Inside the Indian household - Coriander

Coriander leaves - Image courtesy: Getty Images

I thought a series on common Indian household herbs and spices would be fun, things that are used in day to day cooking and how they are good for you. You will also find new ideas and tips to use them in your own kitchens. The series starts with coriander or cilantro.

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The open air markets or bazaars of India are a treat to the five senses. Even modern cities like Bombay, have one such market in each locality and almost all kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs are sold there. One walk through such a market and the smell that hits you first, is the pungently sweet aroma of fresh coriander. This is one herb that is easily the most popular one in India. It is used as a garnish in almost every savoury or spicy dish in Indian cuisine to add a unique freshness.

Coriander or cilantro as it is known in several parts of the world is the world's oldest known herb. It has been used as early as 5000 BC. The seeds of this plant are a main ingredient in curry powders and garam masala – the Indian mixed spice powder. The seeds when powdered lend the uniquely Indian taste to most gravies and curries without adding any heat. This herb is also widely used in Asian, Caribbean and Mexican cuisines.

This herb invokes mixed reactions from people. Those who are used to it for centuries love its strong aroma and feel their food to be incomplete without a sprinkling of this green wonder. Others who haven't yet got used it, find the smell overwhelming and at times, repulsive. So much so, that there are 'I hate cilantro' clubs. There are theories to propose that genetics has a role to play in a person's like/dislike for coriander. My genes surely dictate that I have an undying love for this fragrant wonder.

Buying and storing

Fresh coriander is awailable in most supermarkets as well ethnic stores. Buying from an ethnic store will ensure fresher produce because of faster turnovers. To store fresh coriander, cut off the thick stems. Store the leaves and delicate stems in an airtight box in the fridge. Coriander stored this way will stay fresh for 4-5 days. Take the required quantity befor use and wash it with plenty of water. Drain, pat dry and chop it as per need.
The seeds being brittle can be easily powdered with a pestle after slight roasting. It is better to powder the seeds as and when required as the readymade powder doesn't retain its freshness for very long.

Good for you

• Coriander is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese and dietary fiber.
• Researchers have isolated a compound from coriander that is twice as effective as an antibiotic that works against salmonella. This proves that coriander is a natural anti-bacterial agent and its liberal use in salads and salsa is well justified.
• The phenols and flavonoids present in coriander are known to fight allergies.
• Ayurveda, the ancient medical science also regards this herb as an excellent natural remedy for enhancing digestion. It also alleviates problems like flatulence, bloating and loss of appetite. Coriander is also an effective detoxifying agent.
• Children under age two, can be given a weak coriander tea to relieve them of colicky pains.
• Coriander oil rubbed on joints is known to relieve arthritic pains.

Cooking with coriander

Recipe I

Masala Chhaas (Digestive yogurt drink with coriander)
This is a popular Indian digestive drink. It is also had as an appetiser before meals. This chhaas is low in calories, yet rich in taste.

Ingredients
1 cup yogurt (preferably homemade or Greek)
3 cups water
¼ cup loosely packed coriander leaves – washed and chopped roughly
Pinch of rock salt or sea salt
Pinch of roasted cumin seeds or powder
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of asafoetida (optional)

Directions
Put all the ingredients together in a blender and spin for 30 seconds until all the ingredients come together.

Note:
This recipe can easily be doubled / multiplied to fill a pitcher. Serve chilled in hot seasons. Make it with water at room temperature for the winters. If you like it spicier, add a finely chopped Asian / Indian green chilli to the ingredients.

Recipe II

Green Chutney / Coriander Pesto
This is one chutney that is stocked in most Indian kitchens to use as a spread in sandwiches or as an accompaniment for most snacks like kabobs and samosas.

Ingredients
3 packed cups coriander leaves (Washed thoroughly, drained) and chopped
2 green chillies (Thai chillies or you can use Jalapenos)
4-5 cloves garlic – skin peeled
3 tbsp roasted peanuts
Pinch of turmeric powder
1 tsp salt
Juice of half a lemon

Directions
1. Put all the ingredients except the lemon juice in a coffee grinder / chutney jar of a Sumeet grinder.
2. Add a few tbsp of water to grind to a very smooth paste.
3. Remove in a jar / bowl and squeeze the lemon juice on the top. This retains the fresh green colour. Check for salt. This will stay for 3-4 days when stored in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator.

