Tips from gaining health

Around the environmentally-/socially-conscious foodosphere (those being categories and a word I just made up), tons of focus falls on farmers markets and CSAs. Last time round these Green Kitchen parts, we looked at why eating locally and getting your food from those sources is so good (for you, the planet, and your wallet). But not everyone has access to a greenmarket or CSA. So how can we eat green without a greenmarket? Like this:

Buy Local at the Supermarket
In the last year, I’ve noticed that Whole Foods has started highlighting local produce with big signage, but even your average (or below-average) supermarket tells you where produce comes from. If you can’t find vegetables from your local area, aim for your region, or even your country or hemisphere. The shorter the food had to travel to get to you, the fresher it is and the less carbon its transport put into the air.

Buy Seasonal
Citrus is not local to me by any means, but when it’s in season it’s cheaper and way more delicious. Supermarket asparagus this time of year is also probably coming from closer by than South America, where it often hails from in off-season months.

Buy Unprocessed
Processed food comes with packaging, which takes resources to manufacture. Then the processing of the food itself takes power, which (odds are) isn’t coming from a happy green windfarm. You also save yourself the sodium and additives gunking up the works. 99% of the time, unprocessed foods are way, way better for you.

Process Food Yourself
Some processed foods are value-added - for example, turning milk to cottage cheese makes it a more protein-dense food. Processing cabbage into sauerkraut makes it tastier and better for you. These are usually old-timey sorts of processing your grandma could’ve done on a farm. So, try it yourself! Make your own bread, jam, cheese, or pickles. You’ll be spending kitchen time rather than cash, and accruing valuable post-apocalypse survival skills. Oh, and you control what goes into your food, in terms of energy and ingredients.

Store it Right
A full fridge or freezer uses less energy to stay cold. And don’t leave that door open! Keep your shelves organized so you don’t have to stand there with the door open looking for stuff.

Cook!
If you’re reading this website, you’re probably already on the cook-your-own-food bandwagon, but it does more than save you money and pounds (or pounds and kilos, if we’re being British). Cooking is just a way of processing food yourself. You save on packaging, you skip the mysterious additives, and you choose how much energy is expended.

Don’t Cook!
Even if you sign up for green energy for your home, no energy is even better. A raw or minimally-cooked meal saves on power usage, whether it’s electricity or gas. And when you do cook, use efficient appliances.

Eat Ethical Animal Products
Although I’m a vegetarian, I am a passionate believer in humane and environmentally-sound meat-eating. However, most large-scale meat production puts a huge tax on resources by consuming food resources (and the water and energy that goes to grow those crops) and polluting the environment with untreated animal waste. Look for grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and milk, and buy cage-free, hormone-free eggs. The extra cost is worth it. You might not be able to eat as much meat this way, but you can also choose, then, to eat a little less.

Choose the Right Fish
The Environmental Defense Fund has a handy guide to choosing fish that are good for you and the ocean: Use it.

Compost
Why send scraps to the landfill when you can turn them into fertilizer? (Not that way.) Start a compost pile or get a worm bin. (It’s not nearly as gross as it sounds.) In New York City, the Lower East Side Ecology Center collects compostables, and I make my contribution every couple of weeks. See if an organization in your town does the same.

Bike or Walk to the Market
Truckers aren’t the only ones putting carbon into the air to transport food. If you can walk or bike to the supermarket, do. If it’s too far, consolidate your trips. You’ll save cash on gas, too.

Don’t Buy Bottled Water
Come on.

It’s kind of amazing how many of these ways to be good to the Earth also end up being good to our bank accounts. It sometimes takes a little more effort, but it isn’t actually harder to make these choices. And that extra hour in the kitchen every so often is something I’ve really come to love. I’m hoping to delve into canning this summer. Is there anything you’re planning on tackling to make your kitchen a little greener?

(Photos courtesy of And Now a Word From Our Sponsor [cows], DCist [jars], and Eaves.ca [bottles].)
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If you like this article, you might also enjoy:

• Angus Anguish: Is Angus Beef Worth the Money?
• Food Labels That Ate My Sanity
• Newsflash! Scientists Getting Closer to Lab-grown Meat

There comes a time – or several times – in the course of things when eating healthfully and inexpensively goes right out the window. Maybe you’re working on a major project. Maybe you’re having a baby. Maybe you’re quitting your job, finding a new one, marrying, moving, or trying to get over the passing of a loved one. Rightfully, you have other concerns.

And you know what? That’s okay.

