Archive for the ‘Food and Drink’ Category

Steps To Becoming A Vegetarian

Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:01 am



by Jim John

Choosing to become a vegetarian is a great way to safeguard your health. You’re empowering yourself and making the decisions now that will keep your body healthy and strong for decades to come. As with any lifestyle change, there will be challenges along the way, but there are lots of ways that becoming a vegetarian can be an easy transition.

You might find when you make the decision to become a vegetarian everyone around you becomes intensely curious about the foods that you eat. It might be a good idea to keep the information to yourself for a little while. People will either tell you how unhealthy your diet is, or they will watch every mouthful of food that you eat. There is really no reason for all of this interest, except that it is an unusual diet and it causes people to be curious. It is amazing, however, that people dont have any qualms about telling you how wrong your diet choices are but will continue to eat their own unhealthy foods at the same time.

If you are considering becoming a vegetarian it’s a good idea to keep nutritious vegetarian foods on hand. This should help simplify the transition. If there are carnivores in the house, you might be tempted into eating their foods. Variety is the key to making healthy choices. Just like dieters who keep lots of low fat, nutritious foods around so that they don’t give in to a junk food binge, keeping healthy vegetarian foods around will make being a vegetarian much easier.

Have a little fun while cooking vegetarian recipes. There are tons of vegetarian recipes out there, and getting creative will expand your diet beyond belief. It will also keep you from getting bored with your new diet. Vary your foods and keep cooking up new and tasty recipes and you will continue to enjoy your healthy new lifestyle.

Allow your family to adapt to, and benefit from, this new eating style. If you create menus that are tasty and fun, they may even incorporate the vegetarian eating plan. Keep in mind that this involves a healthy life that you want to live, versus a diet that is difficult and painful. You can rest assured that becoming a vegetarian is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself. You have made the decision to live longer and better. Don’t let anyone else’s criticism or negativity make you feel any apprehension about your choice.

It’s helpful to have a support network of other vegetarian eaters, so that any difficulties you have can be shared. They can give you support and encouragement, as well as share personal experiences about times when they have struggled with the same things. Try to meet other vegetarian friends that share your interests, as they may know some great recipes or foods that you haven’t tried yet.

Just follow what you believe and pursue your goal of good health and healthy eating. Get all the information you can so that you are able to make strong points about your choice to become a vegetarian. Most people are ill informed on the subject and once they realize that you are knowledgeable they will most likely leave you alone.

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Important Anti Cellulite Diet To Remember

Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:43 am


by Mandy Adamsen

Some people wonder if an anti cellulite diet is the best solution to their problem. What they don’t know is that maintaining the right diet will not always get rid of all of your cellulite. Even the slimmest and most fit people still have some cellulite. Eating right however definitely can help in the battle against cellulite. Before you get into any diet, here are some things that you should have in mind.

Be Careful with Diet

Not all diets are effective. Some diet programs may also specifically be prohibited if a person has serious medical conditions. Always ask your doctor for some advice before modifying your diet.

Dieting for cellulite is also not synonymous with crash dieting. In fact, crash dieting and not eating anything at all is bad for anyone. This can do more harm than good for you. Getting rid of cellulite with the help of a good diet involves eating what is good for you and avoiding foods that could increase your risk of developing cellulite.

What to Eat

Vegetables and Fruits - Fruits and vegetables are still the top health foods that should always be included in an anti cellulite diet. They contain fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These can help in digestion, immune system function, toxin elimination and reduction of fat build-up. Although many fruits and vegetables are beneficial, some of them are especially recommended. These include berries, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and grapefruit.

Foods with Fatty Acids - Aside from fruits and vegetables, soya, fish and nuts should also be part of your diet. They contain essential fatty acids. Choose poultry and lean meat in regulated portions.

