In this lesson you will learn about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate and how they apply to young children. You will learn what to expect during each stage of the preschool years and tips to make these stages easier on both you and your child. You will also learn about issues such as fast food, healthy weights for young children and exercise.

Follow the USDA Dietary Guidelines to improve your quality of life and to have a more productive life. (PDF format only)

You'll feel better and have more energy. (PDF format only)

The mission of EFNEP is to empower limited-income families with young children to make informed decisions about food purchasing, food safety and meal management. Upon completion of the program, participants should be able to solve problems related to their families' food dollars and meal management, which, in turn, will help them become more efficient in meeting their families' needs.

Research continues to indicate it’s better to be shaped like a pear than an apple. Fat pattern seems to be more important than the degree of fatness. Use this factsheet to help you determine your risk factors. (PDF format only)

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentations, Fact Sheets and Activity Sheets

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentations, Fact Sheets and Activity Sheets

Lesson Plans, PowerPoint Presentations and Fact Sheets

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentations, Fact Sheets and Activity Sheets

Download and print these design materials for your Master Nutrition Program binder.

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentation and Fact Sheets

Download and print the table of contents for your Master Nutrition Program binder.

This lesson describes the importance of dairy products in the diet.

The use of herbs as alternative medicine is not just for healers anymore. Approximately 16 million adults use herbal products. Increased interest among consumers is causing doctors and scientific researchers to take a closer look at the herbal trend.

Lesson Plans, Powerpoint Presentations and Fact Sheets

Planning is the key to saving money in the grocery store. If you don't know how much you spend on food, here's an exercise that can help you answer that question.

Proteins have something to do with life and vitality because they are a necessary component of every cell. Proteins are necessary for a person to grow and to fight infection and disease.

In this lesson, you will learn about the two major types of vitamins, the fat-soluble and water-soluble. You will learn how each vitamin functions in your body and the symptoms of deficiency and over-consumption (toxicity). You will learn which foods are the best sources of vitamins and the Recommended Dietary Allowance for each. This lesson will discuss vitamin supplements. This information will help you plan a healthy diet, including all necessary vitamins and nutrients.

A lesson on carbohydrates, their metabolism and effects.

One in eight Americans is 65 years of age or older. This number is growing and will continue to do so with the aging of the baby boomers. The oldest old, people at least 85 years of age, is the fastest-growing segment of America's senior population.You will learn the importance of good nutrition in helping the elderly to remain independent, maintain their quality of life and avoid premature nursing home placement.

An estimated 35% of cancer deaths are associated with what we eat. This lesson will give you a foundation for action regarding what you should eat and other healthy lifestyle behaviors that you can control. The action you take could lead to your not getting cancer. You will learn what you can do now and for the rest of your life to reduce your cancer risk.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This lesson focuses on the steps you can take to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Water is a combination of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. The way these elements are put together makes water a solvent, meaning it can dissolve most nutrients, making them available for the body to use. Water in the body comes mainly from two sources: liquids and foods. This article tells how important water is and what it does in the body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 97% of foodborne illnesses could be prevented by simply washing hands and improving food handling practices. Everyone who handles food needs to know safe food-handling practices.

The phrase "you are what you eat" is sometimes hard for teenagers to keep in mind. This is probably because adolescents (teenagers) in America are faced every day with so many choices that can affect their health in the present and in the future.

Dietary Guidelines provide science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk for chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. The guidelines target healthy people two years of age and older living in the United States.

Eating more broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits, onions, soybeans and other foods from plants may help to protect you against several chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. And it is not just because of the nutrients they contain. It is more likely because of the chemicals found in these foods -- phytochemicals.

The Knapp Nutrition Lab originated with funds from the Louisiana State University System and space from the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2002. The lab is dedicated to evaluating the interaction between nutrition and physical activity on health and chronic disease.

General Information about the Family Nutrition Program (FNP).

Information about the goals, objectives, and focus of the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed.

Presents estimates of the percentage of eligible persons, by state, who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during an average month in fiscal year 2009 and in each of the two previous years. This report also presents estimates of state participation rates for eligible “working poor” individuals (persons in households with earnings) over the same period.

LSU AgCenter FNP/SNAP-Ed and SU-FF-NEWS collaborate to ensure that SNAP participants are provided with nutrition education/activities without duplication of services. In addition, coordinated efforts are established with agencies listed here.

