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Better Living for Texans

by Better Living for Texans

Better Living for Texans is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) implementing program within the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This podcast will give you knowledge, tips and tricks to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle on a budget for you, your family and friends. We'll talk about healthy foods, physical activity, gardening and so much more! For more information visit our website at https://blt.tamu.edu/ This institute is an equal opportunity provider. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. https://www.tamus.edu/marcomm/socialmedia/public/

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Episodes

  1. Ep. 57 - Grow Better Together

    The “Three Sisters” refers to the Native American process of planting corn, beans, and squash together. Each has an important role in helping the others grow. Although they can grow individually, they grow better together. This is the same for us humans as we think about food: it’s not just what…

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  2. Ep. 56 - Mealtime with Friends and Family

    How we eat and who we eat with has a powerful influence on what we eat. Eating with friends and loved ones can have benefits that lead to making healthier food choices. Connect With Each Other and With Yourself Mealtimes are a good time to connect, talk about your day, or take a moment to relax…

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  3. Ep. 55 - Low-Maintenance Lunches to Go

    A healthy, balanced lunch is important to help us focus and perform our best at school, work, and throughout the day. Sometimes it can be a tricky meal to plan. It is all too easy to forget to make lunch and instead reach for snacks, eat out or simply not eat until dinner. Eating a healthy lunch...

  4. Ep. 54 - Do What Moves You

    July marks the beginning of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Not only are the Olympics fun to watch, but they can inspire some great physical activity. However, you don’t have to be an athlete or join a gym to participate in them. Have fun and do what moves you!

  5. Ep. 53 - Happy and Healthy Kitchen

    Food safety is an important part of the cooking process, and safe cleaning practices can help prevent foodborne illness. Cleaning up as you prepare and cook food not only reduces the chance of bacteria spreading from one food to another (known as cross-contamination), but also means you will have...

  6. Ep. 52 - Secrets to Flavorful Cooking

    Join us as we discuss some helpful “secrets” for creating tasty, flavorful dishes using herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. Salt is commonly used to enhance the flavor in foods; however, reducing sodium intake can decrease the risk of chronic disease. Check out the recipe of...

  7. Ep. 51 - Seeds and Harvest: Saving the Right Way

    Learning how to save and store seeds from fruits and vegetables can be very useful in starting or continuing to grow a flourishing produce garden. It can also save money on seeds and transplants for the following planting season! For more information:...

  8. Ep. 50 - Where Does Our Food Come From?

    Welcome back to the Better Living for Texans Podcast! March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Beyond the Table”. There is a lot more that goes into food than just eating it. Many of us get food from the grocery store. But how did it get there? On today’s episode we spend some...

  9. Ep. 49 - Making Healthier Choices with a Plan

    We are back! The Better Living for Texans program is excited to be back, and on today's episode, we share tips for healthy eating habits and how healthy eating can be easier with a plan! For more information and to view this month's recipe visit:...

  10. Ep. 48 - Gardening with Children

    Getting children to eat healthy can be challenging; however, gardening can be a fun and inexpensive way to spark children’s curiosity in trying vegetables and fruits. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is available to help and teach you about what grows best in your area and make your...

  11. Ep. 47 - Get Healthy with MyPlate!

    Social media and television constantly have advertisements that highlight ‘nutrition gurus’ or sell magic pills for better health. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what advice to follow; however, finding accurate information can be easier if you focus on trusted sources with information...

  12. Ep. 46 - Gather Around the Table

    Summertime is near which often brings a sigh of relief as schedules become less hectic. Take advantage of this extra time with family mealtime! Researchers have discovered when families eat together, adults and children eat more fruits and vegetables, have a balanced diet, and eat less fast food....

  13. Ep. 45 - Energy Booster: SNACKS!

    There are a variety of energy boosting snacks available; however, when we are hungry it is easy to reach for less healthy snacks like chips, candy bars, and sodas. Today on the podcast we have Sarah with us to talk about energy boosting snacks!

  14. Ep. 44 - Celebrating Cultures through Food

    Every year during the month of March the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” and focuses on celebrating foods and flavors from different cultures all around the world. Today on the podcast we have with us...

  15. Ep. 43 - From the Heart for the Heart

    During the month of February, store isles are filled with a variety of Valentine colors, and many heart-shaped cards, snacks, and sweets. While all these items are focused towards one day, the entire month is American Heart Month which is dedicated to our heart health. The heart plays an…

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  16. Ep. 42 - Stay Safe with Fight BAC!

    We cannot see or smell bacteria that can make us sick. To help keep your family safe and reduce your risk of a foodborne illness use the four principles of Fight BAC! Join us as Wendy teaches us about Fight BAC! is all about!

  17. Ep. 41 - How to add more fruit and vegetables into your diet

    Many popular New Year's resolutions focus on health and wellness. If you are looking towards a healthier 2022 one step you can do is increase your fruit and vegetable intake. These two food groups are packed with nutrients that help our body preform at its best. On the podcast we have Heather who...

