The Gift Of Giving And How To Get It Completely Wrong

May 15th, 2013

Phew, well that’s Mother’s Day out of the way.  Valentine’s Day is already a faded memory and Christmas – when was that?  However, along with Father’s Day looming, wedding season is around the corner and if you’re nearest and dearest are as thoughtless as mine, mid-summer will see an apparently unending series of birthdays.  The constant need to come up with new and refreshing birthday gifts ideas can be exhausting and even the most thoughtful and imaginative amongst us find it hard to keep coming up with fresh ideas.  It’s also easy to get things terribly wrong and although a gift should always inspire some emotional feelings it’s best to make sure that those aren’t anger, hatred and/or misery.  Here’s how not to find that perfect gift:

Flashy, Showy and Not as Welcome as You Might Think

Diamonds may well be a girl’s best friend but buying jewellery for the special person in your life can be fraught with difficulties.  It can also be a case of buying jewellery for the wrong reason; exactly who are you trying to impress with the flashy, showy diamonds?  If it’s your partner then the motivation at least is ok, but if you’re competing with your brother, mates or even boss and using your other half as a display case for your own ego then you might be the one to end up with a shiner.  Also, despite the rumors, women aren’t always wowed by your over-generous spending power, especially if money is tight in your household.  While as birthday gifts go jewellery can be a romantic gesture it’s often best to work with ‘she who must be obeyed’ and buy the piece together.

Call in the Troops – She’s Done it Again (How not to Re-Gift)

The biggest sign that the season of goodwill to all men, women and children has recently manifested itself is likely to be a pile of ‘stuff’ in the spare room.  It may seem like the perfect way to de-clutter by re-gifting some of these thoughtful but unwanted gifts.  However, the re-gift idea is guaranteed to make you look cheap and make the recipient feel small.  Clothing as a re-gift is rarely welcome; especially if you haven’t checked carefully for tell-tale things like a thoughtful personalised monogram.  In one incident that nearly required a UN peace keeping force, my mother re-gifted a gift to her from my mother-in-law.  Basically charity shops or better still eBay are the only place to re-home unwanted gifts.  In the case of eBay you can use the cash raised to buy more personal birthday gifts for the birthday boy or girl.

The Thought Does Count: Especially the Second one

Some of us are just too thoughtful for our own good.  The recent gift of some acne cream to a teenage relative by another relative who is older as expected went down like a lead balloon.  The problem was that the thought was in the right place but sometimes it’s important to have second thoughts and to focus on the feelings of the person at the receiving end of your largesse.  The same principle applies when it comes to buying moisturizers and (especially) anti-wrinkle/ageing creams.  The latter are basically a firm no, while you should be sure that the recipient has been using moisturisers for years and buy the best brand you can!  Men offering certain cosmetic surgeries for their partners are usually considered to be doing so for their own benefit and therefore may as well start constructing their own dog house immediately!

Perfect and Personalized

Thankfully in the modern birthday gifts market there are more than enough options; especially when it comes to online shopping.  Personalised gifts can be a great way to make that special statement and can hit exactly the right spot when it comes to the emotions.

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Pipa Rose is a freelance writer who is constantly on the lookout for great and original birthday gifts for the apparently unending list of family birthdays that we all have to deal with. She recommends buying personalised gifts to give that person something which is unique.

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Superfoods You Should Be Eating

May 3rd, 2013

You’d be surprised by just how powerful the following multi-tasking superfoods are and best of all how great they taste, how young they can make you look and feel, and more importantly how few calories are in them. Best of all the superfoods you should be eating are easy to find in your local grocery or farmer’s market.

Berries, Berries and More Berries
All berries, especially blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are rich in fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system and also encourages weight loss. Raspberries provide the highest content of fiber at a robust 8 grams a cup, and also contain ellagic acid, a substance that has anti-cancer attributes. A cup of blueberries has 4 grams and is loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins, that helps keep the memory sharp as we age. One cup of strawberries has 3 grams of fiber and over a full day’s suggested dose of vitamin C, a skin firming, overall health boosting supplement.

Broccoli
It just doesn’t get much better when it comes to a power packed superfood than Broccoli which is packed with vitamins A, C and K (enhances bone health) and folate. Broccoli also provides a wholesome serving of sulforaphane, which has been shown to combat cancer by stimulating the body’s detoxing enzymes.

