Lifestyles
July August 2014
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Welcome to LSM, Orillia’s own lifestylesmagazine.ca, dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, travelling and building your dreams, we intend to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.
Lifestylescontents Vol 3 No 4
perfect summer
NO-BAKE DESSERTS
P25
health issues
EYES TALK P29
Lifestyles Check out our new website!
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Check Out Our New Website For All The Articles & Information That Didn’t Fit Into This Issue!
P30 AVOID WORKING AT HOME DISTRACTIONS PG10 NANCY LEM DESIGN PG11
IS TEXT-NECK HAPPENING TO YOU? PG21
HEALTHY SUMMER SAFETY TIPS PG22
FOODS WITH HEALTHY REPUTATIONS PG26 KEEP TRACK OF PASSWORDS PG27
Shades Protect Your Eyes PG28
SUMMER FASHION!
Sirkka’s
Sirkka’s Fashions 142 Mississaga St. E. DOWNTOWN ORILLIA | 705-326-7723 COVER Nancy Lem, interior designer, shares a passion for life, page 7
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LSM-lifestylesmagazine.ca is published six times a year by YouLink Inc. Contact us at info@ lifestylesmagazine.ca and visit us at www.lifetylesmagazine.ca. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor are invited. Please send letters to info@lifestylesmagazine.ca. Reproductions of any article, photograph or artwork without specific written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior wrtten permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The options expressed in lifestylesmagazine.ca are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or advertisers. YouLink Inc., 3-200 Memorial Avenue, Suite 104, Orillia ON. L3V 5X6
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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Nancy Lem Nancy Lem is many things including an interior designer with a passion for life More Than An Interior Designer I’m much more than an interior designer. After developing interior theming for the interior environment, many of my commercial clients ask me to take the same design philosophy and develop the exterior of the building, including finish treatment, signage, develop their branding and even design their business cards.
Why Interior Design? I’ve always been creative. I’ve always been drawn to texture, patterns and colour. Interior design provides a perfect canvas for executing my visions and provides spaces that people love to enjoy.
I’m Always Listening One major key to executing good design is listening to the client. I initially listen to the needs and wants of the client and then transform those needs and wants into texture, pattern, space and colour.
Why Orillia?
Creativity
After graduating from Interior Design at Ryerson, I spent 17 years in Toronto developing my career before returning to my Orillia roots. My parents owned and operated The Golden Dragon Restaurant for close to 50 years. Orillia has so much to offer, suits our lifestyles, and is a wonderful community.
I love expressing myself through art and design. Art through painting is a perfect creative outlet and can also be very therapeutic. I’ve participated in the Orillia’s Streets Alive outdoor art installations and banner projects for many years. Every project has given me an opportunity to tell a story, and share in the excitement with other local artists. We have an amazing base of talent in this town!
Family Family is so important to me. My husband Shawn and I have three amazing kids, our son, Jacob, and two daughters, Siena and India. They support everything I do, and keep me well grounded.
Turn On? I love being able to solve design dilemmas, and transform a space, providing solutions that the client had never envisioned before. When the design of a space exceeds all their expectations, that is hugely satisfying and I know I’ve done my job. Stepping outside the box can be challenging, intimidating, but can also be very rewarding.
Healthy Lifestyles As a family we eat whole foods, fruits and vegetables, as much as possible. We all have very busy, active lifestyles, so eating as close to the source as possible whenever we can is our main focus. I don’t think I could ever give up chocolate though! I stay fit by practicing yoga regularly. It helps to ground me, ease the stress and resets me for the day. I made the decision a little over a year ago to finally learn an instrument for the first time in my life. Whenever I can, even if I take just five minutes, I love playing the guitar. It’s a wonderful way to unwind.
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How to repair and replace window screens 3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the edge of the existing spline that holds the screening material in the frame. Pull out the old spline and remove the damaged screening.
W
indow screens can let fresh air into a home while preventing insects and outdoor critters from making their way inside. But screens are far less effective at keeping critters out of a home when they’re damaged. Addressing such damage is typically an easy do-it-yourself project, one that begins with gathering the right materials, including: • new screening, either synthetic or aluminum • a rubber spline • a screen rolling tool • a razor knife or sharp scissor • measuring tape • masking tape • a screwdriver or an awl
4. Measure the new screening from a replacement roll. Lay the screening down on the frame, ensuring there is overhang on all sides. If necessary, use masking tape to temporarily secure the screening to the frame while freeing up your hands. This also works if you must replace screening vertically and cannot remove the window frame and make repairs on a flat surface. Once those materials have been gathered, the process of replacing or repairing damaged screens is rather simple. 1. Measure the area of the window to determine how much replacement screening you will need. Remember to leave extra room in your measurements so you have slack to make the new screen fit taut. The measurement will also help you determine how much spline you will need. 2. Remove the screen from the window frame. Some windows do not have removable screen frames, and you will have to work on the screen in its upright position.
5. Take a new piece of rubber spline and push it into the edge of the screen frame, securing a corner of the new screening to the frame. Continue to press the spline around the perimeter of the screen frame firmly into the groove with the screen rolling tool, which looks like a small pizza cutter. This effectively secures the screen into the frame. 6. Continue around the edge of the frame, pulling the new screening taut as you go. This helps to keep it free of wrinkles. 7. Once you have inserted the spline all the way around, cut it off the spline spool and push in the edge.
8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to cut off the excess screening, being careful not to dislodge it from behind the spline when cutting. 9. Replace the screen in the window. In the case of small tears in a screen, a complete replacement may not be necessary. Home improvement stores sell screen patch kits. Some work by cutting out a piece of patch that is attached to an adhesive backing and sticking it over the hole. Other patches are small, woven wires that can be threaded through the hole in the screen. A really small hole can be mended with a drop of clear-drying glue. The same method of screen replacement can be used to replace screens on screened-in porches, aluminum doors or sliding patio doors. Just be sure to purchase replacement screening that will fit the dimensions.
