| How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker Posted: 13 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you're trying to swap out white rice for more nutritious quinoa, don't change the cooking method. Your rice cooker is a great tool for quickly steaming quinoa that turns out fluffy and light every time. Although you only need quinoa and water to make a batch, you can easily flavor quinoa by adding spices, herbs, or flavorful liquid in place of the water. EditIngredients - 1 cup (170 g) of quinoa
- of water
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt
Makes 4 servings EditMaking Basic Quinoa - Rinse the quinoa in cold water. Put 1 cup (170 g) of quinoa into a fine mesh strainer or sieve and hold it under cold running water. Use your hands to swish the quinoa around as you rinse it.[1]
- It's important to rinse quinoa before cooking it since this will remove quinoa's bitter covering.
- Put the quinoa, water, and salt into the rice cooker. Scoop the rinsed quinoa into your rice cooker and pour in of water. Then stir in 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt.[2]
- Use cold water because hot water would make the quinoa turn gummy in texture.
- Cover and turn on the rice cooker. Put the lid on your rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a white or brown rice option, choose the white rice option. Leave the quinoa to cook until the rice cooker clicks off.
- Avoid lifting the lid as the quinoa cooks since it won't steam properly if moisture escapes.
- Let the quinoa sit for 3 to 5 minutes before you fluff it with a fork. Keep the lid on the rice cooker and unplug the machine. The quinoa will finish steaming as it rests for a few minutes. Then lift off the lid and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.[3]
- Fluffing the quinoa will loosen it so it's light instead of compact in the rice cooker.
- Serve the quinoa. You can serve the quinoa hot along with your meal or chill it and serve it as a cold salad. For example, mix cold quinoa with vinaigrette and shredded vegetables.[4]
- To store leftover quinoa, put it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the quinoa for up to 2 months. To defrost it, put the container in the refrigerator overnight.
EditTrying Variations - Substitute a flavorful liquid for the water. One of the simplest ways to add flavor to your quinoa is to substitute the water with vegetable or chicken broth. Control how salty your quinoa is by using low-sodium broth or stock.[5]
- For a burst of fresh flavor, add a squirt of lemon juice to the liquid.
- Add spices to give the quinoa a unique flavor. Stir up to 2 tablespoons (12 g) of your favorite dried seasonings into the cooking liquid so the quinoa absorbs it as it cooks. Consider what you're eating the quinoa with to determine how to season it. For example, try:[6]
- Mexican taco or fajita seasoning
- Curry powder
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Cajun seasoning mix
- Stir in aromatics or oil to flavor the quinoa. Toss in a clove of crushed garlic, a piece of lemon peel, or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an instant flavor boost. You can also pour in of a flavored oil, such as walnut, toasted sesame, or hazelnut.[7]
- Remove the garlic, peel, or herbs just before serving the quinoa.
- Use coconut milk and add fruit for breakfast quinoa. For a nice change from your morning oatmeal, cook a batch of quinoa in the rice cooker, but use coconut milk instead of water. Stir in chopped fresh fruit and sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top just before serving.[8]
- If you prefer, use an alternative milk, such as almond, hemp, or soy milk, instead of coconut milk.
- To use dried fruit, add it to the rice cooker when you add the quinoa. This will allow the fruit to plump up as it cooks.
- Always read your rice cooker's instruction manual. Some manuals will include instructions for cooking quinoa.
EditThings You'll Need - Fine mesh strainer or sieve
- Rice cooker
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
EditReferences
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| How to Pack Necklaces for Traveling Posted: 13 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT When it comes to packing necklaces for travel, visualizing a knotted mess of necklace chains may cause you enough anxiety to avoid packing jewelry altogether. There are several easy ways to organize your necklaces when packing to ensure they stay separated and in good condition. Once you read how simple it is to pack necklaces carefully, all that's left to do is decide which necklaces to bring with you. Just don't forget to keep in mind the extra precautions to take when traveling with expensive jewelry. EditUsing Plastic Wrap to Pack Necklaces - Unroll a large piece of plastic wrap. On a hard surface, unroll a sheet of plastic wrap that is large enough for your necklaces to rest vertically with of space between each necklace. Unroll it slowly and place it on the surface immediately so that it doesn't stick onto itself or anything else.[1]
- You can use regular plastic wrap or press and seal plastic wrap for this method of storing necklaces.
