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Tag: food

  • Simplify Meal Planning: How to Save Time and Make Mealtime Stress-Free

    Simplify Meal Planning: How to Save Time and Make Mealtime Stress-Free

    Meal planning is not an enjoyable task for most people. Regardless of how much practice they have, it always remains a task they usually want to get over with. Meal planning starts with deciding what to cook for which day after considering family members’ preferences and appetites. It gets worse if there is a picky eater at home. However, meal planning does not have to be stressful or time-consuming. You can simplify the process so you can make meals more easily and enjoy it.

    How to Simplify Meal Planning

    Create a Meal Chart

    The first step of meal planning involves making a chart for every day you have to make food. You can download templates online and tweak them to suit your preferences. Alternatively, you can create one using an Excel sheet or draw a chart in your notebook.

    Your meal chart should have the days of the week on one side, and all the times you will prepare meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You can also include desserts and snacks in your chart. You can start with just one week when you are just beginning. When you feel you have the hang of it, you can start making charts that will run for a month so you can plan way further.

    Check Your Calendar

    For your meal planning to be effective, you must be able to follow your plan. You can only do this when your calendar allows for it. The first thing under this step is to check your calendar/schedule and see what allowance it gives you. Consider the following things: how many people do you include in your meal planning? Can you fit in breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Which days are the busiest for you? When are you likely to receive help? Do you work late, and will that affect the time for dinner preparation?

    You should also consider snack options. Which ones are healthy and affordable? Additionally, consider which food items are inexpensive and cost-effective. You should also consider your children’s after-school activities, if any, and on which days they fall. Consider your options if you always have to prepare school lunches for your kids. Finally, are there any days or nights that are takeout or dine-out days or nights?

    Fill Your Meal Planning Chart

    The next step in your meal-planning journey is to start filling in the created chart based on your answers to the questions above. Include meals that most of your family loves and meals for the most part. You can rotate them, too, especially if you have difficulty developing meal ideas. You can also include any meals you want to learn to cook once or twice a week to infuse creativity into your meal planning.

    Ask For Input and Feedback

    While meal planning, ask your family for feedback on what you have. Carry them along while coming up with ideas and afterward, so you can be sure you capture their tastes in your plan. Sometimes, you may fill out the chart with what you like or think they want. Therefore, it is best to ask for their input so you don’t end up redoing the whole thing when they don’t eat or enjoy your cooking.

    Make Your List and Place Your Order

    Once you have decided which meals are going in your chart, you must ensure you have the ingredients. Make a list of everything you will need for the week or month, depending on how often you plan to shop. If you run out of any ingredients before the next shopping date, note them down so you don’t forget. You can also ask for reminders from family members. If you will have the groceries delivered to you, you can schedule a day for this so you know when your items are getting to you.

    Prepare For Emergencies

      Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you won’t be able to prepare any meals or follow your plan. In such situations, having a contingency plan will save you stress and time. You can keep frozen pizza, fish fingers, or cookies for a quick meal. This way, your family will be well-fed, and you can rest.

      Prepare Large Batches

      Making food in large batches will save you time and reduce stress. Prepare excess for meals that can stay in the freezer or refrigerator for some time. This way, you can take out what you need whenever you need it instead of preparing food from scratch every time.

      Simplifying meal planning will help you enjoy food preparation more and reduce stress while at it. It will also help you save money and time. Additionally, it will reduce the time and energy spent deciding what to make every time and help you prepare healthier meals. Note that you don’t have to follow your plan rigidly. You can always order or make something else if you have to.

      #Clique, did you find this article helpful? What other simplified meal planning tips can you share? Let us know in the comments.

    1. Plant-Based Diet: Why You Should Try It

      Plant-Based Diet: Why You Should Try It

      It can be difficult to change your habits, especially after a certain time. This applies to different areas, including fitness, diet, and work habits. It can be more difficult to effect these changes if the benefits are not immediate or fully visible. However, like everything else on the list, eating a plant-based diet has immense benefits. Plant-based diets are highly nutritious as they contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They can also reduce your risk for certain diseases like cancer.

