Luck Be a Spare Key Tonight (Shrimp Étouffée Recipe)

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

I’m not what you’d call “lucky”. I don’t win raffles, I’ve never found a $100 bill and no one’s showed up at my house yet with that sweepstakes check that I’ve been promised now like 300 times… (I’m on to you, random “to current resident” letters…if you don’t know my name, how can you possibly know I’ve won anything…hmm..)

Back to my bad luck. Last night I took the pup for a run. It was a gorgeous day and I was excited to get some bonding time in with the handsome little fellow while getting in my workout. I knew I had to hustle though, because it was my father-in-law’s birthday and the Mr. would be home soon to go to dinner. I picked up my cell phone to leave a message for said husband that went as follows:
“Hey hun, taking the dog for a run, be home in like 40 minutes. Locking the door- hope you have your key, see you when you get here!” Click. Phone on counter. Door locked. Gettin’ my run on.
About 40 minutes later, as promised, we huffed back to the house and as I went to turn the door knob, I found an upsetting thing…it was still locked.

After about 10 minutes of my dog giving me the stink eye and panting heavily, I asked a neighbor for some water. I jealously watched him quench his little puppy thirst, wishing I’d asked for water for myself. I waited another 20 minutes, during which I proceeded to perform walking lunges across the distance of my backyard followed by awkward squats. Whats an awkward squat you ask? Have you ever tried doing squats while holding onto a 90lb dog who has a fancy for chasing wildlife? Bonus: core strengthener.

So after about 45 minutes of (not so) patiently waiting, I decided I should probably mosey back to the neighbors and make a phone call. Here’s a little recap:

Brandon: “Hey where are you??? I’ve called you like 10 times!”
Me: “Oh, did you by chance listen to your message?”
Brandon: “Yes, you took the dog for a walk. I’ve been freaking out thinking you were abducted! Who’s number is this?? Is this a ransom call??”
Me: <long silence> “I’m not coming to dinner.”

Does that make me a bad wife? Maybe. But at least I know how to listen to a voicemail.

So now onto ways that I am lucky:

  • I do actually have a pretty amazing husband. And even when he doesn’t listen, he still has the cutest dimples I’ve ever seen which conveniently can instantly make me forget why I was angry
  • I also have the best mom in the world who teaches me how to cook really delicious things
  • One of those things is Shrimp Étouffée
  • I now know how to make Shrimp Étouffée and am going to share with you!
  • Don’t you feel lucky… 🙂

Shrimp Étouffée

(Adapted from: Simplyrecipes.com)
You’ll need:
2 pounds shrimp
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup flour
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pint clam juice
2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 Tbsp sweet paprika
Salt
3 green onions, chopped
Hot sauce (we used Crystal)
1 28oz can diced tomatoes (this added the perfect touch!)
Pinch of fresh cilantro
Pinch of Thai basil (these were last-minute add-ons as well from the garden, & they added nice flavor)

Dice up your veggies. Then make a roux by heating oil in a heavy pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Stir in the flour, making sure there no clumps. Let this cook, stirring constantly, until it turns brown (takes about 10 minutes).

Add the celery, green pepper, jalapeno and onion; mix well and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook another 2 more minutes.

Slowly add the clam juice, stirring constantly. Add enough to make a sauce about the thickness of syrup, about 1 pint.

Add the Creole seasoning and paprika; mix well. Add salt to taste, then stir in the shrimp. This is where we got stuck on the flavor, and me being the culinary genius I am (and so modest too) had the brilliant idea to add the diced tomato. The acidity of the tomatoes added the perfect balance that we were looking for (as luck would have it.)

Cover the pot, turn the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Add onions and hot sauce to taste. Serve over white or brown rice.

So you see, sometimes I can get lucky. And I have a feeeling if you make this for your significant other, you migh get lucky. Haaa…

*EDIT: I also left my windows down last night since I was, you know, planning on going out again… and it rained. A lot.
Yesterday- 1, Jess- 0.

*EDIT 2: A special thank you to my Biff, who we wisely decided to give a spare key, and totally saved the day and let me inside. LOVE YOU BOO!!…

Best Women’s Weight Loss Protein Powder

Healthy by JESSICA0 comments

Weight Loss Protein Powder 

To build strength, promote muscle growth, and improve the immune system women need quality protein. Protein powders help to quicken metabolism, control appetite, and thus, help in gaining muscle or losing fat. That is why, if you are thinking of weight loss then include protein powders in your diet along with exercise, training on weight machines.

