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Yes, Wine, Please

Mar 9

Posted by admin in alcohol, news

What a good week for health studies that match my profile. Women, rejoice, today the news is about wine. Now that I have your attention, you’ll be able to get into that swimsuit after all. According to the Brigham & Women’s Hospital (Boston) study, women who drink moderate amounts of wine have a lower risk of becoming overweight and obese than their non-drinking compatriots. Over 19,000 women were followed during a 13-year period.

Non-drinkers gained the most weight, and weight gain decreased as the alcohol intake increased! Those who drank 15 to less than 30 grams daily had the lowest risk of obesity or weight gain. They studied liquor, beer, white wine, and red wine and found that red wine was the most effective in terms of consumption v. weight gain.

Here’s the perfect combination: A diet plan and a glass of wine to help tolerate the stress of dieting!riedeltarget

We definitely need more studies like this even if they seem counter-intuitive. As with all health studies, not all information works for everyone, but there seem to be no shortage of possible studies to match your lifestyle!

Wine, coffee, chocolate: Bring ‘em on.

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Hold the Soda; Pour the Coffee

Mar 8

Posted by admin in beverages, news

There are multiple parts to the beverage service at a meal. You need to decide what you are going to drink at the beginning, middle, and end of the experience whther you are dining in or eating out. That’s true for each meal time; with maybe a few more considerations at dinner.

OK, this is so obvious, what am I getting at? It turns out that lunch may be a critical meal for women. If they have coffee with their meal, they are less likely to get Type 2 diabetes, the most common form often associated with a higher body mass index or being overweight. So if you count calories and think diet soda is the way to go, research says otherwise. In a significant study (70,000 participants) from Brazil that followed women for multiple years, they saw a decrease in Type 2 diabetes most significantly from women who had at least a cup of coffee at lunch. Maybe someone will test Brazilian coffee beans next!mao com sementes de cafe torrado

BTW, this is not the only coffee study that linked positive results between coffee and lessening the likelihood of Type 2. This study found no difference between caf or decaf beverages or if the drinker chose to sweeten it or not. LUNCH was the critical discovery!

It is unclear whether coffee needs to be the only drink or if you can end the meal with coffee and be covered, but one fact remains: This is another positive coffee outreach study and maybe the first that targets a meal period.

Off to lunch.

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Food News Wrap Up

Mar 7

Posted by admin in food recalls, health, news

Not only has it been a crazy, busy week in the food world, some of the issues are still front burner items. The hydrolyzed vegetable protein recall for fear of Salmonella has not been resolved. More companies are submitting recall notices. Be vigilant. Pay attention.

Food labels: The FDA has had a busy week with the various recalls and its announcement that it will be spending more time scrutinizing those so-called healthy food labels. We often grab food with a banner notation indicating its healthy properties. The FDA wants proof that these claims are accurate and not just marketing strategies. They promise to get tough on misleading labels. Time to understand a label and not just give it a quick once-over: Watch for saturated fat and sugar.

In other health news:

–Chocolate: A Harvard study says enjoying a few pieces of dark chocolate daily may lessen the possibility of certain types of strokes.

–Potassium-rich foods: Also related to issues of preventing strokes, foods that are high in potassium (potatoes, bananas, avocados, and leafy greens, for example) helped lower the risk for stroke and coronary heart disease. Sounds like a reminder to eat fruits and vegetables.

–Metal cans and BPA: Several environmental and scientific groups have called for the immediate banning of metal cans for their various health risks. Tests indicate higher BPA levels than originally expected and fears of overall exposure has heightened attention to this issue.

–Dieting. An Israeli study found that weight-loss diets, whether Mediterranean, low-fat, or low-carb, help reverse atherosclerosis. The probable benefit of these diets comes from reduced blood pressure. Great news. The type of diet is not as critical as the fact that one diets!

–Lessen salt intake. Now that’s a shocker! A government study found that billions of health dollars could be saved if salt intake could be reduced by 10 %. They are trying to get the food industry to understand the overall implications and get them to hold back on salting up foods. When dining in we can get a tighter grip on the shaker.

–Milk allergies. A simple blood test may determine if young children are allergic to all milk products or if they can tolerate heated milk. Knowing the severity of the allergy would make it easier in determining the safest foods. The test is not yet available, but it is definitely one to watch.

As with most weeks, it is fun to end on a good news coffee note. Several studies presented at the recent American Heart Association conference found good news in the coffee department! Coffee drinkers had a lower risk of getting heart rhythm problems. Another study found no link between coffee intake and atherosclerosis. The third significant study found that women who consume multiple cups of coffee daily had a lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes!3can_fine_200x135

Healthy coffee or coffee health: Works for me.

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Watch Your Oscar Snacks

Mar 5

Posted by admin in lifestyle, news

Big food weekend coming up with so many people trying to figure out how to host Oscar-themed parties. Go with Julie & Julia and it’ll be tricky for food pairings (better get started now), but not as complicated as fooding Avatar.

