| How to Help Veterans Posted: 11 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST It's important to support men and women who have sacrificed part of their lives to serve their country. When returning to normal life, veterans may face a number of emotional, physical, and financial difficulties. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can help our veterans. From providing them with the recognition they deserve by donating both your abilities and resources, you can help make their life better. EditRecognizing Their Sacrifice and Service - Thank a veteran. When you meet with a veteran you know, or you meet a veteran for the first time, offer a heartfelt word of thanks. You'd be surprised how far a simple "thank you" can go. A number of veterans never hear it. A simple word of support shows them that they are noticed and appreciated.[1]
- Remember holidays that honor veterans. Show your appreciation for veterans on these days. Holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day are popular for honoring those who have served in the military, but there are other lesser-known dates--some that correspond to particular service positions--that you may not be aware of. Here are just a few:
- Vietnam Veterans Day honors those who served during the Vietnam War.
- Silver Star Service Banner Day honors wounded service personnel.
- Armed Forces Day honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were captured or imprisoned during their service.
- Gold Star Wives Day honors those who lost loved ones in the line of duty.[2]
- Pick up a veteran's tab. The next time you see a veteran waiting in line to pay for their drink or meal, offer to buy it for them, or do it anonymously. Anyone would appreciate the gift of having their coffee, dinner, gas, prescription, or even groceries paid for.
- Listen to and share their stories. Many veterans' stories will go unheard or untold. Lending an ear to a veteran in your neighborhood can be a good showing of community support.[3] Organizations like The Veterans History Project collect stories and archive them in the Library of Congress.[4] Offer to interview a veteran so that their story can reach a wider audience.
- Write a letter to a veteran. Writing a heartfelt letter to a veteran is a good way to show your appreciation and is one of the most cherished contributions.[5] This is an especially good option if you don't know any veterans in your immediate area.
- Organizations like Operation Gratitude will help put you in touch with those who could use your support. They will also allow you to put together and send care packages.[6]
EditLending a Helping Hand - Give a veteran a ride. Many veterans with disabilities incurred during their time in service can't drive and are in need of help getting from place to place. Ask them if they need a ride to the supermarket or to an appointment, for example.
- If you can offer a ride, but don't know a veteran, contact The Department of Veterans Affairs (DAV) Transportation Network and they will pair you with someone.[7]
- Foster or train a companion or service animal. Many veterans are in need of companion or service animals to cope with physical and mental disabilities. You can help foster or train service animals that will help reduce veterans' physical and mental stress.[8]
- Reach out to organizations like Pets for Vets to find out how you can help pair veterans with therapy animals.[9]
- Contact a group like Patriot PAWS to volunteer raising service dogs for disabled veterans.[10]
- You can also support military working dogs by purchasing pet food and treats from companies that donate money to assist the dogs after they retire.[11]
- Deliver meals or groceries to a veteran. Some veterans have trouble performing everyday activities like shopping for groceries or making meals. They may be unable to drive or navigate a store.[12] Help them out by volunteering to deliver food.
- If you can't schedule time to deliver food to veterans, you can point them to grocery or meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels or the various transportation services provided by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.[13]
EditVolunteering Your Time and Skills - Join or start a community support organization for veterans. Government financial support can only go so far, so many veterans rely on help from community-based centers.[14] Check if there's one in your area; if not, consider starting one.
- Try raising funds through already established community organizations you are a part of, like your church, school, or civic/business group.
- Try expanding your reach by advertising your cause to local media outlets.
- Ask local businesses if they will donate to your cause or match contributions.[15]
- Volunteer at a hospital. Spend a few hours visiting wounded and recovering veterans. VA hospitals often welcome volunteers to help out with recreational activities, or just to provide companionship.[16]
- Volunteer to help build homes. Organizations like Building Homes for Heroes help build or modify homes for wounded veterans. The houses are given to veterans and their families at no cost.[17]
- You don't need to know how to build a house. They'll also need help with painting, carpentry, plumbing, wiring, and other services that complete a house.
