Published on: 05 April 2019
Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it does not mean you can eat anything you want. Yes, you are burning what you eat early during the day, but the food could still end up as stored fats that are not good for your health. These are some of the foods you need to avoid in the morning.
Breakfast cereals
When you were young, you thought that breakfast meant cereal. It was easy to prepare, and your mom probably had the same meal for you when you woke up. The truth is that even if the labels suggest that cereals contain whole grains, they are not necessarily the healthiest option for you. Even if some brands may contain nutrients your body needs, most of them hold a whole lot of sugar. Even granola and oats contain loads of sugar you need to avoid.
Pancakes and waffles
Again, when you were young, you were excited when you had pancakes and waffles on the table. The essential ingredients are sugar, milk, and eggs. They might be okay for breakfast, but the amount of refined flour present in making them is not good for your health. Add to that the toppings that you have like maple syrup, butter, or honey. They contain too much sugar that is unhealthy.
Toast with margarine
When you think about toast with margarine, you might feel even more excited about eating breakfast. Unfortunately, margarine is a terrible choice. It does not contain any significant nutrients, plus it has saturated fat and sugar. The bread is essentially refined carbs that will make the sugar in your blood spike quickly. Elevated blood sugar levels could lead to weight gain.
Muffins
Muffins have a reputation for being healthy, but they are not. They are technically cakes that contain lots of refined flour and sugar. Apart from eggs, nothing else is healthy in a muffin. If you buy the muffin mix in a box, it may contain more sugar and flour than the ones you prepare at home. The added sugar for flavors like chocolate chips and dried fruits make muffins even worse.
Fruit juice
You think that fruit juices are okay, but they are terrible for your health. The juices you purchase typically contain very little juice, and more fructose or corn syrup. They are the reason why you have increased sugar levels in your blood. They could also increase your chances of putting on weight. Unless you prepare the juice at home with real fruits and nothing else, you cannot have fruit juice in the morning, or at all.
Given these reasons, you need to evaluate what you are eating in the morning. If you eat the right food for breakfast, you can have steak at night if you wish. You can check out upper west side restaurants for the best meals available. When you are careful with what you eat during the day, you will not mind eating a lot at night.
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Getting into baking as a home cook can be pretty daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of options and tons of confusing advice.
You might just be standing in the store staring at the different products wondering whether you're supposed to buy a mixing bowl or a souffle dish. Believe us; you wouldn't want to end up with drawers full of unuseful stuff.
So if you are a newbie looking for some advice for your baking journey, besides taking up some bakery courses, continue to read on and learn about some essentials you need.
List of Top 8 Lucrative Baking Equipment For Home Cook
1 - Measuring Cups
This one might be a no-brainer, but many people skip the basics when starting with baking.
If you're wondering why you can't save some money by just using the same cup to measure everything - well, there are different measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients. Mixing those will make accurate measuring difficult and mess up your whole recipe.
For sticky ingredients like honey and peanut butter, you can look into adjustable measuring cups, which are super convenient and prevent product waste.
2 - Spatulas
There are varying uses of spatulas when it comes to baking.
Whether scraping, stirring, or lathering, you'll find yourself repeatedly reaching for this handy tool. All the options might confuse you, so let's narrow it down to the basics. Ideally, you need spatulas that are: a) flexible and b) heat resistant.
Even within those categories, there are many different options you can explore. So if you want to get into more detail, you can find out about the different kinds of spatulas here.
As for between wooden and rubber spatulas, we'd recommend rubber. There are specific rubber spatulas that are meant to be heat resistant. So you get the best of both worlds. But if you are looking for more of an eco-friendly option, wooden spatulas are also great.
3 - Baking Pans
Pans work as the base on which you start building up your dish, there is no baking without pans, and you can't get away with just getting one and calling it a day. But that doesn't mean you have to start buying every type of pan you can get your hands on. So again, we'll focus on the essentials.
Muffin tins are a must and versatile since they can be used to make much more than the usual cupcakes. You can start with a smaller 6-cup pan or go up to 12 if you work with the smaller goodies more often.
Loaf tins are also very important to have, and it's a purchase you won't regret. The possibilities are endless, and we recommend going for a non-stick one on the lighter side.