- Space the necklaces evenly across the plastic wrap. Gather the necklaces you want to pack and set them carefully onto your workspace. When holding up a necklace at the clasp, the necklace should fall in a nearly straight vertical line. Lay them onto the plastic wrap exactly like this, leaving of space between each necklace so that they don't get tangled.[2]
- When traveling with more than 6 necklaces, you may want to split the necklaces onto 2 separate sheets of plastic wrap as this can be easier to deal with. If so, repeat the directions for each batch of necklaces.
- Cut another sheet of plastic wrap that is the same size as the first one. Your second sheet of plastic wrap will lay directly onto the sheet with your necklaces, so try to cut a piece that is the same size, or slightly larger, than the original sheet.[3]
- Don't forget that plastic wrap is super sticky. Do your best to carefully remove it from the roll while holding onto each cut edge so it doesn't become unruly.
- Place the second piece of plastic wrap on top of the first sheet. Carefully holding the second piece of plastic wrap with a hand on each cut side, place it onto the first sheet covered in necklaces. You are essentially sandwiching the necklaces between each sheet of plastic wrap.[4]
- Be sure the necklaces between the plastic wrap stay separated. Use your fingers to adjust the necklaces as needed.
- Press to seal the necklaces between the two sheets of plastic wrap. Now that your necklaces are sandwiched between two sheets of plastic wrap, press firmly between and around each necklace.[5] This will seal each necklace in plastic wrap, so they remain straight and separated. This will ensure that they don't fall into a tangled mess.
- Roll the sheet of wrapped necklaces and pack with your belongings. Carefully roll up the sheet of plastic-wrapped necklaces as though rolling a towel. This will make the necklaces easier to pack. Your final result will be a thick roll of plastic wrapped necklaces that can easily slip into your suitcase. [6]
- Since you have already secured each necklace within the plastic wrap, they will remain separated and safe when rolled up.
EditUsing Straws to Keep Necklaces from Tangling - Gather one straw for each necklace you plan to pack. Once you have decided how many necklaces you want to pack, collect enough straws to match up with each necklace.[7]
- The type of plastic straw used will depend on the size of your necklaces. Thin straws will work well for thin chain necklaces, while straws with a larger opening will be best for necklaces that have more bulk.
- Unclasp a necklace and thread it through a straw. Take the first necklace you want to pack and unclasp it. Once unclasped, drop the chain into the straw until it comes out the other end. At this point, you should have a straw strung on your necklace as though it were a pendant.[8]
- If your necklace has a pendant, slide it towards one end of your necklace so you can thread most of the chain through the straw. Leave the pendant outside of the straw, as it probably won't fit.
- Close the clasp of each necklace. Once the chain of your necklace is running through each end of the straw, clasp the necklace to secure it. Repeat this with each necklace you intend on packing.[9]
- The straw ensures that the necklace won't get tangled with itself or another piece of jewelry. It will keep the necklace pulled taught and secure.
- Place necklaces into a toothbrush holder or Ziploc bag. Once you have a pile of necklaces strung onto the plastic straws, you will want to place them in a bag or holder to help them stay protected during travel.
- Use a large Ziploc bag to store your necklaces. Once you have placed the necklaces into the bag, roll the bag up so the necklaces don't move around in transit.
- If you are only bringing a few necklaces, try dropping them into a plastic toothbrush holder to keep them safe and secure.
- Pack chunky necklaces by slipping them through a toilet paper tube. You can follow these same instructions for packing chunky necklaces– instead of using a straw, try a cardboard toilet paper roll.[10]
- You can also use a paper towel tube for long chunky necklaces. Cut the roll down to the right size if necessary.
EditKeeping Your Jewelry Safe - Leave your most valuable pieces at home. When it comes to traveling with jewelry, a general rule of thumb is to keep in mind the type of vacation when choosing what to pack. If you can avoid bringing expensive items, it is probably best to do so. However, if you are taking a trip where you need to bring your more expensive necklaces, you'll just want to follow certain precautions to keep them safe.[11]
- If you are going on a leisurely trip, try not to bring anything you are going to worry about losing. Bring a few neutral pieces that will work with multiple outfits but that you don't have a lot of emotional or financial attachment to.
