6 Healthy Dishes You Can Bring to Your Next BBQ

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ summer BBQ? Everyone needs a break once in a while. There’s something about the smell of a grill, the sight of friends hanging out on lawns, and the taste of juicy burgers that just screams “summertime!”

The trick is to balance things with healthy and nutritious dishes that won’t derail your diet or leave you feeling over-indulged when it’s all said and done. The key is to be strategic about what you bring, not just what you avoid. Here are some great ideas for healthy dishes that will leave everyone happy and feeling good after the party.

Grilled Vegetables

You’re already ahead of the game if you choose to bring veggies to a BBQ. But you can kick it up a notch by grilling them, adding a ton of flavor, and making them more filling and satisfying.

Grilling gives veggies a nice char that makes them taste smoky and caramelized, and the process also adds depth of flavor. You can use this technique with pretty much any vegetable, but try asparagus, bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Tea Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

If you’re a fan of drumsticks, you’re in luck. These tasty little guys are one of the best options for a BBQ since they’re easy to handle and can be cooked on the same grill as other, messier foods like burgers, corn on the cob, or ribs. You could be attending a BBQ with your gym partners and need food that matches the energy supplement.

For example, Erythropoietin is one of the best energy supplements which requires a lot of iron. Chicken drumsticks give about 1.3 mg of iron, becoming one of the best matches for this supplement. If you are planning to start taking Erythropoietin, you can learn more at Esteroides Farmacia.

Drumsticks aren’t the most exciting thing to eat, but luckily, adding tea leaves brings a lot of flavor to the table. You can use tea leaves from a bag or lose leaves, but try to get black tea.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a hearty grain that will give you a boost of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. It’s also easy to cook, so you can make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bring it to the party. This salad would go great with some grilled or baked salmon or topped with some sliced avocado for a little extra flavor.

Burger Bowl

A good burger bowl is a great option for vegetarians or vegans. It gives you a lot of healthy nutrients like fiber and protein without the meat while also tasting great. There are many veggie patty options, so you should have no trouble finding something that works well. Beyond the patty, you can fill up the bowl however you like. Depending on your guests, you can choose a Tex-Mex flavor or a more Asian-inspired bowl.

Salmon Skewers

If you make salmon at a BBQ, you might as well make it fancy. Pick up some wooden skewers, slice the salmon into thin pieces, and thread them onto the skewers. All you need to do is coat the salmon in oil, salt, and pepper and grill them up until they’re done. You can add some lemon slices and garlic cloves to get extra flavor. If you have extra room on the grill, go ahead and throw in some vegetables as well. This salmon dish would go great with a salad or asparagus for a little bit of balance.

Healthy Mocktails

If you’re bringing beverages to a BBQ, you have many options. You could also go with a mocktail, which is a non-alcoholic drink. Mocktails are a great option because they give you some flavor without all the extra calories and sugar that come with alcohol. Plus, they’re easy to make, and you can make many of them at once, making them a great item to bring to a BBQ. Your basic mocktail only requires a few ingredients from fruit juice like orange, grapefruit, or pineapple work great.

Wrapping Up

There’s more to a BBQ than burgers and hot dogs. You can still enjoy a good old BBQ without completely ruining your diet. All it takes is a little extra effort and planning ahead. Bring some grilled vegetables, a quinoa salad, or a salmon or veggie bowl to make your dish stand out. Plus, you’ll be helping yourself out by not being tempted by the fatty, sugary foods that often come as part of the deal at a BBQ. Whatever you decide to bring to the party, just remember to eat healthily and in moderation.

Guaranteed Ways to Make Any Dinner Party A Laugh

If you haven’t seen your friends in a while thanks to the pandemic, then it is probably time for well overdue catchup. If you haven’t had the chance to talk for a while, then you will want to avoid going somewhere like the cinema or somewhere loud like a pub or a club.

A great way to sit down is by having a sit-down dinner. This way you will have plenty of time to chat and will you be able to get to know what everyone has been up to since you last met up.

Though the idea of a dinner party sounds incredibly exciting, if you haven’t seen your friends or family for a while, you may be worried about the event falling flat. Sometimes it can be awkward to act as though nothing has changed if you haven’t seen someone for a while and you may experience annoying and awkward silences that leave you feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

What you want more than anything is for everyone to have a good time and leave with smiles on their faces, but this result isn’t always guaranteed. Here are some guaranteed ways to make any dinner party a laugh.

Play Some Funny Games

Small talk can often feel so fake and uncomfortable and a great way to avoid small talk is by getting entertainment started really fast. For any dinner party, a really easy thing that you can do is prepare some fun games to play.

I would recommend that you only set up games that you can play while sitting down, as nobody wants to get up and get active after they have been eating. There are plenty of fun games that you can play while sitting down which will get everyone in a great mood.

A popular dinner party game that is bound to heighten moods is Cards Against Humanity. In this game, you have to give the funniest answer possible to a question or a scenario. The person that wins is the person that collects the most black cards and this game is guaranteed to get everyone in a great mood as it is close to impossible to play it without laughing.

