The American Peanut Council proclaims peanut butter as one of America’s favorite foods. It is a good source of protein, niacin, and folate and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Oats, a humble grain, have long been a staple in many diets around the world. Renowned for their health benefits and versatility, oats come in various forms, each with its unique texture, cooking time, and culinary uses.
Different Types of Oats and Serving Suggestions
Whole Oat Groats: These are the most unprocessed form of oats, resembling rice grains. They have a hard, chewy texture and require the longest cooking time. Use in salads or as a rice alternative.
Steel Cut/Irish Oats: These look like chopped-up grains, a bit like coarse breadcrumbs. They have a chewy, dense texture and provide a more rustic eating experience. Ideal for a hearty breakfast porridge.
Scottish Oats: They are more like a coarse meal, with a creamy and smooth texture when cooked. Perfect for a traditional, creamy oatmeal.
Rolled/Old-Fashioned Oats: These are flat and flaky, having been steamed and rolled. They're soft and cook quicker than steel-cut oats but retain a distinct texture. Versatile for baking, making granola, or as a breakfast cereal.
Quick Oats: These resemble rolled oats but are cut finer and rolled thinner, cooking even faster and offering a softer texture. Quick and convenient for a fast breakfast or for thickening soups and stews.
Instant Oats: The most processed, these oats are pre-cooked and dried, appearing as thin, soft flakes that cook in minutes. Best for an instant breakfast or as a quick thickener.
Oat Bran: This looks like fine, pale brown crumbs and is the outer husk of the oat grain, high in dietary fiber. This can be added to smoothies or yogurt or used in baking for added fiber.
Oat Flour: A fine, powdery flour that can be used in baking, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Great for gluten-free baking, pancakes, and as a healthy flour substitute.
Benefits of Oats
Oats are highly regarded for their nutritional value and health benefits, making them a favored choice in many diets. Here are some of the key health benefits of oats:
Heart Health: Oats are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Control: Oats have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Weight Management: The soluble fiber in oats can help in weight management. It increases the feeling of fullness, reduces hunger, and thereby may help in reducing overall calorie intake.
Digestive Health: Oats are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. This fiber helps regulate bowel movements and is known to prevent constipation.
Gluten-Free: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are sometimes processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains. Pure, uncontaminated oats are a safe and nutritious option for those on a gluten-free diet.
Nutrition
Oats are a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in soluble fiber and a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. Their low glycemic index makes them beneficial for weight management and for those with diabetes.
Conclusion
Oats are not just a breakfast staple; their various forms lend themselves to a multitude of culinary uses. From a morning porridge to a baking ingredient, oats offer both health benefits and delicious possibilities, making them a valuable addition to any diet.
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
Squeeze the Rainbow: The Journey of
Fresh-Squeezed Juice from Nature to Juice.
A glass of fresh-squeezed juice is a great way to meet your fruit and vegetable needs. There are numerous combinations to create a variety of flavors that are packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Note that not all juicers produce the same amount of liquid. Consider buying extra ingredients if your juicer produces a low output. To avoid pesticides and other chemicals, use organic fruits and vegetables and be sure to wash everything thoroughly. Some juicers heat juice slightly, so chill your ingredients before juicing them.
Carrot, Granny Smith, and Ginger Juice
yield: Makes about 7-1/2 cups, 1 serving (3/4 cup)
Special equipment: a juicer (see cooks' note, below)
Preparation Slice apples. Process enough slices in a juicer, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 4 cups juice, then transfer the juice to a pitcher. Process enough carrots, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 3 1/2 cups juice, then add to the pitcher with apple juice. Process ginger, then stir 2 1/2 tablespoons of ginger juice into a pitcher. Chill until cold, about 2 hours. Serve over ice, if desired.
Spa Juice
yield: Makes 1 (1-cup) serving
Calories (kcal) 90; Carbohydrates (g) 21; Fat (g) 0; Trans Fatty Acid (g) 0; Cholesterol (mg) 0; Vitamin A - IU (IU) 4988 (99.8%); Vitamin C (mg) 51 (84.6%); Iron (mg) 0.6 (3.2%); Sodium (mg) 67 (2.8%) In addition, the recipe contains Vitamin B1; B2; B6; Folate;
Calcium; Phosphorus; and Potassium
Editor's note: This juice is fruity but not overly sweet. It gets its green color from parsley and spinach, but neither ingredient overwhelms the flavors of the pineapple, grapefruit, and carrots. The recipe is part of a spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Chris Miller, executive chef at Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Bali.