4 - Mixers
Mixers are tools that can be a bit heavy on your wallet, but it's definitely worth the price. Many consider stand mixers the best option and have many pros: they're fast, thorough, and all-around convenient. The con? They can't fit into everyone's budget.
If a stand mixer doesn't fit your budget, handheld mixers, specifically electric ones, are certainly not a bad choice. They don't hurt your finances and are easy to store as well. While not as fast as stand mixers, they still get the job done fairly quickly.
5 - Kitchen Scales
Regarding accuracy, there is no tool better than digital kitchen scales. While you can certainly go for manual ones, the accuracy won't quite compare to digital ones. Measuring weight proves to be much more accurate than measuring volume.
Whether your top priority is appearance or taste, accurate measurements are essential for both. It also cuts down a lot of the work you have to put in after you're done baking by decreasing the number of dishes used. If you're an experienced baker, a digital scale is a must since almost all professional bakers use it.
6 - Pastry Brushes
Pastry brushes might seem like something you should skip over, but they're an essential item, and you'll regret not getting one. Pastry brushes are best used for tasks that require a more delicate touch, like glazing, coating with melted butter, and greasing pans.
They can even be used to clean your dish by brushing off excess coating. They're fairly easy to use and don't make a mess, as the bristle soaks up liquids.
7 - Sifters
If you're working with flour and sugar, you need a sifter or a sieve. The fine mesh allows you to sift sugar and flour, which is an important step in making brownies and cakes. Many recipes require your flour to be super fine, and the sifter is the perfect tool for achieving it.
Dusting the tops of cakes or similar baked goods with icing sugar also becomes super easy when you have a sieve. Plus, it's very affordable and can last for years.
8 - Rolling Pins
Getting a rolling pin seems fairly straightforward, but a fair amount of options are available for different preferences and types of recipes. Rolling pins with no handles and tapered edges are preferred because they can give you super smooth and even dough.
These are called french style pins. Pins with handles are great for speed since you have better control over your movements. Going for more than one size will be helpful if you work with a lot of icing. Mini pins help when you need to be more careful and work with an intricate design.
When it comes to material, wood is the best way to go since the flour sticks to it, making the process a lot easier.
Conclusion
So here's our list of baking essentials you need if you're a home cook! We understand how stressful it can be to be faced with so many options and wanting the best while trying to stay within budget. Still, if you stick to the basics, you're already equipped for most recipes. You can add to your tools as the need arises, and that's how you make sure you aren't getting things that will do nothing but take up space. We hope you found this helpful and happy baking!
Additionals:
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If you're a foodie looking for new tastes and experiences in northern Colorado, visit Lafayette. Chefs use locally sourced food to create tasty dishes delivered by friendly staff. Lafayette is nestled between Boulder and Denver, so when you stay in Colorado, you can visit modern restaurants in these cities as well. Don't miss these local culinary favorites.
The Post Brewing Company:
When you have a hankering for fried chicken, pull up a chair at The Post Brewing Company. This American brewpub offers classic dishes like chicken and waffles alongside gluten-free fried chicken. You'll feel at home in this casual eatery with homemade meals. Give your chicken meal an extra kick with the variety of hot sauces you'll find on each table.
Cool off with a craft beer brewed on-site like an Elkhorn lager or a Big Rosie porter. If you want something other than chicken, try the meatloaf or shrimp and grits. Diners rave about the friendly service, too. You'll find this brewpub on Emma Street just south of State Route 7 in Lafayette.
Community:
If you prefer sustainable, farm-to-table meals, head over to South Public Road and add Community to your list of Lafayette eateries to visit. Sample local comfort food and artisan cocktails. Start with small plates to share including Shaolin-style duck nachos and Curry cauliflower tots. For your entree, choose from favorites like meatloaf, lamb, and pork tenderloin.
Save room for some dessert like key lime pie or an after-dinner drink to top off your meal. Community doesn't take reservations, but if you have a large group, you can call ahead to see if the staff can accommodate you.
Stay local and take a short ride to Boulder or Denver. Reserve a room in Lafayette for easy access to top-rated restaurants in these nearby cities known for their culinary delights.
