| How to Keep Food Fresh on a Road Trip Posted: 01 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT When you're going on a road trip, the last thing you want is to run out of food because it went bad. That's why it's important to know how to prepare food properly for your road trip. Then, you need to pack your cooler the right way to keep your food fresh as long as possible. Make sure to plan out your meals so that you bring the correct amount of food, use a high-quality cooler, and use a separate cooler for beverages to preserve your perishables for the duration of your trip. [Edit]Preparing the Day Before - Pick foods that are easy-to-prepare and will last for your road trip. Things like deli meats, cheeses, pre-cooked hot dogs or sausages, fruits and vegetables, potato salad or pasta salad, and other premade and precooked items are good choices. Plan out easy-to-make breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for each day of your trip and bring the necessary ingredients.[1]
- Limit the amount of raw meats and other highly-perishable items to just what you plan on making in the first 1-2 days, since these foods will go bad the fastest.
- Things like sandwiches and wraps are easy to throw together on the road, and their ingredients will last a long time in your cooler.
- Prepare and portion out your food to get it ready to pack in your cooler. Chop things like fruits and vegetables so they are ready-to-eat and take up less space. Take things like raw meat out of its store packaging and separate it into portions to repackage in smaller containers or bags.[2] thick and made of molded plastic. It's also best to use 2 coolers, 1 for food and 1 for drinks.}}
- You can pre-make things like pasta salad, potato salad, baked beans, and other side dishes. You can also precook some chicken or other meat to use for sandwiches or wraps on the first day or two.
- If you are bringing condiments, put smaller amounts of them into smaller containers rather than bringing the whole bottle or other container.
- Put the prepared food into sealable containers and bags. Put food in plastic bags with a zip top or sealable tupperware containers. This will keep food from getting wet or leaking and contaminating other foods in the cooler.[3]
- Try to be as space-conscious as possible and pack things in bags and containers just big enough to hold them. This will save space and let you pack foods more tightly in your cooler to keep them colder.
- Don't put wet raw foods like fruits and vegetables in sealed packaging or they won't stay fresh. Either don't wash them before packing them, or let them air dry completely before you pack them up.
- Freeze all perishable food you won't eat on the first day to keep it fresh longer. Put foods that will go bad quickly, especially raw meat, in the freezer the day before your trip and let them freeze overnight. Leave just enough food unfrozen for the first day of meals of your road trip.[4]
- You can also freeze things like fruits and vegetables that you won't eat right away to keep them fresh longer.
- It's ok to leave things like sealed deli meats and dairy products in the fridge instead of the freezer, as these items won't go bad as quickly.
- Refrigerate all the perishable food items that you don't freeze. Put all the rest of your food that could go bad in the fridge the day before you travel to increase their shelf life. This includes items that you would normally put in the fridge, such as dairy products, and items you might typically leave out, life fruits and vegetables.[5]
- You don't need to do this for non-perishable food items, like nuts or other snack-type items that won't go bad.
- Freeze enough water bottles to line the bottom of your cooler. Check how many water bottles fit in the bottom of your cooler, then freeze at least this many. These will act as ice blocks to keep your food fresh in your cooler, and then you can drink them later on.[6]
- You can do this with several personal-sized water bottles or fill a couple of larger bottles with water and freeze them to make bigger ice blocks. For example, 2-liter soda bottles or gallon milk jugs work well as ice blocks for large coolers.
- If you don't have or don't want to use water bottles, you can also use commercial ice packs or freeze some water in ziploc bags to make ice blocks.
- Fill your cooler with tap water and 1-2 bags of ice the night before to pre-chill it. Bring your cooler inside from wherever you store it to a cool room and dump 1-2 bags of ice into it. Fill it up the rest of the way with tap water, close it, and let it sit overnight.[7]
- This will ensure your cooler is already chilled when you pack food into it so that the food stays colder longer.
- Make sure to dump out the ice and water before you pack your cooler for the road trip.
