10 Yummy Foods That Boost Your Mood

We view food as a source of energy, and sometimes when what we eat tastes particularly delicious – a source of guilty pleasure. But we rarely see a connection between the food we eat and the mood we are in throughout the day.

Yet if you think about it whenever we feel bored, sad, heartbroken or stressed out we automatically head to the kitchen in search of a tub of ice-cream or a bag of potato chips, instead of turning for comfort to foods that can actually help to boost our mood, improve our motivation and noticeably increase our energy (and I am not talking about coffee or ‘Red Bull’ here).

If lately you have been a little cranky, spacey and quick to snap at friends, co-workers and your family members, a better eating plan may be just the thing you need to restore balance in your personal and professional life.

Below are the Top 10 Foods that will help you to do just that:

1. Bananas

With so many exotic fruits on the market, good ol’ bananas are often overlooked and undervalued. However, by all definitions a banana is one of the super fruits that can help you cope with stress, feel happier and noticeably improve your mood. Bananas and the potassium they contain not only keep blood pressure in check, but also help to improve memory and brain power. So instead of grabbing a chocolate chip cookie to relax, savor the deliciousness of golden bananas.

2. Sweet potatoes

Scientists believe that high-fiber, carbohydrate-rich foods have the ability to slow down the absorption of sugar in your blood and therefore, keep energy levels stable throughout the day and lessen mood swings. Baked sweet potatoes are a great example of comfort food that is both delicious and healthy.

3. Walnuts

There is no better way to feed your inner Einstein than popping a few Walnuts in your mouth. Besides their wrinkled, brain-like appearance (which makes them fit the description of “brain food” perfectly) they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their mood-lifting qualities. Other foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, salmon, tuna and leafy green veggies.

4. Blueberries

For those of us, who are accustomed to associating healthy foods with spinach and kale and unhealthy ones with yummy ice-cream and cup cakes, blueberries come as a pleasant surprise. After all it is not every day that you find something that is delicious, low-calorie and beneficial at the same time! Besides lifting you mood, blueberries contain antioxidants and vitamins that are known to preserve vision, promote brain health and even prevent some types of cancer.

5. Chocolate

There are numerous articles online, claiming that chocolate helps to improve our mood. As much as I would like this to be true, I have to be honest with you – the results of a vast amount of research suggest that the mood improvement effects caused by eating chocolate are very short-lived (not more than 3 minutes). And when it is consumed to alleviate stress, depression or boredom, the temporary relief is soon followed by a mood drop. Oh well…

For a sweet-tooth like me, chocolate will still remain a virtual mood booster, as just thinking about something chocolaty lightens up my spirits.

6. Black and Green Tea

Who would guess that the old English tradition of having five o’clock tea is so beneficial? A substance contained in black and green tea, called Theanine has a tranquilizing effect on the brain helping us to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition skills and lift our spirits (by triggering production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine). Therefore, the next time you need an energy and positivity boost, instead of ordering a double shot of espresso, go for a cup of a fragrant green tea concoction!

7. Whole Grains

The reason why so many of us crave potato chips or cup cakes whenever we feel stressed out is because they contain carbs that help us to absorb Tryptophan (the amino acid that triggers the manufacture of serotonin). The problem is that not all carbohydrates are the same. Simple carbs contained in cakes, pies, crackers and other snack-junk food provoke big spikes in insulin production, quickly turning the feel-good vibes into even more grumpiness and irritation.

If you want to keep your optimism and energy over a long period of time while coping with stress better, you need to incorporate more complex carbs in your diet like whole-wheat grains and beans. So no chocolate chip cookies and French fries!

8. Milk

Have you ever heard the word tryptophan? This is an amino acid responsible for making us feel sleepy after a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Now we can not always cook turkey or a chicken breast to relax after a long hard day at work, but we can always grab a glass of warm milk, add some spices like nutmeg and cloves to it and feel peace and tranquility wash through our body.

9. Broccoli

If you find yourself susceptible to bad moods and crankiness, then it may be because you are not eating enough foods that contain folic acid. In addition to battling against cancer and heart disease, folic acid is also very helpful for lowering stress levels and preventing irritability. Still unconvinced? What if I told you told that folic acid deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world? It kind of makes you wonder about how many arguments could have been avoided if we had just eaten more broccoli? Other foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, avocado, chickpeas and oranges.

