It’s spring time!  The days are getting longer and we are starting to see beautiful, sunny days.  It’s a great time of year to get outside and get moving with activities you enjoy, especially with your family! For youth and adults participating in physical activity like hiking, swimming, or various sports, healthy eating is essential for optimizing performance.  Combining good nutrition and physical activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle.   Use these tips from the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate website (www.choosemyplyate.gov) to combine good nutrition and… Read More →

In Texas, three out of four deaths are attributed to a chronic disease.  However, studies show an intake of at least two and half cups of vegetables and fruits per day as part of a healthy eating pattern can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.  March is National Nutrition Month, and an opportunity to discuss the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.  We know a healthy eating pattern including fruits and vegetables can help to lower risks of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease,… Read More →

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year?  If you resolved to be healthier in 2018, the “Eat Smart, Live Strong” program is for you!  The Valley Mills Public Library and the Bosque County AgriLife Extension Service are offering a four-week “Eat Smart, Live Strong” program on Thursdays from 12-1pm beginning on January 18. The Eat Smart, Live Strong program is designed to teach adults how to make healthy food choices and add more physical activity to daily life.  During the interactive sessions, participants will learn about… Read More →

Dinner Tonight, a signature healthy cooking and nutrition program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has just released its first cookbook.  Essentials features more than 100 recipes in categories such as Starters, Five Ingredients or Less, Salads, One Pot/One Pan, simple Side Vegetables, Slow Cooker, Grilling, and Desserts. The Essentials Cookbook encompasses everything that the Dinner Tonight program is about; healthy meals that are quick and easy to create, and that your family is sure to love. All starters, main courses, and desserts include nutrition information along with… Read More →

Are you interested in improving your health, but not sure where to start?  Do you struggle to afford healthy food for your family each month?  Come learn how to eat healthy on a budget! The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Bosque County and the Valley Mills Public Library are excited to host a healthy living series in October called, “A Fresh Start to a Healthier You!”  The four-part series will be held at the Valley Mills Public Library on October 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 12:00… Read More →

Did you set New Year’s Resolutions to create healthy habits?  How are you doing at maintaining those resolutions now that we are six weeks into the year? Old habits die hard. Changing your habits is a process involving several stages. Sometimes it takes a while before changes turn into new habits. You may face challenges along the way, but adopting new, healthier habits may protect you from serious health problems, such as diabetes. New habits may also help you look better and feel more energetic. After a while,… Read More →

The holiday season is here!  The festive Christmas decorations are going up around town, and I’m already counting down the days until Christmas. The holidays are a great time of year, but did you know that many Americans gain between one and five pounds each holiday season?  The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is not good on the waistline!  While it may not sound like very much weight, most people never manage to lose the extra holiday pounds. This year, try these tips to maintain your… Read More →