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Food choices : article

Back-to-school nutrition

Beans are inexpensive, healthy and convenient

Beans are one of the best values around when it comes to the amount of nutrients for your dollar. One cup of cooked pinto beans provides 14 grams of fiber, 14 grams of protein, less than one gram of fat and around 230 calories.

Brussels sprouts can be a nutritious treat

Brussels sprouts, the green cruciferous vegetables sometimes referred to by children as “cannon balls,” are not typically a favorite from the vegetable group. But when they are selected well, eaten soon after they are picked and cooked properly, they can be a nutritious treat.

Choose lean ground beef for better health

While shopping at the grocery store, it is easy to spend a long time at the meat counter trying to make a decision about which package of ground beef to buy. There are percentages written on the package and there is a big price difference. For health, it is best to purchase the leanest ground beef.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Every five years the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are developed by an expert panel of nutrition and health professionals to help all Americans consume a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet.

Don’t be fooled by fancy food labels — read the ingredients

These days many people are very intentional about selecting healthy and nutritious foods for themselves and their families. And yet even the most conscientious may be fooled by fancy food labels that cleverly make consumers think they are getting something better than they are. Some tricks have…

Everyone benefits from family meals

Following more than 10 years of research, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University consistently found that kids who eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Expert tips on smart shopping and reducing food waste

With prices on the rise, families are looking to cut their food bills. Meal planning and smart shopping can help, but you can also make sure to use the more of the food you do pay for, says Tammy Roberts, a registered dietitian and a health and human sciences specialist at University of Missouri…

Feed your young athlete for maximum performance

Discover nutrition tips to fuel young athletes for energy, focus, and peak performance on and off the field.

Food labeled as “natural” isn’t necessarily healthy

According to an August 2008 issue of Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, we are spending $13 billion per year on foods labeled as “natural.” The word “natural” makes it seem like the food is better for you, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

Free Seasonal and Simple app

The Seasonal and Simple smart phone application is available for both iOS and Android devices. The application is free to download.

Gardening boosts your immune system

Discover how gardening can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being through nature and physical activity.

Garlic: secret weapon of ancient Olympians

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the world enjoys the 2024 Olympic Games this summer, the use of performance-enhancing substances will be under close scrutiny. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein notes that garlic was given to the original Olympic athletes in ancient Greece…

Good nutrition can be a tough sell to finicky eaters

The picky food preferences of children can make even the best of parents struggle to ensure their child eats right and to keep mealtimes from being a battle.

Green up your eating plan

Summer is a great time to “green up” your diet by eating more fresh or cooked greens.

Healthy habits for your preschool-aged child

Preschool is a good time to help your child develop good eating habits. Because your child is with you most of the time, it is easier to influence their food choices. Keep in mind that the eating habits learned during this time can be carried into the future.

Helping children develop good health habits

Parents play an important role in helping their children develop good health habits. Healthy children eat well, live a physically active life and feel good about themselves and others.

Honoring the nation's dairy farmers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – June is National Dairy Month, when we honor the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers. This cornerstone of American agriculture contributes to the economy and to the health and well-being of communities.

How to buy meat directly from the farm

COLUMBIA, Mo. – One option for consumers buying meat is to purchase directly from the producer. A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidelines for buying all or part of animal from a livestock producer and having the meat processed and packaged.

Locally grown fruits and vegetables a great choice

Efforts to expand farmers markets are making locally grown fruits and vegetables more accessible for consumers. When you buy locally grown food, you not only contribute to your personal health, you also support Missouri farmers and enhance the economic well-being of area communities.

Make a mystery meal into a culinary delight

It’s time to eat. You open the fridge and find some brown rice, a small piece of meat and some leftover vegetables. How can this possibly become a meal?

Make the most of your food dollars

March is the time to plant hardy, heady, healthy cabbage and kale

COLUMBIA, Mo. – March is the ideal month to plant two of the hardiest and most nutritious vegetables a home gardener can grow easily: cabbage and kale, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is known for boosting health and lowering risk for chronic diseases like heart

Nut with two names comes out of its shell during holidays

COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season,” said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. It also is one of the few times when consumers see what nuts looks like in nature.

Organic produce – Is it the best choice?

Most of us would like to feed ourselves and our families the most nutritious foods we can. Sometimes, however, it is not clear what choice to make.

Pick a peck of peppers this summer

Peppers come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and flavors ranging from sweet to spicy hot. They are a colorful addition to any meal, or they can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.

Reduce food waste to save money

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions in the food supply chain, it’s more important than ever to reduce food waste, says a University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist.

Reduce your food budget

Spring into savings at the grocery store

You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save money on your groceries. Here are nine things you can do to save your family about $200 a month.

Squash: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride at Thanksgiving

Squash, rich in history and nutrition, was enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving but often plays a lesser role in today's holiday meals.

Summer can create challenges for food budget

It is important to provide balanced, nutritious meals for your children throughout the summer. Unfortunately, summertime can pose challenges to the family food budget because children are eating more meals at home.

The 'soy of gardening' includes edamame

COLUMBIA, Mo. – You may have seen edamame in grocery stores or on salad bars and not known what it is, says Todd Higgins, University of Missouri Extension specialist in horticulture.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are among the most readily available and versatile vegetables. Or are they a fruit? Nutritionally and culinary-wise, tomatoes are considered a vegetable because of the way they are used and their nutrients. Botanically speaking, tomatoes are more of a fruit.

Weighing the value of eggs amid high prices

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The high price of eggs and egg shortages in some places have led some consumers to seek out other sources of protein.
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