10. Spinach

As children we used to watch “Popeye the Sailor Man” eating spinach and recharging his superhuman strength. Nowadays there is plenty of scientific basis to consider spinach a “power food”. Filled with nutrients and minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium it helps to regain a positive outlook on life, fight the feeling of fatigue and decrease levels of stress and anxiety. Not bad for a little vegetable, don’t you think?

Article Source: arinanikitina

4 Best tips for choosing family restaurants

When we choose a restaurant for dinner, we take in some simple considerations: Location - how close is it to the house? Service – are severs attentive to your needs? Food quality – are the portions adequate and is the food good? Ambiance – was the room clean and visually appealing? Each of these factors will determine the quality of dining experience and if we, will return. Therefore, it is imperative that a first-time customer have the best dinning experience to assure their return. We need to understand that customers come in with an open mind; that they have never experienced this restaurant’s environment, service or food.

Good restaurants will take advantage of this every time. If you go to a four-star restaurant, the Matre De or host will ask if you have dined with them before? If you say no, they will politely explain house specialties, traditions, and special events that are going on that evening. This insures the customer will understand the dinning environment and be able to experience the ambiance.

As an entertainer, we can help a restaurant achieve this experience by providing an enjoyable atmosphere so customers will remember the fun they had and overlook the poor service or lukewarm meal. A comical magician rooming the lobby of a crowded restaurant can make customers forget that they have been waiting over an hour for a seat. Moms and dads can enjoy a nice peaceful dinner as the kids play with their new balloon animals. A family gathering will turn in to one big party as the clown interacts with aunts, uncles and cousins.

If your first experience at a restaurant is bad, the likelihood of you returning is slim. Most individuals are very critical of a restaurant on the first visit. So as an entertainer, we need to provide the customer with an exceptionally good time. If the parents enjoy the meal and the kids have fun, you can be positive the family will return. Kids can dictate which restaurant a parent visits. McDonald’s has learned that giving a toy in a kid’s meal the child will want to return to the restaurant. My neighbor’s child likes going to the Sunday pancake house because he receives a helium balloon every weekend. The parents like it because the food is good. Smart restaurant owners understand kids control the family dinning experience and provide special kids meals, coloring material or games at a table.

At family restaurant you first preferred the atmosphere, All you are seeking for the place where you can have your meal with a great deal.

A Guide to Fine Dining – Tips for Elegant Eating

Dining out with that special someone? Taking co-workers or prospective clients out to a fine dining restaurant? Make sure you mind your manners and make a good impression with these tips.

Keep your Reservations: Fine dining restaurants usually require reservations. To be sure they can accommodate you and your party makes a reservation well in advance. If the amount of people change or the your unable to attend dinner during your reservation time, make sure you call and let them know. It’s common curiosity to tell the restaurant that you no longer are going to be dining there and it’s a a must if you frequent the restaurant or want to make future reservations. Dress appropriately: call ahead to find out what dress requirements the restaurant has. Some finer dining establishments have very strict dress codes and may require you to wear certain attire to eat in the restaurant. Don’t cause embarrassment by showing up unprepared; this will only cause you, your guests, and the restaurant great inconvenience. Understanding the Menu: Often times at fine dining establishments, entrees can be in languages you’re unable to read let alone say. While it may seem embarrassing to have to ask what a menu item is, don’t assume you’re the only one who has done it. Asking your server will help you choose something you will enjoy and something that will be worth the money you put towards it. If you’ve asked a few questions and still aren’t sure what you want off the menu, ask your sever about the feature entr?e or the chef’s signature dish. Chances are the chef’s signature dish is going to be great, so as long as it’s something you think you can eat then try going with that. Mind Your Manners: Manners a must at a fine dining restaurant. Be sure to practice chivalry when women are present, this means getting up when they excuse themselves, or pulling out their chairs when they return to the table. It’s also important to practice when receiving your food. Place your napkin across your lap before you eat and when you do get your meal be polite and don’t just dig in. Even if you’re starving and haven’t had anything to eat in days, don’t dive into your meal the minute the server places it in front of you. It’s customary and polite to wait for everyone in your party to receive your food before their meal. Wine: Unless you’re a very experienced wine connoisseur, chances are the wine list at a fine dining restaurant can be a little daunting. If you’re not sure what wine to choose, ask your server for suggestions. Your server or another member of the restaurant staff should have a decent understanding of wine and should be able to guide you in the right direction. If the staff seems less than helpful, choose something that you are familiar with. It may be a good idea to read up on your wines before going dining out. This way you can have a few backup wines in mind. Tipping: A tip is an essential part of your dining experience and should act as a reflection of the service you have had. The average amount for a tip is between 15 and 20 percent of your total bill. If you had superb service and want to show your server you appreciate them give him or her little extra. If your service was less than subpar it’s okay to tip less, but unless your service was absolutely awful it’s generally not a good idea to not tip at all. Make sure you tip the server based on his or her service.