Fiber Rich Beans
Beans are an excellent source of iron (about 13 mg in a 3/4 cup), Beans also provide a healthy dose of fiber with most of it being the soluble kind that is known to benefit blood cholesterol levels. Navy beans along provide 7 grams of fiber in only 1/2 a cup.

Heart Healthy Nuts
Heart Healthy nuts are an abundant source of unsaturated fats. Walnuts are one of the best nut choices because of their alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels which is an omega 3 fatty acid that has been known to improve moods and boost heart health. Walnuts high mono and polyunsaturated fat levels in most cases reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and helps maintain healthy “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

The Perfect Protein Source; Eggs
Eggs are the perfect protein source can even give your breakfast more staying power as well, leaving you more satisfied throughout the day. Even if you are required to keep an eye on the amount of cholesterol you consume, an egg a day will more than likely accommodate into your dietary plans. Egg yolks contain zeaxanthin and lutein, both antioxidants that support eye health and have been linked to reducing the risk of age related eye issues like macular degeneration. In Addition lutein is said to project the skin from the aging ravages of UV damage.

Eat Oranges
Oranges are a fantastic source of vitamin C, with a single orange containing a full day’s supply and is high in folate and fiber. Vitamin C is essential for generating white blood cells and the antibodies necessary for fighting off infections. Vitamin C also protects cells from the free radical damage, and helps produce collagen, a skin firming component.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain alpha and beta carotene which your body transforms into an active variety of vitamin A which helps keep your immune system, bones and eyes healthy. A single sweet potato (around a 1/2 cup) provides almost 4 times the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, B6, C, lutein, manganese, potassium and zeaxanthin, and it contained phytochemicals also work as antioxidants that fight cancer causing and aging free radicals

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Awesome young artist

April 30th, 2013

Beth Rommel (at niftyartgirl.com and beth@bethrommel.com) is a young artist with some wonderful ways of looking at the world. She wrote a blog about us today called, “Answer to a Prayer“. Have a read when you get a chance.  Her paintings are bold and colorful with more than a hint of humor.

Here’s the exciting part; she loved her experience with MagicKitchen.com so well, she painted a picture for us. Before you look at it below, here are some of her notes about it: “I felt like the food magically showed up at the doorstep when I couldn’t be there to cook for my loved one.” As flying people are kind of her trademark, she did a beautiful  flying person for us. Click on it to see the detail.

See how we’re feeding the world there? We love it, Beth, thanks so much!!

Here’s part of Beth’s bio, so you get to know her a little better:

Beth’s paintings have been shown in the Dallas area at Muse Interiors, in San Antonio at the Alamo Heights Art Festival, Riverwalk Art Festival, San Antonio Art Institute juried show, and the Painted Pony and Junior League Galleries, in Santa Fe at the Leslie Flynt Gallery, Sanford, Florida at the Gallery on First, Artistry Co-op, and First Thursday exhibits in conjunction with the shop at the Orlando Museum of Art. She has also received awards for her painted furniture in the HEB area of North Texas.

Melody, MagicKitchen.com blogger

 

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Top Five Gifts for The Chef Who Has Everything!

April 25th, 2013

If you have an occasion coming up where you need to buy a little something for a foodie-friend and are stuck for ideas; here’s your go to gift guide to the perfect culinary-inspired buys! These cute and creative kitchen accessories are guaranteed pride of place amongst the metal and plastic of any kitchen setting. Read on for ways to impress even those with even the most discerning tastes!

Image: ChefSteps

Ceramic Knife Set

No good chef should be without these staple tools of the trade! A set of ceramic kitchen knives not only look divinely stylish but are around sixty times more resistant than steel knives. Whilst they are slightly more delicate when it comes to bumps and knocks; these high quality kitchen accessories are much sharper and much more effective than your average metal block. They are crafted from zirconium ceramic; which is the most durable material known to man after diamond. They are stain and rust proof, and guaranteed to bring a whole new level of efficiency to food preparation!

Fondue Set

When it comes to entertaining nothing brings people together like sharing a fondue at a get together. Whether it’s cheese or chocolate you prefer to dip your nibbles in; a cast iron fondue set will serve as a favorite party accessory for any occasion. This makes a tasty and innovative alternative to buffet foods and is surprisingly low effort when it comes to preparation. So grab a fork and get sharing!

Mortar and Pestle

For those who love a rustic touch to their kitchen, a high quality mortar and pestle will be a welcome addition! A heavy duty marble hewn unit will hold its own as it’s in use; preventing any haphazard herb explosions in the kitchen. These traditional and charming accessories can be used to grind herbs, peppercorns and dry ingredients to create beautiful seasoning combinations. Pharmacies and apothecaries traditionally used this method to create medicines.