[Edit]Packing Your Cooler Correctly - Line the bottom of your cooler with frozen water bottles. Take the water bottles you pre-froze out from your freezer and put them directly into your cooler. This will form the base layer of ice that will keep your food cold and fresh.[8]
- You want to pack everything into your cooler directly from your fridge and freezer at the last moment before you leave and in the shortest amount of time possible. The less contact the food has with warm air, the longer it will last.
- Put frozen food items on top of the frozen water bottles. These are the items that you will eat last and are the least delicate, so put them at the very bottom. They will also stay frozen longer if they are in direct contact with the ice blocks.[9]
- Double check to make sure that all meat and other frozen items are well-sealed as you pack them into the cooler. You don't want any raw meat juices leaking into your cooler as they thaw out.
- Make sure to place everything right-side-up as you pack to be extra-sure that nothing accidentally opens or leaks in the cooler.
- Add a layer of ice cubes between each layer of food items. Dump a layer of ice cubes from a bag of ice on top of the frozen food items before you pack the next layer. Do this between each layer that you pack to keep your food colder for longer.[10]
- During your road trip, don't dump out any melted ice unless you are going to replace it with fresh ice. Even the melted ice water will help keep your food cold and fresh for longer.
- Put non-delicate refrigerated items in the middle of the cooler. Add all the items that you refrigerated that aren't in danger of being crushed for the next layer. This includes things like condiments, fruit in tupperware, deli meats, cheese, and thawed meat that you plan to eat that day.[11]
- Remember to top this layer off with another layer of ice cubes before you add the top layer of food.
- Place delicate items at the very top so they don't get crushed. Put items that might get crushed, such as eggs and bagged vegetables, at the very top so nothing heavy will be on them. Cover them with a final light layer of ice cubes.[12]
- The fuller your cooler is, the longer things will stay cold and fresh. If you have lots of empty spaces, then fill them up with ice cubes or use frozen or chilled beverages to fill in the gaps.
- You can also pack things that you want to be able to access easily, such as the first day's lunch, at the top.
- Use a separate cooler for beverages to keep your food cooler closed more. Pack beverages in a separate cooler so you don't have to open and close your food cooler to access them. The more your cooler's lid is open, the faster the ice will melt and your food will start to warm up.[13]
- If you absolutely can't use a second cooler, then pack a layer of beverages between the frozen food items and the next layer of food items, and leave a few beverages packed around the top of the cooler so you can pull them out quickly.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Choose Running Shoes for Beginners Posted: 01 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT If you haven't gone for a run since gym class, finding the right shoes for running can seem impossible. There are dozens of major brands and thousands of styles to choose from, and without the right information it can be hard to know what a good choice is. Many running stores have salespeople who are happy to help you find a great shoe, but you will soon be able to find the perfect pair on your own, online or in-store, and know what questions to consider if you get stuck. [Edit]Choosing a Type of Running Shoe - Opt for a pair of road shoes if you plan to run mainly on pavement. Choosing a shoe that matches the location you will be running in most often will make it easier on your feet. Road shoes are great for asphalt, tracks, treadmills, and busy trails without many obstacles.[1]
- In many ways, road shoes are the most well-rounded type of running shoe.
- If you go to a specialty store, most of the shoes a sales representative will show you are road shoes. They are a great choice for beginning runners.
- Get a pair of trail shoes if you will spend most runs off-road. Trail shoes are sturdier and better grip on slippery, uneven terrain. These shoes are less transferable to the road than road shoes are to trails, as the size of the rubber outsoles can make it difficult to run on pavement.[2]
- Be realistic about where you will be running. If you would love to run on beautiful trails but the closest ones are a long drive away, it may be better to begin with a pair of road shoes.
