Get A Healthier, Leaner Body With Fruits and Vegetables

The unmistakable health benefits of vegetables and fruits have been documented in research studies.

For this reason, health institutes across the globe are in agreement that consumption of a minimum of five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits should be included in your daily dietary intake.

Well-known National Institutes of Health such as the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute have all instituted this piece of advice for those who want a healthier lifestyle.

Consuming specific vegetables and fruits help the body in building a resistance to and protection from the world's two most frightening and debilitating ailments - cancer and heart ailments.

However, certain vegetables and fruits provide more health benefits and nutrition than others. So, in order for you to reach your pinnacle, improve your appearance and feel as good as possible, eating additional fruits and vegetables is certainly a start, but eating specific varieties obtained through reliable suppliers will provide the highest level of nutrition and that will give you a jump start in boosting your immune system.

Which Selections Provide The Highest Nutrition?

Bananas, corn, iceberg lettuce, and potatoes rank among the more favored foods consumed today; however, while highly popular, they do not provide the body with a substantial amount of fiber and little to no antioxidant phytonutrients such as cruciferous, flavonoid and carotenoid.
Overall, these entrees are not considered particularly unhealthy, except when eaten overloaded with fat, fried or as a chip, but they are not nutritious enough to be included among the recommended five to nine servings. Nature has provided a number of varieties for you to choose from that are full of the nutrients the body needs.

To get the highest amounts of fiber, phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins make your selection from nature's most powerful vegetables, leafy varieties that are dark green in color. Chard, spinach, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, red pepper and romaine lettuce would be included in this grouping.

While virtually all fruits are good for you, peaches, oranges, red grapes, plums and berries rank highest in their body building potential.

Where Can The Ultimate Healthful Sources Be Found?

Organic produce straight from your local outlet is your best source. Getting produce from organic farms takes it straight from their gardens to your table without the use of toxic chemicals, which is not only better for you and is more flavorful, but is better for the atmosphere as well.

Enthusiasm in organic foods has steadily been on the rise and today, it is possible to purchase high quality produce from neighborhood co-ops, farmers markets as well as a number of the larger chain markets. If a co-op is not available in your neighborhood, creating one might be a consideration.

If you are unable to locate high-quality fresh organic produce, frozen produce is generally available at a number of the larger natural food markets or grocery store chains.

As a general rule, frozen outweighs canned in quality and benefits. The canning methods often utilized successful destroy the beneficial nutrients and tend to contain high levels of sugar and salt. Frozen follows the simple process of picking, washing and freezing all within a 24 hour timeframe which helps in locking in, not only the flavor, but the health benefits as well.

What Does It All Mean?

When it's all said and done, the primary goal is to consume five to nine on a daily basis.

Doing this one simple thing each and every day will not only help ward off diseases such as heart disease and cancer, but is also beneficial in weight and blood sugar control and lowers cholesterol levels.

Once you get started, the five to nine will only be the beginning, soon you will begin to crave the sweet flavor and filling feeling the right fruits and vegetables provide.

Growing Tomatoes in Your Home Garden

Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like
or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in
grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home
garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide
selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although
rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and color.
Preference for one fruit over another is due more to cultivar
differences in flavor and texture. Each plant typically will produce 10
to 15 pounds of fruit.
Cultivars may have a determinate plant structure, growing only to a
given height; while others show indeterminate or continuous growth
until killed by frost. Generally, the earlier maturing cultivars are determinate. Certain tomato cultivars have been developed for
special uses such as stuffing or longer storage. Greenhouse
production requires specific cultivars adapted to the lower light and
higher humidity levels characteristic of greenhouses. Cherry-type
tomatoes are productive and have small fruit. Very dwarf cultivars
adapted for growth in pots or other containers are also available.
Most of these "patio" cultivars have cherry-sized fruit, although a few
produce regular-sized fruit.
Tomatoes developed for commercial field production generally ripen
over four to six weeks. Many of the earlier maturing cultivars have a
determinate plant type combined with a concentrated fruit set. These
will not produce tomatoes continuously but are grown for early
production. Most home gardeners will want to plant both determinate
and indeterminate tomato cultivars for a long season of fresh
tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes are ideal for canning or freezing.
Most newer cultivars are resistant to or tolerant of certain diseases.
This is usually indicated by a letter following the name, such as "N"
for nematodes, "F" for fusarium, "T" for tobacco mosaic virus and "V"
for verticillium wilt. Although open-pollinated "heirloom" cultivars are
now popular, many have little genetic resistance to common diseases. These older cultivars should be planted in ground that has
not had any solanaceous crops (tomato, pepper, eggplant or potato)
for at least three years and in a place with good air circulation to
reduce the opportunity for fungal infection.
Tomatillos ("husk tomatoes") and ground cherries are sometimes
confused with tomatoes. These plants belong to the genus Physalis
rather than the tomato genus Lycopersicum.

