Tag: food

20 Best Foods to Freeze for Cutting Down Costs

Post author By Jenna
Post date May 27, 2022
2 Comments on 20 Best Foods to Freeze for Cutting Down Costs

What ARE The Best Foods To Freeze?

If you have a busy lifestyle, you’re probably used to juggling lots of things at a time. This means that cooking often ends up at the bottom of a to-do list for many people. Not having enough time to prepare home-cooked meals regularly can be a setback for healthy eating.

Luckily, besides meats, there are many fruits and vegetables that can be stored in the freezer for quite a long while. But what about all the other grocery staples you love?

Whether the supermarket is having a big sale on grapes or you have a massive crop of parsley no one wants, you’ll be delighted to know that these everyday food items can be popped into the freezer for long-term storage, besides all your frozen meals!

When we’re talking about foods to freeze, not everything goes. Foods that have high moisture content, like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, don’t freeze very well.

But with the proper preparation, your freezer can prolong the lives of many foods. Read on to discover the 20 best foods to freeze in order to make your life easier!

Bacon

For some practical serving portions, divide two to four slices between some pieces of wax paper and store them in a freezer bag. When you need them, just thaw them out overnight in the fridge, and you’ll be all set to cook them in the morning.

But if you need to defrost them in a couple of hours, place the freezer bag in some cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it fully thaws.

Applesauce

Believe us. It tastes just as fresh when you pull it out of the freezer. Applesauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 12 months. Just remember to leave a bit of space in the container.

Avocados

Be sure to wash and halve this yummy fruit before peeling. You can freeze avocados as halves or puree them with some lime or lemon juice. Frozen avocados tend to become a bit mushy, so they’re perfect for sauces or dips but not as great for eating by the slice.

Burgers

Whether we’re talking about meat or veggie, burgers freeze very well. You can cook them ahead of time and then let them cool off a bit. Wrap them in some plastic wrap and put them in the freezer in ziplock bags.

You can just reheat them when you’re ready to eat. Or, for a better option, you can just form them into patties and freeze them raw, so all you have to do is thaw and cook them.

Bananas

Bananas are the perfect option to freeze with or without skin. Just bear in mind that, like avocados, bananas WILL be mushy. But that’s just fine if you want to save them for a yummy banana bread, pancakes or smoothies, just not for munching on whole.

Casseroles

Note: Not all casseroles are ok to freeze. But there are definitely lots of recipes out there that you can try and that are also freezer-friendly! A perfect example would be lasagna.

They’re great to make ahead of time, freeze them, and then just warm them up in the oven on a night when you don’t have time to cook!

…Casseroles are some of the most delicious and practical foods to freeze out there!

Cheese

Grate your preferred cheese and place it in an airtight bag. We would recommend portioning into 1 or 2 cup servings for your convenience. Try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent clumping and shake to combine.

Thaw in the fridge, and you can use them for casseroles, soups, quiche, or even on some homemade pizza. Note: Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella freeze better than soft cheeses.

Waffles And Pancakes

These would be just perfect to have for when you have hectic mornings. Wrap 3 or 4 pancakes, or however many you want for an individual serving, in saran wrap and freeze them in some Ziploc bags.

And just unwrap and pop them in your toaster or microwave to heat them for breakfast.

Sour Cream And Cream Cheese

If you plan on spreading it on a bagel, forget about freezing it because the texture will change. But if you’re using that cream cheese or sour cream for casseroles, cheesecake, or any other baked goods, it can definitely be frozen.

Just thaw it out in the fridge overnight, reheat slowly, and constantly stir, so it doesn’t separate or curdles. Whipping cream can also be frozen, but it’ll be broken and unable to be whipped. So you can only use it for sauces.

Soups

Most soups store amazingly well in your freezer! Whip up a double batch of your favorite, let it cool completely, and transfer half of it to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. To save on space in the freezer, be sure to store it flat!

Eggs

Never freeze eggs in the shell! However, you CAN freeze them either gently whisked and stored in a freezer-friendly container or separated and poured into some ice cube trays. Remember that thawed egg whites may not whip up to foam, so avoid using them for things like cakes.

…When thinking about the best foods to freeze, have you ever considered eggs?

Sauces And Broths

Instead of throwing away your veggie scraps, you can use them to make a batch of some delicious veggie broth. Then freeze it up in 2 to 4 cup containers and just thaw when you need them! Got some extra tomatoes in the summer?

You can whip up some homemade tomato sauce and freeze it to use throughout the cold season.

Add some meat or lentils to make a bolognese or your favorite vegetables for added nutrients, and then all you have to do is cook up some pasta on a busy night, defrost your pre-made sauce, and dinner is served!

Grapes

Ever had a frozen grape? They’re delicious! Just wash and dry them thoroughly and spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze overnight.

Throw them into an airtight bag, and when you’re craving a snack, grab a handful and start munching!

Bread And Other Doughs

Homemade bread is easy because you can avoid store-bought bread’s long and unhealthy ingredient lists. Make a couple of extra loaves and stick them in the freezer to use in the next few weeks.

You can also make things like pizza dough ahead of time, then just transfer it to the fridge to thaw before having homemade pizza night!

Hummus

If you want to make hummus recipes ahead of time, have at it! Then add a thin layer of olive oil to the top of the hummus that’s been placed in an airtight container.

Then just seal and freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it out in the fridge for a day and mix thoroughly.

Lentils And Beans

You can make a whole bag of dried beans or lentils, let them cool, divide them into ziplock bags, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, beat the bag on the counter a few times to loosen it up and add directly to whatever you’re cooking.

For best results, undercook them slightly at first, and they’ll cook a little more in whatever dish you choose to add them to.

Citrus

Citrus fruits can be frozen in airtight containers. Then you break off a piece whenever you want to use them. Squeeze the juice into ice cube trays and freeze.

Pop cubes into a freezer bag and take them out as needed. Use the cubes to chill homemade lemonades on hot summer days without diluting the flavor.

Energy Balls

Have you heard about these? They make the perfect snack, and keeping them in the freezer is a breeze. They stay cold and tasty but don’t freeze all the way through, so you can actually eat them right when you take them out.

A fantastic combo is 2 cups of chopped and pitted dates, 1 1/2 cups of almonds, 1/2 cup of peanut butter…plus some chia and pumpkin seeds. There are infinite combinations out there for you to enjoy, depending on your preference.

Milk

If your milk is getting a bit too close to its expiration date and it’s still half full, don’t worry! Just freeze away. It may become a bit grainy, so it’s best if you use it for cooking and baking rather than drinking.

Freeze it in a glass container or ice cube tray, and as always, leave room for expansion. Thaw it out in the fridge and shake it very well before using.

Burritos

When you have the time, customize some breakfast burritos or any type of traditional burritos for lunch or dinner. Wrap them individually, then defrost them in the microwave for a quick meal!

So what did you think about all these foods to freeze? We may have supplied you with some ideas, but the bottom line is that there are many options for you to cut down on your cooking times out there.

Pick out your favorites, and get creative! Be sure to let us know in the comments. Meanwhile, you might also like: 8 Smoothies Targeted for Specific Health Issues

Tags food, habits

8 Bizarre Side Effects of Common Foods

Post author By Oliver
Post date May 26, 2022
No Comments on 8 Bizarre Side Effects of Common Foods

Have you ever wondered if some of the ways in which our bodies react to foods are not as normal as they seem? Definitely, our bodies can have some of the most bizarre effects when it comes to certain ingredients, and some of them are downright weird. There is a saying that basically says you are what you eat, but we doubt anyone signed up to become a carrot!

We all know that what we eat will have an impact on our health and our lives (if you end up not eating properly), but did you know that there are some weird physical effects that you won’t even believe are from certain foods? There are some that are universally known, but others are almost unbelievable and may just explain why you felt so weird after eating a normal meal!

Here we have gathered some of the most bizarre side effects of common foods that are going to definitely surprise you! Let us know if you have ever experienced them!

eyes, bizarre — Photo by Alina G From Shutterstock

#1 Excessive carrot eating will turn you orange!

It sounds like a weird thing, but believe us when we tell you that this bizarre reaction our bodies have to too many carrots is not just something we were told as children to scare us! Seeing my cousin start to turn orange due to drinking too much carrot juice has been something that remains with me to this day. It turns out that you can skip the tanning salon after all.

Jokes aside, this side effect of eating too many carrots has been explained, and it’s pretty intuitive, despite sounding bizarre. One of the substances that are found naturally in carrots is beta-carotene, which if eaten in high doses will end up changing the color of your skin into a yellow or orange hue, depending on how much you ate.

The substance will end up in your bloodstream and, since there is a surplus of it, it will have nowhere to go, ending up being stored under the skin. Once under the skin, it will start to affect the color of your skin. This is why they say everything is good in moderation! And if there are any youngsters in your family, make sure they’re not eating too many carrot-based things, even if it’s their favorite veggie! There is such a thing as too much of a good thing!

And keep in mind, beta-carotene is not found just in carrots!

#2 Unripe mulberries may cause hallucinations!

You heard it here first! Or maybe you knew that you shouldn’t eat mulberries because your grandma told you when you were little and were spending your summers in the countryside! However, the Indian Academy of Science published a study that found out that, despite the ripe fruit being delicious and healthy, if eaten when unripe, it may just be your downfall.

And while as adults, you wouldn’t eat unripe fruit, kids aren’t as careful when it comes to this! The Academy says that both the unripe fruits and the sap from the leaves and stems will cause hallucinations if ingested, going as far as to definitely upset your stomach. Despite this, no one else has verified this bizarre claim, so it’s not yet 100% certain!

So the bottom line is, it’s better to be in the know and teach our kids not to eat unripe fruit, no matter if it can cause hallucinations or not!

