June - National Dairy Month
June is a busy month for Hopkins County as we dive into Dairy Festival activities. I hope that by the time you read this, you have taken part in some of the festivities. The committee has worked hard to bring a quality festival to Hopkins County!
Eating healthy and being physically active can be a fun part of parties and events. Great gatherings are easy to do when tasty, healthy foods from all the food groups are offered in a fun, active environment. Above all, focus on enjoying friends and family! Here are some tips to get you started:
1) Make healthy habits part of your celebrations. Food and beverages are a part of an event, but they do not have to be the center of the occasion. Focus on activities to get people moving an enjoy being together.
2) Make foods look festive. Decorate foods with nuts or seeds or use new shapes for vegetables. Add a few eye-catching fruits to a favorite dish, or add a sprinkle of almonds to add just an extra something.
3) Offer thirst quenchers that please. Make fun ice cubes from 100% juice or add slices of fruit to make water more exciting.
4) Savor the flavor. Take time to pay attention to the taste of each bite of food. Make small changes in your old recipes or try dishes from another culture to liven things up.
5) Use ChoseMyPlate.gov to include foods from the food groups for your party. Offer whole-grain crackers, serve a spicy bean dip and veggie tray, make fruit kabobs, layer yogurt and fruit to create a sweet parfait. Use whole grains and veggies to make a savory, healthy salad.
6) Make moving part of every event. Being physically active makes everyone feel good. Dancing, moving, playing active games, wiggling and giggling add fun to any gathering.
7) Try out some healthier recipes. Find ways to cut back on sugar, salt, and fat as you prepare your favorite recipes. Try out some of the recipes on ChooseMyPlate.gov.
8) Keep it simple. Have others participate by contributing a prepared dish, helping with the clean up, or keeping the kids active and moving.
9) Shop smart to each smart. Save money by offering foods that fit your budget. Buy in-season produce when it costs less and tastes better. Plan in advance and buy foods on sale.
10) Be a cheerleader for healthy habits. It's never too early for adults to set an example. Keep in mind that children often follow what the adults around them do - even at parties.
Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.
Celebrating Women
If you have been procrastinating about signing up for the "Celebrating Women" conference, keep in mind that you only have one more week to get your registration in the mail. As I have mentioned before, this conference is for women in all walks of life - new graduates, college students, young women, middle-aged women, and mature women can all benefit from the sessions!
The conference will be inspirational, educational, fun, and practical. Free on-site baby-sitting will be offered for those who need that service. Here are the details:
Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for more information.
Closing Thought
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will - Vince Lombardi
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.
Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
Hopkins County
1200-B W. Houston
P.O. Box 518
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 - phone
903-439-4909 - fax
jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
