Monday 15 August 2011

Takeaways - London Food Savings?


These days moѕt people thіnk thаt gas prices soar evеry single day but it iѕ alsо true thаt food prices follow thе gas prices aѕ wеll. The interеsting pоint herе iѕ thаt people stіll dо nоt hesitate tо spend money оn quality food. Everyone wаnts tо havе goоd quality food but thеy alsо wаnt tо save money оn food, sо whаt iѕ thе solution? Have yоu evеr thоught abоut takeaway food? Yes, it iѕ аn areа whіch prоvides а greаt variety оf dishes аt vеry reasonable rates. Takeaways London arе popular worldwide fоr providing thеir services tо thе huge population оf London. With thе hеlp оf thіs easy method, people cаn save considerable amount оf money оn food аnd оn fuel aѕ wеll. You cаn ordеr food online wіthout travelling sеveral miles.

Amazingly, thеre arе sеveral takeaways avаilable іn London аnd people cаn approach thоse takeaways easily frоm thе internet. The map location оf thеse takeaways iѕ alsо avаilable online fоr thе convenience оf customers. The main advantage оf thеse convenient stores iѕ thаt thеre iѕ nо neеd tо gо outѕide fоr purchasing aѕ yоu cаn easily ordеr online оr by calling thе store. Chinese, Asian, Thai, Indian аnd sеveral othеr types arе avаilable аt thеse takeaways. There arе sеveral websites whеre yоu juѕt neеd tо enter thе code оf yоur location; it wіll automatically provide thе list оf аll takeaways London ovеr thеre.

Now, thе main pоint iѕ tо save cost оn food, aѕ thе meal deals arе thе beѕt option tо save money. In thіs category, yоu cаn fіnd thе beѕt deals оn food оf thе day. Every takeaway haѕ thеse types оf promotional meal deals avаilable tо grab thе attention оf customers. Of course, moѕt оf thе customers wаnt tо eat healthy food аnd wіth thе hеlp оf meal deals, yоu cаn gеt thе beѕt food аt rеally lоw price. You juѕt neеd tо enter thе location оf residence аnd thе food wіll bе delivered tо yоur doorstep. There arе sеveral types оf takeaway food vouchers avаilable whіch arе thе beѕt option tо avail оf thе discounts оn food. These discount options arе vеry easy tо approach аnd interestingly, thеre iѕ nо neеd tо gо anywhеre fоr buying food.

The ordеring process iѕ vеry easy аnd quick aѕ it prоvides instant ordеr confirmation. When it cоmes tо finding а takeaway, onе shоuld select thе store whіch offers quality food аnd haѕ а greаt client base. There arе sеveral attractive offers coming whіch cаn add tо thе excitement. There arе thousands оf takeaways avаilable іn London аnd yоu cаn takе advantage оf thоse by calling thеm. Just choose аny takeaway аnd ordеr аny type оf food. The main advantage оf thеse smаll shops iѕ thаt sоme arе opеn 24 x 7. So, locate onе оf thе beѕt takeaways London аnd enjoy thе desired food аt thе beѕt price аnd wіth sаme goоd quality.

When yоu realise hоw much yоu havе saved оn takeaway food іn London, yоu mіght evеn decide tо stick tо thіs wаy оf eating аnd nоt evеn thіnk abоut eating out.

This article wаs submitted by Takeawayslondon.com, Online London Takeaways Directory listing thе beѕt takeaways London.

Article Source:

Article Source: http://takeawayslondon.com

Thursday 17 March 2011

COOKING OF GRAINS.


All grains, with the exception of rice, and the various grain meals, require prolonged cooking with gentle and continuous heat, in order to so disintegrate their tissues and change their starch into dextrine as to render them easy of digestion. Even the so-called "steam-cooked" grains, advertised to be ready for use in five or ten minutes, require a much longer cooking to properly fit them for digestion. These so-called quickly prepared grains are simply steamed before grinding, which has the effect to destroy any low organisms contained in the grain. They are then crushed and shredded. Bicarbonate of soda and lime is added to help dissolve the albuminoids, and sometimes diastase to aid the conversion of the starch into sugar; but there is nothing in this preparatory process that so alters the chemical nature of the grain as to make it possible to cook it ready for easy digestion in five or ten minutes. An insufficiently cooked grain, although it may be palatable, is not in a condition to be readily acted upon by the digestive fluids, and is in consequence left undigested to act as a mechanical irritant.



Water is the liquid usually employed for cooking grains, but many of them are richer and finer flavored when milk is mixed with the water, one part to two of water. Especially is this true of rice, hominy, and farina. When water is used, soft water is preferable to hard. No salt is necessary, but if used at all, it is generally added to the water before stirring in the grain or meal.



The quantity of liquid required varies with the different grains, the manner in which they are milled, the method by which they are cooked, and the consistency desired for the cooked grain, more liquid being required for a porridge than for a mush.



All grains should be carefully looked over before being put to cook.



In the cooking of grains, the following points should be observed:



1. Measure both liquid and grain accurately with the same utensil, or with two of equal size.



2. Have the water boiling when the grain is introduced, but do not allow it to boil for a long time previous, until it is considerably evaporated, as that will change the proportion of water and grain sufficiently to alter the consistency of the mush when cooked. Introduce the grain slowly, so as not to stop the sinking to the bottom, and the whole becomes thickened.



3. Stir the grain continuously until it has set, but not at all afterward. Grains are much more appetizing if, while properly softened, they can still be made to retain their original form. Stirring renders the preparation pasty, and destroys its appearance.



In the preparation of all mushes with meal or flour, it is a good plan to make the material into a batter with a portion of the liquid retained from the quantity given, before introducing it into the boiling water. This prevents the tendency to cook in lumps, so frequent when dry meal is scattered into boiling liquid. Care must be taken, however, to add the moistened portion very slowly, stirring vigorously meantime, so that the boiling will not be checked. Use warm water for moistening. The other directions given for the whole or broken grains are applicable to the ground products.



Place the grain, when sufficiently cooked, in the refrigerator or in some place where it will cool quickly (as slow cooling might cause fermentation), to remain overnight.

SantooBama Directory

Monday 14 March 2011

CIRCUMSTANCES IMPACTING THE QUALITY OF MEAT.




During the period between the birth and maturity of animals, their flesh undergoes very considerable changes. For instance, when the animal is young, the fluids which the tissues of the muscles contain, possess a large proportion of what is called albumen . This albumen, which is also the chief component of the white of eggs, possesses the peculiarity of coagulating or hardening at a certain temperature, like the white of a boiled egg, into a soft, white fluid, no longer soluble, or capable of being dissolved in water. As animals grow older, this peculiar animal matter gradually decreases, in proportion to the other constituents of the juice of the flesh. Thus, the reason why veal, lamb are white, and without gravy when cooked, is, that the large quantity of albumen they contain hardens, or becomes coagulated. On the other hand, the reason why beef and mutton are brown, and have gravy , is, that the proportion of albumen they contain, is small, in comparison with their greater quantity of fluid which is soluble, and not coagulable.





The quality of the flesh of an animal is considerably influenced by the nature of the food on which it has been fed ; for the food supplies the material which produces the flesh. If the food be not suitable and good, the meat cannot be good either. To the experienced in this matter, it is well known that the flesh of animals fed on farinaceous produce, such as corn, pulse, &c., is firm, well-flavoured, and also economical in the cooking; that the flesh of those fed on succulent and pulpy substances, such as roots, possesses these qualities in a somewhat less degree; whilst the flesh of those whose food contains fixed oil, as linseed, is greasy, high coloured, and gross in the fat, and if the food has been used in large quantities, possessed of a rank flavour.





It is indispensable to the good quality of meat, that the animal should be perfectly healthy at the time of its slaughter. However slight the disease in an animal may be, inferiority in the quality of its flesh, as food, is certain to be produced. In most cases, indeed, as the flesh of diseased animals has a tendency to very rapid putrefaction, it becomes not only unwholesome, but absolutely poisonous, on account of the absorption of the virus of the unsound meat into the systems of those who partake of it. The external indications of good and bad meat will be described under its own particular head, but we may here premise that the layer of all wholesome meat, when freshly killed, adheres firmly to the bone.





