How Often Should One Lemon Cleanse

How Often Should One Lemon Cleanse?

Length

The Lemon Cleanse, also known as the Master Cleanse, is typically done for a period of 10 days to one month. You can decide on your own how long you wish to do a Lemon Cleanse, or you can use your tongue as an indicator of whether you are fully detoxified. If you have a whitish coating on your tongue, this indicates that you have candida in your system. When the whitish coating disappears, you can stop the Lemon Cleanse because the candida is gone.

Frequency

The amount of time you do your Lemon Cleanse will influence how long you should wait before you do it again. You can do a Lemon Cleanse every three to six months. If you only cleanse for 10 days, you can do it again in three months. If you extend it out for an entire month, you should wait six months before you do it again. People who live or work around environmental toxins should do a Lemon Cleanse every three months because they need to flush their system of toxins on a more frequent basis. Lemon Cleanses also boost the immune system, so they can be done more frequently during flu season.

Effects

The Lemon Cleanse can be done up to four times a year because it is not a starvation diet that harms the body. Technically, it is aimed at detoxification rather than weight loss, although people using this program typically lose weight as a side effect. The body's caloric needs are met during the cleanse because you mix maple syrup into the lemon drink, and it also gets essential nutrients from the mixture. The syrup provides calories and minerals, and the lemon juice provides vitamins.

Precautions

The frequency with which you can do a Lemon Cleanse is influenced by your physical condition. You should talk to your doctor before doing a cleanse, and you should ask her advice on how frequently you can repeat the process. She can assess your individual condition and make recommendations based on that information.

Tags: Lemon Cleanse, three months, before again, Cleanse every, Cleanse every three, every three, every three months

Montreal Trade Schools

The Montreal skyline

There are benefits to attending a trade school as opposed to attending a traditional college. If you have a particular career in mind, a trade school allows you to focus your education on that career alone, rather than colleges which require more comprehensive coursework. Trade schools offer courses in a variety of fields with an emphasis on hands-on training. If you live in or are relocating to Montreal, there are a number of trade schools in the area.

CDI College

The Montreal campus of CDI College offers programs in business, technology and healthcare. CDI is accredited by The Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) and has been providing diploma education for 30 years. There you can receive training in the following disciplines: early childhood education; financial management; intra-oral dental assistance; legal administrative assistance; medical office assistance; networking and Internet security; nursing assistance; personal support work (such as home healthcare); Internet solutions development; web development; and property and casualty insurance. According to the school's website, "CDI College offers flexible class schedules, supportive instructors, and dedicated employment specialists . . ." Courses include hands-on, "learn-by-doing" instruction, so graduates are ready to work immediately. Study courses range anywhere from seven months up to 17 months.

CDI College

416 Boul. de Maisonneuve West 7th floor

Montreal, Québec, Canada

H3A-1L2

(800) 340-3341

cdicollege.ca

Automotive Training Centre

If you are an aspiring auto mechanic, the Automotive Training Centre has hands-on training programs for you. This school is accredited by the (PCTIA) and the Ontario Association of Career Colleges. In addition to classrooms, the campus has a 3,000-square-foot mechanic shop providing students with a learning environment that is virtually the same as an auto shop. "The shop gives you direct access to hoists, a tire changer, balancer machines, brake lathes, electronic diagnostic tools and a variety of air guns and shop tools," according to the school's website. You'll receive instruction from expert mechanics using the latest equipment and technology. You can specialize in such areas as mechanics, wheels, brakes, body repair and vehicle electronics. The auto mechanic program lasts 27 weeks.

Automotive Training Centre

7555 Boul. Henri-Bourassa East

Montréal, Québec, Canada

H1E-1N9

(877) 725-6026

autotrainingcentre.com

Academie Internationale Edith Serei

Opened in 1958 by Edith Serei, this academy holds the distinction of being the first school of esthetics in North America. The Academie Internationale offers programs in a variety of beauty treatments, plus electrolysis and massage therapy. All courses are taught concurrently in French and English. To earn a diploma in esthetics, you must complete 460 hours including courses on cosmetology, waxing, skin care, manicure and foot care. The academy offers a 230-hour course in electrolysis, plus three separate makeup courses that are 34 weeks, 98 hours and 42 hours respectively. There is a 415-hour massage therapy program including such courses as Swedish massage, anatomy and physiology, and communication skills. The academy also has a two-day laser hair removal course. Programs at this school combine classroom instruction with hands-on training.

Academie Internationale Edith Serei

2015 rue Drummond, bureau #700

Montreal, Québec, Canada

H3G-1W7

(800) 567-6950

edithsereiacademie.com

Tags: Academie Internationale, Automotive Training, Automotive Training Centre, Edith Serei, hands-on training, Training Centre

Ceramic Vs Steel Knives

Ceramic knives have some advantages over stainless steel knives.

Ceramic knives--available in many brands and price ranges--are increasing in popularity. They cost more than steel knives; however, many people are discovering that ceramic knives are superior to steel knives. You can find many videos on YouTube that demonstrate why consumers prefer ceramic knives over stainless steel knives. However, the choice between ceramic and stainless steel knives depends overall on an individual's personal preference and cooking habits. Does this Spark an idea?

Composition of Ceramic Knives

In the making of ceramic knives, raw material is excavated and ground to a micro-grain powder. The powder forms a pulverized slurry that is pumped into a spray dryer, dried and returned to its powder state. Stage two consists of the molding procedure. The powder is mechanically pressed with 300 tons of pressure into knife molds, then stacked and prepared for firing at more than 1000 degrees. This process hardens ceramic knives. Stage three is a "hot isostatic process" in which ceramic knives undergo polishing in carbide wax, smoothing of edges, grinding of edges, and buffing.

Composition of Steel Knives

Stainless steel knives are alloys--that means they are made of two or more metals, such as carbon, iron and chromium--which adds rust resistance for a stainless steel knife. Carbon steel knives are made of iron and carbon. They are known to be harder than stainless steel knives, with a longer lasting blade.

Some stainless steel knives are composed of carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, silicon and vanadium. Their stainless steel has 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel on each side to prevent rust.

Advantages of Ceramic Knives

An advantage of some ceramic knife companies is that they offer lifetime free sharpening of knives. Manufacturers of ceramic knives often advertise a "no rust" policy for the lifetime of ceramic knives.

Ceramic knives are nonporous, so they do not transfer scents from one food to another. In addition, ceramic knives are impervious to acids, juices, oils and salts--agents that cause stainless steel knives to rust. Saving time and effort in the kitchen, ceramic knives also produce more consistent, even slices of food than stainless steel knives. In addition, ceramic knives made of zirconium oxide last 10 times longer than stainless steel knives.

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Knives

Stainless steel knives are at a disadvantage to "no rust" ceramic knives because, after a period of time, they eventually rust. Acids, juices and salts are rusting agents, and stainless steel knives lack the protected, material composition of ceramic knives. Another disadvantage of steel knives is that their blades are porous, causing odors to transfer to other foods when cutting.

Other Notable Differences

The blade of a ceramic knife is more prone to break in a dishwasher--as it may bump into plastic components inside a dishwasher--than the blade of a stainless steel knife. Thus, stainless steel knives have an advantage over ceramic knives when washed in a dishwasher. Another disadvantage of a ceramic knife is that its tip easily breaks, if it is a pointed tip. Fewer customers report a broken tip on the blade of a stainless steel knife--which are usually less expensive than ceramic knives.

Commonality

Ceramic knives and stainless steel knives are both useful in the kitchen. They may both be used to cut breads, fruits, vegetables, meats and other foods. In addition, they both come in different sizes and styles.

Tags: stainless steel, steel knives, steel knives, ceramic knives, stainless steel knives

Green Business Ideas For Women

Green business is an excellent career path for many women.

Green companies typically offer products and services to benefit the environment. However, GreenBusinessWomen.com provides a broader definition of "green" which also encompasses companies that are progressive, socially conscious and holistic. Women may find green businesses personally and financially rewarding. Finding an idea for a green company is a creative and individual process, but understanding the expanded definition of "green" serves as an effective guide.

Environmentally Friendly Retail

Environmentally-friendly health and beauty products provide great green business opportunities for women. These products use organic, naturally-derived materials that are usually better for women and the environment than mainstream, chemically-based products. Products include make-up, skincare and haircare items that often use re-purposed, recyclable packaging, adding to their appeal and marketability as being green. Women-led businesses can also increase sales by focusing on a specific market segment like children or pregnant and nursing moms. In addition to creating and selling green personal care products, women can also focus on green cleaning products and clothing made from sustainable materials. Finally, selling organic groceries and organic supplements is another way to approach environmentally friendly retail.

Progressive Education

Progressive education challenges traditional curriculum and encourages students to think independently and use their knowledge to change the world for the better. Progressive schools often include courses about holistic and green living in their curriculum and actively participate in green campus initiatives like serving organic food and recycling. Progressive schools may also offer courses online to reduce the pollution associated with travel. Women can open progressive private or charter schools and market them as green businesses. Alternatively, women can offer individuals and companies personal and career-development programs that provide education in green living and green business practices.

