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Food Health

5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Through Food

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Did you know that what you consume daily can directly correlate with your mental health? Food can impact how you feel physically, including your energy levels and strength, as well as mentally, including your mood and anxiety. The relationship between mental health and diet is complex but has been shown strong from several scientific studies. While many things in your environment will impact your mental wellbeing, including the level of stress that you are exposed to, your physical activity, and more, diet is something you have complete control over. Here are some important facts on how food can impact your mental health, and steps you can take to improve it. 

How does food impact your mental health?

Not getting enough nutrients 

If you live on a diet of highly processed foods, likely, your body is not getting a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins that it needs to function. You may also be eating foods such as palm oil and butter, which prevents the food from being converted into the nutrients that the body requires. Nutrients are crucial for your heart and development, your immune system, and your cognitive function. If your brain is not sufficiently fueled, it can lead to low moods, lack of concentration and attention span, impaired decision making and reaction times, and fatigue. 

Consuming stimulants 

Consuming high sugar food such as chocolate, and stimulants such as caffeine can impact the brain by tricking it into releasing chemicals. This is because it believes we are lacking that particular chemical, which can then alter your mood. Stimulants can also make you feel more anxious than usual, and then cause your body to crash a few hours later due to your blood levels spiking higher than usual, which can then lead to sudden feelings of fatigue and low moods. 

Hormone imbalances 

Certain food, particularly processed foods, can cause hormonal imbalances in your body, especially if they are rich in hydrogenated and saturated fats. This is because food can impact the production and secretion of certain hormones in your body, as it affects your gut health, changes the concentration level of your blood metabolites, and can also impact the circulation of gut hormone levels. Imbalances with your hormones can lead to increased stress and anxiety, fatigue, and depression. 

How to Eat to Improve Your Mental Health

A good diet, that contains balance and variety, can significantly improve your physical health, as well as your mental health. 

Eat a variety of food 

Incorporating a variety of food, including whole grain, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruit will provide your body and brain with the fuel it needs to function properly, and help improve your energy levels, and your mood. Make sure you don’t just eat the same thing every day, or every week because your body needs a variety of nutrients and vitamins to thrive. 

Eat to improve your gut health 

Science has shown an increasing link between your gut health and your mental health. It can therefore be beneficial to incorporate food that will boost your gut health. Not only does this include a variety of food, but also prebiotics, probiotics, and meals filled with important amino acids such as this freshly made chicken broth recipe, which has been shown to significantly improve gut health if consumed regularly. 

Eat foods that promote brain health

Your body and brain require the right nutrition to be able to grow effectively and function adequately. To do this, you will need to ensure you consume a variety of minerals such as fatty acids, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. These include quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, chicken, soybeans, fish, eggs, and flaxseeds. The nutritional value of these kinds of food is much higher and will provide your body with the right kind of energy it requires. 

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is vital for your mental health, and reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. Not only can a lack of water make you feel more fatigued, but it can also take its toll on your mood. The brain is made up of 75% water and requires sufficient hydration (with a fine balance of nutrients too) to function at an optimum level. Without proper hydration, your concentration and emotional processes will suffer. 

Mindful eating

Mindful eating is the practice of paying more attention to what you eat, and when you eat. When you pay close attention, you gain a good insight into your patterns to ensure you are not eating more or less when you are stressed. It can also act as a moment of mindfulness, which in itself is a practice that supports mental health. Making your meal times an activity to give your full attention to will help you stay in the present moment, and stress less. 

Eating is not just about losing weight, it is also an important factor in your mental health and how you feel every day. By making small changes to your diet, you can live healthier, and happier. 

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Food

Incredibly Simple Single Serving Desserts

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Ever wanted to make yourself a sweet treat but you simply could not be bothered to go through the effort of a big, complex recipe that sees you end up with enough to feed a small tribe? If that’s the case, you might need to look at a few single-serving recipes that don’t take quite so much time. Here, we’re going to look at a few desserts that you can be totally selfish with, indulging in some sweet bliss without too much effort.

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Enjoy a little zest

Cheesecake might not be the kind of thing that you can imagine only making for one person, but it’s perfectly possible, as shown in this zesty lemon cheesecake mousse recipe. A lighter and fresher sweet treat for when you’re not really feeling like eating anything too thick or cake-like, and it requires no baking whatsoever. You simply have to whip the ingredients up together then put them into the fridge for a while. Set it and forget it to surprise yourself with a nice chilled treat later in the day.

