11/30/2010

Staying Healthy With an Asian Food Diet

If you are looking for a healthy form of diet to stick with, why not try the Asian food diet plan? The food, when well-planned and eaten moderately, is one of the healthiest types of food you can find. Some Asian foods are found to decrease the chances of getting heart diseases, cancer, and other types of diseases.

The foods that are emphasized in the Asian culture are different from the Western food diet. While the Western diet mainly seek for protein from milk and meat, the Asian diet have a variety of sources for protein, like rice, beans, fish, grains and nuts, which allows them to attain other nutrients that come with such ingredients. Food like meat, poultry and eggs are taken sparingly, which happens to be a good thing as research has found that meat and meat products are associated with heart diseases and cancer.

The foods that are eaten in every meal would usually consist of rice, noodle, bread, or grains, which would then be complemented with meat, vegetable, and fruit dishes. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, so it provides the antioxidants needed to dispel free radicals in the body that can cause cancer. They are also a good source of vitamins to help with the bodily functions.

Soy is also a popular component in the Asian diet. You can especially find them in Japanese food, where soy is made into a variety of products like beverage, soup, food, or even snack, and can be easily found in supermarkets, making it an accessible choice of food. People with lactose intolerance often choose soy products for their source of protein and calcium. It also helps lower cholesterol, apart from many other of its goodness. When it comes to dairy products, except for India, they are not taken as often as in Western countries. Many Asian women suffer from osteoporosis, thus, you will need to include calcium in the diet as well to make perfect your diet.

To complete the Asian diet would be the beverage. The traditional drinks consist of tea, which helps lower cholesterol while flushing out free radicals that causes cancer and heart diseases. If you are looking for healthy Asian recipes, Japanese food is one of the best examples around, as their population is one with the longest life expectancy.

These Uses for Leftover Turkey Will Un-Clog Your Refrigerator

A potluck party can be a food nightmare. As a professional Chef and caterer, few things offend my culinary senses more than the holiday potluck party. With hot items going cold, badly portioned and picked-through platters, nacho dip next to brownies, and unidentifiable entrees all sharing the same table, it's no wonder that this random buffet will impugn all the work you've put into your dish.

To be a stand out in this noise of nourishment, this cafeteria of chaos, you need a plan. The best potluck party has home chefs that keep the following in mind:

1) Keep It Warm - If you're donating a hot dish, you must find a way to keep it hot. Whether a chafing dish or crock pot, assure the safety and appeal of the food by keeping it warm. If you can't assure that your hot dish will stay hot, prepare something that is appropriate either way.

2) Transportation - Don't prepare anything with loose sauces or that is delicately assembled. During the ride to the potluck party, sauces will shift, garnishes will fall, fried items will get soggy. Prepare items that won't degrade during transportation.

3) Disposables - You're never going to see that serving bowl or tongs again, understand that. Why add the stress of stalking your bowl at the end of the party? Get attractive disposables at your local party store and you won't have to call the next day to retrieve your items.

4) Signage - You can lead the expectations of your diners by telling them what they're eating. Create small "tent" signage for your dish and people can avoid allergy issues, or gobble it up because they are attracted to your description.

5) Presentation, Presentation, Presentation - As I said, this random buffet will have cold salmon next to cookies, string beans next to cake, so how you present your potluck party dish can have great impact. A simple doily under your cake, or colorful napkin beneath the platter will present your dish in the best light.

6) Refresh, Replenish - Potluck buffets get picked-through very quickly, making your dish look unattractive. Be prepared to stir, re-portion, or replenish your item with fresh reserves. Rather than on large casserole, consider multiple smaller ones that you can replace.

7) Be Original - Yawn! Someone WILL bring a nacho dip. Someone WILL bring salsa and a string bean casserole. Someone WILL bring wings. Create something conversation worthy at your potluck dinner and you're the star!

8) Don't Over-Produce! - EVERYONE is going to bring an entire party's amount of food. Everyone won't eat an entire party's amount of food. Your portions should be half of a traditional entrée portion because of the wide variety of food also on the buffet.

A holiday potluck party can be great fun. For me, it can be a culinary nightmare. Please help me awake from this bad dream by following some of the ideas above to keep your buffet contribution hot, attractive, identifiable, fresh, original, and in the appropriate quantity.

Cheese and Wine Pairing Guidelines

When it comes to pairing cheese and wine, there are rules to follow and a lot of suggestions as to what is going to work the best. It is important that you pair together the right cheese and wine because it will make a huge difference as to what the taste of the cheese and the wine is. You want to be sure that you have something complimentary so that you can bring out both the taste of the cheese and enhance the wine. Knowing what to pair with what will make a big difference when you are trying to have a great party or show off your wine knowledge.

Red Wine Pairings

With red wine, you want to pair it up with a cheese that is bold. These cheeses can be stinky, they can be richly scented, and they can handle things that white wine can't. It is important with a red wine that you pair it with a rich cheese that can handle the rich red wine, otherwise, the cheese is just going to be something that you put in your mouth and you chew. With a red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon, you want to pair it with sharp cheddar, a Danish blue cheese, or aged Gouda. All of these cheeses have enough taste that they can be paired with a bold red wine.

White Wine Pairings

When you are trying to pair cheese with a white wine, you want to be sure that you are catering to all of the undertones of the cheese. With a white wine, there may be a lot of fruity or floral undertones that you want to have the cheese compliment. With Chardonnay for example, you want to pair that with mild and medium cheddars, gruyere, and provolone. Or, you can pair your favorite champagne with a nice Colby cheese, Brie, or an Edam. These are all great suggestions for pairing white wines with a cheese that will compliment it.

The important thing to consider when you are pairing cheese and wine is that you are matching it correctly. You want to be sure that you are pairing the wine with a cheese that compliments it and something that will stand out. You don't want to have cheese out as just a snack with wine, you actually want it to give some flavor and body to the wine that you are drinking.

The Tastiest Fish to Prepare on the Grill

There are many great ways to cook fish, but a lot of people think that you can't do fish on a grill because there will be nothing but a mess, like fish falling through the grates of the grill, but there are ways around that. Grilled food tastes the best, so I know you are excited to get out the grill and your grill tools and start cooking some great tasting, mouth watering, grilled fish.

The tastiest fish to cook on the grill is a fish that can be cut into thick steaks or whole fish. Some of the best fish for fish steaks is tuna, salmon, and swordfish. When grilling fish, don't forget there are also the whole fish like blue fish, striped bass, red snapper and trout that are very tasty right off the grill.

You can also cook other fish on the grill that you never thought you could by simply putting them in foil packs. Catfish, flounder, and tilapia are some of the more tender fish that you can cook in foil packs on the grill.

The key to grilling fish on a grill is to make sure the grill is very hot. Once the fish hits the grill it will toughen up the skin and seal in the juices of the fish. When the grill is very hot, it also helps prevent the fish from sticking to the grates, less mess, we can all use that. If for any reason your fish does stick, just grab your grill tools and in your kit you should have a wire grate cleaner, use that to quickly remove any pieces stuck to the grill.

To cook the more delicate fish on a grill, all you need is foil. Take the fish and lay it on the foil, fold up the ends of the foil to fully enclose the fish and create a foil pack, then put it on the grill. You can also make individual serving meals in the same way. Just put your fish in the foil pack and add your vegetables and seasoning, toss it on the grill for a great tasting meal. Grilling in foil packs also makes for a less messy grill and I know that is a major plus of any cooking adventure.

Grill Tip: Your grill tools should have a pair of long handled tongs in the set. Using the tongs, grab a paper towel that has been folded up and dipped in cooking oil and rub the paper towel over the grates on the preheated grill right before laying the fish on the grill. This will help prevent your fish from sticking to the grill.

A Tasty Way to Grill a Fish Steak

A tasty way to grill a fish steak is very simple. All you need is a few pieces of bacon and some toothpicks and your fish steak of choice. Slightly cook your bacon, not crispy. Take the slices of bacon and wrap them around the fish steak and secure with toothpicks, then put your bacon wrapped fish steak on the grill and grill for about 8 - 12 minutes. Talk about quick, easy and tasty!

There are so many great recipes out there to choose from to make some of the best fish steaks that you have ever tasted. So get out your barbeque and your favorite fish and experiment with the many great new dishes you can make. Nothing tastes better than fresh off the grill!

Information Overload On Food Packaging?

As consumers have become better educated and more health conscious, they have, over the past two decades, demanded more information about the nutrient content of packaged foodstuffs. Campaigns by organizations such as Choice (formerly the Australian Consumers Association), and the use of Choice Magazine to make public the results of independent testing on a wide range of consumer goods and foodstuffs, have advocated for disclosure of the contents of any consumer food or product on the external packaging. Along with the work of certain countries' Food Standards, there is now so much information on food packaging that the ordinary shopper has difficulty understanding what it all means.

Most consumers are familiar with the term "use by" date, and think they understand it, but there is another, very similar term, that also sounds familiar - "best before" - and there is a difference. If food needs to be consumed before a specified period of time because of health and safety reasons, the food packaging must be date marked with a "use by" date, and the sale of these foods after that date is prohibited. As an exemption, though, selling of food with dates beyond the set "best before" date is permissible provided that the contents are not damaged, perished or deteriorated.

