LiveWell JOCO Blog

Stay informed with regular updates from the LiveWell Johnson County Blog, including tips for chronic disease prevention, healthy food inspiration, and news from the neighborhood.

Added Sugar & Hypertension

While the relationship between salt and hypertension is well known, most people don't know that added sugar also plays a role in hypertension. The primary cause is insulin resistance and nitric oxide, which can lead to vasoconstriction and increased blood…... read more

Sodium and Food Labels – What Does it All Mean?

I have a story to share about sodium and food labels. I was at the grocery store the other day and was proud of myself for selecting the one with “reduced sodium” on the front. Way to go, me! I’ve…...

Spotlight on Mushrooms

Mushrooms are known for their great taste and amazing health benefits. Packed with a ton of essential vitamins and minerals, they make for an excellent addition to your diet, adding flavor to many different recipes. Add mushrooms to your eggs, as…...

Spotlight on Radishes

Radishes are in season most of the year, but we tend to think of them more in the spring. They are low in calories, only 20 calories per cup, and they are high in Vitamin C! Vitamin C is known…...

4 Steps to Build a Healthy Salad

Pack more nutrition into your day with a colorful, nutrient-dense, and healthy salad. We all know we need to eat more healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables and a salad is a perfect way to accomplish this. Keeping basic ingredients on…...

5 Easy Tips to Reduce Sugar Intake

Have you heard the suggestions to reduce sugar in your diet? Why? And what does that even mean? Here’s the scoop and 5 easy tips to start today. Why Reduce Sugar? Added sugars add calories. Excessive calories can lead to…... read more

Celebrate National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month. Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses attention on developing healthful eating and physical activity habits people can follow all year long. Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity can make a…...

Spotlight on Heart Healthy Lentils

Ode to Lentils Oh lentils, how we love thee! You economical, quick-cooking, legume you! Full of fiber and protein. Great for heart and digestive health. You are so very versatile. A dreamy match for soups, stews, pasta sauces, salads and…...

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup is the perfect recipe for November, which is National Diabetes Month and a month that welcomes colder weather. This soup will help keep you warm and provides a great balance of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Not only…...

Lemon Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

Ease and flavor collide to fully celebrate the spirit of the grilling season in this recipe for Lemon Grilled Chicken. Serve with your favorite bagged salad kit & fresh fruit to complete the meal, no sweat! (Pun intended.) Lemon Grilled…...

Banana Berry Overnight Oatmeal

Banana berry overnight oatmeal is a great way to add fresh fruit to your day! The sweetness of the banana makes adding sugar unnecessary. Limiting sugar in your diet is a step in a healthy direction. Learn more about why…... read more

Skillet Orange Maple Pork Chops

Serve these saucy pork chops up with your family’s favorite side dishes or consider sliced oranges & making our roasted broccoli in the oven while you’re at work on the stove top.  To get the conversation started around the table…...

Spotlight on Cauliflower

Cauliflower has been enjoying its time in the spotlight and rightly so. It is very versatile, low in calories and brings nutritional benefits to the table, literally. Steam it, roast it, rice it, dip it or blend it in a…...

Spotlight on Spinach

“I’m strong to the finish ‘cause I eats me spinach!” Turns out Popeye the Sailor Man was right. With many essential vitamins & minerals and great health benefits, this fabulous functional food packs a powerful punch. 2 cups of fresh…...

Pantry Skill – Pesto

Is your garden full of basil or have you seen the fresh basil at the grocery store and wondered what you could do with it? We’ve got a tasty idea, homemade pesto. Enjoy this yourself, preserve some in the freezer…...