Socially Conscious Initiatives

Socially conscious initiatives include non-profit organizations with a green focus. Women can start their own from the ground up or operate as affiliates of national organizations like the Waterkeeper Alliance. Socially conscious initiatives can also include national companies that provide sustainable alternatives to services offered by mainstream companies. For example, women interested in sustainable sources of energy may investigate starting companies that provide alternative ways for ordinary citizens to power their homes.

Holistic Living

Holistic practices involve a person's mind, body and spirit. A holistic lifestyle emphasizes the relationship between humanity and the natural world; promotes environmental stewardship and emphasizes the importance of local agriculture; an organic diet and the use of organic herbal supplements and essential oils to treat and prevent a variety of health conditions. Women can open green businesses to provide life coaching focused on helping clients to live holistically. Likewise, women can begin green magazines and websites dedicated to sharing information about holistic living.

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Typical Budget For A Family Of Four

The average family is four people.

It is often said that life changes when you have a family to raise and there are many ways in which this could be true. When it comes to finances, you can always expect to pay more once children come along. It's important to take a look at the basic, minimal budget needed for the average family of four.

Understand Cost of Living

The cost of living can vary from year to year, typically going up. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services establishes the current year's poverty level for a family of four. In 2010, this figure was set at $22,050. This is a national average and some areas have a higher cost of living than others. Usually compensation for jobs in the area will be somewhat aligned with the cost of living but not always. This can affect the typical budget for a family of four.

Housing Expenses

Housing expenses are commonly a top priority for a family of four. This is because they will need a stable place to live and a house big enough for all four people. The age and gender of the children can play a role in how many rooms a family needs and the size of the house will affect the pricing. Housing expenses are usually much higher in urban areas but this often balances out where transportation is cheaper and other expenses may be lower. However, rent or mortgage outside of a city area is typically cheaper, allowing the family to save on their housing budget. The average family is usually advised to spend about 32.9% of their income on housing, although many families go over this budget for mortgage or rent alone.

Transportation Expenses

A family of four can save with a smaller vehicle.

The budget for a family of four should also include transportation expenses. This might include the cost of buying a vehicle as well as related costs such as taxes, title, registration, insurance and maintenance. It could also include the lease of a vehicle or tolls for public transportation. To save more in this area, it benefits the family to live closer to where parents go to work and children go to school. Buying a vehicle that has better gas mileage or investing in an eco friendly vehicle can save the family of four more in the long run. A family with only two children can get by with a compact car or sedan and save money whereas larger families would need a van or other 6+ passenger vehicle.

The Boston Regional Challenge presented a report about the cost of transportation and housing and also has a calculator for determining costs. This report shows that some families are paying as much as $12,000 a year in transportation costs alone.

Utilities

Utilities will be higher for a family of four than for a single person or a couple without children. More people using electricity and water in the home means higher bills. The size of the home will also affect the cost of utilities. Families can stay on budget and keep costs down by learning conserve and unplugging appliances that are not in use.

Child Care

A family of four will also need to budget for child care. If the children are in school, child care may only be needed after or before school and during the summers. If the children are not of school age yet, all-day child care expenses can be high. The U.S. Department of Labor in 2010 reported that on average, a family of four can expect to pay a low of $611 per month for full time care for one child only and a high of $300 per week for one child. Cities like San Antonio, TX, and Jackson, MS, have the lowest average prices in the country of around $350-$400 a month per child in full time care.

Food and Drink

Save on food expenses by planning ahead for meals.

Food for a family of four must also be factored into a budget. More mouths to feed is automatically more money. Families can help reduce costs by planning meals ahead of time, buying locally and buying in bulk when it applies to get a discounted rate. The US Department of Agriculture calculates national average food costs for families. In 2010 the department estimated that the typical family of four spends between $771.10 and $1,113.80 per month on food.

Calculate Your Cost of Living

If you are moving to a new city or state, adding new family members to your household or making other changes to your lifestyle and budget, you can benefit from using a cost of living calculator to determine what your expenses will be on average. Bankrate's "Cost of Living Comparison Calculator" can help you to compare the cost of food, housing, travel, utilities and more for different areas. You can even compare how your expenses will change if you are moving your family from one city to another or use it to see if your current budget falls in line with the average family of four in your area.

Tags: family four, average family, average family four, child care, children school

Cooking Instruction Schools

Cooking instruction schools offer hands-on learning experience and classroom teaching.

If you love cooking, you can pursue it as a career and start your own lucrative business once you have successfully completed your chef's training. You can also choose to work in established restaurants and hotels. Since there are a variety of types of cooking programs, you have to choose the particular area you want to specialize in. Depending on the area you choose to major in, you can find a cooking instruction school of your choice.

Vocational Schools

Many vocational schools offer a variety of programs of different areas, including culinary arts. These schools typically offer two-year associate degree programs, which focus more on hands-on instructions for students. Associate degree programs tend to give a basic approach toward cooking of all types and prepare you for further training in a specialized area. According to the Education-Portal website, vocational community colleges offering culinary programs include Houston Community College System, Northern Virginia Community College, College of Southern Nevada, Tarrant County College District, Austin Community College District and American River College.

Pastry Chef Schools

A pastry chef learns make desserts of all types, including fancy wedding cakes and sugar sculptures. A pastry chef school teaches students expand their creative horizons to create new recipes. Some of the schools that offer pastry chef programs include Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, California Culinary Academy, Keiser University, Kendall College, Sullivan University, Culinary Academy of Long Island and The Institute of Culinary Education.

Baking Schools

There are some schools that specifically cater to the needs of students interested in learning baking. After completing a program in baking, you will be eligible for restaurant jobs as a professional baker, of both sweet and savory items. Schools that offer programs in baking include The Art Institutes, Kendall College, Culinary Academy, Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts, Oregon Culinary Institute and Professional Culinary Institute.

Specialty Cooking Schools

A specialty cooking school teaches students to specialize in a particular culinary area such as Chinese, Thai, French, Italian, Indian or Japanese cuisine. Schools offering specialty programs in the United States include The French Culinary Institute, Kasma Loha-Unchit in San Francisco, Blue Ribbon School of Cooking, The Italian Culinary Academy and Natural Gourmet Institute For Health & Culinary Arts.

Tags: Culinary Academy, Community College, Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute, Academy Keiser, Academy Keiser University

Make Warm Jalapeno Polenta Croutons

Polenta is a thick, creamy porridge made from cornmeal. Cooled, diced and fried in oil, it will make crispy croutons that are a whole grain, gluten free alternative to regular white bread croutons. Tasty and hearty, these spicy croutons are fabulous on chili or tossed with lettuce, black beans and salsa for a Southwestern take on panzanella salad. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom piece of the double boiler to the halfway point (or just below the fill line) with water.

2. Put the top half of the double boiler in place and add 1 1/2 cups water or chicken stock. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. When the liquid is boiling, add one teaspoon of salt and stir with the whisk. Continue to whisk and slowly pour in 1/2 cup cornmeal. Whisk until all the cornmeal is added and there are no lumps.

4. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook the polenta for about 30 minutes, stirring every five minutes. The polenta is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pan.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the jalapeno peppers.

6. Lightly coat the bottom of the baking dish with vegetable oil. Pour the polenta into the dish and spread it so it covers the bottom of the pan evenly. Put the pan in the refrigerator to cool, about two hours.

7. Cut the cooled polenta into cubes.

8. Pour vegetable oil into the frying pan until you have a 1-inch layer of oil in the bottom of the pan. Heat the pan over high heat until the oil begins to shimmer.

9. Working in batches of 8 to 12 croutons, carefully place the croutons into the hot oil using the slotted spoon. Fry until golden, between one and two minutes.

10. Lift the croutons out of the oil with your slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain.

11. Continue frying and draining the croutons until you are done. Serve immediately.

Tags: double boiler, polenta into, slotted spoon

Sell Fresh Basil

Basil is common component in Italian recipes.

Herbs are just as easy to grow and sell as any other produce you have in your garden. You can sell the fruits (or vegetables and herbs) of your labor to local restaurants, stores and individual shoppers at open markets. It is critical when selling herbs, such as basil, that you prepare and package the product properly. Doing so will allow you to offer a fresh and appealing product. There are steps you should take, from the garden to the marketplace, to ensure you provide fresh, healthy high-quality basil to your customers. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Monitor the basil as it grows to ensure bugs and slugs do contaminate the herb. These creatures are especially fond of basil, so you should monitor it frequently and with scrutiny.

2. Harvest the plant from your garden before it starts to flower. Many cooks believe the leaves of flowering basil have a bitter and less desirable flavor once the plant begins to flower.

3. Trim the herbs with kitchen shears. Leave as much of the stalk intact as possible. Trim away roots, dry stalk material or damaged pieces.

4. Wash the herb carefully under a slow, small stream of running water. Allow the herbs to air dry pat them dry gently with paper towels.

5. Weigh the basil on a kitchen scale so that you can package it by weight. Package the basil in amounts ranging from 1/4 to 4 ounces.