#3 Can’t sleep after eating hot foods? It may be because of the sauces!

Yep, you read that right! If you find yourself not able to sleep well but you’re a big enthusiast of hot sauces, it may just be the very thing you love that’s keeping you up at night! It sounds really bizarre, but it’s just how our bodies react to heating up due to the (yummy) sauces!

Studies have shown that men who have eaten their evening meals alongside mustard or tabasco sauce have had a harder time falling asleep when compared to their counterparts who haven’t had any hot sauce. The scientists who took part in this research think it’s because of the impact these hot substances have on our body’s ability to thermoregulate.

When you go to sleep, your body is trying to regulate its temperature so you can fall asleep. If you ate too much hot sauce, your body temperature might just be higher, which in turn will make falling asleep a pain. And the bad news doesn’t stop here! This side effect isn’t just reserved for sauces! Any spicy meal or snack could be a contributing factor to your inability to sleep or even be linked to insomnia if you suffer from it.

bizarre — Image By jchizhe From Envato Elements

#4 Salty foods will make your fingers swell!

You won’t end up looking like a balloon, obviously, but you will end up seeing your body swell up after you eat something that is too salty! Has it happened to you that you couldn’t take off a ring or move your wedding band around when generally there’s no issue with that? It’s due to the bloating of the body, and salt is the main aggressor when it comes to this!

When you get a lot of sodium in your system, it will prompt your body to retain more and more water! This can happen when you get snacky and end up eating an entire bag of chips, but also when you eat too much added salt in other dishes or snacks.

It doesn’t help that there are tons of everyday foods that contain a lot of salt (and sugar) that we may not even pay attention to. Sure, the main culprits are always fast foods, snacks, and processed meats, but we add to the list condiments like salad dressings and mustards, frozen meals, canned products, and even restaurant food!

Just be careful not to overdo it with the salt, as bloating and often swelling of your hands and feet, despite maybe eating a bit more salt on a cheat day, is not actually normal! And sometimes it can be the cause of an underlying condition, so you need to tell your doctor if this is a common side effect that happens to you the next time you pay them a visit.

#5 Remember the carrots? Beware of pumpkins too!

Guess what other food is full of beta-carotene besides carrots? Seems like we aren’t free of this bizarre reaction in our bodies when it comes to the beloved pumpkin pie either. We doubt that anyone would eat so much pumpkin, to begin with, but who knows? Maybe you will find yourself in a situation where you see this happening, and it’s better to be in the know than to let people think they have jaundice because their skin turned orange.

Not to mention, pumpkin has even more beta-carotene than carrots do! While 3.5 ounces of raw carrots have almost 8.5 milligrams of the orange substance, a cup of canned pumpkin (which is the key ingredient in a lot of recipes) has 17 milligrams of beta carotene! That is almost double the amount!

So chance has it that while we don’t eat pumpkin as often as we do carrots, the probability of you turning orange is higher due to the increase in beta-carotene!

#6 Quite bizarre! Beets, rhubarb, and blackberries may turn your urine pink!

Given the fact that all doctors and articles on the internet say to make sure you pay attention if you see any difference in color in your urine, this bizarre reaction is sometimes taken for something else. Any trace of blood in the urine will turn it a redder color, and it could mean some other underlying health issues that need to be looked into as fast as possible.

However, if you happen to really like berries and you overdo it when it comes to eating blackberries, you don’t have anything to worry about. Eating large quantities of rhubarb, beets, and/or blackberries will potentially turn your pee a red-ish color or give it a pink hue, at times making it look like red tea.

This doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you, but it’s just a side effect due to these foods having quite a lot of the pink/red pigment in them. Yet, if you don’t know about this, you may end up panicking for no reason! It’s better to keep this in mind, especially if you have a kid around that just goes crazy for blackberries, or a hypochondriac friend, so you can explain if this ever happens.

#7 Constipated? Try sugar-free gum!

The number of teas that are out there and marketed as helping you with constipation is really high, but what if relying on these laxative teas is not the fastest way to help you? After all, you can’t always have these kinds of teas on hand. But there is one product that you may be keeping on hand more often: gum! More importantly, sugar-free gum.

Not only is sugar-free gum better for your teeth since it doesn’t contain sugar, but it can also help you if you’re in a pinch. Or it can ruin your day if you end up chewing too much of it. The sweetener that makes sugar-free gum tasty is actually called Sorbitol, and it can cause you to have to go to the bathroom suddenly.

The reason why this sweetener can cause diarrhea isn’t that bizarre, but rather quite common. Our bodies aren’t the best at digesting it, so when it’s ingested in large quantities, it has nowhere else to go but out. And fast!

#8 Be careful with nutmeg! It is also a hallucinogen!

Who would have thought that one of the ingredients of our beloved pumpkin pie could actually be anything but delicious? And as benign as all spices seem to be, it seems like some of them are actually a bit more intense than others. Moderation is good no matter what we are talking about, but when it comes to this spice and the bizarre effects it has on you, you really have to be careful!

Nutmeg contains a lot of myristicin, a natural substance that when eaten in high quantities has mind-altering effects. It’s so potent that it has a reaction much like LSD, and the buzz from it can last anywhere from two hours to two days, depending on how much nutmeg was ingested. And while for some more adventurous people, this might sound just like something fun to try, they should keep in mind that the side effects are extremely nasty.

Not only will people see the normal bodily reactions like nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea, but too much myristicin can actually cause nerve and heart damage! This puts those who did the cinnamon challenge with nutmeg a few years back into a whole new perspective! And definitely, the internet should stop inventing all these crazy, dangerous challenges just for a few likes on the newest trending social media platform.

If you’re interested in some other types of bizarre facts, make sure you read more about what sugar does to your body here!

Tags food, tips

Eat These 8 Foods to Calm Anxiety (and Avoid These 6)

Post author By Marian
Post date May 24, 2022
No Comments on Eat These 8 Foods to Calm Anxiety (and Avoid These 6)

…Did you know that there are certain foods that can induce anxiety?

Several studies have discovered that there is a connection between the food we eat and our brains. Besides always being told to include healthy foods in our diet if we want to achieve certain fitness goals, we can say that food can influence our mood as well.

For instance, there are many people who experience a lot of anxiety when they consume too many processed foods, such as chips, candies, pastries, fried food, or high-fat dairy products. The more you eat those, the more anxious you’ll get.

The problem is that you don’t notice that anxiety can be impacted by your diet, so you keep on eating plenty of junk food in order to calm yourself.

…Have you ever felt anxious and had no idea why?

It might be time to take a look at your diet and see if some of the foods you eat are actually a trigger for anxiety. In today’s article, we’ll talk about the foods that will balance your hormones and those that make your body go crazy. Here they are:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

We tend to go to doctors and ask them for advice and medications when we feel different types of things, such as anxiety. But the easiest solution could actually be in plain sight: the food we consume on a daily basis.

Both nutritionists and doctors are starting to learn and understand more about the role that foods have in our lives. There are certain nutrients that are key ingredients for a healthy and happy brain, as many experts suggest.

We’ve heard many times that we have to pay attention to all the nutrients food contains, rather than other types of information, such as calories.

Of course, you still need to be in a caloric deficit if you want to lose weight, but if you want to keep your skin and hair glowing, your brain healthy, and your anxiety at bay, you should definitely get those nutrients in.

In conformity with Melissa Reagan Brunetti, clinical nutritionist and health coach, dietary patterns and nutritional deficiencies can affect brain chemistry and can mess with the formulation of neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in your brain and are responsible for your mood and appetite.

Several studies have discovered that omega 3 fatty acids are great for reducing anxiety and helping your brain function properly.

You can find this amazing nutrient in foods such as wild salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseed, walnuts, soybean oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil.

2. Water

The easiest thing you can do to make sure you keep anxiety at bay is to drink water throughout the day. Even though there is no clear connection between these two, many experts believe that being dehydrated can interfere with your mood.

They say that you feel the thirst sensation when you’re actually 1-2% already dehydrated. When you feel that, it means that your body is already battling with mood swings and the way it performs.

The best way to avoid this is to keep a water bottle with clean H2O next to you and sip throughout the day. If you have a hard time drinking it, you can add fruits and vegetables to make it taste better.

Lime, mint leaves, berries, oranges, cucumbers, lemon, ginger, and even cherries are great if you’re craving something sweet, delicious, and healthy, that won’t give you anxiety like sugary drinks usually do.

…Do you have a favorite infused water recipe? Tell us in the comments down below!

3. Antioxidants

A diet high in antioxidants is very beneficial for reducing anxiety and also the risk of several diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals that are inside your body cells and prevent or reduce the impact caused by oxidation.

Besides that, antioxidants are great for fighting against oxidative stress and protecting your brain. This type of stress (free radicals) can lead to inflammation in your body, which can further damage neurotransmitter production.

In order to get all these benefits, you should add certain foods, such as spinach, kale, red peppers, green tea, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, avocado, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, squash, almond, and sunflower seeds into your diet.

In addition to that, several nutritionists suggest that you should also consume foods that are high in selenium, such as turkey, halibut, grass-fed beef, Brazil nuts, eggs, and chicken.

Zinc is another type of antioxidant that is great for keeping your mood in check. A great source of this mineral is cashew nuts. Try incorporating these foods into your diet and you’ll notice yourself saying goodbye to anxiety.

4. Teas

Even though caffeine is healthy for your body, you should consume it in moderation (check this article out for more details Healthy People Shared These 8 Delicious Coffee Habits!).

And if you want a boost of energy and awareness, but it’s too late in the day to drink another cup of joy, you can drink a delicious tea instead, such as ginseng and green tea.

On the other hand, chamomile, skullcap, and kava are great if you want to feel calm and have a good night’s sleep. However, keep in mind that kava tea can interact with antidepressant and anti-anxiety meds, so have a chat with your doctor before you consume it.