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
How do you increase your home’s value by ten per cent?
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Build a deck.
I
may offend a few die-hard gardeners out there but I am one hundred per cent committed to the belief that an amazing backyard is built around the useable space. If you don’t have a spot to sit outside with family and friends and enjoy the roses, then those blooms are a wasted opportunity! Finally the numbers are starting to back me up! Homeowners are investing in their backyards and seeing great results! Remodeling Magazine (2014) released a study showing that the return on investment for a wood deck is 87 per cent, surpassing all indoor renovations. This means that for every dollar that you spend on a deck, you’ll get up to .87 cents back. That’s really important when deciding where to spend the renovation budget. I use the following guideline when describing how a potential buyer reacts to a home. The front yard gets a buyer excited; the inside of the house is the meat and potatoes of the meal; and the back yard seals the deal…
just like dessert. According to the Gallop Organization, a good deck can increase a home’s perceived value by up to 10 per cent by increasing the available living space. A potential buyer will often consider a home with a smaller square footage if they know that they have the use of an outdoor room. This is an important number for another reason as well. If you can rely on a 10 per cent increase to your home’s value by adding a deck, you now know exactly how much you can spend when adding more to your backyard. I tell homeowners to never spend more than 10 per cent of your home’s value when creating outdoor useable space. Why spend money that you’re not going to get back? When it comes to costs, decks will always be the “less expensive option” in creating an outdoor living space when compared to patios. Even if you choose high-end materials, the labour required to install a deck is less, helping to reduce your overall cost. Installation is also a big benefit for choosing a deck. The way a deck
is built allows you more creativity in location. Because the actual structure is built above the ground, tree roots, wet ground, even big slopes can be easily overcome. Even a DIY’er can have great success installing a simple deck structure with plenty of easy to follow how-to videos online. Unfortunately, wood decks don’t mix well with the elements as compared to some other outdoor materials like stone and concrete. Sun, snow, rain, ice and hail can all deteriorate unprotected wood, reducing its lifespan significantly. Traditionally, the lifespan of a wood structure is about seven to eight years if its not cared for. The good news is that this average is getting longer with more options coming into the market like composites and all weather stains. Even pressure treated wood is seeing new technology in products like MicroPro Sienna which uses smaller molecules in the stain to get the rich brown colour deeper into the wood; preserving it longer.
Ultimately, we all want a backyard that looks great. When it comes to aesthetics, decks are the best option for blending with fences, pergolas and arbours, which are traditionally made of wood. With great patterns and intricate details, using wood in a backyard has never looked so good or made so much sense financially. When not in the dirt with his ecofriendly landscape design company, Carson stays busy building, planting, writing or designing as a featured guest on CityLine. His new show Critical Listings is currently airing on HGTV Canada.
Carson Arthur www.carsonarthur.com
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How to avoid
distractions
when working from home
T
elecommuting has made great strides over the last decade. Census Bureau statistics have identified key telecommuting trends, noting that 45 per cent of the workforce holds a job that is compatible with at least part-time work from home. As more people work from home, more people need to find ways to be productive outside of the office environment. That productivity may hinge on avoiding distractions. Many people telecommute in an attempt to make their lives easier and more affordable. Working from home carries with it a number of benefits, but also quite a few challenges. Some people who work from home find it more difficult to separate work life from home life, and distractions in the latter can sabotage the former. Recognizing your biggest distractions and remedying them can lead to more productivity and better job performance.
Children
One of the more popular reasons employees work from home is to be more available for child care. Telecommuting gives working parents a schedule that is flexible enough to meet work deadlines while also being able to pick the kids up from school or to attend school-related functions and extracurricular activities. Telecommuting also allows new mothers to nurse longer or stay home with infants for a longer period of time. However, the same reasons people work from home also can prove to be the biggest distractions. Imagine being several paragraphs into a report when the baby wakes up from a nap and demands to be fed. Conference calls can be disrupted by a child who needs homework help or a toddler who needs the channel changed on the television.
Some trial and error may be required to develop a system in which you can work effectively and be able to pull away to handle child-related issues.
Social media
Social media connects people to the world around them. Smartphones and tablets enable people to check their email, update their status and tweet messages at a moment’s notice. Working from home affords unrestricted access to social media sites and other forms of communication that may not be so readily accessible in a traditional working environment. It can be tempting for you to constantly click over to Instagram or LinkedIn during the day. However, telecommuters should set specific times of the day when they use social media and restrict usage to only these times. This way they can more fully immerse themselves in work. This may involve shutting off instant messaging services or logging off personal email until the workday is through.
Friendly interruptions
Friends and family members may not understand that telecommuting is the same as working. Phone calls or texts answered at all hours of the day can be distracting. Working from home does not give friends or family unlimited access to you, so discourage unexpected visits or phone calls. Others should understand that they must respect your work hours, whether those hours are being spent at home or in an office.
stuck in the corner of the living room. Others in the household may infringe on your workspace, and daily life can produce many distractions. It is best to have an area specifically dedicated to work, and this area should be closed off to others who won’t need you during the day (children should be able to reach you in case of emergency). Your work desk shouldn’t be a place that the children do their homework. Try to set up your desk in an area that doesn’t get much foot traffic or inspire you to daydream. If you are close to a television or facing an open window, you may spend too many hours gazing aimlessly instead of focused on the tasks at hand. Very often you can be your own worst enemy when it comes to distractions. Buckling down and paying attention requires effort.
Know your limits
Taking breaks from time to time can quell boredom and refresh your level of concentration. Periodically step away from your desk to grab a snack or drink, just like you would at the office. Go outdoors for a few minutes and breathe some fresh air. These tactics can keep your head clear.
Resolve problems before logging on
Attempt to handle any concerns or tasks related to your personal life before you start your work for the day. Otherwise, you may be focused on tackling one problem when your mind should be on something else. While home and work issues will inevitably cross paths, do not use work hours Dedicated workspace It can be difficult to take telecommuting seriously to pay bills, schedule medical appointments or if your work area is a folding table and a laptop run house errands. Reducing distractions is a key to telecommuting successfully. As more companies recognize the benefits of allowing employees to work from home, workers should step up to the challenge with dedication and focus.