- Consider leaving particularly sentimental pieces (like wedding rings) at home. Wear a less valuable alternative on your ring finger during your trip.
- Make a list of all the necklaces you are traveling with to keep track of them. When traveling with expensive necklaces, take the time to make a quick list of the necklaces you brought with you. Take one list with you and leave another at home (or email it to yourself). Having a list will help you keep track of your necklaces, which will especially come in handy if you misplace one or cannot remember which ones you packed.[12]
- It may be smart to take photos of the necklaces before you leave for your trip. If you misplace jewelry that is insured, photographs can be helpful when making a claim.
- Pack necklaces in your carry-on to keep them close by. Always keep expensive necklaces in bags that won't leave your sight. If flying, pack them in your carry-on. Don't leave your jewelry in an unattended suitcase.[13]
- Carrying the necklaces in your purse or personal bag is your best bet when it comes to traveling with expensive necklaces.
- Store expensive necklaces in the in-room safe. When staying at a hotel, use the in-room safe to store expensive items when you aren't wearing them. This will give you an extra sense of security when leaving the hotel room for the day.[14]
EditReferences
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| How to Fall Asleep Posted: 13 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Falling asleep isn't always as simple as placing your head on a pillow and shutting your eyes. Thoughts and worries might race their way through your mind, or getting comfortable might seem impossible. Fortunately, from relaxation techniques to changing your sleep routine, there are lots of ways to fall asleep quickly and improve your sleep quality. EditManaging Noise and Light - Dim the lights in your house 2 hours before bed. Bright light after sundown tells your brain that the sun is coming back up, which can prevent it from releasing hormones that help you fall asleep. Use your dimmers, if you have them, or turn off bright overhead lights and use lamps instead.[1]
- Don't look at your phone, computer, TV, or other screens before bed. Electronic screens emit blue light, which tricks your brain into thinking it's the middle of the afternoon. Do your best to avoid screens at least 1 hour before you hit the hay.[2]
- Additionally, email, social media, and other stimulations will get you worked up and make it harder to fall asleep.
- If you need to use your phone or computer before you go to bed, lower the brightness and use an app that filters blue light.
- It's okay to look at electronic screens that don't emit light, such as e-readers without built-in back lights.
- Try wearing earplugs if you're dealing with constant, inescapable noise. Small earplugs or bigger, noise-eliminating earmuffs could provide the tranquil soundscape you need to drift off to sleep. If you find earplugs or earmuffs uncomfortable, you could also try sleeping with a blanket or soft pillow over your head.[3]
- Hide your clock. Make sure your clock is out of sight, and resist the urge to check the time. You'll never fall asleep if you constantly check the clock and think, "If I fall asleep now, I can still get 5 hours of sleep."[4]
- The light from a digital alarm clock can also keep you awake.
- If you have an analog clock, the ticking might be disturbing, so consider going with a quieter alternative.
- Use white noise to fall asleep in noisy environments. White noise is a constant, unobtrusive noise that helps you ignore disturbing sounds, like noisy neighbors or a busy street. It can be the sound of static, raindrops, rustling leaves, or calm, wordless music. You can look for a white noise channel on your video or audio streaming service, or invest in a white noise machine.[5]
- If you use a streaming app or service, make sure the white noise won't be interrupted by commercials.
- A fan or air purifier could also do the trick.
- Buy or make a sleeping mask. If you're struggling with ambient light, make an impromptu sleep mask out of an old tie, pillowcase, or headband. You can also buy one online, at your local pharmacy, or at a department store.[6]
- You should also choose heavy, light-blocking curtains for your bedroom.
EditFalling Asleep Faster - Count slowly to ease racing thoughts. Start at 1 and slowly work your way up to stop worrisome thoughts from bouncing around your head. Counting sheep (or another animal or object) might also help keep your thoughts from racing.If you lose track, simply go back to 1 and start over.[7]
- Try progressive muscle relaxation exercises. Starting from the very tips of your toes, gradually flex and release all of your muscle groups 1 at a time. Breathe in as you tense your muscles for 5 seconds, then visualize the tension leaving your body as you relax.[8]
- Escape into your imagination instead of focusing on sleeping. Trying to force yourself to sleep can make you restless. Take your mind off of sleeping and think about something relaxing.[9]
- Build your perfect house or room in your mind.