Besides that, this tea is so relacing that if you drink too much of it, it might mess with your ability to drive, as some studies say.

5. Probiotics

Another way to keep your anxiety at bay is to eat foods that contain a lot of probiotics. These are microbiomes that naturally live in your body.

Scientists say that you can find both good and bad bacteria in your body, so every time you get an infection, it means that there are more bad bacteria compared to the good ones, which knock your immune system out of balance.

Good bacteria are responsible for getting rid of bad bacteria, helping your body return to its normal state. Eating foods that contain probiotics is a great way to add more good bacteria to your body, while also working on reducing anxiety effects.

Probiotics are a great help in producing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and serotonin, which are all known for playing a major role in moods.

Several studies have discovered that probiotics can prevent and even treat your anxiety. Make sure to add certain foods into your diet, such as kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut if you want to keep your anxiety away from you.

6. Tryptophan

Many people think of tryptophan as a nutrient found in turkey, which makes them sleepy after eating on Thanksgiving Day. In reality, tryptophan is actually an amino acid that is essential for your body in order to regulate sleep and mood swings.

You can find this nutrient in several types of food that are high in protein, such as meats, nuts, eggs, beans, and seeds. Protein and tryptophan are great for the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can help stabilize your moods.

In addition to that, a small study has discovered that people who consumed a food bar rich in tryptophan said that they experiences fewer anxiety symptoms, compared to those who ate a bar that didn’t contain tryptophan.

However, researchers need to perform more studies in order to find a clear connection between this type of nutrient and anxiety.

7. Magnesium

If you want to feel relaxed and also focused so that you can complete all the tasks you have in a day, magnesium is a great mineral for you.

Many studies have discovered that this healthy chemical can work as a blood-brain barrier, which doesn’t allow stress hormones to enter your brain.

You can get your daily dose of magnesium by eating greens, such as Swiss chard and spinach, avocado, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can also talk to your doctor about getting some magnesium supplements that you can take every day.

8. Foods rich in Vitamin B

According to Harvard Medical School, vitamin B is a great ally when it comes to anxiety, energy levels, cell metabolism, and brain functioning.

A study from Australia discovered that workers who were very stressed and were given a high dose of vitamin B felt less anxious after 3 months.

Another study that had impressive results is one from the University of Miami, which discovered that adults who were diagnosed with depression and took a vitamin B complex had fewer depressive and anxiety episodes after only two months.

You can get your daily dose of vitamin B by taking supplements, or by eating certain foods, such as almonds, beef, avocado, leafy greens, legumes, eggs, and seafood.

Avoid These 6 Foods If You Don’t Want To Trigger Your Anxiety

1. Processed foods

Every single doctor and nutritionist out there will tell you to eliminate the majority of processed and high-sugar foods from your diet if you want to have a healthier body and a clearer mind.

Eating too many refined carbs and sugars will cause a spike in your blood sugar, which won’t last for too long. This means that you’ll get a burst of energy for a short period of time, but soon enough you’ll feel even more tired than you previously were.

A study from Columbia University discovered that the more sugary foods and refined carbs women ate, the higher their risk for anxiety and depression was.

Even though it might sound extreme, refined carbs and sugar can be seen as drugs. The more you eat them, the more you want to consume them. The same rule applies when we talk about fried foods and processed meats as well.

They might have a good taste, but these foods are responsible for creating inflammation in your body and they can also be linked to several problems, such as heart disease and mental health issues.

If you still want to eat these types of foods, you can consume them in moderation, only once a week, or you can look for the healthier versions online and cook them yourself.

2. Caffeine

If you’re one of those people who can barely keep their eyes open until they’ve had their cup of joe in the morning, this might be okay for you. But if you rely on caffeine to get you through the day, you need to know that too much coffee can actually make your anxiety worse.

That is because caffeine acts as a stimulant for the nervous system, which will increase your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Several studies have discovered that drinking too much coffee in a day can make you feel jittery, shaky, sweaty, and nervous.

If you have severe anxiety and you drink too much caffeine in a day, whether it’s coffee or energy drinks, you have a higher risk of having a panic attack.

There are many people who said that they felt a strong pain in the left part of their chest after drinking two cups of coffee and an energy drink. The pain was so acute, that they couldn’t breathe properly or move their bodies.

In addition to that, too much caffeine can reduce blood flow to the brain by 27% and it can also mess with your sleep schedule, which is important for your brain, physical well-being, and mental health.

Besides limiting your caffeine daily intake, make sure you also don’t overindulge in dark chocolate (stick to maximum 2 squares a day).

If you love coffee as much as we do, but you don’t want to feel jittery and sick throughout the day, you can switch your second cup of joy to decaff. This way, you’ll have the taste that you love, without inducing anxiety and or triggering inflammation in your body.

3. Alcohol

There is nothing wrong with drinking a glass or two of booze on special occasions. Just make sure you don’t overdo it!

Alcohol might make you feel a little frisky and funny at first. But after too much of it, you are more likely to get anxious and even experience symptoms of depression.

And that is not all! Several studies have discovered that people who are diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) are more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

In conformity with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 20% of patients with SAD also suffer from alcohol dependence or abuse.

Many people believe that drinking a glass or two will help them calm their nerves. But in reality, booze is actually dehydrating and causes spikes and dips in blood sugar.

As a result, your brain doesn’t function the way it’s supposed to, leaving you to feel anxious and sad. Furthermore, in order to cope with all of these, you might be tempted to drink more, but it’s not a good idea, since it’s a vicious cycle.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking too much can cause changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters, which might trigger all the symptoms we’ve previously talked about.

4. “Light” dressing

You might think that the word “light” means that it won’t do any harm to your body, right? Unfortunately, they contain ingredients that are just as bad as the “normal” products.

The light versions are usually made with artificial sweeteners that can make your body crave more and more of them. In addition to that, these dressing are also linked to depression and anxiety.

The best thing you can do in a case like this is to check the ingredients list, or even better, try to make your own dressing at home from scratch. It will be a lot healthier for you and it’ll have a great taste you’ll enjoy!

5. Frosting

…You might think it’s because of the sugar, right? Yes, but that’s not all.

It might be delicious, but the frosting is full of sugar and trans fats that are completely unnecessary for your body. They are also called “partially hydrogenated oils”, and you can find them in pizza dough, crackers, cookies, and fried foods.

You can always make your own frosting at home, using natural and nutritious ingredients. We are sure that your body will be a lot happier if you do so!

6. Ketchup

Ketchup might seem healthy, given the fact that it contains mostly tomatoes, but it also has impressive amounts of sugar. Four grams per tablespoon, if you want to know the exact number.

As we’ve previously said, if you buy the “light” version of it, it doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily healthier for you. Those fake sugars will only make you even more tempted to keep eating and they are also linked to depression and anxiety.

Instead of consuming ketchup, you can try and prepare tomato salsa at home. This way you’ll get to control the number of ingredients you put in and it will be even more delicious than the one you buy from the grocery store. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, add a bit of cayenne pepper.

…If you enjoyed reading this article and you are curious to know more about health and wellness, give this one a go: 10 Things Sugar Does to Your Body!

Tags food, mental health

19 Kitchen Mistakes That Are Costing You Money

Post author By Marian
Post date May 17, 2022
No Comments on 19 Kitchen Mistakes That Are Costing You Money

How many kitchen mistakes do you think you make?

Whether you want to have more money to buy something you had your eyes on for a while, invest it or travel, you might be thinking of all the ways on how you can save some extra cash.

You might’ve decided to go out less often, purchase only the things you need, or buy food from the grocery store. Speaking of food and groceries, there are actually some mistakes people make when it comes to the way they “manage” their kitchen.

You might think that you’re saving a lot of money since you’re always buying your products from the store, but there are still a few things you need to be aware of.

If you want to save some extra cash and make more sustainable and economic choices, here are 19 kitchen mistakes that are costing you money.

1. You Don’t Plan Ahead

Alma Schneider, founder of the blog and consulting company Take Back the Kitchen says that one of the biggest kitchen mistakes people make is the fact that they don’t plan ahead.

Having a basic idea of what you want to eat for the week will help you use up the fresh ingredients you already bought before they go bad. And you can also reuse the leftovers from one dish and transform them into something else.

This will help you save money and prevent you from buying unnecessary things at the supermarkets. If you aren’t sure what you want to eat for dinner and you don’t have enough ingredients at home, you might be tempted to make last-minute decisions, such as ordering out.

2. You Go Out For Coffee

Treating yourself with a nice cup of hot and steamy coffee every once in a while isn’t going to break the bank, but going to a coffee shop every single day won’t make your wallet happy.

You will save a lot of money if you buy coffee from the grocery store and you brew it at home. You can add milk, sugar, cream, or syrups, and you will still save a lot of money in the long run.

3. You Order Out

As much as you might like to order food and forget about doing the dishes, too much of it adds up pretty quickly. In conformity to a 2018 study done by Forbes, ordering out could be worth five times as much as cooking the same dish at home (this doesn’t include the tips).

Even delivery kits that send you ingredients for you to put a meal together cost roughly three times as much as shopping and cooking yourself.

If you have no idea where to start, you can purchase a cookbook that has several delicious and nutritious recipes. It might take longer when you cook for yourself, but you will enjoy it more and you’ll also save a lot of money! Win-win!

4. You Don’t Properly Store Your Produce

One of the reasons why food goes bad in the fridge in such a short amount of time is because people don’t know the proper way to store it.

For instance, wrapping fragile veggies or greens, such as lettuce and herbs in a paper towel and putting them inside of a resealable bag or in a glass container will keep them fresh for longer.

