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Category: Food & Activities

In this category, we chat about the health and beauty benefits of specific food items and relaxation activities. Look after your health and the rest will follow. We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we enjoyed writing it for you!

  • 2 Foods to Consider on Indulging and It’s Benefits.

    It’s okay to indulge every now and then, whether it’s cheat meals such as sweets, or whatever it is you gladly enjoy eating. Food brings happiness to everyone. And it’s good. Indulging can actually be beneficial to a healthy and balanced lifestyle, as long as it’s done in moderation. Wouldn’t it be enjoyable to reward yourself after making a commitment to a healthier diet? So, take a moment to reward yourself for this reason!

    Here are 2 foods to consider indulging on occasion (based on few benefits):

    1. Ice Cream

    Ice cream is indeed beneficial in keeping a healthy mindset. When eating ice cream our bodies release dopamine which is a neurotransmitter from our nervous system that brings us pleasure and happiness. The savory taste of an ice cream is in fact, a mood booster. The ingredients of ice cream can vary, but the main ingredients are the following: milk and cream. Milk and cream contains nutrients, calcium, riboflavin, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D, for instance. And are all important in some ways, in helping our bodies to function. Just like calcium is important for our bodies to maintain healthy and stronger bones!

    2. Dark Chocolate

    Having dark chocolate as a treat can lead to few benefits to your health. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and minerals such as Magnesium, Zinc, iron, and more. Studies have shown that it may reduce the risk of heart disease, blood cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, dark chocolate consumption can have benefits for skin, as stated by Kris GUnners from Healthline. By protecting skin from sun damage, improving blood flow in skin, especially hydration. Moreover, since dark chocolate is high in cocoa, it has the least amount of sugar and fat than milk or white chocolate. 

    Occasionally indulging in your favorite food can help you satisfy your cravings and maintain a healthy lifestyle but remember to consume them in moderation. Stay healthy!

    Sources:

    1. 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate (healthline.com)
    2. 10 Health Benefits of Eating Ice Cream (firstcry.com)

  • Consider Your Intake of More Fruits into Your Diet!

    It’s crucial to start thinking about eating more fruits and incorporate them into your diet. According to a study from the CDC not enough adults in the United States are eating the recommended fruits, especially vegetables intake on a daily basis. And as stated by Lauren Manaker from Verywell Health “only about 10% of adults…are meeting those recommendations” based on a 2019 survey (Manaker, 2022). Not too good, isn’t it? 

    Here’s why you should start adding more fruits into your diet and the effects if you are not doing yourself a favor.

    What Are Positives of Fruit Consumption?

    As we all know, fruits are key in maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. All it takes is putting enough effort and consideration into adding fruits into your daily routine. You can start by trying 4-5 servings of fruits per day. To provide more information, heart.org presents an infographic on serving size by heading to their site. Fruits are high in fiber and low in calories resulting in the feeling of fullness. This allows you to lose or maintain a healthy weight, and reduce overeating, for instance. Furthermore, fruits with high fiber include avocado, apple, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, banana, tangerines, and the list continues. Consuming these fruits has been shown to reduce blood pressure, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, and more. Therefore, contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in keeping you healthy. 

    What is The Effect of Consuming Less Fruits?

    If you don’t eat a variety of fruits in your daily diet, you’re at risk of developing chronic diseases. For instance, diabetes, vascular diseases, types of cancers, heart disease, weak immune system and much more. You’ll definitely be less energetic and unhealthy if fruits are not being consumed enough. And this is especially crucial as we age. Wouldn’t you want to live happily and healthier? Healthy enough to do the things you love? 

    To all dear readers, do your best and eat those fruits!

    Source:

    1. CDC: Only 1 in 10 Americans Eat Enough Produce (verywellhealth.com)
    2. Adults Meeting Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations — United States, 2019 | MMWR (cdc.gov)
    3. Fruits and Vegetables Serving Sizes Infographic | American Heart Association

  • Here Are Few Ways to Fight Off Food Cravings!

    It’s common for everyone to experience food cravings. Though they sure can be delicious, whether it be sweets that are sugary or chips that are salty. However, the consequences if consumed too much may be unhealthy, for example weight gain. Therefore, stress, deprivation, hormone imbalance, and other triggers can all lead to food cravings too.

    Even though consuming too much sugar and salt is unhealthy, you can still treat yourself every now and then. Let’s say for a while and consider it a reward for maintaining a healthy diet, like a cheat day or make it special to reward yourself on your birthday with a delicious cake! 

    Now to continue, discussing food cravings. What are some ways we can fight off food cravings? 