General information on the Family Nutrition Program (SNAP-Ed) funded through the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support.

Pregnancy and motherhood are such exciting times in a woman's life! Most women want to do everything they possibly can to ensure that the new baby is happy and healthy. Some aspects of a baby's health can be determined just by the mother's diet. It is so important for a pregnant woman to maintain her health and to eat a nutritious diet for herself and her baby.

A series of lessons designed to help you learn how to eat healthier.

Eatsmart Recipes - Leftovers Sandwiches

Welcome to the Louisiana Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Web page. The vision of EFNEP is to help Louisiana families and youth enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program to have access to and apply up-to-date, research-based nutrition information contributing to quality health and wellness.

Information about the importance of hand-washing and how to do it effectively.

EatSmart Recipes - Baked Potato with Chili & Cheese

EatSmart Recipes - Baked Apple

EatSmart Recipe for making biscuits.

Eatsmart Recipes - Fruit Cobbler

Recipes designed for people with diabetes.

Eatsmart Recipes - Garden Salad

Eatsmart Recipes - Pudding

Try the Peanut Butter Snack Loaf for a delicious, cholesterol-free snack that will delight all of your family. This recipe can be used to make muffins too.

Start the new year off right! Make resolutions that stick! Resolutions kept throughout the year are specific, realistic and enjoyable. What resolution about food could you make that would improve your health? What about eating more fruits and vegetables?

For a real treat, include colorful winter squash and pumpkin in your family's meals. October through December is the peak season for these vegetables.

We should have 6 equivalents from the Bread Group on a 2000 Calorie diet. Foods from this group should form the basis of our meals. Pasta is a good choice because it combines well with vegetables, meats, fish, beans and peas. It is low in cost and can help stretch food dollars.

Eatsmart Recipes - Oatmeal

Eatsmart Recipes - Grits

Eatsmart Recipes - Tuna Croquettes

Eatsmart Recipes - Red Beans and Rice

Eatsmart Recipes - Beef-Macaroni Casserole

Eatsmart Recipes - Leftover Fruit

Eatsmart Recipes - Gelatin with Canned Fruit

Eatsmart Recipes - Pancakes

EatSmart Recipes - Cheese Toast

EatSmart Recipes - Breakfast Burrito

Eatsmart Recipes - Cheese Sandwich

This low-calorie dish is sure to please.

EatSmart Recipes - Biscuits

Eatsmart Recipes - Macaroni & Cheese

A healthy recipe for a popular favorite -- taco salad.

The guidelines are a simplification of the poverty thresholds for use for administrative purposes — for instance, determining financial eligibility for certain federal programs.

Tips to help keep your colon healthy.

Seven habits to take up for a giant leap toward a highly healthy diet.

Did you ever have a 24-hour bug? Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps that last only a day or less are often from a food-borne illness. Harmful bacteria (germs) can be in food. Proper food handling can keep food safe. The first step in understanding food-borne illness is to learn how and why disease-causing bacteria spread. Then you are better able to prevent food-borne illness.

Think healthy treats this Halloween and offer a variety of great snacks and special treats to visitors.

Lower-income families often have limited access to inexpensive, fresh and nutritious foods. That may lead to the purchase and consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and sodium. Help families in need by donating the healthy items.

In August, the President signed a proclamation declaring September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to call attention to this national problem. In Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter has an educational program established called Smart Bodies, which points the way to a solution.

Are your meals at the end of the month as good as they are at the beginning? Or do your food dollars run out before the month is over? Learning to plan your menus and shop only for what you need will help you have good food throughout the month. You will also save both money and time!

Eatsmart Recipes - Homemade Cheese Pizza

The mission of EFNEP is to empower limited- income families with young children to make informed decisions about food purchasing, food safety and meal management.

Eatsmart Recipes - Green Beans

Eatsmart Recipes - Roast Pork & Roast Chicken

Eatsmart Recipes - Hamburger Patties

This lesson teaches about the importance of minerals in the diet.

Eatsmart Recipes - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

EatSmart Recipe for making Copper Pennies using carrots, bell peppers, and other healthy ingredients.

This EatSmart Recipe tells you how to prepare Eggs-in-the-Bread.

Eatsmart Recipes - Mashed Potatoes

This lesson will help you to better understand the Nutrition Facts label. You will learn how to use it to make healthier choices in the supermarket.

This lesson teaches the role and importance of fat in the diet.