5. You Don’t Use Your Freezer

A fully-stocked freezer is people’s right hand when it comes to eating healthy and on a budget. Not only is freezing great for storing bulk purchases, but it’s also a good way to preserve different types of products or foods that are about to go bad.

If you store them properly, you can freeze a lot of foods and then take them out when you need them. Bread, fruits, some vegetables, soups, leftover pasta sauce, and cookies, are just a few of the foods that can be put in a freezer without any problems.

I don’t know about you, but every time I go to the grocery store I try to stock up on vegetables, fruits, fish, or meats to add to the freezer and eat them when I feel like it.

It saves me a lot of money and time when I have nothing in the fridge and I want something simple, quick, healthy, and still affordable.

6. You Don’t Use Your Leftovers

Several studies have discovered that two out of five people hate consuming leftovers. We have no idea why they think so, but we think leftovers are absolutely great.

You can enjoy your last-night dinner pasta for lunch the next day, or you can use the ingredients that remained for a new meal.

For instance, if you cooked too much rice and you don’t know what to do with it, you can easily transform it into a nice bowl of rice salad with vegetables and tuna.

Get creative and think of new ways you can use your leftovers, instead of throwing them out! This kitchen mistake will cost you a lot of money, so you better avoid it!

7. You Buy Ingredients For One Meal At a Time

Another way to avoid making a huge kitchen mistake is to buy in bulk when you go to the grocery store. Think of frozen vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, and even pie, if you like to eat it and store them in the freezer.

You can also purchase fresh produce and store them in proper containers in the freezer. Buying in bulk means less packaging, so you’ll save a few bucks from there as well. These foods will last you a longer period of time, so you can use them as needed.

8. You Buy Off-season Produce

Strawberries and blueberries in January might sound like a great treat, but you will pay a lot for them.

When you shop for products that are in season, you will save a lot of money and the food will have a better taste, since what you’re getting has been grown naturally, not in a greenhouse from somewhere else in the world.

If you find yourself reaching for fruits and vegetables that are no longer in season, you can buy them when it’s their time and store them in the freezer. You will have some spare money and you’ll enjoy your favorite produce every time you feel like it.

9. You Let Your Food Go Stale

Your pantry snacks, such as biscuits, boxes of cereal, and bags of chips will go stale pretty quickly if their packaging is left open. If you don’t want to restore them in airtight containers, you can simply add a bag clip to keep the food nice and fresh.

…Trust us, these small things will prevent you from throwing out food that can still be eaten!

10. You Like To Buy Convenience Food

Another kitchen mistake people make and it cost them a lot of money isn’t just what they buy, but how they actually buy it. For instance, instead of buying sliced pineapple that comes in a sealed-off container, you’d better buy the whole fruit.

It might be more convenient and it will take you less time to prep the food, but the overall purchase will be cheaper and you’ll also have more quantity of the product to work it.

If you still want something that is more convenient, you can meal prep on a Sunday and slice your fruits or your vegetables then. After that, store them in clear containers in the fridge, so they’re ready when you want to eat them.

11. You Purchase Single-use Supplies

Instead of constantly buying paper towels, you can use fabric or microfiber cloths to replace them. They are better for the environment and you can clean them in the washing machine when you do laundry.

Another tip you can try is to reuse the plastic bags you get after each grocery shopping trip. You can rinse them if they’re dirty and reuse them after. Trust us, your wallet will be very happy with your new attitude!

12. You Waste Water

Many people think that hand-washing the dishes will help them save water and money, but the reality is actually different. For instance, if you have a dishwashing machine at home, don’t be afraid to use, it because it might help you out with your savings.

You can increase the amount of money you’re saving by running a full load of dishes. Besides that, you can also turn off the heat-drying part of the cycle, to save energy and let your dishes air dry.

If you use an efficient detergent, you can forget about the pre-wash, so you’ll have more time to meal prep! Win-win situation!

13. You Don’t Take Care Of Your Knives

Knives are one of the most important utensils that can be found in someone’s kitchen, but the majority of times, people don’t take care of them and they end up buying new ones sooner than necessary.

One thing you can do and protect the life of your knife is to frequently tune it up using a honing steel. You should do that every five to six times you use the knife, in order to maintain the sharpness longer.

The less you do this, the harder it will be to bring the edge back, so you might need to go to a professional to do it for you. As you can imagine, this isn’t very cheap, so people usually end up replacing the blades.

Another thing you can do is to hand wash your knife and properly dry it afterward (not air drying). After that, protect your knife by using a sheath.

There are some cutlery manufacturers who suggest that traditional knife blocks are not very suitable because the friction that occurs between the blade and the wood can actually make the knife edges dim slowly.

14. You Eat a Lot Of Meat

…Did you know that people who eat plant-based tend to spend less money on food (that applies only if they don’t buy packed plant-based foods and stick to natural ingredients)?

Several studies have discovered that people who incorporate more plant-based meals in their diets actually save more than $745 per year.

This doesn’t mean that you should completely cut meat out of your diet, but trying recipes that don’t require large quantities of meat will definitely help your budget.

15. You Don’t Store Your Grains Properly

Many people don’t know that their grains go bad because they don’t know the proper way to store them. If you like to eat flaxseed and want to keep them fresh for longer, you should store them in your fridge, because they contain oils that can easily go moldy.

Bread, on the other hand, doesn’t do well in the refrigerator, so you should keep it on your kitchen counter. Keep in mind that one food item that you should always keep in its original packaging is cheese.

16. You Neglect Your Cookware

Nonstick pans are great, but you can easily ruin them if you don’t use the proper utensils. You shouldn’t use steel tools or aerosol sprays on your nonstick skillet if you want to keep it for a longer period of time.

Another thing people usually do and ruin their pans is dunking them in hot water before letting them cool down first. If you want to use something that is more durable, you better choose cast iron skillets.

As long as you properly season the food, they will be nonstick and you can use them for baking as well.

17. You Don’t Take Care Of Your Appliances

Many people forget that all their kitchen devices should be taken care of, just like they would do with their cars. Taking care of them and repairing them when needed will add years to their life span and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

So make sure you keep your kitchen appliances in good shape and read the instructions written in the user’s manual in order to know how to properly clean them.

18. You Purchase Bottled Drinks

Several studies have discovered that Americans spend more money on bottled drinks compared to food at grocery stores. They might not seem very expensive at first, but consuming a fizzy drink every single day will definitely add up and you’ll spend a lot of money in the long run.

There are people who say that you can actually make your own carbonated drinks at home, with the help of a particular machine. This device produces bubbly drinks at the cost of less than $1 per liter.

If you want a machine like this, make sure to do your research before buying one!

If you need an extra reason why you shouldn’t spend your money on fizzy bottled drinks is the fact that they will affect your health and also your waistline. Your body will start craving more and more of it and we already know that too much sugar is not very good for us.

In addition to that, drinking too many fizzy sodas will affect your teeth, which means that you will end up spending a lot of money in the dentist’s cabinet.

19. You Throw Things Out Because Of The Best By Date

No one wants to risk getting food poisoning, but according to several studies, the expiration dates on food labels don’t actually mean that they’re no longer safe to eat.

In conformity with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, unless it’s baby formula, you can still eat the food after the expiration date, but only if it looks and smells good and if you properly store it.

On the other hand, make sure you do your research before trying this at home and if you have further questions about this topic, you can always contact the FSIS virtual representative or the USDA directly, via email, phone, or even live chat.

CONCLUSION

To sum up this article, we can say that if you want to save some extra money and also avoid these common kitchen mistakes that many people make, you should respect the tips we’ve previously talked about:

Plan your meals for the week, buy in bulk and store your products in the freezer, don’t purchase fruits and vegetables that aren’t in season. And try eating a few plant-based meals throughout the week, and avoid buying too many fizzy drinks.

…If you need more tips about health conditions or lifestyle in general, make sure to check this article out: 12 Natural Remedies That Reduce Constipation!

Tags food, habits

10 Foods to Stay Away From This Summer

Post author By Marian
Post date May 13, 2022
No Comments on 10 Foods to Stay Away From This Summer

How many summer foods do you eat when the weather is warm?

Summer means long, warm, and lazy days spent under the sun, laying around, and… eating all sorts of food your body craves. Just like you can’t spend Thanksgiving without eating a bit of turkey, you can’t say that summer started until you’ve had a drippy, creamy, and delicious ice cream or a freshly grilled burger.

Even though you might enjoy eating these foods and there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while, there are a few things you should stay away from.

They are not the healthiest options out there and they’re also not that good for your waistline. You can always look for healthier alternatives or try to cook them at home. With that being said, check out these 10 foods you should stay away from this summer.

1. Nachos

We love everything about nachos: they are crunchy, salty, cheesy, and overall delicious. Unfortunately, even though they contain some lettuce and tomatoes, this doesn’t mean that they are very healthy for you.

A basket of nachos has no less than 750 calories, 38 grams of fat, and a lot of sodium: roughly 1,300 milligrams of sodium. If you really like eating this type of snack, make sure to eat in moderation and limit yourself to consuming it once-a-week tops.

2. Onion Rings

Don’t fall into the trap and think that onion rings are a better choice compared to the French fries. Even though onions are rich in antioxidants and can help support bone, gut, and heart health, those benefits aren’t that strong if the onions are deep-fried in lots of oil.

Onion rings are a salty snack that is breaded in a coating of white flour and are cooked in tons of oil in the deep fryer. They might taste delicious, but they contain no less than 30 grams of fat and almost 500 calories – which is more than a big donut topped with frosted chocolate.

3. Processed cheese slices

You might be tempted to add a big sandwich that is full of butter and processed cheese sliced on your grill on a Sunday barbeque with your friends, but you better not.

That is because this type of food doesn’t contain as many nutrients as you need. It’s mostly a tiny bit of real milk combined with salt, thickeners agents, and tons of preservatives.