More complex is the information shown on the nutrition panels on nearly all packaged foods. These panels will list how much energy (kilojoules), protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar and sodium (salt) is in the product. This information is listed by serve, which is determined by the manufacturer, and is also listed by 100 grams, which enables the consumer to compare products.

Food items must also show a list of ingredients, in descending order by ingoing weight, so that the largest amount comes first. Usually items like fats, sugars and salt (sodium) are at the beginning of the list. The label must also show the key or characterizing ingredient if there is one. Fair trading laws require that the label should tell the truth about the contents i.e. if the label pictures a mango, for example, the product must contain mango. Food additives such as sweeteners and preservatives must also be declared.

These are just some of the very basic items that must be shown on food packaging, and while it's a positive move to inform consumers, there is a level of education and understanding of what is represented that is needed before fully informed choices can be made. Consumers with doubts should not hesitate to contact packaging suppliers as they would be more than happy to address inquiries.

The Best Festive Wine Gifts For Christmas 2010

Get into the spirit with some vino-themed gifts for the wine lovers in your life. With all the dinners and parties, you're sure to pop open a bottle or two in celebration. This list brings together some of the newest, and most colorful wine accessories on the market - nothing stuffy or overpriced, just red, green and gold.

A Colorful Wine Aerator

Some wine aerators come in four jewel-toned colors, including ruby red and emerald green. Wine aerators help bring out the flavors and mellow the tannins in your favorite bottles, without needing to decant a bottle hour ahead of time.

Many Wine Aerators are uniquely versatile in that you can adjust the settings for a full bottle, or a single glass pour. Buy one in each of the Christmas colors, and wow your party guests with 32 streams of wine flowing alone the sides of their glass. These aerators are made of sturdy polycarbonate and dishwasher safe, so it's sure to last well beyond the holiday season.

Cranberry Glass

Also known as Gold Ruby glass, cranberry glass is created when gold chloride is added to molten glass, creating a range of dazzling hues from bright ruby red, to watered, berry-blush. Cranberry glass is often used in decanters, wine glasses and candy dishes - check out your local antique store or salvation army for festive, meaningful pieces that don't break your holiday budget. Ruby red wine glasses make a huge statement on a festive table, one your guests won't soon forget.

Green Label Rieslings

Deinhard Green Label Riesling is a well-rated, sweet German white wine with lots of fruit and citrus notes. Riesling is a holiday favorite thanks to it's easy to drink, young taste without the hints of oak that often turn off occasional wine drinkers. The best part, this wine usually retails for $10-$12 per bottle - make it your green hostess gift with a red ribbon this season and make a sophisticated statement.

Festive Wine Glass Charms

Available online or at your local wine vendor, these tiny wire charms help your friends and family claim their wine glasses while adding a pop of festive color and design to their glasses. Look for Christmas tree, stars, Santa's and wrapped presents among the holiday charm designs, or make your own using twist ties or elastics with festive gift tags. Stay organized by literally charming your guests.

For festive gifts and more information on the science of wine aeration please feel free to browse our website.

Christmas 2010, Chic Gifts for Wine Lovers

Wine aerators, preservers and futures are high on the list for festive wine connoisseurs this holiday season. Whether you're looking for great corporate gifts, hostess gifts or something for your dearly beloved, these high-tech and wow-factor tokens will wow even the most discerning wine aficionado.

Wine Aerators

For the perfect glass of wine, your vino needs to breathe. Red wines sometimes need to develop for up to four hours in a decanter before they are properly mellowed to drink - with all the bottles you'll be opening this season, a wine aerator is a great, timesaving gadget that will improve the taste and body of all your favorite vintages.

The Wine lovers who are looking for funky as well as functional should look for a series of wine aerators that come in great festive ruby and emerald jewel tones that would compliment your holiday bar. They can also adjust from a single glass to full bottle setting, to ensure that just the right amount of air is passed through your wine on the way to the glass or carafe.

Bottle Sealers

Both vacuum pumps and preserving sprays prevent air from further affecting an opened bottle of wine, slowing down the aeration process, allowing a single bottle to be recorked or capped and enjoyed in more than one sitting.

Vacuum pumps suck the air out of the bottle, while preserving sprays fill the bottle with an inert gas that sits on top of the wine, keeping the lighter air and oxygen from contacting the liquid. Both are effective, useful and appreciated by wine enthusiasts.

Wine Futures

Why not give a gift that will last for years? Bordeaux Futures are the most established of all wine investments, allowing single or multiple cases to be reserved for individual buyers, long before the wine is bottled or the grapes are harvested. French wine futures are known to pay off tremendously, as the quality of each year and season is established, some vintages see their prices skyrocketing, or entire batches snatched up by collectors.

You can't get more elegant than knowing that a fine French case that will increase in value and enjoyment is yours to cherish. Some bottles need up to 30 years to reach their maximum potential and taste - wine futures make a thoughtful, sophisticated gift for a college grad or newly married couple.

The Benefits Of Tap Water Instead Of Bottled Water

Bottled versus tap is an age old question and also a common one. If you've ever lived on your own or if you've ever been in a restaurant, you would have wondered about this.

Bottles come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, brands and manufacturing sources. There are tiny, balloon shaped bottles for the guy on the go to large five to ten liter bottles for home use. There're some designer bottled water brands out there, but are they really worth it?

Most of the time, people just opt to read the label and end up making their own comparison study right there in the mall or market. At the end of the day you'll just go with want you want, despite all that consideration. This is just how it goes.

Bottled water tends to come in made of plastic and there's a reason that we're not supposed to throw plastic in the ocean. Aside from other environmental dangers, plastics tend to contaminate and pollute the water they're immersed in and when they contain water for a long period of time, they do that as well.

Despite the plastic packaging woes, tap water remains a little more dangerous. In tap water, you can occasionally find thousands of contaminants, which can include the dangerous e-coli. Bottled water only has to worry about plastic contamination - in tap water, you may have to worry about a whole lot more.

So which one should you go for? Most people would tell you to go for the one that has no chance of having fecal coli in it - that's some great advice.

If you don't trust bottled water as an alternative, you could always filter it yourself. It's not too difficult to setup your own water filter and if you know where to shop, you can get it for cheap.

It's an appealing option as it even saves you money in the long run.

Catering Your Own Event

If you are going to have a specific event you want to make it perfect. You may need a good food, decorations, music and so on. But you should bear in mind some things that may concern food catering. Catering your own event is very complicated and you may turn to professional food catering service if you have sufficient finances for it. Food catering companies have all the equipment to offer you great services and make your party special. Companies also provide food catering contracts to serve your party so it is very convenient to count on them.

In other case you are able to do everything yourself. It depends on your cooking skills and experience. It is perfect when you have all the needed equipment to cook. You need a lot of things to serve the food properly. You should also determine the type of food you are going to offer. It may be finger food, barbeque, traditional food or a buffet. Every kind of food requires equipment and cooking experience. You need to serve dishes and tables yourself, and to buy the foodstuffs, and all the other stuff in the local shops.

When you are dealing with food you should make it complex. Provide appetizers, coffee, juices and desserts. Do not forget about the alcohol. A full bar is a great idea and it is a significant plus to your event. It may be costly but if you serve food yourself you may afford it. Besides you may not serve alcoholic drinks at all and give your party a different concept. Do not forget to make a theme for your event. Theme is extremely effective way to arrange a great event. Make the relevant decorations to make your party unforgettable. When you have a theme and decorations you are able to think about conceptual food catering.

Facts About Italian Pasta Recipes

Little doubt that Italian pasta recipes are famed across the world, but have you ever questioned that how these recipes are originated or how pasta is originated? I'm confident you have not done at all. Therefore let me to help you in informing about the description of one of several highly accepted food internationally.

Origin and History of Pasta

Although we all know that pasta is generally included in making Italian recipes, but in respect to historians its starting point is thought to be in China. The noodles were being first presented 4000 years back in the Shandong region of China. Unlike today's durum wheat noodles, those noodles use to be made up of foxtail millet and broomcorn millet.

There is so much of speculation on the subject of the foundation of this staple as North African's are eating 'Couscous', an analogous foodstuff like pasta, since ages. Today, pasta is made up of durum wheat that was first announced by Arabs in seventh century during their invasion on Sicily, Italy. It really is assumed that it was during 13th and 14th centuries when it was first officially introduced in Italy.

Kinds of Pasta

There can be various types of pastas incorporated in Italian pasta recipes. Macaroni, fussili, manicotti, penne and spaghetti are examples of the well-liked kinds. Elongated, small, bow as well as ribbon pasta; all have their individual purposes and benefits in the dishes. Sauces are effectively held with the little shell pastas. Spaghetti and noodles are well-suited for a pot of soup and baked preparations.

Ways to Present Italian Pasta

One can find various cold plus hot pasta preparations. Cold preparations are habitually served as starters. Hot recipes are normally consumed as side dish or as a complete meal. Pasta is prepared with different type of sauces. Sauce is usually either tomato based or cream based. Cheese, vegetables, meats, olives and herbs are the foremost ingredients of pasta sauces.

Catering Your Own Party

Even if you are experienced in food catering for your own party, food catering is not a simple thing. Any person can be puzzled while planning an event or a party, but it is strongly recommended to see the main goal of the party. You need to understand what things are more complicated to do and what you are really able to do yourself. You can also turn to food catering services to help you but it will certainly cost you some money. If you don't want to invest a lot in your event you are able to cater it yourself.

