Nutrition Education Blogs

Morels are the mushroom hunter's prey. Depending on the weather and location, the first Illinois morels of the season may begin to appear in late March to early April and generally ends in May. Morels are difficult to cultivate, thus are generally gathered in the wild rather than farmed. It may be...

Squish it. Smash it. Smoosh it. Our very first taste of solid food most likely came in a mashed or pureed form. However, as we have aged into adults, we must not forget that we can still enjoy our inner-baby’s love of mush. Here are four mashed foods that shouldn’t be stopped when the high chair...

If you’ve never seen poppy seeds, you may wonder what these tiny dark specks are doing all over your bagel. Poppy seeds are often used in baked goods, giving the product a slight nutty, sweet/spicy taste, a crunchy texture, and a unique decoration.There are many different types of poppy seeds,...

Nothing says “I love you” like a decadent bar of rich chocolate for your Valentine. There are many types of chocolate, but dark chocolate is the one that has received all the hype for its health benefits. However, can such a treat be good for you?Like milk chocolate, dark chocolate is made with...

Waking up to a warm bowl of oatmeal in the cold months is a good start to the day. Oatmeal has it’s perks; it’s quick and easy to prepare with a hundred different variations to keep it from getting boring, and it’s fiber content makes it both hearty and healthy, filling up your tummy while keeping...

While some people wouldn’t dream of skipping breakfast in the morning, others just aren’t breakfast eaters. There are three common reasons as to why breakfast may be overlooked: “I don’t have time,” “I don’t like breakfast food,” and “I’m not hungry.” It’s the “I’m not hungry” excuse that most...

The shorter days this season can leave many people feeling the winter blues. It’s not uncommon to be in a sore mood when there’s less natural sunlight. But a more severe type of depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a medical condition that appears when fall and winter come, and...

I get this question all the time: is honey healthier than granulated sugar? The answer is yes and no. Oh, don’t you hate this answer! However, the truth is not always a simple one and it warrants further explanation. Both honey and sugar are carbohydrates, but each carry different characteristics....

“Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day and don’t forget to floss.” You’ve likely heard these words of wisdom from your dentist and dental hygienist. Good dental hygiene is important to prevent cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease), which is the...

In the world of baking, there are two ingredients that every home baker must have: baking powder and baking soda. They look similar, they sound similar, and they act similar so what’s the difference?  Let’s start with the science. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and is a base on the pH...