Tips on Great Sandwiches

Sandwiches will always be a great topic, as there is a lot of things you can put between two slices of bread. Just remember that darker breads usually have less sugar and that you should keep the condiments down to a minimum.

The American lunch classic is the bologna and cheese. The best thickness is usually two regular slices between two slices of processed cheese. Of course, meat and cheese is the default sandwich; a good variant is braunschweiger and cheddar slices.

The BLT is a favorite as well. At least four slices of bacon, a thick slice of tomato, and a good-sized leaf of lettuce works. Avocado is not a bad addition.

For energy, nothing beats a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Throw in some sliced banana for some extra flavor, but this is an excellent sandwich when you need some extra energy.

A lighter version is cucumber and bean sprout on white bread. Put on mayonnaise and a light mustard, and it should be fine. 

Diabetes and Holiday Survival

It sucks to be diabetic during the holidays. All of the really great foods are made during the holidays, and it can really aggravate anyone who likes food. Not only do people cook and prepare all of the rich, fat foods, but they also do a lot of baking ensuring that there is are a lot of carbs lying around. This ensures that there are a lot of pitfalls for dieters in general, and diabetics specifically. It really helps to think like a lactose-intolerant Adkins sufferer during the holidays.

One of the problems is that a lot of foods have a lot of hidden carbs, especially from the perspective of a diabetic. Sausage filled with cheese, for example, has a bigger effect on blood sugar than regular sausage. Some people will take out healthier ingredients and replace them with less healthy ingredients, such as reducing the amount of vegetables so as to have more cheese or sour cream. There is also more cooking with fat and lard, which also increases the carbs in food.

There are also more eating contests. While this makes sense from an evolutionary perspective (the winter months were lean and food still spoiled so it made sense to eat a lot at the beginning of winter), it can hurt diets. This is when people cook ridiculous amounts for family (pyramids of tamales are familiar sights in some families), so there is some pressure to eat as much as possible. This is especially intense when there are different generations involved, especially as teenagers eat to take advantage of the available food and older people just eat to show that they are as young and virile as ever. In cultures where masculinity and virility are king, this can lead to some truly prodigious amounts of food eaten.

It doesn't help that sugar and cream cheese seem to be in everything. It will obviously be hard to avoid them, especially as they seep their way into dinner, but a little judicious judgement should go a long way. The big thing is to avoid sugary desserts as much as possible, and to limit bread and stuffing as much as possible. It can help to let whoever is cooking know about any diet limitations before they start cooking. It can also help acting as if you have no insulin; that mentality can really help save your neck in the long run. You also need to resist a lot of the temptation to compete against others, especially teenagers; it can only end badly for you.

The bottom line is that you need to keep an eye on what you eat and know how to prepare it. It is just a matter of knowing what you eat and doing your level best to eat healthy, even when the universe conspires against you....

Tips on Quick Late Night Snacks

Late night snacks are always a problem. A good healthy snack is a bowl of chips and some pico de gallo.

Try some tostadas. In a pan, warm up a couple of tablespoons of oil. Fry off whatever you want on top, such as some sliced or diced peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and put it in a bowl. Fry off a corn tortilla until it's crunchy. Throw the ingredients in the bowl on top of the shell, add some cheese and/or sour cream, and you're good to go.

Always keep a box of flavored something around. You would be surprised how often it comes in handy when it comes to dealing with the late night munchies.

Avoid nuts and anything with grease. It helps cut down on heart burn, and eating something that heavy is usually a bad idea.

There are a wide variety of dry snacks available, and usually a handful or two should take care of the munchies

Tips on Planning Your Walk

If your morning walk lasts for more than twenty minutes just to get there and the return trip is also twenty or more minutes, feel free to grab a small snack and something to drink. The key here is small, people; this is not the time for hamburgers, candy bars, and big bags of potato chips.

If you can, choose to live within fifteen minutes of an actual grocery store. This gives you a excellent excuse to grab your groceries as part of your morning walk.

The same applies for your morning coffee. Having a small reward of some sort waiting for you at the middle of your walk can actually motivate you to get out even on the most onerous of mornings.

If you do pick up groceries, limit yourself to one or two bags. The groceries can add an extra bit of exercise, which is great, but they can also add some extra risk as well.

Keep in mind the Five Minute Rule: It is virtually impossible to spend less than five minutes in a store. This is important for those who are trying to limit their exercise, either out of necessity or preference. This means that a store that is fifteen minutes away will actually end up being at least a 35-40 minute walk.

Tips on Planning Your Route

When you are planning your running route avoid including restaurants, mini-marts, and food carts if at all possible. You don't want to be tempted by more calories than you just burned off.

If you are forced to use a street with a number of eating establishments do so in the early morning before they open. Same distance, less temptation.