    Drink Water:

    To avoid the desire for food cravings, drink water! By having a simple glass of water, the craving you’re seeking for will fade away. A glass of water will make you feel full, allowing you to control your appetite and prevent overeating. More importantly, we all should be drinking water to prevent dehydration, especially for our body to function healthy. 

    Eat More Fruits & Vegetables

    Consuming fruits and vegetables are the best way to go and reduce the urge to food cravings. When having the urge for sugar cravings, you should consider eating fruits. Fruits are sweet and can fight off that sugar craving as they contain essential nutrients and fiber to keep you healthy and fuller. Go for strawberries, blackberries, mangoes, cherries, tangerines, for instance. Furthermore, consider green leafy vegetables high in fiber and low in calories, allowing you to feel fuller. 

    Reduce Stress: 

    Stress is experienced by everyone for different reasons. Being stressed may lead to overeating and as a result increase food craving. It’s in fact, difficult, but try your best to distract yourself. Give yourself some time to take a small break and go outside and take a walk. Listen to music, music that can calm you down and ease your mind. Try exercising, it is a great way to curb your cravings while improving your brain function and cognition.

    These were a few methods to prevent food cravings. Stay healthy, dear readers!

    Sources:

    1. 11 Ways to Stop Cravings for Unhealthy Foods and Sugar (healthline.com) 
    2. . Candy Calories: How Many of These Can I Eat? (webmd.com) 

  • The Most Terrific Winter-Wonderland Activities in Central Park

    Hey y’all! Today, She Ate Dat is collaborating with Kindly Beautiful. Where food meets lifestyle! 

    What activities can you do?

    Imagine going to the beautiful Central Park located in NYC for this winter season. Central Park has many attractions and there are many activities you can do while you are there. Apart from the beautiful views and site seeing. The Wollman ice skating rink is one of them during this winter season. The ice-skating season starts during October and ends around April. Each ticket cost range varies from $10-$35 depending on age and or any additional benefits. You can enjoy an activity such as Ice skating with your friends, family or lover. You will have a great bonding experience with your loved ones while also having a great workout section. Your muscles and joints will get even stronger once you finish your ice-skating section and if you do it constantly it will be even better.

    In addition, once you’re done ice skating, you can always go home and have some rest. However, if you are a foodie just go to the Columbus holiday market, around this time of the year. The Columbus holiday market is located right outside Central Park’s entrance. This market runs from November to December every year. In this market you can have a lot of fun by doing some Christmas shopping while also eating some delicious food. Some of the type of food they sell varies from “bureks to tacos to fancy doughnuts and bratwurst.” 

    Therefore, next time you go to Central Park whether it is to walk, site seeing and or ice skate. Please, do yourself a favor and pass through the Columbus holiday market and do some shopping and go ahead and buy you some delicious food. Enjoy!

    Source:

    1. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nycs-holiday-markets-have-official-opening-dates-083122

    2. https://ilovetheupperwestside.com/a-professional-foodies-guide-to-the-columbus-circle-holiday-market/

    3. https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/sports/ice-skating/

  • Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and More!

    My family comes from Mexico and Thanksgiving is not a holiday we participate in. However, having been in the United States for many years, certain aspects of the holiday are adapted. We regularly like to have friends and family over for dinner and so we use Thanksgiving as another day to do so. There isn’t a specific dish that anyone prepares but my mom enjoys cooking a big ham that always comes out so decorative and delicious. This Thanksgiving was different for me.

    It has been two years since my parents have moved out of state and because I usually only get Thanksgiving day off, I’m unable to visit my family for the day. I instead find comfort in knowing that I have friends and family nearby who are more than willing  to have me over for this holiday. This year, I went to a friend’s house whose mom dedicated the entire day to preparing all sorts of dishes. They kept it very traditional with turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, Spanish rice, and sweet potatoes.  My favorite had to be the baked sweet potatoes, but I always enjoy sweet potatoes! Since it was warm enough, we had all gone to a nearby park to enjoy a late night walk.

    If I could have spent Thanksgiving at my family’s house I think I would have requested that we make penne alla vodka with shrimp, which happens to be my dads specialty. I would not be able to walk you through how he makes it because he has yet to pass his recipe on to me. Here’s a recipe for someone else’s shrimp penne alla vodka if you’re curious to try it! I would request this dish specifically because it is very nostalgic to me and my dad only makes it on special occasions. Remember to always share your gratitude for your loved ones, even when it isn’t a holiday!

  • Curbing Your Cravings, Challenging But Not Impossible!

