"Believe
Book Review: In Defense of Food
A deeper dive into an Eater's Manifesto understanding the benefits of food
"People have more potential in the kitchen, then what they believe in."
Fast food bad, homemade nutritious.
Meal prepping can help save time, money, and reduce food waste, while promoting healthy eating habits.
Natural juices are a healthier choice than soda because they provide important nutrients.
Being a foodie is a blessing in disguise in today’s society. With online access to dozens of recipes it can make cooking in the kitchen an adventure especially with experimenting with new seasonings. I often find myself in a new restaurant every now and then (thanks to my GPS). I can access new places when trying a new dish is up for the challenge. I like to think that being curious is something we all share in common, regarding our different backgrounds. When it comes to seeing a new dish or even just a picture on social media, the first thought may be how does this taste? What ingredients does it have? Can I make this at home? With wifi being on our side (before AI takes
over, hopefully never) we have the opportunity to search the web and find the dish and recreate it to the best of our abilities. I know some of us might think what if it goes wrong? Then a quick search for Thai food online may just save dinner, however the next day we try again and retrace our steps of what could have gone wrong. Enjoying food and experiencing new flavors is what inspired Tasty Temptation to be created, to step out of our comfort zone and realize the world is much bigger than what it may seem. There is just so much to learn and explore when it comes to cooking the food ourselves, we learn the culture, and the process that it takes to create these dishes. Sometimes
going to an authentic restaurant may be a bit too far if they are on the other side of the world, so that’s why we love the internet, a quick search for the recipe and next thing you know made for dinner (even a healthier option). So let’s take a dive into what makes cooking at home an even better option than just buying premade food, or even just takeout. I love to share food on social media with a quick snap of the camera using #foodislife on your next post you may be featured in our next issue since deep down we are all foodies. Let’s get cooking!
Garlic is a healthy vegetable, it adds the right amount of flavor in any dish. There are also health benefits from consuming garlic, it benefits the immune system, and even helps reduce high blood pressure. Garlic has plenty of antibiotic properties, it contains allicin, that can help against infections and bacterias.
Just as garlic dried oregano has plenty of health benefits that we can use in the dish. It adds flavors, and can add a touch of sweetness. Oregano is not just dried, local grocery stores have it fresh or even as an oil. It is also rich in antioxidants, and can help reduce inflammation. It can fight bacteria in which it may be able to improve one's health.
Bay leaves are just as beneficial, there are so many seasonings that can be used in the kitchen. It comes to choice and preparation in the dish. Bay leaves are common to find in the kitchen and they add a spectacular flavor and sense of smell to the dish. Bay leaves are rich in fibers and minerals, it is mainly used in slow cooking meals since it is a leaf. It has also help treat stomach aches, colds.
For Michael Pollan, it ended up being a bestseller and a New York Times bestseller book. His writing earned numerous awards, notably the Genesis Award from the American Humane Association as well as the Reuters/World Conservation Union Global Award in Environmental Journalism. In his work, he debunks myths and false notions regarding people's preconceptions of food. To recover the pleasure of eating and to prevent developing diseases, he uses common sense. Pollan embarks on an investigation of research into
the dietary habits of our ancestors, even linking in vegetarianism Adventists, who's eating habits in numerous cases demonstrate a longer lifespan than the typical human year. In this discovery, he demonstrates how marketing techniques and nutrition science may be combined to substitute actual, nutritious foods. Scientists, experts in nutrition, and even food activists have spoken about their experiences and perspectives in interviews. At this time, it seems like we need to be cautious with the food we eat in Amer-
ica. There are numerous publications on food every day, restricting what we should consume and what to avoid. According to the book, American cuisine is influenced by the west. There is a lot of meat in the diet, along with white flour, sugar, and vegetable oils. Even though the food is inexpensive and convenient, it is all processed. Although the fact that it may be appealing, it still poses unsettling negative effects for the human body.
What foods should we consume, then, if the American diet is det-
rimental, as Michael Pollan advertises? Pollan emphasizes the importance of nutritious eating comes from nature. Mother Nature provides an extensive selection of various foods which compen sate substitutions for the nutrients lacking in the typical American
Michael elaborates on how science might assist with diets. and alter-
What are some of the feelings or emotions you may go through when it comes to preparing a dish?
