| How to Cut a Watermelon Posted: 18 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT One of the most popular summertime fruits is the watermelon. This cool, sweet, king of fruit is also very healthy. They are freshest when you buy them whole and cut them yourself. You can cut watermelon into rounds, wedges, slices, or cubes, or even scoop out the flesh with a melon baller. EditSlicing the Watermelon - Wash the rind of a watermelon. Use a fruit wash if you have one, or rinse the watermelon under the faucet to remove dirt, germs, and pesticides from the watermelon rind. It's important to wash the rind because everything the knife touches on the outside of the melon will end up in contact with the watermelon flesh as it slices through.
- Slice off the top and the bottom of the watermelon. A serrated knife works best for items that have a softer interior and tougher exterior like melons, tomatoes, and breads. Knives must be longer than the fruit you're going to cut.
- Slice down through the center of the watermelon. Stand the melon on end before slicing through the middle.
- Note that if you cut along the dark stripes on the outside of the watermelon, then the watermelon seeds will end up on the outside of the pieces of watermelon, making them easier to remove.
- Cut each half into sections. You can cut each half into two, three, or four sections, depending on how small you'd like your pieces to be.
- Remove the melon from its rind. Hold the section in one hand while you slowly cut the flesh away from the rind.
- Slice down from the top to the rind. You'll want to cut even slices through the fruit, about 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) apart. Repeat to remove the fruit from each section.
EditCutting into Rounds - Slice the watermelon cross-wise. You can turn your watermelon into rounds by carefully cutting through the watermelon, crosswise, at 1 in (2.5 cm) intervals.[1]
- Cut off the rind. Carefully slide your knife along the outside of the flesh to cut off the rind. You may also want to remove any seeds at this point.[2]
- Cut into pieces. You can either slice the rounds into sticks or triangles, or even use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes, like stars.[3]
EditCutting Wedges - Cut the watermelon in half. Find the center of the watermelon and cut through the fruit at the mid-point.[4]
- Cut the halves in half. Set the fruit on your cutting board so the rind faces up and the flesh faces down, then cut each piece in half again.[5]
- Slice the fruit into wedges. Take one of the quarters and slice into ½ in (1.3 cm) wedges. Repeat until all the fruit is cut up.[6]
EditCutting into Small Pieces - Quarter the watermelon. Carefully cut your watermelon in half. Then place each piece flesh-side down and cut each in half again.[7]
- Slice the watermelon into wedges. Make slices 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) wide across the melon, just down to the rind. Do not cut through the rind.[8]
- Cut a lengthwise slice into the melon. Start on the side of the watermelon, about 1 in (2.5 cm) below the peak. Make a lengthwise slice into the melon, cutting down so that the tip of the knife runs along the rind. [9]
- Continue slicing the melon. Make a lengthwise slice 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) below your first cut. Don't cut all the way through the bottom. Turn the melon and repeat this process on the other side.[10]
- Remove the flesh from the rind. Use your knife to slice along the bottom of the rind, using a sweeping motion. You can then pour the watermelon into a bowl or onto a serving platter.[11]
EditUsing a Melon Baller - Cut the watermelon in quarters. Find the midpoint of the watermelon and cut through it to separate your melon into halves. Then place each half on your cutting board with the rind facing up. Cut each half in half, lengthwise or crosswise.[12]
- Scoop out the fruit. Use a melon baller or an ice cream scoop to scoop out the flesh of the watermelon. Place it into a bowl or tupperware container.[13]
- A seedless watermelon is best for this method, so you don't end up with seeds inside your melon balls. Alternatively, you can remove the seeds as you scoop out the fruit.
- Serve chilled. Chilled melon balls are a wonderfully refreshing treat that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
- Buy mini watermelons for easier cutting and portion control.
- Watermelon, with its sweet and subtle taste, can be used as a palate cleanser during meals.
- Blend watermelon in a blender or food processor (without the rind or seeds) for a wonderful summer beverage!
- Some people like a bit of citrus such as lime juice sprinkled over the pieces for an especially refreshing snack.
- The rind can also be used in cooking, such as preserves and pickling.
- Watermelons are grown with seeds as well as seedless. Choose carefully when shopping to make sure you buy the type you want.
- Since dull knives require more force to cut and are more likely to slip, sharp knives are safer to use than dull ones.
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| How to Clean a Glass Top Stove Posted: 18 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Glass top stoves are often more susceptible to scratches and pits due to their delicate surfaces, especially when cleaned using abrasive sponges and cleaning products. Consider buying a commercial cleaning products designed specifically for glass top stoves, or you can safely and efficiently clean your glass top stove using baking soda, water, and a soft microfiber towel. EditPreparing the Stove - Turn off your stovetop. The surface should be completely cool before you begin. Turn the oven off, and leave it off for at least 20 minutes if it has recently run. Higher heat will not help you clean – it usually just dries out the food and causes it to stick to the stovetop.
