Healthy Food Archives - Mamas Like Me

Creative Cake Decorating Ideas For Any Occasion

The canvas of a baker is often a smooth layer of fondant or a freshly baked cake, just waiting to be adorned. In the world of baking, there’s an endless spectrum of creativity to explore, with each cake being a reflection of the baker’s unique style and the celebration’s essence.

1. The Ombre Effect

Ombre isn’t just a trend in fashion and hair color. It has made its mark in the world of cake decorating, too! Start with a deep hue at the base and gradually transition to a lighter shade as you move up. This gradient effect is visually appealing and works well for birthdays, anniversaries, and even casual get-togethers.

The beauty of the ombre effect lies in its versatility. It can be as subtle or as vibrant as you like. For instance, a sunset-themed cake can start with a deep purple base, transitioning to fiery orange and finally mellowing to a soft yellow at the top. The technique is also not limited to colors; you can experiment with flavors, like a chocolate-to-vanilla gradient cake.

2. Edible Gold Leaf Glamour

Add a touch of luxury to your cakes by delicately placing edible gold leaves. It gives an opulent finish, making your cake fit for grand celebrations like weddings or milestone birthdays.

When working with gold leaf, patience is key. Using dry, clean hands or tweezers, gently lift and place the leaf onto the desired area. For added drama, pair the gold with deep colors like burgundy or royal blue, which will make the gold pop even more.

3. Floral Fantasy

From intricate sugar flowers to real edible blooms, floral decorations never go out of style. Incorporate seasonal flowers for a fresh touch, or craft roses, lilies, and daisies from fondant or gum paste for a timeless appeal.

For those looking for a rustic touch, consider adding sprigs of herbs like rosemary or thyme. Not only do they look picturesque, but they can also infuse subtle flavors into the cake. Always ensure any real flowers or herbs used are pesticide-free and safe for consumption.

4. Playful Patterns

Geometric patterns, stripes, polka dots, or even abstract designs can make your cake stand out. Using tools or everyday items, you can imprint patterns or paint them onto the cake. Creativity knows no bounds, especially for special occasions!

Fondant smoothers, cookie cutters, or even the base of a glass can be used to create interesting patterns. For those wanting a hand-painted effect, edible food colors mixed with a touch of vodka or lemon extract can be used as “paint” on fondant surfaces.

5. Lace Elegance

Capture the delicate beauty of lace by either imprinting a lace pattern onto your fondant-covered cake or by using edible lace. It adds a touch of vintage charm and is perfect for bridal showers or elegant tea parties.

To get a realistic lace effect, you can use silicone lace mats, which are available in various patterns. Simply spread a lace paste over the mat, allow it to set, and gently peel off the edible lace to adorn your cake.

6. Nautical Notes

For those who love the sea, why not incorporate nautical themes? Think of anchors, ropes, and navy-blue stripes. That said, by using Medina Baking and Powder Products, you can achieve the perfect shade of marine blue or create wave-like textures, bringing the oceanic vibe right to your celebration.

Consider adding edible sea-themed embellishments like fondant seashells, starfish, or even a mermaid tail popping out of the top. To complement the nautical colors, flavors like salted caramel or blueberry can enhance the sea-themed experience.

7. Whimsical Watercolors

Painting on cakes is an art form in itself. Using food colors, create watercolor effects that resemble dreamy skies, galaxies, or simply abstract splashes of color. This technique is versatile and suits almost any occasion.

The soft, blended appearance of watercolors makes cakes look effortlessly elegant. A pro tip: Start with a white fondant base and dilute your chosen food colors to achieve a translucent effect. Using soft brushes, layer different shades, allowing each layer to dry slightly before adding the next for a true watercolor effect.

8. Dripping Delights

A tasty cake for a baby shower party is on the table.

The drip cake trend is here to stay. Whether it’s a rich chocolate ganache dripping down a cake or a vibrant colored glaze, this style adds a playful and delicious touch.

To achieve the perfect drip, consistency is key. Your ganache or glaze shouldn’t be too thick or too runny. After covering your cake with frosting, pour the drip mixture on the center of the cake and gently spread it out, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides. You can also use a squeeze bottle for better control.

9. 3D Sculpted Masterpieces

Move beyond traditional round or square cakes and venture into the realm of 3D sculpted cakes. From handbags to animals or even intricate cities, sculpted cakes make a bold statement.

Crafting a 3D cake requires structural planning. Ensure your base cake layers are sturdy, like pound cake or mud cake. Use dowels or cake boards for support in taller structures. And most importantly, be patient and give yourself plenty of time to craft, carve, and decorate your masterpiece.

Conclusion: A Slice of Artistry

Each cake is a narrative, a tale of celebration, love, and joy. Bakers and decorators get the privilege to shape these stories, making moments memorable. So, whether you’re celebrating a simple day or a grand occasion, let your cake tell the story, adorned in creativity and flavor. After all, every festivity deserves a slice of artistry!