7 Homemade Spa Treatment options from Vacation Leftovers

From turkey enchiladas, to mashed potato fritters, we're constantly seeking for methods to place our holiday leftovers to excellent use. But what if we stopped shoveling it in and started off shoveling it on? Why not nurture your dry, winter skin with seasonal eats? And don't be concerned, we're not speaking a gravy mask or mashed potato soak, these spa treatment options are so indulgent you'll neglect their former glory fully.

If you want to glow even when it's gray outdoors, antioxidant-laden meals are a need to. Clear away on your own from the rush of the holiday season and program a DIY spa day with foods leftover from a holiday of indulgent eats. You'll really feel refreshed and prepared to get on the New Year.

1. Pumpkin Enzyme Masque
You built way too a lot pumpkin pur??e for that joyous pumpkin pie, homemade pumpkin pasta, or creamy pumpkin bisque but don't fret due to the fact it's the major ingredient to this soothing Pumpkin Enzyme Masque. Also, pumpkin helps battle the dry winter air with Nutritional vitamins A and C, as nicely as zinc and helpful alpha-hydroxy acids. I would go with homemade pumpkin pur??e so that you know that your pur??e didn't shed any important enzymes for the duration of the canning course of action.

Pumpkin Enzyme Masque
? cup pumpkin pur??e
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp grated fresh new ginger
3 tsp honey
Juice of 1/2 a lemon

System
Combine all the elements collectively in a blender or with a wooden spoon. Use a thick layer all more than your encounter, getting mindful to stay clear of the eyes and mouth. Keep it on your deal with for about 10 minutes and then gently eliminate with a wash cloth and warm soapy h2o.

2. Homemade Cranberry Lip Gloss Place aside some refreshing cranberries from this year's cranberry sauce or cranberry salsa and make this antioxidant-prosperous lip gloss. Cranberries add a hint of vacation colour and they moisturize your lips all the way down to the mobile stage. You'll be licking your lips all holiday extended.

Homemade Cranberry Lip Gloss
1 tbsp almond oil
1 tsp plain yogurt
1 tsp honey
1 tsp petroleum jelly
10 clean cranberries

Method
1. Warmth in a h2o bath until the mixture starts to boil.
2. Stir gently to mash berries and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the combination by way of a great sieve.
Recipe: Cosmetic Diary

3. DIY Pomegranate Physique Scrub
I enjoy dropping pomegranate seeds into the bottom of champagne flutes, adding them to uncomplicated salads, or seasonal salsas. Pomegranate seeds are most definitely the jewels of the season and not just simply because they're lovely. The rough seeds and potent dose of antioxidants are also excellent for exfoliating dry winter skin and bringing smooth, more youthful seeking skin to the surface. Start off with an oil base, add raw sugar, and honey for added exfoliation and moisture. Add fragrance with orange peel and of program, a great dose of pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate Entire body Scrub
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp raw sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp orange peel
1 tbsp pomegranate seeds

System
Mix mixture entirely. Apply to your skin with a wash cloth or loofah. Gently scrub your encounter and then rinse with warm h2o.

4. Cinnamon and Nutmeg Acne Mask
Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory characteristics so it assists to calm flare-ups as nicely as decrease redness of acne scars. Cinnamon is a organic exfoliant as nicely and it's also identified for its antiseptic characteristics. Mixed with moisturizing honey, it serves to calm your screaming skin.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg Acne Masque
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp floor nutmeg
1 tsp honey

System
Mix into a thick paste. Apply to your encounter for fifty percent an hour and then rinse off with warm water. Moisturize as per common afterwards.
Recipe: Viva Females

5. DIY Pumpkin Foot Scrub
Sheila wrote about this pumpkin foot scrub which is a welcomed deal with in the course of the winter when our feet are frequently abused. Stuffed into confining boots, dried out, and lacking a pedicure, we usually neglect our poor feet when it's cold outside. Right after several months of neglect, my feet sure looked scary, but this pumpkin foot scrub soothed them down to the core.