Dietary fiber is called nature's little mermaid. This lesson explains why.

The goal of EFNEP is for families and individuals to follow the recommended dietary and physical fitness guidelines and to adopt preventive health practices to achieve a healthy life span.

The EFNEP program has changed lives around Louisiana for more than 30 years.

Phytochemicals are components in plants that may provide health benefits.

EFNEP helped families meet the overall objective of the program of improving the nutritional value of diets of disadvantaged families, especially those with young children. Participation in EFNEP improved the nutritional value of homemakers’ and their families’ diets.

Annual Report on EFNEP activities

Activity sheet on suggested lower-fat alternatives for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. (PDF format only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Whether you eat ground meat in a hamburger or in other dishes such as meat loaf or a casserole, follow the ground beef food safety rules in this fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

Calcium is the most important mineral in your body. It is important during growing years for bone growth. As we get older, it helps keep our bones strong. Use these tips to get three cups of milk or the equivalent in your diet daily. (PDF Format Only)

Food science has led us to safer canning techniques and better quality canned goods. Home canning can be a cost-saving way to preserve food. If you have the time, canning home-grown food may save you half the cost of retail canned goods

EatSmart is a Web-based nutrition curriculum developed by a team of nutrition specialists from the LSU AgCenter. The curriculum is organized into six sections: Basic Nutrition, The Nutrients, Stretching Your Food Dollars, Nutrition & Chronic Disease, Nutrition & the Life Cycle and Food Safety.

Try these easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter cookies for a delightful sweet treat that the whole family will enjoy.

List of recipes for healthy options for every meal.

EatSmart Recipes - Apple Crisp

In this lesson, you will learn why everyone needs milk and milk products in their diet, how to choose among the different types of milk and how to deal with lactose intolerance.

Water is a combination of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. The way these elements are put together makes water a solvent, meaning it can dissolve most nutrients, making them available for the body to use. Water in the body comes mainly from two sources: liquids and foods. This article tells how important water is and what it does in the body.

The USDA Food Guide is a tool designed to promote the concepts of variety, moderation and balance in the diet.

Dietary Guidelines provide science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk for chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. The guidelines target healthy people 2 years of age and older living in the United States.

An estimated 35% of cancer deaths are associated with what we eat. This lesson will give you a foundation for action regarding what you should eat and other healthy lifestyle behaviors that you can control. The action you take could lead to your not getting cancer. You will learn what you can do now and for the rest of your life to reduce your cancer risk.

Did you ever have a 24-hour bug? Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, that last only a day or less are often from a foodborne illness. Harmful bacteria (germs) can be in food. Proper food handling can keep food safe. The first step in understanding foodborne illness is to learn how and why disease-causing bacteria spread. Then you are better able to prevent foodborne illness.

Food spoilage is a food safety threat, and unsanitary handling and processing/preparation of foods is a problem, too. Consumers have a limited knowledge of food safety issues, which in turn can affect their food handling practices. In fact, improper food handling at the point of preparation accounts for the largest number of illnesses.

Adults who work with teens or parents of teens can help relay a very important message to teens. The message is that lifestyle choices made now can easily become lifelong habits, resulting in a healthy lifestyle forever.

The importance of handwashing and how to do it effectively.

EatSmart Recipes - Fresh Strawberry Sandwich

EatSmart Recipes - Caterpillars

Eatsmart Recipes - Blobs

Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who include more of these foods are less likely to have a risk of chronic diseases. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5-8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5-8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5-8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5-8. (PDF Format Only)

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for grades 5 - 8.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5-8. (PDF Format Only)

Use the sample shopping list to help you make thrifty choices. (PDF Format Only)

My Grocery List: Use with Food Intake Pattern, Smart Choices Cards, Food List, Buying Guide and Menu Planner. (PDF Format Only)

Choose foods from each food group every day when planning your meals. Use the sample grocery planning list to help you make thrifty food choices. (PDF Format Only)

Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who include more of these foods are less likely to have a risk of chronic diseases. (PDF Format Only)

Did you know that eating a morning meal does make a difference in how well you do in school? (PDF Format Only)

People who eat breakfast think better, feel peppier, have better attitudes toward school or work and miss fewer days. (PDF Format Only)

The foods you eat now can help you have a healthy heart all your life. Eating too much fat when you’re young can lead to heart problems as you grow older. Help your heart by making healthy food choices. (PDF Format Only)