- Organize or volunteer for a Stand Down event. Stand Down events are organized by volunteers who spend 2-3 days providing homeless veterans access to healthcare, hygiene services, food, and clothing, as well as housing, employment, and counseling referrals.[18]
- You can apply for grant funds with which to organize a Stand Down event in your city through the U.S. Department of Labor.[19]
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a list of upcoming Stand Down events in areas across the U.S.[20]
EditDonating to Local and National Causes - Support emergency shelters in your area. You can donate money, but shelters are also always in need of clothing, personal hygiene products, or non-perishable food items. Look for things that you no longer have a use for or have too many of and consider donating them to veterans in need.[21]
- Donate your old electronics. Some organizations, like Cell Phones for Soldiers or Veterans Advantage Recycle and Reward program, will refurbish your old, unused electronics to raise funds for veterans or provide them with better access to updated technology.[22]
- Give to a non-profit charitable organization. Charitable organizations can't support services for veterans in need without monetary donations. There are many organizations who will gladly accept your contribution. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
- Disabled American Veterans: This organization provides guides disabled veterans toward resources such as disability assistance, pensions, and job programs.
- Wounded Warrior Project: They provide wounded veterans with rehabilitation and career counseling.[23]
- U.S. Vets: This organization provides veterans with the mental and practical tools they need to reintegrate into society following their service.[24]
- Contact the Local Veteran Assistance Programs if you don't know where to start or how to find a veteran. They will put you in touch with who needs help.
- Many organizations that accept monetary donations are also in need of volunteers. Don't feel powerless if you don't have a big budget. Contact them and find out how you can help.
- If you see a veteran in immediate need and don't know how to help, contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and ask how they--or you--can help.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Eat Avocado for Weight Loss Posted: 11 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST Avocado is a flavorful fruit that contains monounsaturated fats, which are the healthiest kind of fats. Currently, researchers are studying if eating avocado can help people lose weight.[1] Research is ongoing, but the results of previous studies suggest that eating avocados may help people manage their weight.[2] Incorporate avocado into your diet, especially to replace unhealthy fats, and see if it helps to boost your weight loss efforts! EditIntegrating Avocado into Your Diet - Eat avocado every day. For example, you can spread avocado onto a sandwich in place of mayo, add sliced avocado to a salad, incorporate avocado into a wrap, or make guacamole. How much avocado you eat will depend on your calorie goals and preferences.[3]
- Keep in mind that the average avocado has about 322 calories. Half an avocado has 161 calories.
- You can consume the avocado all at once, or spread it throughout the day. For example, you could have ¼ of an avocado mixed into a smoothie for breakfast and ¼ of an avocado mashed, mixed with salsa, and enjoyed with veggie slices.
- Use avocado in place of other fats. Avocado can help you to feel full longer because of the fat each fruit contains. Make sure that you replace the fats in your diet with avocado. Do not add avocado as an additional fat source or you may end up consuming too many calories in a day, as a whole avocado has 322 calories.[4]
- For example, you could replace the sour cream on your baked potato with avocado slices, spread avocado over a slice of toast instead of butter, or replace the cheese on a sandwich with a few slices of avocado.
- Substitute an equal amount of avocado for butter in baked goods. Avocado works well as a 1 to 1 substitution for butter in baked goods, which can reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol in your meals. Replace all of some of the butter in your recipes with an equal amount of mashed avocado.
- This is a great way to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol in cookies, muffins, and cakes. You can replace all or some of the butter. If you replace all of the butter in a recipe with avocado, decrease the oven temperature by .[5]
EditSubstituting Avocado for Other Ingredients - Make an avocado-based dressing instead of a cream-based dressing. Salad dressings can be laden with saturated fats and cholesterol. Using avocado as a base for your dressing is a great way to include more avocado in your diet. Swap an equal amount of avocado for sour cream or mayonnaise when making a salad dressing.[6]
- For example, if the recipe calls for of sour cream, use of mashed avocado instead.