- Grab some road racing shoes if you are serious about races. These shoes are not designed for regular use. Instead, they are lightweight and breathable to maximize performance during races on asphalt. Unless you are already well-prepared for races, it may be best to stick with road or trail shoes.[3]
- If you are going to be competing in a race, don't feel bad if you don't have a separate pair of racing shoes. Many 5k, 10k, and half marathon runners compete in the same shoes the train in.
- Steer clear of spiked shoes unless you are jumping into races. These shoes are designed for racers on tracks and cross country courses. Wearing them on asphalt can damage both the pavement and the shoe, and they offer very little support. You should avoid them until you are participating in these kinds of races.[4]
- Most runners who compete in track or cross country races have a pair of trainers in addition to spiked racing shoes.
[Edit]Selecting Shoe Features - Try shoes with stability features for an arch that is not high or low. Stability features include a support structure called a medial post for your arch in addition to a mild amount of cushioning for your midsole region. These features gently brace the foot all around, as well as helping to absorb the shock of running.[5]
- Stability features are designed to lessen the foot's ability to turn in when you run, which can cause strain and leg pain.
- Choose shoes with neutral features if you have particularly high arches. Neutral features will give you the maximum amount of mid-sole cushioning to keep your legs from taking the amount of shock absorbed when you hit the ground with just your toes and heels.[6]
- Shoes that are considered neutral often do not have a medial post, as the high arch means the feet are more likely to turn outward toward the outside edge than turn in.
- Pick shoes with motion control features if you have low or flat arches. This style of shoe is especially designed to provide a great deal of support on the arch and keep your feet secure when you run, because having low arches can cause your feet turn in when you run.[7]
- Motion control features include a sturdy medial post that extends almost the full length of your feet to prevent your feet from turning in or out as a result of low arches.
- Select a shoe with breathable fabric if you live somewhere hot. Some shoes trap heat in with your feet and can lead to sweating, smelly shoes, and worst of all, foot fungus. With a breathable fabric, you can avoid all that.[8]
- The socks you wear while running also have a big impact on your feet's ability to get airflow, so this feature is not necessary unless your climate makes it necessary.
- Go with waterproof shoes if you plan to run in the rain or cross streams. Your shoes will most likely not be breathable, but they will keep your feet dry. If you live somewhere that rains most of the year, getting waterproof shoes will ensure that your feet don't get soaked every time you run through a puddle.[9]
- Pick a shoe with a wide toe box if you prefer to have breathing room. Choosing a shoe with a wide toe box allows you to have the feeling of breathable toes without getting a shoe that is too wide for your feet.[10]
- Trying out this feature is important for those who have wide feet when it comes to street shoes but aren't sure about running shoes.
[Edit]Getting the Right Fit - Use a measuring device to determine the size and width of your feet. Many people do not know their exact shoe size, or even if they do, purchase shoes that are too big or too small. Running shoes need to have a perfect fit, and choosing a pair begins with measuring your feet.[11]
- You can find a measuring device in most shoe stores, but you can also find the length and width of your feet at home using a pen and paper.
- Your feet may be slightly different sizes. This is relatively common, and you should wear the size of shoe that fits your larger foot if it is the case.[12]
- Try on each pair of shoes if you are purchasing in-store. This may seem obvious, but the only way to know whether a shoe fits is to put it on your foot. If you are buying online, read reviews to see how other people describe the fit and feel of the shoe. [13]
- You can always call a local store to see if they have a shoe in stock if you find a pair you like online and want to try it on.
- Online shoppers also have the option to order a pair and try them on before deciding whether or not to send them back.
- Measure the distance between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. The distance should be between to , which happens to be just about the width of your thumb. This distance is important for making sure the shoes are exactly the right size.[14]
- Different companies have different size standards, so checking this distance will ensure they fit just right.
- Test run each shoe on a treadmill, in the store, or around the block. Just trying a running shoe on and sitting on the bench in the store won't tell you how the shoe feels in motion. The store may have a treadmill you can use to try them out. Otherwise ask to run around the block to get a sense for the shoe.[15]
- You can ask a salesperson or a friend to watch you run and see if it looks like your feet are well-supported and not turning inwards or outwards.