Consumption of one scoop of protein powder combined with water or cold milk will help you to manage your weight in a better way. However, to lose weight along with staying strong and fit, you must intake the right type of health drinks and supplements. Consult your dietician or doctor in case you are considering starting protein powder intake for weight loss.

We have made a list of some best weight loss protein powders for women. Pick the finest one for yourself that suits your age, exercise regimen, and health.

Why Use Weight Loss Protein Powder for Women?

Weight Loss Protein Powder

Protein powder is an appropriate way to include protein in your diet plan. It is commonly available in online platforms, supermarkets, and health food stores.

People frequently mix protein powders with milk or water or mix it with soups and smoothies. You can also mix it with several baked foods and home-cooked meals if you want.

Some individuals who have a vegan or vegetarian diet plan, sometimes find it hard to meet their protein needs with their diet plan alone. For those individuals, protein powder is a cost-effective replenishment that is quite easy to use and beneficial for health too.

Protein powder is not only great for your weight loss process, but it is similarly an ideal way for making sure every meal packs a lot of nutrition and also substance. This, when you add to your balanced diet, also helps you to lose weight.

What Are Essential Amino Acids & How It Helps In Weight Loss?

Weight Loss Protein Powder

Amino acids are plant-based compounds composed of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Our body requires 20 different types of amino acids to function and grow properly. Although all of them are significant for our health, only 9 of them get classified as vital.

Our body does not have the ability to make the essential amino acids and that is why we need to obtain them through our diet. The best sources are animal proteins such as meat, poultry, and eggs.

When you consume protein, it breaks down into amino acids, which our body uses for various processes like regulating immune function, building muscle, and losing weight.

Nine Essential Amino Acids

Weight Loss Protein Powder

The 9 essential amino acids do a number of varied and important jobs in our bodies. So these are as follows…

Phenylalanine

Threonine

Valine

Tryptophan

Leucine

Methionine

Isoleucine

Histidine

and Lysine.

Although amino acids are mainly recognized for their role in muscle repair and development, our body depends on them for so many more reasons.

That is why deficiencies of essential amino acids can damagingly impact our entire body together with our reproductive, nervous system, digestive, and immune systems.

What Are The Best Protein Powders?

Weight Loss Protein Powder

After seeing all these aspects, it may appear impossible to get a protein powder that suits you perfectly. The market is growing day by day, so there is a variation of choices to pick from.

To jump-start your search, we have made a list of the best protein powders for women for weight loss.

Whey Protein

Weight Loss Protein Powder 

Whey protein powder is among the most prevalent kinds of protein powder and that too for good reason. It is a highly consumable milk-derived protein source that holds all 9 essential amino acids that our body is unable to make on its own.

This’s why the whey protein powder is measured as the “complete” protein source. Whey protein powder or supplements help in weight loss, reduce hunger and improve muscle growth in both females and males.

Whey protein powder also decreases ghrelin, which is a hormone that inspires appetite. This explains its efficiency in reducing hunger and also enhancing the weight loss process.

Additionally, whey protein powders can help to preserve and increase lean muscle mass. Lean muscle mass is especially significant for women throughout their lives.

Plus, whey protein powder decreases exercise-induced muscle injury and hurries muscle recovery in bodily active females, making it an outstanding choice for sportspersons.

However, as whey is produced from milk, this kind of protein powder is not suitable for vegans or also those who have intolerances or allergies to dairy.

Collagen

Weight Loss Protein Powder

Collagen protein powder is a comparatively new competitor in the market of protein powders. This versatile supplement not just delivers a prevailing source of protein, but also helps in reducing joint pain, reduce wrinkle depth and even increase muscle strength.

The utmost common collagen protein powders available in the market are made from the bones or skin of animals such as pigs and cows, or from the skin and scales of fish.

A maximum of these protein powders is hydrolyzed, which means they break down into lesser pieces called Collagen peptides that our body can simply engage.

They stereotypically pack in 18 to 20 grams of protein in each serving, making them an outstanding option for females looking to upsurge their consumption of this vital nutrient.

One more advantage of collagen protein powder is that it effortlessly mixes into cold or hot fluids, upping its ease factor. Its enhancement of protein sources can also reduce hunger and grow fullness.