As well as some fun games, you can also play some games that will let you get to know what your friends have been up to since you last saw them. For example, you could play party classics like never have I ever or the finger game. This will be a great way to catch up with your friends.

You could also start some competitive games and test what your friends know. If you get a little prize ready, you could do a quiz and ask your guests trivia about pop culture or other topics like current affairs or sports.

Make Cocktails

A surefire way to ensure that everyone at your dinner party is in a good mood is by supplying them with alcohol. Nobody can be in a bad mood when they are drunk and a few alcoholic beverages will get everyone talking and everyone ready to chat.

Instead of making the cocktails before everyone arrives, you can get all of your guests involved in the process. People will be more than happy to help you make the cocktails and people will be incredibly eager to show off any mixing skills that they may have.

If you remember, you could also put together a cocktail menu of all of your friend’s favorite cocktails. They will appreciate the personal touch and it will likely bring back memories of when they last had the cocktail, which they can talk and joke about.

If you have some sober friends coming to your dinner party, there is no need to worry. They will also want to feel involved in the cocktail making and so you can just put together some mocktails for them. Once again, they will appreciate all of the thought that you have put into it and they will be happy to be involved in the creation, even if they cannot get drunk like everyone else.

Make sure that you are a good host

As a host, it is your job to set the general tone of the evening and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If you are not in a good mood and you are feeling awkward, then your guess will pick up on that and they will replicate the mood that you are putting across.

Before your dinner party starts, make sure that you are not feeling stressed and that you have had plenty of rest in preparation for hosting. You want to stay upbeat the entire night, as this will make sure that your guests are also upbeat and are in a great mood. Being a host is not something that comes easy to everyone, but if you are the one hosting the dinner party, then it is likely it comes easy to you.

Battle of the Beers: Which Drink Does Australia Love Most?

We have all seen them. Those annoying adverts that constantly inform us that Fosters is Australia’s favorite beer. Due to how long these adverts have graced our television screens, we have all been conditioned to think that Australians drink Fosters with every meal, but this really isn’t the case. In fact, most Australians hate that they have gained this reputation and despise Fosters as a drink. Due to this fact, we have decided to set the record straight and let the world know which beers Australia actually drinks. Here is a list of all of the beers that Australia loves.

 

Balter

Balter is one of the most popular beers in Australia. It is not made for casual drinking as it has a higher percentage than most of the beers available on the market, coming in at over 8% this beer packs a serious punch. It is loved all over Australia due to its citrus flavors and fast working effects.  It is rare that you will find a drink that is delicious and extremely alcoholic so there is no wonder why this drink has become so popular.

 

Hahn Super Dry

This beer has become so popular in Australia due to its delicious taste and low carb content. Australia is a hot country which means Australians need to make sure they constantly have their summer bodies, which means a beer that won’t make them gain weight is extremely popular. If you hire a catering service for any party or event then it is more than likely that the drink that they will provide will be Hahn as it is well known and loved by almost everyone in Australia. If you are yet to try Hahn then it is advised that you do.

 

Victoria Beer

If you are an Australian then you will instantly recognize the famous green can that Victoria Beer comes in. It is one of the most popular beers in all of Australia. This is partly due to how inexpensive it is, but also because it has been a staple drink in Australia for decades.  It’s not known for its taste,  but for a lot of people, the taste doesn’t really matter too much if it is getting you drunk. Victoria Beer is also used for much more than just a casual drink, in fact, Australia has used its beloved beer to make another signature drink. This drink is a Vicky bomb and can be found at any house party as a popular shot drink.

 

Tooheys

Tooheys has been a popular drink in Australia for over one hundred years and can be found at any bar or convenience store. Tooheys is one of those drinks where it is considered a cardinal sin to drink it warm, so be sure that you let you can chill before you sit back for a sip. This beer is incredibly light and is perfect for the Australian lifestyle. If you are someone who isn’t a big fan of drinking but enjoys the social element of a daytime drink with friends, Tooheys is a great option due to its fruity taste and lightness.

 

Little Creatures

Little creatures may have a western aesthetic, but the brand has only been around since the year 2000. For the two decades that it has graced Australia with its delicious taste, it has been loved and bought quite often in bulk. This beer appeals to the older generation and has a much loved classic beer flavor.  This beer had humble beginnings, starting in a small operation on the coast, but now it is beloved by all of Australia.

 

Pirate Life Pale Ale

Last but not least,  one of Australia’s most loved beers is Pirate Life Pale Ale. Many think that Pirate Life Pale Ale helped to define the well-known taste of beer that is loved all over Australia and many use it as a comparison to new beers to determine whether or not it tastes good.

 

So there you have it. You can now crush any misconceptions that you previously had regarding Australia’s taste in beer and maybe even see what all of the fuss is about and try one for yourself.