- Picture a calm setting, and try to vividly imagine its soothing sights, sounds, and smells.
- Invent a peaceful story; just don't imagine an exciting adventure.
- Block out unwanted noises. Noise can impact your ability to get to sleep as well as your overall sleep quality. Try listening to a radio program or podcast that's not too engaging to help block out noise distractions such as traffic, as well as worrisome thoughts. Listen to something that is soft-spoken instead of loud, and something you enjoy but not so much that you will stay up just to listen to it. Recommended podcasts include: [10]
- Try slow, deep belly breathing. Place your hand on your belly, and inhale deeply as you count to 4. Fill your belly up as you inhale, and try to keep your chest still as you breathe. Hold your breath for a 7 count, then exhale slowly as you count to 8.[11]
- Try doing deep belly breaths as you count and visualize calming scenery.
- Try meditating to calm your mind and body. Breathe slowly and deeply, and visualize soothing imagery, such as clouds, a quiet beach, or a comfortable place from your childhood. Allow your thoughts to wander like passing clouds or rocking waves as you relax your muscles and sink into the bed.[12]
- Give sleep supplements a shot. There are many sleep supplements available that may help you fall asleep. Before trying a supplement, it's wise to consult your doctor, especially if you have a medical condition, take any medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.[13]
- Your body produces melatonin naturally, and it is the most common sleep supplement on the market. The typical dose available at pharmacies and health stores is 3 mg, but as little as 0.3 mg can improve sleep quality.[14]
- Valerian has been used to treat insomnia and nervousness for centuries. A standard dose is 600 mg.[15]
- Chamomile is available as an oral supplement, but drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea before bed might help relax you. When brewing it, use 2 bags, and be sure to use caffeine-free herbal tea.[16]
- Along with other antihistamines, Chlorpheniramine Maleate can cause drowsiness, and some people use them to cure insomnia. However, you should avoid routinely taking antihistamines to fall asleep, especially if you're not suffering from allergies or a cold.[17]
- Get up and do something relaxing if you can't sleep. If you can't fall asleep after 30 minutes, leave your bedroom instead of tossing and turning. Try reading, taking a hot bath, listening to soothing music, or having a light snack. Do the activity for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you start to feel drowsy, then head back to bed.[18]
- When you get up, keep the lights dim, and avoid looking at your phone, computer, television, or any other electronic screen.
- If you stay in bed tossing and turning, you might associate your bedroom with stress, which will make it harder to fall asleep.
EditCreating a Comfortable Environment - Keep your room cool, clean, dark, and quiet. Do your best to keep the temperature in your bedroom just below . Sleeping in a hot and uncomfortable area is not a good or relaxing way to sleep, so do your best to get air regulation throughout the room. Clean up regularly, and change your sheets every 1 to 2 weeks, or whenever they're dirty. A cluttered space can increase stress, and it can be tough to relax if your sheets are smelly.[19]
- Additionally, use your bedroom only for sleeping. Don't work, eat, talk on the phone, or do other activities in bed. That way, you'll only associate your bed and bedroom with relaxation and sleep.
- Light pollution can also impact how well you sleep. When you're setting up your room for the night, consider investing in blackout curtains. These will help block any unwanted lights, including those coming from the street or other nearby buildings.[20]
- Use aromatherapy to soothe your senses. Try adding lemon balm oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, or marjoram to a hot bath. You could also purchase an oil diffuser with reed sticks, light candles, or use a linen spray.[21]
- Try aromatherapy while you're winding down before bed. You could also keep a diffuser on your nightstand so you'll smell soothing aromas as you lie in bed.
- If you light a candle, be sure to blow it out before you go to sleep.
- Choose loose, comfortable sleepwear. Go for loose, breathable fabrics, like cotton, instead of heavy materials, like flannel. Tight, heavy sleepwear prevents your body temperature from lowering, which is necessary in order to fall asleep. Sleepwear that feels soft and comfortable can also help you relax.[22]
- Sleeping nude or in underwear also helps your body regulate its temperature. Consider stripping down if you regularly feel too warm in bed.
- Your sheets should be cozy and breathable, too, so replace them if they're scratchy or uncomfortable.
