Stuck in a restaurant rut? Here are 7 motivating ways to encourage you to try new restaurants.
If you’re tired of eating at the same old restaurants, then it may be time to try something new and exciting for your taste buds. Exploring new restaurants can be a thrilling experience, as they offer up a world of flavors and culinary adventures. However, finding the motivation to step out of your comfort zone and try something different can sometimes be a challenge. Here are 7 ways to find the motivation to go out and explore new restaurants.
1. Embrace the Sense of Adventure
Remind yourself of the joy and excitement that comes with discovering new flavors and dining experiences. Embrace the unknown and view each restaurant visit as an opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure. Who knows….the next restaurant you try could become a new favorite!
2. Seek Inspiration from Other People
Get inspired for new restaurants with online platforms dedicated to food, such as food blogs, restaurant review websites, and social media channels. You can also engage with food enthusiasts and influencers who share their dining experiences. Reading about mouthwatering dishes and seeing enticing food photography can ignite your motivation and curiosity to explore new restaurants.
3. Utilize Technology
Thanks to a multitude of apps and websites, you can find almost anything you want to about local restaurants, their menus, ratings, and reviews. Use these platforms to discover hidden gems, trending eateries, and unique dining experiences in your area. Having a list of exciting restaurants at your fingertips can significantly boost your motivation to go out and try them.
Planning special occasions or celebrations at new restaurants can provide the perfect motivation to go out and explore. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a gathering with friends, choosing a new restaurant for the occasion can create a memorable experience.
5. Expand Your Palate
Challenge yourself to expand your culinary horizons by trying new cuisines or dishes you haven’t tasted before. Consider exploring international cuisines or regional specialties. You might be surprised by the delightful flavors and textures you discover. Developing a sense of curiosity and willingness to experiment can be a powerful motivator to seek out new restaurants.
6. Create a Dining Bucket List
Compile a dining bucket list of restaurants you wish to visit. It can include local hotspots, renowned establishments, or even lesser-known hidden gems. As you tick off restaurants from your list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement, further motivating you to explore more.
7. Share the Experience
Enlist the support of friends, family, or fellow food enthusiasts to embark on the journey of exploring new restaurants together. Plan group outings or establish a dining club where each member takes turns choosing a restaurant. Sharing the experience with others can create a sense of community and make the adventure even more enjoyable. Additionally, discussing and sharing your restaurant experiences with others can inspire and motivate them to join in the exploration.
Summary
Finding motivation to go out and explore new restaurants is all about embracing the excitement of discovering new flavors, seeking inspiration, and planning memorable experiences. By cultivating a sense of adventure, utilizing technology, and expanding your culinary horizons, you can ignite your motivation to step out of your culinary comfort zone and embark on a journey of culinary exploration.
With summer’s warm embrace, it’s time to celebrate the abundance of fresh flavors and nourishing ingredients that nature provides. From vibrant salads to refreshing drinks, summer recipes offer a delightful opportunity to indulge in healthy and delicious meals. However, one ingredient that truly shines during this season is tomatoes!
While fresh tomatoes have their allure, canned tomatoes have their own advantages. Packed at the peak of ripeness, they offer consistent quality and flavor year-round. Canned tomatoes undergo minimal processing, are environmentally friendly, and are rich in vitamins A, C, and lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits.
So, let canned tomatoes be your culinary companion as you cook your way through the summer season. With their ability to infuse dishes with vibrant color, robust flavor, and nutritional benefits, you’re sure to create something that everyone will enjoy. From light and refreshing appetizers to hearty main courses, here are 15 healthy summer recipes to invigorate your taste buds and nourish your body.
Check out this collection of healthy summer recipes to get inspired in the kitchen during the season. Plus, these recipes all feature canned tomatoes (and canned tomato products) for an added boost of health, color, and flavor.
This salsa is so simple to make as starts with canned tomatoes. Roasted red peppers and jalapeno peppers add extra flavor, while toasted walnuts add extra crunch.