Image: Structures:NYC

Crème Brûlée Gift Set

Every chef’s kitchen should be equipped with its own blowtorch! This set includes a tempting cookbook of creamy dessert recipes and a set of ceramic ramekins. Now this traditional dish can be enjoyed at home rather than exclusively at fancy restaurants! For extra brownie points accompany your gift set with heat proof mats and a table protector for those who aren’t a dab hand with the blowtorch just yet!

Spice Rack

This is a great opportunity to show off your eye for design! There are so many nifty and unusual spice rack designs on the market and this is a much better storage alternative than having them all hidden away in a cupboard. Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!

This great storage idea will ensure that important ingredients are always to hand whilst making a design statement.

Do you have any unique gift suggestions for Chefs and food-enthusiasts? Comment below to share your ideas!

Elise Lévêque is a freelance blogger and food enthusiast. She has a significant cupcake weakness and writes for Wipe-Easy Tablecloths.

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Natural Lifestyle Techniques To Prevent Sleep Apnea

April 15th, 2013

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in men, women, and children. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB), as of 2012, an estimated 12-18 million people in the United States alone have sleep apnea, however almost half of all sufferers go undiagnosed for years. Additionally, middle-aged men and women, adults over the age of 65, overweight people, and minorities are more prone to the experience symptoms of sleep apnea.

The symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  •               Loud snoring or night-time breathing problems.
  •               Waking up frequently in the middle of the night.
  •               Excessive tiredness during the day.
  •               Difficulty staying attentive on routine tasks.
  •               Frequently waking up with dry mouth or choking sensation.
  •               Morning headaches or hard time waking up.
  •               Witnessed breathing cessation while sleeping.

Fortunately, there are some natural lifestyle techniques that can help to prevent sleep apnea and even reduce your dependency on a CPAP machine or eliminate the need for surgery.

Weight loss the natural way. The medical community has long advised losing weight as a way to help stop some forms of sleep apnea. Being overweight means you have additional fatty tissues in the neck and airway that can obstruct breathing. Use a natural method for losing this weight over time, by enjoying organic fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low fat meats. Even a 10 percent weight loss can improve your health and stop sleep apnea.

Change sleep position. Another way to cut down on the symptoms of sleep apnea naturally is to choose a pillow made from buckwheat to reposition your head during sleep. Standard pillows often encourage back or stomach sleeping, which can cause the blockage of airways. By gently supporting the head and neck in a side-lying position, this can stop snoring and reduce sleep apnea discomfort.

Soothe nasal passages. In some cases, sleep apnea comes from seasonal allergies caused by pollen, dust and dander. To help reduce snoring and dry breathing, try a natural solution of salt water delivered by nettle pot to irrigate and cleanse the nasal passages an hour before bed. Reduce airborne particles and provide a breathing soother with eucalyptus oil added to a humidifier during the night.

Meditation and stretches. Another way to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea is to teach your body and mind to relax more effectively. Many sufferers report having insomnia, waking up frequently, and having irritability during the day. Taking the time to do daily stretches to tone the neck and body, coupled with the relaxation and focus of meditation can be very beneficial to your mental and physical health.

Aromatherapy to relax the mind. Getting to sleep and experiencing restorative deep sleep patterns can be difficult if you have sleep apnea. To help this the natural way, use a lavender diffuser to add a sleep inducing aroma to your bedroom. There are plug in varieties or you can simply buy lavender in the dry form and add to your pillow.

If you recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea in yourself, your partner, or child; it’s important that you speak with your doctor or natural physician to give you an examination to rule out other health problems. Sleep apnea can aggravate other illnesses, so it’s important to take care of your health now.

About the Author: Brandon Travis likes to spend his free time swimming and training for his next triathlon in the spring. When he’s not working out he likes to review sites like iRollOver.

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The Ultimate Sandwich

April 12th, 2013

The lowly sandwich can be elevated to a wonderful meal, if treated with respect. Here are 5 ultimate sandwiches from around the web.

But first, here’s a video all about sandwiches!

1.  The Ultimate British Sandwich – Now, the Brits might like it, but it sounds dry to me.  “Brodick Blue cheese – a delicious Scottish blue cheese made from ewe’s milk – topped with two slices of Ayrshire dry cured bacon and red onion relish. ” Why, they didn’t even mention the type of bread! no, no, no, this one doesn’t win in my books.