A chocolate hug in a mug

Sometimes you really just want a nice spoonful of sumptuous chocolate goodness to warm you up and hit that sweet tooth. You don’t need to spend a lot of effort at all to make this 3 ingredient Nutella mug cake. All it takes is flour, egg, and Nutella, then some time in a microwave and you have the perfect evening treat. You can top it up with things like banana slices, ice cream, or whipped cream to add a little of your own favorite flavors to it. The recipe even includes an egg-free version.

Get nutty with it

Find yourself addicted to peanut butter but don’t quite want to just eat it out of the tub? A little change in consistency can go a long way and this peanut butter cookie offers just that. You can make this recipe all in one bowl, after which it only requires around 13 minutes of baking, so you’re not going to be standing around too long waiting for your treat to be ready. Of course, this recipe can be expanded to make more for a larger crowd, too, if you’re so inclined.

A tiny classic

Banana bread is truly a classic, to the point that it’s often one of the first things we learn to bake. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth revisiting now and then. Using cereal instead of traditional bread, this delicious banana bread for one recipe creates a slightly crunchier treat that still has that same taste, and tops it off with a lovely dollop of vanilla icing to add the extra sweetness that makes it perfect for dessert, as well as an any-time snack for when you’re craving something a little sinful.

You don’t need hours of prep work or enough ingredients to feed a household for five days in order to have a creative and delicious treat. Hopefully, the above examples show that. Enjoy!

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Food Health

Are You Eating Too Much Processed Food?

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Between being farmed and ending up on your plate, almost all foods go through some level of processing. However, some foods are completely unnatural to the point that most people don’t even know what’s in them. It’s these ultra-processed foods that are a problem – things like white bread, candy, hot dogs, fries, chips and sweetened breakfast cereals. Many of us don’t realise just how much of these foods are in our diets and the issues that they cause.

What’s wrong with processed foods?

Highly processed foods typically have no nutritional benefits. Almost all the nutrition is taken out of them during processing and replaced with chemicals, salt, sugar and unhealthy additives. A bag of chips is a prime example – while mostly made from raw potatoes, practically all the vitamins and minerals from the potato are removed and replaced with salt and sugar. Eating too many of these foods deprives your body of the nutrients it needs, while pumping it full of unhealthy things that it doesn’t need.

On top of being unhealthy for you, processed foods are also typically unhealthy for the planet. A lot of energy is poured into manufacturing, transporting, and storing these foods and many chemicals are often added throughout the process such as pesticides, which cause damage to the entire ecosystem. To top it off, most of these foods are wrapped in plastic.

How Can I Consume Fewer Processed Foods?

Eating fewer processed foods is great for you and the environment. If you want to consume a diet that’s low in processed foods, think about every food you purchase and the likely processing it has gone through –  aim to minimize this whenever you can. Below are just 6 ways to consume less processed foods!

Prepare more meals from scratch

When you make your own soup out of raw ingredients instead of eating a canned soup, you know exactly what has gone into that soup. This allows you to control just how healthy and eco-friendly the meal is. The same goes for other meals. Yes, preparing meals from scratch is much more time-consuming. However, it is ultimately more rewarding. 

Buy food labelled ‘organic’

Food labeled as ‘organic’ typically has little to no chemicals added. When buying organic tomato sauce, you can usually guarantee that no pesticides were added to the tomatoes during farming and that no chemical preservative, colorants, or flavorings have been added during the sauce’s manufacture.

Swap out refined grains for whole grains

Many breads, pastas, cakes, cereals and cookies are made from refined grains – these are grains that have had pretty much all the nutrients stripped out, often replaced with salts and chemicals. Whole grain products retain all the original nutrients found in the grain and are therefore much healthier.

Buy from local producers

When you buy from a local farmer, you reduce the need for long-haul transport – which often means no need for chemical preservatives. Such foods also typically don’t have to be packaged as heavily. 

Look into macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is a way of dieting that promotes health, mindfulness and environment-friendliness. It involves cutting out pretty much all processed foods. You can find out more about macrobiotics at this site from Denny Waxman, macrobiotic counsellor. 

Grow your own produce

The best way to ensure food is unprocessed is to grow it yourself. Growing your own pepper plant or strawberry plant allows you to control how it is grown so that no chemicals are added. You’ll unlikely be able to grow all of your own foods, but it’s worth growing a few foods.