How to Start Your Own Food and Recipe Website

Are you planning to create a food and recipe website? Whether you own a blog that reviews local restaurants or shares your recipes, a WordPress site that’s perfectly crafted can immediately grab the attention of users.

In this post, we’ll walk you through some helpful tips on how you can create your food and recipe site:

Starting a Food and Recipe Site

Many people will tell you that the food and recipe niche is already slightly oversaturated. But here’s the thing- everyone will always eat food, and new, fresh recipes will always be needed.

Moreover, if you have a unique voice and writing style, you’ll always bring something new to the table and stand out. To do this, you must pick a niche that resonates most with you.

When choosing a niche, ask yourself what foods you’re most passionate about.

Here are some suggestions:

Vegan food and meals
Health-conscious recipes
Kid-friendly food
Eating on a budget/ budget meals
Cultural dishes/ recipes
Fried foods

1. Setting up your food blog domain

When starting a food and recipe site, one of the first things on your list is to decide between food blog names and set up your food blog domain. At Syrian Productions (web design philippines), we recommend that our clients buy their domain separately from their hosting. Doing so saves money and makes things easier.

Keep in mind that domain and hosting selling are two entire activities. Moreover, most companies only do one quite well.

Your domain name will be your site’s address on the internet, aka your URL. Ideally, your chosen domain name should be recommended in your chosen food niche. Use keywords connected with the food or recipe genre you’ve chosen.

On the other hand, web hosting is where all your website’s files are stored. It would help if you had web hosting and a domain name to create a good website.

2. Install WordPress for your food blog

Installing WordPress is relatively simple if you’ve chosen Bluehost or something similar. All you need to do is to pick a theme for your WordPress site, put the title of your site, write your tagline, and you’re ready to go.

3. Pick the suitable food theme

You can opt for a free theme. Download and install one from the WordPress theme repository.

You can then access this from your dashboard:

Click Appearance > Themes > Add New

Then, look up a free WordPress theme that you like using via the search function. Similarly, if you’ve already downloaded a theme, you can upload it by clicking the Upload Theme button.

Once you find the theme that you like, click Install and Activate so that it will go live on your site. You can also customize it by clicking Appearance > Customize.

Using a built-for-purpose WordPress theme has a unique set of pros and cons. One of the biggest pros is that this theme is already pre-loaded with everything you need to develop a professional-looking site in the food niche.

On the other hand, one of the major drawbacks of having pre-loaded features is that it can significantly restrict your flexibility, especially when it comes to customization.

4. Install the perfect plugins

To access WordPress’s free plugins, you can go to the plugin repository of WordPress through your site’s dashboard.

Hit Plugins> Add New to get started.

You can then search for useful free plugins for your site. As soon as you find something you like, you need to click Install and Activate to test it.

5. Marketing and Strategy

Statistics — The growth curve is going in the right direction

Unless you want to record recipes and ideas for personal use, you likely want traffic to your site. It’s not just any traffic; you want your site visitors to be interested in the food, recipes, and ideas you’re sharing.

Let’s break the process down into three essential parts:

Audience

For who exactly will you be writing? You’ll have a tough time being a generalist blogger or without a particular niche.

Ideally, you want to choose a site wherein you have a specific audience that you want to focus on and specifically write content for them.

Traffic Sources

Next, you need to understand how you can get site visitors from various traffic sources. Since you’re opting for the food and recipes niche, one of the primary traffic sources for your blog will likely be Google Search, Pinterest, and Facebook.

You also need to stay consistent, keep learning and understand your Analytics. This gives you an idea of how visitors interact with your site.

Time and Adjustments

Over time, you’ll get a strong sense of what’s working and what isn’t. Make sure that you consistently update and publish content. Track your analytics and keep learning about sources from which you can get your traffic.

Over to You

So there you have it! Hopefully, these tips have helped you how you can create the perfect food and recipe site.

Is Eating Rice Healthy? A Complete Guide

What is rice?

Rice is a grain that is cultivated and eaten around the world. It is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa. Rice has various varieties, including white rice, brown rice, and black rice.

Rice is rich in carbohydrates and provides the body with energy. It is also low in fat and has a high amount of fiber. Brown rice has more rich nutrients than white rice, but both types of rice are healthy.

Rice can be cooked in many ways, such as boiled, steamed, or fried. It can be used as a side dish or as the main ingredient in a meal. Rice is a versatile food that everyone can enjoy.

The health benefits of eating rice

Rice is a staple food in many cultures and has been eaten for centuries. It is a grain harvested from the paddy field and then milled to remove the husk. The result is white rice, the most common rice consumed today.

There are many health benefits associated with eating rice. For one, it is a good source of complex carbohydrates, essential for providing energy to the body. Additionally, rice contains various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.

