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Does It Matter If You Cook With Organic Ingredients?

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A decade ago, organic ingredients were available only in a few high-end supermarkets. Today even discounted grocery stores carry them. Despite the higher prices, people still rush to buy organic ingredients believing they are more nutritious and less likely to contain dangerous chemicals. But is cooking with all organic ingredients worth the extra cost? 

Find out what organic really means, when you should buy organic, and when you should probably save your money.

What Does Organic Mean? 

"Organic" does not describe the food itself but how farmers produce and process it. The USDA determines what is and is not organic food in the US. Farmers can not grow organic fruit and vegetables using synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge, and organic food must not undergo irradiation or genetic engineering. There are additional restrictions for meat producers, including not using hormones or antibiotics. 

Is Organic Really Organic? 

Food producers can get tricky regarding how they label their food. Do you think foods labeled "Organic" or "Made With Organic Ingredients" are entirely organic? If you do, you are wrong. 

According to the USDA guidelines, food using the "Organic" label must only contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients by weight. And it only gets worse. 

Foods can claim they are "Made With Organic Ingredients" when they have just 70 percent organic ingredients by weight!

Is Organic Food More Nutritious Than Non-Organic Food?

The jury is still out when it comes to whether organic food is more nutritious than non-organic food. There is little evidence that organic products contain more protein or fiber. But some studies should organic food may have more antioxidants and micronutrients.

Based on nutrition alone, organic ingredients may not be such a great deal. However, when you look at what is not in organic food, things start to look better. Organic products contain no pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or genetically modified organisms. 

So Which Organic Foods Should You Buy For Cooking?

If you have a limited budget and want to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to organic foods, buy these foods:

  • Milk, cream, and butter. There aren’t any recipes that call for antibiotics or bovine growth hormones. So, why would you want them in your dairy products? 
  • Meat. The same reasons that make drinking organic milk better apply to meat as well. In the US, livestock is subjected to a wide range of chemicals and medications. It’s not good for them and not good for you either. 
  • Eggs. Since you should already be buying organic chicken, you might as well make sure the eggs are organic as well.
  • Corn and corn products. The majority of the corn in the US is genetically modified. Many people have concerns about the health risks that genetically engineered foods pose. 
  • Fruit without a peel. Soft fruit like peaches, nectarines, and berries are particularly susceptible to pesticides. However, it is also worth buying organic apples, cherries, and pears. 

Knowing more about organic products leads to better choices when shopping and cooking. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 simple habits that will make you healthier

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Some people swear that they’re going to get in shape and immediately take radical steps. They adopt a rigorous diet and undertake an ambitious exercise program. Few people stick with such a regimen for the long run.

On the other hand, if you make small and gradual changes, you’re more likely to sustain them. They will make you happier and are more likely to lead to long-term success. Here are five to consider.

1. Make a Habit of Walking

A 10- or 20-minute walk after dinner won’t solve all your problems, but it will make you feel better. Also, you can work an extra minute or two of walking into your daily routine here and there. For example, park farther from the store entrance. If you work in an office, don’t use the closest restroom. Even 20 minutes a day, if you do nothing else, will lead to a 10-pound weight loss over a year.

2. Use Stairs

Resolve not to use an elevator if you’re going up one flight or down two. At home, walk up and down the stairs even when you don’t need to. A few extra reps during the day, every day, leads to significant calorie burn, as well as improved muscular health, over the long haul.

3. Replace Soda Pop with Carbonated Water

You may have already switched from sugared pop to diet. While you’ve eliminated some calories, diet soda isn’t good for you, either. Research suggests that it may even increase your appetite for unhealthy foods.

Buy bottled soda water or use a carbonating machine. You can enhance the flavor by adding a twist of lime or even dropping a slice of peach or some smushed berries into the glass.

