It’s Friday and your next three days are full of booze, brunches and backyard barbecues. Monday is the day you’ll start to diet, you tell yourself. But start a diet on a Monday, and you might not have much success. According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people eat the most meat on Saturday and Sundays and the most carbs and alcohol on Fridays and Saturdays. The most calories are consumed Friday through Sunday. While this likely doesn’t come as a shock, these habits make dieting on Monday — and sticking with it — all the more difficult. “Typically, the ‘I’ll get back on track on Monday principle’ is a dangerous one,” says dietician Jaime Mass, R.D. “It indicates an all-or nothing-mentality, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits overall,” she said. As soon as you cave into your cravings at some point in the week, it…
Asparagus Tart with Strawberry Salsa
With any luck, in just a few weeks, you’ll have more asparagus than you know what to do with. Enter: Asparagus Tart. This recipe will use up as much asparagus as you want it to. Squeeze the stalks close together, and line them around the outside. It’s just one way you can customize this spring inspired dish. Don’t like goat cheese? Try ricotta, gruyere or cottage cheese. Vegan? Use vegan versions of your favorite cheeses. Make more salsa or eliminate the balsamic. Whatever you do, it’s going to taste great — When you’re dealing with ingredients like these, you really can’t go wrong. This tart will be your go-to for get-togethers, breakfast, appetizers and brunches. Tip: Make this dish for Mother’s Day breakfast in bed or brunch. Mothers loooove brunch. Asparagus Tart with Strawberry Salsa Serves: 4-6 ; Total time: 35-40 minutes Tart Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (frozen or homemade) 6-8 ounces goat…
Easy ways to help restaurants survive the Coronavirus pandemic
The United States has fully plunged into the coronavirus pandemic. It’s an uncertain time for most people and businesses, and restaurants are no exception. Small businesses of all kinds depend on foot traffic, and with people staying home voluntarily—and now by government mandate in many areas—businesses and their employees are feeling particularly vulnerable. Here’s how you can help. Get take-out But just because you can’t sit down and grab a beer and a burger at your favorite local business doesn’t mean you can’t still help support them during their time of need. Some restaurants have adapted to offering take-out for the first time, while others have extended take-out menus already in place. Others have even started to offer delivery service or at the very least, curb-side delivery. Make a quick phone call to a local restaurant and see what services they’re offering. They’ll be happy to hear from you! Tip…
Strawberry basil chia smoothie
This delicious vegan, gluten-free smoothie is inspired by spring. The sweet, magical taste of those early season strawberries combine with savory basil and protein-packed chia for a nutrient boost you need right now. It’s the perfect way to start your morning or give your self a guilt-free afternoon snack. This smoothie only requires four ingredients, which makes adding it to your grocery shopping list a breeze. Use fresh or frozen strawberries (depending if they’re in season or not). If you use fresh strawberries, add a bit of ice to the blender or pour over ice to chill smoothie. Fan of fruit? Also try this light and refreshing Peaches and Cream Smoothie. Strawberry basil chia smoothie Makes 2 (Halve this recipe for a single serving) Ingredients 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries 2 3/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk or whatever type of milk suits you!) 3 tbsp chia…
2020 Lent specials and deals at top chain restaurants
It’s once again Lent and the season for seafood, and this year many chain restaurants are offering some serious specials and deals. In case you’re looking to grabs some grub between now and Easter, here’s a roundup of those national restaurants offering seafood specials. A&W The nation’s oldest fast food restaurant is offering new Pub-Style Baskets filled with either 16 crispy-fried shrimp, three pieces of crispy cod, or two Cod Sliders, served with fries and coleslaw. Find a location near you. Arby’s Arby’s is offering a new Fish ‘N Cheddar sandwich along with the return of their Crispy Fish Sandwich. Both are available for a limited time as part of the two for $6 fish sandwich deal. Bojangles’ The BoJangler dinner platter is back for the Lent season, while supplies last. The platter features a crispy-fried and seasoned Alaskan Pollock filet, with American cheese and tartar sauce served on a…