Finger food is one of the most convenient and unrivalled opportunity where you can make everything yourself. There is a real benefit when you opt for finger food. When you have a lot of guests and visitors at the party it is very complicated to suffice all the people equally specifically when you are not ready to invest a lot of finances in the food catering. Finger food has a lot of peculiarities and kinds. It can include hot, cold and even gourmet types of dishes. In this case you can arrange a great menu that can be versatile and applicable to the most fussy food lovers and be very successful at your party.

You need also choose the people that will be present at your event. If you are catering a party you may want to create a good atmosphere and spend less finances. In this case you need to determine the number of visitors. Possibly you don't want to see people that you don't know while having your own particular event. Send invite letters and mention about the limited number of visitors. It is crucial to predetermine the number of people to be present at your party. This will allow you to cater the food so it will be sufficient for all guests you are about to invite.

Home or Pro Chef - Love The Wutshof Classic Knife Set

You may you may be able to purchase kitchen knives just about anywhere these days however if you are in the market for top-of-the-line kitchen cutlery sets you owe it to yourself to take a good look at the Wusthof Classic Knife set. Wusthof is a company that has been used by professionals as well as everyday cooks since 1814. They are family operated company that has handed down their business through seven generations and are still producing top-of-the-line Wusthof cutlery sets.

This company produces their amazing world renown cutlery in the country of Solingen, Germany where they have two factories located that are not only managed in the strictest of standards but are also environmentally friendly. Wusthof knives are hand made from a single piece of stainless high carbon steel which gives them extra strength and increases the longevity of the sharpness of the blade. This allows owners of these knives to be able to use them for longer periods of time without having to go back and sharpen them as frequently as other knives.

The Wusthof classic knife set is known throughout the industry as the Cadillac of kitchen knife sets. They have the right weight, an excellent blade and a balance to them that makes them a comfortable choice throughout the industry. Chefs and home cooks across the world love the precision shopping, slicing and dicing that be can be accomplished with his knife. The handles are ergonomically designed, are slip resistant and most people find them to be very comfortable.

If you are a new owner of Wusthof kitchen knives you should know that these knives must be taken care of. You should never placed them in the dishwasher, although they say dishwasher safe, they should be hand washed at all times. Storage of these knives should be in a knife sleeve or knife block in order to help preserve the high-quality blade that is a part of this classic knife. If you decide that this is the knife set for you then you can rest assured that you have purchased a quality cutlery set and all Wusthof classic knives come with a lifetime unlimited warranty giving you assurance that you have a well manufactured top-of-the-line product.

Concession Fare Completes High School Football Experience

Here in southern Ohio, high school football is a big deal. Although the term, "Friday Night Lights," became popularized by the portrayal of a high school football team in Texas, this phrase carries the same weight in Ohio when it comes to the enthusiasm this region has for its high school football.

On Fridays in the fall, as school lets out and folks start to get home from work, towns all over southern Ohio become abuzz with anticipation. In any given neighborhood whose team might be hosting a game that night, the sounds of bands permeate the crisp autumn air, and the bright lights emanating from the tops of steel and wooden towers can be seen for miles.

People get to stadium parking lots early to set up shop. Coolers and chairs establish boundaries for each family or party, a little pregame tossing fills the sky with footballs. Hamburger and hot dog supplies are broken out as grills are fired up, and the overall excitement begins to mount as folks start making the pilgrimage toward the gate.

When walking into the stadium, just about the first thing one notices is the aroma of cooking food. Depending on the school and the size of its stadium, the size and scope of each stadium's concession area varies.

Upon walking into a stadium, it's almost instinctual to scout out the concession situation and determine the quality of food and snacks that might be available. Many times the games will start shortly after 7p.m., which doesn't give someone coming from work much time to grab a bite to eat. And what hungry soul can resist the mixture of popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, and cooking hamburgers wafting through the air?

In some instances, there might be two or three mobile concession carts to choose from. These tend to provide the typical fare: Soda, water, candy, hamburgers sizzling on a grill and hot dogs cooking on a hot dog roller.

In contrast, the bigger more well-funded programs put on a veritable feast. Usually in situations like these, there is one big stand-alone building and several smaller permanent "huts." Within these structures, most attendees will find any kind of ballpark food that their hearts desire.

Walking up to the counter, popcorn poppers and nacho warmers can be spotted easily. Concession classics such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst are also in the house. In some of these larger operations, pizza ovens and fryers are not uncommon, and occasionally even gourmet pretzels will be available.

For those with a sweet tooth, take your pick between funnel cakes, caramel apples and caramel corn. There have even been Belgian waffle maker sightings at several stadiums throughout the area!

Southern Ohio is indeed a region that takes great pride in its high school football. But the concessionaires can also take pride in the fact that the cuisine they offer helps round out the whole southern Ohio high school football experience.

Shun Knife Set: Are Shun Elite Kitchen Knives Really Worth It?

Shun Elite Knives are an impressive line of kitchen knives. Expensive yes, but worth every penny. These Japanese made knives are made with powdered steel, but all you need to know is that they hold their sharp edges better than traditional knives. The hammered pattern helps the blade easily pass through food and release even sticky foods. Shun knives handles are fashioned out of resin infused wood that keeps moisture and microbes from penetrating the handle and will satisfy the most germ phobic cooks.

Since these knives' balance point is where your index finger rests, you will find these knives feel like a mere extension of your hand. A complete Shun knife set will run you between $800 and $1000, which might catch your breath a bit. Consider the following three reasons why you can afford these fantastic knives.

  1. How many knives are in your kitchen drawer? How often do you buy new ones to replace dinged or chipped ones? Most kitchens only need three knives: a chef knife for most cutting, a paring knife for smaller cutting and a bread knife. You can replace a drawer full of knives with just one set.
  2. Powdered steel is resistant to dings and chips, which means that Shun knives last a very long time. With the right care, these knives can last for decades. So before you balk over the price, consider how much you might spend on knives over a life time.
  3. Start small. Do not think that you need an entire set of knives to enjoy them. Purchase a chef knife to start, Santoku or Gyutoh, it will cover most of your cutting. Save the purchase of specialized knives like the Shun Ken Onion knife for after you fall in love with them!

Consider all the pros of Shun Knives and you will see they are worth the price!

Try Some New Seafood and Reap the Rewards

It's not often that people try eating something new or different. On the contrary, people tend to eat the same kinds of food day in and day out, even when it comes to something like seafood. For example, most people are familiar with cod, salmon, shrimp and crab, but they may not be too familiar with Alaska sole. If they were to go out on a limb and give it a try, they might be in for an extremely pleasant surprise, and in more ways than one.

The first surprise could manifest before you even start cooking. After all, when it comes to seafood not everyone is in it just for the taste. The environment needs to be taken into consideration as well, especially when the seafood is wild-caught like it is when it comes from Alaska. Fortunately for all parties involves, Alaska sole is harvested with sustainability in mind. In fact, all seafood from that state is caught using the sustainable yield principle as specified in the state's very constitution. Essentially, that means that fishing populations are kept under control so that future generations will be able to catch and enjoy the same kinds of delectable seafood that can be enjoyed now.

The next surprise would come when you find out that Alaska sole is available year round. You won't have to mark your calendar or be on the lookout for the right season. You can simply head over to the local market and pick some up whenever you're ready to enjoy a delicious meal.

As mentioned previously, your fish would be wild-caught just like any other fish harvested from Alaska. This stands in stark contrast to fish of the farm-bred variety that would be found elsewhere. Whenever seafood is allowed to grow and develop in its natural environment, it will attain a level of flavor and texture that just can't be matched through any other means. And when that natural environment is the pristine wilds of Alaska, that seafood will be destined for greatness. In essence Alaska sole was destined to be a delicacy.

The last two surprises are that it's easy to prepare and extremely nutritious. As long as the fish is not overpowered by anything else in the dish and its moisture is preserved, the flavors can only be enhanced. Also, very little handling is required because Alaska sole is usually available as boneless, skinless fillets. The fish itself is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while being low in calories. With so many good surprises up its sleeve, you really can't go wrong by making it a part of your next meal.

11/29/2010

Agave Nectar - A Natural Sweetener

Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that is produced from several different species of agave plants that are grown commercially in the deserts of Mexico. The plants take between 8 to 10 years to grow until they are ready for harvesting, and once fully matured, they can only be used once.

The sap is collected and heated at very low temperatures so that the sugars can break down into fructose. But due to the low temperatures, the enzymes are kept alive, and thus agave nectar is considered to be a natural sweetener.

Agave nectar has a long shelf life up to 12 months, and it will not crystallize in the bottle the way that honey does.

The Taste

The nectar has about the same amount of calories as sugar, but it takes less of it to sweeten, as it is up to 3 times sweeter than regular table sugar. The taste is different than sugar, and is somewhere between the tastes of honey and molasses. However, it does not have an aftertaste, and thus is easy to get used to.

Agave nectar is available in different colors ranging from dark to light colors of brown, and the darker colors offer a stronger flavor. The nectar is also available in different flavors such as hazelnut, cappuccino, Irish cream, vanilla, walnut and strawberry mango.

Healthy Uses

Agave nectar can be used in coffee, tea, hot chocolate drinks, smoothies and other drinks, as well as in baking, desserts and in snacks. It adds a great flavor to ice creams, raw nuts and seeds, popcorn as well as fresh fruit. It is a safe and healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin.

Health Benefits

Agave nectar contains between 55 to 90% fructose, which makes it a low glycemic sweetener. Fructose does not spike blood sugar levels the way that glucose does. Thus agave is essential for those who are battling with diabetes or those wanting to prevent the disease.

It is a great substitute for those who are trying to cut back on calories and lose weight. Agave contains small amounts of inulin, which helps to improve digestion and prevents certain fats from being absorbed in the intestines.

Agave is also said to help with lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which when they rise too high can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

However, just because agave is natural, does not mean that one can indulge in it. As with any food, it should be consumed in moderation.

Best Natural Sweeteners

Granulated sugar is the most popular sweetener that is around. But studies are coming out that show how dangerous it is to the overall health of the body. Therefore many new sweeteners have been developed and are starting to become popular. There are many unhealthy, zero calorie sweeteners, but there are also many natural sweeteners, that are much healthier in moderation.

Honey

Honey has been used to sweeten things long before sugar and other sweeteners came on the scene. Honey is naturally made by bees from the nectar they collect from different flowers. It is available raw as well as pasteurized.

The sweetness of honey is about the same as sugar. However, honey is natural, and therefore it is a better choice for healthy living. It is mainly made up of sugars, but it also contains small amounts of healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help the body to build a strong immune system so that it can fight off disease.

Honey can be used in baking, desserts and many drinks such as coffee, tea and milk.

Stevia

Stevia is produced from an herbal plant. It is available in dry powder form or in a liquid extract. It is said to be 200 to 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar. Thus the amount needed for sweetening is very little. It is great for using in smoothies, tea, coffee, cereals and anywhere that sugar is normally used.

The great thing about stevia is that it can help to reduce food cravings for sweets and foods high in unhealthy fats. Therefore it is great for those who are trying to lose weight. Stevia is also great for those who suffer from diabetes as it does not spike the blood sugar levels.

The only downfall of stevia is the mild aftertaste that it produces.

Agave

Agave is harvested from the agave plants that are naturally grown in Mexico. The sap is harvested and heated at low temperatures to break down the sugars. This ensures that the enzymes are kept alive, and thus it is considered natural and can be consumed safely in moderation.

The agave nectar contains the same amount of calories per tsp. as does sugar, but, agave can be up to three times as sweet as sugar. Thus the amount that is needed is far less.

However, the sweetener is high in fructose, which may not be suitable for some. But nevertheless, it is great for those who suffer from diabetes as it does not spike the sugar levels.

Do We Need Salt in Our Diet?

It seems as though everywhere we turn, we hear about reducing our salt intake. We hear about all the negative side effects that an excess amount of salt can bring upon us, and it almost makes you wonder...do we even need salt in our diet?

But the answer is a resounding yes! For without salt our bodies just would not be able to function properly. But as with anything else it needs to be kept in moderation.

How Much Do We Need?

The recommended daily intake for salt is between 1500 to 2400mg, which equals to about 1 tsp. or less, as 1 tsp. contains as much as 2400mg. However, according to studies, most people on the Western diet consume much more than 1 tsp. per day.

Thus you should monitor your intake and see whether or not you are consuming too much, and if so, then you should work on reducing the amount. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, kidney stones, gout, stomach ulcers and cancer, osteoporosis, fluid retention, weight gain and cellulite.

How to Obtain Salt

There are basically two ways that you can obtain your salt in a healthy manner. The best way is naturally from dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, swiss chard, collards and other leafy greens. And the other way is by adding sea salt or table salt to your diet.

Table salt is found in all grocery stores as well as in convenient stores. And sea salt is usually only available in health food stores. But it is becoming more popular, and thus some grocery stores are beginning to carry it as well.

Note that fast and processed foods also contain salt, which needs to be taken into consideration when adding up your salt intake for the day.

Why We Need Salt

Digestion. Salt is needed in order for us to be able to digest any food. It helps to create the necessary acids known as hydrochloric acids, which help to break down the proteins.

Strong Bones and Teeth. Salt is essential for helping to build strong bones and teeth. If the salt levels become too low, then the body starts to draw salt from the bones in order to maintain a healthy pH level in the rest of the body.

Heart Health. When taken in the right amounts with water, salt can also help to maintain a healthy heart by lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. In addition, salt also helps to regulate an irregular heart beat.

Diabetes. It is absolutely essential for those who suffer from diabetes to consume salt, as it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels, so that the insulin can be reduced.

Anti-Depressant. Did you know that salt acts as a natural anti-depressant? It not only helps to lift the moods, but it also helps to relax the body to help you deal with stressful situations.

Antihistamine. Salt acts as a natural antihistamine, which helps to relieve the stuffiness and congestion in the airways that make breathing difficult during a cold, or when suffering from asthma.

Look to Mediterranean Fare for Vegetarian Restaurant Dining

Fine restaurant dining is all about enjoying a delicious meal prepared by a professional chef who has the ability and skill to take that food to greater heights of excellence than ordinary, everyday fare. It offers the lovely opportunity to sit back in leisure while someone else does the food preparation and clean-up, but mostly it's the occasion to chow down on really good eats. For those who carefully watch their diets the rest of the time, a restaurant meal is often an excuse to splurge a little, or a lot, to indulge in the wonderful flavors and culinary sensations without regard to the waistline or heart health.

Fortunately for those who have a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant in the area, fine dining on exquisitely prepared and delicious dishes can equal healthy dining regardless of dietary needs and desires. Mediterranean cuisine actually encompasses foods from throughout the region, including Southern Italy, Greece, and Albania. Being an historic trade region, it has been influenced by many cultures over the centuries, blending spices and cooking techniques from throughout the world.

The one thing all Mediterranean influenced dishes have in common is that they use the freshest ingredients prepared with a minimalist style. Fresh, wholesome vegetables, fruits, legumes, seafood, nuts, herbs, and olive oil are the mainstay of Mediterranean dishes. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are common favorites, making a Mediterranean themed restaurant a natural vegetarian restaurant choice for those who don't consume meat or animal products. Minimalist preparation techniques using olive oil and abundant herbs and spices create heart-healthy, nutritionally-rich dishes that indulge and excite the taste buds without guilt. It's the natural choice to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Cornish Cuisine

When thinking of Cornwall pasties are one of the things that make this part of England great, everyone likes a pasty so where is from and what's the best filling?

No-one really knows where pasties come from as its such a simple dish it hard to trace, however there are points in time of which pasties have made themselves apparent. There is evidence indicating Henry VIII enjoying a pasty. The Cornish pasty recipe traditionally consists of beef, potato, onion and swede. Another point in time pasties have been found to have been associated with is the mining period of Cornwall. As mad as it may seem some have even found evidence that the pasties where filled half with the traditional mix whilst the other half had sweet in like fruit and jam. The idea for this was that you have a pudding after your lunch I suppose. Pasties can literally have almost any filling from all sorts of meats to, as mentioned earlier, more of a dessert with honey or fruits etc. Make sure when making a pasty you crimp the edges. The crimp is important because it seals in all the flavor when cooking it. Pasties Will always be associated with Cornish history. Around the world you can find Cornish pasties being sold in most bakeries. So moving from pasties we're now having a look at fish.

The type of quality fish you can catch in Cornwall is huge, sea and course fishing is available where a great amount of fish can be caught. From course fishing you can catch some beautiful salmon and trout. Well known for salmon in the south west the best way to have it is smoked with a lemon wedge really very nice and good for you. Plenty of stock in the sea beaches around Cornwall can offer some great spots for sea fishing where available catches include cod, mackerel, dog fish and flat fish. There are some really good spots to fish such as Perranporth, Crooklets and North cot where you can even catch Turbot or Plaice. Tourist do visit these beaches and so its important to remember this whilst planning any beach fishing. Next up we'll have wine.

Are you sure, wine? from the south west? Yes its true in fact there are a number of vineyards darted around Cornwall and the west country. You may have heard of Camel valley wine which really is tasty Rose, white and red can be found all over and Cornish wine is well known for its quality. If you do come down to Cornwall give the local food and drink a go it really is worth it.

Sunflower Seeds: Nutritious and Delicious

Sunflower seeds are really nature's most delightful snack. Sunflower seeds can easily satisfy almost any craving for food cravings without leading you to overindulge. These seeds are usually essentially a solution to many problems and not only being hungry. Like all seeds, these kind of seeds were initially intended to grow into a tall and beautiful sunflower plant (in the ground, not your tummy!) and whilst it may seem to be awful to consume something that might be so gorgeous, understand that consuming plants fruits and seeds is the way of nature. Furthermore these seeds are brimming with nutrients and vitamins which are crucial for life.

Yes, they do consist of fats but this excess fat is really healthy for you. These seeds are from plants and therefor consist of mono-unsaturated triglycerides as a substitute of the saturated and trans fats found in chemically altered and animal (and hydrogenated) fats. These all-natural oils contain fat-soluble vitamins and healthy cholesterol reducing fats. Another wonderful fact about sunflower seeds is that while they are exceptionally addicting, it is hard to actually eat too many. They are the supreme snack because they are great for you and satisfy your urges for unhealthy foods.