Article Source: kashish restaurant

Top 10 Best Milkshake Recipes

Is there any drink more fun and refreshing than an ice cold milkshake? I don't think so. Milkshakes are a part of American food culture and have spread all over the world. Here's my list of the best milkshake recipe you can find anywhere.

Classic Vanilla Milkshake Made with vanilla ice cream and vanilla extract. The original plain milkshake is still a crowd pleasing favorite. Adding a maraschino cherry on top makes it a little more special.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Milkshake Made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream (depends on how intense you want the chocolate flavor), milk and chocolate syrup. This is always the second most favorite milkshake flavor. It's so easy to make and delicious to drink!

I Love Strawberries Milkshake Made with strawberry ice cream, milk, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Yum! Makes me ravenous for one just thinking about it.

Purple Cow Milkshake Made with grape juice, banana and milk. Purple cows are cool (and very rare). This milkshake is a real treat for kids and kids at heart.

Chunky Monkey Milkshake Made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, banana and instant coffee. This milkshake may cause you to spontaneously get up and do the chunky monkey dance.

Cherry Vanilla Milkshake Made with vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, milk and chocolate syrup. A chocolate covered cherry in your glass.

Shamrock Milkshake Made with vanilla ice cream, low fat milk, mint extract and green food coloring. Pretty simple milkshake that you can enjoy at home, even though a certain well-known burger place doesn't make them any more.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake Made with creamy peanut butter, milk and chocolate syrup. A nice alternative to a peanut butter sandwich.

Caramel Latte Milkshake Made with coffee ice cream, milk and caramel syrup. Just as good or better than any drink at your local coffee or donut shop, plus, you can make this at home anytime you're in the mood to treat yourself with something extra special.

Whoppers Malt Milkshake Made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate malt syrup and whipped topping. This is the easiest way to make a milkshake that has that old fashioned malt taste.

Article Source: article snatch

The Most Popular Types of Tea

There are many kinds of tea. The most common are black, green, white, pu-erh (red) and oolung (blue) tea. These are the basic information you should know about each of them.

Black

It is well-known tea - undergone a process of full fermentation. The brew may have a dark intensive color, but more often is vivid reddish. Black teas come from the many Indian, Chinese and African plantations. The most aromatic tea comes from the Darjeeling district in northern India. Known and appreciated are also teas from Assam and Ceylon. Black tea can be sold in the form of leaves, broken leaves, powder and dust. Manufacturers often enrich leaves with fruit pieces, nuts, chocolate, vanilla, caramel or rum. These colorful mixtures have lovely smell and great taste.

Green

Green tea comes from the same plant as black. The only difference is that the green tea has not been undergone a process of fermentation. Freshly harvested leaves are subjected to evaporation, drying and curling. In many regions, high-quality green tea is produced with a classic ancient method of doing all the things manually. The taste of green tea is more bitter than black and the brew has a lighter, lemon yellow color. It is highly appreciated thanks to numerous health properties. Infusion of green tea is rich in vitamins C, E, B, minerals and tannins. Increasingly popular are becoming flavored green teas with addition of flowers or fruits.

White

Tea produced on a small-scale mainly in China. White tea harvest takes place in early spring when the plant wakes up from hibernation. During the production process it is subjected only to a wilting and drying. Chinese teas are considered as a delicacy among teas. The white teas tend to be enriched with fruit flavors.
 
Pu-erh

Red tea of Chinese emperors from the province of Yunnan is famous for its health properties. It reduces body fat, regulates cholesterol level and supports digestion, hence known primarily as a "slimming tea". Gives a dark brown, "dense" infusion of earthy flavor.
 