Another benefit of eating rice is its low calories and fat. Studies have shown that eating rice can help to boost metabolism and promote satiety.

Is it good to cook rice in a rice cooker?

Rice cookers are a popular kitchen appliance because they make cooking rice straightforward. But is cooking rice in a rice cooker good for you?

There are a few things to consider before buying a delay timer rice cooker. First, the type of rice you’re cooking. White rice is typically less healthy than brown rice, so if you’re using a rice cooker for cooking white rice, it’s probably not the best choice for your health.

Second, how much water you’re using to cook the rice? The rice will be mushy and less nutritious if you use too much water. The ideal water ratio to rice is 2:1, so ensure you measure carefully when using a rice cooker.

Third, what other ingredients you’re adding to the pot? It will not be very healthy if you’re cooking plain rice.

The nutritional value of rice

Rice is rich in carbohydrates and provides the body with energy. It also contains vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6. Additionally, rice is a low-fat, cholesterol-free food.

There are types of rice, including white, brown, and black rice. White rice is the most common type consumed in the United States.

How to make rice healthier

There are many ways to make rice healthier. One way is to cook it with less water. This will make the rice denser and reduce the amount of starch released into the cooking water.

A way to make rice healthier is to cook it with vegetable broth instead of water.

Finally, you can add healthy toppings to rice, such as vegetables, grilled chicken, or tofu. This will increase the nutrient content and make the rice a complete meal.

How to cook rice

There are a lot of ways to cook rice, and each method has its benefits. For example, boiling rice helps to remove any impurities that may be present in the grain.

Steaming rice helps to preserve its nutrients, making it a healthier option than other cooking methods.

Another healthy way to cook rice is by using a rice cooker. Rice cookers help to evenly cook the grain, making it less likely to stick to the pot and burn.

Is brown rice paleo?

Is brown rice paleo? well, Brown rice is a whole grain and therefore paleo. It is a good source of fiber and nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6. Brown rice also has a lower glycemic index than white rice, meaning it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

rice is a part of a healthy part of your diet, as long as you eat the right kind and prepare it properly. Brown rice is the best option, as it’s unprocessed and has more fiber than white rice.

Make sure to rinse rice before cooking to remove any excess starch, and cook it in rich healthy oil such as olive coconut oil. Avoid eating rice daily, and balance your meals with other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.

Energy-Boosting Foods that all Super Moms Need in Their Lives

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. Those sloppy kisses are worth all the beds made, meals cooked, and school runs. However, there’s no denying that being a mom can be exhausting too.

In addition to raising kids, most women are also contributing to the household income, cooking, cleaning, prepping, and everything in between. It takes health and energy to tick off all the items on the to-do list every day. With that being said, take a look at how to use organic greens powders with a range of foods for a natural boost of energy.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are another great boost for your body. They are full of fiber, potassium, and iron. The great thing about chia seeds is that you can add them to virtually anything without spoiling the texture or flavor.

For example, you could also add chia seeds to your leafy green smoothies and double up on energy-boosting foods. If you’d like to add the seeds to a meal, they’re perfect in a stir fry or you can add them to your bread. Chia seeds can also cleanse your body of impurities.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are rich in vitamins, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. They are one of the best ways to naturally boost your energy. In addition, they’re easy to add as a side to any meal.

For example, add a side of broccoli or cabbage to a juicy steak or sprinkle some spinach on your favorite pizza. Similarly, you can add leafy greens to any smoothie. The best way to do this is by making up your usual smoothie and then adding organic greens powders to the mix.

Goji Berries

As well as looking appealing, goji berries also taste delicious. These berries come with a wealth of natural benefits including improved vision, boosted energy and immune system, and boosted libido. You can add these berries to yogurt for breakfast which will give you a great start to the day.

Alternatively, these berries also go well mixed in a salad for a super lunch or you can add them to a smoothie. Why not try a berry smoothie packed with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, and a spoonful of green powders?

Salmon

When you need to stay alert during the day to make sure you nail the presentation while still having enough energy to get the kids to baseball, it’s important to get some protein in your diet. Salmon is one of the best energy-boosting foods and it is an excellent source of protein.

Fortunately, salmon is versatile when it comes to planning meals. You could take a salmon salad to work for lunch or make salmon fishcakes at home for the whole family.

Avocado

In recent years, many people have started to see the benefit of adding avocado to their diets. Avocado on toast for breakfast has become a new craze for good reason. Not only is it an excellent energy booster but it also boosts the immune system and helps to cleanse the gut.

This thick, smooth delight can be used in a variety of fruit salads, as a dip, or you can add it to your smoothie instead of yogurt as a thickener. Take a look at some recipes.

Green Tea

There are days when a warm drink is exactly what you need to calm the soul. Green tea has long been recommended for its mood-boosting properties. It’s ideal for making first thing in the morning and taking it with you in a travel mug on your commute to work.

