Strategic meal planning is a healthy habit which can also save you money. Have you integrated any of the healthy habits from last week’s blog post? If so, your 2020 is off to a great start! If not…you really should consider adopting at least two of those habits; especially the water consumption concept. This week, we are going to focus more on specific meal planning for better health. Brainstorming Your Meal Plan Sitting down and taking time to plan your meals is a crucial step towards better health. Decide which day you can do your food shopping and make a list based on the meals you plan for the week.…
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Romaine Lettuce Safety Solutions
Another romaine lettuce issue, this time from Salinas, California...seems like there is one every week? Unfortunately, regarding the most recent E-coli outbreak, the CDC says washing the lettuce will NOT prevent you from getting sick??? I have a solution…GROW YOUR OWN. Lettuce can be grown in containers, shallow beds, or a traditional, in the ground garden. I have been growing mine with seeds I obtained from my local libraries’ seed exchange. Some have grown beautifully…some have not. If you want to grow your own or continue to purchase from your local supermarket, here are a few things you should know. What is Romaine Lettuce? Because it is said to have…
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How and Why to Brine for Thanksgiving
It is time for the most food festive holiday of the year – THANKSGIVING! All over social media, I see questions like: “what is the best way to cook a turkey?” “should I stuff my turkey?’ “should I brine my turkey?” I have baked, fried and smoked turkey for many, many Thanksgiving feasts. Regardless of which cooking method you chose, you must, must, BRINE your turkey. Now, let’s discuss proper prepping and cooking the traditional, centerpiece of your holiday meal. What is a Brine? Brining is a technique whereby meat is soaked in salt water, which tenderizes, moisturizes, and flavors the bird, as well as reduces the cooking time. Brining…
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Why Deli Meats Are Killing Us
Have you ever heard of nitrates and nitrites? Did you know, they are in almost ALL deli meats and processed meats? The only positive thing I can say about nitrates and nitrites; they inspired me to start my blog. Surprisingly, those harmful chemicals are throughout our food supply. Why isn’t someone screaming from the rooftops – “Hey, that crap causes cancer in you!” so…I started JoAnn’s Food Bites! What Are Nitrates and Nitrites? They are inorganic chemical compounds found naturally in all kinds of foods, including vegetables. Once these foods react with your stomach acids, they can help lower blood pressure. READ MORE ABOUT FOOD AND BLOOD PRESSURE HERE! HOWEVER, an…
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Peaches Are More Than Nutritious
Peaches are considered a “drupe” fruit in the culinary world. A drupe is a single seeded, fleshy fruit with a soft, juicy layer surround a hard endocarp, the seed protecting part. Besides peaches, apricots, plums, cherries and mangoes are all drupe fruit. In the culinary world, fruits are usually high in sugar content, however, this is counterbalanced by their rich load of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, often concentrated in the skin of the fruit. Peaches are a wonderful ingredient due to their versatility in the kitchen. Propagation of the Peach The peach is a deciduous tree (meaning every fall, these trees lose their leaves) native to Northwest China, where it…