4. Get More Sleep

Modern people are perpetually tired. For many of us, it’s a badge of honor how hard we work and how little we sleep. Yet sleep is the “third leg” of a healthy lifestyle along with diet and exercise. Make a point of going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier. If your lifestyle allows it, sneak in a 10- to 20-minute nap in the afternoon. As with diet and exercise, it doesn’t take a big change to make a difference you can start to notice.

5. Take a Break from Your Electronic Devices

Set aside some daily time to shut off your phone, your tablet and your TV. The hour before you go to bed is ideal for this. It will improve your sleep and reduce your stress level. The world wants you to be constantly available, but ignore the world and think of this as your time.

You don’t have to grit your teeth and harness all your willpower to improve your health. If you adopt a few small changes, you’re more likely to feel better six months from now than if you try to change everything all at once.

Top 5 Ways People Waste Money Without Realising It

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If you’re like many people, you often wonder why your money seems to disappear. Chances are that your money is going down several drains rather than just one source. Most of us waste money without even realizing it. Following are the top five ways people waste their money. 

Failure to Plan Ahead

Advance planning saves money in a variety of ways, ranging from morning coffees and weekday lunches to international travel. Making coffee at home and packing a lunch instead of grabbing these items at local retailers may seem like small savings, but they add up over the course of time. When planning a trip, the sooner you book your airline and hotel reservations, the more you save on travel costs.  

Subscription Services

Subscription services have a way of sneaking up on people. At first they seem convenient, and many offer an introductory price. After the introductory period is over, subscribers are often shocked when their credit cards are charged the full amount. Always read the fine print when you subscribe, and make sure it’s something you’ll actually use. Set aside some time to weed out subscriptions that are no longer useful to you. 

Grocery Shopping While Hungry

Whether you do your grocery shopping online through a delivery app or visit your supermarket in person, always enjoy a good meal prior to stocking your cart. If you shop while you are hungry, you will end up buying more than you need. You will also be likely to make poor decisions based on what appeals to your taste buds instead of thinking about nutritional content. 

Using Third Party ATMs

Despite the popularity of digital payment systems, cash still has its uses in today’s society. However, running to the ATM every time you need a bit of cash means running up unnecessary transaction fees that add up over time. You can avoid these fees by either using a local branch of your own bank or by using the "cash back" option during checkout at your local supermarket. If neither is possible, determine how much cash you will need at the beginning of the month and withdraw that amount instead of visiting a third party ATM every time you need some cash. 

Gym Memberships 

Most people don’t use their gym memberships the way they planned to when they enrolled. If you fall into this category, you’ve probably thought about canceling your membership. Staff at these places are trained to discourage members from canceling using a number of tactics, including playing on your guilt about not working out as often as you planned. You can bypass this pressure by sending your cancelation request to the company’s headquarters in writing. 

5 Top Cheap Travel Destinations

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Budget travel has vastly different meanings for different people. Whether your idea of cheap is a $100 hotel room for a night or an $8 hostel, there are destinations around the globe where food, lodging, and local sightseeing are so reasonable that you almost can’t afford to stay home. Shop diligently for airfare deals, and you can indeed see the world without spending a fortune.

Here are some top options:

Costa Rica

There are many good reasons why Costa Rica has become a popular destination. First, it’s quick and easy to fly to this peaceful Central American country from major airports in the southern United States. Most travelers fly to San Jose or Liberia and then rent a car to see the country. Friendly people will welcome you wherever you go, but public transportation is not the best. Costa Rica has great beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. And in between are some of the most beautiful mist-covered volcanic mountains you’ll find anywhere in the world. You’ll also find rain forests and caverns, waterfalls and banana plantations. Did we mention cheap and delicious local food, and howler monkeys? 

Washington, D.C.

If you believe it’s impossible to see the nation’s capital on a budget, you’re mistaken. Even though major hotels are pricey, you can stay just outside the city core and ride the Metro to see the city’s major monuments and museums. Admission is free to almost all of them, and you’ll rub shoulders with government employees on safe, reliable public transportation. Plan to walk as much as possible. Visit neighborhoods where the rich and famous live as well as the Smithsonian, the capitol and the National Cathedral. Book a tour of the White House or Mount Vernon, and imagine what it must be like to be president. You’ll find plenty of great eateries here as well.