6. Potato Beneath Eye Soothers
Received a number of leftover potato slices from these tasty mashed potatoes? Related to cucumbers, you can soothe dark, below-eye circles, by wrapping a slice of potato in sterilized gauze or a thin cloth and placing it on dark circles for a number of minutes a day.

7. Mulled-Cider Sachets
Aromatherapy is useful for strain reduction, which is critical to seeking fresh, even when it appears you don't have a moment to oneself. You could give these mulled cider sachets away as presents like Actual Straightforward suggests, or you could indulge in some really serious scent remedy by yourself prior to hitting the road to grandma's property. Pack them in your bag, underneath your pillow, or just hold them close by for instant calm.

How to Organize Your Favorite Recipes

Recipes: Most of us have a collection of family recipes we like to use and some we would like to try. Getting those recipes organized can be a challenge. Try creating your own family recipe book. Take an ordinary binder and add page protectors for full page ones and photo album inserts that will fit other sizes. These will help protect them from splattered ingredients and is a great way to hold them in place.

Another way to add recipes to your binder is to use ordinary loose leaf paper so you can tape each one to the papers inside the binder. Use whatever works to keep them in place. You can also insert dividers to separate each one into categories. Some category suggestions are... Appetizers & Snacks, Beverages, Breads, Cakes & Frostings, Candy & Ice Creams, Cookies, Desserts, Eggs, Cheese, Legumes/Casseroles, Fish & Shell Fish, Freezing & Canning, Meat & Lasagnas, Pasta, Rice & Grains, Pies & Pizza, Poultry & Chicken Entrees, Salads & Dressings, Sauces, Relishes, Salsas & Dips, Soups, Stews & Stir Fry, Vegetables, Special Helps and Miscellaneous. Binders can be very useful because they can easily be updated by adding or removing recipes at any time.

It also helps to write comments on or next to the recipes that you have tried (who liked them and how good it was on a scale of 1 - 10). Toss out the ones that no one liked; why keep them? Try to set aside one night each week to try a new recipe and see how fast you go through all those recipes you've always wanted to try. After you have tried each new recipe, immediately choose another recipe to try, that way you will have time to shop for the ingredients before you try out the next one the following week.

Check the Nutrition Value of Canned Food

Canned is a method of preserving food in which the food is processed and sealed in an airtight container. The packing prevents microorganisms from entering and proliferating. To prevent the food from being spoiled before and during containment, quite a number of methods are used such as pasteurization, boiling, freezing, refrigeration, drying, vacuum, antimicrobial agents, treatment that are natural to the recipe of the foodstuff being preserved, a sufficient dose of ionizing radiation, submersion in a strongly saline, base, acid, osmotically extreme or other microbe-challenging atmosphere.

No such method is perfectly dependable as a preservative. Foods that must be pressure canned include most vegetable, tomato products, meats, seafood, and diary products. The only food that might be safely canned in an ordinary boiling water bath are highly acidic one with a pH below 4.6 include fruits, pickled vegetables, or other foods to which acidic additives have been added. Most common canned food which is most demanded in the market are:
Canned tomato products - Canned tomato soup is the most demanded product in the market. It can be made from chunks of tomato or with only a puree. The canned condensed version of the soup is one of the leading styles in U.S. Many toppings can also be used, such as sour cream, crackers, shredded cheese, or salsa.

Canned vegetables - Canned vegetable, another most demanded product among canned products. People in U.S. and U.K. usually ask for canned vegetables as they are easy to prepare and considered as quick meal. Canned vegetables are cheap to make and buy.

Nutrition Values of Canned Food

Canning is a way of food processing to extend the shelf life of some food products. The idea is to make food available and edible considerable long after the processing time. Although canned foods are most likely assumed as low nutrition food due to some heating process and addition to preservatives, some canned foods are in fact better in nutritive value in comparison to natural food. For instance, canned tomato products have better lycopene that is more readily available upon digestion.

Viele and Sons, a well known name associated with California restaurant supply, offering broad range of canned products like canned tomato products, canned vegetables, canned soup, etc., as per your needs.

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

With many of us facing greater financial challenges this year than last, Christmas gift shopping poses a real threat to our budget and wallets. We still want the holidays to be memorable for our families, yet how do we strike that critical balance between giving the perfect gift and still staying within your budget? The answer might be easier than you think; homemade Christmas gifts are a way for you to give the best of yourself and your talents to those you love. Homemade gifts are often more treasured by the recipient than a purchased item because they show you put in a lot of thought and effort, and thus they hold more sentimental value.