Including collagen protein powder in your diet plan also benefits our joints, skin, and bones. Collagen peptides might also help decrease signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and dryness.

Brown Rice Protein

Weight Loss Protein Powder

Brown rice protein powder is a vegan-friendly choice for increasing the consumption of protein. For females who are intolerant or allergic to dairy or females who want to skip animal products, brown rice protein powder is the best way to go.

It is among the most hypoallergenic kinds of protein powder available in the market as well as is very effortless to digest.

Even though it is not a comprehensive source of protein, such as egg whites or whey protein, brown rice protein powders provide several health benefits.

It is a great option for females looking to increase muscle mass and improve strength. This’s a good source of protein for females who are not able to tolerate the whey protein powder but want to have protein that can assist them to reach their goals for fitness.

Conclusion

Protein powders are great for females who wish to gain lean muscle, lose weight, or want to get sufficient protein to uphold their overall well-being. You can intake the suggested quantity of protein powders together with healthy foods.

You also have to stay active throughout the day if you take protein powder in your diet. With time, you’ll feel more active, more proactive, and less hungry. So, let’s end the wait here and get a protein powder or protein supplement to live a better and healthier life!

FAQ

faq

Are protein powders good for weight loss?

A. Producers of protein powder or shakes claim that their product helps you to decrease body fat and thus helps in weight loss, but the truth is protein powders or shakes are not …

How to choose a shower faucet with matching style for the bathroom

Stylish by JESSICA0 comments

You may consider the shower faucet as a simple unit of plumbing hardware, but it is not that easy. It has many parts which are very important to make your bath experience more comfortable. Basically, there are several aspects you’ll need to ponder when choosing a tub shower faucet set. Therefore, this article will help you understand how to choose a shower faucet based on its design, function, material, price range, etc.

1. Select the ideal shower valves

First, shower valves play an essential role in making sure water flows smoothly from one fixture to another. In addition, they also control the temperature of hot or cold water. There are two types of valves: single handle and double handle. Single handles can be used by only one person at a time while double handles allow multiple people to use them simultaneously. The most common type of shower valve is called “single lever” because it consists of just one handle. However, some models have dual levers so that both hands can operate independently. Double-lever valves usually come with three positions.

2. Consider configuration and type

The next thing you should think about is whether you want a fixed spray head or adjustable ones. Fixed spray heads provide a consistent flow rate regardless of pressure. Adjustable sprays offer variable flow rates depending on the amount of force applied. Some showers even include built-in massage jets. If you’re looking for something extra special, check out rain-head fixtures. They feature unique designs like waterfall spouts and cascading streams. Rain-heads are great if you love nature’s beauty. You can enjoy watching the falling drops of water splashing down into the tub.

matching style for the bathroom

3. Check water pressure

If you live in areas where the water supply is low, then you might want to look for high-pressure shower systems. These units deliver up to 120 gallons per minute of water. This means that you won’t have to wait long before getting enough water to wash yourself thoroughly. On the other hand, if you don’t mind waiting longer than usual, then you could opt for lower-pressure options.

4. Consider Accessories

Shower accessories such as soap dispensers, towel warmers, and body washers add convenience to bathing. Soap dispensers work well with any kind of shower system. Towel warmers keep towels fresh during the winter months. Body washer helps remove dirt and grime after taking a shower. All these items are available separately or together. All necessary accessories can be;

– Diverters

These help shift the direction of water flow. For example, a diverter allows you to direct water towards either side of the wall.

– Handles

Handles are designed to hold onto the shower arm. Most modern handles are made of chrome-plated brass. But you can find different materials including plastic, stainless steel, nickel, copper, bronze, and aluminum.

– Hand showers

This is a combination between a handheld shower nozzle and a traditional showerhead. A handheld shower offers better flexibility since you can adjust the angle of the stream without having to move away from the sink.

– Anti-scald valves

Anti-scald valves prevent scalding when using heated water. It works by sensing the heat coming off your skin and automatically turning off the water until you get out of the way.

– Pressure-balancing valves

Pressure balancing valves regulate the water pressure inside the pipes. When there’s too much pressure, this device reduces it. Conversely, when there isn’t enough pressure, it increases it.