You can also drink it cold with ice during the hotter months. If you use a teabag, be sure to drain it properly so you don’t miss out on any of the properties and antioxidants it offers.

Dark Chocolate

Yes, it is okay to give in to your chocolate cravings (especially when you’re tired). Dark chocolate is ideal for giving yourself the lift you need when you’re feeling energyless. Unlike other sugars, it won’t take you high and then bring you crashing down an hour later.

A few cubes of dark chocolate can act as an antioxidant and support good blood and oxygen flow through the body. This will ensure that you can function at your best level to fulfill all the roles you need to.

Other Ways to Increase Your Energy

There are many ways you can keep your energy levels up as you run around after your kids. Firstly, it’s important to keep drinking fluids to stay hydrated. It’s also vital that you get regular exercise, not only to keep yourself fit and healthy but it’s also a great opportunity to find some time for yourself and recharge your batteries.

Try and keep your stress levels to a minimum because stress is the number one factor that causes exhaustion. Another great thing you can do as a mother is learn to say no. It’s okay if you miss a social event or don’t take part in every school bake sale to save energy for higher priorities.

Similarly, be sure to get plenty of rest and at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Boost Your Energy With Organic Greens Powders

Organic greens powders make it so easy to get the energy you need when you need it. They’re available all year round so you don’t have to wait for leafy greens to be in season to energy the natural source of iron. Simply add the powder to your favorite smoothie and drink on the go to keep up with all that life has to throw at you.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not take a look at the rest?

Best-Tasting Treats at IHOP (That Aren’t Pancakes)

It makes perfect sense that if you’re hankering for pancakes, you go to IHOP. It’s not named the International House of Pancakes for nothing. The brand specializes in pancakes, which are so delicious that you might even dream about them afterwards. Once you get a taste of IHOP pancakes, it’s difficult to even consider going anywhere else for pancakes.

But the truth is, IHOP doesn’t just serve pancakes. It’s trying to be more than just a pancake house or even just a breakfast joint. The brand wants to be more known as a place for lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between.

That’s why there’s even a marketing campaign involving a temporary name change to IHOb, to emphasize how they’re serving burgers nowadays as well. And they’re serving many other types of dishes.

But how good are these menu items? Actually, some are surprisingly good. If you even visit IHOP and you’re curious about ordering something that isn’t a pancake, start with these treats:

IHOP’s Breakfast Sampler

Let’s start with this since IHOP can’t just deny that they offer terrific breakfast options. This Breakfast Sampler is a great choice for those who may not be sure about what to order for breakfast.

Yes, this does come with 2 buttermilk pancakes. But it also comes with many different classic breakfast items, so you’re sure to find something else you’d like.

You start with 2 eggs, and you decide how they’re cooked. You can get them scrambled or sunny side up, or over easy, over medium, or over hard.

Then there’s the meat portion. You’ll also get 2 strips of terrific bacon, 2 thick slices of ham, and 2 pork sausage links.

Finally, you also get a generous helping of hash browns, with that Goldilocks-level of perfectly crispy texture.

Original French Toast

This is actually one of the more underrated treats on the IHOP menu, and that’s a crime in our opinion. True, it does seem just a little bit too simple, but it’s delicious from start to finish. The price at an average $8.64 for Original French Toast is also quite reasonable.

This order sets you up with 3 slices of thick bread, each one cut in half so you end up with 6 terrific triangles. Then they add some powdered sugar and a scoop of whipped butter on top. This butter isn’t that underwhelming sort you generally encounter in other places. It tastes like absolutely authentic butter, and you’ll want some butter to just emphasize the tastiness of each bite.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Yes, IHOP is into several types of sandwiches, and for many, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the absolute top. That may be surprising since quite a few folks feel that the IHOP chicken strips are overly crispy.

But here, the chicken breast crispiness is just right. It’s then tossed into Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce until the sauce covers every bit of the chicken breast. It’s then set onto a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles.

It’s actually not overly spicy, since they also add a generous amount of buttermilk ranch on top of the chicken. The brioche bun is tasty as well, so the overall deliciousness is just undeniable. It’s just spicy enough for a bit of excitement, but it’s not overpowering.

Colorado Omelette

Omlette — Omelette is being served on the plate

True, the name of this omelette doesn’t quite match the allure of the Bacon Temptation Omelette. But it’s not really about the name.

After all, the Colorado Omelette also comes with bacon, so it’s not as if you’re missing out on some bacon goodness. In fact, it also comes with bits of ham, shredded beef, and pork sausage. The distinct flavours of each meat combine well together, and each bite is just a bit different (though all equally great). It doesn’t hurt that this also includes chopped onions and green peppers, plus quite a lot of cheddar cheese.

