Although it may seem daunting, eating vegan does not have to
be hard. Sure, you have to cut animal-based food products out of the picture,
which seems to eliminate a lot of foods we might normally eat. It might also
seem difficult to make up for the nutrients you normally get when you can no
longer eat meat, dairy, or poultry. Going vegan might even seem expensive.
Fortunately, though, there are vegan staples that are cheap and accessible.
They’ll help you to make a smooth transition into this diet.
Rice is a great staple item for the vegan diet, in addition
to being a great staple for any diet. It’s cheap, quick and easy to cook,
healthy if you use whole grain, and rich in variety. Whole grain rice is rich
in protein, which is great for making up for the lack of meat in your diet.
Tofu is also very versatile, and you can cook it to taste like
practically any meat. It’s a soy-based product, so it’s rich in protein, making
it the perfect substitute for unhealthy red meats, or any meat for that matter
while you’re adhering to vegan guidelines.
Source: Pixabay
I also consider bananas to be a universally understood
staple food. Priced at usually under a dollar per pound, this superfruit is
accessible, and you can usually get a whole bundle of them for just a couple of
dollars. Bananas are rich in potassium, something that is great for digestion.
It helps balance things out and reduces the chances of bloating. On top of
this, bananas are a really versatile fruit that taste great with lots of other
fruits, whether that be in a fruit salad or in a smoothie.
Just like bananas, potatoes are generally fairly cheap, and
you can usually buy a bulk sack of them for a reasonable price. The
possibilities never end when it comes to ways you can cook potatoes. Be careful
of the starch and carbohydrate content, though, as it can build up depending on
how healthy of ingredients you use to prepare them. Nuts, beans, and legumes
are also essential to the vegan diet. Rich in protein and nutrients that make
up for protein loss in the absence of meat, they are a great, healthy source of
energy that comes in a large variety of types. They’re also great for heart
health!
However you go about introducing the vegan diet into your
lifestyle, you should be aware of the fact that adhering to its guidelines
requires great understanding of what you can and cannot eat. While this fact
may be daunting, you should also keep in mind the fact that, with a little
practice, there are ways to successfully and easily navigate the world of
shopping for vegan-friendly items at the grocery store. Stick to these staple
items, and even branch off to a few more when you’re comfortable, and I’m sure
the task of making this diet choice work for you will become worlds easier.
Chinese food is a take out staple across America. The urges that I get for delicious, cheap cheap meals from these restaurants are some of the strongest cravings that hit my stomach. There is no better time to indulge in this then on the cold winter days that we are currently experiencing in Upstate New York.
Today, my craving for Chinese food took me to Best Cook in Guilderland, NY. The restaurant is in the middle of a strip mall off of Route 20 in Guilderland, tucked in right next to a laundromat. The green and red signage is easily to see from the highway, but the entry to the plaza is easy to drive past if you aren’t paying attention very carefully.
Walking in the door, interestingly enough, the first thing that jumps out to you isn’t the smells, the seating area, or anything else food related – it’s the fish tank! In the entry area there is a rather large fish tank with some smaller fish and one larger Koi (or, what at least looks like a Koi).
The seating area is older and isn’t really
much to look at – but at second glance you can tell that it is above average
for your general Chinese takeout establishment. The chairs are older and the
designs are pretty gaudy, but it appears to be clean. Today, as it has been for
me in past visits, there was no one eating here.
There is an open kitchen where people can be
seen cooking meals. Everything looks clean and tidy. The cooks are wearing the
appropriate food safety items.
We are greeted by a very friendly face and a
welcoming smile. Customer service has never been an issue when ordering from
Best Cook. Over the phone, they have always been willing to answer questions
and tend to customization requests. When paying, the people have always been
friendly and have shown no issues dealing with multiple payment methods.
When we called in and made our order, we were
told that our food would be ready in about 20 minutes. When I picked up the
food, the bag was warm and everything was packaged nicely in a bag so that the
food would stay warm on my drive back to my office.