Use an electric juice extractor or heavy-duty juicer that can process stems, skin, and seeds.
Ingredients 5 ounces fresh pineapple (about 1 cup or 1/8 large pineapple), peeled, cored, cut into large chunks, and chilled
4 ounces pear (about 1 cup or 1/2 medium pear), unpeeled, cut into large chunks and chilled
2 cups (packed) spinach with stems (about 4 ounces), chilled
1 (2-ounce) bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley with stems, chilled
1/2 medium carrot, peeled and chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (from 1/2 small grapefruit), chilled
Preparation
In juice extractor, process pineapple, pear, spinach, parsley, and carrot, skimming foam if necessary. Stir in grapefruit juice, chill if desired, and serve. The juice is best served immediately but will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.
In Memory of Jack LaLanne Jack LaLanne Sings His Theme Song
as I conclude this Blog on Juicers.
In this clip from the Power Juicer infomercial,
Jack LaLanne sings the closing song from his old TV show
as a duet with an old video of himself.
What does a healthy weight really mean? It's a question with no one-size-fits-all answer. Understanding your personal healthy weight is key to your well-being. The Office of Women's Health provides top questions and answers about weight, weight gain, and weight loss, shedding light on this often misunderstood topic.
A healthy weight is not just about the number on the scale; it's about finding a balance that supports your overall health and lifestyle. Factors like body composition, age, gender, and individual health conditions play a crucial role in determining what a healthy weight means for you. It's about feeling strong, energized, and comfortable in your own skin.
In our quest for this balance, the role of nutrition and physical activity cannot be overstated. A sustainable approach to eating and regular exercise are pillars of maintaining a healthy weight. But how do you navigate the overwhelming world of diets and workout trends? We'll break down the essentials, providing you with practical, science-backed advice to guide your choices in a later post.
But remember, your journey is your own. Consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial in setting and achieving your weight goals. Your doctor or dietitian can provide personalized guidance that aligns with your unique health needs and lifestyle preferences. It's not just about achieving a certain weight; it's about creating a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain and enjoy.
Unravel the complexities of what a healthy weight looks like, tailored just for you. It's not just about numbers on a scale; it's about your overall health and happiness.
When I am planning to start a new food plan and exercise regime, I ask myself the following questions. By the way, my planning is constantly changing.
1. How much food can I live on? Can I eat like this for life? 2. Planning activities are the same questions. How much time can you devote to exercise? Name activities you enjoy and include them in your day. It can be simple chair exercises in your home or walking, swimming, and weight training. What do you love?
There are tools developed to determine if you are at a healthy weight. However, it is not exact, and other measures may be necessary.
You can use the body mass index (BMI) to find out whether your weight is in a healthy or unhealthy range.
BMI is a tool to estimate body fat. Find your BMI by typing your height and weight into this BMI calculatorfrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight.
Women with a BMI of 30 or more have obesity.
BMI gives you a good idea of how healthy your weight is. But it doesn’t tell the whole story. BMI is less accurate in some people than in others. For example, if you are very muscular, you may be healthy even if your BMI is above 25. This is because muscle weighs more than fat.
Another way to figure out if you have a healthy weight is to measure your waist circumference (the distance around your waist). Researchers and doctors have agreed that women with a waist circumference larger than 35 inches are at higher risk for many health problems caused by overweight or obesity.
Isabel Laessig, a mom of four who operates the Family Foodie website, created the Sunday Supper movement. It aims at bringing families back together in the kitchen and around the dinner table. To celebrate, prepare, and eat a meal with loved ones.
In 2012, Laessig and eight other bloggers and their families celebrated the first virtual Sunday Supper. Sunday Supper Day falls on the second Sunday in January.
Family mealtime is an ageless tradition shared by people all around the world. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.
Family Dinner
Segment from World Report, April 2009
A family study conducted by Brigham Young University quizzed more than 1500 IBM employees. The results show that families who spend time eating dinner together will encounter less conflict between family and work.
The BYU study appeared in issues of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, and Slate magazine. Dr. Jacob expressed the hope for society to value dinner time and not allow things to interrupt it.
In fact, a multi-national study cited by the marriage and family therapy program at the University of Minnesota and its director reports family mealtime has a more positive influence on emotional and intellectual development in children and teens than sports or additional time in school.
