Food & HealthFood & Health (77)
On Sharon.com, you will find healthy recipes, food news and the latest buzz in health and wellness.
Starting the week off on a healthy note is the best way to tackle a busy, and often stressful work week. While eating healthy is key, there are many factors that can tap into feeling great or not. Check out some of our tips to make sure that you have the best possible week all the time.
1. Eat well: As we mentioned, eating well is crucial to feeling great. Start with a balanced breakfast that includes wholesome foods. Sorry, coffee alone is not going to cut it. Think of proteins such as eggs and whole yogurt topped with fruit and low-sugar granola. The key is less sugar so that you avoid a crash mid afternoon.
2. Get sufficient rest: The key to feeling great is to get sufficient rest. This means going to bed the same time every day and waking up the same time. This can be especially hard on the weekend but establishing your personal body clock will keep you on track to feeling great.
3. Put the screens down: As hard as it may be, putting your phone down is critical to your health. This means taking breaks from looking at your social channels, and even your computer screen at work.
4. Mediate: We all say that we don't have time, but sometimes only 5 minutes of inner rest can help you to channel your mind. Start by sitting criss-crossed and close your eyes as you channel out the world.
5. Exercise: Daily exercise is a great way to start your day as you focus on tuning into your mind and body.
Special occasions are a wonderful way to celebrate the good things in life, while also enjoying the company of your family and friends. They also usually involve a lot of food that typically involves dessert! From healthy to not-so great treats, here are a few of our favorites.
Getting contacts is an exciting part of a person's life. It also requires that you take care of your new lenses by cleaning them and keeping them in the best condition. From some of our favorite solutions to the best ways to make your contacts last, here is how you can take care of your new lenses.
Are you ready for some football? WE know we are and regardless of what team you are routing for you, one thing is for sure: your guests are going to what to eat! From traditional favorites to some new twists on classic recipes, here are some of our favorite foods to serve on game day.
1. Potato skins: A classic dish at most Super Bowl parties, these are delicious when they are stuffed with bacon bites and cheese. Top them with sour cream for the ultimate potato skin.
2. Chips and guacamole: Make a heaping portion of guacamole with avocados, limes, lemons, tomatoes, salt and pepper. And don't forget your favorite tortilla chip!
3. Chicken fingers: Serve up some breaded chicken fingers with some mustard and ketchup on the side. This is also a great idea to have on-hand if kids are going to be at your party.
4. Wings: Another classic Super Bowl food, be sure to have a selection of mild and spicy wings that are sure to be a hit. We will also need tons of wet wipes and napkins for this one.
5. Mini burgers: Create a burger bar where you guests can add on their own toppings such as cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. Another nice touch is to have a selection of buns ready to go for a delicious appetizer.
6. Nachos: Prepare loaded nachos at your party with tons of cheese, beans, peppers, onions, salsa, and olives.
7. Pigs in a blanket: A favorite for entertaining, prepare a breaded treat with mini hotdogs. Make sure to have a variety of condiments for dipping.
8. Stuffed mushrooms: Make a platter of mushrooms and fill them with garlic, cheese and bread crumbs. Bake them and have them ready on a platter for your guests to enjoy.
9. Cheesy bread: Serve up a loaf of Italian bread that is covered in cheese.
10. Grilled cheese sandwiches: Make a mini grilled cheese bar featuring a variety of different cheeses and breads.
11. Cheese and crackers: A simple dish to serve, display a variety of cheeses and crackers as a nice appetizer for when your kids arrive.
12: Beer: Technically not a food, no Super Bowl party would be complete without beer. Make that you have a variety, including beers from the states that are in the Super Bowl.
13. Chili: Make a hearty chili for game day complete with beans, meat, peppers, tomatoes, chili pepper, onions, and carrots. We suggest topping it with cheese and sour cheese for the ultimate meal-in-a-bowl.
We work hard and play hard. For some people, the only time to 'play' is on the weekend where they overindulge in drinking and fatty foods. We think the weekend is actually a great time to recharge, get more sleep and have fun with friends or by enjoying some of your favorite hobbies. Here are some of our favorite ways to have a healthy weekend.
1. Sleep in, but not that much: We are all used to an alarm clock jolting us out of bed during the week. While we don't you think you have to wake up at 6am (or earlier), you should stick to the time you usually wake up. Your body is used this pattern and it will be way harder to wake up on Monday if you are staying up late over the weekend.
2. Get a workout in: It can be challenging to work out during the week. Use the weekend as a time to meet fitness goals where you get a run in, go to yoga, or take a new fitness class.
3. Go to brunch, but keep it healthy: We love brunch but those meals are often pretty hearty and caloric. Stick with salad, eggs, avocado toast, fruit, and whole grain toast and enjoy your leisurely meal with friends.
4. Go outside: This is especially important if you work in an office all day. Take a walk, go to the park and explore your town.
5. Relaxation: Make sure you fit in time for relaxation where you enjoy time alone. This can be a great way to 'check in' with yourself by practicing yoga, reading, or simply taking a rest.
We all have the best intentions when it comes to healthy eating. However, our busy and hectic lives sometimes make it challenging to pick the most healthy meals. To get you through the day, we suggest noshing on a nutritious and healthy lunch. One of our favorites is salad, but even that can get boring if you eat the same old combination day-after-day. Check out our new recipe for an incredible salad that we are sure will mix up your regular routine.
Healthy Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup of kale
1 cup of mixed greens
1 baked sweet potato
1/2 cup snap peas, cut up
1 cup of brussels sprouts, cut up
1 cup of pomegranates
1/2 avocado, cut up
cheese of your choice
1 cup of nuts (sunflower seeds, almonds, etc)
Simple dressing of olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients together and add in the simple dressing. Simple, easy, and delicious!
Most people wake up with a 'Cup of Joe' by their side. This java wakes us all up quickly and powers us through the morning. But then it happens: the crash, the jitters, until you have your next cup. Coffee can be wonderful but it is also insanely addictive. For a healthy and more satisfying way to wake up, we think you should try to start it without crazy. We know that it might sound crazy, but here are some more ways that you can wake up refreshed.
Going green is a great way to do your part to help the environment. However, it might seem daunting to figure out exactly what to do and how to start. Featuring a collection of big and small ideas, we hope you find just one thing on this list to change the way you live.
We have been lucky this winter with unseasonably warm temps. Unfortunately that is all about to change when areas in the east coast gets hit with a big storm. While people are stocking up at the grocery store, they might not be getting the right items to really get through a storm. Here are some essentials that you will need to get through it.
1. Food: Of course, you will need to get through a storm. But many people buy too much or not the right foods. We suggest stocking up on tons of water, canned goods, and a variety of fresh fruits/veggies in case you are stuck inside for a few days. Also, don't forget about the pets in case of an emergency and be sure to have sufficient food for them as well.
2. Batteries: In the chance of a storm, you might lose your lights. Make sure that you have batteries and a working flashlight in case that happens.
3. First-aid kit: Make sure that you have a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes band-aids, medicines, and ointments.
4. Sanitation items: During a storm, be sure that you have sufficient trash bags.
5. Consider alternative heating: If your heater goes out, be sure that you have wood for a fireplace (if you have one). Also, have space heaters and tons of blankets and warm clothes.
6. Supplies for the snow: Some storms aren't as bad as they are estimated to be. Make sure that you have salt, shovels, sand, etc, so that you can clean your car and be able to get out of your house.
image via unsplash
Did you know that February is National Snack Month? We love our snacks so we thought it was fitting to share some of our favorites to not only enjoy in February but throughout the year.