6. Bundle the herbs together, if you are not placing them in plastic containers. Bind the bunch with a twist tie or piece of kitchen twine.

7. Store the basil in plastic packaging, if desired. You can use plastic bags or small, thin plastic containers. Use clear plastic so that customers can see the product clearly. Punch one or two small holes in the plastic before you place the basil in it, to allow moisture to escape. Scissors or a hole punch should penetrate the plastic with ease.

8. Label the plastic containers or your transport container with the date you harvested the product from your garden.

9. Sell the product as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours of harvest.

Tags: plastic containers, your garden, from your, from your garden

Grow Wheat Under Glass

Wheatgrass growing in a sunny window

Wheat grass, or wheatgrass, is usually grown indoors for juicing. According to Dr. Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic, "used sensibly and in moderation, wheatgrass may add interest to your diet." While proponents claim numerous benefits, wheatgrass does provide a number of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium as well as vitamins A, C and E. Growing wheatgrass under glass is relatively simple and provides a fascinating glimpse of how plants grow for both children and adults. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pour the wheatgrass seeds into the bottom of the pie plate, covering it completely with one layer of seeds.

2. Remove the seeds from the pie plate and place in the bowl. Cover and allow to soak at room temperature for at least eight hours.

3. Pour potting soil into the pie plate, filling it halfway full. Mist with water to dampen the soil.

4. Drain the water from the wheatgrass seeds using a colander. Rinse thoroughly, then arrange the seeds in a single layer on top of the soil. Barely cover with more potting soil. Mist with water.

5. Place the pie plate on the base of the cake dome and put the cover on. Set the cake dome in a warm, brightly lit location. Do not place in direct sunlight.

6. Allow the wheatgrass to grow for seven days or until 6 inches tall.

7. Cut the wheatgrass with sharp scissors, 1 inch from the base. Use the wheatgrass immediately in a juicer, or store in the refrigerator.

Tags: cake dome, Mist with, Mist with water, potting soil, wheatgrass seeds

Fasting For Christian Purposes

Christians have long fasted in prayer.

Consider fasting a means of bolstering your overall prayer life and deepening your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Fasting is talked about in both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Its meaning is often misconstrued in modern society, and it is frequently looked upon unfavorably. Despite rumors and misconceptions, fasting is still a part of Christian life today. The following steps will explain Christian fasting and dispel some rumors.

Instructions

1. Meet Moses. He was the first noted believer in the Bible to fast. For more than a century, the practice has declined. More and more churches are urging members to begin fasting occasionally.

2. Look at fasting for what it is. It's a form denying personal wants as a means of sacrificial offering to God. Don't think of fasting as punishment. It isn't. It's not a manipulative tool, a form of discipline or a religious exercise. The Greek derivitive of the word "fast" is nestia. It means "not to eat food." In the book of Leviticus, Chapter 16: Verse 29, the verse explains that fasting is the same as "afflicting one's soul."

3. Pray while fasting. The purpose of the self denial is in deference to the Lord. It is vital to speak to Him while fasting. These prayers may be for yourself and for others, but prayer during fasting should also include the worship of God.

4. Choose which type of fasting to perform. Some Christians fast by forgoing food while still drinking water. Others abstain from both food and water sources. Still others fast by eliminating specific foods. For example, many Catholics give up a specific food during the season of Lent.

5. Read the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. God says, "When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you." (Jeremiah 29:13, 14) Fasting symbolizes the setting aside of all earthly wants and needs. You'll be concentrating solely on communication with the Father. When this occurs, Christians are truly seeking God with all their heart.

Tags: while fasting

Chicken Stock Vs Chicken Soup

Whether broth or stock, both start with chicken.

While the gourmet members of the jury may have trouble agreeing on the differences between chicken stock and chicken broth, there is no question that there is a difference between chicken stock and chicken soup. Well, maybe just a small question, since chicken stock, or broth, may be served as a clear chicken soup. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is made with the bones of the chicken. The bones add richness and body to the liquid but not a lot of flavor. The slow cooking extracts gelatin from the bones. If you refrigerate chicken stock it will firm up. Vegetables may be added to the stock as well as herbs but salt is not. The stock is sometimes reduced -- boiled down to concentrate the texture and flavor. That reduction would be too salty. Stock is used to deglaze a pan after cooking and as a basis for sauces, as well as soups and stews.

Chicken Consomme Soup

Consomme is reduced strained chicken stock simmered with finely diced vegetables and ground chicken meat. Egg whites beaten to a froth are added to the stock to clarify the broth. After 60 minutes the soup is removed from the heat and strained. Consomme may be served cold which highlights its jelly-like texture.

Chicken Broth

Broth is made from chicken meat and skin, with herbs and vegetables added for flavor. The ingredients are simmered for two hours to extract all the flavor. The broth is strained to remove the spent herbs and vegetables. The meat may be removed as well, since most of its flavor is left in the broth. Salt and pepper are usually added to chicken broth.

Chicken Combo Recipe

Home cooks will use bones, meat, skin, vegetables and herbs when making chicken broth/stock. A simple recipe for chicken broth/stock includes a whole chicken cut up into pieces, large onion cut in half, two large carrots, four large celery stalks, two bay leaves and a good handful of parsley. Add a clove of garlic if you like the taste. Put all the ingredients into a pot with at least eight cups of water. Add more, if necessary, so the chicken is covered by at least an inch of water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for four hours, some recipes specifying six hours if you want to extract every bit of gelatin from the bones. If you want the chicken broth/stock to have a rich golden color, brown the chicken pieces in a hot oven, 425 F for 20 minutes. Adding a few yellow onion skins will do the same thing.

Chicken Soup

Technically, both chicken stock and broth are chicken soup, although some cooks will argue that chicken stock made with only the bones and not chicken meat, isn't flavorful enough to be served as soup. In any case, when you think of chicken soup, you probably think of more than a clear, or nearly clear, soup. Both stock and broth are used as the base for rich chicken soups. Additional vegetables and herbs are used as well as beans, noodles and rice. Good chicken stock or broth is the basis for great chicken soup. A quick recipe includes 4 cups of chicken stock or broth, the chopped meat from two raw chicken breasts, 2 cups of chopped vegetables of your choice, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add 1 cup of cooked, rice, pasta or beans for a heartier chicken soup.

Tags: stock broth, broth stock, chicken broth, chicken stock, chicken stock broth

Refined Sugar Free Diet

Delectable diets can be satisfying and free of refined sugar.

Finding a refined sugar free diet can seem complicated, but several popular dietary regimes eliminate refined sugar through a variety of approaches. Knowing the difference between refined and unrefined sugars is the key to finding that diet.

Refined Sugars

Refined sugars are those that are processed, concentrating the amounts of glucose and fructose---the most common of sweet-tasting compounds---and eliminating components that keep them from tasting neutral. Cane sugar is an example: in its raw form, evaporated cane juice (which becomes crystalline) retains its molasses taste, rendering it unsuitable for commercially sweetened foods like soft drinks, cookies, cakes and cereal. Product labels indicate refined sugars with terms like corn syrup, fructose and sugar.

Unrefined Sweeteners

Products without refined sugars use terms such as evaporated cane juice, palm sugar, raw honey, agave nectar, rice syrup, barley malt and stevia---a non-caloric sweetener made from the stevia plant. Processed foods with these sweeteners are not commonly found in grocery stores, but in health food stores and specialty shops.

Refined Sugar Free Diets

Whole or real food diets emphasize foods as they are found in nature. They depend on sweet fruits and unrefined sweeteners for desserts and baked goods. Similar to real food diets, paleo or primal diets eliminate refined sugars by choosing foods that our hunter/gatherer ancestors ate prior to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and grains. Low carb diets reduce carbohydrates of all kinds, which in turn eliminates most sugars, both refined and unrefined.

Tags: cane juice, eliminate refined, evaporated cane, evaporated cane juice, food diets

What Are Yellow Grits

Grits have evolved from a Native American food to become a staple of the diets of many Americans. The "Grit Belt" includes the southern states from Texas to Virginia, according to Santa Rosa's "Press Gazette." The Florida Panhandle city takes its grits seriously, boasting its own grit-eating contest, while St. George, South Carolina, calls itself the "Grits Capitol of the World" and holds an annual World Grits Festival. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Creation

Corn grits are coarsely ground corn. Yellow grits are made from yellow corn. Corn grits can be made from white or yellow corn, but you can also make wheat, rice or other forms of grits. In consistency, the grind is larger than that of cornmeal; the "Cook's Thesaurus" likens the grind of grits to that of sand. Traditionally, corn was taken to mill for grinding; corn ground fine enough to pass through the mills' screens was used as meal and the larger pieces used as grits, according to Santa Rosa's "Press Gazette."

Yellow vs. White

Additionally, yellow grits use the whole kernel of corn, whereas white grits have had the hull removed. According to The Old Mill website, yellow grits have more corn flavor and a smoother texture than white grits, and northerners tend to favor yellow grits, while southerners prefer white grits. The Old Mill company operates a 175-year-old water-powered gristmill that still produces ground grains today.