Another temptation to use such a street is because of the perception that it's safer (eateries increase foot traffic, which also increases the chance of getting help in an emergency). For runners, loneliness is actually better as it hard to run through a crowd, and the possibility of injuries also increases.

If you're going to visit a farmer's market, don't combine with an exercise run. It's always a bad idea for exactly the same reasons as an eatery in your path.

If you are running, don't shop, even if you are picking up something for later. It creates its own injury risk (it may cause balance issues, especially if you trip). You may also grab something heavier (in weight or calorie) than may actually be good for you. 

Tips on Using Corn Starch

Corn starch should be a part of every kitchen. It can be used to thicken just about everything liquid. As long as you remember to mix it in cold water before adding it, it makes a great addition to stews and gravies.

Pot pies can be made by making a beef or chicken stew and then adding just a little corn starch at the end.

Adding corn starch to a gravy gives it a translucent look. Although this may not work for biscuit gravy, it does for most dinner gravies.

You can make a decent pudding with some boiled milk, some corn starch to thicken it, a few egg whites, and a little sugar.

If you run out of baking powder, combine one part corn starch, one part baking soda, and two parts cream of tartar. 

Alcohol and Blood Sugar

Part of what makes the holiday season more fun is alcohol. The imbibing of spirits lowers inhibitions and makes the partying seem more joyous even as it creates more somber moods and increases the possibility of violence. For diabetics it creates an interesting issue: It can actually cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, increasing the possibility of hyperglycemia. For those who try to moderate their blood sugar, this can make life interesting, as they need to control their blood sugar most when they have the least amount of control.

Of course, the simplest solution also creates the biggest problem: You can deal with the potential drop in blood sugar easiest by grabbing something to eat. However, during the holidays this means that the foods most readily available are usually higher in sugar and carbohydrates, meaning that the cure can be worse than the problem. Making it worse is that the more alcohol you get into your system the more likely you are to make poor decisions. This means that a diabetic must practice moderation in both drinking and eating in order to be maintain a proper blood sugar level during the holidays.

Some drinks are worse than others. Keep in mind that different alcohols affect people differently; wine can affect some people faster than beers, meaning that the same person who drinks gallons of beer with minimal results can get drunk from a glass or two of wine. It pays to know your limits, as the drunker you are the more likely you are to suffer a drop in blood sugar, assuming you are drinking on an empty stomach and stay that way, or are likely to increase your blood sugar if you continue eating while drinking. If you only drink a glass or two you should be fine, but more than that and things start to get interesting.

[For those that count carbs as a way to keep blood sugar in control, different drinks have a different amounts of carbs. Wine is the lowest, at 2-3 grams per glass, while beer has the most at 12-20 per 12-ounce glass (in general, the darker the beer the more carbs it has, with an IPA at 12 and stouts at 20). Sake is in the middle at 10 grams per 5-ounce serving. Spirits can be sort of a mixed bag; although most spirits are pretty much carb-free, but liqueurs and other additives, such as infusions and other flavors, can add up to 20 grams. There is also the possibility that a bartender at a busy bar can give you a non-diet version of a diet addition, such as a regular soda instead of a diet one. As such, avoid mixed drinks if at all possible.]

It is possible to survive the holiday season as a diabetic. You just need to relax and know your limits, and make sure that you have something in your stomach before you start drinking. Keep in mind that moderation is your friend and you should do okay. 

Tips on Quick Desserts

Desserts can be a lot easier to make than you think. Although a great dessert can be a bowl of fruit, there are some great options if you have some time.

Of course, if you want something a little more interesting than a bowl of fruit, mix some grapes, some mandarin slices, and cube some melon (a mix of cantalope can be and honeydew works really well). You can also add in some sliced strawberries and a little white sugar as desired.

Pudding can be easy enough to make at home. All you need is a couple cups of milk, enough sugar to flavor it, and some corn starch to thicken it. Melted chocolate is the default flavoring, but you can throw other flavorings in there as desired. Suggestion: Add a little espresso to the chocolate.

Graham crusts are inexpensive, and they can be filled with just about anything. Although a cover is desirable, you don't need one. A can of pie filling will fill one up, and they can be cooked in a under thirty minutes.

If you get tired of the usual flavors, unflavored gelatin can  becantaloup a great thing. Substitute fruit juice or other liquid for the water, and you can throw in almost any fruit,and some vegetables (celery seems to be a favorite for some reason).

Pancakes are another favorite. For a dessert version, think adding about a teaspoon of vanilla extract, using chocolate syrup, and toss a scoop of ice cream on top, or use whipped cream. 

Gingerbread Houses For All Ages

Whether or not you have a kid in the house, odds are good you're going to try to do a gingerbread house at some point. You're going to get-together all of the right candies, make the bread, and realize somewhere along the line that you needed some better planning. So let's talk about making the perfect gingerbread house.