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Food

5 Ways To Make Grocery Shopping Easier

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How many times have you found yourself at the grocery store, mindlessly tossing things into your cart but having no idea what to do with them once you get home? We’ve all been there at some point or another, right? However, doing so can result in a significant amount of food waste, which means that you may end up overspending on your grocery shopping! While some food waste is inevitable, it’s much easier than you might think to limit the quantity of food you throw away. Check out these great ideas for making the most of your food shopping.

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Never go if you are hungry.

Going to the store when you’re hungry is a big no-no when doing your grocery shopping. With your stomach growling and your mind racing, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to load up on all the foods you’ve been craving. It’s understandable, however, since we all have hectic lives. Before traveling to the supermarket, make sure you’ve had a small snack so that you can keep your cool and avoid impulsive purchases. You’ll discover that you’re not spending as much money as you used to!

Buy goods that allow you to make quick meals

Some days the thought of standing over the cooker for hours is horrible, so why not buy some goods that allow you to make something quickly and easily? Look for recipes like this instant pot pinto beans so that you can have the ingredients ready for those days where you really can’t be bothered.

Preserve your food!

Food can spoil rapidly, especially when it is fresh. In other words, what can you do to get the most of your grocery budget without having to eat it all up right away? An easy solution is to preserve your food. Why not treat yourself to a professional sous vide machine so that you can learn how to use the sous vide technique to preserve your foods? Whether you pickle or freeze your food, your food will survive considerably longer than it did previously!

Begin preparing your meals.

If you’re heading to the grocery store, chances are you have some concept of what you’re going to cook with the goods you’ve purchased. When it comes to actually preparing your meals, this can rapidly become a thing of the past, so why not avoid food waste altogether by preparing meals when you have some spare time on your hands? A prepared meal is more likely to be consumed than just the ingredients. Plus, if you don’t feel like eating your dinner right away, you can store it in the freezer to keep it fresh for longer.

Note the use by dates.

Finally, it’s easy to overlook expiration dates on fresh foods like salads when you’re running about all the time. Keep track of your use-by dates by getting a small whiteboard for your kitchen. When you buy food, write down the dates on the board. You’ll be less likely to forget about perishables, which means you’ll waste less food!

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Food

How to Create a Restaurant Experience at Home

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Going out to eat is great, the big bill at the end of the meal can really hurt the wallet though. Sure, eating at home is cheaper but that can be a drag considering how boring it is. Fortunately, there is a way to turn your kitchen into a cozy little restaurant for the evening. It will make you feel like you’re having a nice time out, all within the comfort of your home. Here are some fabulous tips to create a nice restaurant experience at home.

Get out the nice plates

If you have plates that are used for special occasions, then now is the perfect opportunity to put them to use. Restaurants tend to have very nice dishes from plates, glasses, and even cutlery. These are what help in enhancing the dining experience.

Plan out your menu

You don’t have to go all out and fancy to create delicious food for your little in-home faux restaurant. You can cook whatever you want, whether it be something complex or something easy. Your slow cooker, whether it be an Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or the traditional stove is all perfect for making mouth-watering meals with ease. One great idea can include looking around for a slow cooker recipe for chicken chili and some sides to complement it.

You’ll also want to think about the type of restaurant experience that you’re wanting to create. Are you wanting to create a fine dining experience? Something casual? What about a 3 or 5-course menu? Even thinking about this can help you out in deciding what you want to make and how you’d like to decorate the dining area around it.

Set the table

Whether you’re making lasagna, filet mignon, or anything else, you need to set the table! This is what helps with creating that restaurant feeling. Try and work on a theme and try to make it a bit different compared to how your table is usually set. A great idea could be using a nice table cloth, a running, a floral centerpiece, and maybe some candles to help set up a mood.  It doesn’t need to be expensive either!

Set the mood light some lighting

Candles are the perfect way to help set the mood at the dinner table, but even dimming your lights (if you have a smart light) can also be hugely beneficial. The lighting in the space is what helps out in creating that right atmosphere. Think about it, most restaurants tend to be low light. This helps their customers feel relaxed and enjoy their surroundings. If you’re unable to adjust the lighting in your home, then using candles can help achieve that dimness.

Dress the part

You wouldn’t go to a nice restaurant in sweatpants, would you? Probably not! Just go ahead and dress the part, whether it be wearing your favorite outside or maybe something a little more casual. Just getting to dress up for the proper occasion is going to massively help in selling the experience that you’re in a restaurant. 