If you'd like to try your hand at making some homemade Christmas gifts this year, but aren't sure where to start, let your hobbies and talents be your guide. What things are you good at? We've got a list of ideas to get you started.

Gardeners:
If you are a gardener, you have a talent that many people envy. The holidays are a great time for you to share the fruits of your labor with those you love. If you grow produce, consider canning some of it at the end of the summer to give as Christmas gifts. Homemade tomato sauces, ketchup, or salsa are all good options. For the flower gardener, dried or pressed flower blossoms make wonderful crafts for use in bookmarks, wreaths, and arrangements. You could also give pots of bulbs that will bloom in late winter or early spring.

Cooks or Bakers:
Baked goods are always a great gift and are fun to present in a tin, basket, or on a pretty gift plate. Another fun option is a homemade food basket with recipes and some pre-made mixes that will allow the recipient to make a meal. For the elderly or new parents, pre-made frozen dinners and casseroles are also greatly appreciated.

Woodworkers:
Homemade gift ideas from someone who enjoys woodworking are almost endless. Toys make beautiful heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation. Cutting boards are a nice gift for families, as are coaster sets and keepsake wooden boxes.

Seamstresses:
If you know your way around a needle and thread, you can really get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to Christmas gifts. For a mother and daughter, consider matching aprons. Unique and fashionable homemade purses or bags also made a great fit for the women on your list. Children enjoy stuffed animals, personalized placemats, or special quilts.

Scrapbookers:
Scrapbooks or memory books for loved ones make treasured gifts, especially if they record a special event, such as the birth of a baby or a wedding in the family. Other gift ideas might include homemade gift cards featuring photos of loved ones.

Computer Whiz:
For those of us who aren't crafty with our hands, but who are very techno-savvy, consider making family calendars on the computer to give away as gifts. The calendars can feature family photos and notations for birthdays, anniversaries, and other important family events. Another idea, if you have the equipment, would be to take old family movies that are on VHS and transfer them to DVD. A gift set of all the family's home movies can be made and given to each family member.

We all have a talent or the ability to create special gift items that others will appreciate. All we have to do is pull on our own unique talents and hobbies, add a little imagination, and anyone can create lasting memories for both the giver and recipient!

The Two Types of Tasty Tomatoes

The tomato is the most popular plant in gardens around the world. Originally a tropical fruit, they can now be grown by nearly everyone, just about anywhere. Store-bought tomatoes can only dream of having the fresh, sweet taste of a ripe tomato from your own garden. There are two major types of tomato plants determinate and indeterminate. Which one is better for you depends on your growing conditions and what kinds of tomatoes you want from your garden.

Determinate tomato plants are sometimes called "bush" tomatoes. The typically grow to approximately four feet in height and don't necessarily require caging or staking, though it can help. The plants stop growing with the fruit sets on the top or terminal bud and the tomatoes will ripen at approximately the same time, usually within a two week period, then they will die off.

Since all the fruits ripen around the same time, determinate tomatoes are popular for those making and canning tomato sauce, salsa and other tomato-based foods. It's much easier to cook up all your tomatoes at once rather than spread the process out over the entire season.

Determinate tomato plants should not be pruned as it severely reduces the crop. Some popular varieties are Roma, Rutgers and Marglobe. Because of their relatively compact size they are recommended for containers, and do best in containers at least five or six gallons in size. Many people use five gallon plastic buckets, which are cheap and readily available.

Indeterminate tomato plants are also called "vining" tomatoes. They will keep growing and making tomatoes until they die off from frost or other external reasons. They can reach heights of over ten feet and need cages, stakes or other forms of support. Unlike determinate tomatoes, the plants will bloom, create fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time.
Pruning and removal of suckers is usually recommended thought not mandatory. Experiment and see which works for you. One method might work better or worse depending on growing conditions. Popular varieties of indeterminate tomatoes include Big Boy, Beef Master, Early Girl and most heirloom varieties.

Because of their size and need for sturdy support, indeterminate type tomatoes are best in a regular garden. Remember that they will grow quite high and block the sun. Many people plant them along a fence and tie the plants to the fence to support them.

Now that you know the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes you can scour your gardening catalogs or your local nursery and find varieties that will work best for your garden and your taste buds!