2. Maxim’s High Class Hero - Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich, Pickled Green Tomato, Salsas Bianco and Rosso
by Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone, of Torrisi Italian Specialties on a seeded semolina roll. This one sounds pretty good. It’s got horseradish, beef, roasted red peppers…yep, that would be good, a real man’s sandwich.

3. The Shooter – Another British entry, but this one sounds like the real thing. It has two steaks, mushrooms, horsradish and Dijon mustard, and then it’s wrapped in foil and mushed down with a brick like a good old muffeleta. A solid entry!

4. These last two are going to be Canadian entries. This one from Vancouver BC, the prosciutto, brie, pear and walnut sandwich. Oh, my. This is served on a baguette, and has me getting hungry. A great lady’s sandwich,  it sounds simply divine.

5. This last one is mine, a sandwich I first made in beautiful Nova Scotia. They love a good oatmeal bread there. Slightly sweet, chewy and dense, it holds up well to vegetable fillings. First, two thick slices are lightly plied with mayonnaise. Then thinly sliced cucumbers and green peppers are laid carefully on, lightly salted and peppered, and followed by a thick slice of Swiss Emmenthaler cheese, that cheese with the holes in it. This was the best sandwich I’ve ever had, anywhere, for my taste buds.

What’s your ultimate sandwich?

 

Melody, MagicKitchen.com blogger

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Designing your dream kitchen

April 4th, 2013

Dreaming of a new kitchen? As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a very personal room. Everyone’s dream kitchen is different. Perhaps one’s idea of a perfect kitchen has a double oven and all stainless steel appliances, while another features exposed-wooden beams over a centralized hearth and wrought iron pot racks.

Get organized

As with any home improvement undertaking, redesigning the kitchen requires time and organization and one of the best ways to get started is to make a list. The list should include all the changes one plans on making, right down to the hardware on the cabinetry and the paint on the walls. If the dream kitchen includes features that aren’t already there, make a shortlist of what should be included. Now is the time to seek out that extra large wine cooler or that super sleek trash compactor.

Because dream kitchens just don’t happen, here are some helpful tips for crafting that perfect kitchen.

The shape of a kitchen has a direct effect on its functionality, but the layout of the room also needs to be conducive to ease of use. Any well-designed kitchen will have what is known as the essential work triangle in which the refrigerator, sink, and range are all within close proximity of each other. To create a fresh look in the kitchen, one might consider separating it into zones: the work area for food preparation, the cleaning area, and an area for eating. Allowing for more space and an organized layout will make for both fun and functionality in the new kitchen.

In many homes, the kitchen’s layout is dictated by the size of the space, so it is important to work with what’s available. For large kitchens, installing a freestanding kitchen island is a good way to boost storage space, add extra seating for dining, and even increase work surface availability. One might even consider including a china hutch or baker’s rack. However, for those with small kitchens, it can be a little more challenging to bring in more furniture, so built-in options for cabinetry and seating might be the way to go.

Because the kitchen is the most practical room in the home, the window treatments should reflect that. Including shutters on the windows instead of fabric curtains is great for the kitchen, regardless of overall design. Shutters will help maintain privacy, but can also help keep the room cool on hot days. To gain some inspiration of how to incorporate shutters into the kitchen, it’s a good idea to check out pictures of shutters in real homes.

The kitchen isn’t just about food preparation and mealtime; it is often the most widely used room in the home and is used as a gathering place. This is why decorating the kitchen is so very important. Start with color – it’s an easy way to personalize the space and give the room a new look. It’s always a good idea to go with neutral tones, but feel free to include a pop of bright color, either on an accent wall or by including appliances of a certain hue.

Anna, Guest Blogger

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Secrets to Weight Loss Success

March 28th, 2013

Oddly enough, losing weight is a lot easier than keeping it off because most of us, while being able to lose weight following the latest fad diet, or trying to lose weight too fast, end up returning to old eating habits. Even worse, most of the time we end up gaining additional weight. The real challenge when it comes to weight loss success is to sustain a healthy lifestyle without the reward of seeing the numbers on the scale steadily drop. You can get past this challenge by learning the secrets to weight loss success which follow.

Acceptance
To sustain weight loss, you’ll need to accept the fact that you need to make a change that includes living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating the right foods and exercising for the long term, making it part of your overall life plan. Some great rewards that can spur long term motivation is lowering your blood pressure, getting off medications, sleeping better, living a life full of energy, and even improve mental clarity. Most important of all, don’t look at your weight loss endeavors as “dieting”, look at them as discovering sensible lifestyle changes that will improve your life in a big way.

