Sugar, or sucrose, is one of the most widely used ingredients in the foods we buy. All other sweeteners, basically, are compared to how they stack up against sugar. Learn the difference between nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners and the upside and downside of using them. (PDF Format Only)

Healthful eating is key to looking good, feeling great and being your best all year long, stresses LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Reames points out that millions of Americans turn to the latest fad diets to lose weight every year, but she stresses living a healthy lifestyle is about much more than dieting – and that food is essential to life.

The holidays can be a tough time to try to manage or lose weight, but you can keep it on track, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino.

During the holidays, we are all busy and stressed. We are in a hurry, and our regular schedule goes out the window.

There are many benefits to including more whole grains in your food choices. Knowing how to find a true whole grain in the grocery store can be a challenge.

A recent study revealed that fat, energy, sodium and saturated fat intake were higher, and vitamin A and C intakes were lower, on days when diners ate fast foods. "The increased consumption of fast food and the increased energy and fat intakes may be related to increasing problems with overweight and obesity seen today," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

Nearly all Americans consume much more salt than they need, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Increased salt (sodium chloride) intake is linked with higher blood pressure. Decreased salt consumption reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

The holidays mark the season of shopping and eating. Busy shoppers may eat many meals at the mall. LSU AgCenter nutritionist, Dr. Beth Reames says to be sure and put something in your stomach before hitting the shops.

Small changes in eating habits make a difference in the long run. They also help you lose weight, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

In past years, water exercise was practiced mostly by older adults, but now people of all ages and abilities are doing a variety of workouts in the pool.