Thursday, June 25, 2020

Healthy Food Buying During Covid-19

The 8 Healthy Frozen Foods Nutritionists Always Buy

They're convenient too. - by K Limoges, Domino Magazine

pc: EDGAR CASTREJON
When you think of nutrient-rich meals, you might envision vibrant green juices or colorful salads, but what about frozen foods? The frozen aisle is often seen as a place to find convenient meals rather than nutritious ones: think ice creams, pizza pockets, and frozen TV dinners.
Yet many nutritionists say that a ton of healthy, protein-rich, and balanced meals can be found in that handy frozen section, but you just have to know what to look for. We asked three nutritionists to pick their go-to items, from single items like edamame to full-on meals like veggie burgers, and explain how they cook with them at home. Get ready to grab a cart because we’re going grocery shopping.

Whole Grains

You’re probably buying grains in the dry goods aisle, but NYC-based registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist Jackie Topol says to give the frozen section a try. “I always have frozen whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa, on hand to throw together a quick side dish with fresh or frozen vegetables,” she says. It’s a huge timesaver, as frozen precooked grains don’t need to be made from scratch like the dried counterparts do. You can simply add your grain to a saute to heat up and thaw.

Cauliflower

Frozen cauliflower is a huge time and money saver. It never goes bad and is precooked, so it can be quickly used in any type of dish. Try mixing things up with cauliflower by giving your saute a tasty Asian-inspired flare. Grab some coconut aminos, garlic, and red chili flakes, and then crack an egg on top of your cauliflower dish, as registered dietitian Amy Shapiro does. Or make a bowl of quick fried rice with cauliflower rice and add in tamari, sesame oil, and veggies.
Shockingly, cauliflower is also incredible in smoothies—yes, smoothies. “It adds tons of nutrition without added sugar and it also adds some creaminess,” says Shapiro.

Green Vegetables

Add some greens to smoothies and frittatas in the form of spinach and kale, but also grab some more protein-rich items, like frozen peas and edamame. Frozen peas can be added to grain-based dishes or in a soup for protein, says Topol. And edamame is a handy, protein-rich snack that can be steamed and ready in just a few minutes. Topol suggests using the ones in the shell for snacking and the shelled version to add to meals. Peas are also almost always precooked, so they made meal prep a breeze. 
pc: wikipedia

Fruit

The one fruit that’s most likely never in your freezer comes highly recommended by registered dietitian Carlene Thomas. “Frozen cranberries are America’s original superfruit,” she says. Cranberries have unique polyphenols that are not only healthy, but they also add a unique tang to any type of dish, from smoothies to sauces to roasted vegetables.  
One frustrating thing when buying fresh foods is the potential for waste. But with a freezer, nothing has to ever go to unused, including overripe bananas. Peel and half them, and then put them in a freezer-safe container to bake later or to add to smoothies.

Ginger

You might be overlooking this flavor-packed root, but not anymore, says Topol. You usually only need a tablespoon or two at a time for most recipes, so frozen ginger is handy to have for that random recipe that asks for it. You can also make a super tasty tea out of fresh ginger that’s frozen, thawing when needed, and letting it steep for an hour-plus for extra potency.

Veggie Burger

Veggie burgers are often passed over, but nutritionists still swear by them for a quick, convenient meal. “I’ll add some salad and avocado, et voila, your meal is made,” says Topol. Try Hilary’s, Sunshine Burger, or Dr. Praegers.
pc: wikipedia


Seafood

“Frozen wild salmon is often cheaper per pound than fresh, so I keep my fridge stocked with individual portions so a quick meal is only minutes away,” says Topol. Don’t discount frozen shrimp, either, which can be defrosted and cooked in under 10 minutes. “Add some pesto and sauté the shrimp with cauliflower rice, and dinner is done,” says Shapiro.

Smoothies

If you love smoothies but want a shortcut, grab the prepacked smoothie kits that most grocery stores offer. They feature items like kale, mixed berries, and other fruits, and all you have to do is add water or milk and you’ll be all set.
Shapiro also loves Daily Harvest (she’s the registered dietitian for the brand), which offers a variety of healthy smoothies. The veggies and fruits are organic and precut, so all you need to do is throw it in the mixer with milk and blend.
pc: epicurious


Dessert

The frozen aisle is maybe most associated with its sweet offerings. But enjoying a frozen treat doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Frozen, chocolate-dipped bananas are a worthy treat, as are coconut-based ice creams. Shapiro also loves Good Pops Freezer Pops, which come in old-school push-up containers but are low in sugar and calories.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.








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Sunday, June 21, 2020

Dads & Their Influence in our Lives

pc: No Greater Joy Ministries

Happy Father's Day!!