The Best Coolers for Keeping Your Beer Cold

We have researched everything on the internet and made a list of the best coolers to keep your beer cold this summer. Based on different factors we have picked the ones that does its job well.

Best Value: Igloo MaxCold Cooler

A dependable cooler that is easy on the pocket, the Igloo MaxCold tops the list. This cooler is available online on different websites like from Foodplusice for $50 or less. In terms of performance, it stands among our top five. The cooler itself is not too fancy or pleasing to the eye but has every necessary feature for a cooler with a latch at the top of the lid and a drainage spout. It is sturdy and handy for a camping trip.

Best Performance: Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

This amazing cooler from Yeti performs the best when compared to all the models in the market till now. The walls of this cooler are 2.75 inches in thickness that makes it well insulated than the rest. Even when you add a couple of pounds of ice in it, it will keep the temperature within to the minimum and maintain it for about 48 hours. The ice within does not melt quickly as in the other coolers. If you are looking for a cooler that keeps the ice frozen for a longer time, this should be your pick. This cooler will cost you $300 and is worth it if you need your beer to be cold for a long time.

Best Design: Lifetime High Performance Cooler

Sometimes the looks matter a lot and if you are among the ones stressing on good-looking possessions then you should pick this cooler. Costing somewhere around $97 on sale at Walmart, this cooler gives a tough competition to the rotomolded models. Its performance ties with the Igloo MaxCold cooler along with better build quality. Its aesthetic is pleasing to the eye with dual-locking latches for the lid, roped handles, and built-in bottle opener. In terms of space this cooler is larger than 62.4 quarts. A top-performing cooler that looks the best, this cooler is worth the money.

Best Mobility: Rovr Rollr 60 Cooler

If you are looking for a cooler that is easier to transport then the Rovr Rollr 60 is for you. Costing about $400 this cooler is a strong performer on the lines of Yeti and Orca. It offers good cooling capabilities along with an aluminum and stainless steel body with 9-inch wheels that can be a little heavy once loaded with your drinks. It comes with a removable wagon bin made of fabric and a plastic bin for keeping the drinks and food separately from the ice. You can get it customized at an additional cost to incorporate extras like bottle holders, Bike kit ( for towing the cooler behind your bike) or a prep board for cooking.

There are a lot of coolers cheaper than this available in the market for less than $20. If you don’t want to spend a lot on a cooler, you can buy cheap ones as well. They do not perform anywhere close to the ones mentioned above but can manage to keep your drink chilled for a couple of hours. 

Why More and More Chronically Ill People are Trying Edibles to Help With Symptoms

Chronic illnesses can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, leading them to seek alternative treatments to manage their symptoms. One such treatment gaining popularity is using edibles infused with cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Edibles provide a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms without drawing unwanted attention. Here we shall explore why more chronically ill people are turning to edibles to alleviate their symptoms. Read on;

Overview

Cannabis edibles have emerged as a popular choice among chronically ill people seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Unlike traditional smoking methods, edibles are available in various forms like gummies, chocolates, and capsules that offer a discreet and convenient way of consumption.

The effects of edibles are long-lasting and provide the user with a prolonged sense of relaxation and calmness. Additionally, edibles don’t have the harshness associated with smoking, which makes them an attractive option for those with respiratory issues.

With the widespread legalization of cannabis in many states, more and more chronically ill people are turning to edibles as a natural alternative to conventional medications.

While using edibles is not a cure for chronic illnesses, it can provide significant benefits to individuals looking to manage their symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.

Reasons Why More and More Chronically Ill People Are Trying Edibles To Help With Symptoms

Multiple Medical Benefits

Edibles are not only effective in managing pain, but they also have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. This makes them an ideal treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses.

In addition, edibles relieve chronic pain, a common symptom among individuals with chronic illnesses. They can help individuals manage their pain without the need for conventional medications that often come with unwanted side effects.

Further, insomnia is a prevalent symptom among chronically ill people. For instance, when doing research online, I found that this range of Delta-8 products can help individuals fall asleep faster and get a more restful night’s sleep.

No psychoactive Effects

One of the significant benefits of edibles is that they can be made from CBD-rich strains of cannabis, which do not produce any psychoactive effects. THC is the compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling associated with marijuana use. However, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to offer various health benefits without altering cognitive function.

This is particularly beneficial for individuals who require medical cannabis but do not want to experience any cognitive impairment. CBD-rich edibles can provide a safe and effective alternative, offering relief from symptoms without affecting mental clarity or impairing daily functioning.

Natural Alternative

Edibles offer a natural alternative to traditional medications, which can come with a range of unwanted side effects and risks of addiction. Many prescription drugs used to treat chronic illnesses, such as painkillers and anti-anxiety medications, can cause drowsiness, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Additionally, long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependency, making it difficult for individuals to stop taking them even if they are no longer needed.

In contrast, edibles offer a more holistic approach to treatment, with fewer side effects and less risk of dependency. The active ingredients in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and sleep.