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Food

Top Places to Visit for Iconic American Food

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Food in the US has been influenced by many different cuisines. You can find plenty of these traditional cuisines still going strong, but you can also find plenty of dishes that have developed their own American identity. Some foods are representative not just of the US, but of specific regions, states, and cities. If you’re a foodie who wants to experience the country through food, or you just want to try some of the most iconic things to eat across the states, there are some cities that you have to visit. Here are some of the top destinations if you want to seek out legendary American dishes.

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New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is one of the best places you can visit if you love food. You’ll find amazing cuisines that were developed in the US, including Creole and Cajun food, as well as soul food. There are several iconic foods you can enjoy while visiting the city and plenty of amazing eateries where you can try them. If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, some of the things you might want to seek out are po’boys, jambalaya, gumbo, Shrimp Creole, and more. The food in Louisiana is influenced by French, West African, Spanish, and Native American cuisines.

Chicago, IL

Italian food is something that you can find across the US, with large Italian-American populations in many places. Of course, pizza is one of the most popular Italian options, but several US states have made it their own. In Chicago, the most well-known version of the Italian staple is the deep-dish pizza. With its tall crust, it has cheese and tomato sauce in larger proportions than you’d ever find on a pizza in Rome or Florence. Another Chicago must-have is the Chicago-style hotdog, which always has mustard but should never have ketchup.

Philadelphia, PA

If there’s one thing you can usually find a version of in most places, it’s a sandwich. While Louisiana has the po’boy, Philadelphia has the cheesesteak. A lot of people visit the city just to track down the best Philly cheesesteak. The sandwich is made from thinly-sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, which is served in a hoagie. You can also find variations of the cheesesteak throughout the city, which often replace the meat with something vegetarian such as mushrooms or swap it out for chicken. You can even discover vegan versions that swap both the steak and cheese for vegan alternatives.

Memphis, TN

Barbecue is another cuisine that you will find many variations of throughout the US, particularly in the south, and everyone will claim that their way is the correct way. There’s no one city that does barbecue best, but Memphis is definitely one of the options that you don’t want to miss. The dry-rubbed style with sauce on the side is pretty distinct and you can find sauces with bases of tomato, vinegar, or mustard, depending on where you go (other styles often favor just one of these). You can find both traditional and contemporary BBQ places to visit.

Try these top places for iconic American dishes if you’re a foodie looking for somewhere new to travel!

Which city do you think has the best food?

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Food

This Is The End Of Boring Breakfasts

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It’s easy to become a creature of habit when it comes to your daily breakfast. A bowl of cereal or a piece of toast is the extent that many people go to, and let’s face it – it gets a little boring after a while. 

A dull and unfulfilling breakfast is sure to leave you reaching for the snacks by mid-morning, and could lead to unhealthier choices too. 

Putting a little more effort into your breakfasts can help you enjoy something that’s filling, healthy, and a little more exciting. 

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts with some of these ideas.

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Wrap it up

If you want an easy breakfast you can make on the move, it has to be the breakfast wrap. You can make your own breakfast burrito that is tasty and filling, and much more interesting than a piece of toast. A breakfast burrito is a fantastic way of getting in some protein and vegetables first thing in the morning, helping you feel satisfied until lunch. 

Make a breakfast casserole 

Could a breakfast casserole save you time in the morning to cook up a hot, filling breakfast? A sausage breakfast casserole is a tasty family breakfast idea you could make ahead ready to heat in the morning. It also makes a fantastic breakfast to enjoy on the weekend when you have a little more time.

You can make some simple swaps to make your casserole healthier, such as using lean sausage or low-fat cheese. This one will easily become a family favorite!

Satisfy your sweet tooth

A lot of food crazes take off thanks to TikTok, and baked oats is one of the latest. Baked oats feel like a bit of a naughty breakfast, but they can contain a lot of goodness. Check out some baked oats recipes that will add a little sweetness to your morning breakfast, but is nice and filling too. It’s so indulgent, it feels like you’re eating cake for breakfast, but you can have it without feeling the guilt. Kids will love this one too!

Get creative with eggs

A delicious, hearty breakfast is a good way to ensure your kids eat healthier. Cutting out sugary cereals in favor of some egg dishes could be ideal for helping them feel full and setting them up for the day. There are a lot of amazing egg recipes you can make for breakfast, including baked breakfast muffins, omelets, scrambled eggs with all the topics, and even your own healthier version of a McMuffin! Use eggs more in the kitchen and discover a whole new world of egg-based breakfasts.