Oolung

Oolong tea, known also as blue is a half-fermented tea being produced in China and Taiwan (Formosa). The Formosa ones are fermented a little longer, hence their brew is a bit darker than the Chinese.

Source: Ezine Articles

Great Ideas For A Weekend Brunch

 
Nothing is more relaxing or enjoyable than a delicious weekend brunch. Whether you are eating out or at home, having brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate the weekend, appreciate great food and enjoy the company of friends.

The word brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, and is eaten mid morning, usually between 10 and 11 am. It has become fashionable during the last few years among those who work during the week and like to sleep late on Saturday or Sunday. For some families and couples, it is a regular weekly event while others often arrange to meet friends at this time. It is not uncommon for some people to spend 2 or 3 hours over brunch, and it provides a great opportunity to socialise and catch up after a busy week. There are many cafes and restaurants which cater for this market, although some people prefer to have it at home.

Brunches tend to be quite substantial as the meal usually replaces both breakfast and lunch. Calorie content is not generally a high priority, but there are lighter choices for those who are watching their weight.

Typical breakfast dishes are very popular, including cereals, porridge and muesli. A full English breakfast, complete with eggs, toast, bacon, sausages, hash browns and tomatoes is also a common favourite. Egg lovers are well catered for with dishes such as the deliciously calorie laden eggs benedict. Omelets, poached or scrambled eggs are healthier and equally appetising alternatives.

Those with a sweet tooth are also well catered for. Pancakes or crepes with toppings such as maple syrup, blueberries or lemon juice with sugar are a traditional favourite. Other sweet items include waffles and pastries such as croissants or brioches.

Bagels have also become very fashionable lately. There are numerous varieties including those topped with poppy, sesame or pumpkin seeds or made with cinnamon and raisins. They are usually served with cream cheese and other fillings such as honey, jam or smoked salmon.

Of course, no good brunch is complete without the appropriate beverage. Juice, hot chocolate, tea and herbal tea are all popular options, but for most people, the drink of choice is coffee. The coffee should be freshly brewed, very strong and have a distinctive aroma which stimulates the appetite. Special occasions can also be celebrated by drinking champagne or sparkling wine.

After the meal has finished, it is common to spend the rest of the day relaxing or doing some light activity to work off the food. If the weather is good, a leisurely walk is a popular choice. Many people find this time essential for recharging their batteries before the working week resumes.

Source: Ezine Articles

Food As Gifts

At any occasion, one can always get away with giving food as a gift. The only big obstacle about this gift is making the difficult choice about which food to give.

What you need to keep in mind is that there are a lot of foods that will make good gifts. So, you just need to decide according to a few considerations as enumerated below.

The first consideration that you will have is your budget. If you can afford to give gifts that are considered exotic or unique, it can be a good idea to do so. But, it doesn't really have to be expensive just to be special. You may consider giving a favorite food. This will even be more special if you can cook it yourself and add a personal touch.

The types of foods will be taken account as they will depend on the food preferences of the person who will receive the gift. You can give a main dish made from a specific type of product. For those who have sweet tooth, desserts and other sweet items can be good ideas.

The occasion can also be a consideration. During the Christmas holidays, the most common gifts will be those that are related to the season. But, frankly speaking, they can be too dated. Refrain from giving fruit cakes as they can be the most common food given during these times. For a change, you can consider giving healthy foods as what we mostly practice, Christmas is the time for guilt foods. During Valentines, as another example, sweets will be the most common. You may do away with these but the food that you will give may be unrelated to the season. So, to still get away with giving sweet food products, give them your own personal touch.

If the person has a health issue, you may want to take note of that. Your gift may only be put to waste if the one you are giving it to will not be able to eat, or even just taste it. If you are not sure about what healthy option to give, you may do a little research on what will be considered safe foods. If you can't, try a generally healthy alternative. These will usually include fruits and vegetables. Meat products may also be considered. Keep it near hypoallergenic foods as well.

For those who are still tied up with the food they will give, you can try and give a basket of different sorts of foods. This way, you are sure that you will be able to give at least one item that can be useful to the recipient of your gift.

Of course, aside from purely food gifts, you can consider giving utensils and kitchenware. This is especially for moms or simply for those individuals who love to cook. Appliances will also be well appreciated.

To make sure that your gift is extra special, wrap them up in something great as well. Include a nice looking ribbon to finalize the package.

Source: Ezine Article