“I am always worried people won’t like it, it’s always one of my first concerns. I try to if it’s for other people I try to make it likable to a large audience like, if there is 300 people, I know not to make it too spicy cause there are gonna be some people who don’t like spice and not make it too cilantro, or too many onions, I try to keep it in the middle, I want to make it appealing to many people as possible, so I am always conscious of how can I make this where many people would like it. So, I always have that concern that people might not like it and share how good something can be and making it as god as I can. I tell my kids that I don’t care what recipe that they use or what they are gonna make, always think about what you can do to make it better. When we make things in class they know we are not being critical, but what can you do to make it better, we can always improve and always make it better, and tweak it a little bit.”
What are some qualities a Chef should have?
“Need to be willing to work hard, willing to experiment, always try new things. If you always make the same thing over and over again, you’re gonna get tired of it, and in what you’re making it's gonna show what you make. You know. That’s why you try new things, and if you're not excited about what you’re making it show in your food. I have had times where I got burnout cooking where I was working long hours. I was working at a camp for several years and I would go 3 days in a row and take a day off. I went to the conference and said I need to take a summer off because I am working all year long and every day, so I was so burnt-out, I hated cooking, I hated food. Then after taking the summer off, I felt better.”
What are some pieces of advice that have helped you in your career?
“Don’t be afraid to try new things, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, to experiment but to also remember that your job isn’t the most important thing in your life, your family and your health is more important than your job. Your identity is not your job, you as a person are more important than your job and it’s really easy in the chef’s world to be so caught up in trying to succeed that you have no identity outside of that. And it is true in most jobs but I think that it is important to know that our identity isn’t our job”
We all understand the feeling after getting home after a long day. The last thing you want to worry about is making dinner. Especially with the load of dirty dishes that come afterwards from all the prep and cooking. It’s just easier to pick up the phone and place a takeout order, which takes less time and causes less worry. In my experience, feeling full after eating a plate is not a tasty sensation.It feels as if I could have had or made something healthier; my stomach feels heavy, and I tend to feel sluggish afterwards.
Have you ever wondered why that happens after eating takeout? Typically, fast food has a poor nutritional value since it’s convenient for time, but we pay a price with our health. It has higher fats, more processed preservatives and overall lacks nutrients that are essential for everyday use. That sensation of feeling sluggish and out of energy comes from all the uncounted carbohydrates and sugar leading to a spike in blood sugar, which leads to that feeling of tiredness. Every once in a while its’ alright to eat out for convenience
or even share a meal with friends, yet when it becomes a habit that is where we all need to be careful. There's so many studies and research of fast food affecting every part of our body, from our digestive system to our cardiovascular system as well. As mentioned before, there is an excessive amount of sugar, and our bodies try to keep up with our meals. When there are too many moments of a rise in blood sugar, it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and even weight gain. Those are just some of
many more health factors that can be damaged if we are not careful. Then we can take the approach of a healthier way, which is preparing the food ourselves. Takeout can be the same and become boring after a while, since it becomes so repetitive that there's nothing new or exciting to indulge in. With so many recipes at our fingertips, we have the opportunity to explore foods and find cooking more enjoyable than dreadful.
1 cup caramel or dulce de leche
4 eggs
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 packet chocolate cake mix (size for 2 layers)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup capacity crown cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Beat the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla with a wire whisk in a large bowl until well blended.
Prepare cake mix according to package directions and add remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Pour the batter in the mold. Pour the flan mixture slowly over the dough. Line pan with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish up to half the height of the crown pan.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer the crown mold from the bain-marie to a wire rack. Remove the aluminum foil. Cool completely.
To unmold, invert pan onto a serving platter. Remove the mold. With a spoon, scoop out the remaining caramel from the mold and add it to the dessert.
Being overly busy can prevent you from finding enough time to make a healthy meal. We frequently order takeaway since it is swift and convenient; we don't have to worry about cooking or doing the dishes and can simply grab and go. However, it is probably not good for our bodies. Imagine an appealing home-cooked dinner, packed with flavor and nutrients, waiting for you after a long day. Perhaps may even have leftovers for the next few days. Meal preparation or meal planning is a terrific tool to help us stay on a healthy eating
track while juggling busy weekday schedules. Although planning is essential for all types of meal preparation, there is not one right way to go about it because it might vary depending on personal tastes, cooking skills, schedules, and objectives. Meal planning can help some people lose weight, while others view it as energy that could be utilized on other activities.
Beginning meal prepping may appear to be more challenging than it actually is. To start, select a particular day of the week to: 1)
Create a grocery list and plan your menu, whether it be every week or every month. Do the majority of your cooking, meal prep, or grocery shopping. Even if you can opt to overlap some of these days, dividing up these responsibilities could make preparing meals more straightforward.Make extra servings of a recipe when you cook it so you can freeze them for a later week or use them for an additional day or two of meals. To keep track of what you have on hand, make sure to date and mark everything that goes in the freezer.
