Home > News Archive > 2008 > December > Large portions sabotage weight control (Radio News 12/29/08) Large portions are a culprit in America’s obesity epidemic, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. She says controlling portion sizes is the key to losing weight. Cooking less and cutting out seconds can help you drop pounds. She also says to fill your plate with the right things. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Resolve to be healthier in 2009 [Image: Healthy] (TV News 12/29/08) A new year is upon us and that means resolution time. Every year a popular resolution is to lose weight and be healthier. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talked with several people about to participate in a 5K race about their resolutions. She also talked with a nutritionist to get tips for achieving such goals. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds) Following through on gardening resolutions (Audio 12/29/08) At the beginning of a new year many people make resolutions -- and gardeners are among those people. If you make gardening resolutions, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has advice for you. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Indoor plants need special care during winter (Audio 12/29/08) One of the biggest problems for indoor plants during winter is the dry air produced by our heating systems. Move house plants away from vents and be sure to water them as needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)  more articles... Evergreens are not always green [Image: Evergreen Bushes] (Video 12/29/08) Bushes help accentuate a nice landscape. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the changing colors and beauty of evergreen bushes.(Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds) Plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs in winter (Audio 12/29/08) Now through January is the time to plant those tulip and hyacinth bulbs you've been chilling in your refrigerator to get them ready for planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use caution when ordering from catalogs (Audio 12/29/08) Gardening catalogs normally arrive in mailboxes in December and January. Most of these are available for free if you go online and request one. Just be cautious when ordering from catalogs and make sure you choose plants appropriate for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Amaryllis bulbs require special care (Audio 12/29/08) Many gardeners purchased amaryllis bulbs in October. If you haven't, but you still want to grow amaryllis, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your bulbs. If you were one of those gardeners who planted your bulbs in October, however, your plants are likely to have bloomed already . (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fiber from 'energy cane' produces ethanol (Radio News 12/29/08) Sugarcane researchers are always looking for ways to get more sugar out of their varieties, but LSU AgCenter researchers are studying several varieties where the sugar content really isn’t a factor. Energy cane is grown for its fiber or cellulose, which can be converted to ethanol. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Resolve to be healthy in 2009 (Radio News 12/29/08) As 2008 winds down, people start thinking about resolutions, and many people will resolve to be healthier in 2009. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says to keep your goals simple. Research on 'energy cane' continues despite falling gas prices (Radio News 12/29/08) Research on "energy cane," a sugarcane designed to be converted to ethanol, has been in full swing in recent years. But the research started several decades ago, according to LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre, who says one variety called L79-1002 is nearly 30 years old. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Year-end financial advice (Radio News 12/29/08) LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker is encouraging consumers to take advantage of tax breaks before the year ends. She says workers should be sure to check the balance of flexible spending accounts for health care or child care and take appropriate action before the year ends. (Runtime: 60 seconds) 2009 LSU AgCenter rice meetings begin Jan. 6 in Welsh (Distributed 12/23/08) Southwest Louisiana rice farmers making plans for their 2009 crop can get help with their decisions at a series of meetings on Jan. 6 through Jan. 9 conducted by the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter announces aromatic rice variety (Distributed 12/22/08) The LSU AgCenter has approved a new variety of aromatic rice to compete with foreign imports. Click for more information...