by Victoria Gustav
Every year people come across Girl Scouts selling their famous cookies. Americans recognize this product even if many do not know that the similar offering of the Boy Scouts is Trail's End popcorn. Leaders of the Girl Scouts of America have realized something that the leaders of the Boy Scouts of America has not. It is a lot easier to sell sugary snacks than it is to sell ostensibly healthy products. To be fair to the Trail's End popcorn maker, some of their offerings are good and their kettle corn isn't particularly healthy.
Although other organizations cannot sell Thin Mints and Tagalongs, many companies do offer candy fundraisers that allow a charitable or other organization to take advantage of the average person's love of sugar. Little League teams and AYSO clubs frequently offer the $1.00 candy bars as a fundraiser. Anyone who has sold these items for their child knows that these items practically sell themselves. Leave them out on a counter at work and Reese's Peanut Butter cups will be gone from these boxes in a few days.
If you do not know how to start a candy fund raiser, the easiest way is to look in the back of the Little League or AYSO magazines, provided you can find a company. Many companies advertise their fund raising services and often a representative can request free information about conducting candy fundraisers.
Using candy for fund raising may not be as effective as selling tobacco or alcohol, but it certainly does avoid a lot of legal issues and it allows kids to get involved. Using children is especially ideal for youth oriented organizations.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Health Effects of Coffee
by ted sikkink
Coffee is very good for you. It makes you more alert and improves your mental performance. It boosts your physical energy, gives you more physical strength and endurance, and stimulates your heart. It's a great elevator of your mood.
Coffee is very bad for you. It lowers bone density and puts you at greater risk of osteoporosis. It plays a role in many conception and birth-related difficulties for women. It increases the risk of blood clots in the brain and creates digestive problems.
This is what you hear from each side of the "coffee and health" discussion. But what is the truth, really? Unfortunately, that may simply depend on who you talk to, which medical study you read, and how coffee makes you yourself feel. And, as some of the studies show, it may also depend on which elements in the coffee you're talking about.
Some of the effects, good and bad, stem from caffeine, while others seem attributable to separate things like the antioxidants in the beverage.
So far, though, it appears at the very least that there aren't any links between coffee and cancer. This makes it one of the few food pleasures people indulge in these days that don't seem to cause the disease.
And yet at least one study has shown that in a single cup of certain types of coffee, there are more "rodent carcinogens" than the total of all pesticide residues a human being will encounter in their food in a year.
On the other hand, humans are protected from many carcinogens that would harm other animals because of the multitude of natural defense enzymes in their bodies. So this still doesn't necessarily mean coffee is a cancer risk.
There does seem to be reliable evidence, however, of some risk of iron deficiency and problems with absorption as a result of drinking coffee. Mothers and infants seem especially prone to the deficiency, which lends at least a little credence to the concerns about birth-related problems.
And there is no question that in people with sensitive digestive systems, coffee can aggravate their condition, creating heartburn and upset. This is partly related to the fact that a compromised liver has more difficulty dealing with the caffeine.
All of this despite some studies in the late 1990s that suggested coffee can cut the risk of gallstones, protect against cirrhosis of the liver, and even reduce the risk of cancers of the digestive tract.
As to the mood elevation and brain function, coffee appears to help individuals with short-term memory, dealing with the tasks at hand, but might actually make it harder to remember information that relates to other things. And everyone is familiar with those who have had a tad too much caffeine, and have gotten jumpy.
It's the symptoms that sometimes arise when a person tries to quit drinking coffee that make people the most worried, and suggest health concerns that haven't yet been deciphered.
Many people experience outright anxiety and depression when coffee is removed from their diet, and others get severe headaches.
For some, the craving for coffee can last months. All of this suggests actual addictive properties, but no one has yet proven definitively that coffee is an addictive substance.
These conflicting opinions really mean that you yourself are the only one who can decide. But what everyone agrees on is that moderation is the key, even if you do drink coffee. There are enough questions about it that it's not wise to overindulge. But that might say less about the properties of coffee itself, and more about how all food consumption should be approached.
Coffee is very good for you. It makes you more alert and improves your mental performance. It boosts your physical energy, gives you more physical strength and endurance, and stimulates your heart. It's a great elevator of your mood.
Coffee is very bad for you. It lowers bone density and puts you at greater risk of osteoporosis. It plays a role in many conception and birth-related difficulties for women. It increases the risk of blood clots in the brain and creates digestive problems.
This is what you hear from each side of the "coffee and health" discussion. But what is the truth, really? Unfortunately, that may simply depend on who you talk to, which medical study you read, and how coffee makes you yourself feel. And, as some of the studies show, it may also depend on which elements in the coffee you're talking about.