- Wear one shoe on your left foot and another on your right to break a tie. When it comes down to two or three, the pressure can mount, and tiebreakers become important. If you take a quick jog and one side feels more natural, that shoe may be a better choice.
- Try on shoes in the afternoon and evening. This will ensure that your feet are swollen similarly to how they will be when you run, and that your shoe doesn't have too tight of a fit.[16]
- If you purchase a pair and they feel wrong after one or two runs, you may still be able to return them, depending on the conditions and the store or site you bought them from.
- In-store, salespeople may try to push shoes that are well above your price limit, so clearly stating your budget from the start will help prevent up-selling. Online, it is important to stay clear of shoes that seem to be extremely cheap. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
[Edit]References |
| How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Your Face Posted: 01 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Dry skin on your face is irritating and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are simple strategies that can help. Changing your facial cleansing routine may reduce dryness in your skin. You can also reduce the amount of moisture you lose by doing things like taking shorter showers and using a humidifier. Adjusting your diet and trying supplements may also help. If all else fails and you are still dealing with dry skin, see your doctor or a dermatologist. [Edit]Adjusting Your Cleansing Routine - Choose a gentle cleanser free from fragrances, alcohol, and dyes. These ingredients may further dry out your skin. Check the label on any facial cleanser you are considering buying to ensure that it does not contain these ingredients. Opt for a cleanser meant for dry skin for best results.[1]
- For example, you can purchase a soap-free cleanser, such as Cetaphil or Aquanil.
- Wash your face twice daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Wet your face with cool or lukewarm water by cupping the water in your hands and splashing it onto your face. Work the cleanser into your skin with your fingertips using small circular motions. Then, rinse the soap off of your face by wetting it again.[2]
- Do not scrub your skin with a sponge or washcloth because this will strip extra oils from your skin and dry it out even more.[3]
- Don't use hot water to wash your face as this may dry out your skin even more.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel. After you finish washing and rinsing your face, get a clean, dry towel and pat your face with it. Do not rub the towel against your skin as this will dry it out more. Gently pat your face all over with the towel to dry it off.[4]
- You can use a regular towel, or try a microfiber towel or T-shirt for an even softer option.
- Select a moisturizer that includes oil or shea butter or other emollients. These ingredients work well for treating dry skin on your face. Look at the label to check for 1 or both of these ingredients. You may also want to choose a cream or ointment moisturizer rather than a lotion. Look for something that is labeled as "intensive" or that is meant for treating dry skin.[5]
- Other ingredients that may help to moisturize dry skin include dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and urea. Check the ingredients on moisturizers you consider buying to see if it contains any of these ingredients.
- Apply moisturizer to your face right after cleansing. This is the best time to lock in moisture and get rid of dry skin. Apply enough moisturizer to your skin to fully coat it, and then let the moisturizer sit on your skin until your skin absorbs it. Use your fingertips to smooth the moisturizer all over your face and neck.[6]
- You may only need a pea-sized amount to cover your whole face, so start with that amount and then apply more moisturizer if needed.
- Apply aloe vera gel to your skin for extra moisture. Using pure aloe vera gel on your skin once or twice per day may help to reduce dryness. Use aloe vera gel in place of or in addition to your usual moisturizer after you wash your face. Apply enough aloe to coat your skin and allow it to absorb.[7]
- You can purchase pure aloe vera gel in a drug store or grocery store.
- Make sure that the aloe gel does not contain any other ingredients, such as fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or lidocaine (for numbing a sunburn). These are likely to irritate your dry skin.
- Treat your skin with a weekly mask of manuka honey. Using manuka honey on your skin may help to reduce dry skin on your face.[8] Apply a thin layer of manuka honey to your skin after cleansing it. Then, let the honey sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this once or twice weekly for a deep moisturizing treatment.[9]
- You can buy manuka honey in specialty food stores and online.
