Organic Food

July 19th, 2009

organic-box

Organic food is that which is cultivated or prepared with the least amount of chemicals or pesticides. Earlier it was considered a privilege to consume organic food, but with the rising use of insecticides in the farms, lots of people started favoring organic produce.

It is a healthier alternative and a bit costlier too. But if you compare the savings on medical costs with this price, it is worth it. The strong use of chemicals is avoided and thus you can lead a good life.

So watch out for the organic food supermarkets in your neighborhood and make a decision to bring nature into your lives!

Milk- The Complete Food

July 18th, 2009

milk

We all are aware that milk is good for health. It is rich in calcium and helps build up the body’s tissues. Children should be habituated to drinking a glass of milk every day.

However, overdoing anything can lead to problems. Don’t substitute your breakfast and meals with just a glass of milk. You need to consume other healthy foods such as sprouts, fruits and leafy vegetables along with milk to complete the daily nutritional allowance.

You can choose from low fat or high fat milk as per the requirements of your body and use it in addition to the other food items listed above.

Food Festivals

July 17th, 2009

2006_05_food_nycculinary

Lots of restaurants host food festivals sometime or the other. These festivals can focus on a particular cuisine or center around a single technique of cooking food like barbeque, for instance. They are a real treat for people who love to eat!

Those who wish to sample food from different regions around the world must make it a point to visit these restaurants and have a taste of different recipes. This way you will know what to order while travelling abroad.

If you are ready to try out things, it helps when you are dealing with food. So go ahead, celebrate!

Vinegar Facts

July 16th, 2009

vinegarlemon

Vinegar is an essential food item for Chinese recipes and can be found in almost every kitchen in the world. But did you know that it is a by-product of wine?

Yes, vinegar is the product of a wine that has gone bad. The word ‘vinegar’ is derived from the French words “vin aigre” that means ‘sour wine’. The process of vinegar formation is similar to that of alcohol formation from grape juice due to yeast. There are bacteria known as “acetobacteria” that consume the alcohol in the wine and create acetic acid.

This acetic acid lends the sharp flavor to vinegar.

Are You A Foodie?

July 15th, 2009

foodie-tshirt

I admit that I am a complete foodie and so is my family! Every Friday morning we all have a heated discussion at the table on what will be the menu for the weekend that mostly starts from Friday evening itself.

I have subscribed to some food-related newsletters that also mail me recipes of different kinds. This is of great help to me in two ways. Firstly, I save on costly recipe books and secondly, I don’t run out of ideas while planning what to cook to make the weekend special!

Try this and you will never be in a dilemma on what dish to cook!

Heating Food

July 14th, 2009

micro11Not all of us can afford the luxury of fresh and hot food right at the time of having meals. I am saying this because we all are tied up for time and mostly need to cook in the morning or evening as per our convenience.

So we either take packed lunches to work or have to reheat it when back home. Defrost the food completely before reheating it in a microwave oven. This will require less power too. It is best to eat food while fresh as it is rich in nutrients that are lost on heating again and again.

Peel Garlic Easily

July 13th, 2009

493949

Whenever I need garlic for a recipe, I have to be ready with peeled garlic cloves one day before as I take lot of time for this task. But now I have found a convenient and time-saving way to peel garlic!

Take a microwave-safe dish and place the garlic cloves in it. Microwave the contents for about half a minute and stop. Remove the dish out of the oven. You will notice that the skin of the garlic cloves has separated away that makes it easy to peel and use.

Don’t store this garlic for long as it is partially steamed.

Acai Berry for a Glowing Skin

July 12th, 2009

acai-berry

Acai berry is the latest ‘health food’ to hit the markets. It is a berry that is commonly found in the North American rainforests. The Acai berry is pulpy and purple in color. It is rich in antioxidants that keeps your skin young and adds sheen to it.

There are lots of Acai berry food supplements marketed by companies. However, these Acai berry juices and other health products include some preservatives to keep them fresh for long. So if you really wish to make the most of this wonder fruit, consume it in its natural form as far as possible.

What Do You Have In the Fridge?

July 10th, 2009

fridge

My friend complains that howsoever she tries hard, her kids reach for all the wrong things in the fridge. They never seem to make healthy food choices. I have a solution for such moms.

Give the kids ONLY healthy options in food. If you want them to be away from junk food, stack the kitchen cabinets and fridge with tasty and healthy snacking items. These include fresh fruit juices, peanut butter sandwiches, oatmeal cookies, cornflakes, fruits, vegetable sticks etc.

It is also important that you don’t snack on unhealthy junk food in the presence of the kid! Walk the talk!

Do You Drink Water Enough?

July 9th, 2009

drinkwater

When we focus on food, how can water be left behind? There is so much importance attached to cooking food, storing food items and buying them that many people forget that water is an essential part of any food!

Drinking at least six glasses of water every day will flush out the toxins from your body and enhance your skin texture and overall health. If you live in a cold climate where you don’t feel thirsty often, try drinking juices more often to remain well hydrated.

Don’t wait till you become exhausted and drink water at short intervals to avoid dehydration.