  18. Ep. 40 - ‘Tis the Season for Good Nutrition!

    Ending the year on a healthy note can be a challenge for many. From the continuous chocolate advertisements on television to the delicious aromas of baked goods at your local grocery store, temptation to overindulge is around every corner. Today on the podcast we have Natalie here to share some...

  19. Ep. 39 - Four Simple Ways to Move More During the Holidays!

    The holiday season is HERE which often means a busier schedule. From planning family meals to cleaning or decorating, when our schedules pick up, it is easy to skip one thing that we all need, physical activity! Our episode guest, Daisy Castillo is here to share four ways to move more during this...

  20. Ep. 38 - Microwave Cooking and Use

    Often, life gets busy and cooking a meal can feel like a chore. On those kinds of days, have you considered microwave cooking, rather than heading to a drive through? This can save money and often results in a more nutritious meal than going out to eat. Our episode guest, Christy Curran is here…

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  21. Ep. 37 - How to stretch your food dollar

    Grocery store food prices typically increase by about 2% each year, however, prices increased by 3.5% in 2020. As we continue through 2021 food prices continue to steadily rise. Our episode guest, Katie Sotzing, goes over some simple but effective ways to save money on food that will help you…

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  22. Ep. 36 - Why is it important to incorporate nutritious foods into your meal pattern when breastfeeding?

    Eating a nutritious meal pattern is important for everybody, however, there are stages in life when nutrition makes an even greater impact on your health! One of those stages for women, is during lactation/breastfeeding. Episode guest, Jade Edgar, an Extension Agent for BLT, shares some excellent...

  23. Ep. 35 - Food Safety Practices to Follow During the Hot Summer Months

    It is hot outside! While not everyone enjoys the heat, harmful bacteria found on food thrives in warm weather. On this episode we’re talking about important food safety practices to follow during these hot summer months. Tune in to find out how to prevent bacteria from growing on your food!…

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  24. Ep. 34 - Why is physical activity important important for our joints?

    Today's episode answers the question - how can physical activity improve joint health and mobility? Our joints allow us to run, walk, dance, play sports, pretty much everything we like to do that involves moving! Keeping our joints healthy will allow us to keep doing the movements we enjoy for a...

  25. Ep. 33 - World Food Safety Day!

    Is it okay to eat something if it is past it's use-by/best-by date? Do you really need to use those bins at the bottom of the refrigerator for meat only? If you have ever had these questions, you will want to listen to this week's podcast! We are celebrating World Food Safety Day (June 7th) a...

  26. What challenges and successes did BLT experience during the past year?

    Today’s episode is the season 3 finale! Don’t worry though, we will be back in a few weeks. Today we’re answering the question - “What challenges and successes did Better Living for Texans (BLT) agents and educators experience during the past year?”. As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has made...

  27. Ep. 31 - What do you need to know when growing and cooking with herbs?

    Basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, dill, and more! There are so many herbs you can grow and use when cooking. In this episode, we're talking all about how to successfully grow and cook with herbs! Better Living for Texans - Extension Agent, Christy Curran and Horticulture County...

  28. Ep. 30 - How do you preserve produce from your garden?

    Have you ever wondered what to do when you grow more fruits or vegetables than you or your family can eat? After all the effort of growing and maintaining a garden, the last thing you want to do is let the produce you have grown go to waste. In this episode we are answering the question – how do...

  29. Ep. 29 - What does take to make a successful youth gardening program?

    Better Living for Texans (BLT) offers gardening programs to youth and adults. Participants of these programs have expressed improved accessibility to and intake of fruits and vegetables. Today we are joined by BLT extension agent, Amy Smith-Shively and returning guest, Greg Grant a county…

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  30. Ep. 28 - How do you grow a successful vegetable garden?

    How do you grow a successful vegetable garden? To answer this question I have Greg Grant, a county extension agent who specializes in horticulture on the podcast today. Greg goes over the top 3 most important things you need to know when growing a vegetable garden. Whether you are planning on...

  31. Ep. 27 - What can a Better Living for Texans Extension Agent do for you?

    Its the fourth and final podcast episode of our series celebrating National Nutrition Month! The last key message from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for National Nutrition Month is Consult a Registered Dietitian, during this episode we talk about what a dietitian is but we also shift…

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  32. Ep. 26 - What skills will help you create nutritious and tasty meals?

    We continue our series celebrating National Nutrition Month by talking about useful skills for creating tasty and nutritious meals. Tune in to hear from our agent, Natalie Ramos, as she shares practical tips to help you prepare meals that both delicious and nutritious! Also, try out the easy…

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  33. Ep. 25 - How can I successfully plan nutritious meals in advance?

    In the second episode of our 4-part series celebrating National Nutrition Month, we're talking about planning nutritious meals in advance! Guests: Valeria Arredondo and Genesis Hernandez.

