Now You're Entertaining Blog

12 foods to feed your sex drive

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:24:00 +0000

Certain foods contain nutrients that heighten the amount of desire you experience. Devour a few of these every day and you'll notice the benefits within a couple of months.

Asparagus and Avocados - Vitamin E helps your body emit hormones which circulate in your blood

Bananas - Potassium is a key ingredient to muscle strength

Chocolate - Cocoa contains a stimulant that conjures subtle feelings of well being and excitement

Hot Chilies, Watermelon and Vanilla - Increases circulation and stimulates the nerve endings

Oysters - Zinc turns up the production of testosterone

Pomegranates and Red Wine - Antioxidants allow more blood to course through the blook vessels

Salmon and Walnuts - Omega 3 keeps hormones in peak

Superfood: Watermelon

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Looking for a simple snack? Try watermelon. It's 90% water and super low cal. One cup is just 46 calories. It's also packed with vitamins A and C and disease fighting lycopene.

The basics of a healthy dinner

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Use this formula for cooking healthy meals:

1 lean protein + 1 healthy carb + 2 servings of vegetables

Lean proteins include skinless white meat poultry, lean beef or pork, fish or beans

Healthy carbs include whole wheat pasta or couscous, brown rice or potatoes

1 cup of veggies counts as 2 servings

Weekly Meal Planning

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Here's a great strategy for those of you who can only go grocery shopping on the weekends:

Monday: Make something with leftovers. Eat the meal you make tonight again on Friday. Choose something that freezes well.

Tuesday: Focus on fresh. Choose something that spoils more quickly like meat, poultry, fish or fragile vegetables.

Wednesday: Make it in the morning. Break out your slow cooker and by the time you're ready for dinner it will be ready.

Thursday: Use your pantry. Pasta is always a good choice.

Friday: Didn't we eat this on Monday? Yum.

A 7 Day Juice Fast

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Step 1: Pre-fast diet
5 days before fasting eat only fresh, organic, cooked and raw vegetables, soups, fruits, juices and purified or distilled water.
2 days before reduce food consumption to just raw salads, juices and water.

Step 2: Fasting (days 1-7)
If you can, fast at a spa. Also avoid driving and reduce activity and use of electronics.
4 or more 8 ounce glasses of purified water a day and 4 16 ounce glasses of diluted green juice a day are recommended.
Additionally, drink warm herbal teas, lemon juice and water.
For exercise try walking or yoga or swimming.

Step 3: Breaking the fast (days 8-10)
1 day after the fast stimulate digestion with citrus juices. Add blended raw soups and fruits and vegetables with high water content. Continue drinking green juices and plenty of water.
2 days after the fast east leafy green salads with lemon juice and olive oil. Add avocados, sprouts, fresh herbs, olives, sea vegetables, tahini and seeds. Continue drinking green juices and plenty of water.
3 days after the fast add steamed and starchy vegetables, grains and beans. High fat foods such as meat, dairy or anything deep fried and processed clog the digestive system.

Healthy food mythbusters

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:38:00 +0000

If it says:

- Good source of whole grains: This means the food contains 8-15 grams of whole grains per serving. But what else? Make sure it's not also packed with preservatives, sugar, fat and other things you don't want.

- Organic: It may be processed without pesticides or hormones, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have tons of calories, sugar and salt.

- Sugar free: These foods may use artificial sweeteners and still can have plenty of calories.

- High fiber: May also contain maltodexrtrin, inulin, polydextros and oat fiber, which help you stay full, but won't provide the health benefits of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Beware of Granola, Yogurt, Smoothies, and Snack Bars.

Lose weight without dieting

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:31:00 +0000

- Downsize.
Go from a 12-inch plate to a 10-inch. It may help you eat 22% less.

- Slow down.
If you eat too quickly you may eat more.

- Buddy up.
People who diet together lose weight than those who go at it alone.

- Fill in with fiber.
It will help you stay full.

- Power on the protein.
Your body uses more calories when it digests protein.

- Volumize.
Eat foods with lots of water or fiber so they take up lots of space on your plate and in your tummy.

- Sleep on it.
Lack of sleep can trigger hunger and appetite.