Some of the effects, good and bad, stem from caffeine, while others seem attributable to separate things like the antioxidants in the beverage.
So far, though, it appears at the very least that there aren't any links between coffee and cancer. This makes it one of the few food pleasures people indulge in these days that don't seem to cause the disease.
And yet at least one study has shown that in a single cup of certain types of coffee, there are more "rodent carcinogens" than the total of all pesticide residues a human being will encounter in their food in a year.
On the other hand, humans are protected from many carcinogens that would harm other animals because of the multitude of natural defense enzymes in their bodies. So this still doesn't necessarily mean coffee is a cancer risk.
There does seem to be reliable evidence, however, of some risk of iron deficiency and problems with absorption as a result of drinking coffee. Mothers and infants seem especially prone to the deficiency, which lends at least a little credence to the concerns about birth-related problems.
And there is no question that in people with sensitive digestive systems, coffee can aggravate their condition, creating heartburn and upset. This is partly related to the fact that a compromised liver has more difficulty dealing with the caffeine.
All of this despite some studies in the late 1990s that suggested coffee can cut the risk of gallstones, protect against cirrhosis of the liver, and even reduce the risk of cancers of the digestive tract.
As to the mood elevation and brain function, coffee appears to help individuals with short-term memory, dealing with the tasks at hand, but might actually make it harder to remember information that relates to other things. And everyone is familiar with those who have had a tad too much caffeine, and have gotten jumpy.
It's the symptoms that sometimes arise when a person tries to quit drinking coffee that make people the most worried, and suggest health concerns that haven't yet been deciphered.
Many people experience outright anxiety and depression when coffee is removed from their diet, and others get severe headaches.
For some, the craving for coffee can last months. All of this suggests actual addictive properties, but no one has yet proven definitively that coffee is an addictive substance.
These conflicting opinions really mean that you yourself are the only one who can decide. But what everyone agrees on is that moderation is the key, even if you do drink coffee. There are enough questions about it that it's not wise to overindulge. But that might say less about the properties of coffee itself, and more about how all food consumption should be approached.
Be your own boss start a Event catering MA
by Kristina Paul
Event catering MA is flourishing business activity as it's very simple to start a catering business in MA. All you need is your own kitchen to start from. You can be your own boss and if you are found of working with people then Event catering MA would be the right career for you. You can cater to a wide range of events like a birthday party, wedding, romantic dinner for two, corporate catering, political convention, elegant cocktail parties, or a simple business luncheon. There are many occasion and events where people would want the services of a caterer.
Food is a part of every function small or big. Therefore Event catering MA is a best career to choose if you are found of cooking and serving food.
If you are planning to start off with a career in Event catering MA then you have to firstly decide on the finance that you will need to start with. A start up finance is a must in any business however small it is and even if you are going to use your own kitchen initially you will have to invest some money. You may not need a fully equipped kitchen as a commercial caterer initially but still there are some pieces of equipments that a must for small or bulk cooking. You might need a bigger mixer grinder, bigger utensils to cook quantity food, oven to bake and a freezer to store large quantity of food.
The next thing you need to understand is the business law when you start an Event catering MA. The legalities involved in starting your business. In Massachusetts as per the law you cannot run a catering business without having a proper license in other words the permission to serve food to the public. Also as an owner of an Event catering MA business you will also be responsible for paying taxes, wages, and carrying insurance.
Last but not the least you will have to work on how you will market yourself. You need the public to know that you are running an Event catering MA so you will have to spread a word either through friends and family or small advertisements initially.
Once you are able to have few satisfied customer you are on your way to making your Event catering MA a success.
Event catering MA is flourishing business activity as it's very simple to start a catering business in MA. All you need is your own kitchen to start from. You can be your own boss and if you are found of working with people then Event catering MA would be the right career for you. You can cater to a wide range of events like a birthday party, wedding, romantic dinner for two, corporate catering, political convention, elegant cocktail parties, or a simple business luncheon. There are many occasion and events where people would want the services of a caterer.
Food is a part of every function small or big. Therefore Event catering MA is a best career to choose if you are found of cooking and serving food.
If you are planning to start off with a career in Event catering MA then you have to firstly decide on the finance that you will need to start with. A start up finance is a must in any business however small it is and even if you are going to use your own kitchen initially you will have to invest some money. You may not need a fully equipped kitchen as a commercial caterer initially but still there are some pieces of equipments that a must for small or bulk cooking. You might need a bigger mixer grinder, bigger utensils to cook quantity food, oven to bake and a freezer to store large quantity of food.