Detoxification

Aside from following a diet program, some people also choose to undergo detoxification. This is a process in which a few days or weeks are set aside in which one only eats a specific diet to the exclusion of all others. Some eat only fruits and vegetables while others only take fruit juices. What you take in and the span of time of detoxification will depend on the program that you follow. Again, you may need the clearance of your doctor to make sure that you are on the right track and especially if you have a serious medical condition.

What Not to Eat

Cellulite is essentially fat. One of the first foods that you should therefore avoid is pork fat. You should also try to avoid processed and junk foods. These may contain additional saturated and trans fats. It also makes sense to try to reduce the toxins in your body so you should limit your intake of alcohol and avoid smoking altogether.

Adding Exercise

Dieting alone will not be enough to get rid of cellulite. You should also have a regular exercise program. Choose aerobic exercises to help improve your blood circulation and nutrient distribution. You should also have muscle strengthening exercises. Having muscles will reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Anti Cellulite Product - Aside from exercise and an anti cellulite diet, it might also help if you used a reputable cellulite fighting natural product. Natural products have nutrients that can supplement your diet and help break down and eliminate fat.

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The cause Of Rising Food Costs Revealed

Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:37 am


by Mark dawson

Rises in the cost of food are continuing to be a burden on consumers, it has been revealed.

According to Johnny Stern, director of mySupermarket, Consumers appear to be increasingly finding that food prices are going up. This was blamed partly on the recent poor weather conditions resulting in a poor crop of various produce and causing a shortfall in supply. However, it was asserted that overall rise in demand has meant and that in particular ‘basic products’ have gone up.

He said: “On the one hand you’ve got increased demand for a lot of these basic products and - on the other hand - from the supply side you’ve got a shortage of supply due to a bad crop of various products, due to certain weather conditions and it’s the combination of the demand reasons and the supply reasons which has caused the increase in the price of basic products - a double whammy effectively.”

On top of that, it was stated that the continued rise in the cost of oil is impacting upon food values. One way in which this has occurred has involved the increasing cost of transporting raw products to distribution outlets. Here retailers have been accused of shifting the effect of rising transport costs on to the buyer. However, it was stated that as the price of oil increase, more time is being dedicated towards research into alternative resources. And whilst at first people might assume that this means food prices will reduce, Mr Stern announced that this is not the case. It was claimed that some of the more staple food products are now not only being sought after to be eaten but are also being used to provide an alternative energy source, something which again drives up demand and costs for such produce.

In addition to price increases - not only in food but additionally in areas such as petrol - it is quite possible that People discover themselves struggling with greater difficulty to manage with the many constraints on their expenditure. This might mean that making repayments on mortgages and loans, meeting the cost of domestic bills and transport costs additionally become harder to cope with.

Mr Stern’s comments come after research carried out by Verdict show that the “typical basket” of 100 grocery items was 5.8 per cent more expensive in May compared to the beginning of this year. In the firm’s study it was also showed that the cost of fruit and vegetables has increased 16 per cent since January, with dairy produce showing an increase of 6.2 per cent. However, it would appear that people might see the cost of grocery shopping having a bigger effect on their spending as it was reported food price inflation will be strong over the rest of the year and into 2009.

In the face of rising food costs, those consumers concerned about their ability to plan ahead with their cash over the coming months might wish to consider making use of cheap loan. By doing this it is quite plausible borrowers can meet numerous money constraints at once, leaving them with a single affordable monthly repayment to make. Getting a loan for the intentions of supplementing spending as who live costs surge may also be recommended after TheEnergyShop reported that price rises by Britain’s six major fuel providers saw the typical utilities bill fortify by 14 per cent during the first few months of this year.

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Home Roasting Tips

Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:36 am


by Ken Morris

Roasting coffee beans used to be difficult to do at home. It was complex and involved hard to use and obtain equipment. Today, though, the home coffee maker can rejoice in the fact that good roasters are now available. They are easier to come by and come in many different types. Now all they need is to understand the process.