  34. Ep. 24 - When it comes to what we eat, why is variety important?

    It's National Nutrition Month! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has provided key nutrition messages for each week in March. Through-out March the Better Living for Texans podcast will be highlighting these key messages of the week! The first key message to kick off National Nutrition Month…

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  35. Ep. 23 - American Heart Month

    Welcome back to Season 3! Since February is American Heart Month, we're kicking off the new season by talking about heart health. Tune in to learn more about how eat a nutritious diet and exercise can help prevent heart disease.

  36. Ep. 22 - How can you "Sleigh the Holidays"?

    We are joined by BLT and FCH AgriLife Extension Agents District 8 to discuss their "Sleigh the Holidays" project. To join, learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2086015488195592. Thank you for joining us for the past two seasons. We will see you in 2021 for Season 3!

  37. Ep. 21 - How can I practice food safety during the holidays?

    This week, we finish our 4 part series on eating during the holiday season. Big meals often mean leftovers. Hannah Moore joins us to discuss important practices to keep in mind when cooking, chilling and heating food to help prevent food borne illness.

  38. Ep. 20 - How can I swap rich foods for healthier options?

    We love those traditional holiday foods! But, there's a reason we don't eat them often. Even if you're trying to be mindful of what you're eating, we've got some ideas to help make sure you're getting all your daily nutrients! Guest: Hannah Moore

  39. Ep. 19 - How can I eat mindfully around the holidays?

    There's a lot of things we love about the holiday season. There's also a lot of food to eat during the holiday season. We get it! Food is an integral part of family moments and cooking those big meals is a cherished memory by many. Sometimes, however, after the meal(s), we can full and even...

  40. Ep. 18 - What can I do to have a stress free Thanksgiving?

    This week, we kick off our month long series discussing eating around the holidays. Thanksgiving (and the holiday season, in general) can be stressful. Project Specialist Hannah Moore offers recommendations to keep in mind when planning a big meal this holiday season.

  41. Ep. 17 - What health tips and tricks should expectant mothers keep in mind while pregnant?

    BLT Agent Leanne Raborn in Williamson County joins us to discuss how BLT can help expectant mothers in our state.

  42. Ep. 16 - How does BLT programming look in urban versus rural counties in Texas?

    Better Living for Texans Regional Project Specialist Andrea Stelting joins us to talk about how BLT programming looks different across our big, diverse state.

  43. Ep. 15 - Can I purchase groceries at the farmer's market with my SNAP benefits?

    BLT Program Specialist Hannah Moore join us to discuss purchasing foods at the farmer's market with your SNAP benefits. Mentioned Resources Produce Availability Chart http://www.gotexan.org/portals/1/pdf/produce%20availability%20brochure%202015-nocropmarks.pdf Texas Farmers Market List...

  44. Ep. 14 - Can I purchase groceries online with my SNAP benefits?

    We talk with BLT Program Coordinator Hannah Moore to learn more about using SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online in Texas.

  45. Ep. 13 - What is urban agriculture?

    We talk with BLT Agent Heidi Lopez in Starr County to discuss urban agriculture. Check out her work at Facebook.com/BLTSTARR.

  46. Ep. 12 - How can we talk to others with empathy?

    We talk with BLT Agent Jade Edgar in Johnson & Ellis Co's. to learn more about why speaking to others with empathy is important at Better Living for Texans.

  47. Ep. 11 - How can I garden on a tight budget?

    BLT Agent Michele Scaife in Montgomery County joins us to give us some tips and tricks to garden on a tight budget, even in the hot Texas summer months! Follow her work on Instagram @BLTmongtomery or on Facebook at facebook.com/bltmontgomery.

  48. Ep. 10 - Why are partnerships within BLT so important?

    BLT Agent Wendy Hamilton in Brown County joins us to talk about why partnerships with Better Living for Texans are so important and make our work possible. You can follow the work in her community at https://www.facebook.com/BrownCountyBLT.

  49. Ep. 9 - What are good food safety practices I can use while cooking outside?

    Texas A&M University professor and AgriLife Extension Specialist Dr. Jenna Anding joins us to talk about healthy food safety practices to keep in mind while cooking outdoors this summer. Referred infographic:...

  50. Ep. 8 - Why don't Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables?

    We break down a few factors as to why Americans eat too much meat and grains and not enough fruits and vegetables. Map to check out: https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4565491/Fruitsandveggies.png

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Better Living for Texans is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) implementing program within the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This podcast will give you knowledge, tips and tricks to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle on a budget for you, your family and friends. We'll talk about healthy foods, physical activity, gardening and so much more!

For more information visit our website at https://blt.tamu.edu/

This institute is an equal opportunity provider. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer and program provider.

https://www.tamus.edu/marcomm/socialmedia/public/

HOSTED BY

Better Living for Texans

CATEGORIES

health fitness arts food

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Better Living for Texans currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Better Living for Texans about?

Better Living for Texans is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) implementing program within the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This podcast will give you knowledge, tips and tricks to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle on a budget for you, your family and...

How often does Better Living for Texans release new episodes?

Better Living for Texans has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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Better Living for Texans is created and hosted by Better Living for Texans.
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