Oak at Fourteenth:
Image via Flickr by Ken Lund
Don't miss having an upscale meal at Oak at Fourteenth on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. Try the pan-roasted sablefish paired with an Oak martini. You can also share a family plate of crispy pork shoulder prepared with pineapple fried rice. Menus are updated seasonally and feature locally grown ingredients. Call ahead to reserve a table.
Izakaya Den:
When the foodie in you craves fresh sushi and sashimi, take a short trip to Denver and make yourself at home at Izakaya Den: The Sake House with Tapas. Order specialty rolls created with tuna and salmon served tapas-style that you can share with your table. Mix and match rolls and fresh seafood.
Your catch of the day may be Tasmanian king salmon, bluefin akami, or wild tai snapper. Izakaya Den also offers a Japanese menu featuring Ramen and Udon noodle bowls. You may call the restaurant or reserve a table online to make your reservation.
Your culinary tour of Lafayette will deliver delicious meals at local hot spots with a family atmosphere. You can also travel a short distance to Boulder or Denver and experience a wider variety of modern fare in an upscale setting.
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When you are into bodybuilding, your primary goal is to build muscles through weightlifting and proper nutrition. Bulking is a part of the bodybuilding process. However, bulking requires proper nutrition along with weightlifting. You need to consume the best bulking foods to ensure the right nutrition.
In this article, you will learn about the best bulking foods. Here, this article will explain the key nutrients bulking nutrients and the best protein sources.
Apart from that, you will also learn about the best fat and carbohydrate sources useful for bulking. Finally, you will also get some tips for effective bulking. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Why Is Bulking Integral To Bodybuilding?
Generally, bodybuilding involves two phases: bulking and cutting. In the former, the goal is to gain weight and build muscles, while the latter consists in reducing body fat.
Basically, bulking is a dietary process where you consume excess calories for muscle growth and weight gain. In fact, it is a common approach that athletes and bodybuilders use to increase their strength and muscle mass.
Hence, bulking refers to an increase in calories that your body consumes when it is in the process of intense weight training.
It is the stage where you gain muscles in your body. Here, you have to consume more calories than your body needs. However, you do it for a set period of time (4-6 months).
The extra calories that you consume works as a necessary fuel for muscle growth. Moreover, it provides strength to your body through weight training.
Best Bulking Foods: A General Overview
In bulking, your focus should be to give your body more energy than it consumes, thus creating a calorie surplus.
Meanwhile, this surplus creates extra energy, with the help of which your body creates muscle mass. Moreover, this energy helps you repair damaged tissues and fuel intense workouts.
Actually, bulking is one of the most important aspects of muscle growth. This is because if you build muscles, you must provide your body with enough energy. This way, it can build and repair damaged muscle tissues after your workout.
However, just because you are bulking, it does not mean that you have to consume as much food as possible. In fact, you must choose the best bulking foods and count your macronutrients. This way, you can support your muscle growth and minimize fat gain.
Key Nutrients For Bulking
If you want to achieve a clean bulk, you have to make smart food choices. In fact, if your choice of food is poor, it will lead to “dirty bulking.” As a result, you will end up with a lot of accumulated fat and minimal muscle gain.
In fact, in healthy bulking, you must consume quality foods and minimize your fat gains. This is because your goal is to maximize your muscle gain and ensure proper metabolism.
When bulking, you must focus on protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a breakdown of each nutrient you need for muscle gain:
Proteins
The importance of protein in muscle growth and repair is the highest. This is because proteins are the building blocks of muscles. Hence, in your bulking phase, aim to have a higher protein intake.
Consume 1g of protein for each pound of your body weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 180 grams of protein each day when you are bulking.
Some good sources of lean protein include lean meats, eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, lentils, beans, etc.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates help you in providing energy for intense workouts. Also, it helps create a bulk in the muscles. Basically, carbs replenish the glycogen inside your muscles.
However, when you are bulking, take 1.5 grams of carbs for 1 lb of your weight. For example, if your body weight is 180 lbs, consume 250-270 grams of carbs daily when you are bulking.
When choosing carbs for bulking, focus on consuming complex carbohydrates. These include brown rice, whole grains, fruits, sweet potatoes, and vegetables.