2 slices Rye Bread 1 tsp Mustard Lettuce leaf 2 slices Tomatoes 2 oz Pastrami
1/2 oz Swiss Cheese
Directions
1. Top one slice of Rye Bread with mustard, lettuce, tomato, pastrami, and Swiss cheese.
2. Top with the second slice of rye bread.
3. Heat in oven or toaster oven until Swiss cheese melts.
Notes The sandwich is high in saturated fat and sodium. Balance the rest of your day by choosing foods low in sodium and saturated fat. An educated consumer has the ability to make wise food choices.
I always considered myself an organized person, but sometime in the 1980s, I started saving everything from – old lesson plans, grocery receipts (from recipe testing), scrap papers with numbers (no names), clothes (from size 2 to 24); my son’s artwork; ADA journals; textbooks, VHS; cassettes; broken phones; wires.. the list is too long to include everything here.
In September, I started to go through my collection of “stuff” to see what I had and what I no longer needed. I knew this would be a massive undertaking; this was almost 30 years of my life collecting dust in boxes, files, drawers, cupboards, closets, the garage, and the attic. In just 3 months, I had thrown out over 15 large garbage bags of junk and still did not feel I had made a dent.
This week, I decided to focus only on one part of the house. I chose my office, which is connected to my bedroom. I would not be going through my clothes yet, but it was on the to-do list. I gathered all the boxes from my office, bedroom, under-the-bed, cupboards, shelves, drawers, filing cabinets, and the hidden closet. I placed everything in my den to use as my staging area. This was also the only place in my home that still had a record player. I thought while I was going through this massive amount of paper, I would listen to some of my old favorites before I donated (or threw out) my albums. I have to check to see if they are recyclable.
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is a group of about 4,200 professional organizers dedicated to helping individuals and businesses bring order and efficiency to their lives. Their vision is to have the world recognize the value of organizing and turn to NAPO as the leading organizing authority. Their mission is to develop, lead, and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. In addition to serving professional organizers, they aim to help consumers and those interested in becoming professional organizers.
Get Rid of Clutter
Benefits of Organization Organization improves one’s work, life, financial situation and frees up time and space.
10 Benefits of Getting Organized 1. Stress levels will go down, and there will be less chaos and a more relaxed life. 2. Efficiency gets projects done quicker with less time wasted on looking for things and being able to make quicker decisions. 3. An organized person is able to fit in time for friends, family members, and helping out in the community. 4. Getting organized helps you feel better about your environment, and you are more likely to invite people into your environment without embarrassment. 5. You'll be a better role model for your children. 6. Get organized, and you'll have more than enough time to exercise and cook healthy meals for yourself and your family. 7. An organized environment also tends to be a much cleaner environment. 8. An organized person gives a much better business impression than someone who can't find a phone number, has an office piled with cardboard boxes, or is always late for appointments. 9. When you're organized, you'll always know what you have before you buy more. 10. Organized people find ways to eliminate tasks that aren't necessary and to streamline those that are taking too much time. This leaves plenty of time to work on achieving your goals. “Organization brings a level of peace and tranquility to your life,” says Jennifer Snyder of Neat as a Pin! Organizing Experts. Snyder also advises people not to keep things around “just in case.” “Clutter makes noise; it makes energetic noise. It sucks your energy from you.” Clutter also attracts dust and pests. “Clutter is basically sending a message there’s something in your life that you need to get at. Snyder organizes for no more than four hours at a time to give her clients time to adjust to the improvements. “It didn’t get that way overnight. It’s a lifestyle change. You’re changing the way you think about things and becoming more emotionally healthy,” she said. What to do with castoffs. Once space is organized, there will be bags of items to discard. An itemized list of donations to receive tax deductions and discard things properly, such as erasing computer hard drives before dropping them off at a donation center.
Being better organized can provide energy, time, and happiness. Get the Children Involved
Resources: National Association of Professional Organizers A Final Message. I read that one should take a photo of your child's artwork, and then the boxes of schoolwork can be thrown away. I had one problem - my son. As I was admiring the years of his efforts, he came by to see how I was doing. With a look of shock and horror - Jake told me how could I throw away his work? "I made it for you, mom." So here is the photo. I ended up keeping his cherished work. I guess I'm not ready to get rid of everything yet.