Think Low Calorie/Low Fat
Successful weight loss efforts include following a reasonably low fat, low calorie weight loss plan. Portion control and eating foods like soups and vegetables with high water content can help make counting and control calories easier. By limiting the variety of foods you consume you’ll simplify your healthy eating plan and make it much easier to avoid overeating.

Consistency
Whether its weekdays or the holiday’s, people who successfully lost weight followed a consistent routine when it came to eating. This creates a routine, and while there is room for an occasion splurge, a set eating plan is the foundation of weight loss success.

Frequency
A well known but still surprising secret to weight loss success is to eat frequently throughout the day, 4 to 5 times a day which helps avoid the hunger that typically derails weight loss efforts. Eating small, healthy portions throughout the day can lower blood sugar levels and help deal with your appetite. Most important of all is to drink plenty of water which will help beat the hunger blues as well.

Eat Your breakfast
Successful weight loss almost always involves eating breakfast which is essential to get your body revved up and get you ready for your day. Keep in mind we’re talking about a healthy breakfast including choices like a bowl of high fiber cereal with your favorite fruit and skim melt, a tasty smoothie with fiber rich ingredients; you get the idea.

Weigh In
Yes, as much as most of us avoid it, it’s important to hop on the scale regularly, between once a day to once a week, whatever works best for you. Weighing in isn’t so much about living by the scale but to help you keep you track of your eating habits, and adjust for those splurge days we all have once in a while. In other words, don’t focus on the numbers, focus on slow, consistent weight loss, changing your eating habits, and improving your life.

Get Moving
You have to make time to exercise! Exercising will not only help you lose weight faster, it will also improve your mood, tone and tighten, boost energy, fight a number of diseases; basically the health benefits of exercising are endless and you must make it a part of your life.

Along with the secrets to weight loss mentioned above, as you start your weight loss journey it’s important to remember not to beat yourself up about your weight or any slip ups (we all have them). ; Instead, use positive self talk, learn to love yourself and celebrate any accomplishment; guilt never encourages weight loss.

And remember, MagicKitchen.com has portion controlled meals. They can help you lose weight and keep it off, as part of a healthy diet!

Cheryl, MagucKitchen.com blogger

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Ten Guilty Pleasures

March 21st, 2013

That’s right, you can have your cheesecake, eat it, and lose weight too; all you need to do is remember that it’s all about moderation. It’s also about not beating yourself up if you overdo it at lunch, or have one of those weak moments and eat a gallon of ice cream; just get on that treadmill and run it off; does that make sense? Anyway, this article is about the top 10 guilty pleasures you should treat yourself with once in a while, and even some good-for-you options that make you feel a tad bit guilty; they’re just that good!

Here’s something fun, watch this sneak peek of Glee’s Guilty Pleasures episode.

1. Whose mouth doesn’t water at the thought of eating a crispy piece (or 2) of bacon? If bacon is your guilty pleasure on the weekend’s fine, just keep in mind that bacon is loaded with saturated fat and sodium so eat responsibly.

2. Next on the list; French fries, those heavenly tasting, fat loaded guilty pleasures. There’s no point in calling them your “vegetable helping” for the day because the minute they’re deep fried any redeeming value goes away. These fat loaded treats are okay once in a while but get in the habit of ordering small helpings and avoid super sized anything.

3. Everyone’s favorite cookie seems to be chocolate chip (warm with a glass of milk – skim of course) and while eating a couple of cookies isn’t going to blow your diet (unless they’re as big as your head); most of us don’t stop at 1 or 2. These sugar loaded treats are guaranteed to pack on the pounds if you don’t use self control. Instead of baking dozens at home when the mood hits you, buy a couple from a local bakery, feed your craving, and don’t bring any home with you, even if you’re telling yourself they’re for the kids or hubby.

4. You know how it goes; “we all scream for ice cream!” If your guilty pleasures include ice cream (high in saturated fat) go for lighter versions whenever possible (and 1/2 cup) or stop by your favorite ice cream parlor and order a cone of small sundae. Same tip as above here; if it’s not in your home you won’t be tempted to overdo during those late night cravings.

5. Chicken isn’t a bad thing to eat, it can actually be good for you if it’s not covered with salt loaded batter and deep fried; then it turns into bad news when it comes to your blood pressure, and a ton of other health issues. If fried chicken is a guilty pleasure, thoroughly enjoy the moment as you eat it but then get back on track.