Before you even get to mixing things up, you need to seriously plan what you are about to do. This means you need to draw up actual plans for the house to figure out what pieces you will need, such as the roof, the walls, and possibly the floors. You need to be able to break it down to the simplest parts, and then cut out cardboard patterns that match those plans. Make sure that the plans align correctly, ideally by using them with tape to build your house, before you even begin putting your house together.

[Note that I'm suggesting you try to keep it simple, especially for your first house. Keep the surfaces flat and simple. Try to limit yourself to maybe cutting out doors and windows, but otherwise don't do all of the fancy things such as pipes and chimneys just yet. I'll include some hints on how to do them but that's for advanced builders.]

Once you have the plans you are happy with, mix the following together in a bowl, blending in the flour and water last:
1/2 cup (1 stick) room-temperature butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light molasses or dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water

Put this in a refrigerator for half an hour or until firm. Meanwhile, make royal icing that will act as the cement:

1 pound (3-3/4 cups) powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
1 to 2 large egg whites (4 teaspoons packaged egg whites and 1/4 cup water may be substituted)
1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla or lemon juice (your choice)

Once mixed, put in an icing bag and make sure that it is thin enough to pass through a 1/4" nozzle, adding more lemon juice if needed.

Grease a pan and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Flatten the dough out to about 1/4", and start cutting out your pieces. Put the pieces onto the greased pan as you cut them out and once that is full put into the oven (assuming it's ready). Continue this process until you have all of the pieces you need. If you need more dough, make it; if you end up with too much make it into gingerbread cookies. Cook the pieces for 15 minutes.

[If you want to make more advanced pieces, create cardboard forms of them, and then cut those out. To start you off, a pipe starts out as a rectangle and a cone is a circle with a piece cut out. Before you cook them, assemble them taking care to not ruin them and then stand them up on the pan.]

Assemble as per your plan, using the icing as cement. Do not be in a rush; the pieces may take a few seconds to set properly. Assemble from the ground up; you may tempted to assemble sections first and then incorporate them into the whole, but that actually complicates things. Once the basic building is built, leave alone for about fifteen minutes, preferably in a refrigerator, in order to let it set more solidly. You may then charge ahead as far as decorating it goes. Gumdrops, licorice strands, candy canes, and hard candies are the traditional decorations, as well as gingerbread men.

Keep in mind that this for the house itself. If you want it on a cake, you need to build it on the cake, with all icing in place before you assemble the house. You can have all sorts of fun with this, and build whatever you want. You can also use different colors of icing, plastic figures, and anything else you want to make yours as unique as you wish. Just remember that you will need to demolish it at some point, and clear away the pieces. This will be a house you will enjoy destroying. 

Tips on Eating at a Restaurant as a Diabetic

There are a number of issues that can easily trip up a new diabetic. Keep in mind that sugar is not as easy to avoid as you may think, and that you need to think a step or two ahead of the game. Know how to read labels and pay attention to them if you want a low blood sugar.

While pizza is an obvious trap, Mexican food isn't. Dairy is the biggest foe of a diabetic, and Mexican foods have a lot of cheese, crema, and sour cream. Flour tortillas are another problem, and mole (which is chocolate-based) can be all sorts of fun to avoid.

Oriental foods are an interesting puzzle. While the cooking method is incredibly healthy, the sauces aren't. Rice vinegar and hoisin sauce both have a lot of sugar in them, and rice converts far too easily to sugar. In essence, stir frying and steaming are great, but try to limit the amount of sauce and condiments used.

If you drink sodas, know the the difference in taste between regular and diet, and don't be afraid to send the drink back. It's your body, and most servers respect customer fears when it comes to food.

Fruit can be one of your biggest problems as it has so much sugar. As much as you should be eating good food and avoiding pills, a vitamin C pill may be a better solution than fruit in this specific case.

Tips on How to Use Your Tablet for Fitness

Tablets and smart phones may not seem like exercise tools, but they can be. For one thing, see the tips on music.

There a number of timers available for them, and a number of exercise require timers and stopwatches. Find one you like and go for it.

A lot of them also have the ability to transmit video. With a decent set-up, you can do exercise with someone else, allowing you to exercise with someone else and gain all of those advantages.

In some cases your form can be an issue. The ability to record video can allow you to video your exercise regimen and then look for incorrect form.

There are numerous apps that can track exercises and calorie intake. These can make sticking to a regimen a lot easier. 

Tips on Using High School Exercises

The old high school gym class has some great ideas on exercises you can use for some great cardio. Jumping jacks make a great stretching exercise, especially for runners, as they stretch out every muscle you have.

