Do you toss “factoids” into party talk? Here’s one for National Rice Month: the world grows more than 40,000 types of rice and about 1.3 trillion pounds of rice annually—a lot of rice! Store shelves may display more than traditional white rice: arborio (short-grain for risotto); aromatic, often nutty-flavored rices (Basmati, Black Japonica, jasmine, Texmati
Whether paid work or volunteer work, working at home offers easy kitchen access. Whether that’s a benefit or a hazard to smart eating depends on you. To eat smart as a home-office habit, set regular mealtimes, rather than heading to the kitchen on a break. When you do need a break, “do” rather than eat:
Summer’s on the wane. Soon cool, crisp autumn air and a colorful landscape add seasonal lair to tailgate parties at parking lots, fields, and roadsides. This season make yours . . . Safe. Even with a chill in the air, remember picnic food safety. Keep perishables in a clean, well-chilled cooler until mealtime, and during
Ever think of cooking as an active sport? TV chefs are in constant motion: chopping, stirring, whisking, scrubbing, lifting—physically multitasking! Join the kitchen team whenever you can. It takes more muscle, more motion, and more energy to prepare food from scratch than to simply pop a prepared meal into the microwave oven. Join in some
At any age, you need the nutrition benefits that milk supplies. But which milk for you? And what if you’re a strict vegetarian? You have plenty of choices in the dairy case. Fat-free, low-fat, reduced-fat, or whole milk. No matter what type, 8 ounces (1 cup) has about 300 milligrams of calcium, along with protein
Imagine your alarm goes off. You stretch, then race to get ready for the day. How will you pack your family’s lunches? During back-to-school, back-to-work season, get creative with healthful pack-and-go lunches. Hand-y. Finger foods are easy to eat: sandwiches, wraps, pita pockets. Go beyond sandwiches: soft pretzels, string cheese, or hummus with veggie sticks.
Shiitake, crimini, portabella, enoki, oyster, morels, wood ears, or white—whether tossed in a salad, arranged on a pizza or polenta, added to a stir-fry, or stirred into pasta, stew, or soup, mushrooms add earthy flavors. Nutritionally, mushrooms are low in calories, cholesterol-free, and essentially fat- and sodium-free. They provide many B vitamins; potassium, which promotes
Need more protein, less carbohydrate for weight control? More likely, you need fewer calories in (from food) and more calories out (from active living). Consider: Quick weight loss from high-protein eating often comes from water loss. Possible side effects are dehydration, constipation, and strain on the kidneys. High-carb foods in a varied meal won’t make
Leaf blowers and self-cleaning ovens, garage door openers and car washes. Just think of all the labor-saving devices that make your life easier—and more sedentary than ever! By spending these “labor savings” on walking, bike riding, or other physical activities, you could burn that same amount of energy (calories) you saved and net out even.