So just what exactly is in these seeds that would make them so incredibly beneficial for you? To begin they are crammed with B-vitamins. Several of these B-vitamins you may possibly recognize from the food nutrition labels for instance, Thiamine, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin. These are all vitamins that are crucial to our body's efficient performance that must be consumed in our diet regime. What is particularly significant regarding sun flower seeds is their resource of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidising. Vitamin E is found in many arthritis medicines for that very purpose.

So by incorporating sunflower seeds to your diet plan you are helping to prevent or treat arthritis and preserve your general wellness. Sunflower seeds are furthermore high in several beneficial minerals such as iron, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. These vitamins are all found in our body and also in sunflower seeds so by enjoying these seeds you're steering clear of dangerous health supplements. Sunflower seeds are nutritionally heavy, meaning they are not empty calories like numerous other well-known snacks. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent supplier of soluble fiber.

Americans are infamous for their lower consumption of fiber-obtaining only fifty percent of the regular-suggested amount. So by eating these seeds as a frequent indulgence, you are assisting your body to eliminate waste and become more efficient. Sunflower seeds can also enable you to unwind! They have tryptophan, which helps reduce the anxiety and our brain activity. These make sun flower seed the best brain food. Merely because of the carbohydrates and protein easily obtainable in sunflower seeds, they'll provide your body and mind a lift. However with the added nutrients of vitamins, minerals and fiber, sun flower seeds are definitely the most delicious approach to satisfy hunger and promote an extended healthy lifestyle.

Vegetarian Soups That Are A Must Try

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy soups. Soups not only warm up your body, they also carry high nutritional value. Generally, people tend to go for ready-made soups because of their easy accessibility and because they are easy to make. But, these soups don't carry great amount of proteins and minerals vital for your immune system. Following are a few fantastic vegetarian soups that have both- nutrition and taste.

The roast butternut squash is the most worthy to top the list. It has an easy recipe. 1st, cut squash into large pieces. You do not need to peel it. Now take a roasting tray and add olive with some ginger and chilly. To this tray now add the squash pieces and toss it for some time. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and let it cook till the squash is soft. When the cooking is finished use water or vegetable stock to blend this mixture. Your soup is all set to serve.

This soup is easy to make and tastes great. And, what's more? It really is absolutely low on calories too. So, for individuals who are watching weight, this one is a brilliant choice. Plus, you can use Caralluma Burn Appetite Suppressant, which is one of the greatest weight loss supplements available in the market.

For all you heavy eaters, the hearty lentil soup is the one to pick. It has chunky veggies and green lentils for your high dose of nutrition. It has a number of herbs and garlic which give it a unique taste. This soup will leave you little space for dinner.

In case you are not a risk taker then carrot and coriander soup is a safe bet. It is easy to prepare, is delicious and is a complete treat. There's something more to it, it's good for your skin too. Carrots cope perfectly with problems such as acne. With this brilliant soup you can also try Zenmed Derma Cleanse System as a complete treatment.

The potato and Parmesan soup is another good pick in vegetarian soups. This one is a brilliant bet for individuals who like creamy soups. Potatoes are cooked in a cheesy soup with Parmesan as the garnishing. You can have this one when throwing a party and your guests will love you for it.

However, avoid this one if struggling from zits. Milk and dairy products are widely known to trigger zits in some people. Aged cheese such as Parmesan is widely known to be a strong acne trigger. Apart from avoiding dairy products, you can also use the Exposed Skin care System to cure the problem fully.

Try these warm and mouthwatering soups to make your winters cozy.

Organic Milk For A Healthier You

If you are looking for ways to start eating healthier and living better and excellent start would be by purchasing organic milk instead of regular milk. Organic foods are naturally better for you as they are not processed or prepared with growth hormones or nasty pesticides that can be harmful to your health. Organic foods (milk included) are created with great care and a natural way of doing things. This results in a much better tasting product whether it is milk, butter or yogurt. You can find many different forms of this milk in the stores today, some of it by cows and some even by goats.

Whichever milk you choose, you can be sure that this milk is going to taste great. The process of dealing with the cows is so different than that of nonorganic farmers. What this translates into is simply a better product brought to the stores for you.

Go Ahead And Graze

One of the most important differences between regular dairy farmers and organic dairy farmers is in how they deal with the cows. There is a specific regulation and detailed regime that an organic milk dairy farmer must follow in order for them to maintain their certification. One of the most important things for the farmers to do is to allow the cows a chance to graze naturally. This is something that must be done a lot in order for the cow to have a set internal program that will keep the cows producing quality milk. It is said that in some areas, the farmers must allow for 120 days of pasture grazing by the cows in order for the milk to be considered organic in nature.

If you take this fact and the fact that the cows are not given any form of growth enhancement or hormones of any kind, you will see that the milk simply tastes better. Often you will find that dairy farmers will feed their cows grain or corn feed. This is not a natural source of food for a cow, so the milk is not considered natural either.

Panel Says

If you were to place 10 people in a room for a blind taste test between regular cow's milk and organic milk from a cow, it should come as no surprise as to which milk would be preferred. Often tests will show that 8 of the 10 people will immediately choose the organic variety opposed to the standard milk, while 1 will be on the fence. This should serve as a pretty good indicator for stores that are curious about the impact of introducing this type of dairy product into their stores for sale. When it comes right down to it, the organic entries are easy to sell due to the healthy living movement that is sweeping the nation.

If you are looking for a quality of life change for the better, you should look into the small things as much as you do exercise. One of the best changes will be in what you eat and you can improve this portion of your life with organic milk.

Why Water Coolers Rock!

The importance of drinking clean water has given most of us a wake-up call. Due to this concern, companies have invented a series of purified waters in a form of bottles or coolers. But since most bottled waters are high and are usually limited, coolers are invented. At first, it was a common view to see these coolers in offices, but nowadays, it also gets its identity as a home necessity.

There are two kinds of water coolers found in the market today. First is the portable water cooler, which are commonly found in our houses. The second one is known as the bottle less water cooler, usually found in offices or companies.

Portable coolers can be used almost anywhere as long as there is an electrical source that can be plugged to it. It usually has two faucets, one for the hot and the other one for cold. Portable water bottles are usually used on these types of coolers, to supply the needed water. These are commonly found in places where plumbing is not usually allowed. The downfall of this type of cooler is that budget is an area to be concerned of. The owner must be able to periodically buy the bottled water containers, as well as knowing the right way to put the container on the cooler.

The other type of cooler is the bottle less water cooler. From the name itself, it does not require any bottles to have water supply on the cooler. These types of coolers are called as plumbed coolers, where you are connecting it to the main supply of water. This water then passes through a filtering system to purify and clean it. The advantage of this type of cooler is that it does not require you to buy containers, and is unlimited in nature. In terms of budget, this is also easier. However, its downfall is that installing this kind of cooler is complicated than portable coolers, and you cannot bring it with you.

Coolers are essential because they help you ensure the quality of water you are drinking. Best of all, it can provide the cool water you would always want to drink. Not only that, it is convenient and useful to families of all ages. Kids are unharmed to use these, and adults can use it fairly. After all, the water cooler is a convenient tool to everyone.

Eat Some "Happy Food" When You in a Bad Mood

When you face stress of work and life, do you always feel depressed? Then, how can we sweep the bad mood? Well, eat some "happy food"!

Some food that makes you happy

1. Banana: there is alkaloid in banana which can cheep up your spirits. And banana also contains tryptophon and vitamin B6 which help brain produce serotonin.

2. Spinach: according to research, lack of folic acid can cause the reduction of serotonin and thus leads to a depressive mood. Fortunately, spinach is rich in folic acid.

3. Garlic: though it brings bad breath, it also brings happy mood. A study carried out in Germany shows that when people with anxiety disorders eat some garlic, they become less anxious, and fiery.

4. Cherry: it is called "natural aspirin" by western doctors because it contains some substance called "anthocyanin" which brings happiness. Scientists from University of Michigan think when people are in low mood, eating 20 cherries is better than taking any medicine for them.

5. Low- fat milk: according to a study of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, when women of premenstrual syndrome eat 1000mg calcium tablets for 3 months, most of them are easier to be happy, less nervous or anxious. In daily food, calcium is most contained in milk, yoghourt and cheese. Fortunately, low- fat milk and skim milk contain most calcium.

6. Chicken: English psychologists let each participant eat 100mg selenium and they said they feel better. Selenium is most contained in chicken.

7. Whole-wheat bread: carbohydrate increases serotonin. Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology said it is scientific for some people to regard noodles and deserts as antidepressants.

8. Grapefruit: a large amount of vitamin C in grapefruit not only can keep the concentration of erythrocytes, thus keeping bodies' immunity, but also have the function of anti-pressure. More importantly, vitamin C is an important component when producing dopamine and adrenalin.

9. Pumpkin: it is related to a good mood because it contains lots of vitamin B6 and iron, both of which help blood sugar turn to glucoses which are the only energy of brain operation.

Some nutrients that make you happy

Tryptophan: it is supplied by food. When it is absorbed, it can be composed into a nerve medium, 5-hydroxytryptamine which is like messenger of human body that adjusts and calms down human being.

Tyrosine: it is an essential substance that keeps the brain work. It is changed into adrenalin in body which can cheep up spirits.

Vitamin B6: it maintains normal level of nerve media, including 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When vitamin B6 achieves to a certain amount, it can produce some "antidepressant".

Best Pizza in Saline Michigan

So, you are planning the big day in your life that is your wedding day. Apart from other things which need to be decided there is one thing which you cannot leave and that is a wedding planner. WeddingVendors.com is in this business for over 11 years and with thousands of satisfied customers is one of the best choices available for planning your special day. They handle everything for you including food. One can also get the benefits of pizza coupons here. If you are planning dishes for your guests then of course you cannot forget about pizza. You can opt for Rich's countryside pizza as one of the many delicacies for your guests. WeddingVendors.com believes in quality for their customers and with the motto of providing better taste at family friendly pricing the team here is surely aiming at full satisfaction for you.

Pizza 48176 is an independent outlet which goes by the name Rich's and with the quality they provide you can certainly relax. This place provides the best pizza in saline Michigan. The shop has been working for long time and has got own set of satisfied customers. What else can you ask for? You can get the best quality of saline pizza and that too along with free download of coupons at this place. In order to make your wedding as a memorable event it is imperative that all things are prim and proper including the food. There are many varieties of food and he list of caterers available in the market. It is very difficult to make the correct choice. If you are getting the event booked through this website then you do not have to worry about the caterer. You can choose from the wide variety and options which the WeddingVendors.com has turned in to a list for its customers. The list is made after good research so that whatever you choose is the best in your locality or city.

If you are looking for pizzas then your search ends here because we have a absolutely amazing option available for you. So turn your wedding in to a moth watering event for your gusts thinking about after years of your wedding. Everybody wants their wedding to leave a long lasting impact on the guests. They want their guests to be fully satisfied with their experience in your wedding. So, for this purposes, you have come at the right station as we also believe in providing world class experience to our customers and their prestigious guests. Opt for better taste at family friendly pricing which we provide to our customers. With good food and amazing preparations, you can ensure that everything will be under control on your big day and that too in a classic and elegant manner.

Deep Breathing for Extra Weight Loss

You will find rumours floating around out there that you possibly can practice deep inhaling methods like a method of extra weight loss. Is there any sort of reality over these rumours? You aren't going to go sit in a room, inhale deeply and show up five kilos lighter in weight. You can, on the other hand, use breathing as a part of a comprehensive life change to encourage extra weight loss.

It appears foolish to believe that we should learn how to inhale properly, because it is such a component of life. Nevertheless, a large percentage of us aren't in touch with our bodies. We inhale without considering it. This inhaling is frequently shallow. That's because of a combination of factors which include our position, our wellbeing, our metabolic process along with other features of our system. Once we tend to be more straight conscious of our bodies, we can easily focus on the actions we have to take to help make these bodies the shape as well as measurements we would like these to become.

Deep inhaling comes with extra benefits other than simply putting us far more in touch with our bodies. Deep breathing performed frequently can enhance the metabolic process which will help you to burn off more calories, more effectively utilize your food with your body and commonly experience more energy. Raised vigor means an elevated power to workout and even further lower extra weight. Raised metabolic process is accomplished through deep inhaling simply because you're boosting your oxygen levels and so increasing the activity of the heart. To accomplish an elevated metabolic process by means of deep inhaling, however, you will need to make this a normal section of your each day life. This means that deep inhaling will be an issue that you'll have to learn how to do and then train on a regular basis. Only when it is done on a regular schedule will it result in boosting your metabolic process.

Keep Age Spots At Bay With Natural Remedies - Try These 4 Treatments

 
 

wan 通过 Google 阅读器发送给您的内容:

 
 


It is not uncommon for people to turn to natural remedies as a treatment for age spots and many other skin problems. In fact, going natural is better than immediately trying chemical solutions. Cosmetic products incorporated with different harsh ingredients might eventually cause dermis damages.

If you don't want to have age spots any time soon, here are 4 natural remedies you would want to try:

1. Maintain the normal production of melanin in your body through the help of lemon juice. It contains citric acid, a natural peeler, so it is better to use at night. Citric acid makes skin photosensitive. When used correctly, it can help slough off dead skin cells, facilitate regeneration of damaged tissues and inhibit melanin production. As an end result, you can have soft, vibrant and fair skin for a longer period of time.

You can mix this up with honey to reduce the acidity. Honey also has bleaching benefits so it will work in lightening up the tone of your skin. Just apply it on clean skin and let it stay there for about an hour. Wash it off and follow it up with a good moisturizer.

2. According to Chinese medical practitioners, the use of pearl powder can help maintain fair and unblemished complexion. It can also help improve collagen and elastin regeneration. Many Chinese women use this as a health drink. They add a pinch of the pearl powder to their tea. It helps them control damages caused by ultraviolet rays.

3. Because of the phytochemicals and linoleic acid in avocado, this natural remedy can help lessen damages caused by cumulative sun exposure. Phytochemicals help avoid pigmentation problems wrought by UV rays. Linoleic acid bridges gaps in skin tissues. Its connective properties retain smooth and firm skin.

4. Consider using apple cider vinegar as a topical treatment if you see the first few signs of spots. Add a teaspoon of it to 8 ounce of water. Drink it daily. Apple cider vinegar contains citric and malic acid according to experts. It cleanses the system and prevents the uncontrollable production of melanin.

In addition to these natural remedies, you might want to take your skin care treatments to the next level by using a reliable moisturizing product incorporated with natural ingredients such as Extrapone Nutgrass, CynergyTK and Phytessence Wakame.

Extrapone Nutgrass has lightening properties that can inhibit melanin production by up to 45% during the first two weeks of use. This natural ingredient also has anti-irritant properties that can lessen skin redness, rashes and irritation.

CynergyTK is a great source of functional keratin. This is the type of protein responsible for collagen regeneration. It can help make skin firmer and more elastic. Phytessence Wakame preserves hyaluronic acid. This is the acid that retains the inherent dewiness of the dermis. It lubricates collagen fibers.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured article: Beyond Hiroshima - The Non-Reporting of Falluja's Cancer Catastrophe.


 
 

可从此处完成的操作:

 
 

11/25/2010

Jello - The Interesting History of America's Favorite Dessert

Superstar chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin in New York City puts Jell-O on raw oysters.

Okay, not really. But he does put flavored gelatin cubes on them.

Gelatin is Older Than Jell-O. Much Older

Gelatin has been used in cooking since at least the middle ages. However making gelatin was a laborious process -- requiring simmering veal and beef knuckles, bones and hooves to extract the collagen and then straining it many times through linen napkins to clarify. The process was so labor intensive that only the very rich could afford to have a maid or cook spend the several days it took to complete.

Another interesting thing is that until the 20th century most gelatin dishes were savory instead of sweet. Aspic, sometimes seen on the menu of fine French restaurants, is a holdover from this tradition.

The Shortcut

Finally, in the late 19th century, a shortcut arrived in the form of powdered gelatin -- invented by none other than Charles Knox. This made it much, much easier to make gelatin, but it didn't make it any more popular. It was still seen as a posh food, reserved for fancy pants dinner parties.

It took sugar and fruit flavors to bring it to the suburbs.

Jell-O

Jell-O was introduced in 1897 and combined powdered gelatin with fruit flavoring.

But it wasn't an overnight success. In fact, General Foods considered discontinuing the product in the 1930's when they decided to take a chance on sponsoring a new radio show by an unknown comedian. That comedian was Jack Benny who went on to be the most popular radio star in history and made Jell-O a household name along the way.

By the way, during the run of the Jack Benny show Jell-O only had 6 flavors: Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemon, Lime and Cherry.

Oh, and Eric Ripert puts cubes of shiso, ponsu and apple-wasabi gelees on those oysters. But technically...it's Jell-O.

Jerk Is What Barbecue Is to Jamaicans

Jerk cooking is Jamaican way of preparing and cooking pork, seafood, and beef on a grill or over a fire pit, similar to American barbecue. A fast-food favorite in Jamaica, this cooking style is a special combination of very hot spice jerk seasoning. This jerk marinade is made up of scallions, thyme, pimiento, scallions, nutmeg, cinnamon, Scotch bonnet peppers, and salt. Traditionally, jerk seasoning is applied to chicken and pork although modern recipes also apply the mixes to tofu, shellfish, fish, shrimp, beef, and sausage.

The origin of the term "jerk" varies. One theory relates to the process of grilling the meat or seafood and turning it repeatedly (or jerking over and over) until fully cooked. Another popular version is that the word is a variation of the word "charqui," which is a Spanish term for jerked or dried meat. Some also say that the term originate from the act of jerking the strips of meat from an animal carcass.

The secret to an authentic jerk cooking is the manner of seasoning the meat. Usually, meat should be seasoned for at least four to 12 hours before cooking. Then, the meat is cooked through a slow-smoke method over an open fire pit or in the conventional oven or convection oven at home. This slow-smoke method is a traditional Caribbean practice that gives the cooked meat its natural smoky yet spicy-sweet taste.

When visiting Jamaica, do not forget to have a taste of Jamaican paradise. Surely, you will find vendors in every corner, slow-cooking Jamaica's uniquely flavored delicacy.

11/24/2010

Giving Fruit Baskets As Presents

It is the time of year when people begin to think about sending gifts to their relatives, coworkers and other special people that have influenced their life in some way. As the holiday season shifts into full swing the creative gift giving selections are a wonderful way to let someone know that they are important. For some a fruit basket is the ideal thank you or appreciation that is formal enough to be shipped to clients and employees, yet is casual enough to be presented to family members.

With all of the festivities that keep individuals busily entertained from November to January finding time to go shopping for gifts can be difficult. Outside of making several trips to the mall for gifts and racing from one party to the next the frantic yet enjoyable holidays keep many people rushing around. However by spending a few minutes online shoppers can order the selections of fruit baskets that are appropriate for everyone on their greeting card list and still find the time to accept all of the invitations to the various gatherings that request their attention.

By searching through a single website that has taken the guesswork out of online fruit basket shopping anyone can quickly find the right present to give to the important people in their life. Whether that means distant aunts and uncles who live out of state or a significant client that has been a loyal and profitable customer throughout the year, the special designs and combinations of fruits and nuts are enough to keep anyone happy. By ordering online for the special people in life, quality and time delivery can be guaranteed from the people that present fruit baskets for holiday gift giving.

How to Wax Cheese - Waxing Cheese at Home Made Easy

If you are looking to wax cheese, it doesn't have to be a complicated process. For centuries before we could go buy the waxed cheese in our grocery stores, people were putting their own wax on cheese. If you are interested in knowing how to wax cheese, read below and let's look at how to wax cheese at home the easy way.

What Cheese is Waxed?

For the most part, generally hard cheeses are waxed, or at least cheeses that can stand up to being headed with the wax that is being put on them without melting them. Before you start to melt cheese, make sure that it can handle the heat.

What is Cheese Wax?

Cheese wax is a mixture of various waxes, polymers, and sometimes they use some pigments to give it the color that they want it to have. In the past, cheese wax was the only way to seal a cheese for aging and to make sure that no moisture was going to seep into it and cause molding or other issues that may ruin the cheese. It basically prevented air, which is not a friend of cheese, from getting into the loaf and ruining it.

How is Cheese Waxed

The first thing to know with cheese wax is that you need to be careful. Wax is flammable, so don't heat it up too high, otherwise, you'll have an issue. To start melting the ax, you want to use a double boiler to prevent it from getting too hot. Once you have melted the wax in the double boiler and it is in a complete liquid state, you want to pour it into something that you can work it with. Put down wax paper or parchment paper so that there is a surface to put the freshly waxed cheese on.

When you are ready to wax the cheese, you want to hold one edge of it and dip the opposite half into the wax, hold it there for a little bit, and then let it sit and harden. Once that side has hardened enough, you can do it with the other side. If there are any areas that you missed, take a paint brush and just brush it in, that way it has a complete seal and no mold will grow there. For the first two weeks, you want to be sure that you are turning your cheese daily so that it ages properly.

Surface Dwellers, Part 3

We've looked at the materialism and stress of our Surface Dwelling culture in Parts 1 and 2 of this series. Stress, linked directly to obesity, is increasing alarmingly especially in developed nations. Connections between the current technological revolution, cultural stress, and obesity are inevitable, as well as the well-documented diseases that result, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

With all the stressors of life, work, family, media etc., people are overeating, and under-exercising. They tend to eat "comfort" foods: chips, French fries, bread, cookies, pizza, ice cream, etc. These are simple carbohydrates, which quickly produce insulin, a fat-storing hormone, in the body. Meal portions in restaurants are not helping the situation. Fueled by "getting more for your dollar", eateries are loading plates with huge portions of low cost foods like potato, bread, rice, and pasta. The greed for money knows no boundaries.

Charging customers less for less food means less profit, so that's not likely to change. How else can you explain the colossal Burger King "BK Quadstacker"? A cheesed-up four-patty stack, topped with a pile of bacon, this "burger" requires the ability to detach your jaw joint, like a python devouring a pig. Add a large fries and soda to this, and you're staring at 1840 calories, 2570 mg of salt, 90 grams of fat, and 177 grams of carbohydrates.[1]

Only an NFL lineman could process this enormous meal without gaining weight. Others may have the stomach capacity, but not the calorie-burning capacity. It is essentially a slow method of suicide.

During the period of 1960 to 2004, the percentage of overweight people remained roughly the same, while the number of those labeled "obese" more than doubled, and the number described as "extremely obese" has quadrupled. Most of these increases occurred after 1980, at the dawn of the digital age.

Since then, innumerable forms of passive "entertainments" have been introduced. These activities are not stress-relieving. They instead contribute to stress by distracting from important learning activities, causing more stresses down the road. The supposed "connectivity" of cell phones, Facebook, etc., is actually isolating us by reducing physical interaction with people, and depriving those, especially the younger "digital natives", of valuable learning experiences essential to socialization.

Studies estimate up to ninety percent of all face-to-face communication is nonverbal. Without in-person interaction, how can we learn what nonverbal cues are, and what they mean? Lulled by a false sense of being connected, we communicate in all ways except face-to-face. The poking, tweeting, pinging, texting, emailing, trolling Facebook and MySpace, are stealing from us precious opportunities for a meaningful human contact.

What was already trending toward a sedentary life in the sixties and seventies, has been accelerating as media technology seduces us into passivity and avoidance of reality. Perhaps that is why anxiety disorders are increasing dramatically. What better way to assuage anxiety than to "plug in" to the TV, or internet, or other electronic distraction. And, while you're watching "Bad Boys" on the boob tube, you might as well scarf down a quart of diet Coke with that bag of Doritos, right?

11/23/2010

Water Coolers Available Today

A refrigerated device that cools and dispenses water is known as a water cooler. There are three types: 1. Bottle-less coolers that are plumbed into a water supply. 2. Bottled water that is picked-up or delivered by a vendor and 3. Filtered water coolers

The most common is the bottle-less (wall mounted and/or free-standing) and is plumbed into the main water source which offers a continual source of tap. These types of units do require electricity to refrigerate and if the unit is a wall mounted, then it will also require hook-up to the building's waste disposal system to dispose of the unused tap. Water coolers floor models are more common in countries where the it is not safe to drink straight from the tap.

Wall-mounted coolers, or better known as drinking fountains are equipped with a small tank that holds the chilled tap so the user doesn't have to wait for the water to chill before drinking. These units deliver a stream that is controlled by a spring-loaded valve that is operated by a button located on the top of the unit or on the front of the unit. The water is dispensed in an arched stream whenever the button is pressed, allowing the user to drink directly from the top of the unit. These devices normally provide the user with non filtered tap.

Many users today are requiring filtered/treated water over the more common non-filtered devices. Users are becoming more health conscience today than any other time when it comes to their drinking water. They expect not only good tasting but the assurance that it is without contaminates. As a result there are many vendors today are now catering to these new requirements and are manufacturing and distributing water coolers that provide both cooled and filtered tap at the same time.

What's the Difference Between Organic and Natural Products?

Now a days everything is about going green, being more natural, and using more organic ingredients and products. Greener products are safer for your body and safer for the environment. However when it comes to being natural or organic most people don't know the difference. So if you are thinking about switching to a green household or even if you want to make a more health conscious decision the next time you are shopping then make sure you know the difference between natural and organic products. You might be surprised by what you find out.

For the past couple of decades natural and organic products have become more and more frequent in grocery stores. For the most part people thought of natural and organic as one in the same, used interchangeably on product labels. Up until recently no one thought any differently. However there is a huge difference between natural and organic products and consumers are being misled to believe otherwise.

Product labels that advertise natural, all natural, 100% natural or some natural products aren't necessarily accurate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), doesn't regulate products that make the claim of using natural ingredients. The FDA defines natural products as processed without preservatives, or additives and requires a list of ingredients on all products. However, there is no regulation other than that. So even if a product has only one ingredient that is natural, the label can state that its "All Natural" and there is nothing that can prevent it. Unfortunately, this type of marketing has time and time again convinced the public to buy natural products. Rather than reading the label to confirm the ingredients we see a "Natural" label and consider it to mean the product is healthy and safe. This is not always the case. By reading the label you can make a better decision on whether a product is natural, health or safe. Some ingredients that are not natural include lead, mercury, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate. If you see these ingredients on a label and they are claiming to be natural switch to a different brand.

On the other hand organic products are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ensure that botanical products were grown in a chemical free environment. There are strict regulations and quality of standards that must be upheld for a product to earn a certified organic seal. Each organic product must be 95-100% organic to be certified. However, new products are now coming out stating made with organic ingredients. Again this makes the consumer's job tougher to know and understand if the label is accurate. Because it's claiming organic status, 70% of the ingredients must be organic to make this claim.

Cosmetics, household products, cleaning products, food and pet food are all areas that use both natural and organic labeling. So now you know the difference between natural and organic products, so you can make a smarter and wiser product choice the next time you go shopping. Always remember to read the label before choosing which, brand is right for you.

Easy Punch Recipes For Parties And Holidays To Spike Your Interest!

Punch recipes that will float your boat and serve as a perfect complement to your menu. Whether you're looking for slushy, fruity, tangy, or sparkling punch, we have some yummy options for you to consider.

Whether you're hosting a birthday, family get together, or a holiday party, it's important to be a good host by providing great food and refreshing drinks to your guests. However, constantly having to go to the kitchen to get something to drink for someone can be time-consuming and disruptive to your other hosting duties. By whipping up some simple punch recipes, you'll make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available for your guests and you won't be relegated to the kitchen for the evening.