Burpees are another fun one, and not for the weak.For those curious: Drop to ground so that your hands touch the ground. Shoot you legs out so that you are in push-up position and do a push-up. Pull your legs back up under your body. Stand. Repeat as needed.

Side-stepping is another great exercise, especially for those that like a precise exercise. Stand in the middle of two line five feet apart (or 1.4 meters), feet just outside your shoulders. The idea is to sidestep just outside the line to the right, then just outside the left line in two steps. You sidestep just past the right line again in two step. Repeat.  Basically, you want to do as many as possible inside of thirty seconds (increase as needed).

Jumping rope is another classic. Get into a high-stepping running motion (your knees should hit a right angle, or close to one); count a jump as when your right foot hits the ground. Start with a hundred jumps and go from there.

Speed jumping is another idea. Just jump as quickly as possible and don't worry about form. Start with a thirty-second and go from there. 

Tips on How to Use Fish Sticks

Fish sticks (or even battered cod) may look unappetizing, but there are some great ways to use them in other dishes. Oh, and a great basic tartar sauce is to combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, and a little garlic powder, with your option for either wasabi powder or cayenne pepper for heat.

The fish taco is an obvious choice. A smaller flour tortilla, some lettuce, a little cheese, some tomatoes, and either tartar sauce or salsa makes for a great basic meal.

A weirder option is the fish stick chowder. Make a regular chowder, and bake the sticks. Dice the sticks up and add to the chowder. Let it cook for about twenty minutes. There will be a different texture, and it may taste a little saltier, but otherwise it should be okay.

You can also dice them and use them in a salad in place of croutons. This works well with a caesar salad or a regular salad, and with a basic ranch or thousand-island dressing.

These also make a decent sandwich. Bake them and throw on wheat or white bread covered with tartar sauce. Add a slice of cheese, cover, and nuke for about twenty seconds, and enjoy.

Looking at Presents for Amateur Cooks

If you're thinking about doing wish lists, odds are good that you're going to want to look at a lot of cooking tools and toys. You need to do some serious research into what you want in order to make sure that you're getting something that you will actually use and not just have on your shelves. Here is some advice on how to decide if something will be used or if just takes up space.

1) Avoid items that solve very specific problems. Ramen cookers are an obvious example: They sound great, but all they do is provide another way to cook ramen, making hem no better than a regular bowl. Given an appearance geared more towards utility than looking good, and they are likely to take up space rather than see actual use. The same goes for anything that solves a specific problem rather than a more general purpose.

2) Debate time-saving devices. A sandwich maker actually works well as it saves time cooking and cleaning, and allows for a wide variety of sandwiches. With a little imagination, this is something that can make lunches really easy and ensure that you have a great hot meal very quickly. However, not all time-saving devices work, or require the cook to learn new skills in order to make the device work. Overall, debate if the device actually works as advertised, and if it actually does save time.

3) Debate healthy options. The George Foreman grill is great little device as it grills meat and drains the grease away. This means that any meat cooked on it has less fat than regular pans, where the meat is allowed to soak in the fat as it cooks. That makes it great for anyone looking to lose a few pounds or have healthier foods. Some so-called "healthy options" really aren't, so it helps to do your research.

4) Look to see if adds any additional capabilities. My personal favorite here is the bacon bowl. It allows you to take some strips of bacon, make it into an edible bowl, and then allows you to fill that bowl with something even better. The same goes for the device that allows you to create stuffed burgers (burgers made of two patties with something in the center). These are great little additions to any kitchen as they allow you to have some fun in the kitchen. These make great stocking stuffers for beginning cooks.

Obviously pots, pans, and basic utensils make for some great presents as well, especially for beginning cooks. If there is something that you are looking for, let your friends and family know. They may not get it for you, but you never know. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" should be your watchwords before your birthday and holidays, so make sure that you listen to them. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

Tips on Preparing for Lazy Days

There are always going to be those days where you don't want to cook. Luckily you are a bachelor, and you have prepared for this day. This is why you always keep a box of burritos in the freezer.

Another good dinner to keep in your freezer are pot pies. They come in a variety of flavors, they have a good mix of ingredients (including vegetables!, and actually taste pretty good. One or two makes for a great dinner.

You want to avoid having chicken nuggets (or anything similar). They aren't bad, but you want to avoid eating them too often. Chicken nuggets tend to act as mood enhancers for any mood you're in, especially if you eat them over the long term (high carbs/high proteins/low everything else diets are used for brainwashing). If you have a bag, odds are good that you will go through it quickly, and they should be used as a back-up, not a primary meal.

Salads are always a good, quick meal. You can always add salami or other sliced meats if you want some meat, and chick peas, peanuts, and walnuts act not only as a good protein but also to make it crunchier.