      Adopting A Plant-based Diet

      A plant-based diet consists mainly of food made primarily from plants. It includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, legumes, and oils. This diet differs from a vegan or vegetarian diet, where you can eat dairy, meat, and poultry. However, with a plant-based diet, your food is made up more of plants. Ideally, 2/3 of your meal should consist of food from plant sources. Sabrina Toledano, a clinical dietician-nutritionist, acknowledged the challenges of switching to a plant-based diet.

      However, she advised that anyone switching to one should consider it a lifestyle change rather than a diet. This way, you will be more receptive to adopting this diet as you will focus on the benefits. Focusing on the benefits will make you more likely to stick with your lifestyle and dietary change and resist temptations. Here are some benefits of this diet and why you should try them.

      Plant-based Diets Boost Your Immune System

      Plant-based diets have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Plants have antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system. These nutrients and minerals keep the cells healthy, impacting the immune system. This allows the immune system to recognize and fight infections, germs, and cell mutations before they become diseases.

      Plant-based Diets Help Fight Against Other Diseases

      The Mediterranean diet is a good example of a plant-based diet. It comprises plant-based food sources, such as fish, lentils, nuts, poultry, eggs, and legumes. Several studies have established its effect against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and metabolic syndrome. The Mediterranean diet has also been found to slow aging, reduce inflammation and arthritis, and increase mental acuity.

      Plant-based Diets Help to Maintain a Healthy Weight

      Plant-based diets can also help to maintain a healthy weight and body mass. A study by Harvard scientists discovered that a green diet helped middle-aged men with high cholesterol and abdominal obesity lose weight in six months. They also had lower cholesterol and blood pressure and less insulin resistance. Notably, a healthy weight reduces cancer risk, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance.

      Plant-based Diets Help Digestion and Gut Health

      Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, which is good for the gut. Fiber is found in unprocessed plant foods and has a host of benefits. It aids digestion, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, and reduces inflammation. Fiber improves bowel movement and reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. It is also beneficial to diabetics since it helps stabilize blood sugar.

      People of all ages can benefit from plant-based meals. They offer several benefits to the body and help to reduce medication dependency. You can start with vegetables and fruits that you enjoy. Afterward, you can gradually increase your portions to 2/3 of your meal. This way, you can build consistency and improve your health.

      #Clique, do you adhere to a plant-based diet? What benefits did you derive from it, and how has it been so far? Detail your dieting experience and recipes in the comments.

    2. Miami’s Booming Hotel Scene: Where to Stay and Where To Play

      Miami’s Booming Hotel Scene: Where to Stay and Where To Play

      Creating your perfect overview means choosing from the nearly endless variety of enticing options.

      Here’s just a sampling of attractions and activities you can enjoy in Miami.

      1. The Setai Hotel

      A gem among hotels in Miami, feel inspired place with an undivided attention tailored to your unique sensibilities. Masterful dining, leisure, spa experiences, exceptionally appointed accommodations, immersive spaces. The Setai commands a fashionably serene swath of Miami Beach where you can lounge all day on white sand and gaze at an expanse of turquoise that seems to go on forever.

      2. Gekko

      Gekko is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse, lounge from the minds of Groot Hospitality’s David Grutman and the recording artist Bad Bunny. Located in Miami’s thriving Brickell neighborhood, Gekko immerses patrons in a fusion of up high surrounding eaterys with the modernity and exact of Japanese cuisine.

      3. Faena Luxury Hotel

      Faena is one of the world’s most impactful brands in the lifestyle and hospitality industry, creating a perfect blend of a hotel, resort experience with local history, deep cultural values. With each unique large-scale vibrant district, Faena creates one-of-a-kind holistic environments anchored in cultural experiences and socially responsible projects, integrating residences, hotels with art and eclectic spaces.

      4. Four Seasons Surfside Hotel

      True luxury is a meaningful sense of belonging. Experience a stay at this hotel, defined by an abundance of humanity and generosity. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is a grand coast goal bringing a new era of glamour high up with chic Italian dining and beautiful serenity.