- If you cannot find manuka honey, use regular honey instead.
[Edit]Keeping Moisture in Your Skin - Run a humidifier whenever you're home. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, and this may help to reduce dryness in your skin. Keeping a humidifier running while you're home may help to lock more moisture in your skin and reduce dryness. Try running a humidifier in your bedroom at night to promote a moister environment.[10]
- You can also run your humidifier during the daytime if you'll be home for a few hours. Place it in whatever room you are in and switch it on.
- Limit your showers and baths to no more than 10 minutes. Long showers and baths may be relaxing, but they can make dry skin worse. Time yourself and try to keep your showers and baths between 5 and 10 minutes to reduce their drying effects.[11]
- Avoid sitting directly in front of a heat source to stay warm. If you're cold, put on warm clothing and wrap yourself in a blanket to keep warm. Don't sit directly in front of a fireplace, space heater, or heating duct as this may dry out your skin even more.[12]
- On extra cold nights, try using an electric blanket to stay warm. If you don't have one, toss a blanket into the dryer for 5 to 10 minutes to warm it up and then wrap yourself up in it.
[Edit]Using Diet and Supplements - Drink water whenever you are thirsty. Staying well-hydrated can help to promote healthier skin that is less prone to dryness. Drink a glass of water whenever you feel thirsty and at times when you would normally drink something, such as at mealtimes and after exercising.[13]
- Try keeping a reusable water bottle with you and refilling it throughout the day.
- Avoid alcohol or limit your intake to no more than every other day. Drinking alcohol dries out your skin because alcohol is a diuretic, which means it pulls water from your body. If you suffer from dry skin and you drink alcohol regularly, cutting it out can have a dramatic effect on your skin's appearance. Try to limit yourself to no more than 1 to 2 drinks every other day if you do drink.[14]
- It might take a few weeks before you notice the effects of not drinking on your skin.
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods to promote healthy skin. Vitamin C is a potent nutrient for skin health. If you suffer from dry skin on your face, start eating more vitamin C-rich foods to see if this helps. Some good options include:[15]
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes
- Kiwi, mangoes, and papaya
- Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Cantaloupe and honeydew melon
- Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Red bell peppers
- Try taking a hair, skin and nail vitamin to promote overall skin health. Hair, skin, and nail vitamins may help to promote healthier skin and reduce dryness if you take them over time. Look for a multivitamin that is meant to promote hair, skin, and nail health and take it daily according to the manufacturer's instructions. These supplements usually contain a combination of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but some may also contain omega-3 fatty acids and other ingredients.[16]
- Check with your doctor before you start taking any supplements, especially if you regularly take a prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
[Edit]Seeking Medical Help - Call your doctor if you notice redness, itchiness, cracking, or bleeding. If your skin is red, itchy, cracking, or bleeding, call your doctor to make an appointment as soon as possible. These may be signs that your skin is infected or that it may become infected if left untreated. Your doctor may treat any cracks in your skin with a combination of medication and wet-dressings.[17]
- See a dermatologist for a prescription dry skin cream if it's severe. If your dry skin does not improve no matter what you try, you might need to see a dermatologist for help. They can prescribe a special cream or ointment to help rehydrate your skin and reduce irritation.[18]
- If you have a condition, such as psoriasis, that is contributing to your dry skin, your doctor may also prescribe something to treat that.
- Ask your doctor to check your thyroid. Hypothyroidism, which is when you have an underactive thyroid, can also cause dry skin. This condition requires a diagnosis from a healthcare professional and your doctor will prescribe medication to treat the underactive thyroid if you have it. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:[19]
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Thinning hair
- Heavy periods
- Depression
- Impaired memory[20]
- You may need to try a few different facial cleansers and products before you find something that works for you. If the first thing you try doesn't help, try something else.
- If your lips are dry, use a moisturizing lip balm, too.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment