Eat Like A Critic

 Imagine the life of a restaurant critic. Yes, its full of good food and trendy eateries but there is a down side.It's being overweight with all sorts of health issues thanks to rich meals and richer desserts that follow. However one critic was able to break this cycle by switching his habits. It lead to a better life and improved health.

The critic is Pete Wells who has been restaurant critic for The New York Times Food section for thirteen years. He wrote about his journey from being unhealthy to being healthy in yesterday's New York Times Wednesday section. It is tough to be a food critic, especially in Manhattan and its' boroughs (he also reviewed restaurants ion other cities throughout the country too)A blood test revealed pre diabetes as well as high cholesterol. The pre diabetes scared him the most. It was time to change his diet.He didn't count calories as so many dieters do. He did change the way he ate and what he ate.He had to rethink his relationship with food and how he ate at home. Surprisingly , he didn't;t worry about his sodium and potassium intakes Those , he felt, would be more important to someone who has kidney disease. He had a general assumption, like with anyone  about what was right to eat and what was wrong. He found that the behavioral approach has become a dominant school of thought in mainstream nutrition,

One key factor was to break up with sugar. Most Americans go   mad for it, He looked to simple carbohydrates to help him with this however its the sugars in these that drive the need for eating. He reset his sugar cravings . Gone were the mounds of white rice along with breakfasts with the base of some baked good ,from an English fun to taste  and topped with everything from honey butter to plum jam. Five months into his reformation he received good news from his doctor. He was no longer prediabetic.He also replaced refined grains with whole ones.Another interesting thing happened. His strong desires for sweets decreased. He had more clarity in his thinking.Fruits and veggies were more in his diet and their sugars and don;t increase the glucose. He gives a sweet potato recipe with chermoula,a vibrant North African relish.It calls for sweet potatoes sliced in half and then boiled in salt water for fifteen to twenty minutes. The chermoula is a blend of cilantro,parsley and Serrano Chiles. Flavoring also comes from garlic,paprika cumin and cayenne. There is also lemon juice for zing and the sweet potatoes are topped with roasted chickpeas for crunch. It makes for a nice weekend lunch or easy weeknight dinner.

Eat like a food critic. It worked for Pete Wells with his decrease in sugar and watching his calorie intake.It proved to be a better, healthier life for him.

Budgeting 101

 Many kids are going to be settling into their first apartments for the first time. They may be leaving the dorms nd living off campus or finally getting that place with the first job. That means shopping - and that could be a big shock.It's time for budgeting basics.

Kids usually imitate their parents and pick up their habits. If you're a thrifty shopper , the your kids most surely will be too. Take homor her on comparison shopping. Some farmers markets will be cheaper than grocery stores , especially when it comes to produce. Another good idea is taking them to various grocery stores and showing them the difference in prices. Aldi has the best prices for veggies and fruit along with for ice cream and boxes of rice and pasta. If there's no Also, then head to Wal-Mart. Thousands every day rely on it's lower prices and they do have good deals on various meat cuts along with veggies and breads. They also offer specials on non food items likes paper towels and dish soap too. while they're there they should also look into buying kitchen basics like microwave, towels, dishes , and air fryers. You can also pick up good deals on kitchen inplements such as spatulas and whisks too along with utensils and knife sets. Local groceries such as Acme also have some of the most expensive deals around too. They're usually to or three dollar cheaper than the other groceries.

Another must have is the grocery story app. All of them have this and you can save a lot on them. They offer rewards towards massive discounts and free food.The app tracks what you buy the most and gives you discounts on those items. Also scour the store for bargains. Most days stores will have a buy one get one  free or the second one half price. Look for these. The extras can be frozen and eaten on another day. Never discount the day old items too. You can still eat those leftover breads and muffins along with fruits and veggies. Also always go for the generic brands. Their flavor is actually much better because they have to compete with the national brands. They also have flavors that the national brands may not have. Acme has garlic butter pretzel twists that brands like Bachmann's don't. Diet changes can also mean lower grocery bills. Meat and seafood can be cut out or cut down to maybe two or three times a month. Think of veggie dinners like ratatouille or bean burritos to stretch the dollar.

Budgeting is important when you're just starting out. Be smart. Be savvy to create good meals with very little.

Lose That Holiday Fat

The worst thing about January is dealing with all that post-holiday fat and bloat.The best thing is making a resolution to eat better and healthier. It's just  matter of adjusting and making wise choices.

We're probably all cookied and candied out. After all, our nibbling involves every kind of holiday cookie, from sweetly decorated sugar cookies to homemade chocolate chip with maybe a few shortbread and oatmeal types thrown in. It's tempting to continue this, for dessert or snacking. Resist. Thanks to the wonder of importing, we can buy all sorts of fresh fruit, from blueberries to pineapples. Finish a meal with some watermelon or cantaloupe chunks. Snack on some blackberries or grapes.If you don;t want to deepen your carbon footprint by buying any of these imports, then think about canned fruit in water or a light syrup. Also, a cup of hot cocoa,is only one hundred fifty calories. Have it with low fat whipped cream for a decadent dessert Better yet , consider yogurt as a nice alternative. Yoplait has those mousse like Whips which taste and feel like a more decadent dessert.Chobani has the fun flips, a mix of yogurt, nuts and chocolate or fruit. It's a way to indulge that sweet tooth without gaining a  pound.