5. Consider your budget

You need not spend more money than what you can afford. While choosing a Duschsystem, make sure that its price fits within your budget. Also, consider how many years do you plan to own the product. Do you prefer buying quality products? Or would you rather go cheap but buy durable goods?

6. Choose the right size

When selecting a shower faucet based on the space available, remember to measure the width and height of the room. The distance between the walls will determine which type of fixture you’ll use. Showers usually come in three sizes: standard, compact and mini. Standard models are perfect for small bathrooms while compact versions fit most spaces. Mini showers are ideal for tight quarters.

7. Look at the finish

When shopping for a new shower faucet, pay attention to the finishes used. There are two types of finishes – brushed and polished. Brushed finishes give an old-world feel while polished ones create a sleek appearance. You may also see ceramic, porcelain, cast iron, solid brass, chrome, and even gold-finished fixtures. Each material has its pros and cons. Some people like the durability of metal while others love the elegance of glass. Whatever your preference, just know that each material adds value to your home.

8. Match the color scheme

The colors you select should complement one another. If you have dark-colored tiles, then opt for a darker-colored faucet. On the other hand, if you have light-colored tile, pick something lighter. This will ensure that they blend seamlessly into the overall look of the bathroom.

Conclusion

Shower faucets play a vital role in making or breaking the entire design of any bathroom. They add beauty as well as functionality to the whole setup. So before you start looking around online, take some time to think about all these factors so that you end up picking the best possible option.…

Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe

Stealthy Recipes by JESSICA0 comments

Ah, Biff Night.

There are few things in life as therapeutic as an evening spent with your best friend, watching television shows that may actually decrease your IQ just by watching (sorry, Tyra, you know I love you girl) and making delicious food. If it weren’t for these mid-week gatherings, I just don’t know how I’d make it to Saturday.

This week we decided to try our hand at Jillian Michael’s “Shred” DVD. Here I was thinking I’d float right through it while poor Mary struggled and huffed and puffed. (See, Mary has been blessed with being a “petite” girl who never had to work out a day in her life, and could eat cheese steaks while I stared enviously over my salad with no cheese and light dressing. She’s a newbie to the world of excersise, but I’m happy to be her tourguide.) Now I’m no stranger to squats and hand wieghts, in fact, most days I’m so sore from whatever brutal class I attended that I walk around like I’ve been hit by a moving car. But I have to tell you, I officially got Shred-ed. Damn you, Jillian Michals. Damn you and your perfect abs and evil power sets. You win this round, but I’m coming back, and next time I will get through all of those reverse crunches, mark my words.

And what better way to reward yourself for being Shred-ed, than by cooking something that tastes like it was battered and fried. (But guess what? It totally wasn’t.)

Baked “Fried” Chicken

You’ll need:
1lb boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 cup reduced fat buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or
1 cup French’s fried onions, crushed

Preheat oven to 400. Dip the chicken tenders in the buttermilk, and then in the breadcrumbs (or fried onions, whichever you prefer). Place the coated tenders on a wire baking rack, on top of a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

As you can see from the color variation, we did half of the tenders with the panko breadcrumbs and half with the fried onions. They were both really good, but the fried onions added some extra flavor. Obviously not the healthier option, but hey, sometimes you just gotta indulge.

Baked “Fried” Chicken Recipe_1

We served the chicken with some whole grain rice and steamed broccoli in a little light cheese sauce. And to kick it up a notch, I added a little bit of liquid heaven or as it’s known to common folk, Frank’s RedHot sauce.
Do work, Frank’s.
Printer-Friendly Recipe…

Why Is A Healthy Diet Significant And How To Eat Healthier Diet

Healthy by JESSICA0 comments

In order to function accurately, the body needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in food, namely protein, carbohydrates (sugar) and fat, to maintain a healthy weight and have the most prominent chance of having nourishing food balanced diet are the key.

What is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is a nutrition that helps in maintaining or improving overall health. A healthy diet gives the body vital nutrients: fluids, macronutrients, micronutrients and sufficient food energy. A healthy diet can include fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains, and you can eat fewer or no processed foods or sweetened refreshments. A variety of plant and animal products can meet healthy nutritional needs, although a vegan diet requires non-plant sources of vitamin B12. Medical and government agencies educate people about what to eat as healthy. In some countries, nutrition labels get needed to choose between foods based on health-related ingredients.

What is the basis of nutrition?