Fats
Healthy fats are necessary for overall health and hormone production. Apart from that, it also helps in nutrient absorption. Hence, to consume healthy fats, you can include sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, etc.
Best Protein Sources For Bulking
The following are some of the best protein sources when you are in your bulking phase:
Lean Meats: Some good sources of protein are chicken or turkey. This is because they have less saturated fat than red meat. For instance, you will get 18-25 grams of protein from 100 grams of chicken breast.
Dairy Products: Generally, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk have high protein and high calories. Hence, they help you to build muscles faster. Apart from that, cottage cheese helps you in muscle recovery and growth due to its slow and steady dissolution.
Fish and Seafood: Fishes like salmon, tuna, and shrimp are high in protein and healthy fat. Hence, you can consider consuming them from time to time.
Eggs: Eggs are a good and fast-acting source of lean protein. Also, it contains healthy cholesterol. However, do not consume the egg yolk (yellow part) more than 2 in a day as it will increase cholesterol in your body. Meanwhile, you can consume multiple egg whites of boiled eggs in a single day. In fact, this is a good source of lean protein.
Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins are lean and healthy at the same time. Some good sources of such protein are beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh.
Protein Supplements: If you eat too much, you will feel bloated at the end of the day. Hence, you need protein supplements that will help you supplement the shortage of protein that you consume in a day. Some examples of protein supplements are whey protein, casein protein, and plant-based protein powders.
Best Carbohydrate Sources For Bulking
Here are some of the best bulking foods for carbohydrates that will help you during the bulking phase:
Sweet Potatoes: a great post-workout snack that contains nutrients and fibers. Also, it will help you restore glycogen levels in your body.
Fruits: Different types of fruits come with various nutrients and carbohydrates. Apart from that, fruits also add antioxidants to your body. For instance, a good fruit option to consume after a workout is a banana.
Whole Grains: You can find whole-grain bread and pasta helping you consume complex carbs. Generally, they contain more vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Apart from that, you can also choose brown rice to get good-quality carbs.
Legumes and Quinoa: Quinoa, beans, and lentils are excellent sources of carbohydrates.
Best Fat Sources For Bulking
Here are some of the best bulking foods for healthy fats that you can use during your bulking phase:
Nuts and Seeds: Some essential and healthy sources of fats are almonds, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Oils: For instance, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are great additions when considering fat for your diet. Hence, try to use coconut oil and olive oil in your cooking. This way, you can increase healthy fats and additional calories.
Avocados: Avocadoes are rich in healthy fats and nutrients. Basically, they contain monounsaturated fatty acids that add healthy calories and fat to your diet. Also, it is a source of antioxidants and vitamin E.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are fatty fishes that help you remain healthy and achieve clean bulk. Also, a large dose of omega-3 fatty acids, can improve your joints and cardiovascular health.
Dairy: Full-fat yogurt and cheese help your muscle restore glycogen stores. This helps more in the muscle-building process.
Tips For Effective Bulking
The following are some of the major tips for effective bulking:
Meal Frequency: Eating multiple times a day is important to ensure a good flow of nutrients and faster metabolism. Hence, make sure to eat small multiple times throughout the day.
Caloric Surplus: Always count your calories and your nutrients. For instance, if you see a caloric surplus to support muscle growth, you will have more energy for intense workouts and repairing damaged tissues.
Hydration: Since you are working out and eating a lot, you must stay hydrated. This will support overall health and performance.
Consistency: When you are in your bulking phase, be consistent with your diet and workout. Moreover, make sure to adjust your Intake. For instance, you can tweak calorie and nutrient intake based on progress and goals.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure efficient bulking, here are some common mistakes you must avoid:
Do not eat too much quickly, as it will get difficult to cut later on.
Make sure there is not a big gap between the two meals.
Getting ample rest will not be helpful for your muscles. Basically, your muscles need to get rest for growth. Hence, it would help if you got enough sleep when you are working out regularly.
Do cardio at least once a week. This helps you increase your appetite and helps you break down your calories faster.
Summing Up
Now you know the best bulking foods to help you grow your muscles and gain muscle weight. However, your nutrient intake and workout must go hand in hand. Only then will you get your desired results.
Do you have more suggestions on the best bulking foods to consume? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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