Some of the most popular weight loss programs in existence today have one thing in common. They all require that you measure your food before eating it. The premise is simple in that portion control has been proven to be effective when it comes to weight management and weight loss. If you are taking the time to use a digital kitchen scale to measure your food, you are less likely to overeat.
Most of these devices are very simple to use. You place the food in the container that comes with the scale and a reading will tell you the weight of the item. This is especially helpful when measuring items like meat or poultry. It can be very hard to determine exactly how much four or eight ounces is if you don’t have a digital kitchen scale at your disposal.
Many of the new models boast more features than simply displaying the weight. They can give you detailed information on the nutritional content of the foods you are consuming. Perhaps you are interested in the calorie content of a specific food. You can purchase a digital kitchen scale that will tell you the weight and once you enter the type of food it is, it will also display the calorie count for the food.
That’s one of the most important aspects when it comes to weight loss. Reducing the daily calorie intake is essential to losing weight. Naturally you also have to increase exercise, but if your daily calorie count is too high, the weight won’t come off. Therefore using a digital kitchen scale that displays the calories in a particular portion of food will give you a much clearer indication of how many calories you are actually consuming. Many of us don’t realize how many calories are in certain types of food and we mistakenly believe that if we eat a small portion size we are going to lose weight. If the food is high in fat and calories this clearly won’t be the case.
It’s a really great idea to school teenagers in how to use this kitchen device as well. They may balk at the idea citing the reason as being that they are in great shape and don’t have to worry about their weight. However, it’s long been believed that overeating develops early and a child who is accustomed to eating larger portions will continue to do so as they mature. Explain to them how to use the digital kitchen scale and make it part of your daily routine. Before long they will be eating the right size portions and that healthy habit will stay with them forever.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Deep Fryer
Though you may be tempted to have a deep fryer in your home, it may not be the smartest thing you can do. There is nothing healthy about eating deep-fried food, even though you can use better oils when you’re deep frying. My mother used to have one of these in her kitchen, and when it broke I asked her to not buy another one. Though my mother is very healthy, my stepfather has a problem with his heart, and he also seems to have a problem with avoiding the foods that will hurt him the most.
A fryer is great for many things, but it is not good for your help. You can use olive oil and canola oil as healthy oils, but you are still putting a lot of calories at your body when you use a deep fryer. Things like fried chicken, and deep-fried French fries are things that taste very good, but should be made by other methods. You should always make your French fries in the oven, and you will use a lot less grease if you make your fried chicken on top of the stove in the pan.
Another problem with owning a deep fryer is the fire hazard. When you use a deep fryer in your kitchen, you have to make sure you follow all safety rules, otherwise you may end up with a grease fire. My husband has never allowed me to have a deep fryer because of safety issue. For some reason, he is very afraid that something will go wrong, and has strictly forbidden them from being in our home. That’s fine with me, because there are really no health benefits to owning one, and staying fit and healthy as hard enough.
If you decide you want to own a deep fryer, make sure you keep unplugged at all times unless it is in use. When you are using your deep fryer, do not walk away from it for any reason. If for some reason it were to overheat, the grease could come over the top, catch on fire, and that fire will spread throughout your kitchen. If you are one of those people who has bought a turkey deep fryer, remember to use the same rules when you are frying a turkey outside. Though there is some danger with the indoor fryer, many have found that the outdoor deep fryer is far more likely to have problems.
A fryer is great for many things, but it is not good for your help. You can use olive oil and canola oil as healthy oils, but you are still putting a lot of calories at your body when you use a deep fryer. Things like fried chicken, and deep-fried French fries are things that taste very good, but should be made by other methods. You should always make your French fries in the oven, and you will use a lot less grease if you make your fried chicken on top of the stove in the pan.
Another problem with owning a deep fryer is the fire hazard. When you use a deep fryer in your kitchen, you have to make sure you follow all safety rules, otherwise you may end up with a grease fire. My husband has never allowed me to have a deep fryer because of safety issue. For some reason, he is very afraid that something will go wrong, and has strictly forbidden them from being in our home. That’s fine with me, because there are really no health benefits to owning one, and staying fit and healthy as hard enough.
