If you want to learn how to have a healthier diet, get more physical activity into your life and make time to eat meals as a family, check out the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s new Web site at http://www.ndsu.edu/eatsmart.

“We created this site as a ‘one-stop shop’ for children and families to learn more about nutrition and fitness,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist. “We hope the recipes and mealtime tips help busy families achieve the goal of enjoying more meals together.”

The “Eat Smart. Play Hard. Together” Web site includes links to fun activities for youth. The activities incorporate information on the major food groups - fruits and vegetables, grains, milk, meat and beans, and oils – as well as food safety and general nutrition.

The site also has nutrition and food safety information for teens; handouts, newsletters, resources and nutrition information links for parents, caregivers and educators; and recipes and tips from the “Eat Smart. Play Hard.” program sponsors.

“Eat Smart. Play Hard.” is a statewide campaign the NDSU Extension Service and Bison Athletics teamed up to launch in 2005. It’s based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s initiative of the same name and MyPyramid, the USDA’s latest food and physical activity guidance system for adults and children.

“Enjoying more family meals not only improves nutrition and communication among families, but it also reduces risky behavior, such as smoking and drinking, among teens,” adds Garden-Robinson.

NDSU Agriculture Communication