- Remove loose food chunks and debris. Using your fingers, a paper towel, soft cloth, or a gentle sponge, get off as much as you can before you start scrubbing. This will help lower the risk for scratches and pits during the cleaning process.
- Loosen stuck-on food with a spatula. For tough, large food debris that's clinging to the stovetop, use a silicone spatula to loosen it. Rub the spot with the spatula in small circular motions until the food stops coming off the stove.[1]
EditCleaning with a Commercial Cleanser - Purchase a specialty cleanser. Hardware stores and some grocery stores will carry cleaners specifically designed for a glass top stove. Some products are available as a pourable liquid, while others come in a spray bottle. Choose whichever type of product you prefer.[2]
- Pour or spray the liquid onto the stove. Apply the cleaner liberally. Pour or spray the product onto various areas across the stove, focusing particularly on areas where you can see or feel grease build-up[3]
- Scrub the stove vigorously. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to rub the cleaner into the grease and stuck-on food. If you need extra scrubbing power, use the edge of a silicone spatula to scrape at the burnt-on food.[4]
- Buff the stove top. Use a paper towel or a microfiber cloth to wipe up the excess cleaner and buff the stove. You may need to swap the towel out for a fresh one if it becomes saturated. Polish the stove until it's dry and shines enough for you to see your reflection.[5]
EditSoaking with Baking Soda and Water - Fill a bowl with hot tap water and a few drops of dish soap. Create a sudsy, soapy mixture to dip your towel into. Soap chemically reacts with oils to break them up and make them easier to remove, and hot water will help to speed up the process.[6]
- Submerge a soft, microfiber towel into the soap and water mixture. A microfiber towel is gentle enough to clean your glass top stove without scratching the stove's surface. Let the towel soak until it's saturated with the soapy mixture. Make sure that the towel is big enough to cover the whole stove, and if it's not, use two towels.[7]
- Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the stove. You can just sprinkle it over the stained area, or you can sprinkle it across the entire stove top for a more thorough clean.[8]
- Remove the towel and wring it out. Take the towel out of the soap mixture and wring the excess water out. The towel should be damp enough to moisten the baking soda, but not so wet that you create puddles on the stove top.[9]
- Lay the towel on the stove and wait at least 15 minutes. The towel should lay flat over any areas with baking soda to prevent it from drying out as it sets into the leftover cooking debris. Wait 15-30 minutes before removing the towel to give it ample time to soak into the most stubborn stuck-on food.[10]
- Scrub the stovetop with the towel. Once the time is up, scrub in a circular motion for the best results, picking up all of the weakened bits of food on your stove. The baking soda will act as a gentle scrub to remove any remaining residue.
- Remove any remaining baking soda and water residue. Use another dry, clean microfiber towel to wipe away any extra residue and to dry and buff your stovetop. If there are still areas with stuck-on food or oil, repeat the baking soda process until they're gone.[11]
EditMaintaining a Clean Stove Top - Wipe up spills promptly. The longer you allow food spills to sit on your stove top, the more likely they are to harden and become difficult to remove. If you're worried you'll forget to return once the stove is cool, set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes once you're done cooking.[12]
- Scrub the stove with soapy water once a week. Create the same soapy solution as above (a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap) and use a non-abrasive scrubber to wipe up food and oil.[13] Doing this once a week will help you keep up with the cleaning and avoid grease build-up.
- Use vinegar to eliminate streaks. If your glass stove top has streaks or water spots after cleaning, wipe the stove down with a soft cloth doused with 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar.[14] You can also use a regular glass-cleaning product as well.
- Consider wearing a pair of rubber cleaning gloves if your hands are sensitive to hot water and baking soda. Rubber cleaning gloves can help prevent your hands from becoming dry and cracked as a result of cleaning your stovetop using this formula.
EditThings You'll Need - Medium-sized bowl
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Hot tap water
- 2 soft, microfiber towels
- Baking soda
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| How to Improve Your Diet During Menopause Posted: 18 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT When you reach menopause, you can expect your body to change in many ways. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings. Improving your diet can help manage your symptoms and cut back on your risk for age-related health issues. Go for a balanced diet made up of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. Eat foods rich in nutrients like calcium to manage symptoms of menopause. Avoid unhealthy foods, like foods high in fat and sugar, to stay healthy as you age. EditGetting A Balanced Diet - Opt for healthy starches. Starch should be the basis of your diet when you enter menopause. The kinds of starches you choose matter. Opt for starches from natural sources, such as potatoes, to keep your body strong during menopause.[1]
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be an excellent source of starch when prepared in a healthy manner. Make sure to leave the skin on potatoes and try baking or steaming them instead of frying them.
- You should also opt for whole grain and whole wheat sources of starch. Go for brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat breads.
- Make sure starch is a staple of your diet, but make sure you are also practicing portion control (remember about 1/2 cup is equal to one serving of starches like pasta and rice). Roughly one third of your total intake should come from starch.