If you decide you want to own a deep fryer, make sure you keep unplugged at all times unless it is in use. When you are using your deep fryer, do not walk away from it for any reason. If for some reason it were to overheat, the grease could come over the top, catch on fire, and that fire will spread throughout your kitchen. If you are one of those people who has bought a turkey deep fryer, remember to use the same rules when you are frying a turkey outside. Though there is some danger with the indoor fryer, many have found that the outdoor deep fryer is far more likely to have problems.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Cookie Jars
Cookie Jars
I never thought cookies jars were good gifts until I got one for my bridal shower. The one my aunt got was something like I had never seen before, and perhaps that was just because I don’t normally roam down the aisle full of cookie jars in my local store. It was very pretty, and fit in perfectly with my kitchen. It was made to resemble a pot of fresh flowers, and though it has been nicked, I still have it in my kitchen to this day. It still holds our cookies, and is still a target for inspection when my daughter thinks I am not looking.
I know not everyone uses cookie jars, but they have been something everyone in my family has had. I remember it being a focal point of my grandmother’s kitchen. I’m sure it wasn’t the intention, but honestly, for a young child, there is nothing more special than a jar full of cookies. When it comes time to open up cookie jars, a child always knows there is something special and yummy in there. Though cookies don’t hold the same magic for me, I know what they mean to my little girl.
If you want something new for a cookie jar, you are in luck! There are all sorts of really great cookie jars out there, and you can find something that matches your style. If you want something whimsical and cute, you can get one that sings when you open it up. My mom used to have a cookie jar what was shaped like a pig -which is her favorite animal- and it would make an oink noise when it opened. If you want something sleek and modern, you can find that as well.
Cookie jars are great gifts, but make sure you aren’t giving on to someone who already has three of them. They can also be a great craft project, though you may need to get a little guidance to make one. If you can find ones that are unfinished in a craft store, you may have found a great project for your child or children to do on a rainy day. They may then want to wrap up the finished cookie jars and give them away as gifts. I can’t think of many grandmothers who would not love a gift like that from their grandchildren. They will save and treasure it forever.
I never thought cookies jars were good gifts until I got one for my bridal shower. The one my aunt got was something like I had never seen before, and perhaps that was just because I don’t normally roam down the aisle full of cookie jars in my local store. It was very pretty, and fit in perfectly with my kitchen. It was made to resemble a pot of fresh flowers, and though it has been nicked, I still have it in my kitchen to this day. It still holds our cookies, and is still a target for inspection when my daughter thinks I am not looking.
I know not everyone uses cookie jars, but they have been something everyone in my family has had. I remember it being a focal point of my grandmother’s kitchen. I’m sure it wasn’t the intention, but honestly, for a young child, there is nothing more special than a jar full of cookies. When it comes time to open up cookie jars, a child always knows there is something special and yummy in there. Though cookies don’t hold the same magic for me, I know what they mean to my little girl.
If you want something new for a cookie jar, you are in luck! There are all sorts of really great cookie jars out there, and you can find something that matches your style. If you want something whimsical and cute, you can get one that sings when you open it up. My mom used to have a cookie jar what was shaped like a pig -which is her favorite animal- and it would make an oink noise when it opened. If you want something sleek and modern, you can find that as well.
Cookie jars are great gifts, but make sure you aren’t giving on to someone who already has three of them. They can also be a great craft project, though you may need to get a little guidance to make one. If you can find ones that are unfinished in a craft store, you may have found a great project for your child or children to do on a rainy day. They may then want to wrap up the finished cookie jars and give them away as gifts. I can’t think of many grandmothers who would not love a gift like that from their grandchildren. They will save and treasure it forever.
Cat cookie jars
Somehow I never made a connection between felines and kitchens. That is until my sister chose this unique theme for her cooking space. She added great decorative details like a wallpaper border filled with images of kitties and items like cat cookie jars peppered throughout the space.
The area looks fantastic and I was really taken back by her excellent display of cat cookie jars. These items give the room character and charm but they are not overwhelming in the large area. The cat jars are placed strategically throughout the room but there are a few shelves dedicated to displaying them.