Never underestimate the importance of a good breakfast. Starting the day off in a healthy way will give you energy and get you started with some healthier habits. Make more time for breakfast in your morning routine so you can enjoy a warm and tasty meal that is sure to put a spring in your step as you head out the door.

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Food

Fun Lasagna Recipes To Try In November

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If there was ever a meal that was synonymous with a comforting family dinner – it’s lasagna. Lasagna is a comforting dish that can be whipped up any day of the week and it will always provide you and your family with a filling and winning dish. 

Today though we want to go off the traditional beef route and look at some different versions of this dish that will please everyone. From a low carb breakfast lasagna recipe to a veggie packed version there are lots of ways to enjoy this classic layered dish. Today though we have a few versions that will add some fun flavour and spice to this classic meal. 

Chicken Parmesan Lasagna 

This easy and yummy lasagna recipe will take a classic concept and bring new flavours and textures. 

Ingredients: 

  • 4 chicken breasts, butterflied 
  • 1 packet Lasagna sheets 
  • 400ml tomato sauce 
  • 200g panko breadcrumbs 
  • 1 egg 
  • 50g flour 
  • 100g Parmesan 
  • 2 mozzarella balls 
  • Basil 
  1. Bash your chicken flat and cut the butterfly to create 8 pieces of chicken. 
  2. Place chicken into flour, then beaten egg, then into a mixture of 100g Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs until coated. 
  3. Fry in oil for 6-8 minutes until cooked through- set aside. 
  4. To assemble your lasagna – start with some tomato sauce, then chicken, then a couple of mozzarella slices, Parmesan, and lasagna sheets. Repeat until you reach the top of the dish. Top with more Parmesan and mozzarella. 
  5. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes. 
  6. Garnish with basil.

Cajun Chicken Lasagna 

This creamy Cajun chicken is a different way to enjoy your lasagna and it will create the most wonderful flavors on your plate. 

Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken breasts 
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp pesto 
  • 1 tbsp flour 
  • 1 tbsp butter 
  • 1 pint milk
  • 150g cheddar cheese 
  • 1 packet lasagna sheets 
  • 100g golden breadcrumbs 
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste 
  • 1 tbsp parsley 
  1. Add your chicken onto a foil sheet. Sprinkle with seasoning and then wrap. Bake for 45 minutes until cooked and tender. Use forks to pull the meat apart. 
  2. Melt some butter in a pan. 
  3. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. 
  4. Slowly add milk while stirring to make a thick sauce. 
  5. Add a handful of your cheddar cheese to thicken, followed by your tomato purée and pesto. 
  6. Add the chicken and mix. 
  7. Assemble your lasagna with some of your chicken sauce, then cheddar, then a lasagna sheet. Repeat until you reach the top. 
  8. In a frying pan, add your breadcrumbs, garlic paste, and parsley with some butter. Fry for a minute or two to crisp up. 
  9. Sprinkle this on top of your lasagna and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and beautiful. 
  10. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of dry Pinot Grigio. 

Lasagna is a classic dish but it can also be vamped up into lots of different meals. Try out some of these ideas and even experiment with your own recipes this year to see what amazing creations you can come up with!

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Food Health

3 Ways To Ensure Your Kids Eat Healthier

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Green is mean!

That might be your child’s attitude when you serve any green vegetable to them. Of course, they might also be averse to any other color vegetable and anything else that is considered healthy. 

No matter your attempts to advocate the need to eat healthier, your words might fall by the wayside if your kids are reluctant to touch anything that is good for them.

It can be frustrating, as you will know yourself if your child is a picky eater.

So, what can you do to ensure your kids eat healthier?

Well, here are some ideas we hope you find useful!

1: Make healthy food more enjoyable

As we discussed in an earlier article, it is possible to make healthy food more enjoyable to eat. 

You could sprinkle a little bit of seasoning on your children’s food as it might make the taste more palatable. 

You could smother their veggies in their favorite sauces too as they might be more willing to have a go at eating what’s in front of them. 

If you have a blender, you could make soups and fruit smoothies, as your kids might enjoy these if they don’t like eating certain foods whole. 

And as most children enjoy eating pizza, you could add healthy toppings when you’re creating them. 

These are just a few ideas but be creative, and look for more inspiration online if you need to. 

2: Stop ordering unhealthy takeout

Getting takeout is a real treat for families everywhere. Kids love them because the food is usually pretty tasty. And parents love them because they don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. 