- Make sure to get five servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are important throughout your life but become increasingly vital as you age. In order to stay healthy during menopause, opt for at least five servings of healthy fruits and vegetables each day.[2]
- You can snack on fruit to get your servings in. Just one small apple, 1/2 banana, or a large peach counts as one serving.[3]
- Try to add veggies to every meal. Go for a side salad at lunch instead of a side of french fries, for example. Make steamed veggies to eat with dinner at night.
- Add fruits to your breakfast. Slice up a banana and eat it with your cereal. Add berries to yogurt or oatmeal in the morning.
- Opt for healthy sources of protein. You need more protein as you age, so go for healthy sources of protein so you can eat more without consuming too many calories. Lean meats, dairy products, fish, and eggs should be a regular part of your diet.[4]
- You should have at least two servings of fish each week. You should go for fresh fish over canned or smoked fish, as these can be high in salt.
- If you eat meats besides fish, go for leaner types. Opt for skinless poultry as a source of meat in your diet.
- If you're vegetarian, eggs can be a great source of protein. Beans, nuts, and seeds can also be healthy meat alternatives.
- Get fat from the right sources. When trying to make dietary changes, many people cut out fat; however, fat is actually necessary to a healthy diet. You need some fat to thrive, so go for healthy sources such as the fat found in heart-healthy oils like olive oil and canola oil, and fats found in fruits like avocados. Stay away for fruits high in saturated or trans fats.[5]
EditChoosing Foods to Improve Symptoms - Go for soy products to help with hormonal issues. Soy products may help balance hormone levels during menopause. If you're experiencing things like mood swings, try upping your soy intake.[6]
- Try to swap meat for tofu a few times a week.
- Swap your regular milk with soy milk for things like coffee and cereal.
- Try breads and baked goods made with soy flour.
- Get zinc and iron for your immune system. Zinc and iron can help boost immune health during menopause. This can prevent you from easily becoming sick. Try to eat foods rich in zinc and iron during menopause.[7]
- Many meats include zinc, such as shellfish, corned beef, and liver. Non-meat options include pumpkin seeds, nuts, whole grains, and seeds.
- For iron, go for things like beef, pork, lamb, and seafood. You can also get iron from leafy green vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, kale, parsley, and cabbage.
- Choose mood-boosting foods. Mood swings can be an issue during menopause. Luckily, there are plenty of foods that can boost mood. The amino acid tryptophan can help elevate mood.[8]
- Cottage cheese has plenty of tryptophan and is fairly healthy. Try having cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast if you're feeling low. It's also found in oats, so try starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal.
- Tryptophan is found in turkey, so try having a turkey sandwich for lunch if you're feeling low.
- In addition to eating foods rich in tryptophan, make sure not to skip breakfast or miss meals. This can have an effect on your health, metabolism, and mood.
- Get calcium to boost bone health. Bones may become weaker during menopause. Upping your calcium intake can help counteract this. Make sure to get calcium from plenty of healthy sources to improve your health during menopause.[9]
- Go for milk and other dairy products, such as yogurt, which also contain protein.
- Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy, such as skim milk. This will allow you to get plenty of calcium without adding too much extra fat to your diet.
EditAvoiding Certain Foods - Avoid fast food and junk food. Fast foods and junk foods are high in sugar and salt. As weight gain can be a problem during menopause due to a slowed metabolism, it's best to cut out unhealthy and high-calorie foods. Try to avoid the drive thru after work and skip on dessert most nights. Keep indulgences to once or twice a week instead of making them a daily habit.[10]
- Stay away from fizzy beverages. Fizzy and carbonated drinks can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Avoid these drinks, especially with meals. Opt for plain water instead.[11]
- To make your water slightly more appealing, try adding slices of fruit to enhance its flavor.
- Pay attention to portion size. Go for a smaller plate, bowl, or glass. When eating out, try to only eat part of your food and save the rest for later. Bigger portions contain more calories, and therefore more things like fat and sugar, so it's best to try to limit portion size whenever possible.[12]
- As your metabolism slows down and you age, your body will need fewer calories. Portions that were once acceptable may now be too large. Consider calculating how many calories you should be eating each day based on your age and activity level, and talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to modify your meals to stay within your calorie limits.
- It may help to familiarize yourself with what one portion looks like for each food group so you can eyeball your serving size when you eat out or prepare your meals. For instance, one portion of meat or fish is 3 ounces and about the size of a deck of cards. One serving of a nut-butter is about the size of a ping-pong ball, or . 1/2 cup of grains, or one portion, would fill a cupcake wrapper.[13]
- Cut back on sugar. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and other age-related problems. During menopause, try your best to cut back on your overall sugar intake.[14]
- Go for sugar-free beverages, like water, decaf tea, or water infused with fruit (like lemon or berries).[15]
- Avoid adding table sugar to things like cereal and oatmeal.
- Flavor meals with things like vanilla, almond, and fruit extracts as well as fresh fruit instead of sugar.
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