Another circumstance greatly affecting the quality of meat, is the animal's treatment before it is slaughtered . This influences its value and wholesomeness in no inconsiderable degree. It will be easy to understand this, when we reflect on those leading principles by which the life of an animal is supported and maintained. These are, the digestion of its food, and the assimilation of that food into its substance. Nature, in effecting this process, first reduces the food in the stomach to a state of pulp, under the name of chyme, which passes into the intestines, and is there divided into two principles, each distinct from the other. One, a milk-white fluid, the nutritive portion, is absorbed by innumerable vessels which open upon the mucous membrane, or inner coat of the intestines. These vessels, or absorbents, discharge the fluid into a common duct, or road, along which it is conveyed to the large veins in the neighbourhood of the heart. Here it is mixed with the venous blood (which is black and impure) returning from every part of the body, and then it supplies the waste which is occasioned in the circulating stream by the arterial (or pure) blood having furnished matter for the substance of the animal. The blood of the animal having completed its course through all parts, and having had its waste recruited by the digested food, is now received into the heart, and by the action of that organ it is urged through the lungs, there to receive its purification from the air which the animal inhales. Again returning to the heart, it is forced through the arteries, and thence distributed, by innumerable ramifications, called capillaries, bestowing to every part of the animal, life and nutriment. The other principle the innutritive portion passes from the intestines, and is thus got rid of. It will now be readily understood how flesh is affected for bad, if an animal is slaughtered when the circulation of its blood has been increased by over-driving, ill-usage, or other causes of excitement, to such a degree of rapidity as to be too great for the capillaries to perform their functions, and causing the blood to be congealed in its minuter vessels. Where this has been the case, the meat will be dark-coloured, and become rapidly putrid; so that self-interest and humanity alike dictate kind and gentle treatment of all animals destined to serve as food for man.


Saturday 12 March 2011

Eating For A Healthy Heart




Bad cholesterol or a bad diet is something we all



experience at some point in time. It's impossible



to eat healthy our whole lives, even though we may



try hard to do it. Eating healthy for your heart



is something everyone should try to do, especially



when it comes to restoring health and reducing



heart attacks.





Your heart and food



We know these things for sure - a diet high in



saturated fats will help raise your cholesterol,



which is a risk factor for heart disease. People



that are obese are more prone to heart disease. A



diet high in sodium may elevate your blood pressure,



leading to inflammation and even heart disease.





To help prevent heart disease and improve your health,



put the tips below to good use.





Eat plenty of fish



Herring, sardines, and salmon are all excellent sources



of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Other fish are great



to, although Omega 3 may help to get your cholesterol



down to a healthier level.





Choosing healthy fats and oils



Saturated fat will increase the risk of heart disease.



It's found in meat, butter, and even coconut oil. You



should avoid them until your cholesterol levels are



down and you are at a healthy weight. Even those



that love red meats can enjoy seafood and nuts for



their main sources of protein.





Monounsaturated fats such as olive oils will help



you to protect your heart. Olive oil is an ideal



choice for cooking, dressing, or even as a dipping



sauce.





Plenty of fiber



Fiber can help you control your cholesterol. You



can find fiber in whole grain products to help



control sugar absorption as well, which will help



you keep your digestive system healthy.





Choosing carbohydrates



Eating for your heart involves staying away from



sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, and



pastries. Eating a lot of sugar isn't good for



your heart disease at all. Healthy carbohydrates



involve whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, brown



rice, and a lot of vegetables. You should make



fruits and vegetables the main aspect of your diet.





Healthy cooking methods



Stir frying and sauteing with olive oil or canola



oil are both great methods, as you shouldn't dip



your food in batter and fry it anymore. If you



cook chicken, remove the skin and bake it in the



oven in foil.





Instead of frying your fish you should always bake



it. Steaming your vegetables can help maintain the



most nutrients. You should use cream sauces or lots



of butter anymore either. When you eat vegetables,



try squeezing lemon juice on them or using your



favorite seasonings.





As you make the proper changes to your diet, keep in



mind that it takes time for them to become habits.



Eating healthy is always great for your body and your



lifestyle, especially when it comes to your heart and



the prevention of heart disease.


Thursday 10 March 2011

Eating Healthy For Students




For students, eating at college is an entire new



ball game, with late night pizza delivery and food



from buggies. Even though some of these quick and



simple options taste great, they are probably



not healthy for a student's body.





The food choices students make can affect whether



or not they are able to remain awake during class



and whether or not they will come down with



mononucleosis when it hits campus. The problem



is not only about eating junk food, it's more



about not getting the proper proteins, carbs,



vitamins, and minerals that people need.





When it comes to defending against illnesses,



vitamins and minerals are very important. Just



because they are important, isn't a reason for



students to run out and stock up on vitamins and



supplements. It's best for students to get their



nutrition from food.





You can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin



A in milk and diary products, and vitamin E in



nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy



vegetables. This is the ideal way to get



nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins



for many reasons.





When you eat on campus, skip on the soda's and



go right to the juice machines. Explore the



different entrees available and go to the salad



bar where there are fresh vegetables. You can



also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower



in the microwave for steamed vegetables. There



are always healthy cereals and plenty of fresh



fruit available in dining halls as well.





Always remember that eating healthy isn't just



about avoiding greasy foods. Eating healthy



involves getting a balanced diet and getting the



right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body



in peak performance - or at least awake during


Tuesday 8 March 2011

Eating Healthy For Vegetarians




The vegetarian way of eating can be a very healthy style



of eating. The rules still apply with healthy eating,



although you should add variety, balance, and moderation.





A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat,



whether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish.



Vegetarians are also sometimes classified by the type of



food they are or aren't willing to eat. For example,



Lacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh yet they



will eat eggs and most dairy products. A Vegan on the



other hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of



animal origin.





Because they don't eat meet, vegetarians will often



wonder how they'll get enough protein. Although you may



not realize it, the average American actually consumes



more protein than he actually needs. For the lacto-ovo



vegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of



protein. Vegans on the other hand, get their protein



from nuts, seeds, and soy products.





Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose



from, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split



peas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more. Some of them



you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in



chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and



rice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste good



as they are, others are available with different flavors



to help enhance their taste. Nuts are hihg in protein,



although they deliver a lot more fat than beans, which



means you should enjoy them in moderation. By having



one cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount of



protein as eating two ounces of meat!





The nutrients of concern for vegans, who avoid all types



of animal food, are vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.



In the average North American diet, the primary source



for B12 is animals. To have an adequate intake of B12,



vegans should reguarly consume vitamin B12 supplements or



foods, which contain vitamin B12, such as soy products



or milk.





For calcium, vegans can rely on orange juice or soy



milk, as they are fortified with calcium. Beans and



leafy green vegetables will also contain some calcium as



well.





Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food



groups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake is



something you should always do. This is very important



for eating healthy, as well as staying healthy. If you



control what you eat, you'll have many years of healthy


Saturday 5 March 2011

Eating Healthy On A Budget




If you have problems serving healthy foods because



of the prices, you'll find these tips to be just



what you need to eat healthy on a budget.





1. Eliminate junk food



Doing your shopping on your own is the easiest way



to shop, as children and sometimes spouses are



usually the ones requesting junk food. Shopping



alone will prevent this, and ensure that you only



buy the foods you need.





2. Water or milk instead of soft drinks



You can still enjoy your favorite drinks at a



sporting event or night out, although you should



stick with the smallest size when shopping to save



money and calories. Children and even adults need



milk or milk products on a daily basis. Milk will



also help you get strong and provides calcium for



healthy bones and healthy teeth.





3. Buy fruits in quantity



Whne they are in season, buy fruits in quantity



and freeze any extras. You can buy several pounds



this way, and freeze extras to have them when the



fruit goes out of season. Wash the fruit well,



remove any spoiled pieces, dry thoroughly, then



freeze in plastic zipper bags.





4. Meats and beans



Meats and beans are the best sources for protein.



Lean meat is more expensive than meats with a lot



of fat. Canned beans are a great deal as well,



as they give you protein at a great price.





5. Beans as a substitute



You should use beans a substitute for meat on a



frequent occasion. There are several varieties,



so you can prepare them in a crock pot, so when



you return home they are ready to consume.