The next thing you need to understand is the business law when you start an Event catering MA. The legalities involved in starting your business. In Massachusetts as per the law you cannot run a catering business without having a proper license in other words the permission to serve food to the public. Also as an owner of an Event catering MA business you will also be responsible for paying taxes, wages, and carrying insurance.
Last but not the least you will have to work on how you will market yourself. You need the public to know that you are running an Event catering MA so you will have to spread a word either through friends and family or small advertisements initially.
Once you are able to have few satisfied customer you are on your way to making your Event catering MA a success.
Obesity is on the Rise
by Wolf Krammel
Over the past 100 years the United States has experienced a trend of gradually increasing obesity. Currently 55% of adult Americans are classified as overweight or obese, suggesting that weight problems are reaching epidemic proportions. Women tend to weigh more than their male counterparts and women aged 50-60 have the greatest prevalence of obesity, as compared to women aged 20 - 30 with the lowest rates, thus affirming the notion that we tend to gain weight as we age. Currently, it is estimated that obesity in children is as high as 25%. Thirty percent of Americans are technically obese, as compared to in England, where there is an average of 16% obesity. The Journal of the Medical Association recently reported that the prevalence of obesity has increased by 49% between 1991 and 1998. These statistics are alarming and indicate the need for a broad scale public effort to overcome deep-rooted structural and cultural impediments that are hindering individuals from leading healthy lives. Furthermore, major shifts in personal behavior are required to offset the potential health risks associated with this phenomenon.
For those of us in Western countries, at least, innovations in the past century, and particularly just in the past few decades, has provided a plentiful food supply and life changing technologies, ranging from cars to computers, that are the hallmark of our age. Yet, apart from their remarkable benefits, these advances enable or induce us to lead less physically active lives. As a result, we may be the first broad scale society in human history to routinely consume more calories in our daily diets than we spend in our daily activities.
Today, our food is processed and stripped of the essential nutrients and fiber that once helped our ancestors to have energy, stay lean and healthy. Food processing strips vitamins, minerals, and fiber from food, and typically adds fat (saturated), sugar, and salt. Foods characterized as "whole" or "natural" have not been processed, and retain high levels of nutrients that are essential for normal body functioning and feelings of well being. The types of foods usually associated with 'whole foods' include whole grains, legumes (beans), fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and soy products (soybeans, tofu, miso, tempeh).
The consequences of this imbalance are now becoming dramatically apparent. America is experiencing an obesity epidemic that puts the population at increasing risk for heart problems and other debilitating and life threatening diseases including diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers. Most interestingly, research suggests that most if not all of these diseases are largely preventable! Can you guess why? You got it, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, two of the greatest weapons in the fight against obesity and its associated diseases states, will help you to live a healthier and longer life.
Over the past 100 years the United States has experienced a trend of gradually increasing obesity. Currently 55% of adult Americans are classified as overweight or obese, suggesting that weight problems are reaching epidemic proportions. Women tend to weigh more than their male counterparts and women aged 50-60 have the greatest prevalence of obesity, as compared to women aged 20 - 30 with the lowest rates, thus affirming the notion that we tend to gain weight as we age. Currently, it is estimated that obesity in children is as high as 25%. Thirty percent of Americans are technically obese, as compared to in England, where there is an average of 16% obesity. The Journal of the Medical Association recently reported that the prevalence of obesity has increased by 49% between 1991 and 1998. These statistics are alarming and indicate the need for a broad scale public effort to overcome deep-rooted structural and cultural impediments that are hindering individuals from leading healthy lives. Furthermore, major shifts in personal behavior are required to offset the potential health risks associated with this phenomenon.
For those of us in Western countries, at least, innovations in the past century, and particularly just in the past few decades, has provided a plentiful food supply and life changing technologies, ranging from cars to computers, that are the hallmark of our age. Yet, apart from their remarkable benefits, these advances enable or induce us to lead less physically active lives. As a result, we may be the first broad scale society in human history to routinely consume more calories in our daily diets than we spend in our daily activities.
Today, our food is processed and stripped of the essential nutrients and fiber that once helped our ancestors to have energy, stay lean and healthy. Food processing strips vitamins, minerals, and fiber from food, and typically adds fat (saturated), sugar, and salt. Foods characterized as "whole" or "natural" have not been processed, and retain high levels of nutrients that are essential for normal body functioning and feelings of well being. The types of foods usually associated with 'whole foods' include whole grains, legumes (beans), fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and soy products (soybeans, tofu, miso, tempeh).
