Loose It Back » foodies

Risk of Eating in front of Computer

looseitback — Fri, 27 May 2011 08:47:28 +0000

According to the recent study, snacking while playing computer games or working at the computer is not a good idea. Similarly, having lunch under the same conditions is equally bad, a study coming to prove that those who do so actually feel hungrier faster. Nutritionists often recommend not snacking mindlessly when in front of the TV, playing a video game or at work at the computer because that can be one of the underlining causes of weight gain or even obesity. As it turns out, it’s not without good because they’re saying that: researchers at the University of Bristol have established a clear-cut connection between the feeling of satiety and the amount of distractions during lunch.

They took volunteers and split them into two groups: one had lunch while playing Solitaire (the computer card-sorting game), while the other had a normal launch, with zero distractions. Members of both groups were served 9 different foods at lunch. No more than 30 minutes later, those in the group that had played Solitaire were already feeling hungry, having got up from the table feeling not quite full. Oddly enough, they also ate and snacked more than members of the other group – and had more trouble remembering the exact foods they’d eaten, researchers have learned.

“Together, these findings highlight an important role for memory of recent eating and they show that distraction can lead to increased food intake later in the day. This study extends these findings by showing how other ‘screen-time activities’ can influence our food intake in unexpected ways. This is important, because it reveals another mechanism by which sedentary screen-time activities might promote obesity,” researchers say. “This work adds to mounting evidence from our lab and others that cognition, and memory and attention in particular, play a role in governing appetite and meal size in humans,” lead researcher Dr. Jeff Brunstrom says.

growing plants without soil

looseitback — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:20:36 +0000

Is it me, or the prices of vegetables are really soaring high these days? It’s getting difficult for me to budget our money for food supply in this situation. But, I can’t let vegetable out of our lists since eating healthy food is a necessity. That’s why I am trying to think for ways to at least solve the problem by planting our favorite veggies. Still, the idea is quite impossible because space constraint.

However, one of National Geographic’s episodes gave me a brilliant idea about hydroponics. It is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, or coconut husk.

This is indeed a very nice idea not just for me, but for my parents whose hobby is gardening. It is from them that I started to like the idea of gardening after cooking and serving their fresh produce. Plus, they never run out of supply. Before anything else, I need to learn the basics so not to make mistakes.

How to Choose the Best Meat for Diet

looseitback — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:04:37 +0000

When it comes to selecting the best meat for your diet, you need to consider the entire package. Meat is an important source of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins. Some meat can be high in saturated fat, the fat that raises blood cholesterol levels. Your best meat choices should be high in essential nutrients and low in saturated fat.

Beef eye of round meets the criteria for a healthy cut of meat. It is low in total fat and saturated fat, and high in protein, iron and zinc. A 3 oz. roasted portion contains 138 calories, 25 g of protein, 3.5 g of total fat, 1.2 g of saturated fat, 2.07 mg of iron and 4.26 mg of zinc. Beef is also a good source of many of the B-vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid and vitamin B-12. However, you should limit your intake of beef and other meats such as pork and lamb to less than 18 oz. per week, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. High intakes of these types of meat can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Pork tenderloin also makes a healthy choice. A 3 oz. portion contains 122 calories, 22 g of protein, 3 g of total fat, 1 g of saturated fat, 0.98 mg of iron and 2.06 mg of zinc. It can also help you meet your B-vitamin needs. A high intake of saturated fat increases blood cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease. You should limit your daily intake to less than 10 percent of your calories to reduce your risk. For example, if you follow a 2,000-calorie diet, you should limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 22 g a day.

Salmon, although it is debatable whether to consider fish a meat, salmon, like poultry, is also considered one of the best sources of animal protein. In addition to being a good source of protein, iron and zinc, salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower both blood cholesterol and blood pressure. A 3 oz. portion of cooked Atlantic wild salmon contains 155 calories, 22 g of protein, 7 g of total fat, 1.1 g of saturated fat, 0.9 mg of iron and 0.7 mg of zinc.

high level of dietary fiber

looseitback — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:38:27 +0000

In an effort to reduce weight, I came across flaxseed oil while searching the web. Since it is the first time I encountered the word, there are so many questions in my mind like what it is, where can I get it, why should I take it and what are the benefits of flax seed. I’m fortunate I can get all the answers I need with just few touch of my fingertips.

Basically, flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fiber including lignans, protein, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Many nutritionists consider flaxseed oil as an essential part of our diet. There are some evidence shows it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

In addition to the benefit, flax seed oil has been found helpful in weight loss, which is the most interesting part for me. Flaxseed oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for the body to run in optimal efficiency. When the body is running efficiently, it is burning fat at a far better rate. And it is said that it is also good in appetite suppressant. The oil itself can create a feeling of being full or satiation throughout the body. Oh well, it is indeed very interesting might as well search for it.

to smooth fiber

Quick easy dinner recipes for tomorrows’ graduation celebration

looseitback — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:49:17 +0000

Tomorrow, my family and I will be celebrating my brother’s high school graduation. This event actually made us all very busy, shopping for clothes, graduation gifts, and preparing for a small gathering. The only problem we faced now is that we haven’t decided what recipe to cook.

Okay mom is preparing to do some grocery today and I rush to find the best dinner meal that will suit our budget and taste. The dinner must be special, meaning different from our usual dinners. We can’t just prepare a stewed pork or braised pork or fried chicken on a special day like graduation. In fact, if we have sufficient money we should go out and eat in a fine restaurant. Sadly we don’t have much. So, it’s better to find something that is new to our eyes and taste.