      5. Mandarin Oriental Brickell

      The Perez Art and the Frost Museum, perfectly famed to make the most of one of the world’s most larger than life, exciting locations in the most important location. Mandarin Oriental is ancient service is steeped in the values of the Orient..

      6. Cuba Libre Fort Lauderdale

      Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar started in Philadelphia in 2000, giving guests a passport to Cuba’s attractive flavors and culture. The eatery name, which means

      “a free Cuba,”

      Signifies hope for the future of the esteem island nation. Cuba Libre’s mission is to provide an escape to Havana through exciting food, drink, entertainment experiences that celebrate the Cuban people and culture. The outdoor setting, aura, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music create a vibrant atmosphere. The Cuba Libre Nights dress code is described as upscale stylish.

      7. Red Rooster

      Red Rooster serves comfort food celebrating the roots of American cuisine and the diverse food traditions of the neighborhood. The Bib Gourmand famous restaurants that display exceptional food at a great value. Located in the heart of Overtown, Red Rooster shares the story of Overtown with guests, offers a policy to celebrate local artists, players, and cooking talents.

      8. Papi Steak

      Papi Steak, the space fuses golden era hollywood swagger with current Miami energy; creating an entirely new experience, close but landing station.

      A bar and a custom mix program, while the DJs spin until the early hours. Papi Steak assures the ultimate in a pleasure night out.

      #Clique, what are your thoughts on this?

    3. Sun, Sea, and Skylines: Kenya’s Rich Tapestry

      Sun, Sea, and Skylines: Kenya’s Rich Tapestry

      Along the coast, which holds some of the finest beaches in Africa, Famed for its scenic landscape and massive wildlife reserve, plus its variety of animal species.

      Finding a comfortable place to rest is important. Here are a few places where you can find that comfort:

      1. Weston Hotel

      The hotel is elegantly designed to ease the pressures of life and promote ultimate comfort. It boasts the best views of the breathtaking Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills in the backdrop. It is only a 5-minute drive from the Central Business District and 15 minutes from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Spacious and airy reception, along with comfortable stylish seats, magnificent flowers, sophisticated style, and luxurious finishes, will definitely make your stay memorable.

      2. Giraffe Manor

      Situated next to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, the manor is in an exceptional location for interacting with Kenya’s wildlife. The international airport is 19 miles away, or Wilson Airport, where many tourists fly in and out on safari, is eight miles away. Set in 140 acres of indigenous forest, the house and grounds are simply beautiful. Built in 1932 as a house for Sir David Duncan, it retains the design and feel of its former days, you feel like you are staying in a friend’s house. During the day, you can sit outside watching butterflies flutter through the trees. In the evening, recline in the lounge in front of a grand fireplace, reading a book or playing chess.

      3.The Panari Hotel

      The Panari Hotel Nairobi offers a five-star, luxurious, and comfortable space to relax, unwind, rejuvenate in an ideal location that is conveniently 10 minutes away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi. The Hotel exudes tranquility in exquisite surroundings and creates a warm feeling of unpretentious luxury.

      Kenya is home to some of the rarest and most interesting species of wildlife in the world.

      4. Maasai Mara National Reserve

      The annual wildebeest migration is best observed at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which also includes a Maasai village. This is probably the leading safari destination in Kenya and is regarded as the jewel of wildlife viewing. Its animals include lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos. Wildebeest traverse its plains during their annual migration. The landscape has grassy plains, rolling hills and is crossed by the Mara & Talek rivers.

      5. Nairobi National Park

      Nairobi National Park is the main tourist attraction for visitors. Visitor attractions include the park’s diverse bird species, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and lions. Other attractions are the wildebeest and zebra migrations in July, August, the Ivory Burning Site Monument, the Nairobi Safari Walk and animal orphanage. The park’s Wildlife Conservation Education Centre offers lectures and video shows about wildlife, guided tours of the park and animal orphanage. These tours are primarily, but not exclusively, to educate schools and local communities.

