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7 Foods astronauts aren’t allowed to eat in space

Astronauts have to eat while they’re in space, but that doesn’t mean they always enjoy the rules required for consumption in zero G. A healthy and balanced diet is a necessity for astronauts staying for long periods at the International Space Station, but unfortunately, many of their favorite foods might not be allowed to make the journey with them. According to NASA, anything that requires refrigeration won’t make it onto any mission. But what else gets left back on Earth? Here are 7 foods that astronauts aren’t allowed to have: 1. Bread Even when you’re on your best behavior, biting into that sandwich is still going to create some crumbs. Breads, crackers, and cookies don’t do well in space because all of those loose crumbs can float around and get stuck in sensitive equipment. In astronauts want bread when after they launch out of orbit, they’re limited to tortillas. Although, the…

There’s a good reason potato chip bags are always half empty

If there is one thing that can upset junk food aficionados, it’s a potato chip bag half filled with air. No matter what brand you buy, once you tear into the bag, you almost always find it already halfway empty before you’ve even chomped on a single single. While it can be disappointing, there is actually a good reason for all of this seemingly wasted space. Protecting those potato chips No, chip companies aren’t trying to pull a fast one on you. In the industry, the empty space is intentionally built into the packaging to help protect the product. It’s known as “slack fill,” and it serves to diminish damage to your Doritos on its journey from production to transportation to the grocery store. Even a small drop in a vending machine could deliver a serious smash job to your chips if that space wasn’t there. It’s not actually air…

Cantaloupe salsa sweetens up end of summer celebrations

My oven broke last week, and I’ve been waiting for two weeks for the new one to arrive. But with this summer heat dragging on, I actually don’t mind the inconvenience one bit. Ive been using this time to get creative with foods that don’t require a heat source. That’s how this bright and cheery cantaloupe salsa came to be. I’ve always been a big fan of fruity salsas, whether on their own, or over fish or chicken. Mango salsa is the king of sweet salsas, closely followed by pineapple salsa — but this melon version is right up there. The cantaloupe and jalapeño create that delicious sweet heat I can’t get enough of. Tortilla chips and salsa might not seems like much of a dinner, but when it’s this delicious — and the weather is this hot — sometimes, it’s all you can handle. And don’t forget this fun…

Brussel sprout chips with a kick

Brussels sprouts aren’t exactly the most-beloved vegetable at the market. But as a member of the nutritious cruciferous family — think cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli — they should have a place in your healthy diet. Brussels sprouts are the killer combination of being both high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, but low in calories. A half cup of cooked sprouts is just 28 calories, but has 137 percent of your vitamin K (good for blood clotting and bone health), and 80 percent of your vitamin C (immune functions) along with other nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus. For people who don’t get enough fish or seafood, Brussels sprouts can be a good plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. They’ve also been shows to keep blood sugar levels steady, and some studies suggest that their high levels of antioxidants can help protect against certain types of cancer. Phew! That’s…

Signs you’re addicted to food, and how to overcome it

We all have bad days when our sour mood gets the best of us and we end up binging on bags of potato chips and Netflix in an attempt to cope. But there’s a difference between reaching for comfort food now and then and a full-blown food addiction. But if you’re not sure where your habits lie, you’re not alone. Food addicts aren’t entirely different from folks who overeat. The same ingredients that cause intense cravings can also cause addiction. “The food industry makes food intentionally addictive,” Vera Tarman, MD, MSc, FCFP and author of Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction, told Dr. Oz, The Good Life. Some people have genetics that make them even more susceptible to developing addiction. “There’s a subpopulation who gets that hook like everyone else, but then they’re vulnerable because of a previous addiction or genetics,” Dr. Tarman said. “It’s like an alcoholic who can’t put down a…

Pineapple Guacamole Recipe

Sometimes all you want for dinner is a big bowl of guacamole. Let’s be honest — we’ve all had meals much worse than that. Avocados and pineapple are two of my favorite ingredients, so it only seemed natural to put them together to create one of my other favorite foods — guacamole. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the not-so-subtle jolt of heat from the jalapeño. I must admit, I came across this idea at a local restaurant that had a variation of a pineapple, bacon guac on the appetizers menu. I’m not much of a bacon fan, but if that’s you, feel free to crumble up some slices and sprinkle on top. Otherwise, this recipe is vegan and will only take you about 10 minutes Scoop this sweet and spicy combination onto a blue corn tortilla chip for a picture perfect bite. Pineapple Guacamole Recipe Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1…

Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

I whipped up another hummus recipe this weekend — roasted red pepper hummus. This one is probably my favorite yet. The roasted red peppers and cayenne pepper give this dip a smooth and creamy texture with a delicious sweet heat. It’s bursting with fresh flavors. If you’ve only ever had store-bought hummus, you’re missing out. It’s so simple to make and easily customizable, you can have complete control over snack time no matter your diet. I roasted my own red peppers because it only takes about 20 minutes and keeps the salt content down. But you can use jarred red peppers from the grocery store if you’re in a hurry. ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS Ingredients 2 medium red bell peppers (about one 10 oz. jar) 1 can of chickpeas (about 15 oz.) 1 lemon, halved 1/4 cup tahini 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup water 1 tsp salt 1/4 cayenne pepper Directions Preheat oven to 450ºF. Cut…

Doritos gives teens stylish lift to prom after hearing touching story

Four Kansas teens got a memorable ride to their prom after a popular snack company heard about one of the boys using their product in his “promposal.” According to CBS News, Shaedon Wedel had planned to take his best friend’s sister, Carlie Wittman, to the prom since the beginning of the school year. Wedel wanted to make prom special for 15-year-old Carlie who has Down syndrome, so he planned a ahead and used her favorite snack, Doritos, as part of popping the question. His shirt read, “I know I’m NACHO typical Dorito but… I’m going to be cheesy and ask: will you go to prom with me?” Executives at the chip company heard about the offer and wanted to help make Carlie’s day extra special. They provided two helicopters emblazoned with the brand’s logo — one for Carlie and Shaedon and another for Carlie’s brother and his date — to use…

History of Mexican Salsa

Salsa has been around for thousands of years. Its history can be traced to the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas who used various combinations of chilies, tomatoes and other spices as a type of condiment atop turkey, venison, lobster and fish to give their food more flavor. Salsa didn’t spread outside of Central American cuisine until the Spaniards arrived and conquered Mexico — between 1519 and 1921. Even then, the tomato-based condiment didn’t have a commonplace name. It wasn’t until 50 years later, in 1571, that a Spanish priest, missionary, and grammarian gave it the simple name salsa. Directly translated from Spanish, “salsa” simply means “sauce.” Today, salsa is a mix of Old World and New World ingredients. The tomatoes, tomatillos, and chillies are native to the Western Hemisphere, while many of the added spices such as onions and garlic have Old World origins. An increase in the popularity of spicy foods…