Besides, many edibles are made using natural ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, and other plant-based products. This makes them a healthier and more sustainable option than many processed foods and pharmaceuticals, which can contain harmful chemicals and additives.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Chronic illnesses can trigger episodes of anxiety and depression, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of the underlying condition. Studies have shown that edibles can produce calming effects that can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

When an individual consumes edibles, the active ingredients interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and sleep. This interaction can release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which can create a sense of happiness and relaxation.

Notably, this calming effect can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with chronic pain or other debilitating symptoms. By reducing stress hormones in the body, edibles can promote calmness and tranquility, helping individuals feel more at ease and less anxious.
Edibles can be effective in managing the mental health impacts of chronic illness. While they should not be seen as a replacement for other forms of treatment, edibles can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive care plan. With their ability to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, edibles can help individuals lead happier, more fulfilling lives despite the challenges of chronic illness.

Long-lasting Effects

Edibles offer long-lasting effects compared to other methods of cannabis consumption, making them an ideal solution for individuals seeking extended relief from chronic symptoms. This is because once the edibles are consumed, the liver metabolizes the active ingredients, which converts them into a more potent form. This means that the effects of edibles can last anywhere from four to eight hours or more, depending on the individual’s metabolism and dosage.

This is particularly beneficial for people with chronic illnesses because they often require long-term symptom management. Rather than consuming cannabis multiple times throughout the day, edibles provide a single dose that can last for several hours. This can significantly improve quality of life, as it allows individuals to go about their daily activities with greater ease and comfort.

In addition, the long-lasting effects of edibles mean that they can be taken at any time during the day without worrying about the timing of the next dose. This flexibility can be especially helpful for individuals with busy schedules or who have difficulty remembering to take medications regularly.

Conclusion

The use of edibles as a form of treatment for symptoms associated with chronic illnesses has become increasingly popular among patients. With their long-lasting effects and easy-to-dose nature, edibles have proven to be an effective alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for many individuals. Additionally, the legalization of cannabis in various states has made access to edibles easier for those who need them. However, it is important to note that edibles should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and in compliance with state laws.

Why is Australia Such a Popular Travel Location?

When it comes to international travel a lot of people often instantly think of the sandy beaches of Mexico or the beautiful sites of the many historically rich European capitals. Though the more recent traveling trends might surprise many. A lot of people are looking for different sights and adventures when they travel. This means a lot of people will seek destinations that feel like they have something new and fun to offer. Many have turned their eyes to Asia and even further south of south America. One great destination that often gets overlooked when talking about popular travel locations is Australia. The land is down under as many treasures to offer to tourists despite its strict border laws. So let’s find out together why Australia is such a popular travel location amongst tourists.

Australia is known as the cradle of life for many strange and almost alien species found nowhere else. This might sound like a strange reason to visit a country but the concept alone of herds of Kangaroos roaming free or the opportunity to see Koalas in the wild is a big selling point for many animal lovers taken by wanderlust. A lot of Australia’s reputation regarding fauna comes from the late great Steve Irwin and his efforts to preserve said fauna by allowing the world to be in contact with it. Despite his passing, his family has taken over his endeavor and pursued his quest to protect the rare biodiversity of the Australian continent. For many, this is worth a trip, not only visiting the preserve but also having the chance to take a safari in the wilds to see what can be found there. Of course, a lot of said tourism has been amputated due to the fires but it is even more reason to help out Australian animal rescue efforts.

If you’re not a big fan of the outback well do not fear, you can find amazing beaches and even more impressive underwater magical sights to behold. Not far from Australia you can travel and visit the great reef barrier in open sea diving. Of course, it is not what it once was but many say that seeing it face to face is an unparalleled experience especially if you love all things aquatic. It truly puts in perspective the importance to protect our oceans and the life that inhabits them.

Many though prefer to stay out of the water and that’s where the beaches come in. Beaches can be found all around the coast of the country and many have been preserved with strict laws to make sure the damage done by tourism is minimal so both tourists and locals can continue enjoying said beaches for generations to come. Australia is also one if not the ultimate surfing destination in the world. Due to the swells Australia welcome, the waves are always good to surf meaning you do not have to wait for fair weather to hit the waves. The best place is of course on the south coast as the waves coming from Antarctica reach the coastline and offer the best surfing experience.

If you prefer staying in the city you will find that Sydney is an amazing cosmopolitan modern tourist destination. With its bustling music scene and amazing shopping districts, you will enjoy living the high-life Australian style. This will definitely break your idea that Australia is comparable to the wild west when it comes to deserts and deadly animals for sure. So make sure to really find what suits your interests best and you will find that Sydney has everything you need to make your travel experience unforgettable.