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Found Space
11
After Floating vanity
Before
T
here is such a great thrill about being able to fully utilize every square inch of your home through “found space”. After purchasing our recent home, we had the most pleasant discovery of “found” space off of our third floor loft. Through an odd hatch in the sloped ceiling wall, we found an unfinished attic space over an addition to the home built by previous owners some 80 years ago. Crying out to be utilized, we widened the entrance opening, reclaiming the area for what is now my home office.
Shower with niches
New Master
C
reating this new master en suite involved utilizing an adjacent closet space, and sectioning off just enough area from the original length of the master bedroom without interfering with the existing main windows. Maintaining the footprint of the original master bedroom, we were able to carve out another entire room, maximizing the useable space.
W
ithin this new master we were able to integrate ample linen storage, a long vanity, shower and a separate toilet room. Because the width of the new en suite area was somewhat narrow, incorporating design tricks such as installing flooring on a diagonal or, in this case, a diagonally patterned marble tile, helped to open up the space. Installing a “floating” vanity or a high recessed base, allows the flooring to continue under the unit, further helping to visually widen Recessed niches at shower
the space. Designing floor to ceiling cabinetry adds to the illusion of height as well as taking advantage of every inch possible for storage and display. Within the shower area, take advantage of found space within the depth of the stud walls by incorporating recessed niches for shampoo and soap. The new orientation of the bedroom furnishings allows the bed to be the main focal point as you enter the room. Even though the room was downsized, we were able to incorporate a wall mounted fireplace and TV creating a cozy place to escape to at the end of the day.
Nancy Lem, Interior Designer www.NancyLemDesign.com
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Practice garage and workshop smarts
C
ompleting home improvement projects on your own can be both rewarding and financially responsible. A growing number of homeowners are dabbling in do-ityourself projects, recognizing both the personal and financial rewards of such undertakings. As more and more homeowners perform their own renovations and other improvement projects, many are outfitting their homes with state-ofthe-art workshops and transforming garages into a do-it-yourselfer’s paradise. Safety is vital in any workshop. During a typical home renovation, homeowners will use all sorts of dangerous tools and chemicals, and even the simplest mishap can result in a serious injury. Following safety rules can reduce the risk of injury.
Know your tools
a safer workshop. Pay attention to where tools are kept and keep cords manageable.
home-improvement retailers offer classes in various home renovation projects and may be able to teach tool usage. Do-it-yourselfers should consult professionals with regard to proper tool use and safety. Do not use tools for purposes other than what the tool was intended to do. If machine guards are provided, they should be used and never removed.
taking medication that can affect concentration or alertness. All it takes is a moment of distraction to cause an injury. Never surprise anyone who is working with power tools and keep unnecessary people out of the workshop, where they might chat and distract others from the tasks at hand.
Dress appropriately
Wear safety gear
Factor in ergonomics
Lock it up
Eye, ear and breathing protection are key in any workshop environment. Dust and chemical gases may be present when working with certain products, and debris can be kicked up and enter the eyes, causing irritation or even blindness. Loud power tools can damage sensitive ears, especially when used in a contained room. Always wear goggles, sound-muffling earphones and dust masks when working.
Assess physical
Before novice do-it-yourselfers begin working with power tools, well-being they should familiarize themselves Do-it-yourselfers should never with their owners’ manuals and work with machinery if they are the operating instructions. Some feeling sick or fatigued or while
Loose clothing and hair can become tangled or lodged in equipment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress comfortably but appropriately for the workshop, being sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Children and pets are curious and may wander into a workshop to explore. They can become seriously ill or injured by the bevy of chemicals and tools used for common projects. Some items are flammable and sharp and should always be out of reach. Locking cabinets and drawers can keep tools inaccessible. Also warn youngsters against entering the workshop unattended. As more people engage in doKeep a clean shop it-yourself projects, homeowners Power cords strewn around the should reacquaint themselves with workshop present a tripping hazard. They also make it possible to drag safety procedures. sharp or heavy tools off of tables and workbenches if the cords are pulled or tripped over. A neat workshop is Failure to work in comfortable conditions can result in repetition injuries or muscle strain. Make the workshop as comfortable as possible. Ensure the work table is at the right height. Use a rubber mat on the floor to reduce standing fatigue. Have a stool or chair available for taking breaks.
Summer
2014
Selecting the right Create your hot tub spa for you perfect burger Stretching your Relax with a round of Vacation Dollar golf and dinner Check your tires for summer fun
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Create Your Own Perfect Escape...
Select The Right Hot Tub Spa To Meet Your Needs!
A
h, water. Who hasn’t experienced its power to sooth both physically and emotionally. Ever wonder how that warmth would feel as that splashing and bubbling water surrounded you while relaxing in a perfectly warm hot tub? In addition to providing you some well-deserved down time, the proper hot tub can address specific ailments as well.
Choosing the proper hot tub/spa is critical to proper enjoyment of the tub according to Cathy Ross, manager, WaveMaker Pool Spa Showroom, Huntsville. One that is too small or too large, doesn’t address your needs or has the wrong features can deliver a level of frustration instead of benefit.
Using a spa for therapy?
If you are thinking about a spa for therapy purposes check out where the jets are positioned in relation to your body. A spa with a lounger can help ensure they are aimed correctly while still leaving space for others to sit.
What Is Your Tub For?
“No matter why you want a spa, the first step is to sit in one in the showroom,” says Cathy. “If it doesn’t feel comfortable in the showroom, it won’t at your home either.”
If you are looking for fun and entertainment, a spa is a great place to start. The hot tub can be a natural gathering place whether inside your home, on your deck, or close to the beach.
Take It Easy!
Why A Hot Tub?