Today, I ordered the boneless spare ribs lunch
combo, which included pork fried rice and hot and sour soup. I also included a
side order of crab rangoons. I’ve ordered this combination of food from Best
Cook before, so I knew in advance that I wasn’t going to be left hungry, or
disappointed.
The crab rangoons served here are perfect. The
wonton wrapper is thin and crispy, and effective vehicle for delivering the
flavor inside without getting in the way. The rangoons are prepared in perfect
bite-size pieces as well, which makes it very easy to devour an entire bag.
The boneless spare ribs are a treat as well.
The savory, fatty rib pieces cooked to perfection taste delicious in the sweet
sauce that they are served in. The side of pork fried rice is the only
disappointment, being fairly bland, but I was able to mix the ribs and rib
sauce around with the rice and enhance the flavor quite a bit.
I’ve eaten at this establishment quite a few
times before. I’ve also tried the sesame and General Tso’s chicken, as well as
the local mein. Everything from this restaurant is fantastically prepared and
carefully packaged, and tastes great once served.
The final thing that I will say about Best
Cook is that I really appreciate the friendliness of the staff.
Healthy eating is a serious concern for many
and there is no shortage of diets, studies, and advice promising to help you
drop the pounds and slim up. From keto to paleo to the south beach diet, and
from the plethora of diet pills to help you with that little boost, you can
find yourself overwhelmed by all this information and promises of a quick fix.
The truth is that many of these diets don’t
work because the objective- to be thin, to lose weight- shouldn’t be the true
objective. And these diets tend to be short term and cold turkey type methods
that will only set you up to fail in the end.
If you want to be healthy, the objective
shouldn’t be just to lose weight and be thin, but rather, it should be geared
towards inner health. Because for some people, losing weight is simply
unrealistic. We aren’t all built the same, and some of us simply can’t drop the
weight, and that doesn’t mean we have to be unhealthy. Weight is not
necessarily indicative of health. If you watch what you eat and exercise, this
will go a long way towards making you healthy, regardless of whether you end up
losing weight or not.
I have wanted to lose weight as well. My goal
has always been to get my health problems under control, and I thought that by
losing weight, that could be enough. But for a woman of 35 years of age, losing
weight has proved harder than I thought and I have come to realize that it’s
more important to take control of my physical health, my inner being, rather
than my outer appearance.
My health plan is centered and tailored to me.
It may not work for everyone else, and that’s the point. Everyone is different.
For me, cutting junk food out cold turkey never helped because eventually I
know I’d slip up. But if I eat healthily and reward myself with a little treat
every once in awhile, I find myself much more able to control those insatiable
cravings for junk. My favorite junk foods include hot Cheetos, candy, and root
beer. If I eat healthy for two weeks, I reward myself with a bag of hot Cheetos
or a root beer at the end of those two weeks. One snack every two weeks isn’t
going to hurt me, and it means I won’t have to give these foods up entirely.
Because for me, giving foods up never really helped.
I do yoga or pilates every 20 minutes when I
wake up. Doing exercise in the morning helps me have energy throughout the day.
I suffer from kidney disease and an autoimmune disorder and having the energy
to get through my day has been a constant struggle.
For breakfast, I have a smoothie made up of
fruit, chia seeds, spinach, oats, honey, greek yogurt, and coconut milk. I also
have a fried egg with pepper and a cup of black coffee with a small splash of
creamer. With breakfast, usually after my workout, I enjoy an episode of one or
my favorite shows or perhaps a documentary, something to help relax and get my
mind engaged before I start work for the day.
For lunch, I sautee mushrooms and onions with
some spices and a small amount of butter, and I also have some celery with
peanut butter, cucumbers, pickles, and perhaps a slice of cheese or cherry
tomatoes. In between lunch and breakfast and dinner, I might have a snack which
could include air-popped popcorn with spices, raw unsalted almonds or peanuts,
or perhaps dark chocolate covered raisins.