Hominy Grits

Hominy grits are also made from yellow or white corn, but the corn has been soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution and hulled, and the bran and germ removed before use. Yellow hominy is considered a sweeter version than white hominy. Samp is a more coarse version of hominy, while hominy grits are ground to a fine consistency.

Preparation

Grits may be purchased in the grocery store in instant form for quick preparation, but the long-cooking variety is considered better quality by traditionalists. Grits are prepared by boiling a liquid -- which may be water, milk, cream, stock or a combination of these ingredients -- along with seasonings and butter or grease and slowly adding the grits while stirring. The mixture is cooked for approximately 20 minutes over a lower heat. Grits are usually boiled until they thicken into a porridge or oatmeal consistency.

Combinations

While grits are most commonly used as a hot breakfast food, grits hold a prominent place in soul food and southern dishes. They are also used as a side or a pairing with dishes containing very heavily spiced ingredients. Grits may be eaten covered in gravy, cheese or butter and salt or served with seafood, meats or vegetables. Grits may be served and eaten hot or cold.

Tags: made from, white grits, according Santa, according Santa Rosa, Corn grits, from yellow

Growth Hormones In Food

Growth Hormones in Food

The use of growth hormones in food production processes is a regular practice within the meat and dairy industries. Producers depend on these chemicals to achieve larger livestock, better quality meats and increased dairy production levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of the foods we eat. Whether or not there are health risks related to eating these foods has yet to be established.

Identification

The growth hormones used in livestock and feed work in much the same way as the chemicals that are naturally produced by our bodies. They are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body and they affect how it functions. Growth, reproduction and development are all regulated by how these chemicals are produced. Hormones are either steroid-based, or protein-based. Birth control pills are a type steroid that affects the body directly. Protein-based hormones are digested, so they have no direct effect on how the body functions, however they do cause effects when injected. Insulin is an example of a protein-based hormone.

Types

Hormones are often used to increase milk production in cows, stimulate growth in livestock and reduce the amount of feed they need to grow. The FDA is in charge of regulating the levels of growth hormones used within the production process. Synthetic chemicals are often used in the place of naturally-occurring proteins and steroids. In the case of milk production, a synthetic chemical called rb GH (also known as bovine growth hormone) is injected into cows to increase the length of their lactation periods. With meat, as many as six different hormones are used within the production process. Zeronal, trenbolone and melengestrol are synthetics used to promote growth in livestock, whereas, oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone are naturally-based. Melengestol is also used as a feed additive. It works to increase nutrient absorption for livestock, which allows animals to reach their "market" weight quicker, and less feed is used in the process.

Function

Naturally occurring chemicals are easily metabolized by the bodies of both livestock and humans. Synthetic brands are not. Because of this, the FDA administers extensive toxicology testing on animals before approving synthetics as safe for use. Strict regulatory requirements are imposed on manufacturers to ensure that chemical levels found within the tissues of livestock are within the normal physiological range. Hormones are implanted in pellet form behind the ear of an animal, and are designed to provide a slow release discharge into the bloodstream. Any chemicals used within this process--whether natural or synthetic--are available for over-the-counter purchase in the United States. From there, livestock producers administer them throughout different stages of production.

Effects

In past years, certain synthetic hormones used to treat humans were found to increase the risk of cancers. Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, was used in the1960s to reduce the risk of miscarriage for women. It was eventually banned as a result of research studies that found a link between DES and vaginal cancer in the offspring of women who had been treated with the drug. This, and other accounts have raised considerable concern as to what effects the growth hormones in our food can have. Studies carried out on rats by Health Canada (Canada's version of our FDA) were given the rb GH synthetic used for milk production in cows. Results showed the rats systems' had built up anti-bodies to milk as result of rb GH. These results raised questions as to whether, or not this synthetic can give rise to milk allergies, or lactose intolerance in humans.

Considerations

The overall use of growth hormones in livestock and feed increases profit margins within the meat and dairy industries. Large producers make extensive use of these drugs within their production processes. In spite of ongoing FDA regulations and monitoring, there are growing concerns regarding possible health risks resulting from the use of growth hormones in food. As there are no labeling requirements in place to provide consumers with information on the levels of hormones within foods, public knowledge regarding these issues remains limited. The ongoing lack of scientific evidence to determine any actual effects allows for the continued use of hormones in food production, in spite of the controversies surrounding this practice.

Tags: hormones used, growth hormones, growth hormones, hormones food, milk production, used within, dairy industries

Low Carbohydrate Diet That Alleviates Thyroid Problems

Although diets that have an extremely low amount of carbohydrates can have adverse effects on thyroid production, the right kind of low-carb dieting can actually be beneficial towards alleviating thyroid issues. This is because the right kind of low-carb diet is one that constantly fluctuates nutrient intake, so that you receive the benefits of low-carb dieting without the possible drawbacks on thyroid condition. By constantly cycling carb intake, thyroid function is increased, psychological well-being is stabilized, and weight is rapidly lost.

About Carb Cycling

Carb cycling is hardly a novel theory, but for many individuals who have abandoned more traditional low-carb diets due to thyroid issues, it can be a lifesaver. Carb cycling refers to the practice of adjusting carbohydrate intake on a daily basis, with some days being higher carb days (over 100 grams or so) and others adhering to the rigid principles of orthodox low-carb theory (less than 30 grams). By providing the body with carbs when it most needs the energy and restricting carbs when it does not, you receive a duel benefit --- the ability to lose weight quickly while not suffering from the drawbacks of a completely low-carb lifestyle.

Carb Cycle

To carb cycle, each day of the week is assigned as either a low, moderate, or high carb day. You may allocate two high carb days, and these should be placed on the days that you have the highest level of physical activity --- perhaps a weight training session or rigorous exercise class. Next, allocate the two moderate days to days in which you have to perform an intense to average level of physical exercise. The remaining three days of the week are low carb days --- on these days, perform no exercise greater than brisk walking or other low-intensity steady-state cardio.

On high days, you may consume up to two grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight. On moderate days, consume a limit of one gram of carbs per pound of body weight. And on low days, only consume a half gram of carbs per pound of body weight. Other than that, keep protein relatively high, aiming for at least one gram per pound of body weight per day. Keep fat to a minimum on high carb days, and between 0.15 and 0.35 grams per pound of body weight on low and moderate days.

Carb Cycling and Thyroid

The relatively high intake of food compared to most diets will boost metabolism and thyroid function by forcing the body to compensate for the sheer quantity of food. Additionally, the high protein levels of the diet will also cause a rise in thyroid function thanks to the thermic effect of food, which states that it costs the body calories to digest food (with protein being the most difficult to digest). If you would like an even greater increase in thyroid function, consider adding a few tablespoons of coconut oil to your diet on the low carb days. Coconut oil can help to directly increase thyroid function, above and beyond the level if will already reach simply by following the plan as written.

Tags: body weight, carb days, pound body, pound body weight, thyroid function, high carb, moderate days

Bake A Sprouted Whole Wheat Bread

Sprouted grains are grains that have been allowed to germinate. Sprouted grain bread is becoming more and more popular because sprouting not only activates food enzymes but also boosts the vitamin content and neutralizes antinutrients that keep your body from fully absorbing minerals. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Put the sprouted wheat kernels into a food processor and pulse on and off until the kernels come together in a doughy mass -- it should form a ball in 20 or 30 seconds; don't over-process. Move 1 cup of this dough to a large bowl and add the water and molasses or brown sugar. Mix well until there are no dough lumps.

2. Mix together the remaining ingredients, then add them to the dough. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and no dry flour is visible. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 16 hours or in the refrigerator for 16 hours or more. This is the fermentation period.

3. Move the risen dough to a lightly flour-covered board or counter top -- it will be somewhat sticky but not overly so. Sprinkle lightly with a dusting of flour and knead for two or three minutes, adding more flour if it's sticky, until it feels smooth and elastic and more resistant. Oil or butter the interior of a loaf pan -- even a non-stick pan -- and shape the dough to fit. Paint the top of the loaf with melted butter to aid in rising, if you wish. Cover with a towel and place in a warm, draft-free place for roughly two or three hours. Watch the loaf during this time. Once the dough rises an inch over the top of the pan, it's time to turn on the oven.

4. Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Put the loaf in and immediately turn down the temperature to 350. Bake for 35 minutes and check the loaf. It should be a rich dark brown on top. If you have a probe thermometer, the bread should register at least 205 degrees. When the loaf is done, remove it to a cooling rack leave it for 10 minutes, then remove the bread from the pan and continue to let it cool. Do not cut into the loaf until it has cooled for at least one hour.

Tags: well until, with towel

Types Of Sea Vegetables

Vegetables that come from the sea may not be the most widely used or the most well known. However, most sea vegetables are rich in minerals and can have a variety of health benefits. They can be prepared and served in a number of ways and added to soups, stews or salads. Sea vegetables are a staple in Asian cuisine and used in a variety of dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Nori

Nori is one of the most popular types of sea vegetables and is used in a variety of Asian dishes. Nori is sold in grocery stores already dried and has the appearance of black or dark purple paperlike sheets. Nori is most commonly used to make sushi and is used to wrap rice and other ingredients into a roll. It has a nutty flavor when toasted and can also be chopped up and used as a garnish in salads, soups or with noodles.

