Tag foods

Wagyu Beef Really Is That Good

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Copyright: topntp

The hype about Wagyu beef is legitimate, and I am definitely a fan. I will admit that I was concerned when I saw how Wagyu beef has marbling woven throughout the meat, but oddly enough, wagyu beef is higher in monounsaturated fat than other types of beef, with lower overall calories as well. Another plus of Wagyu beef which is a result of the extensive fine marbling is that it cooks very quickly, making it a splendid choice for hot pot meals and Korean barbeque.

Japan is so strict about how Wagyu beef is graded that even a USDA Prime grade in the United States is considered only a four on the five-point Japanese scale for Wagyu. In addition, only beef from certain breeds even qualifies as Wagyu. As a beef lover, I am always impressed by the texture of A5 Wagyu beef, which is the highest grade afforded to Wagyu, but the flavor is also so refined and delectable that there is no way I could ever pass up an opportunity to consume it. I don’t even like loading up much on sauces or other condiments, because I don’t want anything to interfere with the nuances of the Wagyu. A very apt description of the flavor of A5 Wagyu can be found at Eataly Toronto:

“You’ll find that it has a buttery, yet firm texture and lustrous, red colour It’s a very juicy style of beef with some serious umami flavour. Although it has a strong beefy taste, it’s more “sweet” than “greasy.””

In other words, it’s absolutely delicious!

“I’m Bloated!” – Cures For Premenstrual Bloating (REPOST)

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belly bloatMany women suffer from premenstrual bloating, but most don’t know that there are specific foods and supplements which can treat it. Since many women experience bloating right before that special time of the month, I am listing the supplements and foods which I recommend to ease the water retention which can occur right before your period.

SUPPLEMENENTS:

1. Dandelion root – Try 3 capsules, three times daily for 3 to 4 days before your period to create a diuretic effect in your body.
2. Magnesium 400 mg – Take this one to two times daily. If you get diarrhea, back down to one 400 mg dose towards bedtime.
3. Gamma linoleic acid 400 mg – one tablet daily.
4. Vitamin C 1,000 mg – Take one capsule two times per day.
5. Vitamin B6 150 mg – Take one capsule daily.

FOODS:

1. bananas
2. cranberry juice or extract
3. raisins
4. asparagus

If your schedule is regular and you frequently suffer from water retention before your period, you can incorporate the supplements and foods listed above a few days before you expect your period.

Food Porn

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Mouth and chocolate

If you have ever heard competitors talk about forbidden foods, you have most likely squirmed in your seat as these individuals moaned and squealed with obscene delight as they described favorite dishes in great detail. It is no surprise why fitness people refer to certain foods as “food porn” because they are so taboo. The highly restrictive nature of contest prep meal plans heightens the appeal of foods such as macaroni and cheese, chocolate cake, baby back ribs, French fries, burgers, pizza, etc. (I imagine that those of you who are involved in fitness are salivating after reading that list). Some people actually plan out a restaurant attack based on all the foods they want to eat post photo shoot or competition. I still find it amusing that The Cheesecake Factory has become almost the standard across the country for a post-contest cheat meal, because it has an enormous menu sure to please the palates of ravenous competitors who want to eat everything in sight after being deprived for so long.

Whenever I compete, I have a peculiar habit of keeping the hotel television turned on and set on the Food Network 24 hours a day. Whether it’s Cupcake Wars, Man Versus Food, Chopped, or Drivers, Diners and Dives, I love capturing glimpses of delectable offerings whenever I am in the room. The strange thing is that it isn’t torturous for me at all. It’s actually comforting in a bizarre and voyeuristic way, because I live vicariously through the individuals who indulge in foods that I could only dream of eating. I can sit there and imagine how a dish would smell and taste. Isn’t that how porn works too?

When competitors and people who diet are deprived of decadent foods and suddenly get a glimpse of the forbidden foods, the visual appeal can be staggering. Since we are also animals, we become more intrigued by the things we cannot have, whether it’s delicious food or sloppy sex. When we indulge in either of these activities, we tend to make sounds which reveal the bliss that we are experiencing in that moment. Scientifically, the pleasure centers in our brains are triggered strongly by a fantastic meal or incredible sex. It seems that the phrase “food porn” is quite fitting indeed.