The USDA recommends eating beans at least 4 times



per week. If you experience gas after eating



beans you should try washing them, covering them



with water, bringing the water to a boil, then



draining it off and refilling the pot.





6. If you live in a coastal area or an area



where fish are around, make that an integral



part of your diet. You can catch them from the



lakes or rivers, saving money in the process.





7. Peanut butter is great for those on a budget



as it's popular with almost everyone. You can



use it for sandwiches instead of eating hot



dogs. It does need to be refrigerated, although



bigger jars can last you for weeks.





8. You should fill up with foods that have a high



content of water. Watermelon, salads, and even



sugar free gelatin are all great examples.





Eating healthy is always something you can't go



wrong with. You can eat healthy for just a few



bucks, which makes it perfect for those on a



budget. Now, you don't need a lot of money to have



the lifestyle and health you've always wanted.


Thursday 3 March 2011

Eating Healthy On The Run




Whether your traveling on the go or around the



home, you don't need to give up healthy eating



simply because you are on the run. The fact is,



healthy eating is even more important when your



trying to keep up with a busy schedule.





Having a good diet will help your body to handle



stress better. As you hustle about, a healthy meal



is probably the last thing you think about. The



following tips can help you eat when your on the go.





Restaurants



With tempting menus, large portions, and a festive



atmosphere, it's easy to skip healthy eating. It's



okay to splurge every now and then, although you'll



pack on a lot of weight if you make it a habit.



When you eat out at restaurants, always be smart



about it.





Airports



An airport can be a very stressful place, although



you shouldn't scrap your diet because of it. Eat



because you are hungry, not because of stress,



boredom, or to kill time.





In your car



Keep some healthy snacks in your car at all times,



so that when you get hungry - you have them.





At home



Evenings and mornings are busy times in most homes.



Making the time to eat can be hard, although you



shouldn't run out the door without eating breakfast



first. Cereal with milk, a banana, muffin, or even



a bagel is a great way to start the day.





Anytime you are on the go, always make sure that you



make the right food decisions. You can take healthy



food with you if you need to, so that you have it



when you need it. Eating healthy on the go is easy



to do, once you know how. Never sacrifice healthy



food for junk, as your body will regret it later.


Tuesday 1 March 2011

ABC OF SOUP MAKING.


Lean, juicy beef, mutton, and veal, form the basis of all good soups; therefore it is advisable to procure those pieces which afford the richest succulence, and such as are fresh-killed. Stale meat renders them bad, and fat is not so well adapted for making them. The principal art in composing good rich soup, is so to proportion the several ingredients that the flavour of one shall not predominate over another, and that all the articles of which it is composed, shall form an agreeable whole. To accomplish this, care must be taken that the roots and herbs are perfectly well cleaned, and that the water is proportioned to the quantity of meat and other ingredients. Generally a quart of water may be allowed to a pound of meat for soups, and half the quantity for gravies. In making soups or gravies, gentle stewing or simmering is incomparably the best. It may be remarked, however, that a really good soup can never be made but in a well-closed vessel, although, perhaps, greater wholesomeness is obtained by an occasional exposure to the air. Soups will, in general, take from three to six hours doing, and are much better prepared the day before they are wanted. When the soup is cold, the fat may be much more easily and completely removed; and when it is poured off, care must be taken not to disturb the settlings at the bottom of the vessel, which are so fine that they will escape through a sieve. A tamis is the best strainer, and if the soup is strained while it is hot, let the tamis or cloth be previously soaked in cold water. Clear soups must be perfectly transparent, and thickened soups about the consistence of cream. To thicken and give body to soups and gravies, potato-mucilage, arrow-root, bread-raspings, isinglass, flour and butter, barley, rice, or oatmeal, in a little water rubbed well together, are used. A piece of boiled beef pounded to a pulp, with a bit of butter and flour, and rubbed through a sieve, and gradually incorporated with the soup, will be found an excellent addition. When the soup appears to be too thin or too weak , the cover of the boiler should be taken off, and the contents allowed to boil till some of the watery parts have evaporated; or some of the thickening materials, above mentioned, should be added. When soups and gravies are kept from day to day in hot weather, they should be warmed up every day, and put into fresh scalded pans or tureens, and placed in a cool cellar. In temperate weather, every other day may be sufficient.



Various herbs and vegetables are required for the purpose of making soups and gravies. Of these the principal are, Scotch barley, pearl barley, wheat flour, oatmeal, bread-raspings, pease, beans, rice, vermicelli, macaroni, isinglass, potato-mucilage, mushroom or mushroom ketchup, champignons, parsnips, carrots, beetroot, turnips, garlic, shalots and onions. Sliced onions, fried with butter and flour till they are browned, and then rubbed through a sieve, are excellent to heighten the colour and flavour of brown soups and sauces, and form the basis of many of the fine relishes furnished by the cook. The older and drier the onion, the stronger will be its flavour. Leeks, cucumber, or burnet vinegar; celery or celery-seed pounded. The latter, though equally strong, does not impart the delicate sweetness of the fresh vegetable; and when used as a substitute, its flavour should be corrected by the addition of a bit of sugar. Cress-seed, parsley, common thyme, lemon thyme, orange thyme, knotted marjoram, sage, mint, winter savoury, and basil. As fresh green basil is seldom to be procured, and its fine flavour is soon lost, the best way of preserving the extract is by pouring wine on the fresh leaves.



For the seasoning of soups, bay-leaves, tomato, tarragon, chervil, burnet, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, mace, black and white pepper, essence of anchovy, lemon-peel, and juice, and Seville orange-juice, are all taken. The latter imparts a finer flavour than the lemon, and the acid is much milder. These materials, with wine, mushroom ketchup, Harvey's sauce, tomato sauce, combined in various proportions, are, with other ingredients, manipulated into an almost endless variety of excellent soups and gravies. Soups, which are intended to constitute the principal part of a meal, certainly ought not to be flavoured like sauces, which are only designed to give a relish to some particular dish.

Saturday 26 February 2011

Eating Healthy On Vacation




It can be very tempting to abandon your good sense



of healthy eating on vacation. Although you may



strive for healthy eating, it's easy to drift off



and grab an ice cream cone here and there. There



are however, ways to watch what you eat on



vacation.





It's easier than ever these days to request a low



fat or vegetarian meal on airplane flights. If



you choose to instead drive to your destination,



the quest to find healthy food can get a bit more



complicated.





Rather than simply relying on greasy foods for



nutrition, pack some nutritious foods in a cooler



full of ice packs. Fruits and vegetables, crackers,



yogurt, and sandwiches are all great to have with



you on the road.





Once you arrive at your hotel, you should do



yourself a favor and turn the minibar key down - as



this helps to avoid the temptation. If your hotel



offers a continental breakfast, stick to fruits,



cereals, and proteins. If your hotel has a stove



or microwave, consider bringing your own healthy



food with you.





If you simply must eat out, do so only when you



are hungry. Restaurants will usually serve large



portions, so be careful. If you do go a bit over



on a meal, simply cut back on the next.





If you find it hard to fit in three square meals



a day, try to fit in six smaller meals or snacks,



as your body needs fuel every four hours or so.



When you eat out, avoid appetizers. Whatever you



do, do not miss any meals.





When it's possible, you should avoid eating large



meals at night. When your body gets ready for



sleep and slows down, it also burns calories at a



much slower pace. Never eat bread before bed, and



make sure to avoid the butter. Choose fish or



poultry for your meal instead, and include



vegetables as a side dish.





Even though it may sound hard, eating healthy on



vacation isn't really that difficult. All you have



to do is use a little will power, and pass up



foods that you know aren't good for you. This



way, you'll enjoy healthy eating and a healthy



lifestyle wherever you go.





The next time you go on a vacation, always remember



that eating healthy is a way of life. You can



afford to get something you crave, although you



shouldn't make a habit of it. One ice cream



cone or a pizza isn't going to matter - as long as



you know when to stop.


Friday 25 February 2011

Eating Healthy When Eating Out




If you go out to a restaurant to eat, you probably



watch your calories very closely. To assist you



with your calorie watching when dining out, these



tips will help you make the most of it.





- Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side,



as this way you have control over how much you add



to your meal.