Equipment for roasting has to be very clean. Oils or butter residue can ruin the taste of the coffee if found in the equipment. On some roasters the thermometer is built in. However, it is always wise to still test the temperature as it is essential to getting a good roast.

Another additional thing to know is that roasting is done at very high temperatures and has a tendency to set of smoke alarms, so you may want to disable them before getting started.

Roasting starts with a quality bean. The beans need to be heated to between 460 and 530 degrees. There will be plenty of smoke, as mentioned. A fan or exhaust can be useful during the process. They will also smell so opening a window might be advisable. You need to put the beans into the roaster and turn up the heat. Make sure to monitor it so it gets hot enough but not too hot. During roasting the beans will go from the green color to a yellow and when done they will be brown. The darker brown will be the darker roast and how dark you go is up to your personal taste. When they heat up oil and water puts pressure on the beans an they may make a cracking sound. This can be loud but is a normal good sign and is usually heard four to seven minutes into roasting. You should stir your beans every 30 seconds. The sugars in the beans will caramelize during the roasting process. You should check the color every 30 seconds. More cartelization equals a darker bean. If you roast long enough you may hear a crack sound again. They will be very dark at this point and it is more than done. You can now remove the beans to a colander and agitate them to allow the dead skin to be removed. You may want to experiment with a few batches in order to get the perfect roast for your tastes. You can varying the length of time and the roasting temperature.

Be sure to watch the temperature and keep an eye on the color. Also stir often so they do not burn. You are in complete control and you should be able to find your perfect roast with a little practice. You can create the perfect cup of coffee through roasting your own beans, plus it is nice to serve a cup of coffee to guests that you can be proud of. You can tell your friends that you roasted the coffee beans, ground them and prepared the coffee yourself. It is sure to please them.

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The Top Three Recipes Every Halloween Party Must Have

Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 4:04 am


by Colin Joss

Does you house creak at the seams with party goers every Halloween? And the Hallowe recipes you serve every year are probably the same each year. While you can’t overlook the traditional recipes for a great Halloween party, it’s a great idea to find new way to turn the old recipes into brand new Halloween treats.

1. Fingers and Eyeballs. Peeled grapes in a bowl as eyeballs, and raw hotdogs as finger is traditional to spook your guests. But does anyone ever eat them? Not many. And at the end of the party you throw them away. Why not make body part treats that can be eaten. Make a yummy dish and call is something gross. Curly cut noodels can be “gut stew” or “brain mush” is a dip with chips. This Halloween gross everyone out with really yummy dishes.

2. Dirt Desert. Pudding with broken Oreos and gummy worms is a winning Halloween desert. To remake this classic can be tricky. Instead of making a pudding try other types of deserts. A dirt pie with Oreo crusts and cheesecake filing or a dirt cake with chocolate frosting are both great ideas. Add as many gummy worms as you like. And serve the desert like dirt. Put it in little buckets or in a big bowl with a shovel for serving.

3. Apples and Pumpkins. In late October, making anything out of apples and pumpkins is a tasty treat. Making these fruits into something spooky is easier than you think. Toasted pumpkin seeds are tasty snacks and baked apples are a great side dish. At children’s parties, pumpkin picking and apple bobbing are popular. But everyone makes caramel apples. Why not try other dips and create a candied apple buffet. And for those who don’t like pumpkin, hollow one out and turn it into a serving bowl.

Great Halloween recipes are fun to make, look good, and are good to eat. Remember this when thinking about your traditional Halloween recipes. Or ask your guests for suggestions or create a potluck with your visitors contributing to the food. Some food is best served at Halloween. Keep it new and fresh and you’ll hold the best Halloween party in your neighborhood.

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What Is Certified Organic Coffee?

Posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 at 4:33 am


by Peter de Vizard

Certified organic coffee is often seen on many coffee labels. What does it really mean? There are many labels in the coffee industry that point out that a certain type of coffee is organic. The real truth is, most coffee products are only part organic because some manufacturers have also mixed in other items that may have been added using a chemical based process.

