keep cool. I like these recipes...

In a follow-up to the roasted veggies post, I started thinking about ways I make meals easy and quick, but still flavorful. What occurred to me were sauces I use in recipes. Sauces add another level to otherwise plain recipes. Lately, sauces I use in cooking have been pesto, tomato salsa, salsa...

I enjoy cooking at home and feel good about it, since research shows these meals tend to have more nutrients and fiber and less fat and sodium.  Plus I get to control what goes into my meals. However, the lazy cook in me has shown up lately, and it has been a struggle to want to follow a...

Let's all celebrate Whole Grain Month this September and put our gluten-free concerns aside. People with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies CAN enjoy whole grains, too! The list below outlines those that contain gluten and those without (...

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...