Singapore

It may not be the cheapest city in Asia, but it’s certainly one of the best. Food, transportation and lodging are a real bargain compared to prices in most other world-class cities. Singapore has an exotic vibe that’s hard to beat. You’ll find budget hotels right in the heart of downtown, and the public transportation network is fast, extensive and reliable. Check out the hawker center stalls in various districts to sample local food specialties. Then be sure to visit free attractions like the light show at Marina Bay and the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. Singapore’s Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park are definitely worth a visit.

Macedonia

The entire country of Macedonia is a treasure chest for the budget traveler. Check these prices: A meal in a good restaurant might set you back about 4 Euro, and a night in a hotel room for two will be only about 30 Euro. Macedonia is beautiful, but definitely off the radar for most tourists. If that appeals to you, it’s a great choice for cheap travel, and this little Balkan country is filled with history, culture and beauty.

Beijing, China

If your bucket list adventures include a trip to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City of ancient emperors, head for Beijing. With a population of almost 22 million people, it’s only the third largest city in China, but it’s the capital and it’s an experience! It’s also one of the cheapest cities in the world to visit, and it boasts some of the best food. And who doesn’t love Chinese food? A five-star hotel may cost $100, but you’ll get great street food for mere pennies and taxis for about a buck. Plan to spend at least three days in the city.

 

 

5 Amazing Travel Experiences To Have Before You Die

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There are unique vacations, and there are beautiful destinations. But if you’re looking for adventure and mind-blowing experiences, what are your best options?

Head to the far reaches of the earth! Here are 5 extraordinary suggestions:

Head to the Arctic Circle. You’ll be awed by the Aurora Borealis in winter. But it’s cold! The best viewing months are September and March, due to clear skies, increased solar activity, and extremely dark nights. And the best places? Take your pick — but Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Alaska top most lists. During summer’s Polar Day in the far north, you won’t see a sunset for four months, and you won’t see the northern lights, but you’ll enjoy the midnight sun! 

Visit Antarctica. There are no permanent settlements, and it’s still relatively hard to book excursions to a place that’s strictly devoted to scientific study. But some expeditions allow visitors to set foot on the frozen continent. Marvel at the glaciers, photograph penguin colonies, and walk the barren landscape. Book a cruise that includes a trip around the legendary Cape Horn at the tip of South America. Go ashore in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on earth, and gaze toward the Antarctic. 

Descend Deep Into Planet Earth. One of the most famous caves in the world is in Southern New Mexico. Carlsbad National Park has many attractions, but the cavern that is its showpiece is spectacular. The underground Big Room is 4,000 feet long, and a modern elevator whisks visitors down to the depths. Eat lunch at the cafeteria deep in the bowels of the earth. At sunset, watch thousands of bats depart from the main entrance. It’s truly awesome. Discoveries are still being made in the Cavern — the latest just three years ago. If you dream of becoming an explorer, this is your chance!

Embrace Morocco. Book a jeep and camel trek through Morocco to become immersed in its fascinating culture. Visit the vast Sahara Desert, cross the Atlas mountains, have dinner with a Bedouin family, explore the crowded souks of exotic cities, relax on beautiful beaches, and have a drink at Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca. Leave via Gibraltar, a quick ferry ride across the strait that separates the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. It’s a thoroughly British outpost that seems slightly out of place and time. Laugh at the Barbary Apes that have made their home at the top of the rock for centuries.

Explore Ancient Civilizations. There are many choices. Machu Pichu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and the cities and ruins throughout Egypt. Visit Israel and the Greek Islands, Athens, Rome, and Beijing, China, as well as native American cliff dwellings of the American southwest, and the pyramids of Mexico. Art, architecture, and history buffs have a treasure trove of possibilities on every continent. Pack your camera and pick your pleasure. 