As you can see Australia has a lot to offer and often will find ways to surprise you with all the variety it has at its disposal. Whether you see yourself as an outback explorer hitting the desert or an animal lover sticking to preserves or even a surfing dude, Australia has you covered. It doesn’t matter if your traveling partners are businessmen from Tokyo or if they do irrigation repair in Victoria, BC Australia has a little bit of everything for everyone. Of course, Australia is much bigger than simply Sydney and the Outback but you will find that the way of life in Australia is pretty similar to most European countries or even the United States. It’s a great way to visit something new without being at a loss somewhere you don’t understand at all. The flight may take a lot of time but it is worth it to visit Australia!

The Top 10 Reasons most New Restaurants Fail in their First Year

Starting up a business is a really difficult task, there is a lot to consider when starting your business like looking at competitors in the area you’re starting up in and looking at the demand to see if it is likely that you’ll succeed. Some businesses are known to be successful like if you start up a roofing company in ct as there is so much demand for roofers, but some businesses often fail, like restaurants for many reasons. The most common reason is that the market is already saturated and if there is no unique selling point about your restaurant then it can be difficult to attract customers who are likely already loyal to a restaurant in the area.  

 

No Vision

It is so important for a business’s success that they have a strong vision for the future of the business so it makes it possible for the business to make a strategy. Restaurants that don’t think about their future often fail within the first year as they’re making decisions based on the short term, not the long term. 

 

Lack of Experience

When opening a restaurant, it is important to employ staff who have experience in the industry as even if you’re great at cooking, if you don’t know how to navigate the industry and find the correct pricing then it is likely that your restaurant will fail. 

 

Not Enough Start-Up Money

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when opening a new restaurant. They underestimate how much the operations of a restaurant will cost or they spend too much on furnishings for the restaurant. This often leads to cash flow problems and can cause a restaurant to close during its first year. 

 

 

 

Bad Location

Choosing a location for your restaurant is so important when predicting how successful your restaurant will be. You don’t want your restaurant to be in a dangerous area as it will deter people from visiting but you also don’t want to open your restaurant where rent prices are more than you can afford. 

 

Finances

Keeping on top of your finances is vital for your restaurant’s success, if you let your finances get out of hand then it can be hard to recover. You need to be able to properly understand your financial statements and what the significant numbers on them mean for your business.  

 

Menu Pricing

In your restaurant every item you sell needs to make a small profit, if you price your ingredients too low then this will mean that you’re likely not making a profit and your restaurant will not survive the year. 

 

 

 

Target Audience

Many restaurants fail in their first year as they do not appeal to a specific audience, you should try and attract the new wave of consumers as they often aren’t already loyal to another restaurant. 

 

Too Trendy

Whilst a trend is popular if you base your restaurant off it, you will have short-term success provided there isn’t a lot of competitors in your order, but all trends come to an end. Once the trend is over then the success of your restaurant will decline rapidly so avoid trends. 

 

Staff Issues

Restaurants have one of the highest turnover rates of staff in any industry, this causes problems as it makes hiring staff difficult and without staff, the restaurant cannot operate. 

 

Inconsistency

If your food is sometimes outstanding and sometimes not very nice, people won’t return as it will be a risk. This also applies to service which is important for a restaurant’s survival. Without consistency in these 2 areas then it’s likely your restaurant will fail.  

Four Post-Workout Meals that are Incredibly Tasty

Workout meals are extremely important to your workout diet. These meals help you gain the nutrition you need and can help increase your body mass index. Working out is beneficial for your mind and your body, it increases blood flow and stimulates the mind. Eating the correct food is an important step in your workout routine, as working out alone is not enough to build the muscle you need. To understand how the right foods can help fuel you after exercise, it is important to understand how your body has been affected and what you can do to replace the nutrients you have lost. To get the best workouts, many people attend personal training sessions where they get one-to-one advice on the nutrition and intake they should be getting. There are many body transformation classes in London that offer this advice.

 

Health benefits

Eating the correct food is vital. Post-workout meals have many benefits such as promoting substantial insulin release. This is vital as insulin is the hormone responsible for shuttling carbohydrates and amino acids into the muscle. In doing this, carbohydrate resynthesis is accelerated, and protein balance becomes positive, leading to a quick repair of the muscle tissue that has been damaged. Additionally, since muscle protein is lost during exercise, the addition of a relatively large amount of protein to your post-exercise meal is necessary to help rebuild the strength of the muscle that has been degraded. After exercise, the body decreases its rate of protein synthesis and increases its rate of protein breakdown. Carbohydrates and protein are two of the most important things to eat to help your body recover after exercise, through eating these promote health benefits such as preventing the decrease in muscle breakdown and an increase in muscle growth and quicker recovery time.

 

Post-workout meals

There is a variety of different meals you can buy or make to sustain yourself after a workout. Buying ingredients to create a fresh homemade dish is healthier than buying a store-bought meal, however, it can be difficult to set aside the time to prepare a fresh meal yourself, so this may be the better option. Four meals that would help regenerate your health after a workout are grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, salmon with sweet potato, egg omelet with avocado on toast, and cereal with skimmed milk.