When you just have to prepare enough food for the upcoming week, preparing meals can save you time and money. The use of refrigeration and freezing is crucial to effective meal preparation. However, unattended food, such as produce stashed away in a drawer or stew kept too long in an opaque container on a back shelf, can go bad and result in food waste. In order to keep track of the date by which to use each made item, label everything with a date. Rotate your stock of food and meals such that the oldest items are maintained at the front. To help you remember to utilize them, place highly perishable foods like greens, herbs, and chopped fruits front and center and at eye level.
Eating meals that have been prepared assists us manage our time and ensure we get the nourishment we require. The beauty of food preparation is the fact that it can be personalized to suit your cooking skills, lifestyle, and personal dietary needs. It also doesn't have to be appealing. We have full authority over what happens in the kitchen, which is essentially a money-saver overall.
MEAL PREPPING IS LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF BUT WITHOUT THE FANCY HAT OR THE HEFTY BILL IT SAVES TIME AND MONEY AND THE FOOD TASTES JUST AS DELICIOUS
There are so many recipes that are flavorful, and learning about them is a joyful experience as well. Besides learning more about dishes, it promotes a more balanced meal, and even better is the lower amount of calories consumed as well as less sugar and healthier fats. Preparing meals ourselves lets us be in control of what we eat and the amount of cooking oils used in our meals. We can also reduce our portions in meals. It is very noticeable in takeout food. It feels like a mountain of
food and can be overwhelming to have to eat it all, especially with the cup sizes. A large cup from McDonald's is excessive and can be used for the next meal, given how much it already contains. Typically, everyone knows that preparing the food ourselves is healthier than eating out, but why exactly if food is food and nothing should change? There
have been moments when eating Panda Express is convenient (no shade towards the company) yet when I receive my order and seeing the oil dripping from the broccoli causes me to not find it appetizing anymore. I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience when eating out in some instances it becomes an ick. Besides cooking at home being healthier, it becomes a personalized meal. There is no need to tell someone what to do when, knowing yourself, you make it up to your taste. Cooking is not something
that should be looked down upon. It may feel sometimes that seeing things online is the expectation in cooking however that is not the case. We should not be influenced to make over the top dishes if we arent there yet. We must do what we can to the best of our abilities and take it at each step at the time. Cooking can become a hobby. It can be so much more than what we may envision. Takeout might be good for the meantime but cooking is going to be there in the long run. So let's not be afraid to cook something up in the kitchen. It is all up to our imagination.
“Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.”
–
Natural juices are a healthier choice than soda because they provide important nutrients, while soda is high in sugar and calories and has little nutritional value. Here are some other natural juices that can be explored and added to accompany the meal.
Hibiscus juice is a popular beverage in many parts of the world, and it is made by boiling hibiscus flowers with water and sugar to make a sweet and tart drink. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and some studies suggest that it may have health benefits like reducing blood pressure and improving liver function.
Horchata is a traditional beverage that originated in Spain and is now popular in many Latin American countries. It is typically made by soaking rice in water, blending it with sugar, cinnamon, and other flavors, and then straining the mixture to create a smooth, creamy drink.
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, and it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Tamarindo juice is often served over ice and is a refreshing and delicious drink for hot summer days.
Given that fast food frequently contains high calorie, fat, and sugar content, the fast food industry has played a significant role in the increase of obesity and other health problems. However, studies linking fast food consumption lead to an elevated risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses show that it still poses a serious health risk. The fast
food industry has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The rise of fast food chains in the 1950s and 1960s coincided with an increase in the consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, which are known to contribute to these health issues. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the health risks associated with fast food, leading to increased demand for healthier food options and
greater scrutiny of the industry's practices. The first fast food chain, White Castle, opened its doors in 1921, marking the start of the fast food industry in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, additional chains such as McDonald's and Burger King followed, and the sector has since expanded to play a significant role in the American food landscape.
White Castle, the first fast food chain, opens in Wichita, Kansas.
Fast food becomes more popular, with chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell opening across the United States.
Fast food chains expand internationally and introduce new menu items, such as chicken nuggets and the Egg McMuffin.
Fast food chains face criticism for their role in the rise of obesity and other health issues, and begin to offer healthier options, such as salads and grilled chicken.
Fast food chains continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences, with many offering plantbased options and delivery services. However, fast food consumption remains a significant health concern, with studies linking it to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
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“Never underestimate the power of good food. Eating delicious food can be a life-changing experience.”
-Shon MehtaPHOTO CREDS: ALLEK SAN