It won’t do any good for your body or your health, so it’s better to avoid it as much as you can. If you’re looking for some delicious and gooey cheese, you can get fresh mozzarella or cheddar. Trust us, your sandwich will taste a lot better!

4. Chocolate Fudge

We get it! Chocolate fudge is delicious, especially when you lay in the sun, waiting to get a nice tan on your body. However, for every little piece of fudge that you eat, you actually put 5 grams of fat, 4 teaspoons of sugar, and 130 calories into your body.

And we all know that too much sugar doesn’t go well with our swimsuits or our health!

5. Coleslaw

Have you ever wondered how bad a shredded cabbage side dish can be for your health? Quite bad, if you ask us. Cabbage is usually a healthy food because it can keep inflammation symptoms in check, can lower blood pressure, contains a lot of vitamin K, and so many other good things.

However, these benefits tend to go away when you combine this food with lots of mayo and sour cream. They can hide a lot of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. For instance, a cup of tasty coleslaw contains over 2 teaspoons of sugar and 15 grams of fat.

6. Soft Pretzels

They might seem like the healthier options, compared to a sugary candy bar or fatty corn dog. But if we take a closer look at this food, we’ll discover that it’s actually identical to eating five slices of white bread.

And the nutritional facts are not that pretty either. A soft pretzel contains approximately 408 calories, 84 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fat, and 10 grams of protein.

Don’t be fooled by the number that indicates the protein compound and you should try not to eat one every single day!

7. Fried Clams

If you eat clams that aren’t cooked in tons of oil, they might be considered a great source of protein, but they lose most of their nutrients once they’re combined with too much butter and oil.

For instance, if you eat an entire basket that contains only 20 fried clams, you’ll actually consume 20 grams of fat and roughly 380 calories. This food is the equivalent of a medium order of French fries.

8. Frozen Cocktails

There is nothing wrong with having a happy hour or a wild night from time to time, but you should definitely know what you get yourself into. For instance, an 8-ounce frozen margarita can pack approximately 400 calories.

And you’re more likely going to have a second glass. Another bad thing about drinking too much alcohol is the fact that you get dehydrated really quickly, you can’t think properly anymore, and you won’t longer care what you eat.

Besides that, if you wake up the next day and you’re hungover, your body might crave greasy, fatty, and sugary foods in order to cope with the ingested alcohol. If you want to have fun and drink something, make sure you stick with cleaner alternatives, such as vodka with seltzer and lemon.

9. Diet Soda

You might think that diet soda is a better alternative to regular soda, but in reality, it’s not like that. Even though it’s sugar-free and calorie-free, those sweeteners are not good for your health.

Several studies have discovered that there is a connection between diet soda consumption and obesity. Those artificial sugars can make your body crave even more of them.

Diet soda also contains several chemicals, such as phosphoric acid, which can affect the body’s absorption of calcium. In the end, it’s not good for your bones either.

10. Potato Chips

Eating a handful or two of potato chips every now and then is not that bad for your health or for your waistline. It’s finishing off the whole family-sized bag that can get you into some serious health issues.

Don’t get us wrong, it’s very easy to eat an entire bag of chips in just a sitting, but the after-effects are not that great. Your stomach hurts and the sodium will definitely leave you bloated for a few hours.

Make things easier for you by buying smaller bags of chips or trying to divide a big family-sized bag into smaller portions. If you find yourself at a party with a huge bowl of chips next to you and you know that you can’t help yourself once you start eating, it is better to stay away from them.

Another thing you can try is to cut potatoes into thin pieces and bake them with a bit of olive oil or your favorite spices and maybe even sprinkle some cheese on top. There are many recipes on the Internet, so you can choose one that works best for you.

CONCLUSION

If you want to keep up with your health and fitness goals and also have fun during summer, you can always look for more alternative versions. For example, if you crave a mint chocolate ice cream, you can make one at home.

Other than that, make sure to limit your consumption of these unhealthy foods, even though they are tasty! They won’t hurt you if you eat them in moderation. Just remember that balance is key!

…Now that you know a bit more about eating healthy and consuming foods in moderation, make sure to read something about working out as well. Pair it with the previous tips and you’ll be golden! Here is a great recommendation on what to read next: 10 Realistic Fitness Goals Recommended By Personal Trainers!

Tags food, tips

17 Delicious Foods You Can Eat That Won’t Break the Scale

Post author By Guest Post
Post date May 11, 2022
No Comments on 17 Delicious Foods You Can Eat That Won’t Break the Scale

Cutting calories is one of the most difficult components of weight reduction. Many low-calorie foods leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied in between meals, making it much simpler to overeat and overindulge.

Fortunately, many healthy foods are both satisfying and low in calories. Here are 17 low-calorie dishes that are rather filling.

17 Tasty Foods You Can Eat Lots of Without Gaining Fat

1. Oats

Oatmeal is a great supplement to any balanced diet. They aren’t just low in calories, but also high in protein and fiber, which keeps you satisfied. A 1/2-cup portion of dried oats contains only 148 calories and contains 5.5g of protein and 3.8g of fiber, both of which can influence your hunger and appetite.

In one research of 48 people, consuming oatmeal boosted feelings of fullness while decreasing appetite and calorie consumption at the following meal. Another small research found that when compared to a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal, instant and old-fashioned oatmeal significantly improved hunger control over four hours.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a high-protein food that can help control cravings and assist in weight reduction. Though the exact figures vary depending on the type and taste, a 2/3-cup (150-gram) serving of Greek yogurt delivers around 130 calories and 11 grams of protein.

One research of 20 women looked at how a high-protein yogurt snack compares to unhealthy high-fat snacks like chocolate or crackers on hunger. Women who ate yogurt not only felt less hungry but also ate 100 fewer calories at supper than those who ate crackers or chocolate.

In another study, high-protein Greek yogurt helped reduce hunger and boosted feelings of fullness when compared to lower-protein snacks in 15 women.

3. Soup

Soup is sometimes considered as just a light and easy side dish, although it can be rather filling. Even if the components are the same, some studies show that soups are more filling than solid dishes.

Smooth soup, for example, reduced stomach emptying and was more successful at creating fullness than a solid meal or chunky soup, according to a 12-person research. Another research of 60 adults found that eating soup before a meal reduced total calorie intake at lunch by 20%.

Keep in mind that, while creamy soups and chowders are satisfying, they can also be heavy in calories. To cut calories and increase satiety, use a lighter broth or stock-based soup.

4. Berries

Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can help you live a healthier life. Their high fiber content promotes weight reduction and decreases appetite. Blueberries, for example, provide 85 calories but 3.6 grams of fiber per cup (150 grams).

Berries are especially high in pectin, a kind of dietary fiber that has been demonstrated in human and animal studies to decrease stomach emptying and boost feelings of fullness. This can also assist in reducing calorie consumption, which may aid in weight reduction.

According to one study, a 65-calorie berry snack in the afternoon reduced calorie consumption later in the day compared to a 65-calorie confectionary snack.

5. Eggs

Eggs are particularly nutrient-dense since they are low in calories but high in a variety of essential elements. A single big egg has 72 calories, 6 grams of protein, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. According to research, eating eggs first thing in the morning can help reduce appetite and increase fullness.

In a study of 30 women, those who ate eggs for breakfast instead of a bagel felt fuller and ate 105 fewer calories later in the day. Other research has shown that having a high-protein breakfast can reduce snacking, decrease stomach emptying, and lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

6. Popcorn

Popcorn is a very satisfying low-calorie food because of its high fiber content. Although 1 cup (8 grams) of air-popped popcorn contains only 31 calories, it contains 1.2 grams of dietary fiber, which accounts for up to 5% of your daily fiber requirements.

Fiber not only slows digestion to increase fullness, but it can help balance blood sugar to minimize hunger and cravings. Furthermore, popcorn, more than many other popular snack foods, can help lower hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

One research of 35 participants found that those who had 100 calories of popcorn felt fuller and more pleased than those who consumed 150 calories of potato chips.

However, keep in mind that these benefits only apply to air-popped popcorn. Many ready-made types have a lot of harmful fats, artificial flavorings, and additional salt or sugar, which boosts the calorie count significantly.

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, recognized as a true superfood, pack a lot of protein and fiber into a little number of calories. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of chia seeds has 138 calories, 4.5 grams of protein, and 10.7 grams of fiber. Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber, which absorbs fluids and swells in your stomach to give you a full feeling.

According to some studies, chia seeds can absorb 10–12 times their weight in water and move slowly throughout your digestive tract to keep you feeling full. Including chia seeds in your regular diet will help you control your cravings and lower your appetite.

In one research of 24 individuals, those who ate yogurt containing chia seeds reported less hunger, less desire for sweet meals, and increased feelings of fullness when compared to the control group.

8. Fish

Fish contains a high concentration of protein. A 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cod, for example, has nearly 15 grams of protein and only 70 calories. According to several studies, increasing protein consumption can lower appetite and ghrelin levels, the hormone that drives hunger.

Furthermore, fish protein may be particularly effective for lowering hunger and appetite. According to one study that compared the effects of beef, chicken, and fish protein on feelings of fullness, fish protein had the largest influence.

To further reduce calorie consumption, choose lean fish such as cod, flounder, halibut, or sole over higher-calorie alternatives such as salmon, sardines, or mackerel.

9. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a high-protein snack that is ideal for individuals trying to reduce weight. One cup (226 g) of low-fat cottage cheese has around 28 g of protein and just 163 calories. Increasing your protein intake through foods like cottage cheese has been shown in several studies to reduce appetite and hunger.

Some studies also show that consuming protein might impede stomach emptying, hence prolonging feelings of fullness. Furthermore, research on 30 healthy people discovered that cottage cheese and eggs had equal impacts on fullness.