Chobani also has saviory yogurt mixes, perfect for those of us who still crave holiday party chips and dip.Their new Meze style dip is a smart combo of veggies and Greek yogurt. Best of all they 're only twenty-five calories  and have only ten fat calories. The flavors range from roasted red pepper to chili lime to three peppers to Parmesan onion. Dip the ever low calorie Triscuit in them for some crunchy fun. Pretzels also make a good low-calorie snack too as does popcorn, During the holidays we tend to reach for sodas or mixed cocktails to celebrate. All that sugar will only add on an extra jeans size. Go back to water and seltzer. They 're also much more refreshing, even on a chilly day.Go for refreshing and calming herbal teas after a season of pumpkin spice or peppermint lattes. After three months of ingesting basically liquid cake,a soothing cup of chamomile or green peppermint is a nice way to end a busy day It's also a good time to go back to eating, healthier meals, Instead of continuing with gravy laden holiday roasts. Think a lower calorie ratatouille instead of roast beef or turkey with gravy. if you want still want roast, think of a chicken with rosemary and no gravy.

 The holidays were culinary  fun  but it's time to get back to decent eating again. This means better and wiser choices with nutritious foods and drinks. Not only will you feel better but lighter too,

The Fun Diet

Yes, January is here and with it comes the dread of a diet. No one likes to give up that fun holiday diet of roasts and cookies, champagne and caviar. Yet suppose we could have a diet that's fun, one full of tasty dishes and treats that makes us want more?Is that possible? Yes!

Everyone love pizza and tacos. A low calorie  homemade pizza is both healthy and fun. Start by making a whole wheat dough. It will be a denser, chewier dough but will be chock full of vitamins and minerals along with fiber. Use fresh tomatoes or other veggies such as broccoli, kale, and yes even cabbage. As for meat, think leftover chicken or steak. Tuna is another good topper and works well with tomato. Cheese can be held to a minimum unless you're using low cal mozzarella. Try an unusual and colorful topping of chopped scallions. Tacos re another fun meal that can be turned into a yummy diet treat. Instead of having iceburg lettuce, try red cabbage or arugula, Keep the tomatoes  but zing it up with fiery tomatilloes and peppers. Fresh chopped onions add crunch, zest and sweetness. You can also saute the veggies fajita style before adding them to the tacos. definitely use guacamole but nix the sour cream (unless you use the low fat kind). Make a heart healthy guac by  adding two to three tablespoons of olive oil. It not only is good for you but definitely makes the dip satiny smooth and super creamy.

Chili, done healthy is another yummy treat. Go with chopped turkey meat or vegan crumbles. This is a better fat free version. Serve with cornbread which surprisingly is not that high in calories. A fun dinner idea is taking corn muffins , splitting them in half and  then pouring chili on both sides, kind of like a spicy sloppy Joe. Salads , a diet must , can be livened up simply by adding a flavored vinegar, Try infusing crushed blueberries or a dash of pure pomegranate in a regular red wine or apple cider variety. Textures make those greens sing. Toast some sesame seeds  or almond slivers to sprinkle on. Dried cranberries add bother color ,tartness and chewiness. A great diet treat along fridge cleaner is getting rid of that leftover roast. Add cold cubed  London Broil or chicken to just spinach and grape tomatoes. Dress with just oil and vinegar and serve with bread sticks.Everyone love breakfast sandwiches at any time of the day. Make them heart healthy by just using egg whites, soy cheese and soy bacon on an English muffin.It makes just as good a lunch or dinner as it does a day starter.

Don't be discouraged by the thought of a diet. Make it fun with fun good for you dishes.  You'll still have a good time but will be losing weight instead of gaining it.

The Pluses And Minuses Of Supplements

Everyone nowadays takes dietary supplements. It's a fact . Surprisingly we do need some extras despite our rich and varied diets, especially here in America. Yet what works and what doesn't.What's a come on, and what's the real deal? That's the problem every time we buy a bottle of something. guaranteed to improve our health.

Before you go out an buy the latest fad of supplement, analyze what you've been eating..Sometimes nutritional deficiencies  can be solved by adding certain foods to your diet. Iron can be had through lean red meat along with spinach, lentils and beans. Vitamin C , as we all know comes ,from the usual suspects, of limes, lemons , grapefruits and oranges. Milk and sunshine  give us Vitamin D but we usually need supplements. Another question to ask, what kind of vitamin works the best for me. Most doctors always suggest tablets which are effective  however gelcaps are better .because they are absorbed quicker into both the bloodstream and stomach. As for those gummy bear vitamins for both adults and kids, take care. Some brands are lacking when it comes to the important vitamins like the Bs, D and K. Chewables are much better for just kids. They're not as effective for anyone over the age of twelve though and teens and their elders should stick to the regular versions.

