Healthy Eating

It’s inevitable that we all get older, but as my grandpa used to say, “it’s better than the alternative!” Our bodies experience many changes as we age, including those that we can see, like gray hair or wrinkles and those not as visible, such as the stiffening of our blood vessels and arteries...

This article is written by Illinois State University dietetic intern, Maggie Loveridge. Maggie spent four weeks of her internship with University of Illinois Extension.Ever heard of the slogan ‘Taste the rainbow,’ by the famous candy brand Skittles®? While you may ‘taste’ the rainbow when...

Swiss chard is the less popular green when it sits next to spinach and kale, but it deserves its shining moment, too. It has big, dark green leaves and stalks that can be white, red, or a rainbow of colors including yellow and orange. It has a slightly bitter taste, but that can be resolved with...

Dark leafy greens are not everyone’s cup of tea. Collard greens, kale and turnip greens, for example, can taste bitter, especially when not handled in a way to alleviate some of that bitterness. However, spinach is a dark leafy green, less bitter than most, and still packs the nutritional punch of...

A little spring cleaning and decluttering can be hard work, but the end result is worth it. According to National Science Foundation (NSF), the kitchen is said to be the germiest room in the house. Everyday tasks, such as washing dishes and prepping food can actually spread bacteria if not done...

I always like to read about current culinary food trends, and one in particular caught my eye: spicy desserts. My colleague had just made our team a pan of brownies baked with cayenne pepper, and it was surprisingly delicious. It brought a touch of heat that never had my mouth on fire, but rather...

Do you or your family have that “signature dish” that can be found at every holiday meal and family gathering? For my mother’s side of the family that dish is what we simply call “banana salad.” My grandmother would bring it to every family outing, and now that she has passed away, it’s the worthy...

We’ve been told that flaxseed is good for us, but what exactly is it, and what do I do with it?  Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant. It’s an annual plant with green leaves and generally has either pale blue or bright red flowers. The fruit of the plant is a dry round capsule, which...

It’s not easy having a new baby; the sleepless nights, the dirty diapers and the seemingly endless amount of washing that has to be done. But of course, there are the fun tasks, too, and one of my favorite joys was feeding my baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should be...

Barley is a whole grain that brewing companies most often desire to produce malt. However, it’s more than just a beer necessity. Barley is a wonderful addition to many different varieties of soups and may be a cabinet staple this time of year.  Out of all the whole grains, barley is just...