Better Living for Texans Hidalgo County

💧It's important to stay hydrated in this summer heat, especially if you're located in parts of Texas reaching 100+ temperatures! 🔥 Check out our list of drinks and hydrating food recipes that will make staying hydrated a little more interesting!
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Get the recipes here: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/hydration-recipes/


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You don’t need a gym to fit in a Healthy Monday workout. You’ve got all the equipment you need right in your home kitchen! Here are a few kitchen exercises you can try to today: http://ow.ly/heu850K7ukV

With the new school year approaching, meal prepping is a great way to be ahead of the game, and it can even help you eat healthier. Over the next few weeks, we will provide four new recipes that are healthy, and easy to prepare!


Learn more about how to meal prep here:
https://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/vv

Beat the summer heat with a refreshing Melon Smoothie. This nutritious treat is full of hydrating ingredients like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon! This smoothie is simple to make and can be enjoyed by all ages!
Get the recipe here: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/melon-smoothie/


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Photos from Dinner Tonight's post

Here are some tips when shopping for groceries at a dollar store!

Check to see what food is sold, some stores offer milk, and canned fruits and vegetables while others offer more snack foods (with little nutritional value).

Try a new brand! Dollar stores often sell national brands and regional brands that you may not have seen but the food item is like a brand you know.

Compare unit prices. Dollar stores may sell items in smaller packages compared to traditional grocery stores. Keep this in mind when determining if something is a bargain. Just because a food is sold at a dollar store doesn't mean it is the cheapest price. Do not forget to check for weekly coupons and discounts, many dollar stores also accept SNAP benefits too.

Washing, rinsing and/or marinating poultry in saltwater, lemon juice or vinegar will not destroy bacteria! Only cooking to a proper internal temperature will kill harmful bacteria. Always use your food thermometer to check poultry is safe at 165 F! 🌡️

Photos from Mercedes Recreation Center Dept.'s post

Try a peach this summer for a refreshing, yet nutritious snack!


Learn more about peaches here:
https://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/vv

Photos from Better Living for Texans State Office's post

Planning your menu for ? What are you making?! Whatever it is, make sure it’s of course! Here are some food safety tips for preparing popular dishes ↓

May is !

Remember to follow these tips to keep every part of your burgers safe!

foodsafety.tamu.edu

May is Mental Health Awareness month. As Master Gardeners, we are well aware of the health benefits of gardening, but did you know that is backed by science?

Research from Texas A&M AgriLife expert Dr. Charles Hall shows that gardening:

🌿Reduces anxiety and stress
🌿Helps with attention deficit recovery
🌿Helps decrease depression
🌿Leads to enhanced memory retention
🌿Improves happiness and life satisfaction
🌿Mitigates symptoms of PTSD
🌿Increases creativity, productivity and attention
🌿Reduces effects of dementia
🌿Enhances self-esteem
🌿Increases feelings of vitality and energy

Learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of gardening at: https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2022/04/25/the-positive-effects-of-gardening-on-mental-health/

Flautas are fun to make because they can also be so versatile! Spice it up or explore different fillings in your flautas with these tips!

Try out Chicken Flautas recipe today: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-flautas/


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You can't see, smell, or taste harmful bacteria in raw meat & poultry that may cause foodborne illness, so it’s important to use a food thermometer for safety. Do you know all the safe temperatures? https://go.usa.gov/xuKt5

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Mix a little meditation into your by trying mindful walking today! Ground yourself in the moment while you move with this simple practice: http://ow.ly/P5QK50J6L7Q

Stress Less with Mindfulness - Hidalgo

Stress Less with Mindfulness - Hidalgo Welcome to the Stress Less with Mindfulness Program! We all have stress. How do we manage stress in a healthy and mindful way? This program introduces participants to the experience and practice of mindfulness to reduce stress. This program is designed to: Learn about the benefits of mindfulness-bas...

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Let's talk cattle! Here is a great one pager covering some quick ag facts

Need to use up leftover veggies? Try a stir-fry! Thinly slice your ingredients and sauté them in olive oil and your favorite spices. More vegetable tips: https://go.usa.gov/xu7gW

Delta Estates Apartment Homes participants creating their own disinfecting solution during the A Fresh Start to a Healthier You program! 😃👏

There’s nothing like taking some family favorite ingredients to make a quick and easy dinner. Using pantry and freezer staples for this recipe made me a “winner” for our dinner. Try this healthier, easy to make, and family pleaser tonight!
Get the recipe here: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-parmesan-sliders/


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Exercising from bed sounds too good to be true, but with bed yoga, it’s possible to start your morning with a rejuvenating workout from the comfort of your mattress. Give it a try by following our guided video: http://ow.ly/Yf1p50IPg6A

Happy Earth Day to Everyone!!!
Remember to take care of the Earth 🌎 because it is the only one we have!!!

Photos from Dinner Tonight's post

Photos from Food Hero's post

Follow these tips for a safe Easter celebration!

foodsafety.tamu.edu

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Store Well, Waste Less! Refrigerate fresh spinach in a plastic bag and plan to use it within 5 days. You can also freeze extra spinach for longer storage. Check out our Food Hero Monthly for more storage tips!

https://foodhero.org/magazines/spinach-0

It's ! Keep your food safe to avoid food borne illness.

foodsafety.tamu.edu

The best recipes are recipes that will feed a crowd! Not only do these pocket pleasers make great quick meals, but also freeze well to reheat at another time. 😋

Get the recipe here https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-and-broccoli-pockets/


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How long is too long? Do you know how long your foods should be kept in the freezer? 🥶Check out our freezer storage chart to learn more about storage times! ❄️


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Today was our last session of Healthy Carbohydrates with 25 graduates from Las Palmas Community Center! Congrats Everyone! 🥳👏

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Some plants like cool weather and are best grown in the spring or fall. Here is a short list: kale, radish, lettuce, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, green onions and chives. A seed packet can last for multiple plantings, so if you have any of these seed types, you can plant some now and some in the fall. Visit the Food Hero seed packet page to find growing tips for a specific seed type. https://foodhero.org/growseeds

NOTE: You can use SNAP benefits to buy seeds and plants to grow food for your family. This includes fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs. You must buy from a store or farmers' market that accepts EBT cards. For more information, call 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638).

Happy ! Carrot sticks or baby carrots are a great portable snack. Pack them for work, activities, or when you travel. Need more ideas for using carrots? Check out these tips and recipes: https://go.unl.edu/carrot-day 🥕🥕🥕

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Challenge your community to in honor of National Public Health Week! Group fitness challenges are a great way to motivate everyone to stay active and healthy. Here are a few ideas to get you started for : http://ow.ly/Sbsf50Iwkgw

Whether you're a sweet snack person or a salty snack person, check out some of our nutrition snack recipes!

https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipes/snack-recipes/


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Photos from Better Living for Texans State Office's post