6. Pizza is a favorite food for most of us but, yet again, can be full of artery clogging ingredients. The good news is that most pizzeria’s offer “delite” versions now that taste as good as the full fat versions. The lower calorie pizzas usually come on a thin crust and have a lighter amount of toppings on them, but they’re still tasty, and if you top it off with fresh veggies you can treat your body to a healthy serving of veggies as well.

7. Would you still want to treat yourself to cheesecake if it meant no more goodies for the rest of the week? Probably . . . if so that’s okay. You can get creative and whip up some healthy sweet treats during the week like a fresh berry parfait with yogurt, or sugar free chocolate pudding.

8. How about Macaroni and Cheese? This all time favorite guilty pleasure contains a hefty 900 calorie per serving! The good news is you can cut those calories with just a few simple changes. Make your own Mac and Cheese using skim milk and low fat Parmesan and cheddar cheese; delish. For a little more pizzazz add some garlic powder and experiment with some of your favorite spices.

9. Yes you can have mashed potatoes; boy this yummy side dish gets a bad rap! A medium sized potato is a great source of fiber, contains 25% of the recommended amount of vitamin C, and 18% of the suggested daily intake of potassium. It’s only when you load in full fat milk and butter that it turns into a diet crasher. Instead go with skim or 1% milk and a butter substitute with no Trans fats. Or skip the milk and butter and add some lower-salt chicken broth instead, with some green onions or garlic. (Cook a couple of garlic cloves in with the potatoes, and mash them right in).

10. Now for the top guilty pleasure . . . Chocolate! Chocolate is A-Okay; just don’t eat the entire box (more importantly – don’t buy a box of chocolates!). Instead, treat yourself to a couple of pieces of your favorite chocolate and savor every creamy bite. Chocolate actually has several health benefits but that doesn’t mean you should eat a ton of it.

Bottom line, you can enjoy your guilty pleasures, just indulge yourself in your favorites once in a while and don’t blindly eat something just because it’s there. If you don’t have a sweet tooth (yeah right!), don’t eat dessert just because it’s there; make the calories worth every delicious bite.

Cheryl, MagicKitchen.com blogger

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Too Busy To Eat Healthy?

March 14th, 2013

Here are ten ways to eat healthy even when you’re too busy to cook.

  1. MagicKitchen.com healthy mealsAs always, MagicKitchen.com has healthy meals that will wait in your freezer until you’re ready to eat them. Made with top-quality fresh produce and ingredients, all made here in the USA, and so easy to prepare. Perfect for busy people like working parent, people who work long hours, or students.
  2. Here’s an easy breakfast idea: hard boil some eggs the night before. It only take ten minutes, and eggs are healthy! Then eat them the next day with salt and pepper and an apple, along with a piece of toast.
  3. Another breakfast idea: Wrap a tortilla around that egg (slice the egg first or you’ll have egg rolling around in your car). Add a slice of lean ham, some lettuce and brush on a little bottled  salsa or hot sauce.
  4. Snacks- rather than grabbing a bag of chips, keep grapes, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes and almonds with you. You’ll have something healthy to snack on all day!
  5. A favorite trick of mine when I’m stretched for time is to steam whatever veggies are around- small potatoes, baby carrots, asparagus, then poach or fry an egg and when it’s done, put it on top of the veggies. Add salt and pepper, then break the yolk and mix it all together. Yum!
  6. Keep easy meals on hand-  cans of beans, microwaveable rice,  frozen veggies, and that old standby peanut butter. I also like to keep Thai Red Curry paste in the fridge. Add a smidge to chicken bouillon and add a little cornstarch for a quick, flavorful and spicy sauce!
  7. If you find it impossible to avoid a fast-food place, keep it down to once a week. Make a list of the healthier options from the fast food outlets closest to you, and keep it with you. Only eat until you’re full and ignore the portion size. Restaurants
  8. Grocery shop in off hours, when things aren’t so busy. Heck, you’re up anyway, right?
  9. One word: tuna. Get a can of tuna and empty it into a bowl of salad greens, cucumber, celery and tomatoes. Add a bit of low-cal salad dressing and mix it up.
  10. Cook in quantity. When you do have a little spare time, make a huge chili, spaghetti sauce, or pot roast. Then freeze the leftovers in well-labelled containers for future lunches and suppers.

Bon appetit! With these ten tips, you should be on the road to eating healthy again!

Melody, MagicKitchen.com blogger

 

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