Note
Use this chutney as a marinade for fish or chicken before grilling them, for an Indian style grilled fish / chicken.
You can also try this as a spread for Pizzas. Chutney thinned with buttermilk can be used as a dressing for salads.

More ideas
1.Mix finely chopped coriander in the egg mixture for preparing scrambled eggs or omelettes to add a burst of flavour and colour.
2.Garnish pilafs
3.A bunch of coriander added to the hummus ingredients gives a twist to the regular hummus.
4.Coriander seeds and stems can be boiled along with vegetables or chicken to make a flavourful broth.

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.


This Post was written by Nandita from Saffron Trail

Tiffin Tuesday - Egg Sandwich, Fruit and Snow Peas

We really have said goodbye to Winter and embraced Spring with open arms. This week's lunch box contains colorful Spring feeling food.

Dark wheat natural whole grain bread - slightly toasted and spread with natural cream cheese. This is then filled with a fried egg that I lightly fried on each side, so that the egg yolk is not running but just moist. Sprinkle with some salt, black pepper and fresh chopped herbs. On the side some gorgeous Organic snow peas, lightly steamed. In the fruit corner we have some organic raspberries, physallis, and a large container of juicy sweet pineapple chunks.

Don't forget:
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

This Post was written by Meeta from What's For Lunch, Honey?

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Technorati Tags: lunch box, tiffin, lunch, kids meals, fruit, sandwiches

What's in your Easter basket?

I think Easter is a holiday loved by all young and old. I personally love Easter because it marks a change to my favorite time of year. I think about picnics, barbecues, relaxing in my hammock. For Soeren he likes Easter because of the excitement and fun an Easter hunt brings along with it - and of course the candy, sweets and chocolates.

Does it always have to be tons of sweets and chocolates in the basket? Tom and I discussed this last year and decided to try and create a more or less candy-free Easter basket for Soeren. The result was that he did not even realize that there was less candy in his basket.
He was happy with the other items we had placed that the lack of sweet things went unnoticed.

This year we're doing the same thing. We've discussed this with the grandparents and uncles etc. and all have agreed to cut down on their offerings of sweets in Soeren's baskets.

So what are the alternatives that one has? I admit going to the stores becomes a bit of a tough task finding quality items to fill the basket and often I find myself in the chocolate aisle thinking "maybe just this one treat!" It's easier as there is a larger and newer variety every year.
Here's what I did this year. I made a list of a few items that Soeren needs and might like to have.
The list looks pretty good and I thought I'd share it with you. Maybe you would like to use one of the ideas for your own candy-free basket.

• As the weather is only going to get better, Soeren will be spending most of his afternoons outside. Either in our sandbox or with the other kids in the neighborhood. So, I have a beach set on the list with a small rake, spade and bucket. Ball games are popular amongst the kids in the group. So I found a nice ball game where each player attaches a type of Velcro plate to their hands and has to catch a tennis ball with it. Other interesting ideas would be skipping ropes, swim tubes or toys or colored chalks to draw on the sidewalks.
• Arts and craft supplies. Paints, markers, crayons, coloring books, stones, shells, beads etc. These are always needed and a great way to spend rainy April days indoors.
• Play-doh, Matchbox cars, small Lego sets/figures are additional ideas that many kids really love getting.
• Of course the list would not be complete without books. We love books and it is always a part of any gift we give Soeren. There are sets of Encyclopedias for different ages available on the market. Soeren gets one new edition every event. This time we bought him an edition that describes and discovers the five senses.

What about you? What's going into your Easter basket? We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on this.

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

This Post was written by Meeta from What's For Lunch, Honey?

No Excuses NOT to Workout

Does your favorite excuse to NOT exercise involves being the parent of small children? Well here's some tips get you up and moving.