Where to find those recipes? Of course in the web, the most convenient and most cost effective way to get recipes. Anyway, as I am searching, I find this Quick easy dinner recipes at Ivillage site. There are so many choices from chicken, pasta, comfort, vegetarian, vegan, low fat, and appetizer and so on.

I think I would have to try the Classic Meat Loaf and Honey Ginger Pork Ribs for the main course. For the appetizer, I guess I will choose Caribbean Crab Cakes Benedict. But, there are more in recipes on the site. I just choose the recipes I mentioned because they don’t look so complicated.

Thinking about it makes me so hungry. But, I will have to wait until tomorrow before cooking it. For now I have to make a list fast because mom is itching to go to the market. Actually, I am making some excuses because I can’t wait to blog about this. But, she doesn’t notice it because every time she enters the room I turn my windows to ivillage food site.

ice cream madness

looseitback — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:04:08 +0000

Hahaha Hubby and I decided to watch some movies since it’s Saturday. But, at the movie house we can’t find something worthy of our time and money. So, we call it a day and head out to roam around the mall before doing some grocery. As we get tired we rush to the supermarket.

However, since he wasn’t able to spend some time with me watching movies, he opts for ice cream instead. Okay, we bought half gallon. Guess what? We almost finish it off in just one sitting. Hahaha we can’t stop eating it. It is really good and we keep on eating while chatting about the things that happen in our everyday life. Before we know it we already consume half of it. We did not mind the calories actually.

Well, we finish everything after dinner. Hmm, half gallon of ice cream in one day is really something. I hope we will not do this again we will surely add some weight because of this. Hehehe

finally free of worry

delicious chocolate cake

looseitback — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:02:55 +0000

Gee! This is the chocolate cake we’ve bought March 6. We opt for the smaller one so that we will not waste our money. Sadly until now it now we haven’t finished it yet. Good thing it has until the 11th before it expires.

Anyway, both hubby and my sister have the same opinion about the cake. Both of them say “it’s not cake, it’s just chocolate.” Okay, that gives me the idea to go the cake’s website where I realize that it is a combination of chocolate curls, which is obviously on top, icing the gooey outer part, the soft delicious moose and the hard chocolate brownie.

Well, even if they say “it’s just chocolate,” because clearly it is since it is called chocolate heaven, I would say it’s worth my money. I love sweets and this is what I exactly need.

Chocolate can cause Digestive Problems?

Perfect Ideas for a Cheap Barbecue

looseitback — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:21:59 +0000

It doesn’t have to cost you a lot of cash to make your BBQ memorable. Remember – most people expect burgers and potato salad. So any different food is good. And if you follow these barbecue party ideas you can impress your guests for very little money. Here are cheap and easy food ideas you can try immediately to make you next barbeque party memorable and fun:

One word – Condiments! Everyone has ketchup and mustard. Occasionally you see a lonely bottle of Tabasco. But for very little money or effort you can add a rainbow of variety to your table and impress your guests. Visit a specialty store or good supermarket and pick up some bottles of unusual barbeque sauces or hot sauces for the table. Do not just paint the meat on the grill – give your guests a choice on the table.
Salsa, not just for corn chips anymore! Several years ago salsa took over the number one selling condiment spot from ketchup but most people still think of it as just a dip for chips or a covering for Mexican foods. Don’t just stick with the basic tomato/pepper salsa, be brave and try a fruit or a veggie based salsa. Choose your salsa based on the meat and vegetables you will be serving and invite your guests to cover these foods for a new taste experience.
Sides – go beyond the salad! So you’ve brought your beautiful (though cheap) salad. But now think beyond to other side dishes. What springs to mind? If you are like most people – corn on the cob comes to mind. There is nothing wrong this. But to really impress your guests think of adding one or two other unusual sides that will complement the main course. And remember that sides don’t have to be just veggies. Think of the possibilities of fruits, shellfish and even meats.
Desserts – Why not use the fire? Okay, you got to have desserts. You’ll probably want something cool and some sweets to keep the kids happy. But since the fire is still warm why not consider really wowing your friends by making an additional dessert or two on the grill. Make homemade ice cream, grilled dessert to go with it and you will be considered a party god for many years.

my favorite, siomai

looseitback — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:42:38 +0000

This is my favorite food aside from spaghetti. It is called Siomai for those who don’t know its name. I have been trying to cook this food because I want to have a stock in my fridge. The sad thing is that I am not getting it right. But I’ll keep on trying until I get it right. I will save this recipe here so that I will not lose it and my visitors and friends can use it.
Shrimp and Pork Siomai Ingredients:

Pinoy Pork Siomai 1 kg ground pork (suggested proportion of fat to lean meat is 1:3) or 1 kg Prawn (shrimp) peeled
1/3 cup chopped water chestnuts or turnips (singkamas)
1/3 cup chopped carrots
2 medium or 1 large minced onion(s)
bunch of spring onions or leeks
1 egg
5 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt
50 pcs. large or 100 pcs. small wanton or siomai wrapper
soy sauce, calamansi (lemon or kumquats), sesame oil and chilli paste (for the sauce)

Mix all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl. Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture into each wrapper. Fold and seal. Boil water and brush steamer with oil. Arrange the siomai in the steamer and let stand for 15-20 minutes, longer for larger pieces.
Serve with soy sauce, calamansi and sesame oil. Chilli paste is optional.

Where did the words catsup and ketchup come from?