Even if you Google for some similar recipes, it’s actually quite difficult to replicate the goodness of IHOP’s Colorado Omelette. Perhaps it’s because they put in a splash of pancake batter to their omelettes so that they’re just a bit fluffier than anything you might make in your own kitchen.

Swedish Crepes

The name emphasizes the “International” in IHOP, and this treat features actual lingonberries, which are popular in Sweden. They also top the dainty crepes with lingonberry butter, just to make sure you don’t miss out on the taste. The taste is both tart and sweet, so you can’t complain that it’s too sweet.

If there’s just one thing wrong about this order, it’s that it only comes with 4 crepes and they’re all really light. You might need to get 3 orders of these just to feel sated, even if you’re only slightly hungry!

Best Ways to Nurture Your Child’s Love for Cooking

According to a recent survey, many parents have admitted that they often find their little ones keen to assist them while they are in the kitchen.

Children are indeed inquisitive. However, their curiosity and willingness to explore the world drive their physical and mental growth. Thus, if your child is eager to assist you in the kitchen, use it as an opportunity to get them involved and teach them about the dynamics of cooking.

And while there are many recipes to explore, making cookies is probably the best way to keep the kids engaged and spark their interest in cooking. For convenience, you can use the premade dough such as Doughp – it’s made of quality ingredients and it can be consumed raw! To find out more, follow the link for the full Doughp Cookie Dough review.

But you should keep in mind that teaching kids about cooking is not as easy as it may seem. You need to ensure their safety and security in the kitchen so that they don’t get injured and invite trouble.

To avoid that, here we have curated a list of some ways that can help you nurture your child’s love for cooking. Follow along to learn more about them.

Teach them about the safety standards

Before you even let your child in the kitchen, make sure you teach them about the basic safety rules and standards. This will keep them safe while they are exploring and experimenting in the kitchen.

Here are some kitchen safety rules your child must follow no matter what.

Always use kitchen towels while taking something out from the oven or stove.
Use wooden knives until they are old enough to use the sharp ones.
Wear well-fitted clothes made of cotton instead of silk or polyester to prevent any fire accidents.
Always sanitize or wash hands before starting with the recipe.
Do not climb on the kitchen shelves.
Do not use plastic utensils for the oven.

Additionally, make sure that you are supervising your kids in the kitchen to prevent any potential accidents.

Use their playtime to your advantage

Research shows that kids learn best while playing. And you can use that to your advantage to elevate your little one’s interest in cooking. For this, all you need to do is to incorporate a kitchen play set for kids and encourage them to use it while playing.

Playing with toy utensils, fruits, veggies, bakery sets, shopping carts, wooden coffee machines, and wooden cupcakes can encourage role-play activities. Not to mention, your little one would also get to learn kitchen vocabulary, making them more interested in cooking.

Give them control in the kitchen

Kids love to feel responsible. Thus, the best way to teach them about the dynamics of cooking is to give them control in the kitchen. Ask them to flip through cookbooks and pick their favorite recipes. You can also encourage and assist them while they are following through with the recipe.

If your kids are not old enough to handle cooking equipment, you can assign age-appropriate kitchen tasks such as measuring ingredients, passing utensils, and keeping an eye on the kitchen’s timer.

That’s a wrap

Cooking is a basic life skill everyone should learn no matter what. Developing and mastering cooking skills can help your kids in the future when they are all set to live an independent life. So, use the tips mentioned above and nurture your child’s love for cooking.

7 Reasons to Consider Putting Your Dog on a Grain-Free Diet

In recent years, grain-free diets for dogs have become more and more popular, with grain-free food options becoming a common choice among responsible dog owners who only want the best diet, lifestyle, and health for their pets. While there are still plenty of kibble brands and other commercial dog foods available that are not necessarily unhealthy for your dog to eat, these are becoming less popular since they are filled with wheat, corn, and soy. Grain-free dog food options do not contain all of these common ingredients. Instead, feeding your dog a grain-free diet means that they get fewer carbohydrates and a diet that is richer in protein, meat, and animal fats.

Is grain-free food better for your dog? Raw feeding, grain-free dog food brands, and bone broth are all becoming popular choices for a dog’s diet, but there’s still a lot of debate around it. The truth is that every dog is different, with varying dietary requirements, so just like with people, what works well for one dog might not be great for another. As a pet owner, it’s up to you to be aware of what your dog needs. Speaking with your vet can help you determine your dog’s specific dietary needs and decide whether or not switching to grain-free feeding is going to be the best choice for your pet.

Below are some of the main reasons why some dog owners are switching their pets to a grain-free diet.

Better Nutritional Content

For most pet owners, their dog is a main member of the family, and looking after their health and nutrition is important. Sadly, many commercial dog foods are packed with large quantities of grains that are mainly included to bulk out the product and keep production costs down to make a larger profit. As a result of this, commercial dog foods are often cheap to buy but have very little nutritional value for dogs due to the main ingredient being grains and carbohydrates. On the other hand, many pet owners agree that grain-free dog food is worth investing more in since it has a much better nutritional content for dogs including meat and fish proteins and vegetables, providing your beloved pet with a much more balanced diet.

