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Food

UPGRADE YOUR THANKSGIVING RECIPES WITH THESE TWISTS

by avenuepop December 1, 2020

It is thanksgiving once again, which means it is time to be grateful, slow down, enjoy with
your loved ones, and of course, eat. Food is one of the most important features of this
festivity, as it brings people together not only when eating, but also with cooking.
Thanksgiving traditional dishes such as turkey or pumpkin pie are as old as this country itself,
and the older members of your family will for sure master them. We certainly wouldn’t dare
to celebrate thanksgiving without them, but what if we introduced something new?
If you and your family enjoy challenges and trying new things, take note of these special
thanksgiving recipes!

Mascarpone mashed potatoes
Many people claim that mashed potatoes are the best side dish by far, and they probably are
right. What if we made them even better? (Yes, that is possible)
Mascarpone cheese is the perfect mix between sweet and salty and has the perfect creamy
texture that blends seamlessly with mashed potatoes.
Put both in the oven for a slightly crispy and toasted brown exterior and a buttery interior that
will drive your guests crazy. And just as simple as adding mascarpone!

Sweet potato and coconut bread
Sweet potato is a staple of thanksgiving, but since we might not really eat it that much during
the rest of the year, we don’t really have those many dishes where we can add it. And it is
really a pity , as sweet potato is a really versatile ingredient. Again, it is both sweet and salty,
which gives place to endless combinations.
Put along with coconut, it will result in a really exotic and nice taste, which combined with
some cinnamon becomes the perfect cozy thanksgiving dish. Now blend those ingredients as
if banana in a banana bread and you get a perfect dessert (and breakfast for the next day).

Broccoli Caesar Salad
Among all the big dishes that take place in every thanksgiving table, there is always some
type of salad. It may not be the most appealing dish for sure, but how are you not going to put
a salad there? even if it is just because some green looks great around all the other fall colors.
Well, here’s how you can make a salad that is actually cool: chop and bake some broccoli,
and add some caesar dressing. Add a little bit of parmessano and lemon zest to make it extra
fancy, and there you go. And it actually tastes very good!

Honey glazed brussel sprouts
Oh brussel sprouts, another Thanksgiving basics. They probably aren’t anyone’s favourite,
but they are always there, and we would miss them if they weren’t. And you can’t argue that.
Precisely because of this, we have come up with a way to make brussel sprouts more
interesting: simmer some honey in a saucepan, and once it has gotten an amber color, pour it
over your roasted brussel sprouts. Add some chili flakes to spice things a little bit up, and
everyone will be surprised how cool and tasty your sprouts are!

December 1, 2020 0 comment

Beauty Editor's Picks Environment Fitness Food Health Lifestyle

Fuel the body with plant-based Eating

by avenuepop November 12, 2020

written by avenuepop

What’s a physical fitness regime without the benefits of nourishing your inner self? Plant-based eating is
a vibrant alternative to the carnivorous and food processing eating lifestyle. As plant-based eating
emerges into mainstream consciousness, it is often interchanged with “veganism” or “vegetarian,”
however plant-based eating has its own subcategories, the table below details the various types of
plant-based eating lifestyles.