Bachelor quesadillas are another quick fix. Take a tortilla, cover with grated cheese and sliced meats (pepperoni works best), and then spread some salsa sauce on top of that. Throw a little more cheese on top of that, and cover with another tortilla. Nuke for about two minutes, and let cool for a few seconds. Slice it like a pizza or eat it as is. 

Winter and Your Slow Cooker

Winter is definitely the time to bring out the slow cooker, if you haven't been using it already. Winter time is definitely the time a slow cooker can shine, especially for those who get tired of the cold easily: Nothing can really beat putting together a stew in the morning and coming back to a piping hot meal in the evening.

Your basic beef stew is simple. Cube and brown a pound of stew meat. Caramelize half an onion (diced) and mushrooms at the same time. While you're doing that dice or slice up four medium potatoes. Put all of this in a container and put in the refrigerator. In the morning, right before you head off to work, put in the slow cooker on the warm setting. Throw in either four cups of water or a container of beef stock, and a total of four cups of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or or virtually anything else. When you get home, add water as needed and crank it up a notch. By the time you are out of your clothes and ready for an evening in front of the television, it should be ready to go.

Feel more like chicken noodle soup? Dice up some chicken and onion, slice up some carrots and celery, and fry it all off. Put it in a container for morning, when you will add a container of chicken broth or four cups of water and two cups of vegetables, such as peas or corn. Throw in either a cup of rice or two cups of your favorite pasta (preferably some form of macaroni or egg pasta, but any bite-size pasta will do). A nice simple soup that makes everyone happy. Usually.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try a simple clam chowder. The only real prep the night before is peeling and then dicing up three medium potatoes as fine as you feel comfortable making. In the morning, throw in a 16-ounce can of condensed or evaporated milk, a 24-ounce can of clams (drained), a stick of butter (or two cups of margarine), two cans of kernel corn, one can of cream corn, and two cups of water, as well as the diced potatoes, and let it cook during the day. When you get home, yoiu should have a good clam chowder.

These can be modified a little in order to fit your tastes. If you want a vegetarian version, you can eliminate the broth and substitute portobello mushrooms or tofu, frying as desired, and then adding soy sauce of miso flavoring as desired. You can also add leafy vegetables, such as kale or spinach, for a healthier soup. If you want any of these a little thicker, put a quarter of a cup of corn starch in a bowl and add a cup of cold water, mix well, and stir in. Also, don't forget to season; two tablespoons of pepper and some salt should work wonders, but don't forget garlic powder and onion salt.

So if you want to fight against the cold, your first step should be to get your slow cooker up and going and have some fun with it. The winter may be cold, but you don't have to be. 

Tips on How To Shop Healthier

Eating right can sometimes be as simple as looking at what kinds of food you buy. For one thing, you should have more ingredients and fewer meals that just need to be prepared; basically, you should have more bags of pasta than boxes of macaroni and cheese.

You should have relatively few cans. Canned food has more corn syrup and sodium than raw foods, and usually doesn't taste as good as food prepared from raw ingredients.

The same applies to frozen foods. However, an additional consideration is that frozen foods also tend to be heavy in carbs and general sugars. Combined with convenience and you may end up eating too many of them.

You should have plenty of vegetables and, unless you are diabetic, you should have plenty of fruits. Fresh ingredients make great snacks, and you can normally eat as many as you want.

Having a lot of frozen raw meat is actually a good thing. Just make sure that it's packaged properly in order to avoid freezer burn and in ready-to-cook sizes. 

Tips on Using Video Games for Exercise

Video games present their own options for exercise. Find one that you like and go for it.

Exercise games come with every system, either as part of the network or an accompanying game. Take advantage of that.

Dancing games are also great. Don't focus on the scores so much as getting some exercise in.

They also encourage doing it as a team. That can be a great source of support and can keep you doing it, thus ensuring you get some exercise and have fun doing it.

Try to play games using full gestures whenever possible. It may be easier to just swing the controller, but you get a lot of exercise if you act like you are swinging a bat or racquet. 

Tips on How to Enjoy Swimming

Swimming can be a great exercise. However, make sure that you enjoy it safely.

Debate swimming alone. It's way too easy for even a strong swimmer to get into trouble, and having someone nearby is never a bad thing.

Resting and stretching is even more important in swimming, given the potential risks. Do not see either as a form of weakness, but as a form of survival.

Make sure that the suit you wear fits snugly but not tightly. You want it to be able to enjoy the swim, but you don't want to deal with embarrassment caused by a suit that falls off.

Ironically, hydration is even more important during swimming. Know where all the fountains are and remember to drink often. 

Tips on Avoiding Bad Advice

There are a few simple basic tips on eating healthier, and sometimes it starts with ignoring bad advice. If someone tries to guilt you into eating healthier, that's usually the best sign you should ignore them.