- When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you



should ask that the food be grilled without butter



or oil, or prepared with very little or either or.





- Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout



for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based



sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat



and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted



as a vegetable!





- You should always try to drink water, diet soda,



or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain



alcohol.





- If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half



of the dessert will equal half of the calories.





- When you choose a soup, remember that cream



based soups are higher in fat and calories than



other soups. A soup can be a great appetizer, as



most are low in calories and you fill you up pretty



fast.





- When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead



of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa



is very low in calories and provides a healthy



alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.





- When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your



body and what it tells you.





- If you get full, take half of your meal home.



The second portion of your meal can serve as a second



meal later. This way, you get two meals for the



price of one.





- If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers



or an appetizer and a salad as your meal.





- If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked



potato or steamed vegetables instead of french



fries.





- Always look for food on the menu that's baked,



grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types



of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and



are usually much lower in calories.





- Plain bread or rolls are low in both fat and



calories. When you add the butter and oil, you



increase the fat and calorie intake.





- As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes



with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and



vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as



well as many vitamins and minerals.





- Choose foods made with whole grains, such as



whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice.





- If you crave dessert, look for something with



low fat, such as berries or fruit.





- Always remember not to deprive yourself of the



foods you truly love. All types of foods can fit



into a well balanced diet.


Wednesday 23 February 2011

Facts About Nutrition Labels




The nutrition label located on each and every food item,



will tell you all the information about that food. For



some however, this information isn't exactly that reader



friendly. Fear not, as it's actually easier than you



think.





Serving Size



This size is based on the amount people eat. Similar



food items will have similar serving sizes, thus making



it easier to compare 2 foods of the same category.





% Daily Value



This indicates how food will fit in a 2,000 calorie



diet. This will help you to understand if the food



has a lot, or just a little of the important nutrients.





The middle section



The nutrients you'll find listed in the middle section



are the ones that are most important to your health.



This information can help you to calculate your daily



limit of fat, fiber, sodium, and other nutrients.





Vitamins & minerals



The percent daily value found here is the exact same



as the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamins



and minerals.





Now that you know what the nutrition label actually



means, it'll be a lot easy to eat healthy. Eating



healthy is a great thing - especially when you use the



nutrition label to assist you with your food choices.


Monday 21 February 2011

Fight Stress With Healthy Eating




Whenever we get too busy or stressed, we all tend



to make poor food choices that will actually



increase stress and cause other problems. To get



the most of your healthy eating and avoid stress,



follow these simple tips.





Always eat breakfast



Even though you may think you aren't hungry,



you need to eat something. Skipping breakfast



makes it harder to maintain the proper blood and



sugar levels during the day, so you should always



eat something.





Carry a snack



Keeping some protein rich snacks in your car,



office, or pocket book will help you avoid blood



sugar level dips, the accompanying mood swings, and



the fatigue. Trail mix, granola bars, and energy



bars all have the nutrients you need.





Healthy munchies



If you like to munch when you're stressed out,



you can replace chips or other non healthy foods



with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even



sunflower seeds.





Bring your lunch



Although a lot of people prefer to eat fast food



for lunch, you can save a lot of money and actually



eat healthier if you take a few minutes and pack



a lunch at home. Even if you only do this a few



times a week, you'll see a much better improvement



over eating out.





Stock your home



As important as it is to get the bad food out of



your house, it's even more important to get the good



food in! The best way to do this is to plan a menu



of healthy meals at snacks at the beginning of the



week, list the ingedients you need, then go shop



for it. This way, you'll know what you want when



you need it and you won't have to stress over what


Wednesday 16 February 2011

FRUIT COCKTAILS.




Cocktails made of a combination of fruits are often served as the first course of a meal, usually a luncheon or a dinner, to precede the soup course. In warm weather, they are an excellent substitute for heavy cocktails made of lobster or crab, and they may even be used to replace the soup course. The fruits used for this purpose should be the more acid ones, for the acids and flavors are intended to serve as an appetizer, or the same purpose for which the hot and highly seasoned soups are taken. Fruit cocktails should always be served ice cold.





Grapefruit cocktail.



--------------------





The cocktail here explained may be served in stemmed glasses or in the shells of the grapefruit. If the fruit shells are to be used, the grapefruit should be cut into two parts, half way between the blossom and the stem ends, the fruit removed, and the edges of the shell then notched. This plan of serving a cocktail should be adopted only when small grapefruits are used, for if the shells are large more fruit will have to be used than is agreeable for a cocktail.





2 grapefruits 2 oranges 1 c. diced pineapple, fresh or canned Powdered sugar





Remove the pulp from the grapefruits and oranges. However, if the grapefruit shells are to be used for serving the cocktail, the grapefruit should be cut in half and the pulp then taken out of the skin with a sharp knife. With the sections of pulp removed, cut each one into several pieces. Add the diced pineapple to the other fruits, mix together well and set on ice until thoroughly chilled. Put in cocktail glasses or grapefruit shells, pour a spoonful or two of orange juice over each serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar, garnish with a cherry, and serve ice cold.





Summer cocktail.



---------------





As strawberries and pineapples can be obtained fresh at the same time during the summer, they are often used together in a cocktail. When sweetened slightly with powdered sugar and allowed to become ice cold, these fruits make a delicious combination.





2 c. diced fresh pineapple 2 c. sliced strawberries Powdered sugar





Prepare a fresh pineapple, and cut each slice into small pieces or dice. Wash and hull the strawberries and slice them into small slices. Mix the two fruits and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Place in cocktail glasses and allow to stand on ice a short time before serving.





Fruit cocktail.



---------------





A fruit cocktail proper is made by combining a number of different kinds of fruit, such as bananas, pineapple, oranges, and maraschino cherries. Such a cocktail is served in a stemmed glass set on a small plate. Nothing more delicious than this can be prepared for the first course of a dinner or a luncheon that is to be served daintily. Its advantage is that it can be made at almost any season of the year with these particular fruits.





2 bananas 1 c. canned pineapple 2 oranges 1 doz. maraschino cherries Lemon juice Powdered sugar





Peel the bananas and dice them. Dice the pineapple. Remove the pulp from the oranges in the manner, and cut each section into several pieces. Mix these three fruits. Cut the cherries in half and add to the mixture. Set on ice until thoroughly chilled. To serve, put into cocktail glasses and add to each glass 1 tablespoonful of maraschino juice from the cherries and 1 teaspoonful of lemon juice. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.


Saturday 12 February 2011

Healthy Fat Intake




This information is aimed at helping you to



reduce your fat intake. The average individual



eats too much fat, a factor that's linked to



a variety of health problems, including cancer.



Diets that are high in fat are associated with



breast and colon cancer, with some studies



linking high fat to prostate cancer as well.





A majority of people can bring their fat intakes



down to a healthy range by making a few adjustments



in the way they shop, cook, and prepare the foods



they eat.





Now days, it's getting easier and easier to control



the amount of fat you consume. The fat content of



foods are now available through the nutrition label



and through brochures distributed by food companies



and even fast food restaurants.





You can use this information on nutrition to choose



lower fat foods by comparing products and food



brands. Once you have a rough idea of what a healthy



intake of fat is, you'll know what you can and what



you can't have.





From day to day, the amount of fat you eat will



vary. Some meals and some days will be higher in



fat than others. Even high fat meals can be kept



in line with healthy eating as long as you balance



those days accordingly. The average fat intake over



the course of weeks and months is important, not the



fat intake of every meal and food you consume.





Younger adults and high active adults who have



higher calorie needs can probably eat a little more



fat. Older adults and those that aren't very active



should aim for a lower fat intake. This way, you



can control your fat intake and avoid the many



problems that fat is associated with.


Thursday 10 February 2011

HYGIENE OF DIGESTION.


With the stomach and other digestive organs in a state of perfect health, one is entirely unconscious of their existence, save when of feeling of hunger calls attention to the fact that food is required, or satiety warns us that a sufficient amount or too much has been eaten. Perfect digestion can only be maintained by careful observance of the rules of health in regard to habits of eating.



On the subject of Hygiene of Digestion, we quote a few paragraphs from Dr. Kellogg's work on Physiology, in which is given a concise summary of the more important points relating to this:



"The hygiene of digestion has to do with the quality and quantity of food eaten, in the manner of eating it.