      6. K’Osewe Ranalo Foods

      Locals and tourists agree that K’Osewe Ranalo Foods is the best restaurant in Nairobi city center for traditional dishes and live music. It is also one of the top places to eat in Nairobi to have a local food experience after a day of city sightseeing. You can try out their goat meat, tilapia fish, or wet beef served with ugali and kachumbari. After eating, I recommend staying a little longer to enjoy a few Tusker beers while listening to a live band.

      #Clique, what are your thoughts on this?

    4. Nigeria Not Doing Enough to Tackle Child Malnutrition Says UNICEF

      Nigeria Not Doing Enough to Tackle Child Malnutrition Says UNICEF

      According To Arise News, The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has said its findings showed that federal and state governments were not budgeting enough funds that would adequately address growing cases of malnutrition amongst children in Nigeria. It said four states Kano, Borno, Katsina and Lagos – were presently ranked highest in the food insecurity ladder. The UN agency said better funding was needed to help carry out sensitization and advocacy campaigns in remote areas as well as provide for succor for children facing severe malnutrition in the country.

      Speaking on Wednesday, at the opening of a two-day Workshop on Media Dialogue on Nutrition Financing in Nigeria, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the UNICEF Communication Specialist, Mr. Geoffrey Njoku, said the dialogue was intended to identify funding gaps in national and budgets for addressing issues of child malnutrition and how to fill the gaps. UNICEF Nutrition Officer, Nkeiru Enwelum, who delivered a paper on,

      “Nutrition situation in Nigeria, An Overview of malnutrition in Nigeria and its impact on children,” said that currently about 35 million in Nigeria were malnourished.“

      “About 35 million of under five children in Nigeria and out of this we have 12 million of them malnourished. And we have about three million that was wasted in Nigeria,” she said.

      She added some of the diseases or resultant body malfunction arising from malnutrition were known as micro nutrient deficiency, anemia, rickett, vitamin A deficiency (xerophamia). Enwelum, also gave an assessment of progress being made on interventions in the health sector, saying exclusive breastfeeding was perhaps the only aspect of the SDGs that Nigeria was making progress and may likely meet the target by 2030.

      #Clique what are you thoughts on this

    5. Nigerians Stranded In UK, After Emptying Their Savings To Pay Agents

      Nigerians Stranded In UK, After Emptying Their Savings To Pay Agents

      According To Vanguard, Many Nigerians are reportedly battling with joblessness and destitution in the United Kingdom after emptying their savings to pay agents who promised them employment with skilled worker visas. The victims who spoke to Sky News said they left Nigeria in search of greener pastures with the assurance of getting jobs in the UK as promised by their agents, but the story turned out to be ugly on their arrival.

      A victim who spoke to Sky News on the condition of anonymity on the narrow corridor of a food bank, said she is currently destitute in the UK despite being promised a job in Britain. In the same vein, another lady said she arrived in the UK three months ago, after paying an

      “agent”

      In Nigeria £10,000 to arrange a job as a carer in the UK. In contrast, only to find out that the job does not exist. According to them, they travelled on the skilled worker visa organized by the travel agents or middlemen, and the report revealed that many of these Nigerians are struggling to survive, turning to food banks and even sleeping on the streets.

      Narrating their ordeal, the victim said,

      “I’ve always provided for myself. I’m a very hard-working, diligent person. So for me to be here depending on people to eat coming to the food bank to get food isn’t ok with me. “I don’t feel happy about it. It makes me feel I’m less of a person. I should be in a position of helping not receiving aid because this is not who I was back in my country. It makes me feel as though I’m a fool,”

      She said. The victim also said she was advised not to contact the British company that sponsored her for fear of repercussions – but showed us her passport and other documents supporting her account of what happened.

      #Clique what are your thoughts on this?

    6. United Airlines Passenger Claims First-Class Meal In Economy-Plus Seat Nearly Results In No-Fly List Placement

      United Airlines Passenger Claims First-Class Meal In Economy-Plus Seat Nearly Results In No-Fly List Placement

      Sam, a loyal United Airlines passenger, found himself in a surprising situation during a recent flight. According to Sam, he was excited after receiving a first-class meal in an economy-plus seat until it nearly resulted in him being on the no-fly list, per Insider. 