There is a lot more to purchasing a hot tub than meets the eye. There is just way more than just how many people it will seat or how many jets it has. Never purchase a spa on a whim, but carefully consider what features you need, she advises. Hydropool spas, not only are designed for fun, but are designed to enhance wellness as well as to improve fitness. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Just Looking For Fun & Entertainment?
Is General Wellness Your Goal?
Heat and gentle agitation can help soothe tired muscles, alleviate arthritic and migraine pain as well as promote sleep.
TM
Want your spa to be perfect for end of the day fun and relaxation? Check out the iCommand smart phone app from Hydropool. It delivers complete wireless control letting you adjust temperature settings before arriving at home or the cottage. This app will allow you to adjust filtration settings as well, but your spa, whether self-cleaning or not, will still need TLC. If you don’t want to look after it yourself, WaveMaker designs custom-tailored maintenance programs to fit every customer’s needs. There are many options to think about as well as which style of spa will provide what you need most to enjoy the most comfortable and relaxing, experience possible Then drop by a dealer to discuss the best possible hot tub/spa that meets your requirements.
P O O L S PA S H OW R O O M
Orillia Showroom 1060 Antonio Ct. | 705-329-1424 | 800-567-0348
Huntsville Showroom 69 King William St. | 705-787-0019 | 866-411-5095
How to stretch your vacation dollar
T
he affordable vacation is becoming more and more rare. Rising fuel costs have made air and automotive travel considerably more expensive, hamstringing many would-be travelers’ budgets before they even begin their search for a hotel or private rental. While vacations may have become more expensive in recent years, that should not prevent men and women from booking trips to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. In fact, there are many ways to stretch your vacation dollar without sacrificing the quality of your getaway. Shake things up with your travel schedule. Flexibility can be your greatest ally with regard to stretching your vacation dollar, so consider traveling on less popular travel days when planning your vacation. For example, instead of booking your vacation to coincide with a typical work week, consider breaking your vacation up over a two-week period, leaving on a Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. Both your outgoing and return flights will likely be less expensive than they would be if you were to travel on a weekend, when flights tend to be more expensive, and you will still get to enjoy a full week’s worth of vacation. Consider booking through a travel website. Many travel websites, including Groupon and LivingSocial, offer travel packages at heavily discounted prices. While some people are understandably skittish about booking trips through such sites, a little research can go a long way toward calming any nerves you might have about booking your trip. Read previous customer reviews of a deal before booking your trip, shying away from deals that fellow travelers felt fell short of their expectations. In addition to gauging reaction from past
customers, do your own homework on the resorts included in each package you’re considering, and then make an educated decision based on your research. Book an escorted vacation. If your vacation is going to be less about relaxing poolside and more along the lines of sightseeing and experiencing a different culture, then an escorted vacation might be your most affordable option. On an escorted vacation, your itinerary is prearranged, and that itinerary likely includes many popular tourist attractions and destinations. Such vacations are typically offered at a set price per person, and that price typically includes the cost of transportation, which can be considerable when traveling abroad. Pack light. Anyone who has traveled by
air over the last decade is likely aware that baggage costs are another thing to consider when establishing a vacation budget. While men and women flying alone might be able to grin and bear it with regard to baggage fees, parents traveling with kids in tow might be forced to shell out hundreds of dollars in baggage fees alone. When packing for a vacation, pack light so you aren’t left paying hefty baggage fees before boarding your outgoing and returning flights. Familiarize yourself with local tipping standards. Tipping standards vary depending on the country, so it pays to research tipping standards before traveling abroad so you aren’t unnecessarily overtipping. Many resorts already include the cost of a tip when billing guests for food and beverage, and some all-inclusive resorts may have already factored staff tips into your bill when determining the cost of your stay. You may tip several hundred dollars over the course of a weeklong stay, and that might be money wasted if your resort has already factored tips into the cost of your stay. Doing your homework might just save you a substantial amount of money. The cost of travel has skyrocketed in recent years. But savvy travelers can still satisfy their wanderlust without breaking the bank.
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FineCasualDining
The Perfect Burger’s Secret Ingredients!
O
ur burgers at Sixteen Front are made of extra lean in house ground beef using the ends and butts of our Certified Angus Tenderloin and Striploin, which make them the best tasting burgers. Our in house secret recipe for our ground beef mixture ratio is: one egg per two pounds of ground beef, half a cup of Panko bread crumbs, a pinch of black pepper, a few squirts of Worcestershire and Tabasco Sauce. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Do not over work the meat. Form burger mixture into 8oz balls then pat into hamburger shape. Trick of the trade is to make sure your fresh burger is firm before barbecuing to ensure the patty does not fall apart while cooking. This is our basic recipe to appeal to the masses, however, you can add your own favourite ingredients such as onions, garlic, smoked paprika, fresh herbs or a mélange of peppercorns. Stuffed burgers are a lot of fun as well. Try stuffing them with your favorite cheese! Always start the BBQ on high heat and sear on both sides to seal in all of the juices, then reduce the heat and cook approximately 3 minutes a side or till the juices run clear. For a smoky tasting burger soak maple or cherry wood chips for an hour in water, wrap them in foil then poke holes in top of foil. Place the foil on the top rack of BBQ and wait till it starts smoking to start cooking burgers. Bonne Cuisine! Executive Chef Marcel Taillefer Chef Heather Richardson
Spiced up Burger 8oz of Ground Beef 2 Onion Rings Smoked and Medium Cheddar Kenyan Coffee BBQ sauce Mango Chipotle Mayo (Mango seasoning mixed with Mayonnaise) Lettuce Tomato Pickles Bretzel Bun For the onion rings use a sweet onion like Vidalia onion. Sliced approximately ½ inch thick. Mix your favourite beer with 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of baking powder. Dip onion rings in batter and fry in veggie oil at 345 degrees Fahrenheit till golden brown. Cook burger, add BBQ sauce and melt cheeses. Add mango chipotle mayo to the bottom and top bun, add burger, onion rings and remaining ingredients.
