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Health Blog Posts

A woman stands at a kitchen counter with whole-grain products.

November 8, 2021

Not all grains are created equal and figuring out the difference can be confusing. Grains are divided into two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. Qula helps you sort through the diffences and understand how to shop for whole-grain products.

A roasted turkey surrounded by traditional side dishes.

November 5, 2021

What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? My family loves turkey and dressing, and I’m getting the list of my favorite dishes to contribute ready. No matter what you plan to cook this holiday season, the first item on your checklist should be food safety.

A woman at a kitchen counter with ingredients for a pie.

November 1, 2021

This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is great if you need a gluten-free option for your holiday meals and comes together quickly. It's easy to substitute Mississippi-grown sweet potatoes for the pumpkin. Natasha shows you how in the latest installment of The Food Factor.

A woman sits at a table which displays alternative Halloween treats.

October 11, 2021

Whether you are having a Halloween party with friends, sending treats to school, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, with a little creativity, you can find ways to add some healthy options into the mix.

Various finger foods arranged buffet style.

September 16, 2021

Food safety when cooking and serving food at a tailgate is a lot like serving food at home. The same basic rules apply. You just need a little more planning and a few extra supplies.

Keep hands and surfaces clean

  • Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food.
  • No running water where you are tailgating? No problem.  It’s easy to set up a handwashing station. Here’s how:
  • Use a table or another flat, elevated surface to set up a water jug with a spigot faucet, hand
  • ...
A woman stands behind a kitchen counter of breakfast toast and toppings.

September 13, 2021

Don’t think of breakfast as a meal that has to take a long time to prepare. One of my favorite breakfast meals is toast. I start with whole-grain toasted bread as my foundation to build a healthy meal with lots of fun, tasty, and nutritious toppings. 

sliced bell peppers and cucumbers on a plate

August 23, 2021

Whether you are tailgating or celebrating your favorite team at home this fall, food is always a part of the festivities. If you want to have some lighter fare at your gathering, this Spinach Dip Makeover will fit perfectly.

Two girls coloring.

August 19, 2021

With the uptick in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, it’s not uncommon to hear of loved ones and friends who have been infected or who are in quarantine due to exposure. Children, especially, may be confused, worried, and afraid about classmates, friends, and family members who are sick.

Mosquito

August 13, 2021

If theres one thing we can all agree on, its that mosquitos are no fun to have around. Mosquitos are often most active when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they are around in Mississippi for a large chunk of the year. 

A woman stands in a kitchen with food products on the counter.

August 9, 2021

You’ve likely heard natural sugar is okay, while added sugars should be limited. But what's the difference and why does it matter?

Sliced red, yellow and green bell peppers

August 6, 2021

Bell peppers come in a rainbow of colors and have many health benefits. The variety and amount of time a bell pepper spends on the plant determines its color and ripeness.

A child smiles at the dining table.

July 12, 2021

With my kids out of school for the summer, snacks are an important part of our routine. Check out three of my family's favorite nutritious and filling snacks.

Canned fruits and vegetables on a shelf.

June 18, 2021

Are you planning to can fruits and vegetables this year? Whether you’re new to canning or you’ve done it for years, Extension has resources to help you make sure it’s done safely. 

Woman smiling at a table.

June 8, 2021

The kids are out of school, and for some of us, our schedule is a little bit out of routine. As a mom of four, I know how hard it can be to keep those summer bellies full, so I want to share some of my go-to tips to help.

Close up of triangular watermelon slices on a plate.

May 24, 2021

Whether your summers are filled with activities or dedicated to relaxation, these recipes from The Food Factor can help you make meals and snacks a breeze.

A woman stands behind a kitchen counter.

May 11, 2021

Although people tend to use the terms salt and sodium interchangeably, salt and sodium are two different things. Sodium is a mineral we all need to live. Table salt by weight contains about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Most Americans eat too much. Here's how to reduce the amount of sodium you eat.

a small bowl with a serving of fruity French toast casserole with a 9x13 pan in the background

April 30, 2021

Using up extra bread has never been so tasty! Whether you want to make something special for your family’s weekend breakfast or you are entertaining company, this Fruity French Toast Casserole is loaded with flavor.

I love incorporating fresh seasonal fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, into this recipe. But you can also use canned or frozen fruits, which you can often find on sale. By choosing a healthy whole-grain bread, you’re starting your day with a hearty serving of fiber that will see you through a busy morning. And you can use leftover whole wheat rolls or hamburger buns, which helps you avoid food waste and save money.

A lady stands in a kitchen.

April 12, 2021

Growing up, I was always told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is essential.But all our meals count. Here are a few tips to help you get a nutrient-filled lunch.

Hamburgers, chicken and hotdogs on a grill.

April 8, 2021

Warm weather is here, and it’s finally time to fire up the grill! Barbecues are fun and result in delicious food.

Veggie quiche muffins on a blue plate

April 1, 2021

For people who need something quick for breakfast, these Veggie Quiche Muffins are both healthy and convenient.

You can use 3 cups of your favorite veggies if you prefer something different from what is in the original recipe. Chopped zucchini and mushrooms are great options! You can also use your favorite cheese, but note that changing from a low-fat cheddar will alter the calories. 

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About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living. Pretty good gig, right?

The three main writers for the blog are Ellen Graves (Seamstress of Social Media Strategy), Susan Collins-Smith (Content Connector) and Keri Lewis (Captain Cat Herder). But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

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