If the food is eaten too rapidly, it will not be properly divided, and when swallowed in coarse lumps, the digestive fluids cannot readily act upon it. On account of the insufficient mastication, the saliva will be deficient in quantity, and, as a consequence, the starch will not be well digested, and the stomach will not secrete a sufficient amount of gastric juice. It is not well to eat only soft or liquid food, as we are likely to swallow it without proper chewing. A considerable proportion of hard food, which requires thorough mastication, should be eaten at every meal.



Drinking Freely at Meals is harmful, as it not only encourages hasty eating, but dilutes the gastric juice, and thus lessens its activity. The food should be chewed until sufficiently moistened by saliva to allow it to be swallowed. When large quantities of fluid are taken into the stomach, digestion does not begin until a considerable portion of the fluid has been absorbed. If cold foods or drinks are taken with the meal, such as ice-cream, ice-water, iced milk or tea, the stomach is chilled, and a long delay in the digestive process is occasioned.



The Indians of Brazil carefully abstain from drinking when eating, and the same custom prevails among many other savage tribes.



Eating between Meals.


---------------------



The habit of eating apples, nuts, fruits, confectionery, etc., between meals is exceedingly harmful, and certain to produce loss of appetite and indigestion. The stomach as well as the muscles and other organs of the body requires rest. The frequency with which meals should be taken depends somewhat upon the age and occupation of an individual. Infants take their food at short intervals, and owing to its simple character, are able to digest it very quickly. Adults should not take food oftener than three times a day; and persons whose employment is sedentary say, in many cases at least, adopt with advantage the plan of the ancient Greeks, who ate but twice a day.



Simplicity in Diet.


-------------------



Taking too many kinds of food at a meal is a common fault which is often a cause of disease of the digestive-organs. Those nations are the most hardy and enduring whose dietary is most simple. The Scotch peasantry live chiefly upon oatmeal, the Irish upon potatoes, milk, and oatmeal, the Italian upon peas, beans, macaroni, and chestnuts; yet all these are noted for remarkable health and endurance. The natives of the Canary Islands, an exceedingly well-developed and vigorous race, subsist almost chiefly upon a food which they call gofio, consisting of parched grain, coarsely ground in a mortar and mixed with water.



Eating when Tired.


-----------------



It is not well to eat when exhausted by violent exercise, as the system is not prepared to do the work of digestion well. Sleeping immediately after eating is also a harmful practice. The process of digestion cannot well be performed during sleep, and sleep is disturbed by the ineffective efforts of the digestive organs. Hence the well-known evil effects of late suppers.



Eating too Much.


---------------



Hasty eating is the greatest cause of over-eating. When one eats too rapidly, the food is crowded into the stomach so fast that nature has no time to cry, 'Enough,' by taking away the appetite before too much has been eaten. When an excess of food is taken, it is likely to ferment or sour before it can be digested. One who eats too much usually feels dull after eating."

Monday 7 February 2011

Healthy Grocery Shopping




Grocery shopping is something we all have to do, even



though choosing the right foods can be very hard



indeed. To assist you with your healthy grocery



shopping, the tips below can indeed help make things



easier than ever before:





1. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.





2. Select canned fruits and tuna that are packed in



water, not oil or syrup.





3. Look at the labels for the words "hydrogenated"



or "partially hydrogenated". The earlier you see



them appear on the list, the higher the amount of



unhealthy trans fatty acids the food will contain.





4. Don't buy turkey with the skin on it, and if



you plan to buy chicken - buy a chicken breast



meal.





5. When you select frozen dinners, select those



that are not only low in fat, but low in sodium



and cholesterol as well.





6. If you aren't consuming enough dairy products,



go with calcium fortified orange juice instead.





7. Go for whole grain breads, cereals, and rolls.





8. Give cantaloupe a try. With just 95 calories,



half of the melon will provide more than a day's



supply of Vitamin C and beta carotene.





9. Don't be tricked into buying yogurt covered



by nuts or raisins, as the coating is normally



made of sugar and partially hydrogenated oils.





10. Get some of the low fat treats, such as



pretzels, ginger snaps, and angel food cake.





By following the above tips when grocery shopping,



you'll avoid the bad foods and get those that you



need. There are many different healthy foods at



the grocery store, all it takes is the will power



to go past the bad foods and on to the good ones.


Saturday 5 February 2011

Healthy Food Choices




Eating healthy is something we all would like to do,



although it can be hard. In order to eat healthy, you



must first make the right food choices. Eating healthy



is all about what you eat, which makes the choices very



crucial to your results.





Grains



You should consume 6 ounces of grains per day. To do this,



you can eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, rice,



crackers, or pasta. You can get an ounce of grains in



a single slice of bread, or 1 cut of cereal.





Vegetables



These should be varied, as you should eat 2 1/2 cups of



them each day. You should start eating more of the dark



vegetables, such as broccili and spinach. Carrots and



sweet potatoes are good as well. You should also eat



more dry beans such as peas, pinto beans, and even kidney



beans.





Fruits



Fruits are very important. You should try to eat 2 cups



of them each day. Focus on eating a variety, such as



fresh, frozen, canned, or even dried fruit. You can



drink fruit juices as well, although you should use



moderation when doing so.





Milk



Milk is your calcium rich friend. For adults, 3 cups



is the ideal goal. For kids 2 - 8, 2 cups is where you



want to be. When choosing milk products or yogurt, you



should go for fat-free or low-fat. Those of you who



don't like milk or can't have it, should go for lactose



free products or other sources of calcium such as fortified



foods and beverages.





Meat and beans



Eating 5 ounces a day is the ideal goal, as you should go



lean with your protein. When eating meat, always bake it,



grill it, or broil it, as this will prevent grease from



adding to the equation. You should vary your protein



as well, with more fish, beans, peas, and nuts.





When cooking your food, you should also limit solid fats



such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These



foods may add flavor to your dishes, although they can



also help raise your cholesterol as well. Therefore, you



should try to add these foods and any foods that happen



to contain them.





To help keep your saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium low,



you can check the nutrition facts label. This label can



be found on the food package and will tell you all the



information you need to know about the food item.





By picking your foods wisely and watching what you eat,



you'll help control your lifestyle. Exercise is great as



well, as it goes along perfect with a healthy eating



lifestyle. No matter what your age may be, eating healthy



will help you keep your active lifestyle for years and



years - even help you and your health in the long run


Thursday 3 February 2011

Kids Eating Healthy




Fast food is a big part of modern life these days,



making it very hard to teach a child how he or she



should eat healthy. The cheapest and easiest foods



are those that are normally the least healthy. If



you give your child the choice between healthy food



and junk food, you normally won't like the results.





Even though it isn't possible to get a child to like



all healthy foods, there are some ways to get your



child to try and hopefully like at least a few of



them. You can be as creative as you like, as getting



kids to eat healthy foods can be a little harder than



you may think.





- Sneak the healthy food in. Even though it would



be great if your kid understood the importance of



fruits and vegetables, this isn't always possible.



If you can't get them to eat good food willingly,



there are ways to sneak them in, such as making



muffins out of bananas or apples, or pizza with



spinach on it.





- Call fruits and vegetables by funny names. You



can refer to broccoli as "trees", making them



more fun to eat. There are many different names



you can call fruits and vegetables, even making up



your own if you prefer. Most kids prefer to eat



foods that sound fun.





- Make the foods taste better. Ranch dressing is



great for broccoli, while peanut butter is a great



topping for celery. There are several combinations



for vegetables that can make them taste much



better. You can let your child pick a topping



for a vegetable, even if it's something you wouldn't



normally like yourself.





- Dress the vegetables up. Just as much as calling



them names help kids eat healthy foods, making them



look funny also helps. You can do this by making



funny designs on the plate, or setting them up to



look like people. Although some parents don't like



their kids playing with their food, sometimes it



helps to get them to eat healthier.





There are several ways to make your kids eat



healthier, but to make them enjoy it also has to



be fun as well. This isn't always an easy task,



because kids normally don't like foods that are



good for them. It can however, be done with a bit



of creativity. Hopefully, doing this will help



your child develop a love of healthy foods for the


Wednesday 2 February 2011

MACARONI RECIPES.