Improved Digestion

Dogs are biologically unable to digest many grains, which can lead to digestive problems if a dog is a regularly fed food that is high in ingredients like wheat. Grain-free dog food options like bone broth can help to improve digestion in dogs since they contain much fewer carbohydrates and more protein, making them easier to digest. Bone broth for dogs is easy to make at home or you can purchase pre-made versions for your dog to help with digestive issues. According to Native Pet, bone broth for dogs can also help with your dog’s gut health and reduce the risk of leaky gut. If your dog is suffering from digestive issues, Native Pet offers a wide range of products that may benefit.

Healthier Coat

Many pet owners say that switching their dog to a grain-free diet helped to improve the condition and health of their coat. Unfortunately, most standard dog food that is made with grains does not provide your dog with the full range of oils and nutrients that they need to maintain healthy skin and fur. Since it is much higher in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s no surprise that switching a dog to a grain-free diet often means that you see improvements in the softness and shine of their coat quite quickly. More protein in their diet means that a dog’s coat is likely to be stronger, healthier, thicker, and shinier, which reduces shedding and malting too.

More Energy

A dog that doesn’t seem to have as much energy as you would expect them to have for their breed and age might be suffering due to their diet. If your dog is lethargic and tends to get tired quickly after walking even though they are young, fit, and healthy, you might notice a change if you switch to feeding grain-free. This is because the main source of energy for dogs is protein, and a lot of commercial kibbles and dog foods just don’t contain enough of it to provide your dog with the energy that they should have right now.

Help with Allergies

A switch to a grain-free diet is often recommended for dogs that suffer from food allergies. When it comes to food allergies in dogs, corn and wheat are two ingredients that are very likely to lead to symptoms. Some common signs that your dog may be allergic to their food include signs that they have an itchy butt, licking their feet excessively or diarrhea that lasts for longer than twenty-four hours. Some dogs might be allergic to certain meats and proteins that are present in their food; however, carbohydrates and grains tend to be a much more common culprit. If you are concerned that your dog might be allergic to a food ingredient, contact your vet who will be able to help you put your dog on an elimination diet to determine what is causing the symptoms.

Better Breath

If you’ve ever pushed your dog away because they have stinky breath and got too close to your face, then you’ll know that it can be an unpleasant experience that many pet owners have had to deal with. Sometimes, your dog might have bad breath because they have eaten something that they shouldn’t or need a dental chew, but if your pet persistently suffers from bad breath problems, this could be a sign that they are not getting the right diet. Your dog’s dental health is largely impacted by their diet, and bad breath can be a sign of poor nutrition. In fact, many pet owners who changed their dog’s diet to a grain-free one said that their dog’s breath also improved a lot.

Weight Management

Dog — A young woman is hugging her dog while outdoors taking a walk

If you need to watch your dog’s weight, swapping to a grain-free diet can be a beneficial move. Dogs that eat a diet that is rich in carbohydrates are often more prone to putting on excess weight, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. This is an increasingly common problem among dogs who are on a regular kibble diet if they do not get out for several walks a day. On the other hand, grain-free food for dogs is much lower in carbs and tends to have higher amounts of healthier carbs like sweet potatoes, which are less likely to cause a dog to gain weight.

Making the Switch

If you think that your dog might benefit from a grain-free diet, there are a few things to keep in mind before you swap their food over. Gradually switching to a grain-free diet can be a good idea since this will give your dog a chance to adjust to the changes to their food and avoid issues with digestion. A sudden change could cause your dog to have an upset stomach or even cause anxiety if your dog’s blood sugar levels are suddenly changed as a result. Start adding grain-free food to your dog’s meals each day and reducing the amount of their old food a little more daily while keeping a close eye on them.

More and more pet owners are switching their dogs to a grain-free diet for a number of benefits. With more meat, protein, and healthy nutrients, it’s no surprise that dogs enjoy and benefit from grain-free food, bone broth, and other more natural meals.

Top Health and Well-being Trends for 2022

2020 and 2021 have changed perspectives about health and wellness drastically. People all around the world have begun prioritizing health than ever before and quite surprisingly in newer ways.

The pandemic has pushed us to explore areas of our lives, which we either preferred ignoring or weren’t even aware of. Consequently, we see a brand new array of health and well-being trends in the coming times.

Let’s check out a few.

Disease Determination Using DNA

Fields like bioinformatics and biosciences are also progressing to make the best of their knowledge and make this world a better place, especially after the horrors of the pandemic. In 2022, DNA will serve as a major means of determining diseases.

This determination could help predict possible health risks as per the genetics of a person. And consequently, keep the particular individual from contracting those diseases.