10. Potatoes

Because of its link with high-fat French fries and potato chips, potatoes are sometimes rejected as unhealthy and hazardous. But potatoes, in fact, may be a full and nutritious portion of a balanced diet. One medium baked potato with skin has 161 calories but also offers 4 grams of protein and fiber.

Boiling potatoes were classified as the most satisfying in research measuring the impact of several meals on satiety — or fullness — with a score of 323 on the satiety index – more than seven times that of croissants.

Potato protease inhibitors, which can suppress hunger and decrease food intake to promote fullness, may be involved in the filling effects of potatoes, according to animal and human research.

11. Lean Meat

Lean beef has been shown to effectively lower hunger and appetite in between meals. Lean meats like turkey, chicken, and low-fat cuts of red meat are low in calories but heavy in protein. 4 ounces of cooked chicken breast, for example, has roughly 185 calories and 35 grams of protein.

According to research, eating too little protein may raise hunger and appetite, whilst eating enough protein may lower calorie intake and hunger levels. In one research, those who ate a high-protein supper with meat ate 13% less food by weight at dinner time than those who ate a high-carb, vegetarian meal.

12. Legumes

Due to their high protein and fiber content, lentils, peas, and beans may be particularly filling. Cooked lentils give around 230 calories, 15.6 grams of fiber, and about 18 grams of protein in one cup (198 grams).

Several studies have found that legumes have a major influence on appetite and hunger. A high-protein lunch with beans and peas enhanced feelings of fullness and lowered desire and hunger more than a high-protein supper with veal and pork, according to a study of 43 young men.

Another assessment of nine studies found that eating pulses, a kind of legume, made participants feel 31% fuller than high-carb meals like pasta and bread.

13. Watermelon

Watermelon has a high-water content, which keeps you hydrated and satisfied while providing little calories. A cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) includes 46 calories and a variety of key micronutrients including vitamins A and C.

Low-calorie-density foods, such as watermelon, have been proven to have comparable effects on sensations of fullness and hunger as high-calorie-density meals. Furthermore, meals having a reduced calorie density have been associated with a reduction in body weight and calorie consumption.

Substituting oat cookies with a similar number of calories from fruit lowered calorie consumption and body weight in a study of 49 women.

14. Pineapple

With a crown on his head, the king of fruits. A pineapple represents happiness and freedom. Not for nothing, either. Pineapples’ manganese content is claimed to aid in the metabolization of protein in your meals by your body and muscles. This is excellent for aiding weight loss. 50 calories are included in 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

15. Beetroot

Beetroot roots are often eaten cooked, roasted, or raw, either alone or in combination with any salad vegetable (just add some lemon and olive oil). A significant amount of the commercial output is processed into boiled and sterilized beets or pickles.

Borscht, a kind of beet soup, is popular throughout Eastern Europe. A diced, cooked, spiced beet is a frequent side dish in Indian cuisine.

Besides having a difficult stain to remove, beetroot is abundant in minerals, nutrients, and water content. As a result, it also works well as a juice. Beets are also high in manganese and magnesium.

These aid in blood sugar management as well as muscle and nerve function. Raw beetroot contains 88 percent water, 10% carbs, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat. A 100-gram (3.5-ounce) portion of beets has around 40 kilocalories.

16. Carrots

Carrots are high in vitamin K1, beta carotene, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, as well as being delicious and adaptable to a wide range of dishes. Carrots include 41 calories per 100 grams, 4.7 grams of sugar, and 2.8 grams of fiber. They’re ideal for a quick lunchtime snack or as a veggie addition to any meal.

Now for the big question: Are carrots healthy for your vision? The answer is YES! You are more prone to get night blindness if you have low vitamin A levels. The remedy is to consume carrots to increase your vitamin A levels!

Carrots can even help prevent cancer and heart disease, so eat your carrots since they’re healthy and delicious.

17. Cold / Hot Brew Coffee

Ok, Ok! Before you rush to Starbucks, remember that we’re not talking about your pumpkin latte. Coffee offers several health advantages, including antioxidants and minerals that help promote overall health. According to legend, it was discovered around 800 A.D. when sheepherders recognized the plant’s impact on their sheep.

Today, Brazil produces one-third of the world’s coffee, while Hawaii and California produce it in the United States. It gets us through the mornings and the days at work.

However, brewed coffee contains almost no calories. Just consider the sugar and milk that have been added. Take pleasure in your cool brew!

The Bottom Line

Cutting calories doesn’t have to mean you’ll be hungry or unhappy in between meals. Eating a wide variety of satisfying foods high in protein and fiber will help you lose weight faster than ever before by reducing hunger and fighting cravings.

These low-calorie items, when combined with an active lifestyle and a well-balanced diet, can keep you feeling full all day.

You might also like: Eat These 19 Foods To Keep Your Appetite Under Control

Tags food, weight loss

Eat These 19 Foods to Keep Your Appetite Under Control

Post author By Marian
Post date May 11, 2022
No Comments on Eat These 19 Foods to Keep Your Appetite Under Control

What Types Of Foods Do YOU Eat?

Besides nourishing our bodies, food has become a huge part of our lives. If you think about it, eating is actually a social activity. We meet with our friends for brunch, we go on date nights, we watch movies and eat popcorn, chips, or any other types of snacks, we treat ourselves to something nice and fancy to eat, and the list can go on.

If we don’t pay close attention to these habits, we might develop some health issues or gain a few unnecessary pounds. In addition to that, eating too many unhealthy foods, such as sweets, pastries, chips, dips, and fatty foods can mess with our waistline pretty quickly.

Whether you want to lose those extra pounds, develop healthier habits, or eat cleaner in general, an important thing to do to reach your goals is to keep your hunger and cravings under control.

Staying full and satisfied throughout the day will help you focus more on your tasks, have more energy, and also will help you smash those workouts of yours.

Consuming enough protein, fats, and fiber is very beneficial for keeping you fuller for longer, so if you want to discover more about this topic, here are 19 foods that will keep your appetite under control.

…Did you know that you can actually curb your appetite by eating certain foods?

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a delicious food you can eat for breakfast, as dessert, or as an ingredient in dips. It’s made by straining regular yogurt to get rid of most of the whey in it, which results in intensifying the nutrients. As a result, you’ll enjoy a tasty and high-protein appetite curber.

If you don’t have any ideas on how you can combine this superfood, you can add berries, bananas, honey, nuts, or any other type of fruit to create a parfait. This is also great in soups or as an alternative to sour cream.

…Try it and see your hunger go away!

2. Avocado

Who doesn’t love avocado? It’s an amazing food and a high source of healthy monounsaturated fats, that will do wonders for your body. They have a rich and creamy texture and will take more time to digest, keeping your appetite under control for a longer period of time.

There are many ways you can consume it: guacamole, in salads or sandwiches, as dips and spread, or on toast with salmon or eggs. You can even turn them into a delicious chocolate pudding by adding cocoa powder and honey.

Besides being full of healthy fats and Omega-3 acids, avocados are also full of fiber. If you’re still not convinced why you should include this food into your diet, you should know that they are good for your hair, skin, and nails as well.

3. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a great healthy snack for when you’re on to go and you don’t have time to eat a proper meal. Or when you simply want to snack on some healthy food.

This food is lower in calories and fat compared to other cheeses on the market and it’s a great source of protein and calcium. You can eat it plain, add fruits for sweetness, or enjoy it as a savory snack with some corn, avocado, and freshly cracked black pepper.

4. Almonds

Another type of food that is great for keeping your appetite under control are almonds. They are a great source of healthy fats and proteins and can be consumed as a snack between meals.

However, they contain a lot of calories, so if you don’t want to add on some extra pounds, make sure to eat no more than a handful of them.

5. Oatmeal

There are a lot of people who believe that oatmeal is actually the breakfast of champions and many fast food restaurants started carrying this type of food on their menus. Oats are a type of grain that contains a lot of slow digest fiber, called beta-glucans.

They travel slowly through your digestive tract, keeping you full for longer periods of time. Besides that, oatmeal is also great for lowering blood sugar, providing antioxidants, and lowering your chances of developing colon cancer.

If you’re looking for a great-tasting food that you can indulge in without guilt, oatmeal is a great source for you! Combine it with banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, nuts and seeds, and vegetable milk and you’ll have a delicious breakfast!

6. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is very rich in healthy omega-3 fats, fiber and protein. Even though these small and nutritious seeds don’t take up that much room in your stomach, they are great for keeping you fuller for longer.

According to several studies, people who eat this type of food in the morning actually eat less when it’s lunch time. You can sprinkle this food on your salad, if you want a bit of a crunch and a delicious flavor.

Try eating flaxseed at breakfast, because they’re really yummy! Just add a teaspoon to your Greek yogurt or to your smoothie, for a more subtle taste and many benefits.

7. Legumes

Legumes are an amazing type of food, especially if you want to include more plant-based meals into your diet. You can choose from peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas and cook them in several ways.

Whether you prefer soups, stir fry dishes, salads, stews, or chili, there are many recipes out there that will make your taste buds happy. They contain a lot of fiber and complex carbohydrates, and they are a great source of protein for vegetarians or vegans.

Due to the combination of the macronutrients they have, these foods are great if you want to keep your appetite under control. They take a lot of them to be digested, which means that you won’t think about food for at least a few hours.

8. Soup

Even though eating soup alone as a meal won’t keep you satisfied for more than an hour or two, if you pair it with a sandwich or a snack it will make your tummy happy.

A study from Pennsylvania State University had discovered that people who ate a bowl of chicken rice soup before they were served the main course felt a lot fuller and ate roughly 100 calories less, compared to those who consumed a chicken casserole that contained the same ingredients as the soup and only a glass of water as an appetizer.