      To his defense, he was upgraded to first class for the first leg of his trip however, Sam and other passengers were left without a meal due to a catering error. During a layover in Denver, Sam jokingly asked a flight attendant for a first-class meal on his economy-plus seat for the next leg of his journey. To his surprise, the flight attendant discreetly delivered the requested meal. 

      “At no point did I actually think she was going to do it. And if she did do it, great,”

      he said.

      “I shot my shot… She dropped it down, winked at me, and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, thank you so much,’”

      Sam said.

      “And that was it.”

      Shortly after being served a first-class manicotti meal, a cabin manager who had overheard their conversation, confronted Sam, who told him

      “confrontationally and very rudely”

      claiming it was against policy to receive a first-class meal in an economy seat. The manager threatened to document and discipline him, even mentioning the possibility of being put on United Airlines’ do-not-fly list. 

      The cabin manager

      “then begins to verbally berate me in the most condescending, unprofessional, and disrespectful tone informing me that she is ‘writing me up,’”

      Sam said. 

      After the flight, Sam received an apology from the captain and shared his story on Reddit, generating significant attention. He also sent a detailed email to United expressing his dissatisfaction. Despite the incident, Sam has not decided to stop flying with United, emphasizing that one bad experience shouldn’t end his loyalty. He hopes United will address the situation appropriately and prevent similar incidents in the future.

      #Clique, what are your thoughts?

    7. Doctors Shocked After Discovering Octopus In Patient’s Throat

      Doctors Shocked After Discovering Octopus In Patient’s Throat

      Doctors were shocked after learning that an octopus was the cause of an unidentified man’s throat pain. According to the New York Post, doctors discovered that the eight-legged octopus was surprisingly stuck in his throat. The unnamed man realized there was an issue when he began to vomit after consuming a meal that contained the cephalopod, which is an entity of the molluscan class which includes octopus, squid, and more. 

      The man also had issues swallowing causing him to go to the hospital. Officials conducted a scan that showcased a dense view of his esophagus. Luckily, medical experts were able to extract the octopus after guiding

      “an endoscope past the octopus into the stomach and retroflexed it,”

      reports The Post. Reports added,

      “They then used forceps to grasp the critter’s head and remove it from the patient.” 

      Thankfully, the man had a successful recovery following the procedure

      According to the medical team,

      “The ‘push technique’ is the primary method recommended with high success rates, however applying excessive force can cause esophageal perforation.” 

      #Clique, what are your thoughts? 

    8. Florida Man Confesses To Murdering Roommate Over Thrown Plate Of Food

      Florida Man Confesses To Murdering Roommate Over Thrown Plate Of Food


      A man in Fort Pierce, Florida confessed to murdering his roommate, after the roommate allegedly threw the suspect’s plate of food on the ground, Law And Crime reported.

      On February 12th, officers from the Fort Pierce Police Department were called to a home after someone had seen blood in what looked like a shallow grave in their neighbor’s backyard. After arriving to the home, investigators found a body partially buried in an 18-inch deep hole. According to police documents, a “foot was partially exposed.” Blood, rocks, plywood, shovels, blankets, and a pair of gloves were taken from the scene as evidence.

      Bryan Marquez, who was immediately taken into custody due to a separate outstanding warrant, confessed to the killing of his roommate, who be only knew as “Guanajuato.” In the arrest report, the 22-year-old claimed that the victim had thrown his plate full of food on the ground and had continuously disrespected him.

      Later that night, after having a few drinks, Marquez decided to approach him. The suspect says that he then began punching Guanajuato in the ribs, face, and nose until he fell. Once the victim was on the ground, Marquez says he grabbed dirt and gravel then shoved it into his mouth. When he yelled at Guanajuato to stand up, Marquez realized he was dead. Marquez then dragged his roommate’s body to their backyard, buried him, and then went inside to sleep.

      The New York Post stated that the medical examiner who performed the autopsy discovered gravel and soil that were found inside the man’s larynx, trachea, lungs, and stomach contributed to his death by obstructing his airway. As of Wednesday, Marquez has been charged with first-degree murder.