For dinner, I will have a small portion of
protein. It could be tofu or chicken or a few slices of pork or beef, but I
always include either two vegetables or one vegetable and one grain. My husband
and I enjoy vegetables such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or
asparagus. For grains, we enjoy quinoa, bulgar, wild rice, brown rice, or
perhaps some couscous. For a beverage, we usually just settle for either water
or unsweetened iced tea. For dessert, I will usually opt for either a piece of
fruit.
This is my diet plan. It’s what works for me. That’s
the point of all of this, is to illustrate that what works for one person may
not work for others. This particular plan works for me because I can be healthy
and I still get to enjoy an occasional treat every now and then, so I don’t
have to feel like I am giving anything up. For a foodie like myself, that’s
what’s most important to me.
Whoah, whoah hold the tomatoes. Before you condemn us, we want to be clear;
we’re not trying to take away your alcohol! It’s great to treat yourself, but
It’s even better to treat yourself without any regrets on the other side.
While some mixed drinks are beautiful to
behold and it’s hard to imagine that 2 or 3 more could hurt, mixed drinks
aren’t always the best choice for your diet.
This is, even if you want to cheat on your diet or treat yourself.
Healthlyeating.com claims that hard liquor
tends to have more calories; yes, that’s more than beer or wine. We understand that you may not be counting
calories as you go out, instead you want to let loose and be free.
No one’s judging.
However, if you’re not thinking ahead, you
may regret packing on the calories the next day. No one likes that feeling right?
While we’re on the subject of the health
mixed drinks, calories aren’t the only pressing matter. Some mixed drinks are made with processed
powders and syrups that are unhealthy, not to mention the high fructose corn
syrup in some of them, this means that it is harder on the digestion. The colors, the arrangements, the flavors are
fun and very tempting. If you can’t
resist temptation, it may help to limit yourself as much as possible.
Your waiter may not know if there is high
fructose corn syrup in your beverage, but for the most part if a drink is not
made with 100% fruit juice, it’s very possible.
Fruit juice is not the healthiest option either as there is a lot of
sugar, which is another reason to limit your intake. Of course if you’re going all the way, you
want to go with with fruit juice, over high fructose corn syrup.
You may already know that some fruit juices
have hfc syrup but the hope in this situation is that you can ask if the
beverage is made with freshly squeezed juices.
It’s understandable that in the middle of a merry conversation with
friends that you may not want to have a nutrition discussion about what you’re
going to drink, however, if you plan to indulge and drink more than 1 or 2 of
these beverages, you may want to inquire.
Eiliv Sonas Aceron/Unsplash.com
#2-EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
No one wants the extra calories, and most
people are not particularly excited about their prices either. To be honest, if you were to prepare these
same beverages at home, you could save yourself a pretty penny. So why do we pay for these exotic
refreshments? Maybe it’s the meryment
, being distracted by the party
atmosphere makes it easier to go with the flow, instead of thinking about how
it will process in our bodies.
The budget for drinks is another issue as
well, the prices can add-up rapidly. Ordering
sparkling water, perhaps with some fresh fruit mixed in so you don’t feel
totally deprived may be a great place to start.
If you’re not quite this strong in resisting temptation, maybe start off
by drinking wine or beer instead of hard liquor as we’ve already learned, these
options don’t have quite as many calories.
Choosing to treat yourself more
sporadically, or at least less may be more rewarding in the long run. Having
a trusted friend or two to help your real things in may be helpful, so that you
can save a couple more bucks! Remember that if you can’t resist right off, at
you can make sure that your beverage is made of fresh ingredients! Enjoy!
When we purchased our new house a few years
ago, we knew there would be work to do. Since we’ve moved in, we’ve redone the
bathrooms and had a new fence installed. The project that we are onto now is
our biggest, scariest, most expensive, and most disruptive project of all – our
kitchen!
The night before we removed the old kitchen, I
went through many of the same emotions that I have in other big days of my
life. Excitement and fear, hopefulness and worry. By the time the first cabinet
was removed, I knew there was no going back. Through it all, we’ve learned a
few things along the way. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Be
flexible.
