Choosing the best quality of meat is the first step to healthy eating and delicious cooking. The quality of meat plays an important role in achieving a desirable result and taste and assures the longevity of the meat. To help you distinguish fresh meat, here are some tips you can consider.

Color

Color is an excellent indicator to tell if the meat is fresh or not. Mostly, the color of the meat varies on the cut or where the animal is coming from. If you’re buying beef, it should have a bright red color, pork should be pinkish, and white or pale yellow if you’re buying chicken. Just avoid meat with discoloration as it can be a sign of poor handling or that the meat has passed its prime.

Texture

The texture of the meat refers how uniform or lean the meat looks. To ensure that the meat is in good condition, its fiber should be intact and firm to the touch. Any meat with loose or uneven fiber only indicates that the meat is of poor quality.

Smell

Smell is another important factor you should consider when buying meat. Although different species of animals have their own smell, you should take note that fresh meat have a normal smell. Avoid meat that has a  foul or strange smell.

Cuts

When buying meat, you should also be observant of the pieces of meat displayed. The meat pieces should be about the same size or thickness, even and smooth with no ragged edges. Only choose well-butchered pieces of meat as they display good quality and proper handling.

These suggestions are all vital in picking the best quality of meat. Just learn to distinguish the difference between a high quality meat to a poor one and you’ll surely make beef, pork, or chicken dishes exciting and healthy as always.

One of the best childhood memories I have was the time I ate tomatoes almost everyday. I love tomatoes and up until now, I eat tomatoes, especially when they are raw and fresh. As for its benefits, all I knew was that it can keep our skin healthy.

Let me just share more information about tomato. Solanum lycopersicum is its scientific name. It is a botanical fruit and at the same time a vegetable for culinary. It has seven color varieties - red, pink, orange, yellow, white, green, and purple/black. Though, no matter what color it has, the outstanding amount of lycopene is still the same.

What Makes It Lovable?

This “superfood” is known for its excellent amount of disease-fighting antioxidant contents. It has been proven to prevent cancer, heart diseases, and lower high cholesterol. Researchers also found that its antioxidant properties has significant effects on the bone health. Inclusion of tomato in your diet may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other studies have found that tomato can inhibit the development of various kinds of cancer cells such as endometrial and breast cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and prostate carcinoma cells and also the growth of cataract.

Significant Nutritional Facts (in 180.00 grams raw tomato)

Vitamin A - 29.9% Good for the eyes and skin.

Vitamin K - 17.7% Helps the blood to clot.

Potassium - 12.1% Necessary for our body organs to perform well.

Fiber - 8.6% Good for diet.

Vitamin B6 - 7% To maintain a healthy brain.

Folate - 6.7% Helps to produce cells and keep them to work properly.

 
Warning

Excessive intake of tomato especially tomato juice can make your skin and liver colored orange-yellow. It is a skin discoloration which is called lycopenodermia. However, this skin condition is harmless.

I love tomato now more than ever. Especially now that I know more about its benefits. Indeed, it is extremely lovable like no other.

Wise spending is eating the right food that makes you feel good. So if you’re living in California or just passing through, do not hesitate to visit these commendable restaurants for a yummy and healthy food experience.

Sno:La Yogurt

This eco-friendly yogurt shop serves gourmet frozen yogurt in six yummy flavors. To make your order completely delicious, choose from the five types of tasty toppings they offer, such as chocolate, sauces, nuts, and seasonal fruits. Sno:La also serves verrines and they regularly feature new items on their menu. Check more items here.

Mixt Greens

If you are on a diet, Mixt Greens’ menu can keep you filled without depriving yourself of good and delectable eats. Order freshly made salads listed on their menu or design your own according to your preferences. Their sandwiches are also made from fresh, delicious, and healthy ingredients. In fact, almost all of their ingredients are grilled or roasted. Calculate here the nutrition facts of your choice salad before purchasing.

Oliver Cafe | Lounge

Last but not the least in this list is Oliver Cafe | Lounge, a restaurant that offers spa cuisine. Spa cuisine is the kind of food preparation that uses all-natural ingredients and methods. They have a resident registered dietitian who endorses the recipes they make. Grab the opportunity to taste their offered Asian to Italian cuisines during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Have delightfully healthy salads from Mixt Greens, eat an incredible breakfast at Oliver Cafe | Lounge, and don’t forget to enjoy a yummy froyo for dessert from Sno:La. Now, we’re talking healthy!

Things have changed for the last ten years of my life. I am not getting any younger so a healthy eating habit is crucial. I know that it is hard for a food lover like me, but keeping healthy will bring a lot of benefits. I came up with these top three fruits and you and I can include in our everyday diets.

Cherries
This fruit is one of the best sources of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals - excellent factors in maintaining your health. It is high in antioxidants and can lessen the risk of cancer. It is also low in fat and calories. In cooking, cherries are perfect for sweet dishes. One recipe I found in Fine Cooking is the Cherry and Onion Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - an absolutely exceptional recipe for dinner.

Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And it surely does because the apple is the number one fruit that can improve your heart and keep it healthy. It has flavanoids that can lower your cholesterol and can reduce the adherence of platelets in your arteries.You can eat an apple fresh or you can include it in your daily meals through healthy desserts like Apple Pie, Apple Tart, Apple Cake, and Apple Muffins.

Prunes
A distinct kind of plum that can add flavor to your diet and provide you with abundant antioxidants. Plum, being rich in antioxidants, can protect your body’s cells, strengthens your heart and cell membrane, fights viruses and bacteria. And like cherries, they also help reduce the risk of cancer. I recommend Braised Pork with Prunes for dinner and Spiced Meringues with Coffee-Soaked Prunes for dessert to give you that needed prune fix. Search Good Food for these recipes.

Healthy eating is possible with fruits. Take every opportunity to eat them for the sake of your health. And as for me, I have made them staples in my diet.