These meals consist of the right nutrients you need to fuel your body after a workout and will help you regain your strength faster and eliminate the recovery time. Each meal consists of the necessary food group to help you build muscle and increase your body mass index. As well as these food groups, you should also be continuously drinking water throughout the day; especially after your workout to stay hydrated. During exercise, you lose water through sweating, so it is especially important to replenish your body with water during and after your workout. Combining these meals and your water intake is very important to nurture your body and ensure you are giving it the fuel that it needs.

 

Importance

It is very important to eat the right things, too much fatty food can cause a decrease in the strength of blood flowing from your heart, and therefore many parts of your body will not get the support that it needs. Throughout the day, it is recommended you drink at least eight large glasses of water to keep hydrated and to increase the flow of blood through your body. Maintaining your intake of fatty foods is important, and must be ensured you are providing it with the correct nutrients to remain healthy.

Gaming Fuel: The Best Energy Drink Alternatives

Before gaming was as widely recognized as it is today, there were very few auxiliary products targeted towards gamers. Particularly in the food and drink category. Gamers were stuck with traditional energy drinks and carbonated beverages such as Red Bull, Monster, or Mtn Dew. And these companies happily catered to the gaming crowd, releasing high-sugar flavors and attaching gaming codes to incentivize purchases.

But these drinks are terribly unhealthy. So much so that a lot of gamers have been left with permanent issues because of the sheer volume of sugary drinks they have consumed. But as gaming has become more popular, we have also seen a rise in energy drink alternatives targeted specifically at gamers.

As with any new product, soon the market became flooded with different brands. All attempting to steal this new growing market away from the competition. So we have looked at them all and put together a list of the Best Energy Drink Alternatives.

 

Sneak

You will definitely be aware of this product. Sneak has created one of the most successful viral marketing campaigns we have ever seen. Their brand is plastered all over Twitch and YouTube, with endorsement deals secured by companies such as Amazon.

And for good reason too. Sneak offers a fantastic caffeine-based energy drink alternative in the form of a ‘Just-Add-Water’ powder. The product can be bought as a one-off or on a recurring subscription model that sees it delivered to you automatically. Not to mention it also offers free samples for first-time buyers.

 

Rogue

Rogue has won a number of awards for being the best energy drink alternative out there, and for good reason. Their product provides a good caffeine boost but mainly focuses on hydration as opposed to creating artificial energy within the drinker.

For that reason, it is easily one of the best energy drink alternatives. It provides the body with a lot of natural energy in the form of hydration, while still providing that caffeine fizz that gamers crave so often. Like Sneak, Rogue can be ordered as a one-off or as a recurring subscription.

 

Ghost Gamer

Ghost Gamer puts their priorities less on caffeine and more on getting a varied mixture of vitamins into the drinker. They market themselves as a drink that will help instill a greater sense of focus in the drinker, going so far as to encourage people to drink it at work as well.

The smaller caffeine content means you won’t be as hyped up as other energy drink alternatives, but you will feel a lot more alert than with some other brands. But for those who need just a mild pick-me-up, Ghost Gamer is definitely the way to go.

Like the others, there are a number of ways to order this product. Our recommendation is to order this one with another brand as well, to make sure you get a nice mix of energy for whatever situation you need it.

 

 

What Do These Celebrity Chefs Think About BBQ’d Food?

BBQ’d food is an extremely popular type of food, which is unsurprising as it tastes so great. Cooking food over an open, natural flame when barbequing infuse what you’re cooking with smoke and gives it a great kick. It is extremely popular for social occasions when the sun is out people love to meet up with friends or family and find a nice spot to share a BBQ. It is so popular that over 79 million Americans have a BBQ every year. BBQ food is perfect for all occasions not just for those summer days, it can be a relatively inexpensive way to feed a group, it’s easy to eat, and if you get some paper plates to go with it minimal washing up after is required.

If you have kids it’s a great way to get them involved with cooking as it’s a fairly safe method of cooking, it’ll be fun for the kids and provide them with some new practical skills. BBQs are seen as being unhealthy, but they can actually be very healthy and can even be vegetarian, if you’re vegetarian so you’ve been missing out on BBQ food we suggest trying BBQ’d halloumi. This is what we think about BBQ food but we thought we’d find out what celebrity chefs have to say about it, here are some of their best tips to achieve the best BBQ food.

 

Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay is one of the most popular chefs in the world, over his career he has been awarded 16 Michelin Stars, holds the record for longest 3 Michelin Star restaurant, and also has several TV shows including the popular series Hell’s Kitchen. Ramsay gave us a great tip on how to make the best food possible on your BBQ. He called out a mistake many people make when they’re having a BBQ, many people remove the meat from the fridge and put it straight onto the BBQ, Ramsay advised against this as it causes the meat to be dry on the outside while still raw in the middle.