Coffee manufactures have adopted the term organic to increase sales, especially since consumers are now aware of the impact that organic products have on the environment and our body. The importance of having a certified organic coffee label is necessary to assure the general public that the product is safe.

Certified Organic Coffee Implications

The certified organic coffee label means that the coffee product was grown and processed using environmentally safe procedure. Products with a certified organic coffee label imply that the production and growth has passed the environmentally safe standards for a quality organic product.

Having a certified organic coffee product in your home is safer, but it also implies that growing the coffee has occurred without use of chemical based pesticides or fertilizers. The wildlife and soil also benefit from certified organic coffee items as it products them from any accidental poisoning or land or animals.

People are also saved from chronic diseases and illnesses that have sprung from exposure to chemicals. Some of these are found in the pesticides and fertilizers of those which are not certified organic coffee products.

Certified organic coffee processors assure the general public and their workers that they have taken precautions to eliminate the harmful chemicals. These could affect both the workers in the coffee fields and consumers who could ingest the chemicals.

The steps required to keep the certification active might require the need for a natural environment where the wildlife plays a role in the maintenance of the coffee plants. Ensuring several insects are available, to help eliminate pests and encourage the trees growth to be healthier while having no exposure to insecticides.

Farmers also benefit from certified organic coffee products because this way of farming ensures the long lasting natural processes are applied to the land, which in turn, creates longer lasting and more fertile land for larger crops.

The many benefits for the consumer of using organic products is that due to putting less chemicals into your body, the chances of diseases, cancer and other ailments is reduced compared to other people. Like any diet or food intake, moderation is the best guide.

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Astonishing Popcorn Facts!

Posted on Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 12:21 pm


by A.L.Castle

The American consumer eats over 16 billion quarts of popcorn. It is a whole grain snack that is good for you too! Every man, woman and child eat over 65 quarts of popcorn. With only 55 calories per cup, Popcorn is very low in calories. With 31 calories per cup if you air pop it.

Popcorn’s scientific name is Zea mays Everta. It’s a member of the grass family. There are 5 types of corn or maize. They are popcorn, flour, dent or field, flint and sweet. Only popcorn pops. Popcorn pops due to moisture in the kernals. The moisture level is 13-15 percent.

Popcorn comes in two different types. One type is Mushroom and the other is Snowflake. Most concession poppers use the Snowflake. The Snowflake pops out fluffier and looks better. Most candy makers use the Mushroom variety. This type holds the candy coating better. Popcorn comes in 700 varieties.

Kettle corn was first introduced in the early 1700’s. The Settlers would pop the popcorn in large cast iron kettles. They would use rendered lard and whatever sweetner they had on hand. Many times it was molasses, honey or sugar cane.

Kettle corn that you see being popped at county fairs and farmers market is one of the hottest ways around to make money using popcorn. It has a very low overhead and an extremely high profit margin. Sometimes you can recover your initial investment in a few shows.

Microwave popcorn was discovered in 1945 by Percy Spencer. Mr. Spencer discovered that popcorn would pop when energized by microwaves.This development led to the first microwaves.

Some of the oldest known popcorn was found in Bat cave in west New mexico in 1948. The ears of popcorn were as small as a penny to over 2 inches long.

Popcorn became very popular during the great depression in the 1890’s. Popcorn was sold in bags for 5 to 10 cents each. Some street vendors would push their gas and steam powered poppers around following the crowds selling popcorn. Very few peole could afford this luxury. People would start their own popcorn business to help their families during the lean years.

Popcorn sales dropped off when the T.V. became popular in the 1950’s. Movie theater attendance dropped off too. The consupmtion of popcorn dropped too when the public started making popcorn at home. Home poppers were introduced in 1925.

January 19 is National Popcorn Day! April 7th is Caramel Popcorn Day! October is National Popcorn Popping Month!

