Family and Consumer Sciences

Live Smart Ohio

Ohio State University Extension

Asparagus Season is Here!

Spring brings about the growth of gardens and the opening of many Farmer’s Markets in Middle America. One of the first vegetables that we typically see available in Ohio, locally grown, is asparagus. If you plan to purchase this tasty treat, look for asparagus that is nearly all green with medium size and firm stalks. […]

WRITTEN BY: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

REVIEWED BY: Liz Smith, Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-ED, Ohio State University Extension.

SOURCES:

  • National Center for Home Food Preservation: http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/store/ksu_refrig_freeze.pdf, http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/blanching.html
  • Penn State Extension: http://extension.psu.edu/health/nutrition-links/pennsylvania-produce/produce-buying-guide/asparagus
  • Fruits and Veggies More Matters: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/asparagus
  • Penn State Extension: http://extension.psu.edu/health/nutrition-links/pennsylvania-produce/produce-buying-guide/asparagus

Kitchen Inventory: How Long Have You Had That?

Have you ever pulled a can out of your pantry and realized it was 2 years past the use-by date?  Or discovered an ice covered mystery package in the bottom of the freezer? At my house, usually about once a year, I do a full inventory of the freezer, refrigerator and pantry.  Yes, I really […]

WRITTEN BY: Kate Shumaker, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, shumaker.68@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Shari Gallup, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, gallup.1@osu.edu

Happy National Nutrition Month®! Savor the Flavor of Eating Right

March is National Nutrition Month®! This year the theme is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, that’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? The idea behind this month’s theme is to ENJOY your food and to appreciate the smells, flavors, and fun that go along with sharing a meal! According to the Academy […]

REVIEWED BY: Yvette Graham, MSW, LISW-S, Program Specialist, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Ohio State University Extension, graham.697@osu.edu

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/toolkit
  • www.pixabay.com

SOURCES:

  • http://www.eatright.org/~/media/eatright%20files/nationalnutritionmonth/handoutsandtipsheets/nutritiontipsheets/20waystoenjoymorefruitsandvegetables.ashx
  • http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/national-nutrition-month-games
  • www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/nnm-handouts-and-tipsheets-for-families-and-communities
  • health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
  • myplate.gov

REFERENCES:

  • http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/event-ideas
  • http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/toolkit

Office Temptations

The past few weeks I have been walking past an array of foods in our office break room, including tortilla chips, crackers, chocolate, and cookies. Often we have donuts or pastries in our office to share as well. I try to bring my lunch every day but I am so tempted by all the goodies […]

WRITTEN BY: Melissa Welker M.Ed., B.S., Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Fulton County, Maumee Valley EERA, welker.87@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Katie LaPlant, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties, Erie Basin EERA, laplant.8@osu.edu

REFERENCES:

  • www.cspinet.org
  • www.fcs.osu.edu

Is It Time for an Oil Change?

Have you changed your oil lately? Not for your car, but to keep your body running smoothly.  The newly released 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines, provide recommendations for the amount of fat we consume.  Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, and seafood can reduce the amount of fat in our diets. The key recommendations […]

WRITTEN BY: Barbara Hennard; OSU Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator

REVIEWED BY: Shawna Hite; OSU Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences; Healthy People Program Specialist

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • www.Pixabay.com

SOURCES:

  • American Diabetes Association; Protect Your Heart: Choose Healthy Fats http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/fats-and-diabetes.html#Healthy_Fats
  • Mayo Clinic; Dietary Fats: Know Which Types to Choose: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550
  • American Heart Association; Fats 101; http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Fats-101_UCM_304494_Article.jsp#.Vqpyz7IrKJD
  • Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 - 2020 Eighth Edition; http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/

The Best Winter Foods

As winter arrives, temperatures drop and daylight hours are shorter. Mood and energy levels are also known to decline during these cold winter months as many tend to hibernate. It’s a perfect time to focus on adequate nutrition and enjoy foods of fiber, color and flavor. These foods will help keep you healthy this winter. […]

WRITTEN BY: Beth Stefura M Ed, RD,LD. Ohio State University Extension Educator, Mahoning County, Crossroads EERA, stefura.2@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, Erie Basin EERA, green.308@osu.edu

REFERENCES:

  • http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/healthy-winter-foods
  • http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/the-best-winter-foods

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