Home-made macaroni.



------------------





To four cupfuls of flour, add one egg well beaten, and enough water to make a dough that can be rolled. Roll thin on a breadboard and cut into strips. Dry in the sun. The best arrangement for this purpose is a wooden frame to which a square of cheese-cloth has been tightly tacked, upon which the macaroni may be laid in such a way as not to touch, and afterwards covered with a cheese-cloth to keep off the dust during the drying.





Boiled macaroni.



---------------





Put a larg cup of macaroni into boiling water and cook until tender. When done, drained thoroughly, then add a pint of milk, part cream if it can be afforded, a little salt and one well-beaten egg; stir over the fire until it thickens, and serve hot.





Macaroni with cream sauce.



-------------------------





Cook the macaroni as directed in the proceeding, and serve with a cream sauce prepared by heating a scant pint of rich milk to boiling, in a double boiler. When boiling, add a heaping tablespoonful of flour, rubbed smoothed in a little milk and one fourth teaspoonful of salt. If desired, the sauce may be flavored by steeping in the milk before thickening for ten or fifteen minutes, a slice of onion or a few bits of celery, and then removing with a fork.





Macaroni with tomato sauce.



--------------------------





Drop a cup of macaroni into boiling milk and water, equal parts. Let it boil for an hour, or until perfectly tender. In the meantime prepare the sauce by rubbing a pint of stewed or canned tomatoes through a colander to remove all seeds and fragments. Heat to boiling, thicken with a little flour; a tablespoonful to the pint will be about the requisite proportion. Add salt and if desired, a half cup of very thin sweet cream. Dish the macaroni into individual dishes, and serve with a small quantity of the sauce poured over each dish.





Macaroni baked with granola.



---------------------------





Cook a large cup of macaroni until tender in boiling milk and water. When done, drain and put a layer of the macaroni in the bottom of a pudding dish, and sprinkle over it a scant teaspoonful of granola. Add a second and third layer and sprinkle each with granola; then turn over the whole a custard sauce prepared by mixing together a pint of milk, the well beaten yolks of two eggs or one whole egg, and one-fourth of a teaspoonful of salt. Care should be taken to arrange the macaroni in layers loosely, so that the sauce will readily permeate the whole. Bake for a few minutes only, until the custard has well set, and serve.





Eggs and macaroni.



-----------------





Cook a cup of macaroni in boiling water. While the macaroni is cooking, boil the yolks of four eggs until mealy. The whole egg may be used if caught so the yolks are mealy in the whites simply jellied, not hardened. When the macaroni is done, drain and put a layer of it arranged loosely in the bottom of a pudding dish. Slice the cooked egg yolks and spread a layer of them over the macaroni. Fill the dish with alternate layers of macaroni and egg, taking care to have the top layer of macaroni. Pour over the whole a cream sauce prepared as follows: Heat one and three fourths cup of rich milk to boiling, add one fourth teaspoonful of salt and one heaping spoonful of flour rubbed smooth in a little cold milk. Cook until thickened, then turn over the macaroni. Sprinkle the top with grated bread crumbs, and brown in a hot oven for eight or ten minutes. Serve hot.


Sunday 30 January 2011

Nine Facts About Fiber


If you've been looking for a way towards a high


octane diet, you'll find fiber to be exactly what


you need. Even though research has shown fiber to


be powerful, many people aren't taking this nutrient


seriously.



To help you fuel your health with fiber, here are


10 facts to help.



1. Fiber fights diseases. A diet high in fiber can


help to prevent colon cancer and heart disease. High


fiber helps the body to eliminate cholesterol by


binding it in the digestive tract. For thousands of


years, fiber has been used to stop constipation.



2. Fiber can actually help with overeating. All high


fiber foods will take longer to chew and digest,


making you feel satisfied longer



3. Most popular foods don't have enough fiber. If


you like the more popular foods, you probably need


to increase your intake of fiber.



4. Grains offer the most fiber. Dietary fiber is


actually plant matter that we cannot digest. The best


sources are whole grains and concentrated grain


products.



5. Kids need fiber as well. Children that are older


than 2 years of age should consume a daily intake of


fiber. Kids are most receptive to fiber found in


fruits, vegetables, and even fortified breakfast


cereals.



6. More fiber needs more water. In order to keep


fiber moving through your digestive tract, you'll


need to consume a lot of water. With your diet of


fiber, you'll need eight or more glasses of water


every day.



7. Fiber cannot be cooked out. When you cook


your fruits and vegetables, don't worry about cooking


the fiber out, as it stays. The fiber found in


fruits and vegetables aren't just in the skin or


in the peel.



8. You can get enough fiber. If you eat more than


50 grams of fiber in a day, you can get diarrhea


and bloating, which can interfere with your body's


absorption of other key minerals.



9. Getting the right amount of fiber in your diet


doesn't have to be hard. Even though you may think


so, getting the amount of fiber you need isn't very


hard to do. All you have to do is eat the right


foods and you'll be well on your way to a fiber


rich lifestyle.



As one of the key ingredients to healthy eating,


fiber is something you don't want to skip. Fiber can


serve many different purposes, which were covered


above. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your


diet - you should do something about now instead


of waiting until it is too late.

Friday 28 January 2011

IMPORTANCE OF FOOD ELEMENTS




The purposes of food are to promote growth, to supply force and heat, and to furnish material to repair the waste which is constantly taking place in the body. Every breath, every thought, every motion, wears out some portion of the delicate and wonderful house in which we live. Various vital processes remove these worn and useless particles; and to keep the body in health, their loss must be made good by constantly renewed supplies of material properly adapted to replenish the worn and impaired tissues. This renovating material must be supplied through the medium of food and drink, and the best food is that by which the desired end may be most readily and perfectly attained. The great diversity in character of the several tissues of the body, makes it necessary that food should contain a variety of elements, in order that each part may be properly nourished and replenished.





The food elements.



-------------------





The various elements found in food are the following: Starch, sugar, fats, albumen, mineral substances, indigestible substances.





The digestible food elements are often grouped, according to their chemical composition, into three classes; vis., carbonaceous, nitrogenous, and inorganic. The carbonaceous class includes starch, sugar, and fats; the nitrogenous, all albuminous elements; and the inorganic comprises the mineral elements.





Starch is only found in vegetable foods; all grains, most vegetables, and some fruits, contain starch in abundance. Several kinds of sugar are made in nature's laboratory; cane, grape, fruit, and milk sugar. The first is obtained from the sugar-cane, the sap of maple trees, and from the beet root. Grape and fruit sugars are found in most fruits and in honey. Milk sugar is one of the constituents of milk. Glucose, an artificial sugar resembling grape sugar, is now largely manufactured by subjecting the starch of corn or potatoes to a chemical process; but it lacks the sweetness of natural sugars, and is by no means a proper substitute for them. Albumen is found in its purest, uncombined state in the white of an egg, which is almost wholly composed of albumen. It exists, combined with other food elements, in many other foods, both animal and vegetable. It is found abundant in oatmeal, and to some extent in the other grains, and in the juices of vegetables. All natural foods contain elements which in many respects resemble albumen, and are so closely allied to it that for convenience they are usually classified under the general name of "albumen." The chief of these is gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Casein, found in peas, beans, and milk, and the fibrin of flesh, are elements of this class.





Fats are found in both animal and vegetable foods. Of animal fats, butter and suet are common examples. In vegetable form, fat is abundant in nuts, peas, beans, in various of the grains, and in a few fruits, as the olive. As furnished by nature in nuts, legumes, grains, fruits, and milk, this element is always found in a state of fine subdivision, which condition is the one best adapted to its digestion. As most commonly used, in the form of free fats, as butter, lard, etc., it is not only difficult of digestion itself, but often interferes with the digestion of the other food elements which are mixed with it. It was doubtless never intended that fats should be so modified from their natural condition and separated from other food elements as to be used as a separate article of food. The same may be said of the other carbonaceous elements, sugar and starch, neither of which, when used alone, is capable of sustaining life, although when combined in a proper and natural manner with other food elements, they perform a most important part in the nutrition of the body. Most foods contain a percentage of the mineral elements. Grains and milk furnish these elements in abundance. The cellulose, or woody tissue, of vegetables, and the bran of wheat, are examples of indigestible elements, which although they cannot be converted into blood in tissue, serve an important purpose by giving bulk to the food.