There are as many roadblocks to fitness as there are benefits to gain from fitness. So figuring out how to motivate yourself past your favorite excuse is beyond beneficial. So if your excuse is "I'm too busy with my kids to workout," it is time to change your tune. I used that excuse for a while, but I soon realized if I weren't "modeling" good health habits for my kids they would have no idea of the value of exercise. I didn't want to fall into the, "Do as I say not as I do" version of parenting.



Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking about how to fit in some exercise while hanging with your baby.

When you have a newborn

• You can do tummy time with your baby. Get down on the floor and get active while your baby fusses over learning this new position.


• Pack that baby up and go for a stroll since the fresh air is good for you and the baby.

When the baby starts crawling

• Get down on all fours and explore with your child. You will work your arms and your legs as well as learn the value of sweeping the floor from first hand experience.


• Carrying your child around like all the Hollywood mommas will definitely get your arms strong and toned. You know...babies can double as weights. Just make sure to alternate arms and keep your tummy pulled up and in to protect your back.

Toddler workout

• Follow your new walker around and do what they do. Try to do it for 10 minutes. Granted his or her center of gravity is considerably lower so his or her up/down motions are easier. Toddlers also love, LOVE when you imitate them. It will be a nice bonding game as well as a strength training time for you.

The playground at any age even with tots can be quite a workout. Pushing the swing and the merry-go-round can work your arms and burn some calories. I like to add a squat between each push, as well as alternate arms.

So work out with your little ones and you will feel better when they start to work your patience.

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.


This Post was written by Susi from FitSugar

Roasting Vegetables

As I’ve gotten older, vegetables have become more and more appealing. I no longer groan at green beans, balk at bunches of broccoli, or curse cooked carrots as I did in my younger days. In fact, many days I crave their healthy simplicity, pure taste, and beautiful colours.

I’m fortunate that my husband has become increasingly open to trying new and different vegetables with me when the mood strikes – a long cry from when we first started dating. I attribute his adventurous spirit to the fact that he associates them with a delicious and flavourful experience.

How do I pull that off? Easy. If I have any doubt as to whether or not he’ll enjoy a new vegetable - I roast it.

In my opinion, roasting is one of the most palatable ways of preparing vegetables. It brings out delicious, rich, complex, and concentrated flavours as no other method of preparation does, while preserving appetizing colours and textures. It’s also a cinch.

Selecting and Preparing Vegetables

• Select a colourful mix to appeal to the eye.
• Remember: different vegetables have different roasting times, depending on their density. Lighter-weight vegetables such as peppers, asparagus, and green beans do not take as long as root vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. They can still be roasted together – just add the lighter veggies about 30 minutes after starting the roots – or partially cook root vegetables on the stove top.
• Veggies with a high water content, such as zucchini or eggplant should be salted first to draw out additional moisture. This will keep them from becoming mushy as they roast.
  Cut similar weight vegetables into equal sized pieces for even cooking. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will roast.
• Toss veggies in olive oil to prevent sticking, and keep them from drying out under the intense heat. You can also marinade them beforehand using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy/tamari sauce, and/or other complimentary spices such as rosemary, thyme, chives, salt and pepper.

Preparation

• Use a heavy pan that is large enough to accommodate all the cut up veggies in a single layer. This will ensure that all vegetables have similar heat exposure, without burning.
• Use a non-stick pan, parchment paper, or another non-stick surface if possible. This will keep vegetables (and peels) from sticking and coming apart when you toss them, or remove them from the pan.
• Preheat your oven to quite hot: at least 400°F (200°C).

Roasting

• Roasting can take anywhere from 20-50 minutes, depending on your selection of vegetables. Be sure to keep your eye on them as they are roasting.
• Toss at least once during the roast process, but not more than twice preferably.
• Vegetables around the perimeter of the pan will roast faster than the ones in the center, so be sure to rotate the inside veggies for the outside ones.

Serving

• Roasted vegetables make a wonderful accompaniment to pasta, rice, polenta, and salads.
• Roasted veggies make a fantastic pizza topping!
• Puree roasted vegetables to make flavourful sauces, dips, and spreads.
• Add roasted vegetables to soups and stews to enhance their taste.

