January Calendar

• 8th - A Taste of Herbs and Spices Food Demo - Louise Williams Library Branch, Monroe - 1 p.m.
• 12th - Slow Cooker Success - Ollie Burns Library Branch, Richwood - 11 a.m.
• 21st - Smart Portions, Session I - Richland Parish Extension Office, Rayville - 10 a.m.
• 22nd - Transformation Thursday - Ouachita LSU AgCenter Office, West Monroe - 5:30 p.m.
• 27th-28th - Fun Food Safety Science at STEM Workshops - Franklin Parish Library, Winnsboro
• 28th - Smart Portions, Session II - Richland Parish Extension Office, Rayville - 10 a.m.
• 30th - Nutrition in the Kitchen Adult Class - MERIT Center, Winnsboro - 10 a.m.

Kids' Corner

by Brittney Newsome

Healthy Holiday Charades

• Supplies needed: index cards or strips of paper with healthy holiday food choices or phrases, exercise or fitness moves, and a hat or shoebox to place the clues inside of.

• Instructions: Choose one family member or friend to start the game. They will select a clue from a hat or shoebox. Without speaking, act out the activity using physical movements. Each player has 60 seconds to complete their turn. The first person to guess correctly goes next, continuing the process until all clues are used. For a competitive twist, create teams and keep score for each correct guess.

• Examples of clues: walking, carving turkey, making a snow angel, drinking water, reading a food label, hula hooping, and skating.

Joyful Eating and Whole-person Wellness

by Quincy L. Vidrine

The holidays are a time for laughter, love, and delicious food! Joyful eating means enjoying every bite without guilt while making choices that keep you feeling your best—physically and mentally. Here’s how to celebrate with balance and cheer:

Make it Colorful: Bright fruits and veggies add festive flair and boost nutrition. Think red berries, green beans, and roasted sweet potatoes! Decorate your plate with healthy, wholesome choices.

Hydrate for Happiness: Water keeps energy up and helps you feel satisfied. Add a splash of fruit for a holiday twist! Avoid beverages high in sugar and go easy on the alcohol – no nutrients but lots of extra calories.

Savor the Flavor: Slow down and enjoy the taste, texture, and aroma of your favorite dishes. Eating mindfully makes meals more memorable.

Snack Smart: A light, healthy snack before parties helps you enjoy treats without overdoing it. Grab some veggies and hummus or a serving of fruit!

Celebrate, Don't Restrict: Joyful eating means saying “yes” to your favorites—just keep portions reasonable and balance with lighter options.

The holidays can be busy and sometimes stressful. Caring for your mental health is just as important as what’s on your plate:

Pause and Breathe: Take a few minutes each day to relax and recharge.

Stay Connected: Spend time with loved ones—real joy comes from relationships, not just food & drink.

Sleep Well: Aim for enough rest to keep your mood and energy steady.

Move for Fun: Dance to holiday music, take a family walk, or play games together.

This season let’s focus on joyful eating and joyful living—because wellness is the best gift you can give yourself!

Recipe of the Month

by Cathy Agan

Simple Hummus

• 1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Puree beans, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor or mash together using a potato masher or fork. Add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving with whole-wheat crackers or fresh veggies.

LSU AgCenter NCH Agents: Empowering Healthy Communities

by Markaye Russell

The LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agents are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Louisiana residents through community-wide initiatives and educational programs. Their mission is to help individuals, families, and communities develop sustainable, healthy lifestyles. At the heart of this effort is Flavors of Health, a dynamic nutrition and wellness program that blends Louisiana’s rich food traditions with modern, evidence-based practices. By offering classes and workshops, the program empowers people to make informed choices about food, fitness, and overall health.

The Northeast Region is served by a committed team of NCH Agents who bring nutrition, health, and food safety education directly to their parishes:

• Cathy Agan – Ouachita, East Carroll, and West Carroll Parishes
• Brittney Newsome – Richland, Madison, and Tensas Parishes
• Markaye Russell – Union, Morehouse, and Caldwell Parishes
• Quincy Vidrine – Franklin, Catahoula, and Concordia Parishes

These agents lead programs tailored to the needs of their communities, ensuring that health education is accessible and impactful across the region. Through Flavors of Health, the NCH Agents provide both virtual and in-person opportunities for learning and engagement. The NCH Agents deliver a variety of signature programs designed to address specific health needs:

• Smart Portions – portion control and balanced eating
• Small Changes, Healthy Habits – gradual lifestyle improvements
• Dining with Diabetes – managing diabetes through nutrition
• Break Up with Salt – reducing sodium intake for better health
• Presentations and Workshops – tailored sessions for community groups