We have Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror and the hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us. During that hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget to keep healthy nutrition habits at the forefront.

On the fourth Thursday of November, we gather with friends and family and give thanks for our blessings and livelihood. Even with the challenges we faced over the last year, we as farmers and ranchers have so much to be grateful for!

If we think about those who are food insecure, it might help us take a different approach to eating during the holidays.

To make eating healthy easier…

What is your favorite time-saving kitchen gadget?

Ironically, World Food Day, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and celebrated annually on October 16, comes just 4 days after National Farmers Day.

Halloween is just the kickoff to the holiday eating season that spans from Halloween to potentially as far as Easter. Check out these Halloween tricks that can help keep you and your family on track for healthy treats you can eat.

Silage is the feedstuff produced by the fermentation process of a crop. Ensiling is the name given to the process.

Grilling season is a fun time when friends and family gather, and there would be no better way to ruin this fun time than for someone to fall ill unnecessarily due to unsafe food handling practices.

Unless you have one of the situations requiring going gluten-free, go enjoy all whole grains while supporting Kansas wheat farmers at the same time!

Don’t be fooled by marketing labels for GMO’s and non-GMO’s or any other nutrition “claims” and know that GMO’s are our friend!

Sometimes I talk about foods when it’s time to plant them and sometimes when time to harvest them. If you have an established strawberry crop, June is the month to harvest strawberries in Kansas, but they have been “in season” in the grocery store since about March.

Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist,” but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. The expertise, training and credentials that back a registered dietitian are vital for promoting positive lifestyle choices.

In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences.

Maybe it was the new goggles. Maybe it was the full night of sleep I finally got the night prior. Maybe it was being properly fueled for the activity.

THAT is what I want to talk about in this post…being properly fueled for activity.

Canned vegetables have many benefits. These include but are not limited to keeping all the same nutrients as fresh veggies while having the convenience of a much longer “shelf life”.

To be clear, I am not talking about an issue of emotional eating. I am talking about guilt and frustration resulting from a lack of time, whether perceived or real, to eat healthy.

With special treats and family gatherings, the perfect time to teach your child about cooking and nutrition is during the holidays! Kids not only will get to try the new foods they prepare, but they also will get a big boost to their confidence when they see family and friends enjoying their creations. Most importantly, cooking with your children will promote future health by teaching them about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals.

When the temperatures drop and the daylight hours are shorter, energy levels can take a big dip, right along with mood. Kids might be less active in the cold, winter months, making it extra important to focus on getting the right nutrition this time of year. Changes in mood, energy, focus, appetite and sleep aren’t uncommon but could be signs of a more serious underlying condition. Healthful food choices can help support your child’s mental health.