- Use avocado as a base for pudding when you have a sweet tooth. Pudding recipes often call for whole milk and eggs which contain lots of saturated fat and cholesterol. Instead, use a fork or food processor to mix 1 whole mashed avocado with of sugar or honey, of cocoa powder, and of vanilla for a quick and easy chocolate pudding.[7]
- You can add in other flavors and thickeners if you like, such as of coconut cream, a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, or ¼ of a mashed banana.
- Coat noodles in avocado instead of pesto or cream-based sauces. Pestos and Alfredo sauces are high in fat, and it is often saturated fat. Try swapping your pesto or cream sauce for 2 mashed avocados. Mix the avocados in with 1 box of cooked pasta. Add of fresh basil and a salt and pepper to taste.[8]
- You can also season your avocado pasta sauce with the juice of 1 lime or lemon, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and of cumin or chili powder for a spicy avocado pasta sauce.
- Replace mayonnaise with avocado to cut cholesterol and saturated fat. Mayonnaise is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so swap it for avocado. You can spread avocado on sandwiches or use an equal amount of avocado in place of mayo in recipes.[9]
- For example, instead of spreading mayo on your bread for a turkey sandwich, spread on ¼ of a mashed avocado.
- Instead of adding of mayo to a casserole recipe, use of mashed avocado.
EditAdding Avocado to Recipes - Toss chunks of avocado onto a salad for a quick way to use it. An easy way to get more avocado into your meals is to toss a few chunks into your salad. Cut ¼ to ½ of an avocado into chunks and add them to your salad just before you eat it.[10]
- Avocado works especially well in Southwest salads. Top lettuce with ½ a cup of black beans, of salsa, of corn, and of avocado chunks. Add hot sauce to taste and enjoy!
- Add a few slices of avocado to a sandwich or burger instead of cheese. To cut down on the saturated fats in your sandwiches and burgers, replace the cheese with avocado. Cut ¼ to 1/2 of an avocado into slices and layer them on your sandwich or burger just before you eat it.[11]
- For example, you could have a grilled avocado sandwich instead of a grilled cheese, enjoy a tuna sub with avocado instead of Swiss cheese, or have a turkey burger with a few slices of avocado instead of a piece of cheddar cheese.
- Mix avocado into your hummus for a savory dip. Avocado adds richness to hummus that will keep you feeling full for longer. Try mixing ½ to 1 whole avocado into a batch of hummus for a simple, satisfying dip to enjoy with fresh cut veggies.[12]
- You can make an easy avocado hummus dip with 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, the juice of ½ of a lemon, of salt, and ½ of an avocado. Put all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
- Blend half of an avocado into a smoothie for a rich taste. Avocado has a mild flavor that will take a back seat to most other ingredients you add to a smoothie. Try adding ¼ to ½ of an avocado to a smoothie recipe for an easy, delicious way to enjoy avocados.
- For example, you could blend ½ of an avocado with of almond milk, 1 banana, and of frozen blueberries.[13]
- Remember that there is no magic food or pill when it comes to losing weight, so you will still have to count your calories. Find out how many calories you can eat each day and still lose weight, and keep track of everything that passes your lips.[14]
- Avocado is naturally low in sugar and carbohydrates, so it is a great addition to low-carb diets. You can enjoy half of an avocado for about 2 grams of net carbs.[15]
- Avocado has been shown to help reduce cholesterol when you use it in place of foods that are high in saturated fat. If you have high cholesterol, replace saturated fat sources with avocado.[16]
- Avocado is a great vegan fat option. Most of the foods you enjoy as a vegan will be lower in fat, so having a half or whole avocado each day can be a great treat![17]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Roast Raw Almonds Posted: 11 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Almonds are a healthy snack containing plenty of vitamins and minerals, like magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, and iron. When they're roasted, not only are they good for you, they're also delicious. Make them in the oven or, if you're short on time, roast them on the stove top. For extra flavor, toss them in oil, spices, and seasonings. EditIngredients EditOven-Roasted Almonds - of whole raw almonds
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
EditPan-Roasted Almonds - of whole raw almonds, unsalted
- of extra virgin olive oil
- of sea salt
EditRoasting Almonds in the Oven - Preheat the oven to . Most ovens take about 20 minutes to heat up but it will depend on how efficient your model is. Let the oven start heating while you prepare the almonds.[1]
- Trying to set the oven at a higher temperature to cook the almonds faster will likely burn the almonds or not cook them thoroughly.