This vegetarian chili, which is also vegan and gluten-free, is packed with summery vegetables, including zucchini, peppers, corn, carrots, and tomatoes. Plus, the addition of steel cut oats gives it a “meaty” texture.
You can make this recipe from common pantry staples in very little time, especially if you've got leftover rice from another meal! Any mix of vegetables in your freezer will work. Feel free to get creative with what you toss in!
Packed with the nutrition and flavor power of tomatoes, you can whip up this 100% plant-based (vegan), gluten-free hummus recipe in seconds—relying mostly on shelf-stable, economical staples, such as canned tomatoes and chickpeas.
Whip up these crispy baja fish tacos with tomato-cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and a healthy dose of salsa in no time! Ready in 30 minutes, this is the perfect light, delicious meal ideal for any night of the week.
What could be more comforting than dipping bread into a bubbling hot dish of savory Marinara sauce laden with melted cheese? We’re not really sure, which is why this recipe for Cheesy Pizza Dip should be on your appetizer rotation this month.
Rise and shine! This easy, savory zesty tomato smoothie is like a healthy, nutrient-rich, alcohol-free Bloody Mary. Rich in lycopene—thanks to a whole can of tomatoes—it’s a great snack, post-exercise drink, and light breakfast.
Bring the quaint flavors or Europe to your kitchen with this recipe for ratatouille! This is a classic dish that is loaded with summer garden vegetables and lots of flavor. This stew originated in the Provence region of France near the Mediterranean Sea, and is a delicious entree enjoyed during any time of year.
Dinner is served in less than 30 minutes with this easy recipe for Sloppy Joes. With standout flavors and simple ingredients, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
An easy homemade salsa queso sauce turns pantry ingredient nachos into super flavorful, cheesy nachos. Top your chips with whatever ingredients you have on hand as well as this salsa queso sauce made with shredded cheddar cheese and fire roasted salsa.
Antioxidant-rich Del Monte® Diced Tomatoes with Onion and Garlic help transform red snapper into a heart-smart Mexican-style entrée. Toss in some chopped cilantro for extra punch.
Leftover tomato paste can be a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes. Here’s how you can transform leftover tomato paste into something everyone will love.
In every cook’s kitchen, there’s that one little can or tube of tomato paste that always seems to have a bit left over after preparing a recipe. It sits there, waiting for its next purpose, while we ponder how to put it to good use instead of letting it languish in the fridge. The good news is that tomato paste is a secret weapon that can elevate your culinary creations with its concentrated flavor and rich texture. So, here are some of the best ways to use up your leftover tomato paste.
Sauce base: Use the tomato paste as a base for pasta sauces, stews, or chili. Sauté some onions and garlic in a pan, then add the tomato paste along with herbs, spices, and other desired ingredients. Dilute it with water, broth, or wine to achieve the desired consistency.
Soup enhancer: Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to soups and broths to enhance the flavor. It works particularly well in tomato-based soups like minestrone, pizza soup, tomato soup, or vegetable soup.
Pizza and pasta sauces: Tomato paste is an essential ingredient in making pizza and pasta sauces. Combine it with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a little water or broth to create a delicious sauce for your favorite pasta dishes or homemade pizzas.
Marinades and dressings: Create flavorful marinades for meats, poultry, or vegetables by combining tomato paste with ingredients like vinegar, oil, soy sauce, herbs, and spices. You can also mix tomato paste with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite seasonings to make a tangy salad dressing.
Flavor booster: Add a small amount of tomato paste to recipes that need a rich, savory flavor, such as meatloaf, baked spaghetti, or lasagna. It adds depth and umami to the dish.
Sandwich spread: Use tomato paste as a spread on sandwiches and burgers. Mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, or other condiments to create a tasty and tangy sauce.
Freezing for future use: If you have a large amount of leftover tomato paste, consider freezing it in small portions for future use. You can use ice cube trays or small airtight containers to freeze individual portions, making it easy to defrost and use as needed.