    The members of Kindly, Beautiful aim to be open and honest with all of you, our audience. This particular topic is one that I personally struggle with and if we’re being honest, many of us do. Full disclosure, my family health history consists of members that have struggled with diabetes. It is one of the many reasons that I make an effort to watch what I eat, the amount, and always try to make time for any sort of exercise. It’s important to acknowledge that food isn’t bad, even the extra sweet, extra savory foods that we hold close to our hearts. Problems usually arise when we lose control over how much we have and how sedentary our lifestyle can be.

    We all experience cravings, it’s natural, but let’s discuss healthy ways to curb them and why they pop up in the first place!

    According to research, cravings can stem from an imbalance of your hunger hormones which are often a result of stress, poor sleep, diet, and lack of exercise. Targeting these issues can be a great start to curbing cravings. Another great tip is to increase the amount of fiber in your meals. The order in which you eat your meal has an effect on your bodily reaction too! Fiber aids in slowing down digestion and helps reduce glucose levels. Research suggests that we eat our vegetables first! This is something that my mom has always suggested but I thought it was a myth. Staying hydrated also helps avoid unnecessary cravings as thirst and hunger cues can be mistaken by your body!

    Finally, make time to plan meals if you can! Take fiber and protein into consideration as they help you feel and stay full. Keep heavily processed foods and snacks out of your kitchen or home so you don’t feel tempted to have more than you should. Most important of all, don’t skip meals! Hunger is a sign that your body needs nutrients and energy so don’t neglect it. Remember, it’s ok to give into a craving here and there, never feel guilty for doing so but make an effort to avoid over consumption! Take care of your body and the rest will follow.

  • Mastering Your Cravings: A Guide to Healthy Living

    One major challenge in pursuing healthy lifestyles revolves around controlling food cravings. Sudden cravings for some particular foodstuffs may undermine all the endeavors we make to observe healthy dieting. Understanding and maintaining control of these wants is vital to facilitating weight loss and providing complete health care.

    Experts at Penn Medicine say that cravings have nothing to do with hunger, are emotional, and are based on the environment. As a result, people might crave comfort food during periods of stress or boredom (Penn Medicine, 2019). Healthline recommends that having a plan on what you will eat can be very helpful in dealing with such cravings. This translates into knowledge of what you eat and when. If this is practiced, it becomes hard to eat on impulse (Penn Medicine, year).

    As stated by WebMed, another way to control the intake of junk foods is by avoiding stocking them at home (Zelman, 2023). That means you tend to eat less; you need easy access to sugary or fatty food items. Instead, you could replace them with fruits, nuts or even yogurt to achieve the same satisfaction but sans guilt.

    From my experience, water can be of great help in combating cravings. Our body may sometimes misinterpret thirst for hunger. A glass of water when hungry can be refreshing and help one determine what they still want after five minutes.

    Adding additional protein to your meals will assist as well; they make you satiated with fewer cravings in between by including protein-rich foods that take a long time to digest in their regime. Another report published on Health Line revealed that taking proteins helped reduce cravings by sixty percent while cutting down hunger pangs by around fifty percent (Bjarnadottir, 2016).

    Food craving management is key to healthy living. Knowing what lies beneath our desires, we can make informed, deliberate decisions that will help us make better choices. Just keep in mind that that does not mean starvation, every little stride gets you closer to achieving a better and healthier lifestyle you would be proud of. Keep up your spirits and embark on a healthy path with confidence and optimism.

  • My Love For Carrot Cake

    I have always had a sweet tooth, that’s not bound to change any time soon. Oftentimes, we are told that sweets are bad for us and we should limit our intake. The reality is that too much of anything can be bad for us – even the good stuff! When I think about food, I think of love and connection. It is important that we have a healthy relationship with food. It is important to create a balance and not shy away from what is considered “bad” or “unhealthy”. 

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, my mother and I decided to get into baking. We experimented with different types of recipes and different types of ingredients. In the end, it was a simple carrot cake recipe that won me over. I would make it with or without my mother for my entire family every time I got the chance to. This simple, sweet delicacy brought us together. It is the reason why I enjoy it so much and think of love and togetherness whenever I have it. It can be deemed “unhealthy” because of the oil, butter or sugar content in it and if that is of concern, the amount can alway be adjusted! Nothing is set in stone when it comes to following a recipe. There is always room for experimentation and even if you don’t wish to change the recipe, any food is enjoyable in moderation!

    So far, I have made and ate carrot cake on its own, with chocolate chips, with nuts, with coconut, fruits,  and I have yet to explore other ways of having it. My favorite way to have it is with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top or next to it. It is very easy to feel guilty about what we consume. I see it this way, if it makes you happy and you feel great in the moment, allow that feeling to sit in and last. We all deserve the happiness that comes with enjoying our favorite foods no matter what.