If you’re thinking about carrying in to help ease the set-up, then you have some additional homework. In one of the larger, more widespread FDA recalls, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) has been targeted for a Salmonella outbreak. This is a tricky one. First of all, if you follow the “I don’t buy it if I can’t spell it” rule, you’d never have it within 50 yards of your cupbaords or refrig. The problem is far more complicated as it is a pervasive ingredient. You may be surprised by its presence! Scroll through the list and start checking your larder. Almost all of the government agencies that get involved with food safety issues (USDA, CDC, FDA) have information on their sites. Plenty to read.salmonella

Popular veggie and spinach dips, some types of potato chips, soup mixes, pre-packaged meals (various tofus), and organic salad dressings are well-defined on this list.

This recall started the week with fewer items, but has multiplied.

Be thorough as this ingredient has become a popular additive. Even some Chinese restaurants list their HVP menus which they have cleverly crafted to increase their dining base. You don’t want to ruin the Red Carpet or miss the weekend festivities.

Lotsa movie competition. Make room.

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Chilean Wine

Mar 4

Posted by admin in lifestyle, news

I have written numerous posts about the affordable wines coming from Chile. The news from last week’s earthquake disaster and the numerous aftershocks have rocked the industry. So much is still uncertain and long-term effects are still unknown, but this is a viable, economic industry that has grown significantly over the past several years.

The leaders of the Chilean Wine Industry call the loss limited which is astonishing. This week’s numbers indicate a financial loss of $250 million (125 million liters), but the industry last year proved itself a strong contender in the international wine world with over a billion liters of wine.  They feel fortunate that the loss is not greater, and, of course express their concerns for the overall devastation that the earthquake caused. This information is, of course, still in the estimation period as the infrastructure at individual wineries has not yet been fully determined. Daily updates have become the norm.wines-of-chile-vinos-de-chile

If you are looking for a way to help Chile during this devastation, drink Chilean wine.

Do your part: Support a strong, growing wine industry with so many wonderful, affordable, and delicious choices!

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Food News: Wrap It

Feb 28

Posted by admin in coffee, gluten-free, news

It’s that time again; the time we look back and see all the stories we did not write about. Here are some of the highlights:

–Taxing junk food. The discussion goes on as it does with the soda tax. Some new studies indicate that people would pay attention if there were an additional charge placed on this “select” group of items. If that’d be the case, then we might have scored a victory in the obesity battle. At least a first round offensive.

–Memory loss. Now I’ve got your attention! Even though the study was funded by Welch’s Grape Juice, it bears watching. Findings from the British Journal of Nutrition say that Concord grape juice may help individuals with early memory changes. This is not the first such study, or I doubt the last, linking the benefits derived from grape products. If it works with wine, why not the basic grape juice beverage?

–Prices rising. Some grocery stores have decided enough with the reduced prices and multiple offers to get you in the door. They are increasing prices where they can. This is in response to some hopeful signs that companies are noting in terms of inflation numbers. One of the big problems will remain: Will national brands continue to suffer at the expense of in-house labels? Maybe we are just different consumers now, and the stores need to acknowledge that.

–Gluten-Free. The newest entrant in the gluten-free flour aisle is none other than King Arthur Flour, one of the oldest companies selling whole wheat flour. Do you need many more signals how strong and growing the G-F market is? When the big guys get in the space, someone has clearly done his homework. The market definitely expects to see more products. The company’s line includes multi-purpose flour, and seven mixes including chocolate cake.

–Food Rules. Michael Pollan owns the space of for elevating our food knowledge and thinking. His latest book, Food Rules, is literally a thumb-thru guide of quirky observations (”It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car”) and logical comments (”Buy your snacks at the farmers’ market). His thought-provoking comments should  help us select better foods and eat healthier. We’re talking a fast read and a fun purchase for you and those you love. You will have lots to think about and most likely make some lifestyle adjustments.food rules

–Tomatoes. Now is the time to start your seeds. The Florida crop, as the markets can easily attest, has been hard hit. Prices are high and selection is unimpressive. Think spring.

–Coffee. Always a little news to perk you up. Coffee’s benefits are in line to help lessen diabetes (assuming you do not add a cup of sugar to each consumed cup). This latest study focused on Native Americans and uncovered a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes from those drinking multiple cups of coffee.

That’s the way I like to end a week!

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Restaurant Promotions

Feb 26

Posted by admin in beverages, lifestyle, news

If you need ways to study dining out, then a simple barometer is the number of promotions that flood your email, Twitter, and Facebook accounts. Social media has become the key communication tool to let potential guests in on ways to save money. The strategies were the saving grace during each of the major snow storms as followers received messages that said ”we are open,” or not. Double and triple point nites were a common incentive to get loyalists in the door.

This has truly been a long month of limited outings whether from record snows or unceasing inches of rain. The Coasts have been clobbered, and the spots with normally full outdoor tables have been holding court inside as record lows have walloped the FL sun. Enough about February; what’s to come in March?

It looks as if restaurants have come out of the gate in flying colors with multiple promotions to get us out of our homes. In Washington, DC, The Restaurant Association coordinated a one-week (March 1-7) “Unleashed” deal in the hopes of creating a buzz again as too many people have been stuck at home and not taking advantage of the conviviality of dining in a more spirited space.