World Health Organization (WHO) has made suggestions on 5 points that compile the basis of nutrition.

  • The calories you consume are roughly the same as the calories your body consumes. Healthy weight is equal to calories per starting calorie.
  • Eat plant-based foods such as vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits, and nuts.
  • Limit fat intake and choose wholesomer unsaturated fats and trans fats.
  • Limit the intake of sugar, preferably less than 10 grams per day.
  • Limit salt/sodium intake from all sources.

healthy diet

A balanced diet is fun

Enjoyment and variety are significant in a balanced diet. Fatty and sugary foods are generally more delicious, and moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. No more, no less, but do not pay attention every day; the remaining amount gets reached within a few days.

Importance of a healthy diet

It protects you from many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. For a healthy diet, it is crucial to eat different varieties of foods and eat less salt, sugar, saturated fat and industrial trans fat.

  • Primary foods such as cereals (wheat, barley, rye, corn or rice) or starchy tubers or tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro or cassava)
  • Legumes (lentils and legumes), fruits and vegetables.
  • Animal products (meat, fish, eggs and milk)

Breastfeeding babies and toddlers

  • Healthy nutrition starts early in life. Breastfeeding promotes healthy growth and has long-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of overweight or obesity and non-communicable diseases in later life.
  • A six-month life is essential for a healthy diet. It is also crucial to introduce a mixture of safe and nutritious integral foods before six months until the baby is two years old or older.

Eat more vegetables and fruits

  • They are an essential source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, plant protein and antioxidants.
  • People who eat a diet loaded with vegetables and fruits have a significantly reduced chance of obesity, heart condition, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Eat less fat

Fat, oil and concentrated are sources of energy. Eating a lot, especially the wrong fats, such as artificially saturated fats and trans fats, can increase heart condition and stroke instead of animal fat or oil high in saturated oil (butter, ghee, lard, coconut oil, and palm oil) can help you eat healthier fats. To avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat intake should not exceed 30% of normal.

Limit your sugar intake

For a healthy diet, sugar should account for less than 10% of total energy intake. Reducing to less than 5% has additional health advantages. Choosing fresh fruit instead of sugary snacks such as biscuits, cakes, and chocolate can help save sugar. Limiting the intake of soda, soda, and other high-sugar beverages (juices, spirits and syrups, flavoured milk and yoghurt drinks) can also help reduce sugar intake.

Reduce salt intake 

  • Limiting salt consumption to less than five hours a day can help prevent high blood pressure and diminish the chance of heart condition and stroke in adults.
  • Limiting salt and high-sodium spices (soy sauce and fish sauce) can help decrease salt intake.

How to improve and how to eat healthier diet?

If you aim to eat healthier foods, thinking that you need to change your consumption habits immediately can be overwhelming. You can follow the steps to improve your diet.

  • Make a plan foryour new healthy diet

The first move is to generate a concrete and precise action plan. For example, if it’s breakfast time tomorrow morning, try skipping the fast-food breakfast sandwich and eating whole-wheat peanut butter toast at home.

  • Savemoney for 

There are several advantages to bringing lunch to school or work. It is a great way to save bucks and spend everything in the house, and it may be more nutritious.

  • Keep junk food out ofyour sight 

Empty the junk food in your pantry and refrigerator, and consider bringing only high-quality food into your kitchen. It means you are more likely to eat right and eat less garbage. Make a purchasing list to collect all the vegetables, fruits, and other plant meals you require for the next three days.

  • Takesmall steps 

Set achievable small goals for yourself. For example, one week, aim to eat three more portions of vegetables. Maybe the same week, add an extra serving of vegetables to dinner in just three nights. One day of that week, make a bean dish like chilli for lunch.

  • Keepa diary to keep track of your food choices

Keeping a food diary is a healthier way of eating. It does not get used to recording calories or carbohydrates; instead, write down your eating habits to better understand why you eat. It is the fundamental step to change behaviour. 

By filling your meal with plant foods (such as vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains), you can preserve your body from chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Avoid short-lived and unpredictable fancy eating. There are healthy foods you can choose your favourite food without worrying about the latest superfoods. A balanced diet is suitable for everyone. At all stages of life and in all walks of life, we all need a balanced diet adjusted according to the same principles; for students and their families, eating things can be expensive and challenging. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are as inexpensive and nutritious as fresh.…