4 weeks to eating healthy

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:14:00 +0000

Week 1: Add a fruit and vegetable
Work your way up to eating a fruit or vegetable at every meal for at least 5 servings a day. Start by adding fruit to your cereal and having a side salad at lunch. These foods fill you up for minimal calories and have disease fighting nutrients. Generally, the more color the more nutrient dense they are.

Week 2: Add the flavor
Try a new herb or spice at every meal. You'll need less salt, sugar and fat. They're also a source of antioxidants.

Week 3: Switch to lowfat dairy
Lowfat milk has 9 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin d, phosphorus and protein.

Week 4: Eat for energy
Every 3 to 5 hours or 3 meals plus 2 snacks. Make sure to have a combination of proteins and carbs. This balance keeps your metabolism high so you'll burn more calories and keep you appetite in check. The right snacks have a small amount of fat and calories.

Simple ways to get more produce in your diet

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:27:00 +0000

- Add the marinara sauce (1/2 cup counts as a full serving of vegetables)
- Put out a plate of fruit or vegetables as a pre-dinner appetizer.
- Serve soup or salad before the meal or as a side dish.

4 weeks to losing weight

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Week 1: Cut portions
Read serving sizes on labels and learn what a proper portion looks like.

Week 2: Have a healthy breakfast
People who lose the most weight eat breakfast.

Week 3: Stop eating after dinner
Engage yourself in another way by calling someone, playing a game or taking a bath.

Week 4: Curb the cravings
Eat a small low cal snack late afternoon to lessen your dinnertime appetite.

drinking on a diet

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:30:00 +0000

High caloric drinks include the more tropical drinks -- margaritas, pina coladas, mai tais, and the dessert drinks, instead try white wine, a light beer, or a straight martini. A 6 ounce margarita has 400 calories whereas a 12 ounce light beer only 100.

how to host a cookie exchange

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Invite a group of friends over and have each person make a dozen of one kind of cookie to share.

Assign recipes well before hand and print copies for each guest. By assigning recipes you won't end up with too many of the same kind, such as 12 versions of the classic chocolate chip.

Offer an assortment of decorative plates for guests to display their cookies. Next to each plate include a tent card with the name of the cookie.

Ask guests to help supply the packagine materials such as cardboard boxes, tags, ribbon, tissue, and so on. Keep everything within a single color palette so guests can mix and match.

Quintessential bar tools

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Bottle openers - for wine and beer

Measured shot glasses - a measuring cup will do as well

Zester - for making fancy twists of garnish

Long handled bar spoon - used to stir cocktails that contain only spirits. creates a smoother drink than shaking.

Shaker - for spirit juice combos.

Hawthorne strainer - secures over a shaker. when pouring place index finger over tab to stop pieces from falling out of shaker.

Julep strainer - has multiple holes and rests inside glass. used for strainng stirred drinks.

Muddler - pestlelike tool used to crush.

Cutting board / pairing knife - for chopping frits and making twists.

Pour spouts - stoppers that fit into liquor bottles helping you measure.

Ice bucket / tongs / ice - the colder and bigger the cubes the snappier the cocktail.

Ice bin - to chill wine / beer.

Glass pitchers - for mixing in advance.

Napkins / stirrers / straws

The quintessential stocked bar

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Here's a comprehensive list of how to stock the bar for your next party:

Beer - Ales and stouts are good for winter, lagers for the summer. Have both light and dark options. Store unopened bottles at room tempand chill before serving. Once its chilled it needs to be consumed before it warms up or the flavor will be spoiled.

Wine - Store on its side at below 70 degrees.

Vodka - Store at room temperature below 80 degrees. Use open bottles in a year.

Whiskey - Bourbons and lighter rye-based are best for sippng and mixing.

Gin, Scotch, Rum, Tequila, Cognac, Brandy, Juices, Club Soda and Tonic Water

spirit party calculator

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Can't figure out how much libations to buy for your next party. Use these general tips:

Wine - 1 bottle per 2 people per hour
Beer - 2 beers per person per hour
Spirits - 1 bottle per 5 people per hour
Mixers - 3 bottles for each bottle of alcohol
Ice - At least 1 pound per person per hour

Hosting a multigenerational thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:58:00 +0000

Consider having a separate table for the kids, especially if your tables are small or you plan on using your find china. If that doesn't work for you you can make one end grown ups and the other end children. For the kids use unbreakable plates and cups. You can line the table with paper to catch any spills. To keep kids busy have them present a thanksgiving show at the end of the meal. It will be a memory that everyone will remember.

turkey shaped sandwich for kids

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Turkey plays a duel role in this creative sandwich developed by parents magazine.

