Food For Protest

 There have been more protests and walk outs in recent history. What fuels a march? Besides fury and a reason to make society better, boundless energy. That energy needs to be had by food.

No matter what you believe in, those demonstrations make you hungry. Some shop owners will hand out free bottles of water and if you're lucky sandwiches. However these are few and far between. Seasoned marchers will advise that starting the day with a protein packed breakfast is the best way to go. Some have eggs and beans, some go for any type of eggs with bacon or sausage or both. You could also start an active day with a protein packed smoothie. This involves a scoop of protein powder, usually vanilla or fruit flavored mixed with different fruits and milk. Vegans will appreciate a kick from soy, almond or oat milk. What's good about a smoothie is that' it's portable. If it can't be finished just pour the leftover into a thermos and have for lunch later. What to do if you're hosting a group of fellow protesters? Think a strata which is an easy eggy . cheesy casserole. You can also add much needed protein in the form of ham, bacon or breakfast sausage or all three. This can also be made vegan, by using Just Egg vegan substitute., Miyoko's creamery cheeses and Morningstar Farm's soy breakfast meats.

Once your protest start, consider what to bring and how to pack it.  A cooler works if you're not too far away from your car. This can be packed with ice and hold sandwiches ,drinks and snacks. Keep in mind that you'll be exerting a lot of energy. Levels should be kept up because marches and sit ins are not short affairs. Some can last for ten to twelve hours. Carry water which is necessary  ,not just for hydration but for lubricating parched vocal chords after chanting and protesting. You could also carry energy drinks such as Gatorade. Stay away from such high energy drinks like Red Bull. They will dehydrate you along with making you run for the bathroom several times  over. This can cause a problem unless you're marching in a park where there are restrooms. Save the soda and tea for after the march. These too can have a diuretic effect. Keep a few energy bars in your pocket.  These will give you the fuel to carry on and carry on strong. Stay away from the overly sweet and chocolate coated ones. Try ones that are made with oats and honey.

It takes energy to defend a cause you're passionate about. The energy requires the fuel to carry on. Eat and drink well to ensure you march on.

Pedialyte? Ugh!! Better Alternatives

I have been sick for the last week. Hopefully, it's nothing more than a bad stomach virus caught from one of my students.The doctor gave me meds but also recommended that modern kid classic Pedialyte. I figured it was just what the doc ordered. I was wrong!

I don't know how the little nippers stand the stuff. The taste is kind of like a melted lollipop dipped in ocean water. The first questions that went through my mind is "Why do kids have to drink this? Won't they spit this out?"Then when I parsed out the ingredients , the taste made sense. There's sodium chloride needed to retain water lost when a child or baby has had diarrhea along with sugar to keep up electrolytes. Electrolytes are needed to hydrate cells and a Pedialyte type drink will do the job better than just plain water. Also giving any little one plain juice or sugar water can result in more diarrhea, Unfortunately, there are some problems with it, It does come with a blend of dyes in it that are questionable along with it being pricey. Another problem is the taste. If I hate it , imagine how a three-year-old or eight-year-old responds to it.Luckily there are recipes up and down the Web that help with the taste.There's always salt and sugar added. Most moms prefer sea salt along with unrefined cane sugar. Another variation uses honey, however, be careful wth this. As we all know children under the age of one cannot process it and it could be lethal. Use Jello or orange juice for flavoring instead.

What about us adults? The company actually puts out an adult version which is perfect for those suffering from illnesses that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, It's also recommended for those recovering from hangovers.Pedialyte adds probiotics too to promote digestive health although that' s probably the last thing you're thinking of when you're surviving the aftereffects of too many pale ales or margaritas.It comes in more grown-up flavors like Blue Raspberry , Strawberry Lemonade and, Cherry Punch and Tropical Fruit. Is it better than that other go to , Gatorade?Both have the relatively same mix of sodium, sugar, and water. For water retention, Pedialyte or even a homemade version will beat Gatorade. Yet it's Gatorade that adults prefer because it has half the sodium, hence not as salty a taste.It does come n yummier flavors such as citrus watermelon, the original lemon-lime  along with variations on berry and tangerine.You can make your own (as well as for dogs and cats too, however, get your vet's OK before creating it). Jello is recommended but I would use organic juice such as Bai along ith both sea salt and sodium chloride .

Is Pedialyte a must when you;re sick? Yes and no. I'm sticking with my doctor' advice for now. When I feel better, I'll make my own.It's stile a vile drink but I think that a homemade version may be a tad better.

Eating Through A Summer Virus

What's worst than a summer cold? A summer virus. What's worse than that? Eating through both. It's hard enough trying to stir up an appetite in 100 degree weather, even harder when you just don't feel like eating.