I hope these tips inspire you to roast up some new vegetables, or put a new spin on some of your existing favourites. Until next time, I wish you health, happiness, and balance!

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.


This Post was written by Gilly from Humble Pie

Childcare III - Getting the family settled

Soeren at the Carnival festival at the Kindergarten

Once you have gone through the childcare options and then made your decision, the next few weeks can take some getting used to for the whole family. One of the most important things at this time is establishing a routine. This helps everyone get settled down quickly.

In this last article of my childcare series, you will find a few pointers that might help both mums and children find a positive way to deal with this start in a new routine.


It is often difficult for both child and mother being separated after having spent so much time with each other. However, it is important to give your child positive messages and feelings about this new experience. This will help your child's confidence grow and take things in stride. Keeping a close eye on their progress at this point is also very important. Read the signs and hear what your child says carefully. It will help you judge if they are settling in well.

If you have started work again talk to your employer if it would be possible to start part-time for the first few weeks. This is what I did in the beginning. I worked 4-5 five hours a day and found it gave both me and Soeren more time to adjust to our new routine. We eased him into his new environment and I too was able to deal with the new situation.

When dropping your child off, make a little ritual. A hug, and big kiss and a clear "bye and I''ll be back to pick you up later!" is something I found reassured Soeren everyday that mum will be coming back to get me. Believe it or not Soeren and I still have the ritual. It's just a great way to start the day. More important your child realizes that there is a pattern to this everyday, which helps them immensely.

In the evening get the family together and discuss what happened during the day. Our routine is after dinner we kind of lounge on the sofa and say "so what did you do today!" and we each talk about what the most interesting thing that happened that day. We also ask each other what we had for lunch that day and to end our discussion say what we look forward to the next day. It's a great way to get your child involved in a discussion. Soeren feels really proud to be a part of a discussion and by telling us what he looks forward to the next day he is happy and excited to go back.

I really hope I was able to offer a few interesting examples and useful information for all those parents who are or will be dealing with childcare issues.
Although there was not much feedback on the articles, I do want to tell you this story:

We are currently planning to take Soeren out of Kindergarten and put him into the International School here in Weimar. This will be in September. As I was writing these articles I followed my own advice ;-). Yesterday we had the meeting with the Head Mistress of the school and I found myself looking out for many things I had mentioned in previous post. The fact that I wrote these articles just made me prepared. I knew the questions I wanted to ask and was able to get a very good picture of the school. I chatted with two teachers and was able to see how they interact with the other children.
Now I am starting to prepare Soeren for the change. If you have any tips and suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Have a great week!

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.


This Post was written by Meeta from What's For Lunch, Honey?

Grandma's Home Remedies

Photo copyright Meeta Albrecht

Our contributor today is Rakhi Kurup. She wrote to us a while ago sharing a few wonderful remedies for various aches, pains, fever or colds. These remedies come straight from her mum and grandmother and she says "Grandma's medicines do work!"



Tulasi Kashayam

2 Handfuls of tulasi - wash and shred with hands
1 inch ginger - crushed
5 garlic cloves - crushed
little less than 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds - lightly crush
1/2 tsp cumin seeds - lightly crush
one pinch turmeric
10 to 12 whole peppercorns - crushed
2 coffee mugs of water - must be around 2 and a half cups of water

Boil all these preferably in an earthen vessel (we call it mankalam or manchatti) till the 2 glasses of water reduces to 1 glass. Boiling needs to be done at a low temperature. Filter the above and also extract the juice from the left over (i.e. the tulasi, ginger etc. mix the remains once the concoction is filtered). Just squeeze the left overs with your hand. You can have this 3 times in a day (one glass divided into 3 parts) before meals. To sweeten it( if it is difficult to drink otherwise) you can add a piece of jaggery (sharkara in malayalam).

The above mix works when you have a fever and is also good for cold.

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Tea

I never drink tea. The only time I drink it is when I have cold and a bad throat.