The cat cookie jars come in all different styles and colors but they work very well together in an eclectic fashion. Instead of filling the space with traditional kitchen elements, my sister decided to choose interesting collectables to give the room its personality.
When she first told me that she was using a feline theme for her kitchen I wasn’t really surprised. She loves her kittens and she fills her house with images of them. There are cat cookie jars, shower curtains, prints and even a throw for the couch with the little fuzzy creatures.
After seeing her arrangement I was very impressed with my sister’s artistic eye. She really pulled the look together in a warm and inviting way. The cat cookie jars were collected over a period of time and some of them were gifts. Each jar has its own story and my sister is happy to share them with her guests.
The collection of cat cookie jars makes for great conversation and the collection is quite valuable. Many of these items are antiques and some are very rare finds. Many of them are unique in that both the lids and the cookie jars are still in tact. This increases the value of rare, delicate merchandise.
No one has a kitchen like my sister. My daughter likes to call the space the “kitty kitchen” and she can’t wait to go visiting with her aunt to see if there are any cat cookie jars added to the collection. My daughter also likes to see if there are any treats inside the collection of cookie jars as well.
While I’m on the subject of treats, make sure that the cat cookie jars you reach into are filled with people food. Some owners like to keep kitty snacks in the cat cookie jars. This only makes sense.
The area looks fantastic and I was really taken back by her excellent display of cat cookie jars. These items give the room character and charm but they are not overwhelming in the large area. The cat jars are placed strategically throughout the room but there are a few shelves dedicated to displaying them.
The cat cookie jars come in all different styles and colors but they work very well together in an eclectic fashion. Instead of filling the space with traditional kitchen elements, my sister decided to choose interesting collectables to give the room its personality.
When she first told me that she was using a feline theme for her kitchen I wasn’t really surprised. She loves her kittens and she fills her house with images of them. There are cat cookie jars, shower curtains, prints and even a throw for the couch with the little fuzzy creatures.
After seeing her arrangement I was very impressed with my sister’s artistic eye. She really pulled the look together in a warm and inviting way. The cat cookie jars were collected over a period of time and some of them were gifts. Each jar has its own story and my sister is happy to share them with her guests.
The collection of cat cookie jars makes for great conversation and the collection is quite valuable. Many of these items are antiques and some are very rare finds. Many of them are unique in that both the lids and the cookie jars are still in tact. This increases the value of rare, delicate merchandise.
No one has a kitchen like my sister. My daughter likes to call the space the “kitty kitchen” and she can’t wait to go visiting with her aunt to see if there are any cat cookie jars added to the collection. My daughter also likes to see if there are any treats inside the collection of cookie jars as well.
While I’m on the subject of treats, make sure that the cat cookie jars you reach into are filled with people food. Some owners like to keep kitty snacks in the cat cookie jars. This only makes sense.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Remodelling The Kitchen With News Appliances
When remodeling your kitchen, you're most likely going to buy new appliances. This article will cover the basics of what you need to know before you buy your next new refrigerator, dishwasher or stove.
1. Refrigerator Buying Guide
Capacity:
In most homes, the refrigerator is the high-traffic area. As a family focal point, it's important to buy the right refrigerator for your needs, including the right capacity.
A good, general rule for calculating capacity is to assume a family of two needs about 8-10 cubic feet of fridge space, then add one cubic foot for each extra person in your family (maybe two if you have teenage boys). Remember, maintaining an empty refrigerator wastes energy while overstocking a too-small refrigerator is frustrating at best.
Style:
Refrigerators typically come in four styles.
Top-mount - this is the classic refrigerator design with the freezer compartment above the refrigerator. Each door swings open the full width of the refrigerator, so there must be sufficient kitchen space for them.
Bottom-mount - the freezer is below on this style.
Side-by-side - The freezer and refrigerator are adjacent. Designed for smaller kitchen space, this style can be a great space saver.
Compact - these are smaller fridges designed for dorm rooms, garages or basements.
2. Dishwasher Buying Guide
You know that a dishwasher can save you time, but did you also know that it can save you money? Most modern dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. Thanks to energy efficient design, dishwashers use a minimal amount of water to keep your dishes clean.