16 Front Street North, Orillia | 705.326-3135 | www.sixteenfront.com
The Importance of Summer Tire Maintenance
Association, improper alignment causes rapid or uneven tread wear. Tires should be aligned and balanced periodically to avoid irregular wear and having to replace tires prematurely.
Tread pattern
T
ires are the master link between a vehicle and the roadway. Tire quality will have a direct impact on the performance and the safety of a vehicle. As we all know, tire maintenance is very easy to overlook, however it can threaten driver and passenger safety and make a vehicle operate inefficiently. Steering, breaking ability and traction are all governed by good tires. Worn tires can result in longer stopping times, which can make it difficult to stop in emergency situations. Driving tendencies are the primary culprit behind worn tires, or sometimes even bald tires.The following are some common problems that are associated with tires and how to address these issues.
Blowouts
Worn tire treads increase the risk of punctures, which can lead to blowouts. Bald tires also may blowout as a result of friction on roadways that is met with minimal rubber. Getting caught on the side of the road with a tire blowout can be a hassle, so routinely check tire treads and replace tires accordingly.
Tread depth
Average new tires on cars usually start with 10/32 inch to 11/32 inch of original tread depth. When tread reaches a depth of 2/32 inch, they are considered worn out. There are different ways to gauge tread depth. Insert a penny into the tread groove with the Queen’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of her head, it is time to replace the tires. Another coin test is to insert a quarter into the groove. If the tread touches the Queen’s head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread left. Don’t have any currency on hand? Then look at the tread wear indicator bar moulded into the tires. When these bars become flush with the adjacent ribs of the tire, the tires should be replaced.
Alignment
According to the Rubber Manufacturers
Tires feature different tread patterns depending on the brand of tire. They may be directional, asymmetrical, nondirectional, and directional/asymmetrical. When purchasing replacement tires, it is advisable to match the tread pattern to the existing tires. This helps enhance the performance of the car. In fact, some newer cars require tread to match. Mismatched treads may cause problems with transmission shifting or impact control and steadiness.
Tire pressure
Under inflation of tires can cause failure, stress and irregular wear. Under inflated tires also may contribute to loss of control that leads to accidents. Always maintain the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct pressure, which should be adjusted based on the temperature. Tires should undergo the same inspection and maintenance as other parts of the vehicle. Tires are a vital component to safe driving, and routine maintenance can prevent accidents and other problems. Rick Moore Fixed Operations Manager Davenport Subaru of Orillia
“Proud Community Supporter since 1995” 385 West St. S., Orillia Ontario | 705-329-4277 | 888-719-9994 | www.davenportsubaru.com
healthy, happy, balanced life
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Western Trent Is The Number One Choice For Golf Outings & Tournaments
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Y
ou’ll feel the difference at Western Trent because of our “anything-is-possible” attitude and our attention to detail which is anything but ordinary. Family owned and operated, this course includes well-kept greens, pro shop, driving range, licenced patio, docking facilities, beautiful views and facilities for beginners and experienced golfers alike. Escape the city and golf at your home away from home ~ Western Trent Golf Club.
Nine & Dine
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E
veryone knows that texting has officially replaced the telephone as the preferred means of communication today. Kids of almost every age now personally own, or have access to a mobile device. On top of texting, kids are using these devices for gaming, social media such as Facebook and Instagram and an ever-growing list of different applications all readily available for download. As a chiropractor I have noticed an increasing prevalence of neck injuries that has coincided with our increasing reliance on hand-held devices, with young and old alike. Too much screen time at a computer, or too much time on a mobile device is leading to an epidemic becoming known as “text-neck”. Essentially text neck is a tightening/shortening of the muscles and ligaments in the front of the neck, and a stretching and weakening of the muscles in the back of the neck leading to chronic forward head posture. This posture can lead to neck pain, stiffness and tightness across the shoulders and headaches in the short term. However, in the longterm this postural epidemic is leading to more serious health consequences. Let me explain why. When viewed from the side, the cervical spine (neck) has a graceful C-shaped curve when the head is properly positioned over the shoulders. This normal curve helps to dissipate and distribute the forces of gravity running through the discs and joints. When you maintain good neck posture, the discs (cushions) in the front of the neck and joints
in the back age gracefully and don’t show any signs of damage or arthritis until very late in life. However, in forward neck posture, the normal C-shaped curve of the spine straightens and puts an excessive load on the discs between the bones. The result is that the discs and the joints both start to degenerate. Many of the patients that come to our office have already been told that they have osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease but few are aware that the damage is related to the posture and misalignment. The fact that patients are presenting with this problem in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s is very concerning because in a healthy spine that shouldn’t happen until you are 80, 90 or 100. On top of the damage, forward head posture can also stretch the spinal cord that lies inside the spine anywhere from 5-7
centimetres which can lead to all kinds of other health problems. A simple test to determine if you may be at risk of the consequences of forward head posture is to have a friend take a picture of you from the side. The hole in your ear should lie over top of your shoulder. If you are concerned about forward head posture or any other misalignment and how it may be affecting your health, I would encourage you to get checked by a chiropractor in our community. The sooner problems like this are addressed, the easier they are to correct. Through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments and home exercise recommendations, forward head posture, whether it is related to “textneck” or any other kind of stress, is most often correctable. Dr. Tim Silvester DC www.GraceChiropractic.ca
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Healthy Summer Safety Tips
Dress appropriately
Wear a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off your head, ears and face and sunglasses to keep the UV rays from damaging your eyes. Sunglasses also help eliminate squinting and stress on the eyes which can help reduce tension and headaches. Wear light, loose fitting clothing to help protect your skin from UV rays. Material that wicks away moisture could be used to help keep the body cool during outdoor activities.
Wear Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before going out into the sun to ensure it has fully dried. Even covered areas should have sunscreen on them as the sun’s UV rays can pass through clothing. Use a waterproof sunscreen if taking part in activities in the water, or those that cause perspiration. Sunscreen should be reapplied during and after these activities to ensure maximum protection, and should be reapplied throughout the day as well.