In all areas, be flexible. Be open to try new
foods. Be prepared to change meal plans at a moments notice. Have back up meals
on hand and ready to prepare at a moments notice. The more flexible you are,
the easier it will be to roll with the punches and not stress out when things
don’t do as planned.
Disposables
are a must!
Paper plates, plastic cups, and plastic
utensils are a blessing in situations like this. I couldn’t imagine having to
hand wash everything each time we eat! Stock up on paper and plastic products
and don’t let them run out!
Have
your counter-top appliances ready to go.
A toaster is obviously great for breakfast –
bagels and waffles can be easily and quickly prepared in a toaster. Sandwiches
can go from good to great when the bread is toasted – caprese and BLT
sandwiches are just a few examples of this.
A microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers
and cooking prepared meals. It also good for cooking rice and preparing tea and
coffee as well.
Finally, over the past few months I’ve started
cooking with an Instant Pot. I love what having an Instant Pot brings to the
table, and it has been an essential tool for preparing food without a kitchen.
I’ve used the saute function to prepare ground beef and used the pressure
cooking function for preparing pastas.
Take
advantage of opportunities when they arise.
When people offer help, take it. We’ve had a
few dinners over at our neighbors during this process and they have been a
blessing. Letting someone cook dinner for you when you don’t have a place to
cook for yourself can be a great relief.
If someone is in town that you don’t see every
day, invite them out to dinner. I usually have a guilty complex about dining
out too much and the costs associated with it, but this is the perfect
opportunity to indulge a bit. Also, make sure you order large portions and
bring home leftovers!
Know
your takeout spots.
We generally order takeout from one place –
our local pizzeria. As much as we love it there, pizza can get boring really
fast. Where we live, we happen to live close to a good amount of chain
fast-casual restaurants, such as Moe’s, Five Guys, Panera Bread, and Jersey
Mike’s. We’ve had to start tapping into these resources as time has gone on.
It’s also a good idea to see which of your
favorite restaurants offers take out as well. Bringing home the smells and
flavors of your go-to establishments can bring a new comfort into your hectic
home during remodeling.
All in all, kitchen remodeling is a stressful
time. Personally, I can’t wait to have a kitchen back! It’s absolutely
important to make sure you are still able to eat well and somewhat healthy.
Otherwise, you are adding additional stress to a tough situation. Finally, at
the end of the day, sit back and relax knowing that it will all be over soon!
In the modern world, thanks to the wonders of
industry, one kitchen can contain spices from all over the world. And with
rising health concerns centered around sodium, this is a colossal benefit.
Salt enriches the tastes of foods, and
processed foods are often loaded with it. So much so that it can impact health.
Many people turn to premade seasonings to flavor steaks, chicken, and other
dishes. But sadly, most of these pre-made seasons still contain sodium, and
often in large quantities.
Instead of relying on salt to enhance your
meals, all you need to know is how to mix spices properly. Spices can flavor a
dish while broadening your palate and decreasing your dependence on sodium. All
you need is a few skills, and perhaps a mortar and pestle.
SOURCE Pixabay
I have an extensive collection of spices and
herbs from typical ones such as garlic powder, dried thyme, and plenty of
cayenne powder; to more exotic ones like berbere seasoning, cardamom, and garam
masala. I prefer to mix my own seasonings whenever possible, and it’s
significantly reduced my need to add salt to my meals.
Spices can also bring the world to your
kitchen. A chicken is just a chicken but when you add the right spices, and you
can transform it. Add some ancho and chipotle chili powder, some cumin, and
perhaps a little lime, and you can add a Latin flare to that bird. A mix of
curry powders, cumin, cardamom, and turmeric can give you a taste of India. If
you get your hands on some Szechwan peppercorns, all you have to do is mix
cinnamon, star anise, fennel, and cloves together and you have a quintessential
addition to any Chinese dish: the Chinese five spice powder.