But here’s the thing about takeout. It’s rarely very healthy. While it can be considered fine as the occasional treat, it doesn’t do much for anybody’s health if eaten regularly. 

So, here’s what you could do. Firstly, look online for healthy takeaway restaurants in your area. There are bound to be a few, so choose those that serve foods your family is likely to eat. 

Secondly, replace a normal takeout with a meal kit subscription service. Services, such as Hello Fresh, will deliver what you need to your door, and you need only to spend a short amount of time getting everything ready for your meal. Check out their healthy meal kits online or try a Hello Fresh alternative if your family would prefer something different. 

3: Get the kids involved

Would your kids eat healthier if they have a hand in preparing your family meals? Maybe! It’s worth a try. 

They could prepare the toppings needed for a healthy pizza, or they could make these fun and healthy snacks. Look online for other ideas and get busy with your kids in the kitchen. 

Of course, meal prep starts before they get on their aprons. If you have a garden or any type of outside space, your kids could grow their own vegetables. Not only will this get them outdoors and away from their screens for a while, but they might be more likely to eat the foods that they have grown.

Getting children to eat healthier can be a battle. However, we hope these tips were useful for you so give them a go if you’re currently at war with your kids at mealtimes. If you have any further ideas, please comment below!

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Food

BBQ Your Way to Excellence This Summer!

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One of the best things about the summer is being able to get the grill and whip up a storm in front of the BBQ. It’s the perfect way to cap off a wonderful, sunny day, and the perfect way of keeping refreshed, entertained, and well fed! This is one of the best ways to meet up with friends post-lockdown, and you need to try to make sure you do your best to have the ultimate BBQ this summer, and that involves some prep work.

Now, if you are looking for ways of having an excellent BBQ that’s going to be the talk of the town, you need to nail all of the key areas that make a BBQ successful. This means identifying these areas, and approaching them in a way that allows you to do things a little bit differently. So, these are some of the key trips you can use to BBQ your way to excellence this summer. 

Choose the Right Meat

Choosing the right meat plays a huge part in the development of any BBQ, and this is the first and most important factor for you to get right. You need to have a good variety of meats to choose from, and make sure there is plenty of it to cover the people who are going to be in attendance. This is one of the best things that you can do to get the BBQ off on the right track, and sourcing your meat locally from a butcher would be preferable to the grocery store. The quality of meat is going to be better, plus you are also supporting a local business in the process as well.  

Perfect Your BBQing Process

You need to do a lot to make sure you work on perfecting the BBQing process. It’s all well and good having delicious and tasty cuts of meat, but if you don’t BBQ them properly then it makes no difference. There are so many ideas that play a part in helping you perfect your grill game, and the first of these is seasoning and marinating. Two things that should be done pre-cooking in order to bring out the flavors in the meat more effectively. You should also consider whether you’re going to be sizzling sausages on a conventional charcoal BBQ, or slow cooking a Ninja Foodi pork roast, as both will impact flavor. Whether you opt for grill or charcoal BBQ, you still need to make sure you have the right meat, and that you season it more effectively.

Have Some Meat Free Options

Of course, if you want to complete the perfect BBQ, you need to have some meat-free options to offer to guests as well. There are a lot of ideas and elements that you should be looking to keep in mind here, and buying some meat-free sausages and burgers might not be the worst idea in the world. Alternatively, you might choose to ask the non-meat eating guests to bring their own and you will cook itr for them. That way you can guarantee that they are getting exactly the choice they want and can enjoy the BBQ experience as much as those who will be consuming the meat. Variety and choice are so important at a BBQ, and you should do as much as you can to make your guests feel included. 

Sides

Sides play an integral role in any BBQ, and you have to make sure you have a good selection of sides to complement the meat and vegetarian/vegan options that are on offer. You can get creative with the sides too, and things like corn on the cob and potato salad, as well as homemade slaw can really enhance the taste and flavor of the BBQ meats, and this is something you can really get creative with. The perfect side dish can elevate an average BBQ into a brilliant one, and here are some amazing ideas that you can use to help take your cookout to the next level, and ensure an unforgettable experience for all. 

These are just some of the factors that will contribute to your amazing summer BBQ experience, so you need to try to tick these boxes as much as you can. Make sure you focus on the best watts of doing this, and perfecting the way you cook your meat is one of the key aspects of this. Try to think about the best ways of improving your BBQ, and making for an excellent experience moving forward. 

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