Try to count how many times you have heard that the more protein you can take into your body the better. Have you ever stopped to think about who is telling you this? Mostly it is companies who sell protein supplements and powders or athletic companies trying to promote bodybuilding. But regardless whether you are an athlete or not, more protein is not always the answer. How Much? According to the USDA, the average adult only needs about 0.8g (sedentary) or about 1-1.6g (recr

How often do you throw out food based solely on the date printed on the product? Rather than using standard food safety practices to determine if food is no longer safe to eat, many people assume the printed date means that the food has expired and decide it is no longer safe to consume. However, this is not the purpose of the date and can lead to unnecessary food waste. Although these dates are not required by the law to be printed on a product, manufacturers provide them on

With all the recent emergencies around the country, you probably have reflected on your preparedness. One important thing you can do now is to have an emergency kit. While it may seem obvious to include plenty of food and water in your kit, most people struggle with what specifically to include or how much. While it may be very individualized to your own family’s needs, below are some generalized tips for adding food and water to your kit. Food: What: Choose foods that will n

Happy National Whole Grains month! As a society, we are constantly being told to make half the grains we eat as whole grains. You may have heard that whole grains are more nutritious. But do you know why? There are three parts to a grain - the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The three different parts contain different nutrients. The bran contains fiber, multiple B-vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium. The germ contains B-vitamins, vitamin E, and minera

September is family meals month. Ideally, we eat with family most days, all months of the year. But, if that is not the case with your family, then now may be a good time to bring back the family meal atmosphere. Why? Sitting down as a family promotes conversation, healthy eating behaviors, and fond memories. Research shows that as families eat more meals together, they have greater unity, better grades, and closer relationships. Also, the percentage of household member

No one wants to think about the havoc caused by a natural disaster. But as the city of Houston and its neighbors learned last week, it can happen to anyone at anytime. We’ve had our fair share of disasters in this area, too. Both the ice storm in 2005 and the Derecho in June, 2012 caused significant power outages. While food safety might not be the first thing you consider when the power goes out, it’s important to keep some things in mind. Always keep your refrigerator at