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. You don't need to grease the baking sheet because the nuts contain so much natural oil. To help them cook evenly, make sure they are in an even layer and not piled on top of each other.[2]
- Substitute a baking dish for the baking sheet if you'd like.
- If you want to coat the nuts in olive oil and other seasonings, toss them in your choice of oil and spices directly on the baking sheet or beforehand in a separate mixing bowl.
- Place the almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a spatula to stir the almonds or gently shake the baking sheet to move the almonds around. Roast them until they're golden brown and fragrant.[3]
- The almonds on the edges tend to cook faster so move them to the middle and vice versa when you stir. This allows all of the nuts to roast evenly.
- Check the nuts often to ensure they aren't burning or browning unevenly. If they're cooking unevenly, stir them. If they're burnt, remove them from the oven.
- Remove the nuts from the oven and place them on another baking sheet. The high oil content of the almonds means they'll keep cooking outside of the oven, especially if they're left on the hot baking sheet. Pour or spoon them onto a cool baking sheet.[4]
- Leaving the almonds on the hot baking sheet will burn them or scorch the bottoms.
- If you don't have another baking sheet, a plate or even a paper towel will do.
- Let the almonds cool completely before pouring into an airtight container. Storing almonds while they're still warm increases their risk of molding or going bad because it creates excess moisture. Wait until they're cool to the touch, then place them in a sealed plastic or glass container.[5]
- You can use a resealable plastic bag or glass jar, too.
- Store dry roasted nuts for 9 to 12 months in the pantry. Place your almonds in a cool, dark place that's dry to keep them fresh for longer. Throw them away if you notice a rancid odor or if they taste stale.[6]
- If you coated the nuts in oil, they won't last as long. A good rule of thumb for those is 3 to 4 weeks at room temperature.
- To keep the nuts for up to 2 years, place the airtight container in the freezer if it's freezer-safe.
EditPan-Roasting Almonds on a Stove Top - Toss the almonds, olive oil, and sea salt together. Combine the 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon to mix the almonds until they are evenly coated with olive oil and salt.[7]
- Swap olive oil for a different type of oil based on your taste preferences. You could use avocado oil, sesame oil, or an herb-infused oil, for example.
- You can also use water or lemon juice instead of oil.
- Another mixing option is to put the 3 ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Shake it vigorously to coat the almonds.
- Heat a skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat. You don't want the pan to be so hot that it burns the almonds. If your stove top dial has 9 settings, medium-high heat would be anywhere from 5 to 7. Choose a skillet that's big enough that the almonds won't be overcrowded.[8]
- A cast iron skillet or a frying pan with high edges will also work.
- To determine what medium-high heat is, hold your hand above the burner. If you can hold it there for a few minutes before it gets too hot, it's medium to medium-high.[9]
- Pour the almonds into the heated skillet and roast them for 5 minutes. Keep the almonds on the stove until they're a golden-brown color. Stir them frequently with a spatula so they don't stick to the bottom of the skillet.[10]
- Sample 1 almond after the 5 minutes is up. If it doesn't taste fully roasted, continue cooking the almonds.
- Let the almonds cool completely on a baking sheet. The almonds need to be cooled before they can be stored so you don't trap moisture in the container and risk ruining them. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet for the fastest cooling time.[11]
- You can use a sheet of parchment paper instead of a baking sheet.
- Don't leave the almonds in the pan to cool as the heat will continue cooking them.
- Store the almonds in a container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. Choose an airtight plastic or glass container to keep the almonds fresh. A dry, dark area like the pantry or a cupboard is best for storage.[12]
- Eat the almonds as a snack or use them as salad or yogurt toppings.
EditThings You'll Need EditOven-Roasted Almonds - 2 baking sheets
- Spatula
- Airtight container
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Spoon (optional)
EditPan-Roasted Almonds - Large mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Airtight container
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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