When making burgers on a grill he recommended moving the burger as little as possible because the more it moves the more likely it is to break, to do this make sure to get a bbq toolset so you can move the burgers quickly and precisely. His other tips include putting the cover on your BBQ as soon as your burgers are in to trap the heat, get a good sear, and prevent your burgers from sticking. His last trip was about the buns as their importance is often overlooked, he stressed the importance of toasting your buns as nothing ruins a brilliantly cooked burger like a soggy bun.

 

Jonathon Fox

Jonathon Fox is the owner and head chef at the famous restaurant Fox Bros. BBQ in Atlanta, Georgia. He has risen to fame thanks to how delicious his BBQ food is, people, travel from surrounding states just to try a meal at this restaurant. He provided us with guidance on how to cook amazing BBQ food every time. His best tips include some basic ones such as making sure you always keep your grill clean, but an interesting tip he provided was the best way to clean your grill is actually with onion as it easily removes any build-up. He recommended not using lighter fluid as it gives your food a chemical taste, to season the grill as well as seasoning the meat to give it even more flavor, to cook chicken without the skin as it allows it to marinade better, and to use a potato at the start to test if the grill is the right temperature.

7 Handy Tricks to Better Organize Your Kitchen

Spice Sorting

The first step to organizing any kitchen is to start with your spice rack. The main reason is that it’s a simple job that will get you in an organizing mindset. You can do this by color, alphabetically, country of origin. Whatever works best for you. I guarantee once it’s done, you will be more motivated to organize the rest of your kitchen.

Organizing your spice rack will also make all your cooking much easier. Gone will be the days of checking every single bottle until you find the spice you need.

 

Label Your Space

This is a great trick that will ensure your kitchen stays organized for longer. By labeling the various cupboards and draws in your kitchen you will be able to quickly put things away in their correct place and will be more motivated to keep things where they are meant to be. I know I am guilty of putting stuff into a random cupboard to save time, only to be unable to find it when I need it next.

 

Vacuum Seal

A vacuum sealer might seem like a decedent gadget to make use of. And you might think they are just for clothes. But you can get food vacuum sealers. These can help you store leftovers for longer and also allows you to store your produce, veg, and other food products with a lot more ease. Saving space in your fridge is key to keeping your kitchen organized.

Vacuum sealed food is also proven to start fresh for longer. It reduces the oxidization of the food and can prevent it long beyond its best before date without incurring any health issues.

 

Modern Storage

It is incredible how much space is wasted in a kitchen by useless countertops and inefficient cupboards. But you have most likely seen the many modern solutions that get around these issues. The biggest one is the idea of installing storage under your flooring or within the walls. It may cost a bit, but the extra space will allow you to better organize your space and get more creative in the kitchen.

 

Roomba

Roombas, or any other brand of automatic vacuum, are fantastic devices that make cleaning a doddle. These little robots move about the room automatically hoovering up any crumbs, dust, or debris that has fallen. There are lots of kitchen specific models available that are better equipped to deal with food-based messes and getting tough grease strains out of kitchen tiles.

 

Pre-Ordered Shop

One of the easier ways to ensure you can keep your kitchen organized is by ordering the same food regularly. When you go food shopping chances are you change up your order. If you set up a standing food order to have the same food delivered each week, you can allocate specific spaces for them and this will generally help you keep a more organized kitchen and keep on top of everything.

 

Cooking Schedule

Tying all of this together in the idea of keeping a cooking schedule. This basically means you will want to set up a monthly or weekly meal plan and stick to it. The advantage of this is that you will know exactly what you need each day and will be better prepared. You can order in only the needed foods and will cut down on washing.

All of these tips can be used together to better improve the organization in your kitchen. Or you can just pick a few to get started with.

 

Should I Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet For my Kitchen?

The newest popular cooking trend is one-pot cooking. It makes cooking quicker and easier with straight forward but delicious recipes, many of the nicest pasta recipes on the internet are made in one-pot. It also makes everyone’s worst part of cooking- the cleaning, easier and less time consuming as there’s only 1 dish for you to wash up. So, with this in mind is it worth investing in a cast-iron skillet?

 

The Benefits

A cast-iron skillet actually has many benefits when it comes to cooking. One of its features is that it’s naturally nonstick so anyone who dislikes cooking their food with oil won’t have to with a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron skillets can be used both on a stovetop and in the oven, this is a unique feature only they possess making them a valuable kitchen utensil, just make sure you don’t use you cast iron skillet on a glass top stove as they can scratch up and ruin it. Some people say cast iron is harder to clean than stainless steel but this isn’t the case, just remember not to soak it in water as this will cause it to rust. The best thing about cast iron is it heats your food evenly, if you’re fed up with some of your food being burnt while some aren’t fully cooked then a cast iron skillet is a good investment for you.

 

What Cast Iron Skillet to Buy?

The average price of a good cast iron skillet is around $40. They can be bought in most shops that sell kitchen utensils including Walmart. Our favorite cast iron skillet brand is ‘Lodge’ produced in Tennessee and available to buy on Amazon.