The best advice for any traveler? Step out of your comfort zone and follow your dreams, no matter where they take you! 

5 Common Errors of Non-Native English Speakers

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English is tricky language. Even as you begin to master it, there are small errors that can make your conversation sound slightly awkward. Here are five examples.

1. Using Plurals on Words That Don’t Take Them

Some English words, such as mail or gum (as in “chewing gum”), are not countable. Therefore, it’s not correct to say, “Do you have any gums?” or “Did we get any mails today?” Nor should you refer to a single items with an article, as in “a gum” or “a mail.” Whether you have one piece of gum or many, you have gum. Whether you have one letter or several, you have mail.

2. Adding or Leaving Out an Article

English is inconsistent on which words require an article. The articles are “a,” “an,” and “the.”. Long-time English speakers do it properly without thinking about it. It’s correct to say, “Let’s go to the zoo,” but not “Let’s go to zoo.” On the other hand, “Let’s go to work” is correct, but “Let’s go to the work” is not. You introduce your profession by saying, “I am a lawyer,” not “I am lawyer.” Also, some countries require an article. It’s proper to say “We visited the United States” but “We visited Canada.”

3. Confusing the Forms of the Present Tense

“I go” and “I am going” are present tense expressions that mean close to the same thing. Their use in English, however, is slightly different. “I am going” is the present progressive tense and is used for something that I’m doing right now or will do in the near future. For example, “I am going to the store” could mean I’m on my way or I’m going sometime after I’m done talking to you. “I go” is the simple present and is used for a recurring event that isn’t happening right now. For instance, “I go to the store every Saturday.”

4. Adding or Leaving Out a Preposition

Different languages have different rules about when to use propositions. In English, there are verbs that require a preposition, especially when the object is a person. Therefore, it’s “Wait for me” and not “Wait me,” “Explain to me the situation” and not “Explain me the situation.” In other instances, the preposition is not used. It’s “Ask me a question,” not “Ask to me a question.” Sometimes the difference is subtle. For example, “Give to me the book” is not quite wrong, but “Give me the book” is better.

5. Agreeing with Negatives

If someone says, “I didn’t like that movie,” and you didn’t like it either, you might be tempted to say, “Me, too.” However, to agree with this kind of negative, “Me, neither,” is correct.

None of these mistakes are terrible. People will still understand what you mean. However, with attention and practice, you can clear up these issues and sound more like a native speaker.

How To Set Clear Financial Goals And Move Towards Them

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Do you feel like you’re just spinning your wheels but never getting where you want to go financially? You’re not alone. Millions of people just don’t know how to set clear financial goals and move towards them. It’s like they’re on a hamster wheel watching others succeed. Here are the secrets to getting off the hamster wheel and making real strides toward your financial goals.

1. Write down your goals

Get a notebook and write down your financial goals. Put the date on it so you can look back and see how long it took you to reach them. When you have your goals written down in black and white, they become more real. They will also feel more achievable when you’ve laid them out to look at again and again. Hang up the paper on the fridge or on a bulletin board. This way, you’ll see it everyday. It will be a reminder to keep moving towards them.

2. Make Goals Specific

Vague goals won’t motivate you. Make each of your financial goals as specific as possible. Instead of saying I will save $5,000, say, I will save $416 a month for 12 months. The more specific your goals, the better.

3. Make a Vision Board

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals. It helps to have pictures of what you hope to achieve. Many people are surprised by how their dreams become reality when they use a vision board. Cut pictures from magazines or print pictures from online of what you want. If your dream is to be a homeowner, use pictures of home similar to what you want. Hang the vision board where you can see it even day.

4. Take Action

Writing down goals and cutting out pictures won’t make your financial goals a reality. You need to take actions that will move you toward your goals. Examples might be getting a second job. You could drive for a ride-share company or make deliveries. You could open a savings account and make regular deposits. Don’t sit back and wait to win the lottery. Moving toward your financial goals requires action.