What is Plant-Based Eating?
A plant-based eating lifestyle focuses on filling up your plate with plant foods.
Below are some examples of plant foods:
● Vegetables
● Fruit (with seeds are recommended for full nutrients)
● Legumes (like lentils and chickpeas)
● Whole grains
● Nuts
● Seeds.
Feeding your body food that has less processing and can be found in nature provides nourishment for the
best results.
This way of eating does not encourage restriction. People who eat a mainly plant-based eating lifestyle
may still choose to eat small amounts of meat, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy (also known as
semi-vegetarian, flexitarian or pescatarian). The beauty of this is that there is no ‘one-size fits all’
approach.
If you’d like to challenge yourself for healthier eating, for 2 days,try not to eat the following:
❖ No Animal Products
❖ No GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)
❖ No Soy
❖ No Gluten
❖ No Gums
❖ No Artificial Flavors
❖ No Artificial Colors
❖ No Artificial Sweeteners
❖ No Lactose
❖ No Dairy
What are the benefits of a plant-based eating lifestyle?
Utilizing an eating lifestyle that shifts the focus on consuming whole, minimally processed plant foods
lowers your risk of heart disease, obesity and benefits your overall health.
Vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds are low in saturated fat, contain heart-healthy fats
and are low in saturated fat, contain heart-healthy fats and are an excellent source of fiber. They give our
bodies vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, which offer protection against diseases.
As we researched dietary patterns, the results clearly show that vegan and vegetarian eating lifestyles
associate with lower risks of heart diseases. People that consume primarily vegan or vegetarian based
eating lifestyles generally have lower blood pressure and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than
non-vegetarians.
A key note to remember when looking at the evidence is that vegans and vegetarians tend to lead a
healthier life overall, which explains some, but not all, of the lower risk seen. For example, people who
follow a vegetarian eating lifestyle may be more physically active and drink less alcohol.

November 12, 2020 0 comment

Entertainment Food Health Life Style Movies Music TV Videos World

Netflix Pioneers the New Age Entertainment

by avenuepop October 7, 2020

written by avenuepop

Netflix has easily become the most popular and successful on-demand media industry with a
yearly profit of over $11 billion, and we can actually understand why. Today we are going to
dive into a little analysis on how the company built its success, so get ready for this Netflix’s
history masterclass!
The company first became popular for their DVD rentals where you had a subscription that
allowed you to order a few DVDs at a time for a small price, once you returned what you had
you could rent more DVDs. We are talking about around the 2000s, the same year Britney
Spears released “Oops I did it again” (key fact for any and every history class).
Now Netflix is primarily online, and you can watch whatever you want whenever you want for a
monthly fee starting $10.99, or less if you join a family plan with your family or more likely a
group of friends who are just as broke as you are. But it is okay, we are all in this together. How
could we not team up to get Netflix’s over 140 million hours of content? There is something for
everyone, as we might already know, with a wide range of genres that include, action, comedy,
horror, documentary and much more.

One of the many reasons Netflix is so popular is because they stream some of T.V.’s biggest
shows and allow viewers to watch a whole series or catch up on the most recent season that they
missed when it was originally aired on T.V. and without commercials. How many of us got into
Netflix just to have Gossip Girl on demand? I did, and I must say it was a great decision.
Being able to watch a whole season or series gave birth to the term binge watch; a trend that has
become a popular way for people to enjoy their favorite content over the past few years and that
has prevented many people from getting their 8 hours night sleep, but I am sure all of them
(myself included) would claim it is worth it.

Binge watching, however, has more pros than cons apart from what our sleep schedule might
say, since it has become something that allows people who don’t normally have the time to sit
down on a regular basis to enjoy their favorite entertainment in one sitting. And because Netflix
is uploading the most recent seasons of current hits, most people will wait until Netflix airs the
show so that they can binge watch and not have to wait a week to find out what happens in the
next episode, which saves us a lot of unproductive thinking over the week going over and over
again to that final cliffhanger that broke all our theories.

With the low price of Netflix and other streaming services, many people are getting rid of cable
and watching all of their favorite shows online instead. This really saves us all tons of money
each month! Instead of paying for cable we just wait until they can watch shows and movies on
Netflix and only pay for the streaming service that offers far more than cable at a cheaper price
and without ads.
Netflix allows viewers to watch on their computer, phone, tablet and their television; while,
cable is confined to just their T.V. with that kind of service. Another point for Netflix! This
flexibility is one of the key factors in Netflix’s success; since it really gives a lot of freedom to
viewers to choose what, whem, and how to watch as long as they have a WiFi connection or
have downloaded the content they wish to watch. Netflix has eliminated the fear of missing your
favorite show because you won’t be home when it’s on and it has made our lives easier by doing
so!!

