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3.15.2011
Scratch it Out
I'm on this new kick where I'm really trying to cut down on the salt in my food because I want to experience the flavor of food in it's natural state (not to mention, it's healthier).
This lead me to check out what the average person's daily value percentage of sodium should be. Of course, this evolved into something much bigger where I take my calorie view (see my Arm and a Leg blog Daily Values Post) and study it a little more.
It aggravates me when people will buy boxed foods and call it "baking" or "cooking". Whenever I tell Matt that I want to make a cake, he always points to boxed cakes at the store and says, "Pick one out." (I have a look that I give him whenever he does this, he's learned to to say such silly things to me anymore). Please people, do you really think it's the same thing? Check the nutrition label sometime. In the long run, "scratch" cooking (cooking/ baking from scratch) is going to be healthier than buying foods that are prepackaged, boxed, and or you just have to "add water". No to mention, you can buy ingredients that will make your scratch cooking even more healthy.
Look for foods that are as close to the natural as possible. Instead of buying canned tomatoes, go to the produce section and buy actual tomatoes, chop them up yourself. You know what else is cool about doing that? You get more fulfillment out of cooking, you'll take more pride in it, and you'll start learning ways to make things even better! Not to mention the extra bonus of exercise (I know it doesn't seem like much, but anything helps!).
Also, In the long run, buying ingredients for scratch cooking will help you save money. Buying a bag of unhealthy chicken patties costs as much as a bag of flour or sugar, which could last you a few months, rather than a few days. And think of all the things you could make with those! I know a lot of people don't feel like they have time to make anything either. But guess what! You do! For things that I like to make all the time, I put all the dry ingredients, measured out, into a ziplock bag and put it in the freezer (you can keep it in there as long as you want). Then all you have to do is get all the wet ingredients ready and put it all together. You don't have to make a huge extravagant meal either, think muffins and crepes (they're easy and not just for breakfast). You can also make bread, get sliced meat and cheese from the deli, and lettuce and tomatoes from produce and make your own sandwiches.
Buying boxed foods seems easier and maybe you don't care so much about your health, but you will, and it's not easier and definitely not less expensive.
For some more tips you can read Mrs. Meal Maker's blog (my sister :) ).
I think we all need to start a movement of reviving healthy habits and the sanctity of food and cooking across the nation.
This lead me to check out what the average person's daily value percentage of sodium should be. Of course, this evolved into something much bigger where I take my calorie view (see my Arm and a Leg blog Daily Values Post) and study it a little more.
It aggravates me when people will buy boxed foods and call it "baking" or "cooking". Whenever I tell Matt that I want to make a cake, he always points to boxed cakes at the store and says, "Pick one out." (I have a look that I give him whenever he does this, he's learned to to say such silly things to me anymore). Please people, do you really think it's the same thing? Check the nutrition label sometime. In the long run, "scratch" cooking (cooking/ baking from scratch) is going to be healthier than buying foods that are prepackaged, boxed, and or you just have to "add water". No to mention, you can buy ingredients that will make your scratch cooking even more healthy.
Look for foods that are as close to the natural as possible. Instead of buying canned tomatoes, go to the produce section and buy actual tomatoes, chop them up yourself. You know what else is cool about doing that? You get more fulfillment out of cooking, you'll take more pride in it, and you'll start learning ways to make things even better! Not to mention the extra bonus of exercise (I know it doesn't seem like much, but anything helps!).
Also, In the long run, buying ingredients for scratch cooking will help you save money. Buying a bag of unhealthy chicken patties costs as much as a bag of flour or sugar, which could last you a few months, rather than a few days. And think of all the things you could make with those! I know a lot of people don't feel like they have time to make anything either. But guess what! You do! For things that I like to make all the time, I put all the dry ingredients, measured out, into a ziplock bag and put it in the freezer (you can keep it in there as long as you want). Then all you have to do is get all the wet ingredients ready and put it all together. You don't have to make a huge extravagant meal either, think muffins and crepes (they're easy and not just for breakfast). You can also make bread, get sliced meat and cheese from the deli, and lettuce and tomatoes from produce and make your own sandwiches.
Buying boxed foods seems easier and maybe you don't care so much about your health, but you will, and it's not easier and definitely not less expensive.
For some more tips you can read Mrs. Meal Maker's blog (my sister :) ).
I think we all need to start a movement of reviving healthy habits and the sanctity of food and cooking across the nation.
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