Too many people look at one part of the label in order to determine whether or not something is healthy. Any particular item needs to be looked at in context of the overall diet; an item that looks unhealthy by itself can actually be healthy when the entire diet is looked at. Eating chips that are high in sodium may look bad, but if the person doesn't gain sodium from any other source they can actually work as the body does need a certain amount of sodium.

Too many people ignore the concept that diet needs to be managed rather than controlled. You may need certain nutrients that a controlled diet doesn't supply; if you worry about ignoring your plan more than getting the right nutrients you're actually going to end up sicker than you want to be.

You need a certain amount of calories in order to function. Keep in mind that he average person needs a lot more calories than most diets allow, making them unhealthy for most people, and leads to feeling tired all of the time as well as apathy. So don't avoid calories unless directed by a doctor.

If you are getting most of your vitamins through pills and supplements, you are likely doing something wrong. Take a hard look at your diet and adjust so as to gain more vitamins through food and not pills.

Using Chili to Avoid Being Chilly

One of the problems with winter is that you will be looking for anything that is hot or spicy in order to keep from freezing. One of the best things you can look at is a good bowl of chili, especially if you have a slow cooker.

You can do this vegetarian style or carnivore style. If you want to do this vegetarian style, then just go the next step; you do not need to make any substitutes. If you are going to add meat, stick to beef, venison, or goat; you need a meat with a strong taste and so pork, fish , or chicken just will not do. You can use shredded pork, but otherwise pork just lacks the bite needed. Use ground meat or diced chunks and brown without seasoning; a pound should be sufficient but you can add more. Once browned put it in a container for morning.

The bean of choice is the red kidney bean. Soak two pounds the night before, and then drain off the water before putting it into the cooker with two cups of fresh water. Add in the meat, along with a tablespoon each of cumin and chili powder, as well as a half-tablespoon of cinnamon; if you want it spicier add more of those ingredients. Kick in two tablespoons each of garlic powder and onion powder, as well as one tablespoon of salt. Mix in two 8-ounce cans of tomato paste and a 12-ounce can of diced tomatoes. If you want to add in more flavor, add a cup of barbecue sauce. Put the beans on low as you head out the door. When you get in, crank it to high for an hour, and they should be good to go.

There are some great variations. Bacon is one obvious variation, especially if cooked to a crisp before being added. You can also add diced onions; you can throw them in raw, but caramelized is better. A little extra spice can be added by throwing in a cup of diced jalapenos. For a slight exotic taste, a little curry will do wonders, but just a little. If the chili isn't thick enough for you, you can blend in some flour; this is one time when you should avoid corn starch. Otherwise, you want to avoid adding too much; chili is best when it is simple.

When you serve it, debate adding a topping of sour cream, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, or sliced jalapenos; just one will do. If you need to add bread, your best bet is either cornbread muffins or tortillas, preferably cooked until toasted. Quesadillas also work. You can also serve it on top of potatoes; roasted potatoes works, but French fries are the best option. Ultimately, chili is a simple meal that works well as a way to keep the winter cold at bay, even after you have finished the meal, and one that will fill you up rather nicely.

Tips on Making New Recipes for Others

Before you do a recipe for someone else, do it for yourself first. This gives you a chance to iron out any problems ahead of time.

If possible, do it without seasoning. This gives you a baseline to work from and gives you a better idea of what seasonings you need to add to it.

Before you start make sure that you have all of the needed ingredients and you know exactly how to do everything required. It sucks to start something and realize that you have no idea how to do it or that you don't everything you need.

Keep in mind that substitutions that normally work don't always. Only substitute when you know that it will work out.

Once you have done the recipe at least once, have fun with it on the next try. You may find out that you like the new recipe more, and at the very least you get better at cooking. 

Sugar Cookies: Advanced Techniques

So let's assume you have the basic sugar cookie recipe mastered, but you are getting bored of it. You understandably want to try something more interesting. Fortunately, the basic sugar cookie recipe lends itself to so much more.

The appearance is the best place to start. You can use food coloring to modify the appearance; a couple of drops should be more than enough to change the color lightly, so color to desired darkness. You can do a light mixing so that there are splashes of color rather than a solid color. You can also separate the mass of dough into smaller sections, roll the dough into inch-thick logs, color each differently, and then cut into inch-thick wheels. You can then match up wheels of different colors and roll them out using a straight back-and-forth method.

Don't want to use cookie cutters? You have two options: Roll up the dough into a two-inch-thick log and the square off the ends. You can then use a dough cutter to slice the log into quarter-inch sections (you don't need to be exact) before putting them on the cookie sheet. You can also use roll them into 1" balls as well (if you use a tablespoon, they are called "drop cookies"). You may want to cook these an extra two to three minutes to make sure that they are cooked. You can also use cookie cutters, but create ridges before you throw on the sheet.