After Netflix had become so successful, they started to release Netflix Originals, which have
become just as popular as the hit movies and T.V. shows life-long companies offer. We all know
the best Netflix Originals would be Orange is the New Black, 13 Reasons Why or Stranger
Things; although there are SO many good ones that it is really difficult to choose just a few.
Recently Netflix has also been advertising their Originals on TV commercials since they want to
show that they are evolving into more than just a place to watch your favorite show or movie
anytime.
Movies are also being changed with Netflix, many people skip going to the movie theater and
wait until the movie comes out on Netflix and watch it for “free” at home. People see the movies
as “free” because you are not going to the theater and spending $10 on a movie you may not like,
and you are watching it under your monthly fee which allows you to watch multiple shows and
movies at once with only one payment, which also decreases the amount of DVD purchases.
With movies going on Netflix so quickly, why would you buy it for $20 if it is right there in your
Netflix account without you having to do anything or pay a separate fee?
With the growing popularity of Netflix and other streaming services cable companies are losing
business and the world of T.V. and movies as we know them are being changed into a more
advanced and fun way of enjoying entertainment. Yay!!

October 7, 2020 0 comment

Entertainment Fashion Food

Getting Spooky for Halloween 2020

by avenuepop October 6, 2020

written by avenuepop

October has just started and everyone knows what that means: it’s chills time!
This years’ Halloween night might be different from other years as we won’t be able
to attend chilling parties or parades, but that shouldn’t bring our spirit down. This
year’s October’s 31st is a Saturday and has a very special blue full moon, so we
can’t miss this opportunity to get Spooky!

Our first tip for an (even more) unforgettable Halloween night would be to try and do
a special FX make up.

Think about it: this year is more likely that you have time to look for the materials and
to try to replicate a pro makeup look than any other year. And if Halloween is meant
to be scary, what better way to accomplish this purpose than by turning into a
realistic monster, zombie or any type of evil?

Additionally, it actually isn’t as hard as it looks like. Liquid latex is the main material
used to create creepy layers of skin and it is really easy to get. Once you get it, you
can watch tutorials or just experiment by yourself. Remember that it doesn’t need to
be perfect, just funny and scary!

If you really want to get things scary, then plan ahead and prepare some creepy
pranks for whoever you are celebrating your Halloween with.

Tik Tok is a really great source to get inspo from, just as Youtube or even Instagram.
From mirror writing to fake-but-realistic animals, there are thousands of ways to add
some laughs to the night.

A particular favourite of us is the “Head on a Jar” prank. It is as easy as getting a
clear jar and printing a creepy image that will then go inside the recipient, and last
placing it somewhere unexpected for the target of the prank.
You just have to pay attention to the measures and again, be creative with the
picture you want to frighten with!

If you are more into fancy, cozy Halloween plans, then what you can do is open your
home bar and prepare some elite themed and tasty Halloween cocktails.

Our first option would be a classic, a Bloodymary. You know, for the blood thing and
all that. With just some tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice and a tiny bit (or more) of
tabasco you can enjoy this really fresh and Halloweeny drink to spice up your night.

If you want to try something new, then we would go for a Bloody Margarita. Add
some tequila, lemon juice, bloody orange juice and a bit of maple syrup into your
mixer and shake it up until the blend is ready. Add a dried slice of bloody orange and
serve it into a chemistry’s mixing glass to give it that creepy look.
Enjoy!

And finally, if you are going for a more familiar soiree or you have plans with
children, something you can do so they don’t miss going trick or treating is to get into
pumpkin carving. But in a pro way.

No more basic eyes and mouth pumpkins, do something different this year. You can
try to recreate a Disney character, an animal or a mythological creature. You can all
work together in a big pumpkin and it will keep you occupied for a few hours.

Furthermore, you can save everything you carve out and cook a Halloween menu
with it together. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pizza or pumpkin latte are the main options,
but you can always become creative and look for something cool and tasty online.

One way or another, the key is to make something good out of this Halloween, which
is only 26 days from now, so get ready and start planning your night already!

