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.

Good nutrition for the elderly includes getting all of the necessary minerals from their diets.

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 also learn which foods are the best sources of each vitamin and the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for each. Finally, this lesson will discuss vitamin supplements - who needs them and who doesn't.

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.

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.

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

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.

USDA Food Guide – number of servings and amounts of food to consume from basic food groups to meet recommended nutrient intakes at 12 different calorie levels.

This lesson is part of the EatSmart nutrition curriculum. Topics covered in this lesson include facts about dietary fats, role of fat in health and metabolism, and recommendations for fat intake.

Lesson Plans, Powerpoint Presentations and Fact 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

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentation and Fact Sheets

Lesson Plan, PowerPoint Presentations, Fact Sheets and Activity Sheets

Smart Bodies is an educational program aimed at preventing childhood obesity. A joint initiative of the LSU AgCenter and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Smart Bodies is taught in schools across the state and helps children learn how to build strong bodies and develop active minds.

We encounter choices that affect our health all day long. Take the steps or the elevator? What to have for lunch? Watch television or go for a walk? LSU AgCenter nutrition educators are empowering people to make smart choices for a healthier lifestyle. They’re doing this through a nutrition education program aimed at a variety of audiences called Smart Choices.

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.

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

Eatsmart Recipes - Homemade Cheese Pizza

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

Eatsmart Recipes - Tuna Croquettes

Eatsmart Recipes - Pudding

Eatsmart Recipes - Peanut Butter Snack Loaf

Eatsmart Recipes - Pancakes

Eatsmart Recipes - Oatmeal

Eatsmart Recipes - Leftover Fruit

Eatsmart Recipes - Mashed Potatoes

Eatsmart Recipes - Hamburger Patties

Eatsmart Recipes - Grits

Eatsmart Recipes - Green Beans

Eatsmart Recipes - Gelatin with Canned Fruit

Eatsmart Recipes - Garden Salad

Eatsmart Recipes - Fruit Cobbler

EatSmart Recipes - Fresh Strawberry Sandwich

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

Recipes designed for people with diabetes.

This low-calorie dish is sure to please.

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

EatSmart Recipes - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

EatSmart Recipes - Cheese Toast

Eatsmart Recipes - Cheese Sandwich

EatSmart Recipes - Caterpillars

EatSmart Recipes - Breakfast Burrito

Eatsmart Recipes - Blobs

EatSmart Recipes - Biscuits

Eatsmart Recipes - Beef-Macaroni Casserole

EatSmart Recipes - Baked Potato with Chili & Cheese

EatSmart Recipes - Baked Apple

EatSmart Recipes - Apple Crisp

List of recipes for healthy options for every meal.

Eatsmart Recipes - Red Beans and Rice

Eatsmart Recipes - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Eatsmart Recipes - Roast Pork & Roast Chicken

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 snacking is a great way to meet daily nutrient requirements that may be missd at mealtimes. Use these quick and nutritious snack ideas to add nutrients to your diet without adding too many calories.

USDA Food Stamp Program has a variety of food items that are allowable purchases on the Food Stamp Program.

Streaming video is now available for “Community Hunger Champions: Helping People Eat Right When Money’s Tight” on the tool kit page: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/tool-kits.htm. This video provides an on-site, frontline perspective on Food Stamp outreach.

Annual Report on EFNEP activities

Ground beef can contain harmful bacteria if not cooked properly. Guidelines for cooking ground beef and a recipe for Macaroni and Beef are included.

Tips to help keep your colon healthy.

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?

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.

In this lesson, you will learn about the two main groups of minerals - major minerals and trace minerals. You will learn why minerals are important. You will also learn which foods are the best sources of the minerals. You will learn about the minerals that are required to be on the nutrition label - sodium, calcium and iron.

This lesson is part of the EatSmart nutrition curriculum. The lesson covers basic principles about dietary fat (types of fat, roles in nutrition and health, recommended intake).

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.

Eating more broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits, onion, soybeans and other plant foods 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.

In this lesson, you will learn about what a carbohydrate is made of and how it is put together. You will also learn about the different types of sugars that form carbohydrates and the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. You will learn where carbohydrates are on the Food Guide Pyramid and how much carbohydrate you should eat each day.

EatSmart Recipe for making biscuits.

This lesson is part of the EatSmart nutrition curriculum. The lessons focus on different types of fat and their importance in nutrition and health.

Activity sheet on suggested lower fat alternatives for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Eating more broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits, onion, soybeans and other plant foods 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 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.

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!

Dietary Reference Intakes and Recommended Dietary Allowances

Dietary fats are the fats found in foods. Dietary fat is an important part of a healthy diet, but eating too much is not healthy for us. We need to think about the total fat we eat each day as well as the composition of the fat. We need to eat foods and have lifestyles that promote health and lower the risks of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Use this chart to help determine your obesity risk factors.

Food takes about 11.5% of our monthly income. In this lesson, you will learn how to use your food resources such as money, food stamps or WIC coupons.

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.

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.

Have you ever suffered from constipation? Did you know that there is something in food that helps with that problem and offers other health benefits as well?

This information will help you better understand what diabetes is, the problems associated with it and the type of diet, medication and exercise recommended for treatment.

Coloring page with new food guide pyramid

What do you think of when you hear the word protein? Meat? Beans? Strong? Life? Many people think of muscle and fitness. Protein does have something to do with life and vitality, because protein is a necessary component of every cell. Protein is necessary for a person to grow to his or her potential and to fight infection and disease.

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

Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is called the silent killer because there often are no noticeable symptoms. Find out who's at risk and the dangers of hypertension in this fact sheet.

Use this sample grocery list for eating on the go.

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

Tips for cutting down on fat and cholesterol.

Your child's attention, attendance and academic achievement improve with breakfast. Helpful hints for busy parents and quick and easy ideas for breakfast included.

Remember the five steps of handwashing to prevent the spread of infection.

Master Nutrition Program Binder

Master Nutrition Program

In this lesson you will learn about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid 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.

The foods you eat can help you have a healthy heart all your life. Eating too much fat increases your risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Use these suggestions to make healthy food choices to lower fat in your meals and snacks.

The Lafourche Parish School District is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect children's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. In response to the requirements of USDA and Act 331, the Lafourche Parish Nutrition Advisory Council has revised the current Student Wellness Promotion Policy to reflect these changes.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Children should be physically active for 60 minutes every day -- or almost every day. Use these tips to help you get moving.

Use the sample shopping list to help you make thrifty choices.

My Grocery List: Use with Food Intake Pattern, Smart Choices Cards, Food List, Buying Guide and Menu Planner.

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.

Did you know that eating a morning meal does make a difference in how well you do in school?

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

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.

You should eat dairy foods three times a day. Word activity and recipe for ice cream included.

Adults need at least 2 cups of fruit daily. Use these tips to get more fruit in your diet.

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.

Have you ever had a month when you ran out of food dollars? 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

A quarterly newsletter from the LSU AgCenter's Family and Consumer Sciences Division.

An LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center Community Nutrition Programs newsletter.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Tips on how to use the nutrition facts label to eat a healthy breakfast.

Play makes your heart happy. Follow these guidelines to get fit.

Problems working exercise into your day? Follow these tips.

Overview of the new USDA food guide pyramid for Adults.

Overview of the new USDA food guide pyramid for youth.

information on 8 Steps for Health program, food facts and jump roping for exercising.

Food tips and goals for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Find your balance between food and physical activity. Know your limits on fats, sugars and salt.

MyPyramid for Kids reminds you to be physically active every day, or most days, and to make healthy food choices. Use this fact sheet to help you figure out the symbols of the new food guide pyramid.