Mindful Eating and Portion Control

Do you remember what you ate for breakfast? How about last night’s dinner? Eating is becoming a subconscious act, similar to breathing, we do it every day but our focus is often on other things. We chew and swallow without really tasting our food or we focus on the next bite before enjoying the current … Read More


Eat Better, Eat Together

Take the time to set your busy schedule aside and focus on enjoying meals as a family. All too often, meals are consumed as an afterthought with hastily thrown together with ingredients and family members eating at all different times. Some may eat in front of the TV, some at the kitchen counter, and some … Read More


Get Ready for the Next Storm

There is much concern about the next hurricane’s arrival to the North Carolina coast.   Residents far inland can also be affected by strong winds that can cause trees and power poles to fall. Loss of power can affect many, and be detrimental if you use your freezer for food storage, so prepare now. Here are … Read More


Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Did you know that one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese? Children with obesity are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. There are many factors that influence childhood obesity, … Read More


Storage of Fruits and Vegetables

With all the different fruits and vegetables available at the grocery store and Farmers Market, it’s hard to know exactly how to store all of them. Here’s a quick reference guide for storing your fresh fruits and vegetables:   Fruits and vegetables that should be stored in the refrigerator (at 40°F or below) include apples … Read More


Eating More Whole Grains

Grains have gotten a bad reputation these days. While refined grains may contribute to weight gain and health problems, eating more whole grains can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. All grains started as whole grains with the whole part of … Read More


Slow Cooker Safety

Slow cookers provide endless opportunities to cook all kinds of foods, from soups and casseroles to dips and vegetables. You can put ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. While we often think about using slow cookers in the cold weather months to make a hot meal, … Read More


Ways to Add Beans to Your Diet

  Legumes are types of foods in the protein food group which include lentils, edamame/soybeans, split peas, chickpeas/garbanzo beans, and other beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, red beans, navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, and Great Northern beans. Beans and other legumes are rich in fiber, folate, potassium, iron, … Read More


Kids Eat Right Month

August is a big month to recognize nutrition for youth health. A healthy diet is important for children and adolescents because it promotes needed growth and development and it prevents health problems later in life. To recognize Kids Eat Right Month, here are some tips for helping your children eat right every day:  Quick Breakfasts … Read More


Healthy Eating on a Busy Schedule

Life can get pretty hectic with family, work, school, and other responsibilities. This makes it challenging to prioritize our health. To make it easier to have a healthy diet in the midst of a busy schedule, try these ideas and tips: Meal Planning: Schedule time each week to plan what meals you’ll eat that week … Read More


© 2024 North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)