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Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

Who says they don’t like fresh foods? Fresh fruits and vegetables are always been my favorite. Here’s what I’ve learned regarding keeping our food fresh.

1. Prepare vegetables just before eating or cooking. Once cut, they start to lose vitamins. Once cut, they start to lose vitamins. Soaking cute vegetables in water also leaches nutrients. Seal cut, unused portions tightly in a plastic bag in the fridge.

2. Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices within three to four hours of squeezing. The longer you leave juice exposed to the air, the more it oxidizes and begins to lose important nutritional value. Consider adding some of the pulp in-it’s high in fibre.

3. Ripen fruit at room temperature away from direct sunlight, which can destroy nutrients such as vitamins A and C. Refrigeration inactivates the ripening process.

4. Brush up on correct storage procedures – they help maintain freshness. Your grocer and butcher can advise you on the best methods and will often provide leaflets on storage ideas and preparation tips.

5. Eat meat and fish within two days of purchase. Refrigerate or freeze fish as soon as possible – the high fatty acid content deteriorates quickly. Always store meat and fish in the lowest part of the fridge or on the chiller compartment to stop juices dripping onto other refrigerated contents, such as vegetables.

Too much salt isn’t good for you. So instead of piling it on to enhance flavor, why not try these herbs and spices instead? They’re better for your health.

CLOVES – Health Benefits: May relieve asthma and bronchitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. Where to use it: gingerbread, pumpkin pie, split pea soup, red meats, baked beans, chili.

GINGER – Health Benefits: Can ease nausea and may help protect against cancer. Where to use it: fruit salads, stir fries, bean soup, baked fish, vegetable dishes.

GARLIC – Health Benefits: May lower cholesterol and help prevent cancer. Where to use it: stews, soups, stir fries and pasta sauce.

CUMIN- Health Benefits: Can promote proper digestion and help protect against cancer. Where to use it: Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.

THYME – Health Benefits: Can treat colds, coughs and bronchitis. Where to use it: vegetable dishes, meat, poultry, fish, stews, tomato based sauces.

According to Mr.Beryl Musser, a Canadian marriage counsellor, you should discuss these potential financial minefields before walking down the aisle.

1. Bank Accounts – Will you have joint or separate accounts? One solution: a joint account for paying bills and saving, and a separate accounts for personal spending.

2. Paying the Bills – Will expenses be split? What will each spouse contribute? If one earns more than the other, how will you deal with individual purchases?

3. Financial Values – There are spenders (“You only live once”); Builders (who see money as a tool to reach specific goals); givers (who spend freely on others, but often deprive themselves); and savers (the conservatives who worry about a rainy day.) Where are you and your spouse on that scale? Can you compromise?

Granted talking about your financial expectations may not be the most romantic conversation you’ll have with your spouse, but it can, potentially, be a marriage saver.