Eating healthy is not often talked about alongside indulgence. But with a little bit of creativity and research, you can find food that tantalizes the taste buds while still being good for you. Healthy meals can be found all over the world, and many of the most flavorsome dishes from abroad can be easily recreated at home. Here are some healthy meals from cuisines around the world that can bring variety and flavor to your meal plans. Kimchi as a healthy meal The dish originates from Korea and is a staple accompaniment to many Korean dishes. The mixture of fermented vegetables and seasoning is packed full of healthy bacteria that…
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Food for Better Mental Health
Yes, it is true, the food we eat is intertwined with our emotions, there be it, our mental health. What we eat can change our behavior, mood, and change our moral outlook. We develop a personal relationship with food, influencing relationships we have with ourselves, society, and each other. Of course, I could write an entire book on our upbringing, culture, and accessibility to food that affects our daily lives, but an excellent book is available, Why You Eat What You Eat by Rachel Herz. However, this week, let’s examine how food can influence your state of mind and why. Food Cravings What do you usually crave? Does it depend…
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12 Steps to Eating Smarter & Feeling Healthy
Everyone, including me, wants to eat smarter and feel more healthy. With every news report we hear, we become increasingly aware of the link between our health and what we eat. Heck, that is the main reason I started this blog nearly 5 years ago. My recent lab work after my routine physical check-up emphasized a few areas of improvement for me… despite my high HDL cholesterol, I still need to lower my LDL. I am at risk for prediabetes. I need to lose some weight. I believe some of you share these issues too, whether you know it or not. Therefore, I want to share my doctor’s advice she…
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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…
