Eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to be a challenge for those who choose to follow a vegetarian diet. Using a variety of protein sources can add zest to dishes while keeping them healthful and hearty. From Cooking 101 (Week 9) Quick and Easy Menus, Recipes and Tips for Singles and Couples

Coffee originated in the coffee forests of Ethiopia and has grown in popularity across the world, especially with today’s hustle-and-bustle culture. Unfortunately, numerous health controversies, concerns and warnings accompany this increasingly popular beverage. With so much confusion surrounding this energizing drink, determining fact from fiction sometimes is difficult.

Food waste occurs at home. In fact, wasted food in homes accounts for up to 40 percent of the total food waste, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. We can’t save all the food, but most of us can take steps to reduce food waste at home.

Turkey anyone? Who can resist the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, growing ever more golden brown almost by the minute, its gravy-making juices crackling and sizzling in the bottom of the roaster pan.

Beans are one of the most commonly eaten foods around the world because of their versatility, nutritional value and cost effectiveness.

Protein is essential to life and needs to be consumed with each meal. The amount of protein you need depends on your height, weight, whether you are a boy or girl, and your level of activity. In general, teenage boys need about 52 grams of protein per day, while teenage girls need about 46 grams per day. However, if you are small or large for your age, or very active, your needs are different.

All foods made from meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, nuts and seeds are in the Protein Foods Group. Beans (such as kidney and navy beans) also are part of the vegetable group.

You may have noticed an increased number of gluten-free products at your grocery store. Gluten-free products have reached billions of dollars in sales. However, consumers still may be unsure of what gluten is and reasons for gluten-free diets.

Be a BAC Fighter and Fight BAC! Clean, separate, cook and chill.

Pulse foods include chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), lentils and split peas. These inexpensive foods provide protein, complex carbohydrates, and several vitamins and minerals. Like other plant-based foods, they contain no cholesterol and little fat or sodium. They are an excellent source of fiber and folate, along with many other vitamins and minerals.