    Aside from carrot cake, fried oreos come in a close second! What are some of your favorite foods to indulge in every once in a while?

    Here’s a recipe you can try!

  • Indulging in a Guilty Pleasure Meal

    Maintaining a balanced lifestyle would mean having a healthy relationship with food. This is why one of the main rules to maintaining a healthy diet is that sometimes ‘bad’ food may just be needed to satisfy our cravings for certain dishes like ‘guilty pleasures.’

    This guilty pleasure includes a decadent bowl of carb-riddled cheese pasta and a dense, silken chocolate treat. In addition, I seek out this meal, which has lots of carbs and sugars, whenever I want comfort or deviation from routine. This creamy and indulgent pasta makes you remember warm-hearted family gatherings and holiday events. However, the chocolate dessert has a sweet tone that marks the end of the meal, making me feel full and happy.

    It is imperative to understand the idea of ‘the cheat meal.’ Enjoy yourself, and it is not about dropping your health routines. It can stop binge eating and nurture a good attitude towards food. Hence, an individual should consume this meal occasionally as part of a proper diet and not as a substitute for an appropriate diet.

    Furthermore, it has been possible to view eating one’s favorite meal as self-love. This is how to reward yourself for working all week or celebrate minor achievements. Tasting some of your favorite foods can also provide much-needed food and emotional nourishment towards improving your bad moods (Everyday Health Group, 2021).

    Eating a guilty pleasure meal when the diet culture dominates conversations about food can be considered an act of mercy. This acknowledges that food is not merely fuel but rather for enjoyment, and health should be well-balanced in the diet (Fieldhouse, 2022).

    Finally, a guilty pleasure meal is more than just taking a break from routine. That is proof of the idea that maintaining balance in eating habits is based on occasional pleasure eating.

  • Adding These Two Vegetables to Your Diet Could Benefit Your Skin

    Fruits and Vegetables on a wooden table
    Photo by Engin Akyurt

    Eating a healthy diet indeed contributes to one’s wellbeing. It’s essential to keep in mind the food choices you make as good nutrition leads to a healthy lifestyle.

    With a proper well balanced diet that includes foods consisting of fruits and vegetables (which I will be focusing on two veggies) you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight, necessary vitamins/minerals, and healthier skin.

    Consuming variety of fruits and vegetables could bring you good benefits to your health, especially if you’re interested in nourishing your skin!

    Without further ado, let’s begin:

    1. Sweet Potatoes

    Chopped sweet potatoes on a cloth
    Photo by Jess Loiterton

    Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A with lots of varieties in texture and sizes.

    Vitamin A is essential for protecting skin from the sun and serves as a defensive barrier to prevent skin from sunburn and wrinkles. Therefore, helps strengthen your immune system against diseases/infections and maintain healthier vision.

    What’s more? Not only does it contain vitamin A, but vitamin C, fiber, potassium and the list continues.

    Shown below is an example of nutritional content of baked sweet potatoes with skin. (Gather from healthline.com)

    One cup, or 200 grams (g), of baked sweet potato with skin provides: 

    Calories: 180

    Carbs: 41 g

    Protein: 4 g 

    Fat: 0.3 g 

    Fiber: 6.6 g

    Vitamin A: 213% of the Daily Value (DV)

    Vitamin C: 44% of the DV

    Manganese: 43% of the DV 

    Copper: 36% of the DV

    Pantothenic Acid: 35% of the DV

    Vitamin B6: 34% of the DV

    Potassium: 20% of the DV 

    Niacin: 19% of the DV

    Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice if you’re looking for healthier skin in addition to the benefits it provides for your health.

    2. Kale

    Kale on a wooden chopping board
    Photo by Eva Bronzini

    Kale is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K and antioxidants. It is part of the Brassicaceae family (also known as Brassica oleracea).

    It’s another popular option with a myriad of health benefits, including nourishing your skin. For this reason, it promotes a healthier youthful skin, slows down aging, hydrates your skin, boosts collagen, and more.

    So, why not give kale a try? Perfect for your everyday salads, green juices, smoothies or your side dishes.

    To Wrap Up

    Vegetables are excellent for healthy eating. And if your goal is to brighten your appearance of your skin – why not add more vegetables into your daily meals? There’s a lot to choose from. You aren’t limited to kale or sweet potatoes. Moreover, it’s recommended that you include fruits to your diet such as oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, berries, tomatoes and many more. Adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet will provide you with vitamins and minerals you’ll need for a healthier glowing skin and health.