Peach Melba is a dessert of peaches and raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream. The dish was invented in the 1890s by the French chef Auguste Escoffier at the Savoy Hotel, London, to honor the Australian soprano Nellie Melba.
Recipe.: Peach Melba
Makes: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup peach slices or 2 peach halves, 1 Tbsp jam topping, 1/2 cup reduced-fat ice cream
Ingredients
2
tsp.
fresh lemon juice
1/4
tsp.
pure vanilla extract
1
cup
peach slices or 4 halves, canned, in juice
2
Tbsp
raspberry jam
1
cup
reduced-fat Vanilla Ice Cream
Directions
In a small saucepan, add the lemon juice, vanilla, and canned peaches with juice. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and allow the peach halves to cool for 30 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, place the peach halves in dessert dishes. Cut into slices, if desired.
Heat the jam in a microwave-safe container for 15 seconds until melted.
Top the peach slices with scoops of ice cream, and drizzle with the jam. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Don’t let this basket of fruit fool you. The shapes are made with marzipan. Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal.
Description of the Keto Diet. The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, potentially leading to weight loss. This diet emphasizes consuming a significant amount of fat, a moderate amount of protein, and very few carbs.
Foods to Include. Fats and Oils. Natural sources like butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are preferred. Fatty cuts of meat and lard are also good sources.
Proteins: Focus on meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Grass-fed and organic sources are recommended.
Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini.
Dairy: High-fat dairy products like cheese, cream, and sour cream are allowed.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Berries: Small servings of low-glycemic berries like raspberries and blackberries.
Beverages: Water, coffee, and tea without sugar. Bone broth is also recommended.
Foods to Avoid. Sugary Foods: Soda, fruit juice, smoothies, cake, ice cream, candy, etc.
Grains and Starches: Wheat-based products, rice, pasta, cereal, etc. Fruit: All fruit, except small portions of berries. Beans and Legumes: Peas, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc. Root Vegetables and Tubers: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, etc. Low-Fat or Diet Products: These are often high in carbs and sugar. Some Condiments and Sauces: Those containing sugar and unhealthy fat. Alcohol: Due to its carb content, most alcoholic drinks can throw you out of ketosis.
The keto diet focuses on high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate foods, pushing the body into a state of ketosis to burn fat for energy. Understanding what foods to include and avoid is crucial for maintaining this diet effectively.
Potential Risks There are potential risks and side effects associated with the ketogenic diet, especially if it is followed for an extended period or without proper guidance. Here are some of the key concerns:
Nutrient Deficiencies: Because the keto diet restricts many fruits, vegetables, and grains, it can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, including certain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Keto Flu: In the initial stages of the diet, some people experience the "keto flu," symptoms of which may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and irritability. These symptoms are typically temporary.
Liver and Kidney Stress: The diet's high-fat content can put extra strain on the liver, and the increased protein intake can be challenging for the kidneys, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.
Heart Health Concerns: The emphasis on high-fat foods, especially if they include a lot of saturated fats, can potentially raise cholesterol levels, which might increase the risk of heart disease in some people.
Bone Health: There is some evidence suggesting that the diet might affect bone health negatively, potentially due to reduced intake of certain minerals and changes in acid-base balance.
Gastrointestinal Issues: The lack of fiber can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
Risk of Hypoglycemia for Diabetics: Diabetics on insulin or other blood glucose-lowering medications may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Potential for Unhealthy Eating Habits: There's a risk that individuals might focus on high-fat foods without considering the nutritional quality of their diet as a whole.
Difficulties in Sustaining the Diet: Due to its restrictive nature, some people might find it hard to adhere to the keto diet over the long term, which can lead to yo-yo dieting.
It's important to note that individual responses to the keto diet can vary widely. People with existing health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals taking certain medications should consult healthcare professionals before starting the diet. It's crucial to approach the keto diet with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to mitigate some of these risks.
Whipped cream is cream that has been beaten by a mixer, whisk, or fork until it is light and fluffy. Whipped cream is often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla and is often called Chantilly cream or crème Chantilly. Wikipedia
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300.
Slow Cooker Bolognese
-
This slow cooker bolognese is a hearty, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for
busy weekdays or cozy weekend dinners. We love it served over pasta,
lasagna, o...
Thirty8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
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This summer, we spent 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur after visiting Thailand, we
came here for fun and then took a flight to Scotland. This is a city we
will...