Look for a model with a built-in food disposer to keep bits of food from getting stuck in your machine. Next, check the size of the holes on the washers - the smaller the holes, the greater the scrubbing power. Finally, choose a dishwasher with a thick level of insulation. The thicker the insulation around the dishwasher tub, the quieter the machine will be.
3. Range/Stove Buying Guide
Most families need an oven that provides at least 4 cubic feet of baking and roasting space. When you're replacing a range, you'll most likely replace it with the same type, but you may want to switch between electric and gas.
Electric ranges are often easy to clean and give an even heat distribution when you're cooking. But safety must be a concern, especially with small children. When electric stove heating elements are hot, they turn a hot orange color, making them easy to spot.
However, as the elements are in the process of heating up initially or cool down after being hot, they will be the same color as the other cool ones and not as apparent that one or more may still be hot to the touch. Many a young child has burned his hands on an electric stove heat element that appeared to be off.
Meanwhile gas ranges allow you to cook during power outages and, some cooks say, give you greater control over your cooking. Gas ranges can also pose a threat in houses with small children. Make sure your children understand the importance of safety when it comes to gas stoves and not playing with the knobs.
Finally, no matter what appliance you buy, make sure it's rated as an energy-efficient appliance. Products with these ratings will help both the earth and your checkbook while maintaining convenience around your kitchen activities.
1. Refrigerator Buying Guide
Capacity:
In most homes, the refrigerator is the high-traffic area. As a family focal point, it's important to buy the right refrigerator for your needs, including the right capacity.
A good, general rule for calculating capacity is to assume a family of two needs about 8-10 cubic feet of fridge space, then add one cubic foot for each extra person in your family (maybe two if you have teenage boys). Remember, maintaining an empty refrigerator wastes energy while overstocking a too-small refrigerator is frustrating at best.
Style:
Refrigerators typically come in four styles.
Top-mount - this is the classic refrigerator design with the freezer compartment above the refrigerator. Each door swings open the full width of the refrigerator, so there must be sufficient kitchen space for them.
Bottom-mount - the freezer is below on this style.
Side-by-side - The freezer and refrigerator are adjacent. Designed for smaller kitchen space, this style can be a great space saver.
Compact - these are smaller fridges designed for dorm rooms, garages or basements.
2. Dishwasher Buying Guide
You know that a dishwasher can save you time, but did you also know that it can save you money? Most modern dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. Thanks to energy efficient design, dishwashers use a minimal amount of water to keep your dishes clean.
Look for a model with a built-in food disposer to keep bits of food from getting stuck in your machine. Next, check the size of the holes on the washers - the smaller the holes, the greater the scrubbing power. Finally, choose a dishwasher with a thick level of insulation. The thicker the insulation around the dishwasher tub, the quieter the machine will be.
3. Range/Stove Buying Guide
Most families need an oven that provides at least 4 cubic feet of baking and roasting space. When you're replacing a range, you'll most likely replace it with the same type, but you may want to switch between electric and gas.
Electric ranges are often easy to clean and give an even heat distribution when you're cooking. But safety must be a concern, especially with small children. When electric stove heating elements are hot, they turn a hot orange color, making them easy to spot.
However, as the elements are in the process of heating up initially or cool down after being hot, they will be the same color as the other cool ones and not as apparent that one or more may still be hot to the touch. Many a young child has burned his hands on an electric stove heat element that appeared to be off.
Meanwhile gas ranges allow you to cook during power outages and, some cooks say, give you greater control over your cooking. Gas ranges can also pose a threat in houses with small children. Make sure your children understand the importance of safety when it comes to gas stoves and not playing with the knobs.
Finally, no matter what appliance you buy, make sure it's rated as an energy-efficient appliance. Products with these ratings will help both the earth and your checkbook while maintaining convenience around your kitchen activities.
An Home With Great Performing KItchen Appliances
Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that one of the things that will make a house sell fast is the kitchen. Having great looking and great performing kitchen appliances is want home owners want we all spend a lot of time in the kitchen and we do a lot of work in there too.
When you reach for your favorite soda or beer you want it to be as cold as it can be there is nothing like having your refrigerator go out or any of your appliances go out for that matter. One day you will have to replace your appliances and here is a few tips to help you choose the right one for you that's right there is a appliance for everyone and if you choose the one that fits your needs you will be happy with your purchase.