You can also add things to them. If you cut them into circles, a Hershie's Kiss can be pressed down in the center before cooking, or you can use small bits of fruit. You can also add up to about a cup of ingedients to the dough, such as chocolate chips, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or any variety of fruits. Take out the vanilla and almond extract, and you can replace it with chocolate liqueur or any kind of cooking wine or sherry. For something special, add in a tablespoon each of orange zest and lemon juice. You can also add in a half cup of dark molasses and a tablespoon of powdered ginger, but you may want to increase cooking time to ten minutes.

Yes, there are more precise recipes for any specific ingredient or group of ingredient, but this is meant as a beginning; experiment as much as you wish. The key is to have some fun while you cook, and you are bound to make some mistakes, but enjoy them rather than be horrified of them. Find a recipe you like and remember it, or even write it down. No one will judge you until you show them what you have been doing, and by then you will have something worth showing off. Best yet, you can destroy any evidence of failure, utterly and completely. Sounds like you have some cooking to do...

Tips on Better Delivery

Delivery is another area that bachelors have to deal with a lot. The best advice is to know what you want to order ahead of time, tip the delivery guy, and make it easy to get to your front door. There are some other issues you may want to consider.

If the place has a certain amount of time to deliver the food or it's free or discounted, keep in mind that any obstacle you put into the path of the delivery person counts against you. It really doesn't help your case if you are waiting for the time limit to expire before accepting the order; if the reason that the order wasn't delivered on time is because of you, expect to get banned from the place.

Know what you are going to order ahead of time. Take advantage of the place website and social media sites to keep up with specials and don't make too many substitutions. Keep in mind that the sooner that you order the food it can be delivered. Keep in mind that special orders can actually be more expensive than regular orders, and increase the odds of getting the order wrong.

Don't bargain. Not everything is a negotiation and it can actually make things difficult.

Don't make the order if you are frustrated or angry. Chill out before you order and it will go a lot easier. 

Tips on the Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet is one that combines exercise with a low-carb diet based on primitive man's diet. It can take a lot of balancing, but it can be worth it. Stick to the diet and you should do fine.

Using burn-out exercises (where you push your body well past its limits) should be avoided. The increased potential of injury easily outbalances the potential for rapid increases.

Make sure that you eat enough carbs for your exercise. A low carb/high exercise regimen can be hard on the body if certain limits aren't observed.

Although it's not advised, this is one diet you can argue that beer is a good thing. Take advantage of the carbs, but still maintain moderation.

Keep in mind that this diet has a lot of the limitations of the Adkins Diet. Try to combine six months on the diet with six months off in order to maintain health. 

Tips on Hydration

Hydration can be a problem. As such, make sure you can hydrate at regular intervals during your exercise.

If the only hydration available at your gym is through a juice or a vending machine, you may want to debate switching gyms.

When you are establishing a run, make sure that fountains are available at regular intervals that are easy to reach. This means that you can get water as needed, and especially when you are feeling weak while on the run.

Debate canteens. You want one that doesn't swing too much and doesn't imbalance you too much; that will help you avoid injuries while having a source of water at all times.

Seriously debate carrying a credit card or debit card with you while exercising. While it does allow the ability to grab drinks as needed, it also creates a security risk if you use it with any regularity. A good compromise is to have a card with no more than $50 on it at any time: if it gets stolen you won't lose much and you still have it for everyday use.

Tips on How Not to Be A Total Jerk

Part of being a bachelor is that you are going to eat out a lot. There are a number of different of getting great service at a restaurant. The biggest is to treat your server with the same respect you would like to be treated with and go from there.

Have one person make the order, with the condition that once the order starts there is no changing of a person's mind. Not only does it make it clearer to the person taking the order, but it also makes sure that there is no confusion which prevents any mistakes in the order.

If the restaurant has a website, look at the website before heading to the restaurant. This is really good for those with allergies or particular likes and dislikes. If there is a discussion board, read a few posts to see if there is a "secret menu" or other problems or highlights about the service.

Feel free to ask about a "secret menu", but don't force the issue. If there is one, and there isn't always one, a server is not required to let you order from it, especially if you are being a jerk about things. You will always get the service you deserve.

Tip. Unless the server has given you ridiculously poor service, and by that I mean service so bad you needed to call a manager over in order to complain. Any excuse, including you shouldn't subsidize their salary to you shouldn't bribe anyone to merely do their job, is BS. If you want boring , mediocre service then don't tip; if you want a server that is willing to go the extra mile, tip. You get the service you pay for. 