You should eat dairy foods three times a day. Word activity and recipe for ice cream included. (PDF Format Only)

Adults need at least 2 cups of fruit daily. Use these tips to get more fruit in your diet. (PDF Format Only)

Eating on the go can be a challenge if you're trying to make smart choices. This fact sheet provides information to help you find healthier fast foods or snacks, including tips on foods to eat more often, foods to avoid and snacks you can take along. It also stresses reading the nutrition information label when selecting snacks. (PDF Format Only)

Have you ever had a month when you ran out of food money? Careful planning and shopping can help you buy more food with the dollars you have to spend. Use these tips so you and your family can get the nutrition you need to be healthy. (PDF Format Only)

It can be quite an adventure to shop the cereal aisle! With a little know-how, you can discover cereals that are high in fiber, nutrients and phytochemicals. (PDF Format Only)

Walking briskly can be a great exercise. You don’t have to worry too much about injuries, and walking can fit into almost any schedule. Sample 12-week walking program included.

This chart helps you convert ounces to teaspoons, teaspoons to tablespoons, cups to pints or quarts, etc.

Rules of grocery shopping, how to get nutrients from your snacks, how to grow your own potatoes and a recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds are included. (PDF Format Only)

Use this chart of USDA's recommended safe minimum internal terperatures to prepare your foods safely.

Follow these guidelines to fix it fast.

Follow these rules to be a smart shopper.

When foods don't have a label, it's difficult to figure out how much to buy. Use this buying guide as a reference. Use the storage guide for keeping the foods you buy fresh and safe. Save money by managing your refrigerator and pantry.

A list of foods that cost a dollar or less in Louisiana in 2007.

The LSU AgCenter’s Smart Portions Healthy Weight Program focuses on lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Use this food list as a guide to plan for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and meat and beans.

Sample meal planner for a family of 5 for 1 week

Why do we need bones? How can bones be strong enough to carry your weight, yet light enough not to slow you down? (PDF Format Only)

Help your child learn good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Use this activity sheet to help you get two cups of fruit a day. (PDF Format Only)

Use these suggestions to include foods from at least three food groups in your child's lunch.

The science-based advice of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in this booklet highlights how to: (1) make smart choices from every food group, (2) find your balance between food and physical activity and (3) get the most nutrition out of your calories.

Pregnancy is a very special event leading to a new life. The care and feeding of your baby begins the moment he or she is conceived. An unborn baby totally depends on you for everything. The best way to care for your developing baby is to care for yourself.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends these food groups within MyPyramid as a good source of important nutrients that help provide the foundation for a healthy diet. Information provided by 3-A-Day and the American Dairy Association.

Tips to incorporate dairy foods into your family's diet. Information provided by 3-A-Day and the American Dairy Association.

Use these suggestions to add nuts to your breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and desserts.

Follow these tips for cooking meats.

Examples of 1, 2, 3 and 4 ounces of meat or bean equivalents.

Meat alternatives are good sources of protein at reasonable prices. This publication includes information on beans, eggs, nuts, textured vegetable protein and tofu.

Follow these tips for selecting healthy meat and low-fat protein foods.

Eat your fruits and vegetables fact sheet.

Tasty ways to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Make sure it's 100% fruit juice. Check the label!

Tips on how to get the most out of your vegetables when cooking.

How much calcium do you need? Use these tips to get more calcium in your diet.

What does osteoporosis look like?

Check out the many ways you can eat whole grains for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. (PDF Format Only)

What is whole white wheat? How much is an ounce of whole grains? What's the difference betweeen whole grains and enriched grains? Find these answers and more.

Food safety tips for fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

Food safety tips for packing a safe lunch. Activity sheet also included. (PDF Format Only)

Safety tips for the microwave, defrosting foods, refrigerator, food for picnics and eating at a restaurant.

Tips to pack a “sack” breakfast or snack that you can grab and go. (PDF Format Only)

It’s easy to adopt the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Studying Hypertension) eating plan. Here are some ways to get started.

Promotional card

Use these tips to exercise and eat right so your heart keeps beating to the MAX! (PDF Format Only)

Tips on how to use the nutrition facts label to eat a healthy breakfast. (PDF Format Only)

A list of the devices and equipment used in the Nutrition Lab.

The most urgent topic at present, obesity, would be addressed initially from both aspects, research and outreach.