5. Be Honest With Yourself

Never try to lie to yourself or fudge the truth when it comes to your money. Don’t think that you’ve put $20 in savings when you only put in $18. The truth is always best. Take a good hard look at your finances. Are you spending too much on non-essentials? Do you have a bad habit that’s costing you hundreds of dollars every month? Take a long look in the mirror and promise to yourself that you will be honest about finances.

6. Keep Track

Have you ever wondered where all your money’s gone to? You need to keep track of where your money goes, every day. Use whatever tool you want. Accounting software, phone apps or just a piece of paper. Be like a miser and track every penny.

These are tips that you can use right now to set clear financial goals and move towards them. Now that you know, there’s no reason not to start right now!

5 Unique Places In The World To Visit

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Whether you’re well-traveled or planning your first vacation, these five unique places should be on everyone’s list of truly unique places to explore.

Hobbiton

Our first stop takes us to the imaginary and mythical world of Tolkien and the Hobbiton film location in New Zealand. It’s the kingdom of the Hobbits and the place that Frodo and Bilbo Baggins both called home.

In Hobbiton, homes disappear into the earth. The only hint of their existence is doorways located on the sides of hills. It’s said that once you pass over the threshold of one of these unusual houses, you enter a beautiful home that would “arouse the jealousy of everyone.” Because Hobbits love to party and drink, be sure stop at the Green Dragon Inn. There you’ll get a true taste of the Lord of the Rings with a pint of their finest hobbit ale.

The Door to Hell

In the Karakum Desert of north-central Turkmenistan, a flaming crater has been burning for decades. The sights and sounds coming from this crater are so frightening that the locals call it the “Door of Hell.” The crater is 98 feet deep and 226 feet across. It covers an area that is almost as big as a football field. The flames and heat are so intense that you can’t even stand close to many parts of the crater’s edge.

The flames are caused by natural gas that seeps from cracks in the surrounding rocks of the crater. This causes thousands of flames to burn continuously throughout the door to hell.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is located in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll near Belize City located along the Caribbean coast. Discovered by marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole is approximately 1,000 feet across and about 400 feet deep.

Blue holes are generally underwater sinkholes or inland caves. They are generally located in low-lying coastal areas. Most inland blue holes contain a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. Due to these unique water conditions, skeletal remains of extinct and still living species are well-preserved inside blue holes. Divers all over the world come to see the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside the passages of Belize’s Great Blue Hole.

Glass Beach

Glass Beach is located in the Mackerricher State Park near Fort Bragg in California. Due to its unique composition, it’s a popular tourist attraction. This remarkable beach stretches for miles. Its sand is covered by glass that can be safely walked upon.

Once this ocean area and beach were used as a landfill. The waves have eroded and weathered the glass fragments, then washed them to the shore.

Glass beach is a breathtaking attraction. Some people describe the beach as a fine piece of jewelry. Although there are many other glass beaches around the world, this California beach is by far the largest and most unique.

Lake Retba

Lake Retba is a pink lake in Senegal in West Africa. It’s one of the world’s saltiest lakes. In fact, with a saline level of 40%, it’s even saltier than the Dead Sea which has a saline level of 34%. The color of the lake varies by season and is more pronounced between November and June, during the dry season. At other times of the year, the pink color of the water is diluted by rainwater. The lake’s unusual color is caused by Dunaliella salina algae which is one of the few organisms that can tolerate the high saline levels. The red pigments produced by the algae give Lake Retba its striking pink color.

The 5 Biggest Sports Clubs In The World

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Sports clubs generate enthusiasm and loyalty from its fanbase. Millions of fans the world over dedicate hours of their time following and watching their favorite sports teams play. They also spend millions of dollars supporting their favorite sports clubs. Sales money coming into sports clubs includes tickets, official team merchandise, and more. The five biggest sports clubs in the world have both a huge fanbase and make the most money. Let the countdown begin.