PINEAPPLE-STRAWBERRY SLUSHY PUNCH - This is a yummy punch perfect for birthday parties, family get togethers, holidays, and showers.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 c sugar
6 c water
2 (3-oz) pkgs. strawberry gelatin
1 (46-oz) can pineapple juice
2/3 c lemon juice
1 qt. orange juice
2 (2-liter) bottles Sprite

Directions:
Boil sugar, water, and gelatin for 3-4 minutes in a large saucepan. Stir in the juices. Freeze mixture in two containers. When you're ready to use it, place one container into a punch bowl and stir in a bottle of Sprite until it is slushy.

LEMON SLUSH PUNCH - Here's another great slushy punch. It's a perfect choice for lemon-lovers or when you're short on time, as it is quick and easy to assemble.

Ingredients:
Country-Time powdered lemonade mix
Sprite

Directions:
Make lemonade according to package directions. Freeze in large Ziploc bags. When ready to serve, break lemonade contents into a punch bowl and add chilled Sprite. Serve immediately.

SUPER EASY TROPICAL PUNCH - If you would like to serve up a delectable fruit concoction, here's a great option to consider.

Ingredients:
12 oz frozen lemonade
12 oz frozen orange juice
46 oz pineapple juice
3 1/2 qt of water
1/2 c sugar
1 qt ginger ale
Orange slices, strawberries, and cherries for garnish.

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients except for the ginger ale. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, add ginger ale.

SPARKING A.O.L. PUNCH - This is a great choice for sparkling apple cider lovers. It has a little of this and a little of that which ultimately makes for a sparkling treat.

Ingredients:
2 bottles sparkling apple cider
1 liter carbonated water
2 lemons
3 oranges
1 (6-oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 tbsp. sugar

Directions:
Slice fruit and place in bottom of punch bowl. Pour in thawed lemonade, seltzer water, sparkling apple cider, and sugar. Stir. Add ice cubes when ready to serve.

FRUIT PUNCH EXTRAORDINAIRE - This is another easy punch to make. It does require a little bit of fruit preparation, but other than that, it's pretty quick.

Ingredients:
1 (64-oz) bottle fruit punch
2 (15-oz) cans pineapple chunks
1 (pt) strawberries, sliced
2 bananas, sliced
2 (pt) sherbert
1 (2-liter) bottle Sprite

Directions:
Pour fruit punch into punch bowl. Add pineapple, strawberries, and bananas. Scoop sherbet into punch and add Sprite. Serve immediately.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PUNCH - This is an old favorite that has been served at many a birthday party.

Ingredients:
1 (2 qt) bottle Sunny Delight, chilled
1 (2 liter) bottle of Sprite, chilled
2 (pkg) Tropical Punch Powdered Kool-Aid

Directions:
Empty Kool-Aid powder into punch bowl. Do NOT add sugar. Pour in sunny Delight and Sprite. Stir until Kool-Aid is completely mixed. Serve immediately over ice.

To give you a starting point for determining how much punch to make, a good rule of thumb is to allow one gallon for every 10 people. This equation assumes each guest will drink three 4-ounce servings.

Many a drink has come and gone, but it seems that punch has stood the test of time. Punch recipes seem to be synonymous with party. So, pick your poison and stir up a good time!

The Main Aloe Vera Benefits

For thousands of years different peoples have used plants for various healing purposes, but modern medicine has replaced these with other artificially produced chemical substances. Now more and more people are turning to the organic products, which can help them be healthier and better looking. At present aloe vera extract is widely used as a topically applied substance for the treatment of skin problems. It can be taken internally as well, which makes its effect even more powerful and on a larger scale. Here are the main benefits you can expect when using the aloe.

Drinking pure and stabilized aloe extract improves the fibroblast cells function, which are responsible for the production of collagen. In turn, your skin will be smoother, softer and above all purified. Acne marks and other blemishes as well as sun burns and cuts will be quickly and effectively healed and permanently removed. Another one of the superb benefits is that the frequent use of the extract can help your skin become sufficiently revitalized giving you a younger and fresher look.

The amino acids and vitamins in the aloe plant aid the natural detoxification of the body, keeping the level of nutrients sufficiently high for ensuring proper functioning of all organs. Your digestive tract will be cleansed from all the waste in the form of toxins compiled in it. You will enjoy a permanent relief of the unpleasant stomach bloating and constipation. One of the main benefits of aloe vera is that it effectively stimulates the body metabolism, which in aids the regulation of body mass. As the cells burn energy more quickly and efficiently, you can achieve sufficient weight loss even with mild exercising and a standard diet.

The Many Uses of Wedding Cake Boxes

With everything it takes to properly plan a wedding, one of the most commonly overlooked elements are wedding cake boxes. The uses for them are truly numerous. It's obvious that your cake is going to be a true show stopper, but using the perfect wedding cake box can help you enjoy your  cake on your special day, and for years to come.

One common custom is to save a piece of cake for the bride and groom to eat on their first year anniversary. Trying to cram it into a plastic storage bag or aluminum foil can cause it to be crushed, and leave it inedible. By placing it into  cake boxes, you are ensuring that it will be preserved for that first year, and ready for you and your spouse to enjoy together.

Wedding cake boxes are also great for preparing favors for your guests. It is traditional to give the guests a small slice of cake to take home. Why not put small the servings of cake into individual serving sized boxes which have been beautifully decorated. In time past, the cake for the guest was usually sliced up and put into paper or glassine bags. Invariably the cake would end up a squashed mess in someone's handbag or pocket and get thrown out. With wedding cake boxes this tradition has taken on a whole new meaning with the slice of cake becoming an actual wedding favor.  Show your guests just how thoughtful you are by allowing them to take a piece of your cake home with them in an exquisite gift box.

The most important use for a wedding cake is for transit. It is crucial that it arrives at your reception hall unharmed. The best way to ensure this is to use  the correct cake packaging. You will find them available in a variety of sizes, leaving you the option of assembling the cake ahead of time, or transporting it in pieces to be put together on location. Don't take chances on your big day, use wedding cake boxes to ensure your cake arrives ready for you and your guests un-harmed and ready to enjoy. If you have a large or multi tiered cake ensure you discuss your bakery box options with your baker at the time you place your order.

Don't let the small details add up to a big disaster during your wedding. Use wedding cake boxes to ensure that your special day proceeds without a hitch!

Dining in Sunrise

After a long day of soaking in the sun or a round of 18-holes, nothing is better than sitting down to a fabulous meal. Southern Florida is home to some of the nation's most eclectic restaurants with celebrity chefs sharing the stage with local classics including the freshest catch of the day! Whether you're out for a night on the town or a casual family meal, Southern Florida has something for everyone.

Keeping it Casual

Located in Sawgrass Mills, the Grand Lux Cafe offers something for everyone in a casual upbeat setting. Their eclectic menu features flavors ranging from Thai, Malaysian and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties. With every item prepared fresh to order, The Grand Lux is the perfect place to share a great meal with friends and family and a great excuse to give the kitchen in your condo a well-deserved break!

It's Good to Be King

No need to fly across the pond for a taste of British classics like fish and chips or Scottish eggs, the Kingshead Pub, Restaurant and British Market brings a taste of England to Sunrise! With live music and an abundance of imported and domestic beers to choose from, Kingshead is the place to kick back with friends and watch English and Scottish football all season long! In addition to great food and atmosphere, Kingshead also features an authentic British market where you can pick up classic British curries, pies and teas to enjoy at home.

Catch of the Day!

Minutes from Sawgrass Mills is Bonefish Grill, the place to go for a unique seafood experience. Bonefish is committed to providing diners the freshest catch of the day prepared with local ingredients. This nationally known establishment got its start in Florida and continues to be one of the go-to places for diners in Sunrise looking for a great meal with a jovial atmosphere. Sure beats take out on the couch in your condo!

Get Your Cuban Fix

Florida is home to some of the best Cuban-inspired restaurants in the U.S. and conveniently located in Sunrise is Don Carlin Cuban Restaurant, offering diners of all ages authentic Cuban dishes including plantains, yucca and a menu full of pork and chicken specialties.

No matter what you crave, you can find it all conveniently located in Sunrise, Florida. From Cuba to England and back, Sunrise has a meal that is sure to satisfy!

Get Free Subway Coupons Online Safely

Before heading out for lunch, make sure you visit a website offering free Subway coupons which you can quickly print out. Bringing a few of these with you could help you save hundreds of dollars a year depending on how often you eat at Subway. There are a few great sites out there that offer these coupons for free. I will caution you to make sure you're visiting a reputable site before trusting them with you clicks. Many times websites can contain viruses that are used to steal your identity or worse, damage your computer.

I created a hub pages article which outlines the best places to go and the best techniques to use in order to safely secure free Subway coupons. I did this so people wouldn't have to go to the seedy parts of the internet in efforts to save money. Specifically be wary of any sites that immediately ask you for personal information before you even get to see what they're offering. I know of three very popular sites that make you fill out your personal information before they'll let you see which coupons they currently have. This could be a giant waste of time if you don't know what you're doing.

First things first, visit my hub which will be linked at the bottom. Here you'll get the resources you need to make the right decisions on which sites will give you free Subway coupons. Next, be sure that you have a firewall enabled and some kind of anti-virus software installed. You should do that no matter what. It's never a good idea to browse the internet without protection. It would be like walking down a dark alley, in a neighborhood you're unfamiliar with. You just don't want to do it. If you follow the steps I outline, you'll easily be able to find great ways to save without having to worry that you're computer is at risk.