1 tea bag
ginger half inch - crushed
pepper powder . half teaspoon
water - 1 cup


Boil the water with ginger and pepper powder (at medium or low flame). Remove from stove. Strain it and put in the tea bag, add sugar and drink hot. Having this 3 or 4 times a day, makes the throat feel better.

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For colds
I prepare this when I see my kids with a cold. This recipe was given to me by a friend whose husband is a doctor.

Carom seeds - 1 tbsp
garlic - 3 or 4 cloves

Roast carom seeds in an iron pan, make sure you don't burn it. Once the seeds are done, roast the garlic. Allow it to slightly cool. Now take a clean cloth and put the roasted carom seeds and garlic in it. Tie it up. Crush the tied carom seeds and garlic with your hand. Make the child sniff it. My kids hate the smell. I usually make them inhale it when they are sleeping. Don't inhale continuously.


I am sure every one must have a few tips like these not just for sickness but also for acne and face masks. So, share your home remedies with us. A special face mask, a soothing cream for strained muscles. Whatever it is let us know.

Thank you, Rakhi for these wonderful remedies.

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Reminder!
Our first event on the Daily Tiffin this month is Show Us Your Lunchbox. Hope you will join us and allow us to peak into your lunch. Deadline April 20th.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

Show Me Your Lunchbox - Deadline Extended

Our first event on the Daily Tiffin is, as expected, a bit slow. We have 5 entries to date. We also got emails telling us that they wish they had heard about the event earlier. So, we have decided to extend the deadline for "Show Me Your Lunchbox."

As of today the deadline is set for April 20th.

Here's how it works:

1. Create any kind of healthy and happy packed lunch. It can be a lunchbox, a lunch bag or whatever you use to pack your lunch in. Blog about it anytime from now till April 20th, 2007.
2. Email your entry with your name, the name of your blog and your permalink by April 20th, 2007.
3. In your post please include a link to this post, so your readers get an opportunity to take part if they are interested. .
4. If you do not have a blog, simply email your entry, with a picture (if you would like us to add a picture) to blogmeeta@gmail.com.

Add this event to your Goolge calendar!


So, c'mon people let us have a peak into your packed lunches.

Here is the roundup to this event.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

Show Me Your Lunchbox

A simple lunch box that was made in a hurry. Just a bagel(a kind of thick bread) with flavored cream cheese and some strawberries and grapes. A box of chocolate milk and some string cheese for a snack and lunch is ready. My son still prefers this to buying from the school and even helps me make it on a harried day.
The cream cheese varies in flavor as per our moods..sweet to spicy to sour.
The recipe for the flavored cream cheese ( walnut and raisin)is described here.

The fruit of the day is a addition to my tiffin posts to highlight one fruit that you may or may not be familiar with and should be there in your child's diet.


Fruit of the day:A kiwi cut up in a small container stays well and provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C. It is a sweetly sour fruit which is best eaten cold, scooped straight out of the shell. It has a unique green color which makes you think it is unripe but the sweetness comes as a surprise.

The kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a large, woody, deciduous vine native to the Yangtze Valley of China. Seeds from China were taken to New Zealand and planted in 1906. Plants developing from these seeds first fruited in 1910. Commercial planting began in New Zealand in about 1940 and by 1970 there were 900 acres. Commercial planting in California began in the late 1960s.

How to choose a Kiwi:
When selecting kiwifruits, hold them between your thumb and forefinger and gently apply pressure; those that have the sweetest taste will yield gently to pressure. Avoid those that are very soft, shriveled or have bruised or damp spots. Kiwis are usually available throughout most of the year.

Store unripe fruit at room temperature until the skin indents slightly when touched. It normally takes 3 to 5 days to ripen kiwis at room temperature. Ripe kiwis can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Place them in a plastic bag to help reduce moisture loss.


Recipes: 1. Cut up a ripe kiwi and sprinkle with sugar to tame the tartness.
2. Cut up some along with other fruits in a fruit salad with ice cream.
3. Try them in a spicy salad with salad greens, green apples, goat cheese, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette.
4. Make a kiwi milk shake for a change. Just blend a 1 kiwi with half a scoop of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup milk and 2-3 tsp of sugar. It is a sweet shake chokeful of calcium and vitamin c.
I recently found a fruit and nut mix at the grocery store which had dried kiwis. They were an amazing blend of fruit candy. It is high in sugar as the drying concentrates the natural sugars but also concentrates the flavors which is endearing.
Do try a kiwi today if you haven't already.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.