Spices don’t have to just enhance your dinners
either. Imagine being able to enjoy your own homemade chai tea. All you have to
do is mix cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, ginger, and white pepper
together in accurate amounts.
Spices come with a rich and varied history as
well. Thanks to the spice trade, places like India were able to share their
many spices with the world, and many places these spices passed through became
cultural centers and used the spices to create their own culinary identities.
There is an entire world to explore through the use of spices and herbs in your
life. They are a way to step outside your cultural comfort zone and expose
yourself to exotic tastes you may not have considered before.
Now is a great time to add to your kitchen
spice collection. If you want to kick your dependance on salt and dive into the
world of flavor and seasoning, don’t be afraid to experiment. Cardamom and
turmeric are great spices to add first hand. There has been a lot of hype
centered around the yellow root, and it’s health benefits. Try turmeric lattes
and teas or sprinkle it on beans or put it in soups. It’s excellent in more
than just curries.
Try Cardamom with lemon for a great way to
enjoy chicken. And you don’t have to stick to sources and instructions when
blending spices either. You can make your own unique blends. Don’t be afraid to
experiment with spices. You may not like every single outcome but don’t let a
couple of failures stop your continued exploration of spices.
So shop online or visit your favorite spice
shop because it’s not just flavor that spices enhance. There are many health
benefits associated with them as well. Turmeric, ginger, the world of chili
peppers, even chocolate powder, many of them have been part of world herbal
remedies for thousands of years. While reliance on such herbal remedies should
never take the place of sound medical advice from a practiced medical
practitioner, the health benefits of spices and herbs can’t be denied.
So if you are ready to lay off the salt and
take control over what you and your family eat, dig into the world of spices
and make them part of your own culinary adventure in the comfort of your own
home.
Every state in India would have something
unique in its cuisine, which would not be available anywhere else across the
country. Some bizarre food combinations, recipes which are unique to the region
require to be re-visited by us.
Let me take you on a small journey of my
discoveries of the recipes which are unique to our “City of Joy”.
Doodh-Cola
Flavoured milk is like staple diet for a lot of people across the globe. But have you ever heard of Cola Milk- “Doodh-Cola” – it is a combination of chilled milk with our favourite Cola drink (Thumsup), served in earthen glasses and a combination- Kolkata speciality. The taste is quite nice and addictive when you can combine it with some hot samosas.
Keemar Doi-Bada
Dahi vadas or Dhai Bhalla can be eaten as a snack or as part of the meal. It is a dish famous all over India. SOURCE. Wikimedia Commons
I have mentioned this must have Kolkata street food earlier but the combination of meat and curd is a unique. I have not really come across this combination as a snack available at a street corner. The meat which is minced and spiced up with onions, tomatoes and chillies, are first deep fried and then added to sweetened curd with some chat masala on top.
Ghoti-Garam
A Bengali “Chana Chur”, available at any dry snack shop in Kolkata combined with chopped onions, green chillies, peanuts, raw mango, lemon juice and masala is one of my favourite “snack on the way” to any destination. It is pocket-friendly and leaves you half full so that you can eat the next meal to your heart’s content.
We have all heard of Indian Jalebi’s , a sweet which is deep fried swirl dipped in sugar syrup and served hot to pleasure your taste buds. This Bengali twist to the regular jalebi is made of cottage cheese (paneer) with lesser swirls but tastes delicious. Chanar Jilipi is made on special occasions in a traditional Bengali family and not available at many sweet shops.
Chana Jor Garam
SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons
This is my all-time favourite snack even today when I visit Kolkata. The memory of the vendors dressed in white dhoti, kurta and white cap, carrying a bamboo basket with all the ingredients, around their neck and asking you if you would want “Chana Jor Garam”. It’s basically cooked chickpea that have been flattened, fried, and seasoned with spices. Potato chips, green chillies, onions and lemon juice are added to the fried chickpea which turns it into a yummy snack.
