U of I Extension provides nutrition education

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">HARRISBURG &ndash; Visitors to Harrisburg's Golden Circle got the chance to learn a new recipe or chat about nutrition, thanks to a program through the University of Illinois Extension program.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Robin Johnston, with the Extension office, was on hand to offer tips, tricks and samples for seniors visiting the Golden Circle.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It's a chance for people to revisit nutrition, or at the least pick up a new recipe or two, Johnston said.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">&ldquo;The people who come to my table always like to take information, or a sample of some kind,&rdquo; she said.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Wednesday's sample? Banana nut bread Johnston made fresh that morning to bring to the Golden Circle, complete with a recipe for the whole-grain treat. It wasn't the only recipe available, though. Johnston had divider that contained several different easy-to-make entrees, including what she assured was a delicious sweet potato casserole.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">&ldquo;Right now, we still have our winter recipes, but we will be switching before too long,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;All year long, people come here and collect the recipe cards.&rdquo;

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It's not just a matter of sharing recipes, though, she said. The recipes offered all follow the USDA's Choose My Plate nutritional program, designed to help people find a healthy eating style and continue to follow it throughout their life. The program's Web site is choosemyplate.gov.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Johnston said she had the opportunity to name the Extension's Web site program, which is &ldquo;Let's Eat for Health, Illinois!&rdquo; That program, which can be found at online <span style="color: #000080;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">https://web.extension.illinois.edu/INEP/recipes-new/index.php</span></span></span>, offers even more recipes designed to provide budget-friendly options that are tasty and nutritious.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Johnston said she enjoys talking to the Golden Circle visitors and sharing up-to-date nutritional information.

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">&ldquo;There is really a lot of information out there about what you should eat and what you need to watch,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We just try to keep people informed.&rdquo;