Timing of Activities
High intensity activities or workouts should be reserved for first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler and the sun’s rays are not as strong. Leisure activities, or even relaxation, should take place during mid day, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This may also be a good time to spend some time inside, away from the sun and close to your fan or air conditioning.
Hydration
It is extremely important to drink water throughout the day to ensure the body stays hydrated. Be sure to drink water before, (prepare the body for activity) during, (minimize fluid loss), and after (to replace water lost in sweat) activities to maintain an efficient level of performance and an optimal level of health. Try to limit caffeinated beverages, as these are anti-diuretics and will actually increase fluid loss.
Take a Break
Be sure to include lots of breaks in your activities or workouts to ensure you do not over heat. Find some shade or head inside for a few minutes to let the body cool down. Use this time to rehydrate and reapply your sunscreen. Be careful to not over exert yourself in the heat as this could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Listen to your body for any warning signs of something being out of the ordinary and take the necessary break, or first aid if required. Hopefully the tips above will help you get the most out of your summer, while keeping it safe and fun! Patrick Savoury, BKin, CSEP-CPT Orillia Fitness Centre, Georgian College Facebook.com/patonyourbackpersonalfitness
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Relaxation techniques to calm your nerves
S
ince 2007, the American Psychological Association has commissioned an annual nationwide survey to examine the state of stress across the United States and understand its impact. The 2013 survey found that people continue to experience what they feel are unhealthy stress levels, with 42 per cent of adult respondents reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. In addition, 44 per cent of survey respondents feel they aren’t doing enough to manage their stress, painting a potentially troubling future for people who cannot find better and healthier ways to manage their stress. The picture is none the rosier in Canada, where data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey revealed that nearly 23 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older reported that most days were “quite a bit or extremely stressful.” While those figures marked a slight improvement from the previous year’s survey, it’s apparent that stress is still a considerable concern for people throughout both the United States and Canada. Though many people unfortunately regard stress as an inevitable side effect of adulthood, it’s important that men, women and even children avoid characterizing stress as simply a byproduct of a difficult and/or successful life and career. Even momentary stress, often referred to as “acute stress,” like the kind that appears when stuck in a traffic jam, can have a potentially devastating impact on overall health. According to the American Institute of Stress, acute stress causes an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle, and some medical professionals have suggested there is
a link between repeated episodes of acute stress and heart attack. Regular use of relaxation techniques to reduce stress can help to counteract the effects of long-term stress, which the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes can contribute to depression, digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia. While it’s always best for anyone, and especially those people with heart disease, epilepsy, certain psychiatric conditions or a history of abuse or trauma, to consult their health care provider before attempting to address their stress on their own, the following are two popular relaxation techniques that may help relieve stress in a healthy way.
positive mantra that they repeat throughout their session. While many people question the effectiveness of meditation, research has suggested that routine meditation sessions can alter the brain’s neural pathways and make a person more capable of combatting stress.
Yoga
Yoga has grown increasingly popular in recent years, and much of that can be traced to the multitude of health benefits that have been linked to this typically low-impact practice of the mind and body. The NCCAM notes that studies have suggested yoga is effective at lowering heart rate and blood pressure and can even relieve anxiety and depression. Those are beneficial Meditation side effects for sufferers of stress, which over There are many types of meditation, but in general time can contribute to high blood pressure and people who meditate employ certain techniques arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and even cause when meditating. These techniques may include people to worry too much about minor things or maintaining a specific posture or finding a quiet, suspect bad things are about to happen. distraction-free location to meditate. Many practitioners of meditation choose to recite a
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No-bake desserts perfect for summer
I
t is the season for entertaining, when invitations for barbecues and parties abound. Common courtesy dictates guests offer a token of appreciation to their host or hostess for the invitation to socialize. Although wine or other beverages are a go-to gift, a tasty dessert also makes a great gift. And gifters can even consider a no-bake recipe so they don’t have to turn on the oven when the weather warms up. Need inspiration? Browse the Internet and you’re likely to discover dozens of delicious no-bake recipes. Cooking shows on television and articles in newspapers and magazines also can inspire home chefs. Otherwise, you can try your hand at these simple dessert solutions.
Ambrosia salad: Ambrosia is a variation on a traditional fruit salad. While the name references a food enjoyed by Greek deities, most believe the dessert traces its origins to the United States. Although ambrosia salad can have different variations, many recipes begin with a dairy base (pudding, sour cream or yogurt) and then include different canned or fresh fruits, shredded coconut and mini-marshmallows. Ambrosia salad is refreshing on a warm day and takes little time to prepare. Pudding trifle: Trifles are made by layering different ingredients to create a striated design. This dessert may include a variety of ingredients, from cake to cookie crumbs to fruit. Trifles also can be customized to fit a particular party theme. Patriotic parties may feature a trifle made with berries, whipped cream and cubes of vanilla pound cake. Match flavours to cocktails or other food being served. Easy ice cream cake: Packaged ice cream sandwiches can be turned into a tasty and simple dessert. First, purchase a box of ice cream sandwiches, then melt hot fudge and crumble cookies, like Oreos®, into the fudge. Spread the cookie and fudge layer on top of the sandwiches and then repeat the layers. Finish by sealing everything with a thin coating of frozen whipped topping. Wrap in aluminum foil and allow to set and harden in the freezer for a few hours.