Muri Ghonto/ Muri Bhaaja
SOURCE. Wikimedia Commons
These two are unique dishes of Kolkata .Muri Ghonto is “fish heads cooked with flavoured rice”. To get the authentic feel the fish heads have to be Rohu/Katla and the rice has to be “Govindo Bhog Chaal” –only available in Bengal. Muri Bhaaja are fish heads fried in mustard oil until they are crispy, served on the side with steamed rice.
These are a few dishes of
Bengal which are unique to the region and the taste cannot be replicated in any
part of the country.
If you tend to rush to work without eating, health wise, you
should know that breakfast is a meal you shouldn’t miss. According to minnesotacbslocal.com, the
average bedtime for adults is between 10 pm and 12 am and according to
edisonresearch.com, the most common wake up time is between 6 am and 6:30
am. This means that from possibly 10 pm
to 12pm the next day, your body could go without food. According to netdoctor.co.uk, those who skip
meals could possibly suffer lower dopamine levels than those who don’t
skip. In other words, if you miss
breakfast may not be as motivated mentally or emotionally to tackle your
schedule for the day.
You see, dopamine can make you feel accomplishment, we all
know that when it comes to work that it helps a lot to be motivated! No one loves dragging through their work day,
it seems never-ending and miserable. How
cool is it that your body automatically produces dopamine after breakfast? Our
bodies know what we need; pretty amazing right?
Even if the enthusiasm doesn’t come immediately, it will do the job
eventually.
We understand that there is more than one reason why
breakfast isn’t a high priority for people, and perhaps one common reason is
that some people feel sluggish after eating breakfast. This point brings us to the next one; what
you eat is as important as eating at all.
While there are a choice few who will feel sluggish after eating
breakfast no matter what they eat, sometimes it’s that our bodies struggle to
process the foods that we eat.
No, not everyone has the discipline of a fitness trainer. We get it.
Frankly, it can be difficult to find something quick and convenient
that’s filling and good for you. We can
help you with that! Here are a few simple and tasty options to think about, so
that you can start your day off right?
Markus Spiske/Unsplash.com
#1-HEALTHY CEREALS THAT ARE LIGHTLY
SWEETENED
Eating a cereal that is packed with vitamins and nutrients, can make for a beautiful start in your day. Quinoa, for instance, could be a great option. Not only is quinoa a superfood, but when cooked right, it can be eaten like a hot cereal. If you’re not a quinoa person, there are other grains out there that you can lightly sweeten and get the protein and energy you will need to make a dent in your action item list.
Eating a cereal that is packed with vitamins and nutrients, is
how you can start your day successfully!
Quinoa, for instance, is not only a superfood, but it can be
eaten like a hot cereal. If you’re not a
quinoa person, there are other grains out there that would work nicely. You can
creatively mix and match, and even a gluten-free oatmeal doesn’t have to be
boring. To really load on the nutrients,
you can add a bit of ground flax seed, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds etc. for an incredibly
healthy, and complete breakfast. You can
also mix ground flax in your oatmeal or cream of rice, or cream of wheat for
added nutrition. There are a lot of
variations to explore! How about a version of peaches and “cream” could be made
with vanilla almond milk, peaches and a little sweetener? Yum! You can also mix it up by adding healthy
nuts, craisins, raisins and fresh fruit. If you know about overnight oats, you
know that you can prep your breakfast the night before for a super easy and
super quick prep. If your concerned about the texture your fruit will be in the
morning you can puree your fruit and add it to your oatmeal right before you
dive in! Sweeteners should also be considered; and out of all the options
available, we know that sugar should be the last one. Raw honey, stevia, or agave
are pretty popular choices. Breakfast
cereals can give you the boost your body needs so that you can put a dent in
your action item list.
#2-LACTOSE FREE YOGURT OR PARFAIT
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are commonly known as a snack
that’s easy to make and easier to love. If you desire to amp-up the health
factor in your breakfast this is a great pick!
For starters, we should take another look at yogurt. Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, you
may want to think twice about dairy overall.