This health trend will particularly apply to infants. Before birth, DNA tests will help medical professionals detect the possibilities of diseases in the developing baby. The mother will be given medications and treatments to eliminate the possibilities for those diseases.

Stress Tracking

Currently, technology is helping us take better health initiatives by suggesting beneficial stuff. In 2022, this technology will move one step ahead. And more and more devices and technology will incorporate health monitoring systems. These mini-systems will keep us updated with our heart rate and stress levels.

Be it physical stress, emotional, or mental stress. Users can use this data to enhance their routine and lifestyle and eliminate factors that cause stress.

Zero Commitment Makeovers

The world is becoming fast-paced, both professionally and socially. Most of us find ourselves searching for the perfect look almost every other day. This leaves minimal room for permanent changes, such as dying your hair and investing thousands in getting extensions that you will eventually get removed.

Hence, people are shifting towards wigs, accessories, and make-do beautifying stuff that serves temporary needs. If you’re an Instagram influencer who wishes to transform into a new persona for their audience, then this news may as well be the biggest win for your next year!

Facial Exercises Becoming a Part of Skincare Routine

Facial exercises will be trending in 2022 as well. Fundamentally, facial exercises help with improving the appearance of facial skin. With facial exercises or yoga in implementation, the skin will become more fresh and smooth.

It will be excellent for those who wish to straighten out wrinkles and marks of stress from their face. Along with relieving tension, it will increase circulation as well.

Balanced Diets & Must-Have Breakfasts

Brekfast — During breakfast, different kind of food is displayed on the table

COVID swept off a lot of people because of two reasons. Either these people had a weak immunity system or they took the virus quite too lightly.

The only solution for COVID-affected was to have a heavy and nutritious diet. For that very reason, the diet has come forth in the spotlight.

People have learned their lesson for good and it’s going to walk into 2022 with us. We will be witnessing a great inclination towards consumption of a balanced diet involving whole grains, nutritional yeast, dairy foods (low-fat), fruits & vegetables, proteins, etc.

With that said, breakfasts appear to have gained the most priority. We’re witnessing people planning ornate but essential & refreshing meals to begin the day with. That’s because a healthy breakfast such as Kosher bread basket, eggs, low-fat dairy, fruit, and vegetables delivers the much-needed dose of glucose and nutrients at the start of the day, empowering us to function at our best throughout the day. Plus, it reduces the risk of illnesses.

Health Policies Prioritized in Work

Many people lost their mental stability working from home. The same applies to those who suffered extreme economic crises and got turned down by companies for whom they’d work for decades.

Naturally, this has led to an increased rate of suicide, mental instability, loss of work efficiency, and whatnot.

For this very reason, the year 2022 will be witnessing a rise in the development and implementation of health policies. Work environments are becoming more forgiving and acknowledging health issues. Newer policies like more paid leaves are coming into existence.

Some companies have even expanded their range of valid excuses, considering mental instability an acceptable excuse in case the work comes to a halt. Greater grants and leniencies are also coming forth.

Portable Well-Being Tools

Biomedical engineers of the present times have come up with innovative solutions. You can now carry wellness tools anywhere and everywhere to keep your sensitive body metrics in check.

For example, the use of self-purifying bottles helps keep the water fresh and safe. EKG monitors help keep a check on your heart rate. And a portable massage gun could help you get relieved as you practice your mini-workout routine in your office.

Virtual Healthcare

Similar to portable well-being tools, healthcare services are also becoming available on the go. You need not dedicate a day to book an appointment and travel back and forth to the healthcare center. Instead, you can book an appointment and consult a medical professional online only.

If you have therapy sessions or consultation sessions due, you can take these online too.

Final Thoughts

Summing up, health and well-being will be a prioritized concern in 2022. We may see more trends apart from those listed above. Surely, this is a positive change. Let’s hope for the best!

6 Easy Health & Fitness Habits You Can Start Before the New Year Begins

As the year comes to an end, that’s often a sign it’s time to make some amazing decisions for the year that’s ahead. The majority of people love feeling excited and self-assured as they write down their goals, intentions, and plans. However, when reality hits, things become a little different: suddenly, all those decisions about health, fitness, and a better lifestyle become less important.

This is why it’s better to start now. When you wait for a perfect moment, you also make time for excuses. So if you’ve been thinking about adopting some easy health and fitness habits, then here are some of them that you can do now, without waiting for the new year to start.

1. Start embracing mindfulness

Mindfulness is probably the healthiest habit that you could literally start now, which will benefit you if you remain persistent about it. Meditation is a wonderful habit that can teach you how to be in the present moment, which will also help reduce anxiety and stress. In case you’re a parent, then you know how stressful it can be. Mindfulness is one of those easy habits that can help you be more grateful about everything.