October 6, 2020 0 comment

Food Life Style Lifestyle Trends

Making healthy food choices during chaotic pandemic time

by avenuepop April 12, 2020

written by avenuepop

Dietitian writing a diet plan, view from above on the table with different healthy products and drawings on the topic of healthy eating

Besides washing your hands, not touching your face and keeping your distance, there are certain foods you should keep away from because they won’t benefit your immune system, especially during these trying times.

Distance yourself from processed fats and anything with white sugar, along with too much caffeine and alcohol, suggests nutrition and wellness counselor Megan Pennington.

Avoiding COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind, and so too should be eating well to support the healthy functioning of your immune system. While there is no one elixir to optimise it, proper diet and lifestyle practices go a long way in immune defence.

“There are key nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc which are significantly involved in immune processes,” says Pennington, of mpholisticnutrition.com.

When these nutrients are deficient, the immune system becomes compromised or dysregulated, she says, so support it by focusing on a wide variety of foods and ensuring adequate nutrition.

“Eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, superfoods, as well as good quality protein and high-fibre foods are key to keeping our body strong,” says nutritionist Andrea Donsky, of naturallysavvy.com. Fibre helps to keep our bowels moving and removes waste from our body.

“Our body needs nutrients in order to keep it strong so avoiding anything that has empty calories is important if you’re trying to keep immunity up,” she says.

Donsky advises building up your defence system with these foods:

Lemon water helps to increase the activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver and helps to flush out the waste.
Go for vitamin C rich fruits and veggies, like oranges, lemons, red peppers, broccoli, spinach. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is well known for its immune boosting properties, like scavenging free radicals in the body.
Garlic contains allicin which helps to enhance immunity.
Turmeric has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that protect and support the liver and helps to boost the immune system. You can eat or drink the root itself, in smoothies or cook with it.
Ginger is an antioxidant contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and shogaols.
Green tea contains EGCH, which has been shown to boost immunity and help to cleanse the liver.
Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body and enhance the function of immune B cells. Foods like sardines, herring, salmon, chia seeds, hemp seeds are all good sources.
Dandelion stimulates the liver and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in nutrients and fibre so it helps to remove waste from the body.
Fermented foods contain probiotics which help to boost and support immunity. Miso, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and organic tempeh are all good sources.
Prebiotics are a type of fibre that feeds the probiotics in our gut (the good bacteria). Go for dandelion greens, jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, bananas, leeks, asparagus, apples, and oats.

Avoid these foods, advises nutritionist Andrea Donsky, of andreadonsky.com:

Sugar depresses our immune system for four to five hours after ingesting it.
Alcohol reduces important immune cells therefore weakening our immune system, disrupts the gut barrier and alters the balance of good to bad bacteria in the gut.
Anything “white” like white rice, bread and pasta.
Trans fats are linked to heart disease and diabetes. No safe limit.
Additives like glucose-fructose (aka high-fructose corn syrup), artificial sweeteners and food colouring as they put a stain on our body to work extra hard to process them out.
Pop contains a lot of sugar and in many cases glucose-fructose and/or artificial sweeteners.

Be good to yourself

Be good to your immune system so you reduce the risk of a Cytokine storm – a severe hyperinflammatory reaction in which the immune system releases too many mediators called cytokines.

“Anything which stimulates the immune system to release cytokines – infections, autoimmune disease, food reactions to name a few – can contribute,” says nutrition expert Megan Pennington. Supporting the immune system to self regulate – through nutrition, adequate sleep, reduced stress – decreases the risk of a cytokine storm.”

Removing immune triggers, such as food sensitivities, also reduces the overall cytokine load, says Pennington, who specializes in immune system related conditions.

According to Pennington, serious complications and higher mortality rates have been seen in cases of viral pneumonia created by cytokine storm

A recent review by the Journal of Medical Virology concluded that “in CoV pneumonia cases, it is important to control cytokine production and inflammatory response, given that they are responsible for the accumulation of cells and fluids.”

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April 12, 2020 0 comment