With the exception of gluten, none of the food elements, when used alone, are capable of supporting life. A true food substance contains some of all the food elements, the amount of each varying in different foods.





Uses of the food elements.



--------------------------





Concerning the purpose which these different elements serve, it has been demonstrated by the experiments of eminent physiologists that the carbonaceous elements, which in general comprise the greater bulk of the food, serve three purposes in the body;





1. They furnish material for the production of heat;





2. They are a source of force when taken in connection with other food elements;





3. They replenish the fatty tissues of the body. Of the carbonaceous elements, starch, sugar, and fats, fats produce the greatest amount of heat in proportion to quantity; that is, more heat is developed from a pound of fat than from an equal weight of sugar or starch; but this apparent advantage is more than counterbalanced by the fact that fats are much more difficult of digestion than are the other carbonaceous elements, and if relied upon to furnish adequate material for bodily heat, would be productive of much mischief in overtaxing and producing disease of the digestive organs. The fact that nature has made a much more ample provision of starch and sugars than of fats in man's natural diet, would seem to indicate that they were intended to be the chief source of carbonaceous food; nevertheless, fats, when taken in such proportion as nature supplies them, are necessary and important food elements.





The nitrogenous food elements especially nourish the brain, nerves, muscles, and all the more highly vitalized and active tissues of the body, and also serve as a stimulus to tissue change. Hence it may be said that a food deficient in these elements is a particularly poor food.





The inorganic elements, chief of which are the phosphates, in the carbonates of potash, soda, and lime, aid in furnishing the requisite building material for bones and nerves.





Proper combinations of foods.



-----------------------------





While it is important that our food should contain some of all the various food elements, experiments upon both animals and human beings show it is necessary that these elements, especially the nitrogenous and carbonaceous, be used in certain definite proportions, as the system is only able to appropriate a certain amount of each; and all excess, especially of nitrogenous elements, is not only useless, but even injurious, since to rid the system of the surplus imposes an additional task upon the digestive and excretory organs. The relative proportion of these elements necessary to constitute a food which perfectly meets the requirements of the system, is six of carbonaceous to one of nitrogenous. Scientists have devoted much careful study and experimentation to the determination of the quantities of each of the food elements required for the daily nourishment of individuals under the varying conditions of life, and it has come to be commonly accepted that of the nitrogenous material which should constitute one sixth of the nutrients taken, about three ounces is all that can be made use of in twenty-four hours, by a healthy adult of average weight, doing a moderate amount of work. Many articles of food are, however, deficient in one or the other of these elements, and need to be supplemented by other articles containing the deficient element in superabundance, since to employ a dietary in which any one of the nutritive elements is lacking, although in bulk it may be all the digestive organs can manage, is really starvation, and will in time occasion serious results.





It is thus apparent that much care should be exercised in the selection and combination of food materials. Such knowledge is of first importance in the education of cooks and housekeepers, since to them falls the selection of the food for the daily needs of the household; and they should not only understand what foods are best suited to supply these needs, but how to combine them in accordance with physiological laws.


Thursday 27 January 2011

Making Healthy Food Choices




Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in



fat and have no cholesterol. Most are great sources



of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins.



The American Heart Association recommends that you



eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.





Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:





- Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives



are high in monounsaturated fats and calories. You



should use these items sparingly to avoid getting



too many calories from fat.





- When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat



or cholesterol is often added. For example, egg



yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.





- Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may



also contain added sodium. With some people, too



much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure.



There are some food companies that are actually



canning vegetables with less salt. You can look



for these in the market area or choose fresh and



even frozen vegetables.





- Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and



fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated



or monounsaturated. There are some varieties,



macadamie nuts for example, that are also high in



saturated fat.





Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great



choice as well. Examples include oat bran,



oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and



even apple pulp.





Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices,



always make sure you read the nutrition label



or information about the food. You can then



determine what the food contains and how healthy



it truly is for your body. By taking your time



and making your healthy food choices wisely,



you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that



will take care of you.


Monday 24 January 2011

MOUTH-WATERING LOBSTER RECIPES.




To boil lobsters.



-----------------





Ingredients:- 1/4 lb. of salt to each gallon of water.





Mode:- Medium-sized lobsters are the best. Have ready a stewpan of boiling water, salted in the above proportion; put in the lobster, and keep it boiling quickly from 20 minutes to 3/4 hour, according to its size, and do not forget to skim well. If it boils too long, the meat becomes thready, and if not done enough, the spawn is not red: this must be obviated by great attention. Hub the shell over with a little butter or sweet oil, which wipe off again.





Time. Small lobster, 20 minutes to 1/2 hour; large ditto, 1/2 to 1/3 hour.





Hot lobster.



------------





Ingredients:- 1 lobster, 2 oz. of butter, grated nutmeg; salt, pepper, and pounded mace, to taste; bread crumbs, 2 eggs.





Mode:- Pound the meat of the lobster to a smooth paste with the butter and seasoning, and add a few bread crumbs. Beat the eggs, and make the whole mixture into the form of a lobster; pound the spawn, and sprinkle over it. Bake 1/4 hour, and just before serving, lay over it the tail and body shell, with the small claws underneath, to resemble a lobster.





Time. 1/4 hour.





Lobster salad.



--------------





Ingredients:- 1 hen lobster, lettuces, endive, small salad (whatever is in season), a little chopped beetroot, 2 hard-boiled eggs, a few slices of cucumber. For dressing, equal quantities of oil and vinegar, 1 teaspoonful of made mustard, the yolks of 2 eggs; cayenne and salt to taste; 3 teaspoonful of anchovy sauce. These ingredients should be mixed perfectly smooth, and form a creamy-looking sauce.





Mode:- Wash the salad, and thoroughly dry it by shaking it in a cloth. Cut up the lettuces and endive, pour the dressing on them, and lightly throw in the small salad. Mix all well together with the pickings from the body of the lobster; pick the meat from the shell, cut it up into nice square pieces, put half in the salad, the other half reserve for garnishing. Separate the yolks from the whites of 2 hard-boiled eggs; chop the whites very fine, and rub the yolks through a sieve, and afterwards the coral from the inside. Arrange the salad lightly on a glass dish, and garnish, first with a row of sliced cucumber, then with the pieces of lobster, the yolks and whites of the eggs, coral, and beetroot placed alternately, and arranged in small separate bunches, so that the colours contrast nicely.





Note. A few crayfish make a pretty garnishing to lobster salad.





Lobster (a la mode francaise).



-----------------------------





Ingredients:- 1 lobster, 4 tablespoonfuls of white stock, 2 tablespoonfuls of cream, pounded mace, and cayenne to taste; bread crumbs.





Mode:- Pick the meat from the shell, and cut it up into small square pieces; put the stock, cream, and seasoning into a stewpan, add the lobster, and let it simmer gently for 6 minutes. Serve it in the shell, which must be nicely cleaned, and have a border of puff-paste; cover it with bread crumbs, place small pieces of butter over, and brown before the fire, or with a salamander.





Time. 1/4 hour.





Lobster curry (an Entree).



--------------------------





Ingredients:- 1 lobster, 2 onions, 1 oz. butter, 1 tablespoonful of curry-powder, 1/2 pint of medium stock, the juice of 1/2 lemon.





Mode:- Pick the meat from the shell, and cut it into nice square pieces; fry the onions of a pale brown in the butter, stir in the curry-powder and stock, and simmer till it thickens, when put in the lobster; stew the whole slowly for 1/2 hour, and stir occasionally; and just before sending to table, put in the lemon-juice. Serve boiled rice with it, the same as for other curries.





Time. Altogether, 3/4 hour.





Lobster cutlets (an Entree).



----------------------------





Ingredients:- 1 large hen lobster, 1 oz. fresh butter, 1/2 saltspoonful of salt, pounded mace, grated nutmeg, cayenne and white pepper to taste, egg, and bread crumbs.