Additionally, regular meditation is a great way to stop taking things personally, and if there’s one thing that can help you be your better self, it’s this. The easiest way to start is through guided meditations, and when you feel ready, feel free to move on to traditional practices.

2. Move your body (without going to the gym)

Exercising and being physically active in general is one of those habits that are often put on hold. A lot of people wait for an ideal moment to start going to the gym. However, going to the gym isn’t necessary if you want to work out. Basically, all you need is a stable internet connection, some gear, and self-discipline. Besides, home workouts are a great solution if you’re a young parent who’s too busy to go to the gym.

There are many YouTube videos and other online spaces that offer amazing workouts, from yoga to more demanding exercises. Therefore, you don’t need to prepare for a special moment, you just need to feel motivated enough to exercise from the comfort of your home.

3. Focus on your mental health

Your mental health is your biggest asset that you should cherish above anything else. This is especially important if you already have a history of mental health issues, or if they run in your family. We are living in unprecedented times, which is why it’s important to remain grounded and focused on our own well-being. This is why you should never neglect your own mental wellbeing, and if you ever notice symptoms of depression and anxiety, then make sure to consult a mental health professional.

4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated

This might seem challenging, considering that the festive period is when we tend to indulge more frequently. But, with some effort, it’s possible to feel satisfied and to eat healthily. If you’re also exercising, then consuming healthy protein powder supplements will help you remain strong while feeding your body all the important nutrients. So feel free to eat anything you like, but keep in mind that your diet needs to be diverse and nourishing to keep you strong, healthy, and energized.

5. Spend more time with your loved ones

Your loved ones are another integral part of your life, so spend more time with them. If you’re a parent, then you’re already aware of the fact that kids grow up so fast. So don’t hesitate to laugh, dance, go out and have fun with them without worrying about the future. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with paint colors or cake mix. Enjoy your life, and invite those you love to be a part of it. Being close to your loved ones will also help you appreciate your own life a little bit more.

6. Stop taking everything personally

Girl — A happy girl is outdoor and is thankful for snowing for the first time in a while

Sure, if someone’s acting offensive, it’s your right to speak up. But sometimes, there’s no need to, because not everything is aimed at you. Hence, if you want to improve your life, then it’s important to stop taking everything personally since a lot of things people say are a reflection of them and their issues. Now, mastering this skill takes time, but once you manage it, you’ll definitely feel much happier and more accomplished.

In conclusion

These are healthy habits that you can start implementing right now, especially if you’re a busy mom. A new year symbolizes new beginnings, but if you start now, you’ll start a year feeling more motivated and self-confident.

By Lucas Bergman

Meal Prep 101: Things You Need to Know

The term that gets thrown out a lot these days in every cooking channel is meal prep. You might wonder what meal prep is and how does it benefit you. Well, first of all, meal prep is not for everyone; it is not for people who don’t like to eat the same thing on two-three days in a row. Meal prep is not for people who look for variety at every mealtime and do not enjoy leftovers. However, meal prep can work wonders for people who want to manage their time better and spend less time cooking. It is also for those wishing to avoid the temptation to go out and eat. You can save a lot of money and time by prepping your meal beforehand. You can work at a stretch without worrying about the next meal because you already did that two days ago; all you have to do now is heat that food up, and you are good to go. Continue reading this article to find out the dos and don’ts of prepping a meal.

Type Of Food:

When one thinks of making food for two-three days, one would naturally like to make all of their favorite foods. But that is hardly the goal of meal prep. Certain foods stay good for two-three days while others don’t. Most people (non-vegans) like fried chicken, right? But making a large batch of fried chicken to store for later consumption will not work because the chicken will lose its crunch and become soggy.

Beans, cooked grains, pasta, roasted veggies are great for storing. Cooked meat, roasted meat, and meat in any other form are good for a couple of days.

Whole fruits, nuts, and seeds, homemade sauce, dips are good options to store without the risk of spoiling.
However, softer fruits and vegetables such as lettuce, barriers, and cut fruits are not good options when it comes to storing them for a few days. An excellent solution to keeping your fruits longer than usual is to dehydrate them. Many people use food dehydrators for storing cut fruits and leftover foods for longer without the fear of wasting them. A dehydrator takes away the moisture from food items, helping them stay fresh for a longer period.
One should not include crunchy food items like fried chicken, chips, and crackers during meal prep.

Pumpkin — A lot of different kinds of vegetables are displayed on the old wooden table

Duration:

You might wonder, how long will the food be safe to eat? And how would one know if the food has gone bad? Well, there’s no hard and fast rule. But as a rule of thumb, one usually makes meal prep for not more than four days. You need to keep the food in airtight containers and put them in the refrigerator. While making the food, be sure to count the number of people and the days for which you are making the food to avoid wastage. There’s no point in wasting a day’s worth of food if your goal is to save money and stay on top of a strict budget.