One- and two-person households are a growing sector in North Dakota and the United States. According to the 2000 census, North Dakota has almost 164,000 households with one or two members. The U.S. has more than 61 million one- and two-person households. They all have something in common: They need to eat!

When deciding what to make for dinner, people usually consider taste, cost and convenience. Even if you have little time for meal preparation or live in a location with minimal cooking space, you still should consider nutrition. From Cooking 101 (Week 7) Quick and Easy Menus, Recipes and Tips for Singles and Couples

People often substitute energy drinks for healthier beverage choices, so compare the Nutrition Facts labels. Energy drinks provide few if any of the needed vitamins and minerals provided by healthier beverage choices. Plain water is a better choice for most individuals.

Sports drinks are recommended only to increase your physical performance if you are physically active for more than 60 to 90 minutes. Anything less, water should be the drink of choice because it’s better for hydration. Make sure to drink enough fluids before, during and after physical activity.

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, Powerade and All Sport, contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and chloride. They are made for physical activity, to help rehydrate and to keep energy levels high. Are sports drinks really necessary? Not always. You can get these same benefits from other sources. A sports drink is not better for you unless you are active for 60 to 90 minutes or are exercising in very hot conditions. Anything less, and water should be the drink of choice.

Did you know? The microwave oven was invented when a scientist walked by a magnetron (experimental microwave tube) and the chocolate bar in his pocket melted. Do microwaves make food radioactive? No. Using a microwave is a quick and easy way to cook or reheat food. You should reheat food to “steaming hot” (165 degrees or higher) to kill harmful bacteria that could make you sick.

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.

Children ages 9 to 13 need 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day to keep their bones and teeth strong. Children ages 4 to 8 need 800 milligrams of calcium per day. They also need vitamin D, which helps the body use the calcium. Milk is fortified with vitamin D. Many foods contain calcium. The best sources are milk, yogurt and cheese. Fish, soy products and nuts also are good sources of calcium. Some fruit juices, cereals, breads, snacks and other foods have added calcium.

Think of snacks as minimeals that help provide nutrients and energy you need to grow, play and learn. Most kids do best when they eat four to six smaller meals a day.

Have a light meal so it can be digested easily. The pregame meal should include a variety of foods but focus on carbohydrate rich food such as bread or pasta. Make sure to include grains, fruits and vegetables in the meal. Drink plenty of fluids.