- Invest in a comfortable mattress. If your mattress is old or lumpy, replacing it might solve your sleeping problems. When shopping for mattresses, always test options in the store by lying down for at least 5 to 10 minutes.[23]
- Go for an option that's soft enough to meet your comfort needs, but make sure it's firm enough to provide support. Test out all of the store's options from extra plush to extra firm to figure out your preferences.
- Testing a mattress for several minutes gives you a better idea of how it well it suits your body.
- If investing in a new mattress isn't in your budget, get a comfortable mattress pad. You could also spread 1 or 2 thick blankets over your mattress, then cover them with the fitted sheet.
EditFollowing a Healthy Sleep Routine - Stick to a routine so your body knows when it's time to sleep. If you go to bed at different times every day, your body won't know when it's supposed to fall asleep. Train yourself to fall asleep by following a set routine and practicing healthy sleep habits. [24]
- Healthy sleep habits include avoiding heavy meals before bed, doing something relaxing before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the evening.
- Suppose you want to go to bed at 11 p.m. and wake up at 7 a.m. You might have trouble falling asleep when you begin following your schedule, but you should still wake up at the set time. You might be tired, but that will help you fall asleep faster, and you'll eventually get used to going to bed earlier.
- Eat a small, healthy bedtime snack. While you should avoid heavy meals within 3 or 4 hours of bedtime, going to bed hungry can keep you up. If you're peckish, go for a small snack rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. Try having a banana, an avocado, some peanuts or peanut butter, or cheese and whole grain crackers.[25]
- Avoid sweets and pastries before bed. Sugary foods packed with simple carbs cause your blood sugar to spike and dip, which can keep you up and lower your sleep quality.
- Proteins and complex carbs will make you feel full, and you'll be less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.
- Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol at night. Stay away from all caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed. While you might be tempted to reach for a nightcap, alcohol can throw off your sleep cycle and lower your sleep quality.[26]
- If you often have trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine at least 8 hours before bedtime or cut your consumption entirely. Remember that there are sneaky sources of caffeine, such as chocolate and some pain relievers.
- If you do drink alcohol, try to limit your consumption to 1 or 2 drinks, and avoid drinking right before you go to bed.
- Even too much water can disrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. To avoid this, consider tapering off all beverages an hour or two before you go to bed.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. If you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, you'll eventually get used to that set schedule. On the weekends, do your best to go to bed and wake up no more than 1 hour later than during the week.[27]
- If you sleep in on the weekends, you'll throw off your sleep schedule and have a harder time falling asleep during the week.
- Exercise 5 days a week, but avoid working out at night. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep and improve sleep quality, provided you don't work out before bedtime. Avoid exercise and other strenuous activities at least 3 hours before you go to bed.[28]
- Exercise increases your blood flow and releases hormones that make you alert.
- Avoid taking naps during the daytime. If you need a power nap, limit it to 15 or 20 minutes, and avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening. Naps break up your sleep schedule and make it harder to fall asleep at night.[29]
- Take a bath, meditate, or read about 30 minutes before you go to bed. Create a relaxing bedtime routine so your body knows it's time to wind down. Read a book, try easy and relaxing stretches, listen to soothing music, or take a hot bath.[30]
- If you read, make sure your book isn't too exciting. Good choices might be an inspirational book or anthology of poems.
- If you're using an e-book, choose one that doesn't emit light. If your e-book or tablet does have a built-in back light, use a light filtering app or lower the brightness. However, you might want to swap the back-lit device for a paper book if you regularly have sleep problems.[31]
- After a hot bath, your body temperature slightly decreases, which can help you fall asleep. Try adding lavender oil to your bath to make it extra soothing.
- See your doctor if you experience persistent insomnia or if a lack of sleep affects your daily activities.[32]
- Sleeping with a pet might be comforting and help you fall asleep. However, if your pet moves around a lot, it might be best to keep it out of your bedroom at night.
- The more active you are in the day, the more tired you will be at the end of the day, so try to stay active in the day hours.
- If someone else sharing the bed is the cause of your inability to fall asleep, discuss the problem with them. If you can't find a solution for snoring or another issue, consider sleeping in separate bedrooms.
- Consult your doctor before taking a sleep aid or supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take any medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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