My Dad was very far from perfect -- like me.  My husband (my children's Dad) is not perfect neither, but I do not know of any perfect men or women in this world.  

This is a nice, short article of memories of Dads from HOUZZ
 (by G Purdom)

Love Lasts: Dad’s Imprint on Our Homes


Robin Breuer lost her father to cancer at only 13, but a reminder of him sits nestled next to her bookcase. “My most cherished memory is of sitting on his lap in this leather chair, while he relaxed after work with a martini, roasted peanuts and classical music,” Breuer wrote when we asked last week where Houzz users see their dads’ influence in their homes.

Growing up, I always had a bit of hero worship for my dad. He seemed so intelligent, well-traveled and sophisticated, and this leather chair (from Norway, I believe) embodied all of those qualities,” she later told us via email. “I knew I had to have that chair in my home,” she said.


Eventually, Breuer was able to wedge the chair into the front seat of a friend’s car and transport it from New Jersey to her apartment in New York. “I was so worried when we moved it that a leg would break or the leather would tear, but it squeezed in the front seat perfectly,” she says.

“Now it sits prominently in my studio apartment, honoring his memory.”

Dad chairs,” like Breuer’s, shown here, hold a special place in many homes (we’ve even explored the psychological root of their cultural prominence in the past), but they’re hardly the only visible vehicle for fond memories ahead of Father’s Day.

Much like the heartfelt recollections of mom that users shared last month, the responses our dad question evoked reflected a wide spectrum of personalities, passions and unexpected lessons. Here are a few more stories that stood out.


Read the rest of HOUZZ's heart-warming Dad stories H E R E


Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Eph 6:2-3)






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Thursday, June 18, 2020

British Mountaineer, George Mallory, Is Buried on Mt Everest

G. Mallory was a talented, confident mountain climber who was determined to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1924 (the very first attempt to climb Everest was in 1922).  He and his co-climber, Andrew Irvine may or may not have reached that goal. If so, they would have beat-out New Zealander, Sir Edmund Hillary and  Nepalese, Tenzing Norgay who are on the world's record as having done so on 29 May 1953. We will never know as Mallory and Irvine both perished; and only Mallory's frozen body has been found (in 1999) thus far. 

I have an almost 2-year old grandson who likes to climb steps -- any steps, indoor or outdoor.  

We tease that RA is following in the steps of George Mallory -- who was born on June 18th, 1886.  'Tis he who famously answered, "Because it's there," when asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest.

I  was touched at the recorded scenes of Mallory's discovery in the video below.  I have very great respect for the men and their actions and words. 


North Face of Mt. Everest. "1st", "2nd", and "3rd" indicate the Three Steps; wikipedia
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalm 103








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Sunday, June 14, 2020

Easy Recipe: Summer Beverages

Sliced Oranges, Limes, Lemons added to water


pc: allorganicrecipes.com




Plain water with sliced strawberries and oranges, Yum!!

[Starbuck's] Iced Black Tea plus fresh, sliced Lemons

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Jesus speaking, Matthew 11:28-29)




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Sunday, June 7, 2020

Home Renovation: 5 Tile Trends

Covid-19 ain't gonna stop our homes from looking good! Here are the Latest Looks in Tile, Stone and Flooring by HOUZZ


1. Weathered Surfaces




2. A Medley of Shapes

pc: Daltile



3. New Takes on Texture



4. Muted Palettes



5. New Geometrics



Read the full Houzz article H E R E








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Thursday, June 4, 2020

Uniqlo: Japanese Casual Wear Design We Luv

Introduced to this hot clothing brand via my sister who loves it (so do her 2 daughters).  

I remember  that she dragged us to UNIQLO's grand opening at our local mall.  It was only its second store in Illinois. Had never gone into one of its stores  till that day. 

Crowded.  Asians. Caucasians. Young. Some old. Girls. Boys. Many well-dressed in a simple-cut, relaxed, chic awesome way that only Japanese/Asian designers can pull off.  Of course I was instantly drawn.

My first coat purchase (in 2 colors):


WOMEN DOUBLE FACE HOODED COAT

(pc: Uniqlo)

Dark Navy

Uniqlo knit dress

Uniqlo reversible coat

Uniqlo graphic t shirt

Uniqlo Hybrid Down Cocoon Coat in grey

NIPPON -- Japanese name for Japan






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Monday, June 1, 2020

Actor/Singer Andy Griffith

Actor / Singer, Andy Griffith, was born on June 1st, 1926. 
 I loved watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show while growing up (having recently-arrived at the good ol' US of A). I still love the show and so do some of my kids. It's watched almost daily thru Amazon Prime.

I never knew until recently that there are lyrics to the show's theme-song, "The Fishing Hole." I loved it being whistled! But now, here is Andy singing the show's opening theme song. Enjoy! 










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