This Post was written by Shaheen from Malabar Spices..

Childcare - What To Look For!

After weighing the different childcare options we as parents have for our children the next step is often considering all the issues involved before making the final choice.

Whether visiting a nursery/Kindergarten, interviewing a nanny or having a meeting with the childminder there are certain specific things that we should look out for.

Nursery/Kindergarten

• A quiet place/room where the children can have naps or relax.
• A set and clear daily routine for the children.
• Children's artwork displayed on the walls.
• Food and drink. Do children get a well balanced lunch? What are they offered to snack on. Are the drinks offered sugar free and healthy? Have a look at their weekly menu plan.
• A variety of toys that are clean and help the child develop.
• An appealing, safe and large outdoor garden or play area.
• Carers who enjoy being with children and their work. Do they listen and take notice to the children? Do they answer their questions?
• Children interacting with each other well.
• Proper feedback from the carers. We need to know what our children do all day.

Nanny

• Qualifications and experience.
• References from previous employers. Get written references from the previous employers and even talk to them if possible.
• Attitude. The nanny should have a cheerful and positive way about her and show real interest in the child's development.
• The nanny should have a clear idea about how she plans to take care of the child. Give her input for planning a daily routine, food and discipline.

Childminder

• Registration certification and references from other parents.
• A clean and attractive home where the children feel comfortable. There should be a park or a garden available where the children can get out during the day.
• Flexibility. Every child is different and has different needs. How does the childminder manage and approach the children?
• Routine. Is there a defined routine for the children to follow?
• Does anyone else live in the house and will they have any kind of interactivity with the child?
• Does anyone smoke in the house?
• Are there any pets in the house? (in case the child has allergies etc.)

With these basic thoughts and issues you can easily plan out a checklist and a few questions you would like to ask before you meet with the relevant child-carer.

Resources:
Daycare and Your Kids: What You Need to Know
What questions to ask when choosing a daycare?
Questions to ask yourself

Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

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This Post was written by Meeta from What's For Lunch, Honey?

Show Us Your Lunch Box - Reminder!

Hi Folks!

Just a quick reminder for our first Daily Tiffin Event Show Us Your Lunchbox.

Create a healthy and well balanced lunch box, lunch bag or lunch packet and let us have a peak into it. Send us your entries by March 20th.

Post it on your blogs and send us the permalink or simply take a picture and tell us about it in an email. When we have enough entries we'll round them up right here on the Daily Tiffin.

Look forward to all your ideas.

Have a great weekend!

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

Eating everything on your plate

If you're anything like me, and if your parents were anything like mine, then you probably have a major fear of wasting food.

In theory, eating everything on your plate sounds like good economics, but it's not good if you're calorie counting. The thing is, eating the last bites of your kid's chopped up hot dog is not doing anyone any favors, except maybe the person who collects dues at your gym. Consider this: 1/4 of a hot dog is 45 calories and 1/4 of an easy mac package is 57 calories, both of which you are just meaninglessly eating. So steer clear and if it's just too tempting, then give your kids less on their plate and when they ask, give them more.

If you are noticing that you yourself constantly have leftover food on your plate when eating out, then try ordering kids meals or bringing what you can't eat home for leftovers. Since restaurant portions can be huge, try to just eat half of your entrée and save the rest for tomorrow's lunch. This way you probably won't feel bogged down by a heavy meal and you just might have room for dessert.

Also, if you buy something and don't like it, then don't eat it just because you feel like you should. Afraid of wasting? Start composting, it's a great way to throw out food without feeling terrible about it. Still worried about the kids starving in Africa? Then instead of stuffing your face on their behalf, donate money to charitable organizations like ONE, the campaign to make poverty history.

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Are you interested in contributing to The Daily Tiffin? Drop us an email: blogmeeta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

This Post was written by Susi May from FitSugar