Many of us have been suckered in by other supplements, namely those that promise to suppress the appetite and boost metabolism. These don't work . I've tried them , thinking I could lose a few pounds.(Foodie Pantry can do that to you).My appetite was not tamped down. I felt even more hungrier. Luckily my pocketbook dictated I buy the less costlier one (29.00) as opposed to the more expensive ($69.00) so I wasn;t completely soaked.. I don't recommend these and any other one with fantastic promises. There are herbal supplements that also aid in health and medical conditions. I take milk thistle for my gall bladder on a daily basis and it made some improvement.. Many take flaxseed for the antioxidant properties and it can be added to foods ,Some herbal supplements or botanicals as they're also known as  do have side effects. These should be  thoroughly researched before buying. They can have negative side effects and also negate any helpful prescriptions you're on. As for those supplements that promise you a quick weight loss - the best bet is sticking to a low fat diet.

In the end ,it's a matter of being supplement savvy. Figure out what you need and what works the best for you. Stay away from any false promises or the latest thing. Stick to those that will improve your life and fulfill your needs

Resolving Those Resolutions

It's already two weeks into the New Year and some diets have probably been ditched.It is hard to stick to a regime where favorite foods are forbidden and have been replaced by bland greens and cardboard crackers. Don't despair. Any dieter can combine tasty and healthy to create satisfying meals and snacks.

Most people nix chocolate from their diets. This is one of the hardest foods to cut out as we all know.
Luckily it doesn;t have to be given up. Instead of going for milk chocolate treats opt for the dark chocolate instead. A dark chocolate bar can be just as rich an even more sinful. It also is chock full of antioxidants along with being good for your heart and brain. You can even cheat a bit and have a dark chocolate drenched Mallowmar or Pinwheel. Treat yourself to the Lu company Petit Ecolier in the dark chocolate variety. This is a sizeable square of dark chocolate topping a crisp buttery cracker. Ice cream is another treat that's always a struggle with dieters.Instead of pints of rich Turkey Hill or Hagen Daz try Weight Watcher's or Skinny Cow. This last has an amazing array of cones and sandwiches. Their cones are truly delicious and have a variety of different flavors mixed with a chocolate syrup topping. The best part - they're only 150 calories with 90 fat calories. Fruit bars are also yummy and low on fat. Try Stop & Shop's chocolate dipped ones One is just 90 calories with 30 fat calories.

One of the hardest foods to give up is the hamburger.Who can't resist a juicy patty , sometimes smothered in cheese and bacon?  Again, no need for tears.Dieters can have their burgers and eat them too.Turkey burgers are  much leaner and higher in Vitamin B 6. You can still have bacon but switch over to the turkey version,It has a high amount of ever needed zinc to it. As for cheese go for the soy kind. which tastes like the real thing. Another dieting no no and temptation is fried chicken. The best alternative is the baked version. it does take much longer to make(think forty five minutes in the oven) but it has fewer health risks.It does still have the flavorful crunchy coating and tender juicy meat inside. Serve with a mayo less cole slaw for a fun weekend meal.Many dieters miss big breakfasts full of three egg omelets and French toast. They can still have these, but with healthy twists. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs, along with more veggies than ham or bacon. Nix the cheeses too.The egg whites also make a great coating for French toast too. Instead of the usual white bread use whole grain for a healthier slice.Top with dark honey to mix it up and a small pat of butter.

Diets are always hard , especially if it means giving up much loved favorites. Turn these into healthy good for you meals.  It'sll make sticking to that resolution easier.

Special Diets

Sometimes foodies wind up eating too many good things which lead to a host of problems. Stomach problems abound and the nasty side effects (too vile to even mention here). That's when a trip to the doctor ensues and wiith it special diets. What's a foodie to do? Abide with it but also have fun with it.

At one time or another most will have to modify their eating habits to better suit their health. What that mens is goodbye to fruity cocktails and crunchy snacks. Soda is also taboo in some diets and that puts a huge crimp in everyday drinking habits. However , most diets do allow for iced tea which is easy to switch to along with fruit drinks  such as apple and cranberry. Some doctors will presribe Gatorade which has not only flavor but also the bonus of electrolytes.as far as snacks, think pretzels  and even puffed rice as opposed to potato chips and Doritos.

Meals change too. Instead of those hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches you may want to switch to grilled or even boiled meats . The last may sound gross however you can always it up and mix with mayo to create a salad. Certain egg dishes can be allowed like poached or shirred. These are simply boiled eggs and can be served in fancy egg cups to jazz them up.Served with toast triangles or even squares.Some veggies may be forbidden as are salads.Try to sub in with your doctors suggestions. If you are allowed , then try to grill or sauté them. They'll taste better. Also vary them if you have a choice. A new diet doesn't necessarily mean a bland and unexciting one. It can be just as good and as fun as your old one.The benefit. : feeling better and eating better