Fruit pizza: This is a refreshing and relatively healthy dessert to complement any occasion. Start by making a graham cracker crust, either by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar and pressing into a pie dish or by simply buying one ready-made. (For a less healthy alternative, and one that requires baking, use a sugar cookie dough to make a cookie crust.) Mix whipped cream cheese with a bit of strawberry jam, marmalade or your favourite fruit flavour. Spread over the crust. Place slices of fruit on top of the cream cheese. Peaches, apples, grapes, sliced cherries, kiwi, and blueberries can be used. For a professional-looking finish, a glaze made from cornstarch, water and sugar will give the top of the fruit pizza an inviting sheen. Fresh strawberry yogurt pie: The benefits of eating yogurt abound. Yogurt is lower in fat and calories than ice cream, and yogurt boasts active, live cultures that keep your digestive system working correctly. Yogurt doesn’t just have to be reserved for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it in a delicious dessert, too. Purchase a ready-made chocolate cookie pie crust or make your own from ground chocolate sandwich cookies. Mix together eight to 10 ounces of strawberry Greek yogurt with a small container of thawed frozen whipped topping. Add in slices of fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and freeze until firmly set. Thaw slightly to slice easily and enjoy. No-bake treats make for easily prepared desserts. Experiment with different flavor combinations, and you just may discover a new crowd favorite.
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Foods with healthy reputations
W
ithout a degree in biology or nutrition, it can be difficult to determine just which foods are healthy and which are better left at the grocery store. The list of foods you should and should not eat seems forever subject to new research that tends to debunk once conventional wisdom regarding diet and nutrition. Eggs go from unhealthy to healthy, while the reputation of caffeine seemingly changes with the daily winds. Making sense of old and new data is seldom easy, leaving many people in the dark about which foods are truly healthy. But eating healthy does not have to be a big mystery. The following widely available foods have long been considered healthy, and that reputation does not figure to change anytime soon. Red tomatoes: If you aren’t adding tomatoes to everything you eat, perhaps you should. Estimates suggest the average person eats around 80 pounds of tomatoes per year. Tomatoes are more than just a garnish for salads or sandwiches. In fact, red tomatoes are a healthy fuel for the body that earn their superfood status thanks in large part to lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties. Like other antioxidants, lycopene destroys free radicals in the body that may otherwise damage cells. One eight-ounce serving of red, ripe and raw tomatoes
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is a good source of vitamins A, C and K and a great source of folate and potassium, which can boost the immune system and other functions of the body. Tomatoes also are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Due to their high water content, tomatoes can fill you up, making it less likely that you will overeat. Dark, leafy greens: Spinach, kale and chard contain iron and carotenoids, an antioxidant that protects cells against damaging free radicals. In addition to fibre, which helps you feel full and cleans cholesterol from the blood, leafy g r e e n s also contain abundant amounts of calcium. Calcium is integral in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also is key in regulating the heart’s rhythm, the transmission of nerve impulses and the blood clotting functions in the body. Raw, leafy greens offer more of a nutritive punch than cooked veggies, but both are good to include in a diet. Salmon: Fish is often naturally low in fat and cholesterol, making it a smart choice for those watching their waistlines. But the benefits do not end there. Oily fish like salmon is particularly nutritious because it is packed with omega-3
fatty acids, a group of essential polyunsaturated fats. These fats are considered essential because the body cannot create them, meaning they can only be obtained through food. Scores of benefits are attributed to essential fatty acids, which are believed to improve cognitive abilities, reduce risk of depression, protect against cardiovascular disease and reduce bodily inflammation. Carrots: The carotenoids found in carrots are fat-soluble compounds that reduce the risk for a wide range of cancers and help ease inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Four ounces of carrots per day makes a lowcalorie snack, and this includes all the carotenoids you need. Beta-carotene, also found in sweet potatoes and tomatoes, helps protect skin against sun damage. It may make the skin less sensitive to UV light, helping to protect against premature wrinkling. Carrots also are high in vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight and may help reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Berries: Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are among the most nutritionally dense foods you can eat. Each berry contains a substantial amount of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that improve the body’s antioxidant capability and contribute to brain health. Blueberries, in particular, pack more antioxidants than any other North American fruit. Strive to eat one cup of fresh berries per day.
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Keep track of passwords Many websites require a username and password. Remembering all of your codes can be challenging, but there are a few strategies to make the task managable.
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asswords are more prevalent than ever before. If you want to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you’ll need to know your PIN code. To log in to an email account, you will first need to type your password. Secure shopping sites and social media sites require use of passwords as well. Many sites require that passwords include a combination of letters and numbers, and while passwords full of case changes and funny symbols may be difficult to crack, they also can be just as difficult to remember. Managing the myriad passwords the average person must remember is no small feat. That’s why people routinely turn to familiar passwords. But passwords that are too similar could put men and women in a compromising position that makes them susceptible to consumer fraud and identity theft. Fortunately, consumers can employ many precautionary measures to keep their information out of the wrong hands.
Write them down
Writing passwords down can be risky if the information falls into the wrong hands. When storing passwords written down on paper, keep such information in a safe and secure place. A home safe or lockbox is safer than jotting passwords down on a pad stored on top of your desk.
Password keeper
When visiting a site that requires login information, many operating systems will ask if you want the password information to be remembered automatically in the system’s hard drive. If you routinely use one computer to access password-protected sites, having the passwords saved can be advantageous. But keep in mind that you will likely be prompted for your password on such devices if you attempt to login from another computer or mobile device. It is not the site that saves the password, but the computer you are using.
Password apps
A variety of password saving apps have sprung up to keep passwords safe and organized. Some are offered as free downloads, others require monthly or yearly subscription fees. These apps keep login information secure in one place. Many password apps are paired with security alert services, which will notify you if there is a suspected hack or breach of information. These alerts let you know if your password security has been compromised so that you can take fast action. Technology has forced individuals to make all types of changes to their daily lives. As the world relies more and more on technology as a method of communicating and managing the tasks of everyday life, remembering passwords has become all the more important.
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S
unglasses are widely considered a wardrobe essential, along with shoes and handbags, but it’s easy to forget they also serve a more important purpose, to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. “UV rays have a cumulative effect over time and can lead to serious eye diseases that don’t always have a cure. This is why the best line of defence is prevention through quality sunglasses that block these rays,” says Dr. Keith Gordon, vice president of research and service quality at the CNIB. “UV rays can be present even on cloudy days or in the winter, so it’s important to wear sunglasses all year round.” When it comes to choosing the right pair of shades, the CNIB recommends looking for ones with at least 99 per cent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging. Increased risk results from greater exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays as the protective layer of ozone around the earth becomes thinner
due to effects from pollution and chemicals. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and harms its DNA. In the short term, sunburns and suntans result. Repeated exposure over years may result in wrinkles and cancer.