Number 5 on our list is Real Madrid. Real Madrid is a soccer team based in Madrid, Spain. The value of Real Madrid is an estimated $4.75 billion, so if you want to buy this team, start saving now. They hold the record for the most Champion League victories, including the inaugural competition. The team rarely disappoints fans.

Number 4 on our list also comes from Spain. It’s Barcelona soccer team. Valued at $4.76 billion, this team is  only slightly ahead of Real Madrid in terms of size and popularity. Interestingly, FC Barcelona was founded in 1899, by a motley group of footballers from Spain, Germany, England and Switzerland. Today its team members hail from even more countries, worldwide.

Number 3 on our list of the five biggest sports clubs in the world is the New York Knicks, NBA champions. Valued at $5 billion, the Knicks are owned by Madison Square Garden Sports. Knicks is actually shortened from Knickerbockers, which is the name the original founder gave his new team. Knickerbockers are a style of rolled up pants that used to be popular in the 1600s.

Number 2 is the New York Yankees, of Major League Baseball. Owned by the Steinbrenner family through an LLC, the Yankees are still based out of New York City. The Steinbrenners paid a handsome $8.8 million for the team back in 1973. We would call that a good investment, considering that their current value is $5.25 billion. The Yankees major fan competition is the New York Mets, but they aren’t even on our list. Of the five biggest sports clubs in the world. The Yankees have been called the most successful professional sports team in the U.S., with 27 World Series championships under their belt. Not too shabby.

Finally, we get to the top player on our list of the five biggest sports clubs on the globe. It’s the Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones. Jones paid a mere $150 million for this football team in 1989. It’s now valued at $5.7 billion. The Cowboys have an estimated 8.35 million Facebook fans, and that’s not even counting fans who aren’t on social media. The home games of the Dallas Cowboys are attended by over 727 thousand people annually.

So that’s it, sports fans. If you’ve ever wondered which are the five biggest sports clubs in the world, now you know. So if you want to root for the biggest sports clubs, you’ve got your list to choose from, among soccer, American football, basketball and baseball.

5 Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Help The Environment

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You love our planet, and you want to do all that you can to help it heal. Taking small actions each day can go a long way in helping the Earth. Here, we’ll take a look at five simple ways you can change your life that positively affect the environment. 

Number one: reuse and recycle. When you cut down on waste in your home, you’re doing your part to help the environment thrive. Reducing your consumption keeps food, clothes, and other products out of landfills. Reusing and recycling items instead of buying new or throwing things into the trash (and eventually, the landfill) reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to conserve the Earth’s natural resources (like water and fuel). Next time you’re about to toss an item in the trash, stop and think: is there a way you could give the item new life?

Number two: change your transportation situation. Sometimes, it makes sense to fly or drive, but often, public transportation, biking, and walking can get you where you need to go. Carpooling is also a great way to cut down on the number of cars on the road, reducing your contribution to global warming. If you have to drive, be sure to keep up with local emissions regulations to ensure that your car is meeting government standards. 

Number three: go meatless one day each week. The production of farm animals (especially cattle) has a negative impact on the environment. Farm animals require large areas to graze. The creation of these areas requires deforestation, a process in which trees are cut down to make space for agriculture. This decreases the number of plants available in the area to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen. Farm animals also produce large amounts of methane, which contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer and contributes to climate change. Simply going meatless one day each week can have a large impact on the amount of meat you consume in a year, and doing so can positively affect the environment. 

Number four: consider switching to solar power. While getting solar panels installed on your home can take some time, doing so pays off in the long run. In addition to adding value to your home, solar panels eventually pay for themselves by saving you money on your electricity bill. Be sure to take advantage of any tax credits that you may qualify for when you switch over to solar energy. 

Number five: save water. Just one percent of the water on Earth is suitable for human consumption. Saving water can help you do your part to save the planet. Limiting showers to five minutes, cleaning your outdoor walkways with a broom instead of a hose, and washing only full loads of laundry can all go a long way in helping you save valuable h2o.