Superfoods: What They are and Why You Should Eat Them

Superfoods are integral to any good weight loss plan. Alongside some rudimentary exercise, superfoods help immensely in the weight loss process. This is because of the chemical hormone called leptin. But what is leptin?

 

The Leptin Hormone

Before talking about superfoods themselves we have to talk about leptin and leptin resistance information. Leptin is known as the satiation hormone within the body. Basically, its the hormone that tells the body that you are full and don’t need to eat anymore. Leptin resistance can be a cause of obesity as your body gets accustomed to the amount of food you eat and sends the signal to the brain that you are full at later and later time meaning that you eat more. Eating the right superfoods alongside sleeping well and exercising can reverse this leptin resistance making it easier to diet and lose weight.

 

What superfoods should you eat?

Berries are a good start for superfoods as a daily snack. Not only would it just be healthier to snack on fruit during the day than fatty processed food but berries especially contain all the right nutrients. Some studies suggest that berries might reduce some heart issues in young women because of the chemicals they contain.

Speaking of reducing heart disease, salmon and other fatty fish are incredibly high in a chemical called omega three which in many studies has shown to reduce the chance of strokes and heart failures.

Sweet potatoes make a good alternative to your average potatoes as they are naturally sweet. They don’t need layers of fat or butter added to them. They also contain lots of fiber and vitamins, specifically vitamin A.

Dark and leafy greens such as kale and spinach are great because they include many different important minerals and vitamins. They are also an incredibly versatile vegetable that works in many different meals.

Green tea is a brilliant alternative to your average sweet tea. It is filled with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory bonuses. Some studies show that brewed green tea is also responsible for a small decrease in the likelihood of getting cancer.

While eggs have a relatively high cholesterol content, especially compared to some of the other food on this list, they are still incredibly healthy food to eat. Eggs contain a huge amount of nutrients and vitamins and are also a great source for high-quality protein.

Garlic is a great source of manganese and vitamins. In some cultures, garlic is even used with other ingredients in medicines. Garlic also is relatively effective in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. Not only that but the nutrients within garlic play a role in preventing some types of cancer.

Ginger, in whatever form eaten, contains an antioxidant called gingerol which has plenty of health benefits. It’s useful in treating nausea and preventing some more chronic illnesses such as heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Overall, superfoods can help to control weight loss, and prevent a number of different illnesses whilst also giving you the nutrients and vitamins needed for your daily lives.

These States are Imposing Stricter Health And Safety Regulations

The world of food has always been one that has required detailed and strong regulations surrounding health and safety. The equipment in kitchens is powerful and potentially dangerous. Not to mention the risks associated with bad food. Sickness, diseases, and physical injury.

And as our understanding of biology and food science improves, so too do our rules and regulations surrounding health and safety in the food sector. To this end, a few of the biggest states in the USA are changing their regulations, making them stricter. All of this is set to take effect from the start of 2021.

 

Handling Pests

The first new move is in relation to the pest control sector. It follows on from the new announcement that Pest Control is now an essential service with the USA. Due to this change, pest control firms like http://www.positivepest.net/ are able to operate on longer hours and with increased efficiency.

This change meant the regulations around the pest control schemes within the foodservice industry could change. Starting from 2021, all restaurants and foodservice establishments have to get regular anti-pest checks and fit specialized anti-pest security measures.

This change was lead by New York and backed up by Washington and Connecticut. These three states have seen a sharp increase in pest numbers due to climate change and increased population. But it is predicted that every state will follow on with this regulation change in due course.

 

COOSH Changes

COOSH is the certification all food service establishments must follow in terms of chemical storage and usage. Industrial cleaning chemicals are dangerous and need to be handled with extreme care for both the sake of those using it and the customers. It is only the owners of a restaurant that need to go and get their COOSH qualification, but it up to them to train their staff, install proper storage and signage, and provide adequate PPE.

Starting in 2021, some states are introducing a refresher course that must be taken every 6 months. It will be the responsibility of the owner to make sure they go to these courses. They also have to bring along two members of their staff along to make sure they are also well versed in the usage of the different chemicals.

As an addendum, every restaurant also has to undergo a COOSH inspection every two years. This inspection is separate from the random health and safety checks and is simply to make sure their COOSH storage and usage is up to scratch.

Medical Training

It is required that every restaurant has a member of staff on-site that is trained in First Aide. Which is fantastic. But a few states are looking to change it up. The idea is that all restaurants will need to make sure more than half their staff are trained in First Aide, and more than half of the staff on a particular shift also need to be trained in it.

To support this, a lot of states are putting more funding into various First Aide programs, improving the quality of the education provided and the qualification. This will mean restaurants do not need to go for a top-up as often, saving them money in the long run and improving the quality of the First Aide they can provide.

 

The USA takes safety very seriously, and these changes are just further proof of that. These regulations, while they can be annoying to deal with and tiresome, improve the safety for everyone. Both customers and staff alike.