According to Kimberly
Snyder’s book “The Beauty Detox Solution”, lactose is not optimal for human
digestion. Your tummy will thank you
when you swap-out your regular yogurt for your lactose-free yogurt. It’s not only beneficial to look for the
lactose-free yogurt but the non-GMO, no added sugars, no dyes, etc. Though it is rarer, you can also use goat
milk yogurt, which is a step above cow milk.
You may already be aware of the coconut and almond milk yogurts available
as well. To assemble, you can add what
you like, fresh fruit or fresh fruit puree, along with a moderate amount of
sweetener if necessary topped with your choice of granola, or nuts, however you
like it. Fortunately, you can make these
overnight as well.
#3-SMOOTHIES
Smoothies need no introduction; they are very nutritious.,
and thankfully are sold in many variations.
Prefer to eat light, this may be a good option. Not only are some so
tasty, it seems almost impossible for them to be so healthy for you, they are
extremely convenient.
It is however, important to mention that for the healthiest
option, you would want to choose one that is low on sugar. Fruit is healthy, but it is good only in
moderation, so make sure whatever recipe you choose to make at home, or order
in route, be sure to clarify that it has a good balance of veggies like, kale,
spinach, and/or carrot to balance things out.
Why not kale? Kale is
a superfood, super-star! Though it is
bold alone, it tends to blend well with other ingredients.
If you’ve dodged the smoothie wave, don’t be discouraged.
Always keep in mind that most places are willing to help you make a smoothie
your own, meaning you can add sweetness to make them more to your liking. If you’re not sure where to start, Green
Smoothies have reigned supreme as they can be tasty and loaded with health
benefits, just make sure to sample. If
you want to make sure your breakfast is extra filling, you can also make a
smoothie bowl, which is as it sounds a bowl that is full of blended smoothie
ingredients, only it is topped with your choice of toppings. This is sure to give you a morning boost!
Skipping breakfast may not seem like such a big deal; when
you think about all the time demands, the convenient less healthy options to
choose from. However, it is possible to
eat an easy, nutritious breakfast! Not only can you make something out of convenience,
but breakfast has much more to offer. Improved brain health, which means better
ability to process, problem-solve, and focus.
You are what you eat, so be sure to eat something that is healthy so
that you can help you rise and shine!
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that food
delivery could make cooking itself obsolete, but the question begs itself: with
the accessibility and convenience of food delivery and takeout options, why
would people want to cook for themselves? See, food delivery not only
expedites the time it takes to get a meal on your table, it also cuts out the
personal effort and skill that are necessary to home-cook a meal. And if you
are only cooking for one person – yourself – the idea of cooking a single meal
may be even more daunting because of the fact that you still have to go to the
grocery store, buy the ingredients, and make the finished product, when it’s
probably going to be difficult to buy the right proportions for just one person
in the first place.
Long story short, cooking for yourself can sometimes be about as
expensive as the price included in the home delivery of food. So, it makes
sense that people choose delivery over trying to become an accomplished home
chef. It’s a convenient alternative for those who don’t
have confidence in their own abilities; moreover, it’s a great choice
for those who have busy lifestyles and find the process of grocery shopping and
cooking to be intense.
There has been a rise in a new option, however, that seems to be a kind of happy medium between the two polar opposites of home-cooking and food delivery. This option is known by many company names, but they’re most simply referred to as meal-kit companies. These are companies that you can either subscribe to or try out that will actually send you a box (the kit) to your home that contains all the ingredients and proportions needed for a designated meal. And the best part is that you get it at a fixed price.
This is one of the great conveniences of the meal-kit option,
because you don’t have to worry about spending too
much money or time on buying all the right ingredients for a meal that’s
supposed to be served for one. You set your preferences on the website from
which you are buying your meal-kit(s), and the company organizes your meal-kit
accordingly. Another great convenience is that you can usually get a good deal
if you subscribe to have your kits delivered regularly.