If your goal is to shed off the extra pounds you might have, then make sure to eat broth-based soups, that are packed with chunky veggies. Several nutritionists believe that the act of chewing is tricking your body into thinking that it’s full.

If you want to make your soup more filling, you can add noodles, chicken, beans, or chickpeas.

9. Meat

Meat is one of the foods that take a lot of hours to be fully digested, which means that you’ll be satisfied for a longer period of time. Meat is also rich in vitamins and protein, which will contribute as an appetite-suppressing key ingredient.

If you want to benefit from all the nutrients, make sure to cook it in the oven or on the stove, and don’t use too much oil. Pair it with vegetables and a dip made of Greek yogurt and you’ll be full for hours.

10. Apples

Apples are a great healthy snack, especially if you crave something sweet and crunchy. This fruit is packed with pectin and soluble fiber, which will keep your stomach occupied for quite a while.

Besides acting as an appetite suppresser, this food can also give you a lot of energy and it can help your body regulate your glucose levels. If you think that a single apple is not enough for making you feel full, you can combine it with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

The combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats will keep your body busy and your taste buds happy. Plus, it’s a great pre or post-workout snack and it’s also suitable for kids who crave something sugary and crunchy.

11. Eggs

Another food that is great for keeping you full and satiated for a longer period of time is eggs. You can eat them at breakfast or at lunch and they are just as good.

Several studies have discovered that eating one or two eggs in the morning can actually make you feel full for more than 24 hours compared to eating other foods at the same time.

Besides that, the same study also discovered that people who ate eggs in the morning consumed approximately 330 fewer calories throughout the day, compared to those who consumed a bagel for breakfast.

12. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren’t only delicious, but they’re actually incredibly healthy for your body! This food contains a particular type of starch that has the ability to repel digestive enzymes. As a result, the food stays in your stomach for a longer period of time.

Besides helping you suppress your appetite, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, they promote a healthy gut, support your immune system and clear vision, enhance brain function, and they also have anti-cancer properties.

13. Dark Chocolate

This is the type of food I’ve been waiting for! Dark chocolate is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with several antioxidants and vitamins!

Consuming it in moderation can increase focus and brain function, can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, and it can even reduce heart disease risk.

In order to benefit from all the goodness in this food, you need to make sure that you only consume dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.

The bitter taste will help your body feel fuller faster and for longer. Besides that, this delicious dessert contains stearic acid, which is great for slowing digestion.

If eating chocolate with that much cocoa is too bitter for you, try consuming one or two pieces while drinking a cup of black coffee. This combination is known for bringing out the sweetness in the chocolate.

14. Salmon

Salmon is delicious, nutritious, great as an appetite suppresser, and also beneficial for your skin, hair, and nails. This type of fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and in protein, which will make you feel fuller for longer.

You can combine this superfood with vegetables, rice, avocado, eggs, or you can use it in salads. If you don’t like how salmon tastes, you can swipe it for another type of fish that contains omega-3, such as herring or tuna.

15. Tofu

If you’re looking for a healty alternative to cheese, tofu is the way to go! It contains a substance called genistein, which is known for its appetite-suppressing properties.

If you don’t like the taste of plain tofu, you can try the smoked one. It has a richer flavor and a nice texture and it tastes just like smoked cheese. You can cook your tofu with vegetables and you’ll have a stir-fry meal ready for you in just a couple of minutes.

16. Whey Protein

If you paid attention to the foods we’ve previously mentioned on this list, you might have noticed that all of them contain protein.

This macronutrient is consumed by many people for curbing hunger, maintaining a healthy and balanced weight, building lean muscle tissue, reducing soreness, and also speeding the process of recovery after a tough workout or in case of an injury.

If you want to consume extra quantities of protein, you can add whey protein to your smoothie, yogurt bowl, or you can even consume it plainly, mixed with milk or water.

Several studies have discovered that people who ate a smoothie that contains whey protein consumed fewer calories at their next meal, compared to those who added casein protein to their shakes.

Whey protein comes in different flavors, so when you have a sweet tooth, but you don’t want to eat something sugary and unhealthy, a scoop of flavored whey (you can choose from many variants, such as chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, fruit, etc) is one of the best options.

17. Umeboshi Plums

Umeboshi plums are also known as sour plums, Japanese plums, or Japanese apricot and they are made from dried and pickled ume fruit, a sort of fruit that is related to the apricot.

These sour and salty fruits have been predominant in Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. They are round, squishy, and wrinkled and their taste is so strong, that Japanese people usually combine them with white rice.

Even though you might find their taste a bit weird, they are actually very healthy for you. They are very rich in antioxidants, can help prevents cavities and oral disease, promote gastrointestinal health, strengthen and improve bone health, and the list can go on.

You can find them in Asian stores, online, or at your local specialty store.

…Have you ever tried this fruit? Tell us in the comments down below!

18. Green Leafy Vegetables

If you’re looking for any reasons why you should add green leafy vegetables to your daily diet, here is one of the most important ones: it can help you feel fuller for longer!

From baby spinach and kale to Swiss chard, these greens are considered to be one of the most effective appetite suppressers.

You can eat them raw in salads or in smoothies (you won’t feel their taste), or you can cook them on the stove with a tiny bit of olive oil or grass fed butter, for a flavorful side dish.

Combine them with salmon and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that will keep your hunger at bay!

19. Quinoa

Another superfood that is great for your body is quinoa. You can consume this type of grain any time of the day and you’ll have enough energy to tackle all the tasks on your to-do list without even thinking about food!

Quinoa contains a lot of fiber, which is linked to keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Besides that, this amazing grain is also good at lowering the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes.

…How many of these superfoods do you consume on a daily basis?

CONCLUSION

If you want to keep your hunger levels in check, make sure to include foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats into your diet! They are great for your body and they will help you get rid of those extra pounds you don’t want to have!

…If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure to check this one out as well: 19 Ingenious Cooking Hacks You Didn’t Know About!

Tags food, weight loss

19 Ingenious Cooking Hacks You Didn’t Know About

Post author By Sidney
Post date May 10, 2022
No Comments on 19 Ingenious Cooking Hacks You Didn’t Know About

kitchen hacks — Photo by VanoVasaio from Shutterstock

So, we have this scenario: you plan on becoming super talented in the kitchen. In fact, you want to be SO GOOD, that you can learn to do three different meals at once, waste 0 food, use everything, and make everything as delicious as it can get.

I can only wish you the best of luck! Or even better…you might check this article for a couple of cooking hacks that could really save you some time and effort. These cooking hacks are so good, that you won’t believe how far you lived without knowing them.

Don’t forget to try them out and tell us in the comment section which ones you found really helpful!

Best cooking hacks

Keep cookies soft

If you want to keep cookies and other baked foods as soft as possible, the best thing to do is to add a slice of store-bought white bread to an airtight container. This way, your cakes, cookies, and muffins will manage to keep their day-one softness.

Craft DIY Mason Jar Shakers

Your bulk spices and baking supplies will instantly get the needed upgrade. Save all the lids you got from parmesan shakers and gather your small mason jars. Then, screw the lid on and you’ll end up with a handy tool to sprinkle and measure.

Slice Steak Fries

If you’re dreaming about those scratch-made potato wedges from your favorite restaurant, so do I. But did you know that the answer is waiting for you in your kitchen drawer? All you have to do is cut one end of the potato for stability, then push an apple slicer through.

Then, add your favorite spices or follow our recipe for Parmesan Potato Wedges. Should I even specify that you can use it with sweet potatoes too?

Freeze a Soup Starter

If you want to have garden-fresh flavors all year round, just freeze farmers’ market veggies in resealable bags during their season. A classic soup starter known as mirepoix is simply made by combining 2/3 onion with 1/3 carrot and celery. The aromatic combination will give your soup or broth a sweet flavor.

Use Sheet Pans as Trays

You probably never thought of this, but sheet pans aren’t just for dinner! Use that baking sheet to keep yourself organized while you’re preparing your meal. Keep the ingredients in one place, so you can be efficient and clean up as little as possible. Food preparation doesn’t have to be such a drag, especially when you try these tips!

Use Your Oven as a Proofing Drawer

In some cases, the kitchen is simply too cold to cook good homemade bread. If that is the case, pop the dough in the oven, but don’t turn it on. Instead, just place a pan of simmering water below your dough and shut the door of the oven. The warmth and humidity will get you the needed results.

Freeze Single-Serving

If you want to become the ultimate upcycling master, this trick is a good start! For this, you’ll need egg cartons, as they’re ideal for freezing small portions of homemade sauce. Cover and freeze leftovers such as pesto or homemade mayo and transfer cubes to a resealable freezer bag.

Soften Butter (Even if You Forgot to Take It Out of the Fridge)

If you simply can’t remember to take the butter out of the fridge when you’re about to cook a new recipe, don’t worry! We have a solution for this, as there are various ways to soften butter fast. The easiest way is simply to cut the butter into cubes and let it sit on the counter for only 20 minutes. It will be easier for smaller pieces to soften up.

Prevent Bowls from Slipping

When you’re right in the middle of the action, you might need some extra help. Take the advice of professional chefs, and put a damp dish towel under your mixing bowl to prevent things from slipping and sliding on as you keep on mixing. This tip will work just as well with a cutting board too.

Chill Wine Super Fast

Let’s be honest, no one actually likes lukewarm bubbly. Find a tall pitcher that has the height of your wine bottle and gets cooling. Then, immerse the bottle in ice water with a bit of salt and turn it in every couple of minutes. Your booze will definitely chill in less than 20 minutes.