Use a glass to cut circles out of 2 pieces of bread. Make a sandwich with turkey and cheese. Insert strips of bell peppers under the top round of the sandwich so they stick out like feathers. Cut a small rectangle piece of bread and attach with mayo vertically in the center of the sandwich. Use chopped raisins for eyes.

What's in Season? November

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0000

This month sweet potatoes, parsnips, pears, apples, brussels sprouts, tangerines, cranberries, dates, leeks, turnips and watercress are all in season.

Slash your grocery bill

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Here's some ideas to help you spend less at the store:

- Find a store that will double or triple coupons
- Only buy what's on your list
- Look high and low - the most expensive items are often eye level
- Check out the endcaps - specials are often displayed here
- Calculate buying a larger size

eat better for less

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Here are some items to try to cut down on the expensive protein items.

Instead of...
sirloin try flat iron steak
pork tenderloin try pork shoulder
lamb chops try lamb shank
chicken breast try whole chicken
salmon fillet try salmon steak
raw shrimp try frozen shrimp

how to chop an onion

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:15:00 +0000

for an onion to cook evenly, the pieces need to be chopped in uniform shape and size.

1. Cut the onion lengthwise, through the root and stem ends. trim the stem ends. Pull away the paperty skin and tough outer layer. Place each half on it's flat side.
2. Grasp the top of one half and hold it steady, keeping fingers away from the blade. Make a series of horizontal cuts at even intervals through the onion, stopping short of the root.
3. Position the knife perpendicular to the root. Cut lengthwise at even intervals not cutting through the root.
4. Hold the onion steady and curl your fingers. Cut crosswise at even intervals, working toward the root. Use a rocking motion with the blade and move your hand back with each slice. The pieces will fall away as you chop.

How to set up a buffet

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:21:00 +0000

- If you don't have a long table, put 3 small tables end to end. Creat a unified look by covering the tables with a large cloth.
- Stack plates where guests will start. Place silver and napkins at the opposite ends so guests don't have to hold them until they're done serving themselves.
- If guests will be standing or balancing their plates on their laps don't serve anything that requires a knife.
- Use cake stands for smaller dishes to make room for larger platters underneath.
- Provide at least one serving utensil for each dish. Place utensils on saucers to protect your linens from stains.
- Offer food in individual portions. Carve meat into slices and ladle soup into mugs before setting them out.
- Use scentless flowers and candles so they don't compete with the food.

Comparison Shopping - Size Does Matter

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:14:00 +0000

When choosing between frozen and shelf-stable items you use on a regular basis, opt for the larger size. It will cost more now, but save you money in the long run. One cup of peas from a small 9 ounce box of frozen peas from a nationally recognized brand costs $1.76, from the larger 16 ounce brand it's $0.96. Those are savings that can really add up.

kitchen herbs that heal

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Parsley has been traditionally used to treat indigestion. It's high in vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and riboflavin.

Sage improves both mood and cognitive functioning.

Rosemary is a great antioxidant, which is believed to help prevent cancer and support heart health. It is also said to help memory.

if you're a vegitarian you could be...

noreply@blogger.com (recipe finder) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:04:00 +0000

One thing to consider when on a veggie only diet is how to get our daily vitamins. Here's a quick chart to help you get the nutrients you need:

If you're not eating meat, chicken or fish you could be low in protein try eating beans, tofu, eggs, dairy and seeds to get more protein.

If you're not eating dairy you could be low in calcium try substituting tofu, soy milk, broccoli, kale and collard greens to get more calcium.

If you're not eating beef or chicken you could be low in iron try beans, leafy greens, potatoes, and cereal to get more iron.

If you're not eating beef, pork or chicken you could be low in zinc try eating more eggs, dairy, whole grains, nuts and beans.

If you're not eating any animal products you could be low in vitamin B12 try drinking more soy milk or fortified cereal.