Arame

Arame is another common sea vegetable in Asian cuisine. Arame is used in many health-conscious dishes, as it is a good source of iron, calcium and iodine. It is very sweet in taste and often cooked with tofu or beans and also added to Asian-style salads. When saut ed in a frying pan, it can also be served by itself as a side vegetable. In a grocery store, arame will come in a bag and look similar to black strings of hay.

Wakame

Wakame is most commonly served raw and is also an item on many Asian restaurant menus. Nama wakame is Japanese for raw seaweed and is the main component of seaweed salads. Bags of heavily salted wakame can be purchased in Korean and Japanese markets; wakame is green and looks similar to thick blades of grass.

Dulse

Dulse is another common type of sea vegetable and can be prepared and eaten in a number of ways. Dulse is rich in iron and has other health benefits. It has a mild salty taste and can be a substitute for salt in dishes such as soup. It comes in either a powered form or sun-dried and can even be eaten raw like jerky. The preparation of dulse will depend on how it is being used, but it is typically rinsed two or three times and then dry roasted for 5 to 10 minutes. Sun-dried dulse is sold in bags and looks like reddish-black sheets of jerky.

Kelp

Kelp, or konbu, is another type of sea vegetable that can be served in a variety of different ways. Kelp is very rich in a number of minerals and is usually sold dried in sheets or strips. The best quality kelp is very dark in color and has white residue on the surface, which is very flavorful. It is used to make soup stock or added to soups or stews. Kelp can also be pan fried and made into chips.

Tags: added soups, added soups stews, another common, Asian cuisine, health benefits, most commonly, Nori most

Juice With A Blender

You can juice in a blender.

Proponents of juicing may tell you that you can't juice with a blender. The truth is you can, though you'll need the help of a strainer and certain items, such as carrots, are more difficult to work with in a blender.

Health Benefits of Juicing

A glass of homemade juice is a healthful addition to your diet. When you make your own juice, you're not only avoiding the added sugars, flavors and artificial ingredients many store-bought juices contain, you're retaining the pulp and fiber that even 100 percent juices eliminate. Plus, you're able to come up with your own original fruit and vegetable blends to meet your personal tastes and health needs.

Some feel juicing is imperative to a healthy lifestyle because it speeds the absorption of certain nutrients. While it does speed absorption, the benefits are debatable.There's a downside. Along with speedily absorbed nutrients, the sugars are rapidly absorbed as well can adversely affect blood sugar levels.

Eating whole fruits and vegetables deliver the same nutrients to your body. With juicing, however, you're likely to consume greater quantities of fruits and vegetables than if you were eating them raw. Also, you may find that you enjoy certain, unexpected, fruits and vegetables, such as parsnips, in a juice when you don't enjoy them in whole form. A balanced approach would be to incorporate juices in with your diet, but still enjoy raw, whole fruits and vegetables as well.

Juicing in a Blender

Juicing in a blender takes a more work than with a juicer. When prepping your produce, cut small chunks and avoid seeds, stems and other parts that you don't want to ingest. Also, experiment to see with which fruits and vegetables your blender can work. Harder, denser items like carrots may not break down fully in your blender. Some items, like bananas, don't release much juice no matter how much you blend them (though they will break down and become drinkable).

After blending the ingredients, pour the juice through a strainer to remove unblended pieces as needed.

Juice purists will debate the efficacy of juicing in a blender. Unlike a juicer, a blender merely chops the ingredients finer and finer until they're liquified. The end result will be thicker than if it were produced in a juicer.

Advantages of a Juicer

A juicer takes things one step further than a blender. Rather than just breaking down the produce, a juicer separates the juice from the fiber. This is what juicing purists believe speeds up the absorption of nutrients.

What's more, a juicer minimizes the amount of work. There's no need for prepping items and removing seeds or peels. A juicer does the work.

Tags: fruits vegetables, break down, items like, speeds absorption, than were

Primary Factors Of Population Growth

Although population growth itself changes over time depending on conditions, some of the primary factors that affect population growth remain the same. Study of these factors will provide a better understanding of past population growth patterns and the ability to predict future population growth.

Food Availability

One of the primary factor affecting population growth is the availability and distribution of food. Improved agricultural processes around the world led to an increase of 24 percent in global food production from 1988 to 1998. Some of the factors leading up to the increased production of food include new developments in genetically modified seed as well as improved pesticides. However, the availability of food affects populations differently. In some populations the amount of food has increased more than the population, but in other areas food production has decreased despite population growth.

Land

The availability of suitable land or space demonstrates another factor of population growth. Population density is found by dividing the total population in a given area by the size of the area of land. The higher the population density, the harder it is for the population to grow. High population densities also increase the likelihood of poverty and inadequate resources, which can negatively affect population growth.

Standard of Living

Another factor affecting population growth is the standard of living. When a population has a high standard of living, it can grow, since all of its basic needs have been met. Public health affects the standard of living; in order for a population to grow it should have access to safe water, housing and food. Lack of safe drinking water remains one of the key factors hindering population growth in some parts of the world. Access to safe drinking water also reduces the risk of diseases spread through contaminated water, such as cholera.

Health

Advances in health make up another factor of population growth. As medical advances improve and allow people to have longer lifespans, the population will continue to grow. Vaccinations and better living conditions have reduced or eradicated diseases such as polio, smallpox and influenza, which used to have a much larger effect on slowing population growth. Other medical advances such as the use of birth control and public health education have also affected population growth.

Tags: population growth, population growth, standard living, affect population, affect population growth

Food Business License Requirements

All places that sell food must be appropriately licensed.

Any businesses that prepare food for public consumption must ensure that it is processed, prepared and preserved in a sanitary manner in order to avoid food contamination and customer illness. Kitchens and facilities used for the preparation of commercial foods must meet strict hygiene standards. State and municipal public health agencies regulate food processing facilities such as restaurants, cafes, concession stands, manufacturing plants, mobile food trucks and grocery stores, and issue licenses to allow their operations.

Establishments

Retail food establishments and any other facilities that provide food, such as schools, senior centers, hospitals and homeless shelters, must be appropriately licensed by complying with state food codes that are generally adapted from the federal Food and Drug Administration's Food Code. The food code exists to ensure public health by providing consumers with food that is safe and uncontaminated. Codes set standards for management and personnel, equipment, facilities, food operations and service. Failure to comply with standards will result in the suspension of permits and licenses and fines. If standards are not brought up to code, businesses run the risk of their license being revoked and having their business closed down permanently.

Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements vary from state to state and between municipalities. Be sure that your establishment complies with the codes relevant to your business location. Integral to state and municipal licensing requirements are the commercial kitchen standards required for sanitary food production. Standards include the amount of walk-through space between cabinets, work surfaces and appliances; floor coverings must be nonslip and easy to clean; wall coverings must be durable and easy to clean; grills, ranges, overs, fryers and rotisseries must all have a commercial grade exhaust ventilation hood; there must be separate stainless steel sinks for food preparation and janitorial and cleaning duties; refrigeration units must operate within certain temperature ranges and allow for separate storage of different food types; the fire suppression system must comply with local fire codes; and electrics must meet UL standards.

A chef planning to produce and sell food from his home must ensure the kitchen complies with all regulations. It can be expensive to convert a residential kitchen to commercial code standards, and it may be less expensive to ask an established commercial kitchen, such as that of a cafe that is only open in the evenings, if you can rent their kitchen when they are closed for business.

Inspections

State-authorized agents and representatives of licensing agencies have the right to enter and inspect all facilities where food is produced at-will. They may also secure samples for inspection. The inspection of establishments throughout a state may be completed by state, county or municipal public health agencies, or a combination of all three. Agents also have the write to close a premises immediately, if they identify serious code violations.

Licenses

Depending on where the food premises are located, a local municipality may require plan reviews, inspections, staff training and payment of fees before they will issue the operational permits and licenses required to open the business. A food business must not operate without the appropriate licenses. Ensure that all your permits and licenses are in order before you open your doors for business.

Tags: permits licenses, public health, appropriately licensed, commercial kitchen, complies with

Homemade Soap That Is Part Lye & Olive Oil

Homemade soap makes an ideal gift for your friends and family.

Soap bought from many stores often contains artificial colors, fragrances and a variety of strange ingredients. If you want to know what is in your soap, you may want to consider making your own. Soap making allows you to control every ingredient that goes into your finished product. Using a base of lye and olive oil, you can choose the shape of your soap, as well as any beneficial additives, such as cocoa butter, rosemary or vitamin E oil.

Instructions

1. Line the mold you want to use for your soap with freezer paper. You may use a container of any type, such as a plastic storage bin. Wood, cardboard and glass also work. Do not use metal containers.

2. Measure out all of the ingredients you plan to use in your recipe, so you have them on hand when you need them. Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Working with lye may be dangerous if you get it on your skin.

3. Add the amount of lye needed for your recipe to the correct amount of distilled water. Pour the lye into the water slowly to avoid splashing, and stir. The lye causes the water to heat up. Let it cool to 110 degrees.