The consequences of this imbalance are now becoming dramatically apparent. America is experiencing an obesity epidemic that puts the population at increasing risk for heart problems and other debilitating and life threatening diseases including diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers. Most interestingly, research suggests that most if not all of these diseases are largely preventable! Can you guess why? You got it, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, two of the greatest weapons in the fight against obesity and its associated diseases states, will help you to live a healthier and longer life.
You Need to Dig Deep for a Fresh Clam Recipe
by Chef Todd Mohr
One of my favorite clam recipes is baked stuffed clams. But, to get the freshest clams, you have to go clam digging first, and then you need to open the 300 clams that you dug up.
Heading out in a small boat to find a secluded low-tide spot that no one else knows about and spend the afternoon clam digging is a fond childhood memory of mine. I grew up on Long Island, NY and as a kid, I could walk along the shore, dig my toes into the sand and find clams to bring home.
I decided to revisit this childhood memory. It's a beautiful day. I've even brought my dogs, who want to get into the act, even if they think clam digging is a game to find very hard tennis balls.
Once we've collected all our clams, my head begins to swim with clam recipes. In the end, I know that one of the recipes I will have to cook is baked stuffed clams as it's my absolute favorite. However, to even start making baked stuffed clams, the fresh clams need to be opened.
There is a specific technique to opening fresh clams and a certain tool to be able to do it correctly and safely. First, it's wise to wear gloves, because the clam shells can be sharp, but also because the knife can slip under the pressure you exert to open them and you can easily cut yourself.
The key to opening fresh clams is not to cut through the belly of the clam as this makes the clam unappetizing for clam recipes. The proper technique is to cut the two muscles on either side of the shell to expose the clam meat in tact.
Clam digging is done, 300 clams are opened, baked stuffed clams are a must…but there are so many more clam recipes to choose from!
One of my favorite clam recipes is baked stuffed clams. But, to get the freshest clams, you have to go clam digging first, and then you need to open the 300 clams that you dug up.
Heading out in a small boat to find a secluded low-tide spot that no one else knows about and spend the afternoon clam digging is a fond childhood memory of mine. I grew up on Long Island, NY and as a kid, I could walk along the shore, dig my toes into the sand and find clams to bring home.
I decided to revisit this childhood memory. It's a beautiful day. I've even brought my dogs, who want to get into the act, even if they think clam digging is a game to find very hard tennis balls.
Once we've collected all our clams, my head begins to swim with clam recipes. In the end, I know that one of the recipes I will have to cook is baked stuffed clams as it's my absolute favorite. However, to even start making baked stuffed clams, the fresh clams need to be opened.
There is a specific technique to opening fresh clams and a certain tool to be able to do it correctly and safely. First, it's wise to wear gloves, because the clam shells can be sharp, but also because the knife can slip under the pressure you exert to open them and you can easily cut yourself.
The key to opening fresh clams is not to cut through the belly of the clam as this makes the clam unappetizing for clam recipes. The proper technique is to cut the two muscles on either side of the shell to expose the clam meat in tact.
Clam digging is done, 300 clams are opened, baked stuffed clams are a must…but there are so many more clam recipes to choose from!
Pasta and Noodles in Indonesia to 2013
by Bharat Book Bureau
This databook provides key data and information on the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia. This report is a comprehensive resource for market, category and segment level data including value, volume, distribution share and company & brand share. This report also provides expenditure and consumption data for the historic and forecast periods.
Scope of this research
* Contains information on three categories: dried pasta/noodles, chilled fresh pasta and canned pasta & noodles
* Market,category and segment level information on value, volume, and expenditure & consumption, with historic (2003-2008) and forecast (2009-2013) data
* Category level company and brand share as well as distribution share information for 2007 and 2008
* Review of the top two companies within the pasta and noodles market, including company overview, key facts and business description
Research and analysis highlights
The market for pasta and noodles in Indonesia increased at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% between 2003 and 2008.
The dried pasta/noodles category led the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia, accounting for a share of 99.8%.
Leading players in Indonesian pasta and noodles market include PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk., PT. Prakarsa Alam Segar and ABC President Enterprises.
Key reasons to purchase this research
* Develop business strategies by understanding the quantitative trends within the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia
* Design effective marketing and sales strategies by identifying key market categories and segments
* Identify key players within the market to plan lucrative M&A, partnerships and agreements
This databook provides key data and information on the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia. This report is a comprehensive resource for market, category and segment level data including value, volume, distribution share and company & brand share. This report also provides expenditure and consumption data for the historic and forecast periods.