Lucky Licorice Rainbows
These licorice rainbows are easy to make and they just look so pretty! Twizzlers already come in rainbow colored assortments, so it’s really just all about assembly. These are perfect for spring, St. Patrick’s Day, or a rainbow themed party or shower. Kids will adore this cheerful snack. Put them in cellophane baggies for take-home bags or display them on the table for a tasty treat for your little leprechauns to enjoy now. If you’re lucky, you might even sneak one for yourself! Looking for an adult treat? Try this Baileys Irish Fudge. Lucky Licorice Rainbows I ordered the licorice on Amazon Prime, but I’ve also seen it at Walmart. What you will need: Parchment paper Rainbow Twizzlers 1-2 tbsp butter 1 bag of mini marshmallows, divided Shredded coconut (sweetened) Knife or scissors Cellophane bags and ribbon (if making goodie bags) Small saucepan Spatula Directions Cover a hard surface with…
Hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot
If you’ve struggled making hard boiled eggs before, you’re not alone. The runny whites, the greenish yolk rings, the cracked shells—we’ve all been there. But stress no more! Instant pot hard boiled eggs are quick, simple, flawless, and fool-proof! Seriously. They will cook perfectly every single time. Take this recipe and turn them into devilishly delicious deviled eggs or creamy Healthy Avocado Egg salad. Or if it’s spring, dye them with this super cool speckled rice effect, tie-dye, or galaxy swirl effects. A few tips first: Directions are for a 6 quart Instant Pot. If you’re using one smaller or larger, your times may need adjusted. Also, times listed are for large eggs. Medium eggs should reduce times by 1 minute. Start with refrigerated eggs for best results. How to Hard Boil Eggs in an Instant Pot Step 1: Prepare an ice bath and set aside. This will stop eggs…
The difference between baking soda and baking powder
They’re both powdery. They’re both white. They’re both used in baking. So what’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? And how do you remember which is which? Both baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents, which are used to make tasty baked goods to rise. They bring the carbon dioxide air bubbles to your bread and the height to your stack of Saturday pancakes. While the two substances look similar in color and texture, their chemical compositions and how they interact with other ingredients differ. Let’s dig in. What is Baking soda? Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate) is a base that reacts whenever it is combined with liquid and an acid. Baking soda itself is not acidic, but when combined with an an acid, like buttermilk, lemon juice, or yogurt, it releases carbon dioxide air bubbles. Without baking soda, cookies and cakes would be…
Every bit of exercise counts toward a longer life, even taking the stairs
Good news for busy people everywhere. A new study reported that every little bit of activity you get in can add up to a longer, healthier life — not just when you do it in half hour or more increments. While advice for the past 30 years as has usually told us to get at least 10 minutes at a time, the latest research from Duke University School of Medicine shows that it doesn’t really matter how you get it, as long as you do. No matter the length of segments people got their exercise, those who moved more were less likely to die over the next six to seven years that those who were less active. Guidelines typically recommend that people get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise every week, or about 30 minutes, five times a week. But while, the 10-minute-at-a-time bench mark was widely accepted, it…
Tropi-kale pineapple kale smoothie
Start your morning with a healthy dose of dark, leafy greens masked behind a delicious smoothie that tastes like the tropics. The secret to hiding kale is pineapple. Ripe, juicy pineapple perfectly balances out any bitter kale taste. Even if you’re unsure about your tolerance for liquified kale, or swear off all things green before 11 a.m., you should still try this recipe because it doesn’t even taste like kale. That’s right. Get a crazy dose of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K and C, protein, and more, all before you head out the door. Try this Mango Green Smoothie, too! Tropi-kale smoothie Makes 1-2 servings Ingredients 1/4 of a fresh pineapple, skinned and core removed (or 1/2 cup frozen pineapple) 4 kale leaves, stem removed 1 ripe banana, peeled 1/4 cup water (optional) 1 tbsp chia seeds Directions Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and puree on high for…