4. Heat the olive oil to 110 degrees, and maintain this temperature. Slowly add the cooled lye mixture to the oil.

5. Use a stick blender, without turning it on, to gently blend the lye and oil together. After a few minutes of this blending, turn the blender on for three seconds, then back off. After each three-second blend, stir the mixture more. Continue doing this until the mixture becomes thick and stringy. This is called "tracing."

6. Put any additives you want to use for your specific recipe into the mixture. This can be colorings, fragrances, abrasives or spices. Blend the additives well.

7. Pour the soap into the mold. Smooth it down using a spatula, then cover the mold with a lid or piece of cardboard. Wrap the mold in a towel to prevent it from losing heat.

8. Wait for approximately 24 hours for the soap to harden, then slide it out of the mold. Put on gloves, and cut it into blocks or any other desired shape. Wait for at least 48 hours before using the soap.

Tags: want your, your recipe, your soap

Make Homemade Squirrel Repellent For Plants

Make Homemade Squirrel Repellent For Plants

If you keep a vegetable garden on your property and live near or in a wooded area, keeping squirrels away can be a daunting task without using a repellent on your plants. Certain commercially available repellents designed to keep squirrels away compose of widely available natural chemicals. Mixing your own squirrel repellent and applying it in and around your vegetable garden will enable you to save money instead purchasing commercial products. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pour a small bottle of hot sauce into a 1-gallon jug of water. Add one teaspoon of mild dish soap to the 1-gallon bottle mixture of hot sauce and water. Replace the cap on the water jug and shake until the ingredients are fully mixed.

2. Place a funnel inside the opening of a spray bottle. Pour the homemade repellent into the spray bottle, being careful not to spill. Screw the sprayer attachment on the spray bottle container.

3. Lightly mist your vegetable plants with the repellent. Spray a liberal amount of repellent to the outside perimeter of your garden for added protection against squirrels.

4. Crush up highly scented soap and place in several mesh bags. To ward off squirrels, tie the bags securely with twine and hang them up on tree branches, fence posts or any other key areas around the garden.

Tags: spray bottle, Homemade Squirrel, Homemade Squirrel Repellent, Make Homemade, Make Homemade Squirrel, Repellent Plants, Squirrel Repellent

Roast A Burger

Burgers can be customized to reflect diverse tastes and cultures by adding various toppings.

Burgers are one of the world's favorite foods because they are easily made and satisfying. Typically, burgers are grilled on a barbecue to gather a grilled, smoky flavor from the charcoal. However, many people roast burgers in the oven to preserve meat tenderness and flavor. Roasting uses indirect heat to cook the meat more slowly and to produce a tender, juicy patty. Roast a burger using your favorite burger recipe, a convection oven and a timer to produce a delicious and satisfying meal or main dish. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Create burger patties from ground beef. Mix 1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef with whatever seasonings you like, or just salt and pepper. Many people add onions, steak sauce, ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to enhance burger flavor. However, sometimes it's best to leave the burger reasonably plain while cooking and spice it up later by adding grilled onions, mushrooms or green chilies as a topping. Whether you add seasonings or additives or not, patty thickness is of the utmost importance when creating patties. Shape the ground beef into patties 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 an inch thick to ensure even cooking. Bigger burgers will naturally take longer to cook, hence the importance of the uniform size.

2. Lightly sautee burgers in a frying pan to brown the outside. Burgers, like all beef, should be cooked to preference but not overcooked. Generally, a well-done burger has no pink in the middle. A medium burger has some pink in the middle, and a rare burger is mostly pink in the middle. Sautee the outside of the burgers until browned, then place them in the roasting dish.

3. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and place the baking dish with the burgers inside. Many people prefer to use a grilling pan when baking meat in the oven, because all fat drips down to the bottom of the pan and away from the meat. When roasting burgers, keep in mind that the cooking process is generally slower than grilling, so the meat will take longer to roast completely. Do not open the oven to check the burgers until the cooking timer goes off because convection ovens cool slightly when opened.

4. Cook the burgers for 30 to 40 minutes or until done. After 30 minutes on the timer is over, check the burgers by cutting into the center. Check to see that the burgers look as done as you would like them to be. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove burgers from the oven and place on a paper towel covered plate. The plate and paper towel will soak up any remaining grease. Serve hot with a toasted bun and any desired toppings.

Tags: ground beef, pink middle, burgers until, check burgers, paper towel

Make Homemade Lip Gloss In Less Than Five Minutes

Go for the gloss to make your lips shimmer and shine.

Shiny lips are back, and women of all ages want the shimmer of luscious lips. For the frugal at heart, homemade lip gloss is a perfect way to reuse empty cosmetics containers and the leftover ends of spent lipsticks, blushes and eye tints. When you make your own lip gloss you can experiment with wild shades and bright colors, or you can go neutral for a subtle look. Wear your homemade lip gloss on bare lips to add a hint of color, or apply it over matte lipstick to create a shine. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash and dry an empty lidded lip gloss pot or eye shadow container.

2. Scoop 1/2 tablespoon of petroleum jelly into a plastic zippered bag.

3. Scrape off a small amount of lipstick, cream blush or mineral eye shadow in the color of your choice and put it in the bag with the petroleum jelly. Start with a small amount to see if the color is the right shade. You can always add more later.

4. Close the plastic zippered bag while letting out the air.

5. Squeeze and squish the outside of the bag to mix the petroleum jelly with the colored cosmetic. Press gently but thoroughly to blend the color into the petroleum jelly completely.

6. Unzip the bag when the mixture looks smooth and the color is even. Dip in the scooping stick or the tip of the spatula and remove a small amount of the colored petroleum jelly. Slick it on your lips to determine if you have achieved the appropriate shade.

7. Add more lipstick, blush or shadow if you want to go darker. Close the bag and knead it as you did before.

8. Cut a small hole in the corner of the plastic bag with scissors. Squeeze the lip gloss into the prepared container.

Tags: petroleum jelly, small amount, make your, plastic zippered, your lips

Cooking With Stevia Extract

Use stevia sparingly as a sugar substitute when cooking or baking.

Stevia extract is a natural, plant-based sweetener. Natives of South America and Asia have traditionally used this sweetener. Refined extracts of stevia are roughly 300 times sweeter than table sugar, while the crude stevia leaves and green herbal powder are around 15 times sweeter. Stevia is available in various forms: dried leaves, liquid and powdered extracts. Use it as an alternative to sugar while baking and to sweeten different foods. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Substitute sugar with stevia. As stevia is extremely sweet, it should be used sparingly. Use a replacement ratio of 1 cup sugar with 1 tsp. of liquid or 1/2 tsp. of powdered stevia extract.

2. Combine stevia with unsweetened chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder when cooking or baking chocolate treats. Mix 12 drops of stevia liquid with 1 oz. of unsweetened chocolate or with 3 tbsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder.

3. Use bulking-up foods to replace the bulk that sugar offers, whenever you cook or bake with stevia -- as unlike sugar, stevia does not bulk-up the foods being cooked. Proportionately replace 1 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup of a liquid such as 100 percent fruit juices or other bulk foods including fruit purees, yogurt, buttermilk and egg whites.

4. Prepare a tangy, apple jam recipe with stevia, and use it as an accompaniment with bread and crackers. In a deep-bottomed saucepan, combine 3 1/2 cups of applesauce with 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, 3 1/2 tsp. of stevia liquid extract and 1/4 cup vinegar. Set the mixture to cook on medium heat on a burner and let it boil. Reduce the heat, stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the sides and cook for 20 minutes. Once the mixture thickens, remove from heat and let it cool. Pour the apple jam into glass jars, seal and store in a cool dark place.

5. Prepare hot and healthy breakfast porridge with stevia. Add 1 cup of water to a saucepan and bring it to boil. Reduce the heat, mix in half a cup of quinoa flakes, 6 drops of stevia liquid extract, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tbsp. of butter, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve warm.

Tags: stevia liquid, sugar with, with stevia, boil Reduce, boil Reduce heat

Vocational Schools In Oregon

Training for cosmetology careers is one type of program offered at Oregon vocational schools.

Vocational schools are an ideal way for the non-college-bound high school or working adult to acquire career training that can lead to higher-paying jobs. In Oregon, there are at least 13 different private vocational schools. Some programs lead to diplomas, while others conclude with a two-year associate degree. If you will need help paying for vocational school, the U.S. Department of Education provides grants and loans to qualified individuals.

Personal-Appearance Careers

Careers in personal-appearance fields usually consist of cosmetology jobs ranging from barber to manicurist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 44 percent of all workers in this field are able to make a living as self-employed individuals. Portland has several cosmetology schools that offer training, including Marinello School of Beauty, the Aveda Institute, Paul Mitchell the School and Phagans' School of Hair Design. Tuition costs range from $6,000 for basic training at a small, independent school to $10,000 for advanced training at a nationwide institution.