Like a winter cold or virus, it pays to have any kind of  bouillon  cubes, whether they be chicken, beef or vegetarian. They can be turned into a simple broth that can be eaten with crackers or toast. Rice is another must have when you're bitten by a summer bug. Boil it in broth and serve with  a pat of butter or margarine for a light lunch or dinner. If you feel a tad better by dinner, then you can add some fresh cut veggies such as carrots, squash and even tomatoes to give it more flavor and more nutrition. As the appetite returns try a simple congee. This is a rice based porridge or gruel that many Asians eat for breakfast. It can be turned into a light mid day meal or supper by adding bits of  chicken and beef as well as several different kinds of veggies.Another solution is Ramen soup. This is easy to make- especially when you're feeling draggy and can be punched up with a beaten egg. Also pane pesto, Piedmontese breadcrumb soup is not only a snap to make, it's only broth, eggs and breadcrumbs, it is also delicious for coming back from a virus..

What about barbecue? Yes, it makes us smile and it may be good for lifting spirits but not for a virus addled stomach. Stick with a plain grilled chicken breast. Stay away from sugary and gloppy sauces  that can easily cause an upset. Steak is another OK ,if you're craving red meat, but again just season it with  salt and pepper. Save the Worcester and ketchup for when you're feeling better. Greasy meats like pork or strong ones like fish can be avoided. Another green light are hamburgers and hot dogs but again, keep them free of add ons. Stay away from any mayo soaked salads. Stick with tomato slices with just a sprinkle of sea salt. One of the most important things to remember is keep hydrated. Summer viruses have a way of dehydrating a person so liquids are a must. Have  fresh  ginger on the ready to make into a stomach and throat soothing tea. Any cola is good , simply because it soothes the stomach.  Chilled ginger ale and ginger beer are also good to have too.Too dehydrated? Then  have a bottle of  Gatorade to sip.

Any summer bug is a bummer. Muddle through it with a light diet, full of simple and nutritious foods along with soothing drinks. They'll make you feel better during these steamy days.

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

Bursts of Energy

The warmer weather brings about the need to exercise along with enjoying sports. With it comes the needs for both drinks and snacks . What are easy and fun to take with you? The first choice is the natural ones. These keep you energized and hydrated for as long as you;re exercising or just having fun.

Water is one of the most essential drinks to have with you for any activity. It keeps you cool and refreshed after a long bike ride or spirited softball game. It's also go for a quick wash if need be. There's nothing like a chilled bottle of clean , crisp spring water.Dasani and Aquafina have the best tasting ones although even a generic band like Stop and Shop's or the A&P's is also good. Another good thing about spring water is that it comes in a variety of bottle sizes from nips to the sports sizes. Water also comes in flavors too, if you want something sweet to go with your snacks. Gatorade is another excellent refresher it's multitude of types  are perfect for  everything from hikes to marathons.It also come sin a variety of flavors as well.

Food also plays an important part in re energizing. Protein is a  must. It gives any active person a burst of energy. The best is either almonds or walnuts .They're easy to bring along and fun to eat. Another good snack are unsalted sunflower seeds.Again  these are great because of the protein and vitamins. Fruit chunks or even a banana are other good snacks to breing along on a hike or to a sprting event  game.. Melon is perfect because it also hydrates as well as [provides the essentials sugars to go on. Some people are into energy bars. Be warned however.They may be full of sugars along with preservatives. They also may not absorb into body as quickly as fruits

This is the season for activity. Keep hydrated and energized with the right drinks and foods. You;'ll not only feel better be play a better game!

Disaster Strikes Beware!

Today we had a really unusual event today - an earthquake here in New Jersey.It started in Mineral, Virginia and radiated out up here to the Manhattan area. It seems that we're not immune to any natural disasters whether the rare earthquake or more common hurricane. This means one thing - be prepared. Always.

The one thing everyone should always stock up on is water. Remember that water and gas lines are the first hit and usually rupture.This means a lack of drinking water. If you have do have water, be careful about drinking it. Boil it first if you do if there is a warning (usually the TV news warn about it as do social media such as Facebook and Twitter).Also pack Gatorade or any energy drink that's chock full of electrolytes in case the weather is hot and humid. This is helps in staunching any dehydration that may occur.

What about food? Thnk camping when you prepare for a diaster. Energy bars should be the number one food item. They last the longest and give you the protein and energy you need. Beef jekry or any dried food is good to pack up too. It lasts a few days and can provide with some nutrition. You can also buy ready to pack meals. These are small cups of nutrition packed meals , mostly pasta based with different meats. These are so vacuum packed that they can last up to five years. These are usually bought on line and a case is just seventy dollars.

Distaster strikes - anywhere. Never take your situation for granted. Be prepared always!