The Artist Formerly Known as Husband-Elect and I just wrapped up the busiest and most joyous month of our lives, during which we ate approximately two vegetables. (Wait. Is frosting a vegetable?) Preparing nutritious meals was next-to-dead-last on our list of priorities, just above keeping up with the Mets. (*grumble*) Instead, we were penning vows, seeing to the happiness of 140 loved ones, and entering a state of marital bliss unrivaled, even by a really good pot of macaroni and cheese.

Now, we’re home. The wedding festivities and pasta-packed honeymoon are over. We knew it would happen eventually. And with it done, it’s time to resume dietary normality. And once this time – this busy, emotionally haywire time – passes, you will, too.

Meanwhile, here are a few tips to get you through the rough parts.

Take it easy on yourself.
Order takeout. Choke down your five-minute hospital cafeteria lunch. Scarf that three-year-old bag of Sun Chips from HR’s vending machine. Because right now? At this very second? Keeping a budget and a strict calorie count doesn’t matter. What does matter: getting enough in your body to keep going. Forget the rest.

Remember, it’s only temporary.
Of course this doesn’t go for every situation. Kids are pretty permanent, and there are some jobs in which 70-hour weeks are the norm. But once you complete your task and/or get the hang of your new situation, everyday existence will become easier. I promise. Same goes for that interminable project, your inaugural home ownership, or even the tragedy that might consume your world right now. Time will pass, and there will be a dazzling light and pot of delicious turkey chili at the end of your seemingly endless tunnel.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There are people who love you, and in pressured times, they will trip over themselves to feed, cook, or otherwise shove food into your mouth. If no one volunteers, go ahead and ask. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a benevolent government agency, somebody is going to step up. Never forget that, and try to do the same for others when you can.

Work good food in where you can.
Sporadically, in the midst of chaos, a cheap salad will present itself to you. (I think Confucius said that.) Eat it. A simple, occasional nod to nutrition will fuel you just as well as half a pizza. And if you can easily find a convenient provider of healthy, low-cost meals? Bonus. Food fuels mood, and keeping your spirits up is vital right now.

Do the best you can with what you have.
Forget keeping up with the Joneses. This ain’t the time. Use your available resources as best you can. If that means three weeks of pantry meals, so be it.

Pick a date to get back on the horse.
I don’t know about you, sweet readers, but I would do bupkis without deadlines. During nerve-racking periods, having that red-letter date provides a definitive end point for stress habits (ex: eating fast food), as well as a psychological starting point for new behaviors (ex: eating home-cooked meals). Plus, on a simpler emotional level, it’s just something to look forward to. Real world example: When projects devolved into anarchy at my old job, we repeated this like a mantra: “Think of it. Next Wednesday this will all be over.”

Help others in the same situation.
What goes around comes around. The love you take is equal to the love you make. Quid pro quo, Clarice. In other words: Pitch in, dearies. Somebody out there could use the assistance.

Readers, how do you eat during difficult or stressful periods? Do you agree or disagree with any of this advice? What practices make life easier? How can we best help others? The comment section is way open. Let’s help some brothers and sisters out.

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If you dig this practical touchy-feeliness, you might also enjoy:

• On Splurging
• Relax, Frugal Eater: A Measured Approach to Lifestyle Changes
• What the Great Depression Can Teach Us About Food and Frugality

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STARFRUIT

Seeing a star fruit (or starfruit) in the grocery store can be a little intimidating or seem ‘too exotic’ if you’ve never sliced and eaten one your self, but don’t be scared, it’s delicious and easy. The best looking star fruit may not be the most ripe and delicious, so choosing the right one is important. Your best bet is to find the fruit with the least amount of green on the edges and the richest orange color. This could mean there are some brown edges, but if they are small, that indicates it’s at its optimum ripeness.

I have tried buying green star fruit and letting them ripen to a bright orange color, but they are always much more bitter than finding the fruit at the stand that has spent more time ripening on the tree. It really is hit or miss, so if you find a good source for them, stick with it. In Costa Rica there is a farmers market in the Pavas area of San José that has a lot of stands with star fruit, which they call carambola, but we have our favorite of course. You can find the market extending down about 500 meters along the street running beside the Palí in Pavas every Saturday morning.

A great way to use star fruit that I’ve noticed here in Costa Rica is to juice them and combine with sugar and cinnamon for a sweet little cocktail. If you then take the juice and blend it with ice, it’s even better for the summer.