The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you want to spend on your new appliances Be realistic about your budget don't make your choice on price alone we all know you get what you pay for. Discount appliances can be found a scratch and dent sales this way you can get a top name brand product for a very low price. Another thing to look for is how long is the standard warranty on the product you can save a lot of money by not buying the extended warranty up.
Choose the product with the features that you will use the most don't wast money on all the bells and whistles if you are not going to use them. There are a lot of good deals out there just take your time and you will make the right choice.
When you reach for your favorite soda or beer you want it to be as cold as it can be there is nothing like having your refrigerator go out or any of your appliances go out for that matter. One day you will have to replace your appliances and here is a few tips to help you choose the right one for you that's right there is a appliance for everyone and if you choose the one that fits your needs you will be happy with your purchase.
The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you want to spend on your new appliances Be realistic about your budget don't make your choice on price alone we all know you get what you pay for. Discount appliances can be found a scratch and dent sales this way you can get a top name brand product for a very low price. Another thing to look for is how long is the standard warranty on the product you can save a lot of money by not buying the extended warranty up.
Choose the product with the features that you will use the most don't wast money on all the bells and whistles if you are not going to use them. There are a lot of good deals out there just take your time and you will make the right choice.
Monday, February 25, 2008
KItchens With KItchen AId Coffee Maker
Are you relaxing with a hot cup of coffee? Ah, that always hits the spot, doesn't it? The only problem is we tend to drink too much of the mouth watering caffeinated beverage. What is it about that powerful scent of freshly ground coffee beans? I mean, this can literally lure us in off the street. How do you think all those coffee houses make all that cash? For decades now, folks across the country have always kept a coffee maker in their home. This of course is to be expected. How else can we enjoy that wonderful blend on a whim or immediately at sunrise? The fact is we want to have coffee when ever we please and there's no two ways about it. What is your favorite caffeinated beverage? Well, the good news is that these days there is a wide spectrum of coffee makers to choose from. One of the nicer ones being the kitchen aid coffee maker.
Do you have a kitchen aid coffee maker resting on your counter next to the toaster? I will say that this is one of the nicer java machines I've seen for the price. With the kitchen aid coffee maker, you pretty much get what you expect. Come on, you've of course seen the kitchen aid mixers. Those are literally the epitome of mixer machines. Their sturdy structure and effective blending process are a tad difficult to vie with. This goes the same for the fine kitchen aid coffee maker. Maybe it's time you reassessed your morning java experience. How is that current coffee maker treating you? Are you simply getting by on a decent cup of drip? Well, stop it! Make that morning cup of Joe an ideal one with the kitchen aid coffee maker. I know that when it comes to my caffeine habit, I know what I like and I'm willing to go after it. As opposed to shelling out the bucks for a daily grande latte that runs 4 bucks a pop, I took the less chosen route and just purchased a high-end espresso machine. These days I consistently enjoy a perfect coffee beverage each day and do it in the privacy of my own home. It's all about acquiring the right machine. I will say this, if you purchase the perfect coffee maker, it will save you a major coffee shop bill.
Are you in search of an upper-scale coffee maker? Well, look no further than a kitchen aid coffee maker in your local department store. Or you can shop for a nice selection of coffee machines online. That kitchen aid coffee maker may be all you need to fulfill your caffeine addiction.
Do you have a kitchen aid coffee maker resting on your counter next to the toaster? I will say that this is one of the nicer java machines I've seen for the price. With the kitchen aid coffee maker, you pretty much get what you expect. Come on, you've of course seen the kitchen aid mixers. Those are literally the epitome of mixer machines. Their sturdy structure and effective blending process are a tad difficult to vie with. This goes the same for the fine kitchen aid coffee maker. Maybe it's time you reassessed your morning java experience. How is that current coffee maker treating you? Are you simply getting by on a decent cup of drip? Well, stop it! Make that morning cup of Joe an ideal one with the kitchen aid coffee maker. I know that when it comes to my caffeine habit, I know what I like and I'm willing to go after it. As opposed to shelling out the bucks for a daily grande latte that runs 4 bucks a pop, I took the less chosen route and just purchased a high-end espresso machine. These days I consistently enjoy a perfect coffee beverage each day and do it in the privacy of my own home. It's all about acquiring the right machine. I will say this, if you purchase the perfect coffee maker, it will save you a major coffee shop bill.