Scope of this research
* Contains information on three categories: dried pasta/noodles, chilled fresh pasta and canned pasta & noodles
* Market,category and segment level information on value, volume, and expenditure & consumption, with historic (2003-2008) and forecast (2009-2013) data
* Category level company and brand share as well as distribution share information for 2007 and 2008
* Review of the top two companies within the pasta and noodles market, including company overview, key facts and business description
Research and analysis highlights
The market for pasta and noodles in Indonesia increased at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% between 2003 and 2008.
The dried pasta/noodles category led the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia, accounting for a share of 99.8%.
Leading players in Indonesian pasta and noodles market include PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk., PT. Prakarsa Alam Segar and ABC President Enterprises.
Key reasons to purchase this research
* Develop business strategies by understanding the quantitative trends within the pasta and noodles market in Indonesia
* Design effective marketing and sales strategies by identifying key market categories and segments
* Identify key players within the market to plan lucrative M&A, partnerships and agreements
Easy and Quick Dinner with Heirloom Tomatoes
by Andrea Wyn
Last night I had the most delicious easy and quick dinner with heirloom tomatoes and I thought I would share this summer salad recipe with you. This quick dinner recipe uses just a few ingredients including balsamic glazed halibut and takes only minutes to make.
Heirloom tomatoes are in season right now and they are so delicious whether plain, dressed with olive oil and accompanied with basil or tossed in a summer salad. Last night I used the tomatoes with this easy and quick dinner that is also a low-fat and healthy recipe. What is so great about this quick dinner recipe is that you can make it for yourself or serve it at your next dinner party.
The first part of this quick dinner recipe is to marinate the halibut in a bowl of equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons each) and a clove or two of garlic. Coat the halibut and place the fish in the refrigerator for about two hours.
The ingredients I used to make the summer salad were:
- Arugula
- Dates
- Heirloom Tomatoes
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon, Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper
Once the halibut is marinated, cook the fish in the oven until tender and flaky but not raw in the middle. (For detailed instructions on this recipe and more turn to page 95 in Budget Bash.) While the fish is cooking, toss the arugula, dates, heirloom tomatoes and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Then slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the summer salad (be sure to squeeze the lemon with the rind facing towards the salad so as not to get any seeds onto the greens), add some olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and place the salad onto your dinner plate.
Once the halibut is cooked, place it on the plate to the side of the salad or on top whichever you prefer and serve. (Note, for this easy and quick dinner recipe you can also substitute a chicken breast for the halibut and still use the same marinade.) Serve this quick dinner recipe with your favorite white wine and enjoy! The blend of flavors along with the sweetness of the dates (substitute figs when they are in season) is light and delicious.
I hope you found this easy and quick dinner idea using heirloom tomatoes in a summer salad enjoyable. What is so great about this quick dinner recipe is that it takes no time to make and is easy to clean up. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!
Last night I had the most delicious easy and quick dinner with heirloom tomatoes and I thought I would share this summer salad recipe with you. This quick dinner recipe uses just a few ingredients including balsamic glazed halibut and takes only minutes to make.
Heirloom tomatoes are in season right now and they are so delicious whether plain, dressed with olive oil and accompanied with basil or tossed in a summer salad. Last night I used the tomatoes with this easy and quick dinner that is also a low-fat and healthy recipe. What is so great about this quick dinner recipe is that you can make it for yourself or serve it at your next dinner party.
The first part of this quick dinner recipe is to marinate the halibut in a bowl of equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons each) and a clove or two of garlic. Coat the halibut and place the fish in the refrigerator for about two hours.
The ingredients I used to make the summer salad were:
- Arugula
- Dates
- Heirloom Tomatoes
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon, Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper
Once the halibut is marinated, cook the fish in the oven until tender and flaky but not raw in the middle. (For detailed instructions on this recipe and more turn to page 95 in Budget Bash.) While the fish is cooking, toss the arugula, dates, heirloom tomatoes and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Then slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the summer salad (be sure to squeeze the lemon with the rind facing towards the salad so as not to get any seeds onto the greens), add some olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and place the salad onto your dinner plate.
Once the halibut is cooked, place it on the plate to the side of the salad or on top whichever you prefer and serve. (Note, for this easy and quick dinner recipe you can also substitute a chicken breast for the halibut and still use the same marinade.) Serve this quick dinner recipe with your favorite white wine and enjoy! The blend of flavors along with the sweetness of the dates (substitute figs when they are in season) is light and delicious.
I hope you found this easy and quick dinner idea using heirloom tomatoes in a summer salad enjoyable. What is so great about this quick dinner recipe is that it takes no time to make and is easy to clean up. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!
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