Native Americans would pop their popcorn right on the cob. They would insert a spear through the cob and roast it over an open fire. The kernals would pop and stick right on the cob.

The English colonists were the first to eat popcorn as a breakfast cereal. They ate it with milk and sugar. Popcorn was brought to the first Thanksgiving day feast as a gift from the chief’s brother.

Popcorn is low in calories along with apples,pears, cheese, nuts and plain yougurt. It is listed as a sugar free snack by the American Dental Association.

The American Diabetes Association uses popcorn as a bread exchange for weight control. Popcorn aids in digestion and provides the necessary roughage and fiber. This helps the overall health of the body. It is listed third on the 11 things that don’t cause cancer. One cup of popcorn provides the 1.3 grams of dietary fiber needed.

Popcorn kernals will start popping at the temperature of 347 degrees. Poporn can pop as high as 3 feet. The unpopped kernals are called “spinsters” or “old maids”.Good popcorn should produce less than 2 percent of “old maids”.

Popcorn contains more protein, iron and phosphorus than potato chips, an ice crean cone, pretzels or soda crackers.

Popcorn is enjoyed in many different flavors in different parts of the world. Sweet popcorn is loved by Germany,Luxemburg, Switzerland and Belgium. The rest of Europe prefers salty popcorn. Americans enjoy it with salt and butter and a host of sweet coatings. The japanese eat their popcorn with seaweed or shrimp flavorings. The rest of Europe prefers salty popcorn.

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Alaskan Smoked Salmon - Tastes Great

Posted on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 5:13 am


by Sherry Shantel

Alaskan smoked salmon, with its bold flavor and vibrant color, is a favorite for many. Eaten with a bagel and cream cheese, or as the centerpiece of a meal, or in a summer salad, it’s a delicious snack or meal for the family. But did you know that its healthy too?

That’s right, Atlantic smoked salmon is healthy! Along with its great taste, it also helps to protect your heart. I know what you’re thinking, how is that possible, it’s just a piece of fish. How can eating something possibly be good for me?

Because it’s filled with Omega-3 fatty acids. What makes Alaskan smoked salmon taste so great is also what helps to keep your healthy by protecting your heart. I’m sure you’re thinking, but it’s a fat, how can it possibly do that.

But it is. Omega-3 fatty acids are classified as a ‘good fat’, like you’ve heard about. Acting as a blood thinner, they’re scientifically proven to protect your heart by lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. Which makes Alaskan smoked salmon healthy while tasting great!

You’ve got two choices when purchasing your healthy Alaskan smoked salmon. The first is wild salmon. Growing to maturity in the wild, it is thought by some to be healthier for you, and to be a leaner Alaskan smoked salmon alternative.

Farm raised salmon is another great Alaskan smoked salmon alternative. Raised not in the wild, but in a tank, it therefore helps to allay concerns of mercury in fish, so you can eat it without worry every day!

Smoked salmon also has other benefits. Because it’s got plenty of protein, it helps you to stay full all day without snacking. It also gives you the burst of energy that you need to get through your long day.

Alaskan smoked salmon is healthy! It’s not only great tasting, but it’s great for you, and it will help you stay full and energized all day. The next time that you want a great, good for you snack, choose Alaskan smoked salmon.

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Delicious Organic Flavored Coffee

Posted on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 7:01 am


by David Swanson

Europeans and Americans drink coffee like it is going out of style. Coffee is a popular social tool that has been around since any of us can remember. The popularity growth in coffee consumption has prompted many growers to experiment with how they grow coffee, especially in recent years when it has been proven that fertilizer does more harm than good. Organic coffee is on the horizon for them now.

Certified organic coffees must be grown, harvested, and processed without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Farms that grow certified organic coffees are tested for chemicals by an independent certification agency for three consecutive years. The flavoring used in organic flavored coffee must also be processed with 100% natural flavorings.

Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don’t confuse these terms with “organic.” Only food labeled “organic” has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

By choosing organic flavored coffee, even though it may cost a bit more, it is a simple extension of your personal beliefs that everything we do should help, rather than harm, the world in which we live.

Organic coffee, like other organic or all natural foods, is sold in an entirely different section of your local supermarket. This type of coffee is sold in caffeinated and decaffeinated as well as flavored with vanilla, chocolate hazelnut or anything else you can think of that regular coffee comes in. Organic flavored coffee (like other all-natural products) must contain a seal indicating it is, in fact, organic. This is an FDA classification and cannot be overlooked.

Organic coffee growers in other countries are free from the dangers associated with working and living in chemically polluted regions. In organic farming cooperatives, streams and underground water supplies are not polluted with chemical fertilizers. Coffee growers do not suffer from chemical poisoning - an all too real side effect of growing coffee the traditional way.

If you study the history of coffee production you will discover farming methods that were used before modern insecticides and chemical fertilizers. These methods are gentle to the Earth and its people. By purchasing organic flavored coffees you demonstrate your commitment to protecting the environment and the people who are dependent on the coffee industry: the growers and their families.

The use of organic coffee or other products will not allow you to live longer, that is a guarantee that cannot be made. These organic products can help you live healthier lifestyles. Healthier lifestyles can lead to longer life. So the next time that you are in the grocery store or other large food center look at all of the organic food you can buy and realize that you can be feeling better and living a healthier, more enriching life than you were before switching from non-organic foods to organic.

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How To Roast Your Own Coffee Beans

Posted on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 6:52 am


by Peter Wilson

Roasting coffee beans really is not a difficult task and, fortunately, the results are often as good as the professionals.

There are many types of roasters available and, although not as luxurious as designated roasters, a simple skillet or popcorn popper can be used as an alternative. It is important to always start with very clean equipment, though, regardless of what type is selected. Nothing spoils the authentic taste of coffee like that of butter of fish oils.

Lighter roasts contain slightly more caffeine than darker roasts, but the darker roasts lack the acid taste of the lighter style. Of course, be sure to use quality beans!

The beans should be heated to a temperature between 460 and 530 degrees Fahrenheit, so be ready for some smoke which can be easily taken care of with the stove top exhaust or even a small fan. In addition to the smoke, there will be an odor that occurs with the roasting process so your first time should probably be done when no one is at home and the windows can remain open for a time.

Place the beans in the roaster and turn up the heat, but be sure to temporarily disable the in-home smoke alarms. Some roasters come with a built-in thermometer, but you will need your own if you are roasting with a frying pan. Thermometers made for candy making work well.

During the roasting process, the green beans will first turn a yellowish color and, ultimately, a brown. But, how brown depends on how dark of a roast you prefer which is always on an individual basis.

As the beans being to heat, a moisture of oil and water will put pressure on the bean surface so that you may hear a loud crack. This is perfectly normal, so do not worry. You will hear this sound after four to seven minutes of heating, but be sure to stir every thirty seconds during this time.

As the roasting continues, the sugars inside will eventually start to caramelize but the extent of caramelization that occurs is, again, an individual preference. Check the color about every thirty seconds.

If you roast long enough, you will often hear a second loud cracking sound. At this stage, the beans will be fairly dark and, perhaps, overdone for some tastes. Regardless of preference, any longer beyond this second crack is really just burning which is usually too harsh for the palate of most.

Pour the beans into a colander to cool and then agitate the beans. You will need some method to detach the chaff produced during the roasting process. One option for removing this layer of “skin” from the bean is a mesh cooking screen.

To find the perfect flavor for your tastes, it is a good idea to experiment with several batches of varying times and darkening. Keep in mind that the heat trapped in the bean will continue to cook the bean for sometime, so try to stopping just slightly before the desired result. Soon, you will have perfectly roasted beans ready to make a fresh, delicious cup of well-deserved coffee or cappuccino!

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