Get Golden Brown Air Fryer Food

Who doesn’t love air fryers? They give us the crispy fried texture we all love, without all that extra and unwanted grease. Even so, air fryers won’t always produce that golden hue we want to see. If you want that perfect golden color, just give your foods a quick spritz of cooking spray before putting them into the air fryer basket.

Keep Ice Cream Cool

How many of you know that bubble wrap is such a great insulator? When you’re traveling, keep your Chunky Monkey cold and fresh by wrapping the pint in plastic bubble wrap. It will stay as firm as possible for hours.

Make Frozen Rolls Seem

Homemade

Elevate your bread basket by adding an extra ingredient to your frozen rolls. Brush the top with egg wash and dip into your favorite seasoning blend, seeds, or cheeses.

Get Eggs to Room Temperature Fast

When you bake, it’s super important to use ingredients at room temperature. If you forget to take your eggs out of your fridge, don’t worry. Take them out and leave them for a couple of minutes in hot water.

Label Jars the Thrifty Way

If you want to label your jars, you can easily do it with rubber bands. Wrap them around your mason jars and you’ll never mistake sugar for salt again. There’s another benefit to it: it makes jars easier to open.

Stop Stirring Peanut Butter

If you’re simply tired of mixing oil back into your peanut butter, don’t worry! Try storing the jar upside-down. When you are ready to have some peanut butter and jelly, just turn it right-side up.

Stop Cheese from Sticking

Grated cheese is absolutely delicious, but it can be super annoying to grate it. To make it easier to clean up, just use a quick spritz of cooking spray on your grater to avoid sticky cheese.

Make a Big-Batch Cooling Rack

The ironing board will be your new kitchen best friend. You can use it as an extra counter space, and even as a makeshift cooling rack after you remove the cover. Isn’t it mind-blowing?

Use Canning Tons For Hot Dishes

It can be extremely tricky to remove ramekins from their hot water bath. But try using canning tongs! Their edges are round and non-slippery, which will make it easier to lift the ramekin, without splashing anything.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: Where Should I Store My Medications?

Tags food, tips

10 ‘Polite’ Habits That Fast-Food Workers Actually HATE

Post author By Sidney
Post date May 10, 2022
No Comments on 10 ‘Polite’ Habits That Fast-Food Workers Actually HATE

There are so many things your fast food worker won’t tell you because their job forbids them to. One of these annoying things includes the ‘polite’ habits customers sometimes do. I know what you’re thinking: “polite habits”?

What about all those things like throwing trash on the floor, or letting your kids run through the restaurant? I guess they dislike that, too. But today we’re going to talk about those things that you believed to be helpful, but in fact, they are exactly the opposite of that.

And don’t blame yourself for doing any of these things, because it’s safe to say that we all did it at some point!

Stop doing these things when you eat at a fast-food restaurant:

Not correcting a mistake in the order

When you decide to order, make sure you say everything you want as clearly as possible, so nothing gets lost in translation. The employee is obliged to repeat your order back to you, or you will easily watch it on screen, so make sure you have everything you need up there.

If you don’t, be quick to notice and say. Otherwise, it will be way more difficult to fix it once you get up to the window.

It’s better to be extra focused for a couple of minutes at first than to wait more and make everyone wait too much for your order to be fixed. It’s easier for you, for the employee, and for the ones waiting in line altogether!

Handing over extra money

So you ordered food that’s worth a total of $17, and you give the cashier a $20…and then two $1 bills, so you can get the rest of the $5 bill in return. Unless you both agree on this, the only person who finds this useful is you.

We get that it makes things easier when it comes to your wallet, as you don’t carry around extra cash, but it’s not always just as easy for fast-food employees to add in that they have taken in extra cash, and this applies even more if they’re in a hurry because others are waiting in line as well.

Waiting at the drive-through window

There are some drive-throughs in certain fast-food places that will ask you to pull to the side or into designated parking spots to keep the flow of orders coming. While you might think that it makes things a lot easier on employees to park and wait at the window instead, what they really want is for you to follow the directions.

While it’s somehow understandable for you to seek the best and most rapid option for you to get out of there, it’s highly important to respect the rules as much as possible. I bet some people really thought everything through, and those directions actually make sense.

“Cleaning up” trays or baskets

Unless the trash can is completely loaded, there’s no point whatsoever for you to leave bags and wrappers at your table when you decide on eating out at a fast-food restaurant. Separate the wrappers from the baskets and throw away the actual trash.

Ordering for the whole office

I know what you’re thinking: you’re about to bring in serious money. I personally thought that myself a couple of times! However, when you order lunch for ten at a fast-food drive-through, it might slow the whole line down.

As an alternative, you can order inside the restaurant or even better, call in an order in advance. This way, you’ll give employees plenty of time to prepare your order.

Waiting at the register for condiments

If you’re going to a fast-food spot that has packets of ketchup and hot sauce, it’s best if you ask for them upfront. The last thing you should do is stand near the register after receiving your order, as you might risk blocking the line and getting everyone annoyed by it.

Instead, if you ask for the condiments right away, it will keep the line moving for everybody and the employee behind the register won’t have to leave her station to come and get you your condiments.

Paying with TONS of change

While you might believe you are doing the cashier a solid favor, you probably aren’t. Paying only in change might leave the register worker fumbling to count or hurrying to give your change back, which only holds up the line even more.

If you definitely must pay with change, at least try to make things as easier as possible, and use only quarters, not an assortment of change. John Frigo, for example, worked in the industry, as a fast-food drive-through employee for many years, and finds this habit extremely vexing.

He even said that he’s “not so sure if [paying with exact change] is even a polite thing for my sake, or customers want to get rid of change, but it’s extremely annoying [to have to be] hanging out the window in the cold, waiting two minutes to wait for someone to get rid of all their pennies”.

Checking your drive-through order

Try as much as possible not to check your order at the window. Instead, pull into a nearby parking spot to make sure that you have everything you need and order. However, if you notice that something is missing or there’s something wrong with your food, you should definitely speak up.

Letting others pass you while you decide your order

According to Gianetta Palmer, who worked in the industry of fast food service for eight years, you should definitely have an idea of what you want to eat or read the menu before deciding to get in the line. “As someone who worked in a pizza joint, I was getting so annoyed with someone who couldn’t make up their mind.

They would do nothing but stand there reading the menu board, up until the point a line would form, and then let people move in from of them, apologizing the whole time. “These people might think they’re being polite, and even that they practice good etiquette if they let people go in front of you.

However, truth is that the really polite thing to do is to decide beforehand. The employee can be put in a very difficult situation when having a customer who’s constantly hovering by the counter, trying to make up their mind.”

What if the employee wants to do something in the back, such as remove food from the oven or check on something, but can’t leave because there’s a ‘potential’ customer that might go away? It’s unfair!

Using their first names

This is a situation that highly depends on the employee, as some of them might really see it as a sign of politeness. However, former Carl’s Jr. and Pizza Hut employee, James Cobb, RN, MSN, believes that using first names only makes things uncomfortable.

“You’re forcing me to be familiar. We haven’t been introduced.” Some fast-food employees might wear name tags, but there are times when it can be quite unnerving to hear someone you don’t really know addressing you by your first name.

The way Cobb sees it, first names are only reserved for friends and acquaintances, not so much for strangers.” However, note that it’s completely different when the server tells you their name, as opposed to someone who has a name tag on.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: Workout Journey: 8 Tips To Start An Exercise Routine For Beginners

Tags food, habits

What are you looking for?

What ARE The Best Foods To Freeze?

Bacon

Applesauce

Avocados

Burgers

Bananas

Casseroles

Cheese

Waffles And Pancakes

Sour Cream And Cream Cheese

Soups

Eggs

Sauces And Broths

Grapes

Bread And Other Doughs

Hummus

Lentils And Beans

Citrus

Energy Balls

Milk

Burritos

#1 Excessive carrot eating will turn you orange!

#2 Unripe mulberries may cause hallucinations!

#3 Can’t sleep after eating hot foods? It may be because of the sauces!

#4 Salty foods will make your fingers swell!

#5 Remember the carrots? Beware of pumpkins too!

#6 Quite bizarre! Beets, rhubarb, and blackberries may turn your urine pink!

#7 Constipated? Try sugar-free gum!

#8 Be careful with nutmeg! It is also a hallucinogen!

…Did you know that there are certain foods that can induce anxiety?

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

2. Water

3. Antioxidants

4. Teas

5. Probiotics

6. Tryptophan

7. Magnesium

8. Foods rich in Vitamin B

Avoid These 6 Foods If You Don’t Want To Trigger Your Anxiety

1. Processed foods

2. Caffeine

3. Alcohol

4. “Light” dressing

5. Frosting

6. Ketchup

How many kitchen mistakes do you think you make?

1. You Don’t Plan Ahead

2. You Go Out For Coffee

3. You Order Out

4. You Don’t Properly Store Your Produce

5. You Don’t Use Your Freezer

6. You Don’t Use Your Leftovers

7. You Buy Ingredients For One Meal At a Time

8. You Buy Off-season Produce

9. You Let Your Food Go Stale

10. You Like To Buy Convenience Food

11. You Purchase Single-use Supplies

12. You Waste Water

13. You Don’t Take Care Of Your Knives

14. You Eat a Lot Of Meat

15. You Don’t Store Your Grains Properly

16. You Neglect Your Cookware

17. You Don’t Take Care Of Your Appliances

18. You Purchase Bottled Drinks

19. You Throw Things Out Because Of The Best By Date

CONCLUSION

How many summer foods do you eat when the weather is warm?

1. Nachos

2. Onion Rings

3. Processed cheese slices

4. Chocolate Fudge

5. Coleslaw

6. Soft Pretzels

7. Fried Clams

8. Frozen Cocktails

9. Diet Soda

10. Potato Chips

CONCLUSION

17 Tasty Foods You Can Eat Lots of Without Gaining Fat