Chicago restaurants, at all price points, have banded together and offer any number of food and drink specials via Open Table. This site is a particularly easy way to see who’s offering what during the coming weeks throughout the country. Hey, Minneapolis, get out, you still have til the 5th to enjoy Restaurant Week.

Resorts are getting into the act, too. One of my favorite properties, Meadowood in Napa Valley, has instituted a rain check. If your visit includes a rainy day during your stay from now through April 2010, they’ll give you a complimentary night’s lodging when you stay again before the end of July. It’s been raining a  lot in California. The fields still have their mustard color display, and the restaurant always offers a quiet respite with exciting food.

opentable

Regardless of the city, coupons, social media tactics, and the old-fashioned Internet are ready to help move you from the doldrums to the tables. Let’s welcome March by getting out and helping the restaurants stay in business and be there for us when accessibility is even easier.

I’m on my way.

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Snow and Chili

Feb 25

Posted by admin in food universe, news

What a perfect pair: Today, celebrate National Chili Day,and visit your favorite local spot and grab a bowl of hot goodness. We’re divided into camps of beans-no beans, meat-no meat, and the strangest one of all: Toppings-no toppings. No matter how you enjoy chili, Today’s the day.

A large number of restaurants have figured out a marketing plan for the day to help drive traffic inside. A free bowl of chili is the way to go! A Washington DC area spot, Hard Times Cafe, has the perfect enticement: Free Chili all day long! Your choice: Texas, Cincinnati, Veggie.

Hard to be a Washingtonian and not think of Ben’s Chili Bowl. No holiday necessary to pop in for their famous half smoke topped with chili or just a big bowl of the hot stuff. Tradition.ben's

If you’re in Cincinnati, a city that has its own food trend, Cincinnati Chili, then head over to one of the Gold Star Chili locations (in Cincinnati and in neighboring states) as they get ready to join the festivities. Cincinnati chili lovers have a sweet flavor profile in their ingredient mix and often just shout-out Chili 5-ways, the works.

Texas chili, on the other hand, skips the beans and adds the firepower with some form of chili pepper.

If you’re snowed in and under, then there are plenty of basic recipes worth making. Have your at-home celebration with a cold brewski and watch the 7,000 hours of the Olympics you taped! Make it your way.

Chili today; spring a’comin’.

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A Simple Food Cover

Feb 22

Posted by admin in food, news

As we all try to save money in any number of ways, we are always on the lookout for new products that might solve a simple problem. We consider plastic wraps wasteful and fear using them in the microwave (for good reason). We buy storage containers and then spend useless minutes searching for the accompanying lids, only to discover they do not fit as tightly on the second or third pass as they originally did. Aluminum foil is another expensive covering that increases environmental waste.

Worry no more. A new product, CoverMate Food Covers are just that: Covers. They may be the perfect solution to storage anxiety. That means they can fit tightly over a bowl, dish,  platter or whatever item is holding leftovers: No need to transfer food to another container. Besides their reusability, they also solve the microwave problem as they are microwave safe and have built-in vents that let steam escape during the reheating process.foodcover

To allay the greatest worry, they are BPA, latex, and PVC-free.

No more plastic wrap that promises to unroll easily and not stick to itself. These covers stretch-to-fit.

Food storage and food safety all in one simple marketing tool!

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Food News Wrap

Feb 21

Posted by admin in beverages, food universe, news

Think that Sunday mornings take on a special new meaning as I do my weekly round-up of info we didn’t have time to discuss fully  this week. Today is no different. So much news. So many topics.

–Here’s a heads up, rather than a look back: IHOP has a special promotion this Tuesday (BTW, have you ever noticed how many one-day food deals there are on Tuesdays?), National Pancake Day. They hope you will enjoy the free pancake short stack (3) and consider making a charitable donation. This is a great two-fer as the company has managed to raise over $3 million dollars in the past few years of the event and would like the figure to reach $5 million. Take advantage and share your advantage.

–As long as we’re thinking pancakes, you might want to visit Bisquick’s Pancake Nation website where you’ll learn about pancake fundraising opportunities and potential grant information. As all states and counties seem to be struggling with budget issues, here’s an opportunity for schools and its organizations to kick start a fundraising effort.pancake

–On the less sunny side of sweet news, there’s a warning from the FDA about Eggo waffles coming from a Georgia plant. The company has not yet responded. This is a watch-and-see situation as we wait to hear from Kellogg that the problems have been remedied at the Atlanta plant.

–This is the week that we had affirmation of a common trend we have promoted: The popularity of locally grown food. Seems a remote thought now with all the snow but a dreamy concept as the days get longer and the fields again produce the bounty we have come to expect. Time for individuals to decide about joining a CSA or starting their home-grown seeds. Have definite proof, spring is on the horizon (March 20).

–A little positive health news to end our round-up: Cranberry Juice is again in the news as a positive beverage to lower blood pressure and help promote a heart-healthy lifestyle of good cholesterol. The new study from Queen Mary University in London shows that those who do not choose an alcohol-based beverage are wise to select cranberry juice for its similar effects.

The week goes on.

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