Health-Care Training

Jobs in the health-care field are expected to generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry. At Pioneer Pacific College, students can enroll in programs leading to careers in health-care administration, medical assisting, medical assisting with limited X-ray training, massage therapy, pharmacy technician and practical nursing. Pioneer Pacific has been training students for more than 25 years and offers career-placement services to all graduates. There are five campuses in Oregon, including two in Wilsonville and others in Clackamas and Eugene.

Restaurant-Industry Training

The restaurant industry accounts for 10 percent of all jobs in Oregon. With a 13.7 percent job growth expected to occur by 2020, those who train for careers in the culinary arts are better prepared for the labor force than those who do not. One of country's largest culinary schools, Le Cordon Bleu, is located in Portland and offers certificates in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students can receive financial assistance in the form of federal and state financial aid programs, work study and scholarships.

Information-Technology Education

Oregon has about 71,000 information technology (IT) workers who typically earn 80 percent more than the average state wage. The University of Phoenix is one of the largest private vocational schools in Oregon, with campuses in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Tigard and Salem. Their College of Information Systems and Technology offers associate's and bachelor's degrees in areas such as networking and telecommunications, database administration and Web development. Another option is Heald College, which trains students to work as certified Cisco® Systems workers, Microsoft® Windows® Server administration professionals and network systems administrators.

Tags: more than, culinary arts, jobs Oregon, medical assisting, Pioneer Pacific, private vocational

Be Sure Chicken Has Not Gone Bad

There are usually telltale signs if raw chicken has started to spoil.

Unless you are slaughtering your own chicken or buying it directly from a farm, there is inevitably some lag time between the day the chicken was killed and when it reaches your grocer's meat case. This means you have a limited amount of time to prepare your chicken before it can spoil and develop bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Sell-by and use-by dates listed on meat packaging are good guides, but physical inspection of the chicken itself is the best way to tell whether or not it has gone bad. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Smell the chicken, since fresh chicken that is still good has no discernible smell. Throw the chicken out if there is any kind of odor emanating from it at all.

2. Feel the surface of the chicken. Discard it if it has a slimy texture on the surface. In general, chicken that is still edible will have only a limited amount of moisture on the surface, which will feel like water to the touch.

3. Press your finger against the chicken flesh. Throw it away if it feels mushy to the touch -- fresh chicken should feel firm when pressed.

4. Check the date on the package. Discard the chicken if it is more than two days past the sell-by date listed on the package -- unless the chicken has been recently removed from the freezer -- or the chicken has been sitting in the refrigerator uncooked for more than three days. Throw the chicken out if it is past the use-by date which is sometimes listed on the package.

5. Toss the chicken if it has an off-taste after cooking, which may be an indication of spoilage.

Tags: chicken been, chicken that, chicken that still, fresh chicken, limited amount, listed package, more than

Become An Ayurveda Practitioner

Become an Ayurveda Practitioner

Ayurveda is a natural system of healing and health maintenance. It can be used for many things, including the treatment of ailments like arthritis and stress. It's fairly new to the Western world; so there are relatively few Ayurvedic schools in the United States. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to become an Ayurveda practitioner. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Learn About Ayurveda

1. Know that Ayurveda is a holistic medicine that's over 5,000 years old. It was developed in India and remains the prevailing system of medicine there.

2. Learn about the 3 mind-body types called doshas: "vita," "pitta" and "kapha." Each person has a unique combination of these doshas. Visit the "What's Your Dosha?" Web site to learn more (see Resources below).

3. Be aware that the doshas are a central part of Ayurveda. The recommended Ayurvedic treatment, diet and lifestyle for an individual will be based on the person's unique combination of doshas.

4. Learn more about Ayurveda at the "National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine" Web site (see Resources below).

Become an Ayurvedic Practitioner

5. Consider training in Western medicine before training in Ayurveda to be able to offer comprehensive service to patients. Some doctors and nurses go on to study Ayurvedic medicine at the end of their training.

6. Become a practitioner in India. Since it's the home of Ayurvedic medicine, India has many Ayurvedic schools and hospitals.

7. Know that training in India may take 5 years. At the end of your training you may receive a bachelor's or doctorate degree in Ayurvedic medicine.

8. Be aware that there's no certification requirement for Ayurvedic schools in The United States.

9. Visit the "Natural Healers" Web site to check for Ayurvedic schools near you (see Resources below). Some Ayurvedic schools offer online and correspondence courses. Tuition will vary from moderate to high.

10. Find a suitable location for your Ayurvedic practice. Look into your city's regulations if you plan to practice from your home.

11. Obtain a business license to operate a small business. Also get a tax identification number for tax purposes.

12. Advertise for clients and print up your business cards. Encourge your family and friends to advertise for you by word of mouth.

13. Consider joining a professional organization for Ayurveda and alternative medicine practitioners for support. This will also help keep you aware of news in the field.

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Start A Vegetable Garden

Instructions

1. Grow only those vegetables you enjoy eating. Give priority to those prized for incredible flavor when eaten fresh from the garden: sweet corn, beans and peas, tomatoes and young spinach, among others.

2. Prepare a plot of flat ground that gets full sun nearly all day. Break up and turn the soil and add compost or other organic material (See Buy Soil Amendments). A full day of blazing sunshine is especially important if you grow vegetables in the cool weather of early spring, early fall or winter.

3. Figure out how much growing space you have and plant accordingly. Lettuce, for example, can be grown in a solid mat, but tomatoes need to be spaced about 2 feet (60 cm) apart. Give pumpkins at least 4 feet (120 cm) of growing room. Growing requirements are provided on seed packets, in catalogs, and on nursery tags, as well as in books on growing vegetables.

4. Choose crops that require less room if you have a small vegetable garden or grow vegetables in a container. Lettuce is a great pot plant, and 'Patio' or 'Tumbler' tomatoes will grow well in a hanging basket. Plants that climb and vine, such as cucumbers and pole beans, can be trained up a trellis to take up less room horizontally. Tuck herbs and parsley into flower beds.

5. Schedule plantings around the two main growing seasons which vary by region: cool (spring and fall) and warm (summer). Common cool-season vegetables include beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips. Warm-season crops include beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes.

6. Sow some seeds directly in the ground as they grow best that way: beans, beets, carrots, chard, corn, lettuce, melons, peas, pumpkins, squash and turnips. Starting seeds is, of course, much less expensive than planting seedlings sold in flats, packs and pots.

7. Start with nursery seedlings of certain other crops unless you are an experienced vegetable grower. These plants tend to do better when set out in the garden as seedlings: eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Squash and cucumbers are among a few you can plant just as effectively as either seeds or seedlings.

8. Buy seeds at nurseries or by mail order starting just after the New Year, when the selection is freshest. Look for seed packets marked as having been packed for the current year.

9. Buy vegetables online and from mail-order seed companies for a far greater selection than you'll find at neighborhood nurseries. Burpee (burpee.com), Johnny's Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds .com), Park Seed Company (parkseed.com) and Thompson and Morgan (thompson-morgan.com) are a few long-established sources.

10. Shop for seedlings when your soil is prepared and you are ready to plant. Keep them moist and don't let them sit around for more than three days. Buy healthy and vigorous seedlings. They should stand up straight and be stocky, not lanky, with no yellow leaves or bug holes.

11. Save money and get truly involved with your garden by starting seeds indoors in winter and transplanting them into the garden in spring. It's simplest to start with complete kits, sold at garden centers and through catalogs, containing fluorescent lights, soil mix, containers and watering devices.

12. Sow seeds of colorful radishes or giant sunflowers to introduce children to the satisfaction and fun of growing their own food. Or lean 3 stakes together, tie them together at the top, and train pole beans up the stakes. Voila! A bean teepee.

Tags: broccoli cabbage, grow vegetables, less room, pole beans, pumpkins squash

Benefits From Egg White On Face

Benefits from Egg White on Face

There is an alternative to expensive department store face products right in your refrigerator. A face masque made from egg whites can treat many skin problems, including acne, large pores and wrinkles, and costs less than store bought products. Does this Spark an idea?

Acne

Egg whites are a good source of protein, and thus can be used to heal and rebuild the skin and reduce or eliminate acne.

Tighten Pores

Egg whites contain the enzyme Lysozyme, which has been found to stop spoilage and acts as natural preservative in certain foods. This characteristic is thought to carry over into skin care, preserving the skin's natural elasticity and tightening pores.

Soak up Oil

The protein content in egg whites help to absorb excess oil in the skin, leaving the face toned and fresh but not shiny. In fact, egg whites can also be applied to the face as a mild astringent.

Temporary Wrinkle Treatment

In the book, "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II," Dr. Jerome Z. Litt, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, says egg whites can provide a temporary reduction in wrinkles. The protein hides wrinkles and gives skin a smoother look.

Use

To make an egg white face treatment, crack open an egg and separate the yolk from the white. With a whisk, whip the white until foamy; then apply a thin layer to your face. Allow to dry for about 10 or 15 minutes, and then rinse.

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The Best Grocery Store Emergency Foods

It's important to have food with a long shelf life in case of an emergency situation.