Sugar Cookies: The Basic Concept

Sugar cookies are arguably one of the simplest recipes to make, and one that everyone has fun making. There are enough variations that you can have some real fun making them any way you want, and cookie patterns are not required. The only key is to have some fun and do not approach it too seriously when you are doing it.

The basic recipe is to combine the following in a bowl until blended:
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup room-temperature butter (margarine may be substituted, but do not use a vegetable oil spread)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg

Then, blend in:
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
(2-1/2 cups self-rising flour may be substituted for all three ingredients)

Cut the dough in half. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut using cookie cutters (dip in flour with each cookie to avoid sticking). Put the cookies on the sheet and cook for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are brown, then cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the other half of the dough. You can re-use any extra dough until there is too little to cut; flatten any remainder and cook with the other cookies.

Before the cookies are cool, you have the option of covering with granulated sugar. Once they are cool, you can decorate as desired, using icing, sprinkles, or just about anything you want. Keep in mind that if you are using icing you should wait until the cookies are cool, but otherwise decorate as soon as the cookies are out of the oven so that the decorations stick better.

Obviously this is a recipe that you need to spend some time perfecting. Practice until you are comfortable with the recipe as it just the basic recipe for so much more. 

Tips on How to Get Better Service

When ordering, remember to be polite. While the person is there to serve you,, odds are good that they are dealing with a number of different customers and that the longer they spend with you the less time they can spend with other customers. This can make your server frazzled, so keep your questions short and easily answered, and make sure that the same questions aren't answered multiple times.

The same applies to asking for the manager for simple questions. The manager always has something to do, and asking him to answer questions you can ask the server is a waste of his time as well as insulting to your server. You may think that it's the best way to get straight answers, but it's also a great way to get bad service.

If you have a large number of questions try to show up during mid-afternoon. The server can focus on you and isn't preparing for lunch or going home. This is not to say that asking questions in and of itself is rude or impolite; your health and desires are important, but if you want the best service make sure that your server has the time to give you that service.

Don't be afraid to do your research. A lot of restaurants have the ingredients used in their food online, and disclose calories online. That information is presented so that you can make your decisions as quickly as possible and so get the best service possible. Take advantage of that information and you will have a great experience. 

Cauliflower and Making Great Pizza

Everyone likes pizza, but not everyone likes the associated carbs. There is a great pizza crust that is both simple and delicious, and uses a surprising ingredient: Cauliflower. This is actually a simple recipe that lends itself to a wide variety of options, and can even let you have some fun if you let it. It can definitely give you something just a little healthier than your normal pizza.

Make sure that you have some parchment paper on hand before you get cooking. Once that is the case, cover a cookie sheet with a single sheet of the stuff. Take four cups of cauliflower (about two pounds) and "rice" it: Slice into small enough chunks to fit into a food processor and let it go until it is as small as it can get without becoming a puree. Repeat until all the cauliflower has been riced. In a bowl, combine with a cup of grated paremesan cheese and two eggs (add a about a half cup of parsley flakes if so desired). Preheat you oven to 400 degrees. Take the mixture and spread on a the parchment paper to a thickness of about a quarter inch. Bake for about twenty minutes or until golden brown.

This is where the fun starts. The basic pizza is a cup of marinara sauce covered by cheese, with toppings on top of that; those topping can be anything you want so have some fun with it. If you're a bit braver, you can substitute alfredo sauce for the marinara, and throw some cooked chicken, chopped green onions, and tomatoes on the pizza. Basically, you can create any kind of pizza on this crust and it should work. For the really brave, sear some tilapia (the pizza will fit three to four fillets), and then cover with some pico de gallo and grated cheese.

Once you have topped it as desired, put it in the oven for another twenty five minutes. Once you take it out, carefully take a spatula and separate the parchment from the pizza, and then remove the paper and throw it away. You can now cut it into sections as desired. This makes a great substitute for a regular pizza crust, without all of the associate carbs. For those seeking a healthier crust, or at least one that is better for diabetics and other low-carb diets, this makes an excellent crust. 

Tips On Surviving Raw Food Vegetarianism

The worst kind of vegetarian to be is a raw food vegetarian, a vegetarian who only eats uncooked food. There are a lot more options than you would think, although peanut butter may become your best friend.

You can eat dough, but make sure that it has no eggs first in order to avoid salmonella.

The world of sushi may actually be a great option. There are a number of options to explore, especially when vegetables are in season, and there are some places that will serve it without rice.

Condiments are another potential source of worry, especially as most are cooked or pasteurized. Know how the food is prepared before you eat it, and keep in mind that not all not all condiments are cooked.

If you find a place that serves great raw vegetarian food, make sure that you do your level best to keep it around. This means positive online reviews, telling your friends and followers on social media about the place, and basically marketing the place to keep it around.