Mode:- Pick the meat from the shell, and pound it in a mortar with the butter, and gradually add the mace and seasoning, well mixing the ingredients; beat all to a smooth paste, and add a little of the spawn; divide the mixture into pieces of an equal size, and shape them like cutlets. They should not be very thick. Brush them over with egg, and sprinkle with bread crumbs, and stick a short piece of the small claw in the top of each; fry them of a nice brown in boiling lard, and drain them before the fire, on a sieve reversed; arrange them nicely on a dish, and pour bechamel in the middle, but not over the cutlets.





Time. About 8 minutes after the cutlets are made.





Lobster patties (an Entree).



----------------------------





Ingredients:- Minced lobster, 4 tablespoonfuls of bechamel, 6 drops of anchovy sauce, lemon-juice, cayenne to taste.





Mode:- Line the patty-pans with puff-paste, and put into each a small piece of bread: cover with paste, brush over with egg, and bake of a light colour. Take as much lobster as is required, mince the meat very fine, and add the above ingredients; stir it over the fire for 6 minutes; remove the lids of the patty-cases, take out the bread, fill with the mixture, and replace the covers.





Potted lobster.



---------------





Ingredients:- 2 lobsters; seasoning to taste, of nutmeg, pounded mace, white pepper, and salt; 1/4 lb. of butter, 3 or 4 bay-leaves.





Mode:- Take out the meat carefully from the shell, but do not cut it up. Put some butter at the bottom of a dish, lay in the lobster as evenly as possible, with the bay-leaves and seasoning between. Cover with butter, and bake for 3/4 hour in a gentle oven. When done, drain the whole on a sieve, and lay the pieces in potting-jars, with the seasoning about them. When cold, pour over it clarified butter, and, if very highly seasoned, it will keep some time.


Sunday 23 January 2011

NINE SALMON RECIPES.




Boiled salmon.



--------------





Ingredients:- 6 oz. of salt to each gallon of water, sufficient water to cover the fish.





Mode:- Scale and clean the fish, and be particular that no blood is left inside; lay it in the fish-kettle with sufficient cold water to cover it, adding salt in the above proportion. Bring it quickly to a boil, take off all the scum, and let it simmer gently till the fish is done, which will be when the meat separates easily from the bone. Experience alone can teach the cook to fix the time for boiling fish; but it is especially to be remembered, that it should never be underdressed, as then nothing is more unwholesome. Neither let it remain in the kettle after it is sufficiently cooked, as that would render it insipid, watery, and colourless. Drain it, and if not wanted for a few minutes, keep it warm by means of warm cloths laid over it. Serve on a hot napkin, garnish with cut lemon and parsley, and send lobster or shrimp sauce, and plain melted butter to table with it. A dish of dressed cucumber usually accompanies this fish.





Time. 8 minutes to each lb. for large thick salmon; 6 minutes for thin fish.





Note. Cut lemon should be put on the table with this fish; and a little of the juice squeezed over it is considered by many persons a most agreeable addition. Boiled peas are also, by some connoisseurs, considered especially adapted to be served with salmon.





Salmon and caper sauce.



-----------------------





Ingredients:- 2 slices of salmon, 1/4 lb. batter, 1/2 teaspoonful of chopped parsley, 1 shalot; salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste.





Mode:- Lay the salmon in a baking-dish, place pieces of butter over it, and add the other ingredients, rubbing a little of the seasoning into the fish; baste it frequently; when done, take it out and drain for a minute or two; lay it in a dish, pour caper sauce over it, and serve. Salmon dressed in this way, with tomato sauce, is very delicious.





Time. About 3/4 hour.





Collared salmon.



----------------





Ingredients:- A piece of salmon, say 3 lbs., a high seasoning of salt, pounded mace, and pepper; water and vinegar, 3 bay-leaves.





Mode:- Split the fish; scale, bone, and wash it thoroughly clean; wipe it, and rub in the seasoning inside and out; roll it up, and bind firmly; lay it in a kettle, cover it with vinegar and water (1/3 vinegar, in proportion to the water); add the bay-leaves and a good seasoning of salt and whole pepper, and simmer till done. Do not remove the lid. Serve with melted butter or anchovy sauce. For preserving the collared fish, boil up the liquor in which it was cooked, and add a little more vinegar. Pour over when cold.





Time. 3/4 hour, or rather more.





Curried salmon.



---------------





Ingredients:- Any remains of boiled salmon, 3/4 pint of strong or medium stock, 1 onion, 1 tablespoonful of curry-powder, 1 teaspoonful of Harvey's sauce, 1 teaspoonful of anchovy sauce, 1 oz. of butter, the juice of 1/2 lemon, cayenne and salt to taste.





Mode:- Cut up the onions into small pieces, and fry them of a pale brown in the butter; add all the ingredients but the salmon, and simmer gently till the onion is tender, occasionally stirring the contents; cut the salmon into small square pieces, carefully take away all skin and bone, lay it in the stewpan, and let it gradually heat through; but do not allow it to boil long.





Time. 3/4 hour.





Salmon cutlets.



---------------





Cut the slices 1 inch thick, and season them with pepper and salt; butter a sheet of white paper, lay each slice on a separate piece, with their ends twisted; broil gently over a clear fire, and serve with anchovy or caper sauce. When higher seasoning is required, add a few chopped herbs and a little spice.





Time. 5 to 10 minutes.





Salmon a la genevese.



--------------------





Ingredients:- 2 slices of salmon, 2 chopped shalots, a little parsley, a small bunch of herbs, 2 bay-leaves, 2 carrots, pounded mace, pepper and salt to taste, 4 tablespoonfuls of Madeira, 1/2 pint of white stock, thickening of butter and flour, 1 teaspoonful of essence of anchovies, the juice of 1 lemon, cayenne and salt to taste.





Mode:- Rub the bottom of a stewpan over with butter, and put in the shalots, herbs, bay-leaves, carrots, mace, and seasoning; stir them for 10 minutes over a clear fire, and add the Madeira or sherry; simmer gently for 1/2 hour, and strain through a sieve over the fish, which stew in this gravy. As soon as the fish is sufficiently cooked, take away all the liquor, except a little to keep the salmon moist, and put it into another stewpan; add the stock, thicken with butter and flour, and put in the anchovies, lemon-juice, cayenne, and salt; lay the salmon on a hot dish, pour over it part of the sauce, and serve the remainder in a tureen.


Friday 21 January 2011

Nutrition For The Elderly




Healthy eating and nutrition for the elderly is



greatly impacted by several factors, one of them



being a change in body composition. During the



later years in life, the body will lose bone and



muscle and gain fat because the hormones aren't



very active anymore.





There are many factors which hinder an elderly



person's health. The information below will help



you to lead a healthy life - no matter how old you



may be.





Water



Water in the body decreases with age, so many older



folks will become dehydrated very easily. Sometimes



they won't feel thirsty, while other times it's



too much work to pour a glass a water. With this



in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least



1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight.





Protein



At this stage in life, protein is very important.



Protein is needed to support a healthy immune



system and prevent the wasting of muscle. Since



energy needs are less, older folks should eat high



quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poulty,



and fish.





Carbs and fiber



Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for



the entire body. You can find carbs in bread,



cereals, pasta, and other grain products. A diet



that's high in fiber and water will help to



prevent constipation as well.





Fat



Fat intake for the elderly should be limited, not



eliminated. You can limit fat by choosing lean meats,



low fat dairy products, and food preperation



methods that don't include frying.





Iron



For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen with



those who aren't eating much. Good sources for



iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.





Zinc



Zinc intake is normally with the elderly, and to



make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well



either. Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part



of your diet to help you meet the requirements for



zinc.





Calcium



Calcium is one ingredient that most elderly folks



simply aren't getting enough of. Most believe



that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they



will avoid it. They should be getting around 1,500



mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can



be used in recipes as a substitute for milk. Other



foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccoli



can also help you meet the requirements for calcium.





Vitamin B12



In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsic



facotr must be produced by the stomach. Most elderly



people suffer from a deficiency in B12 because they



have a condition known as atrophic gastritis. This



condition causes inflammation of the stomach,



bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor.



Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be



absorbed.





Each one of the above nutrients are needed to keep



an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals



should try to stay active and strive for a well



balanced diet. Even though the aged body isn't the



same as it used to be, proper care and the right



nutrients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and