The types of food one should have in case of an emergency generally boil down to one thing: longevity. The longer the expected shelf life on a product is, the better off the person living through the emergency will be. The reason a long shelf life is important is because, in an emergency situation, most people will have absolutely no idea how long they'll be surviving off those foods. Imagine a scenario where people are forced into their basements and there is nothing but emergency foods surrounding them. Aside from the dire situation, those people, whether they planned ahead of simply lucked out, will be able to survive for weeks if the food is properly rationed.

Food Bars

Food bars are specially formulated cookie bars that are designed to induce the least amount of thirst possible while still providing vital nutrients and energy. Their shelf life is up to five years and they tend to come in three-day packages that contain nine bars. They're even utilized by the U.S. Coast Guard on life rafts. Examples of these bars are energy bars and cereal bars. Energy bars are a great choice, as they typically contain a large amount of protein and essential minerals.

MREs

MRE stands for Meals-Ready-to-Eat and were employed by the army to feed soldiers. They have a typical shelf life of five to seven years, but it seems to only apply to cool temperatures. If a person leaves an MRE out in the sun for too long, the shelf life decreases dramatically. MREs are perfect in a survival situation when you don't want to sacrifice quantity or quality. The only problem with these is that if you want to stay mobile, you have to carry them in small amounts because of their bulkiness.

Canned Food

The problem with canned food is, once again, mobility. While they have a moderate shelf life of two years in optimal conditions, the problem lies in their combined weight. Having 20 cans on a shelf in an underground shelter is fine, but having to evacuate that shelter while carrying those same cans in a backpack is an entirely different matter altogether. That fact aside, canned foods offer a familiar and tasty alternative to the other emergency foods. Buying cans of baked beans is a great idea, due to the protein found in them. Canned vegetables are also a good idea to maintain your nutritional levels. Also, remember to check for mold/rodent infestations and always keep an eye on the expiration date.

Freeze Dried Foods

FDF are quite possibly the best alternative to anything else on this entire list due to their simplistic nature and long shelf life. Freeze dried foods can last up to 30 years and are incredibly easy to cook; one only has to add water. Once water is added, the taste is remarkably similar to the original food. They're lightweight, easy to store and cost about the same as an average meal does. Budget management may be a problem though, as these foods can cost quite a bit if purchased in bulk. While some grocery stores do carry FDFs, you may need to go to a specialty store, such as stores that provide supplies for mountain climbers and explorers, to purchase them.

Tags: shelf life, long shelf, long shelf life, case emergency, emergency foods, emergency situation

Use Wheatgrass

Use Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a popular nutritional supplement and is available in bottles at your local health food store, fresh shots from a juice bar or you can even grow your own. Regardless of where you get your wheatgrass, there are a lot of ways to benefit from it.

Instructions

1. Drink the juice as is. As a nutritional supplement, most nutritionists recommend 2 to 4 oz. daily taken on an empty stomach. Remember that wheatgrass juice can give you a boost of energy, so avoid drinking the juice before bed.

2. Gargle the juice, as wheatgrass can soothe a sore throat, reduce swelling caused by dental infections or gingivitis, neutralize bad breath and help to keep the gums firm and healthy.

3. Pour a cup or two of pure wheatgrass juice into a warm bathtub to soften and tighten the skin, soothe itch and irritation and help heal wounds.

4. Treat skin conditions by soaking a clean bandage in wheatgrass juice and applying to wounds, skin ulcers, boils, rashes, insect bites and even fungal infections. Change the bandage every 4 hours and continue application as long as needed.

5. Massage your scalp with a bit of wheatgrass juice before you shampoo the keep the skin moisturized and dandruff free.

6. Grow wheatgrass at home and keep a tray in your bedroom to use as a natural sleep aid. As wheatgrass grows, it generates oxygen, helps to purify the air and produces negative ions which are thought to help you sleep peacefully.

Tags: wheatgrass juice, juice before, nutritional supplement

Househusband Duties

Being a househusband can be a very rewarding job.

In recent years, it has become more common for men to stay at home and take care of the children and the house while their wives go to work. A househusband is the male equivalent of a housewife. The duties and responsibilities of a househusband are set by him and his wife. Because each couple and each househusband are different, the role of househusband varies. However, several duties are usually attributed to a househusband or a housewife.

Child Care

Usually a househusband will choose to stay at home to take care of the couple's children. Choosing to stay at home and raise the children is often more cost-effective than sending the kids to a day care facility when they are very young. In some situations, a househusband will home-school the children as they get older instead of sending them to a public or private school.

Many househusbands enjoy the time they spend with their children, which is generally much more than they would spend with them if the househusband had a full-time job outside the home.

Cleaning

Often a househusband and his wife will divide household cleaning chores so that a larger proportion of them fall upon the househusband. Cleaning duties of a househusband can include sweeping and vacuuming floors, scrubbing and cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, dusting surfaces and making sure that the house generally appears clean and tidy. In addition, if young children live in the household, the househusband is responsible for cleaning up after them when their mother is not home.

Cooking

Because his wife often does not return to the household until dinnertime, a househusband is often expected to prepare dinner for the family several days a week. In addition, a househusband must prepare meals for himself and for the children during the day when his wife is at work.

Pet Care

If the family has a pet or several pets, a househusband is responsible for their care during the day. Taking care of household pets means that a househusband must walk or exercise them and feed them throughout the day.

Other Housework

A househusband may be responsible for various other household tasks, such as repairing and fixing household appliances and other household equipment. A househusband can serve as an electrician, plumber, auto mechanic and general repairman for his household in addition to his other duties.

Tags: househusband responsible, stay home, family several, home take, home take care, househusband must, househusband wife

About The Rice Diet Program

The Rice Diet is acclaimed for its rapid weight loss benefits and is also used to treat diabetes, congestive heart failure and hypertension. It isn't a fad diet, as it has been around since 1939, and was developed by a medical researcher at Duke University. Today people pay thousands of dollars to spend a month or more at the Rice Diet Clinic in Durham, NC, but if you have neither the time nor the money to do so, you can always follow the basic Rice Diet plan on your own. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Facts

On the first day on this diet, you must follow the basic rice diet, eating 2 starches and 2 fruits for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the other 6 days you may eat 1 starch, 1 non-fat dairy item and 1 fruit for breakfast and 3 starches, 3 vegetables and 1 fruit for lunch and dinner. Each starch serving can consist of 1 slice of bread, 1/3 cup of cooked rice or beans or 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. Fruit servings can be 1 medium-sized fruit, half a banana, or 1 cup of sliced or chopped fruits, berries or grapes. Vegetable servings amount to 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup uncooked and dairy servings can be 1 cup of nonfat milk or yogurt or 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.

Fluid intake should be about 48 to 64 ounces of non-caffeinated beverages per day. It is permissible to drink wine on this diet, but 3 ounces of red wine could be exchanged for 2 fruit servings, so would reduce overall food consumption. Artificial sweeteners must be limited to about 2 packs of sweetener per day, or the equivalent.

On the Rice Diet, exercise is also an important component of the program, as it is with any sensible weight loss regime. At the Rice Diet clinics the preferred form of exercise is yoga, which is also accompanied by meditation and journaling for complete mind-body wellness experience.

Features

All foods consumed on this diet must be fat-free. The goal is for you to consume 5 grams or less of fat per day, with about 20 grams of protein. You'll also need to limit your sodium intake, as sodium can causes your body to swell up and retain water. Your daily limit of sodium is150 milligrams a day.

Time Frame

Patients at the Rice Diet Clinic are advised to spend from 4 to 6 weeks at the facility, where they adhere strictly to the Rice Diet regime as well as exercising daily and being counseled to support them in their weight loss goals. If you are following the program on your own you can set your own time goals, but you may wish to plan to spend no more than a month or so trying to follow the diet as it is a very strict plan.

Benefits

Patients on the Rice Diet report losing around 5 lbs. per week or 20 lbs. per month. The diet will also improve your health, as reducing the amount of fat in your diet will lower your cholesterol and reducing salt can lower your blood pressure. Lower weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels will reduce strain on your heart, making you look and feel much healthier.

Risk Factors

If you suffer from a chronic illness such as diabetes, you should definitely consult your doctor before beginning the program. Patients at the Rice Diet Clinic lose weight under medical supervision, a wise precaution for any serious dieter. In fact, if you have any type of chronic condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, you should make sure your doctor understands and approves of the diet and advises you of any modifications you may need to make or precautions you should take.

Consult your doctor, as well, if you are taking any types of medications, as this diet should not be followed by anyone taking diuretics of any type. Blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin may need to have their dosages adjusted, as may medications for hypertension and diabetes, particularly as you lose weight on the diet.

The diet can also be difficult for dieters to stick to. The food can be pretty bland, and takes time to prepare. It isn't very convenient for the busy dieter--the strict rules pretty much preclude your being able to eat out for the entire time you're on the diet. This diet is great for people with a lot of willpower, time, and a high tolerance for monotony, but if you are just looking to drop a few pounds in a relatively painless fashion you may need to look elsewhere.

Tags: Rice Diet, blood pressure, Diet Clinic, Patients Rice, Patients Rice Diet, Rice Diet Clinic, weight loss