So, can food delivery services make cooking obsolete? I’m
beginning to think there’s a new solution to this problem –
food delivery services that prompt you to cook the food. Meal-kit companies
make the process easy, quick, convenient, and priced at an accessible cost. And
who knows? Maybe they’ll actually create a newfound
inspiration in consumers to want to cook for themselves. When the instructions
and materials are laid out before you, cooking can actually be simple,
exciting, and fun. So, don’t knock it until you try it. The next
time you want to order pre-made food for delivery, consider trying out a
meal-kit service.
Preparing to host can be a daunting task
when you feel pressured to do something special. For those who haven’t hosted in a while,
sticking to the familiar can be convenient, but what if there was a way to up
the ante?
You may be more familiar with what was
passed down to you from your parents, and possibly what was passed down from
their parents. You can always add a new
touch to an old tradition, right? Why
not start your own? Without a doubt,
what’s new today, will be old tomorrow, but you can’t go wrong with staying
true to yourself. If you’re looking for
ways to bridge the old with the new, here are some simple tips.
Ella Olsson/Unsplash.com
In the food sphere, healthier eating is
more encouraged than ever; organic, non-GMO, grass-fed, farm to table…the list
goes on. This obvious reason to eat
healthier is to enjoy a healthier life, but if you’re entertaining, the
standard can get lost somewhere. This is
totally understandable, most people attend parties, and even small gatherings
looking to eat good food and many have equated good food to food that tastes
great but isn’t the best for you. Even
if some of your guests are health watching their figures, guests won’t ask if
the fruit in the sangrias is certified organic, or if the salmon served is
wild-caught.
Many see eating fresh or healthy as a big
sacrifice, and they are not willing to sacrifice their reputation of serving
less-than par food. However, if this is
something you’d like to take on yourself, know that it’s possible to serve good
for that is healthy and tasty. It’s no
secret that the options for healthier eating are more than ever and this is a
greater time than ever. Many catering
companies and restaurants that cater have embraced this turn to healthy options.
One way to introduce more fresh ingredients
is to abandon this subconscious rule, every dish doesn’t have to have meat
incorporated in it. You can make great
soups with blended veggies and broths, you can substitute avocado for much of
the fattiness, after all, fat equals flavor. Let’s not forget dessert, organic
fresh berries, with fresh whipped cream on top could never disappoint. These
are just a few of the possibilities to incorporate freshness your meals need.
#2-A PINCH OF STYLE A POP OF COLOR
It is said that before we take a bite we
“eat with our eyes”. This is not only a
universal truth but a timeless one as well.
No matter your background no matter your culture, you will envision how
your meal will taste before you taste it.
When your food is placed before you, you have a subconscious notion
about what you will experience, your mood can even be swayed upon looking at
your plate. How can one who prefers
simplicity in design still present something memorable? A pinch of style and a pop of color. There
are many ways to go about this, why not use flowers?
Flowers are not only very popular in
design, but they make delicate statements that are catchy to the eye. To complete your aesthetically appealing
arrangement, how about applying some pops of color? No matter how rustic or
simplistic, quirky or clean your style may be, cool colors can bring everything
together nicely.
#3-CLEAN PLATING
Clean plating is very popular nowadays. However, clean plating makes such an artistic
statement that is hard to deny these days.
This is a beautiful way to showcase the meal as the star of the
show. You can also plate this way with platters,
just think, your Thanksgiving turkey can be plated without arrangements that
weigh more than the turkey itself. The
turkey’s golden, crispy skin with embedded herbs and spices could be the focal
point, other than carrots, celery, and potatoes. They don’t have to be kicked off the plate,
they just don’t need to be loaded on, less is more.
Creating your own style and touch can be
very special. Treating your white plate
like a blank canvas. There is something
that is invaluable about stretching yourself to more creative heights and to
hear your guests rave about it. Whether
you’re new to hosting, or you’re just looking to do something fresh, learning
about the latest trends, taking a few tips from your favorite magazine can help
a lot. All this can be done all while
you add your flair. What are you waiting
for? Do something new and special.