HOW TO SLICE A STARFRUIT

1. First choose the best, most ripe starfruit with slight green edges and rich orange color

2. Using a sharp butcher knife, slide the blade down the green edges of the star fruit being careful only to remove the non-orange edge.

3. Once the edges are removed, slice off the two ends. Only remove about 1/2 inch, not too much. At this point your fruit should have no more green or brown areas.

4. Next, slice the trimmed starfruit across the broad side, into star shapes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick

5. You’ll notice that your slices have seeds in them, mostly in the middle pieces. These should be removed with the tip of the knife.

6. Star fruit is a very fun-shaped fruit, so get creative with how you plate it. It also makes a great garnish, and in Costa Rica (in Spanish is called ‘carambola’) they are plentiful and cheap. They are a great snack with a little sprinkle of cinnamon, as a juice drink, or to use in salads. They are versatile, so find your favorite way to use them and enjoy!

ADDING STARFRUIT TO YOUR DIET

You can add star fruit to your diet in a variety of ways. My favorite is in a fruit salad, but it is also a great compliment to a green garden salad or a chicken dish that uses coconut. Anything dish that combines sweet and savory is a great one to garnish with starfruit or use within the recipe.

Here are a few starfruit recipes to get your started:
Starfruit, Orange and Mango Smoothie

serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Cups of fresh orange juice
• 3 Ripe starfruit, trimmed and de-seeded
• 4 slices of starfruit, trimmed and de-seeded
• 1 mango peeled, pitted and cubed
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon of honey (optional)
• 2 Cups of ice cubes.

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour into 4 large juice glasses and garnish each with a star fruit slice. Serve immediately.

Herbed Green Salad with Starfruit

INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 head romaine lettuce, leaves torn (6 cups)
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 10 chives, chopped
• 4 to 5 tablespoons Italian vinaigrette

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Spread the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, parsley, cilantro, chives, and almonds with the vinaigrette.
Coconut and Starfruit Baked Chicken

INGREDIENTS

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
* 1.5 cups chicken stock
* 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
* 1 teaspoon salt
* juice from 2 starfruit (clean and de-seed fruit, blend and strain)
* 1 starfruit sliced into thin stars
* 1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 325° F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with the garlic, cayenne, and lime zest; set aside.
2. Place the rice in the baking dish. Combine the chicken stock, coconut milk, cilantro, salt, and starfruit juice and pour onto the rice. Arrange the chicken on top of the rice. Cover with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the foil, sprinkle the coconut on top, and cook 5 minutes more or until the coconut is browned. Dish out and serve with starfruit garnish.

The best way to reach and maintain a healthy weight is through losing weight "naturally", without the assistance of weight loss pills or shakes. While it is often a lot easier said than done, it is more than possible to lose weight naturally. What you need to know about losing weight naturally is that it requires quite a bit of hard work and willpower. It is definitely not a quick fix, but it is a healthy way to do it.

As weve heard from various sources, the two most important parts to losing weight are healthy eating and exercise. Without these two components of weight loss, there is a good chance that you will not lose any weight, in fact, you could keep on gaining more.

When it comes to eating healthily, there are lots of people who dont know where to start. One of the first things that you will want to do is to start looking out for healthy foods and healthy recipes. Once you know what to buy and what to cook, it makes it much easier to start eating healthily. It is important that you do not keep on eating the same foods over and over again, no matter how good they taste. If you do, you are likely to get bored and this can lead you off the healthy eating path. Variety is also a good thing for nutritional reasons as you get different nutrients in different foods.

As mentioned, exercise is the other important part of losing weight. So, if you really want to lose weight, you need to be exercising. When it comes to exercising, you have a number of different options. Its important to do something you enjoy, so that you are more likely to carry on doing it on a regular basis. Whilst for many people this means going the gym, it can also mean going for a walk or a run or following an exercise DVD at home. Exercise is important for your general health and your weight loss goals.

To help keep you motivated, you may want to think about seeking support from your friends and family either to keep you on track or to become your workout buddy and exercise with you.
Its far easier to do exercise, if you are doing it with someone, as it becomes a social event too and you wont want to let each other down by not going.

In short, the combination of healthy eating and exercise is sure to lead to success. While it does take a lot of hard work and determination to lose weight, you will ultimately be more than pleased with the results than if you opt for a quick fix solution, which only provides short-term weight loss.

Article by : Sarah HS Cox, Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_HS_Cox

Nighttime is when the most dangerous for dieters or those trying eating a healthy discipline. As the setting sun, the tendency of people to eat junk food even greater.