Are you in search of an upper-scale coffee maker? Well, look no further than a kitchen aid coffee maker in your local department store. Or you can shop for a nice selection of coffee machines online. That kitchen aid coffee maker may be all you need to fulfill your caffeine addiction.
Complete Kitchen Cupboards Bright And Spacious
For Christmas this coming winter, I'm getting myself a big present. I have decided that I am tired of complaining about and staring at my horribly outdated kitchen cupboards. When we bought our home about six years ago, my only hesitation in buying the house was the fact that the kitchen had not been updated in many years. The kitchen cupboards were hideous. They were large and had plenty of storage, but incredibly outdated. We had every intention of tearing them out and getting new ones within a year but we always found something else that required financial dedication. This year, I'm getting my new kitchen cupboards.
I secretly went to Home Depot and looked around. With the help of some salespeople, I found some incredibly modern kitchen cupboards that may be in my price range. I took some notes, wrote down prices and colors and drove home to talk to my husband about my need. Surprisingly, he didn't have a fit over my idea of getting kitchen cupboards from Santa this year. He wanted to know details and pricings, what my ideas and intentions were. I showed him some brochures that had various textures and photos of modern kitchen cupboards and he began to choose out some that he was in favor of. Unfortunately, his idea of modern kitchen cupboards and my ideas didn't quite work out. We attempted to compromise but after I tried to get him to accompany me back to Home Depot, he reluctantly agreed. Afterall, you cannot pick kitchen cupboards out from a brochure. He needed to touch them and be able to see inside of them. I wanted him to fall in love with the ones that I was in love with.
Despite the fact that I knew Home Depot had a nice selection of kitchen cupboards on display, he wanted to shop around and compare. As long as I was able to get a new modern kitchen for Christmas, I was not opposed to spending a little extra time shopping around. I was thrilled that he even wanted to be a part of the process. Finally, after visiting a few local stores and some chain stores, we ended up back at Home Depot. We did compromise and both agree on some kitchen cupboards that would make our kitchen look completely new and much brighter. They were spacious and attractive. I tried to tell him that we needed new countertops to match the new kitchen cupboards but that idea didn't make it too far. I was perfectly content signing the paperwork to have everything delivered and installed within a few weeks. Since Home Depot had what we were looking for, Santa wouldn't have to figure out a way to get kitchen cupboards down through our chimney.
I secretly went to Home Depot and looked around. With the help of some salespeople, I found some incredibly modern kitchen cupboards that may be in my price range. I took some notes, wrote down prices and colors and drove home to talk to my husband about my need. Surprisingly, he didn't have a fit over my idea of getting kitchen cupboards from Santa this year. He wanted to know details and pricings, what my ideas and intentions were. I showed him some brochures that had various textures and photos of modern kitchen cupboards and he began to choose out some that he was in favor of. Unfortunately, his idea of modern kitchen cupboards and my ideas didn't quite work out. We attempted to compromise but after I tried to get him to accompany me back to Home Depot, he reluctantly agreed. Afterall, you cannot pick kitchen cupboards out from a brochure. He needed to touch them and be able to see inside of them. I wanted him to fall in love with the ones that I was in love with.
Despite the fact that I knew Home Depot had a nice selection of kitchen cupboards on display, he wanted to shop around and compare. As long as I was able to get a new modern kitchen for Christmas, I was not opposed to spending a little extra time shopping around. I was thrilled that he even wanted to be a part of the process. Finally, after visiting a few local stores and some chain stores, we ended up back at Home Depot. We did compromise and both agree on some kitchen cupboards that would make our kitchen look completely new and much brighter. They were spacious and attractive. I tried to tell him that we needed new countertops to match the new kitchen cupboards but that idea didn't make it too far. I was perfectly content signing the paperwork to have everything delivered and installed within a few weeks. Since Home Depot had what we were looking for, Santa wouldn't have to figure out a way to get kitchen cupboards down through our chimney.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)