Prevention
Wear a hat with a wide brim. Many skin cancers happen on the face and neck. Hats like baseball caps don’t provide enough protection. Put sunscreen on ears, chin and neck even when wearing a hat. Wear sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet radiation. Eyes have no built-in defence against the sun and, damage from UV rays, can lead to cataracts. Choose sunglasses with even shading, medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint) with UVA and UVB protection. Use sunscreen. it should have a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, SPF 30 for those who work outdoors. Karen Kristoff www.sunscreenclothing.com
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EYES ON HEALTH
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What your eyes can tell doctors
Certain medical conditions can be detected early during routine eye examinations.
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eople who have been putting off eye examinations may want to call their opthalmologists to schedule an appointment. That’s because vision checkups can do more than protect your eyes. By examining the eyes, doctors may have a window into health problems affecting other areas of the body. Researchers recently discovered a link between detected retinal amyloid plaques and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While evidence was found in lab mice, autopsies of at least eight Alzheimer’s disease patients have also shown amyloid plaques, which are known to interfere with memory and other mental functions, present in the retinas. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., are gearing up for larger studies of humans to determine if an Alzheimer’s imaging technique can be perfected. Dementia is not the only thing that doctors may be able to detect through an eye exam. Jaundice in the whites of the eyes may indicate liver disease, and early warning signs of diabetes may be detectable in the eyes. The American Academy of Opthalmology says the eye is the only place where doctors can see veins, arteries and a nerve without surgery, and eye examinations are increasingly being relied on to gauge overall health. The following are a few additional conditions that may be detected through the eyes.
Cancer
Some cancer metastases can be detected during an eye exam. The presence of a bump or brown spot on the eyelid also may be indicative of skin cancer. Many malignant eyelid tumors are basal-cell carcinoma. If the spot is brown, it’s more likely to be malignant melanoma.
Thyroid issues
Allergies
Patients may be referred to an allergy specialist if they exhibit dark under-eye circles. While this can be a sign of aging, dark circles, sometimes referred to as “allergic shiners,” also may indicate certain allergies. When clogged sinuses cause a blockage of blood flow in the nasal passages around the eye, darkness may result. This symptom in conjunction with persistent nasal congestion could be a sure sign of allergies.
High cholesterol
The presence of bumpy, yellowish patches on the eyelid, known as xanthelasma palpebra, is a warning sign of high cholesterol, which is often initially diagnosed during a routine eye exam.
When the outer one-third of the brow (the part closest to the ear) begins to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are essential to hair production. Hair loss may occur elsewhere, but is much more visible in the brows.
Clogged arteries
Blockages in the smaller veins in the retina may indicate clogs caused by arterial plaque. This will show up as a retinal occlusion in a visual exam. If blood vessels in the eyes are blocked, clogged arteries may be present elsewhere in the body, so a cardiology workup may be ordered.
Bell’s palsy
The inability to close one eye or to control tear production in that eye may be a sign of Bell’s palsy. This is a condition of the nervous system that controls facial muscles, causing temporary paralysis in one side of the face. Sometimes Bell’s palsy follows a viral or bacterial infection.
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Save time
with fast meals
W
arm weather provides a great opportunity to slow down and savour time spent having fun in the great outdoors. But time spent away from home often leads to meals made on the fly or last-minute jaunts to a nearby fast-food restaurant. Though last minute meals or trips to the local burger joint might be convenient, they are not always healthy. Fortunately, there are other ways to eat well even when you’re pressed for time. Choose fast cooking foods. Stock the pantry with items that will cook quickly. Fresh produce can be steamed or grilled in only a few minutes and served alone as a vegetarian meal or mixed with other foods for a quick entree. Seafood tends to cook quite fast, and many seafood dishes make for a low-fat source of healthy protein and essential fatty acids. Seafood also is lighter on the stomach, which fits well with the smaller meals people tend to enjoy during warm weather. Even foods that take a long time to cook can be prepared quickly. Thick cuts of meat or poultry can be fileted or sliced to allow them to cook faster. Cook with high heat. Instead of slowroasting or plugging in the slow cooker for hours on end, instant meal gratification often means cranking up the heat. That is why grilling is such a popular cooking method this time of year. Grilling will sear meats and vegetables over high heat, sometimes as much as 400 to 500 F, cooking foods
Employ various techniques to cut down on the time it takes to prepare and cook a meal. rapidly as a result. Select meats that do well over high heat, such as those that are tender, because they will not require long cooking periods to break down the fibers in the meat. If grilling is not an option, then stir-frying is another way to cook fast over high heat. Invest in a wok or another deep frying pan for such meals. Have prepared items on standby. Keep the refrigerator stocked with already-washed vegetables and lettuce. Par-boiled potatoes or pasta can be mixed in with a number of different ingredients to create a filling meal. When free time allows, develop a plan so meals take less time to prepare. If frozen items must be defrosted, make sure to put them in the refrigerator the day before they will be cooked to begin the thawing period. Otherwise, use a microwave to safely defrost foods rather than leaving them out on the counter where bacteria can grow. Don’t fret a no-fuss night. Not every meal has to be a three-course delight. A fast dinner could equate to a sandwich or salad. Breakfast foods for dinner are also quite popular and can cook up quickly. Surprise everyone with French toast or pancakes made savory with bits of bacon and spinach in the
batter. When all else fails, a bowl of cereal can be adequate and fast. When dining out, go healthy. Sometimes takeout or a meal out with friends or family is the perfect ending to a great day. Restaurant food tends to pack more fat and calories into larger-than-normal portion sizes, so choose steamed or broiled foods whenever possible. Divide larger portions among other diners. Clear soups are better for you than creambased soups. Try to fill up on vegetables rather than bread served before the meal.
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