Massive Health conducted a survey showed no similarity in the daily eating habits for most people in the world. In the morning usually begins with a healthy breakfast, but gradually deteriorate over time and in the evening, many of which eventually could not resist the temptation to eat sugary foods, salt and junk food.


"The health of the food consumed decreased by 1.7 percent per hour after the breakfast time," said Aza Raskin, founder of Massive Health, as quoted from Shape.

At 10:00, the survey noted people in the North and South America tend to eat a healthy breakfast. But now at 22.00, they dominated the consumption of unhealthy foods. While in the early morning at 01.00 hardly found people who run a healthy diet. The same trend also occurred in the countries of Europe, Asia and other regions.

As reported by the Salt, the data is collected from the iPhone application developed by Massive Health, Eatery. For five months, the researchers note, calculate and track how healthy the food consumed by the users of the application. Noted there are about 500 thousand meals of user applications in 50 cities.

This large-scale study only showed a trend of feeding behavior in the average person, but does not explain what causes them to consume unhealthy foods during the night. But one might say, a problem that makes people tend to eat junk food at night because fewer healthy food choices than morning or afternoon.

On top at 21.00, usually because the energy has been depleted have been used to move from morning. When hunger comes, people prefer to use the service delivery order of fast-food restaurant or a potluck meal from whats left in the fridge and dining table. The lack of food choices makes people not paying attention to nutrition and think, my stomach full of important.

Another possibility is disclosed some research, because from morning till noon dieters have tried to maintain a healthy diet, their persistence eventually slacken in the evening. As a result, the desire to snack foods and high calorie fat was unbearable.

Known tropical carambola, also known as star fruit is yellow-green. Many people cut their food. Besides making it easier to eat the star-shaped slices are good. You can eat the whole fruit except the seeds. As with other fruits that contain vitamin C. Carambola are generally more expensive than other varieties of common fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.

Keep the red ball in cold water. Dust the fruit with your fingers.

Carambola perfectly flat on a cutting board. Cut the ends of the carambola. Check the sweet fruit, full of bruises and areas with the court.

Hold one end of the fruit with one hand. Overlap with the other hand, the fruit in thin slices across the width.

You can eat in your hand, or put the fruit in a fruit salad, yogurt, smoothies, pizza, dishes with fruit or nuts. For example, the spread of cream cheese and sugar in a cookie, a piece of star fruit on top, or use as a garnish for drinks.

Want to know how to eat star fruit? There are many ways to enjoy this delicious fruit, star fruit produced by the class and also kamranga or five fingers. In Western cuisine is often used as a seal is not toxic, but many in the culture to use as the juice into wine or eat simply estimated. Its like eating star fruit.

STEP ONE: Choose a carom

To ensure that the fruit is clean, it acquires a uniform color. The skin should be shiny, and feel the fruit should be firm and know how to eat starfruit. The fruit other than the ribs are brown and withered. You can grow this fruit in the room and the ribs on the fire only when the chocolate, you know that the fruit is ripe. It can also be consumed as dried fruit, which is very tasty.

Step two: Star Fruit

A tropical fruit, carambola in two versions. A variety of sugar, while the other is slightly acidic. Learn how to create a precedent for the Star How to eat sour or bitter fruit is set, was narrow drive between the ribs, while sweet varieties are fleshy ribs Tues The flavor of these varieties is very similar, because the cake is a very soft variety.

Third step: the benefits of eating fruits stars

Carambola is full of vitamin C. This result is for the winter to prevent colds and flu in size. There is also a good result, so if you lose weight because low in calories and fat to prove it. Theres no cholesterol or sodium carambola happy that for patients with high blood pressure or heart problems. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and falconoid stars, agents and quality health care anti-aging. It is supposed to know if you learn to eat the fruit stars

Step Four: As a fruit, not overripe Store

To save the fruit is mature enough and ready to eat, to warm the soil in plastic bags in the room when about 2 or 3 days to mature, or refrigerated for a week to ripen. Place the fruit is ripe, and often do not expect the side to mature.

Step Five: Eat Fruit

Eat fruit, wash and remove the affected part of the body, and remove the seeds from it. They may be partially or bite and eat. Other options are to be added to fruit salad, cooked, and after maintenance or cake. This can also be used as ornamental fish, pork or chicken recipes. You can add to a smoothie for the health of a swallow. These are the previous steps, such as eating starfruit.