Remember, tomato paste is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
This Father’s Day let’s talk about men’s health. One of the most pressing health issues for men is prostate cancer, with more than 1.3 million men diagnosed each year. Use this month as motivation to take preventative steps to reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer, including getting screened at age 50, and following a healthy and balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and veggies contain fiber and antioxidants that have been shown to help fight cancer and keep you healthy. One of the most potent antioxidants out there is called lycopene, which is the powerful pigment responsible for giving tomatoes their bright red color. According to several scientific studies, people who consume more tomato products have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer, likely due to the powerful combination of lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C that occurs naturally in tomatoes.
While fresh tomatoes are relatively high in lycopene, the compound becomes more bioavailable as tomatoes are cooked, meaning your body can absorb more and take advantage of its anti-cancer properties. Why is this? Heat changes the structure of the lycopene molecule, making it easier for the body to take in, and helps break down cell walls, which frees lycopene and allows it to be absorbed. A recent study found that men who ate cooked tomatoes five to six times per week had a 28% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer versus those who didn’t. Eating tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and salsa is a great way to ensure you are getting in plenty of cancer-fighting lycopene.
How exactly does lycopene exert its cancer-fighting powers? Scientists have proposed several possible methods, including stopping the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate, controlling proteins that suppress tumors, and preventing damage to DNA that can have lasting impacts on the body. While lycopene is powerful on its own, tomatoes contain other anti-carcinogenic compounds, like vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. That’s why you’re better off getting lycopene from dietary sources like tomatoes, rather than from a supplement.
In addition to cooking, adding a little bit of oil to your tomatoes can boost your ability to absorb lycopene even more. This is because lycopene is a fat-soluble compound, and the fat in oil helps lycopene get broken down to a form usable by the body. A serving of whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and a side salad with olive oil and vinegar is the perfect prostate-cancer-preventing meal!
It’s so important for men to be aware of the most common conditions that can threaten health, both in Movember and beyond. Prostate cancer is a frightening possibility, but early detection and prevention is key in reducing your risk. Along with screenings and a healthy diet and exercise plan, incorporating cooked tomato products into your meals several times a week is an excellent way to make sure you are maximizing your dose of cancer-fighting lycopene.
Struggling to decide between canned tomatoes vs fresh ones? We’re here to help you make that choice. From their health benefits to environmental impact, here’s the ultimate guide to canned tomatoes.
When it comes to incorporating tomatoes in your diet, you may find yourself faced with a common dilemma: fresh or canned? While fresh tomatoes have long been regarded as the epitome of flavor and nutrition, canned tomatoes offer a compelling array of advantages that make them a kitchen essential. From their year-round availability and extended shelf life to their convenience and intensified flavors, canned tomatoes have continued to carve a place for themselves in countless culinary creations.
In this ultimate guide to canned tomatoes, we will delve into the reasons why canned tomatoes deserve a spot in your pantry, from their availability and convenience to flavor and nutritional benefits. So, let’s uncover the wonders of canned tomatoes and discover why they are more than just a practical alternative to their fresh counterparts.
Why should you use canned tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are available year-round, regardless of the tomato season. This allows you to enjoy the flavor and benefits of tomatoes in your dishes even when fresh tomatoes are out of season or not readily accessible. They are also convenient to use as they are pre-cooked, peeled, and often diced or crushed. This can save you time and effort in preparing dishes that require tomatoes as an ingredient.
Furthermore, canned tomatoes are often more affordable than fresh tomatoes, especially when the latter is out of season or in regions where they are not locally grown. This makes canned tomatoes a cost-effective option for adding tomato flavor to your dishes.
Environmental impact
Canned tomatoes can be more environmentally friendly than fresh tomatoes in certain circumstances. Here are a few reasons why.
Reduced food waste: Fresh tomatoes have a relatively short shelf life and can spoil quickly if not consumed or refrigerated promptly. This can lead to significant food waste if not managed properly. Canning allows tomatoes to be preserved for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of spoilage and minimizing food waste.
Extended availability: Canned tomatoes provide a consistent and readily available source of tomatoes throughout the year, even when fresh tomatoes are out of season. This reduces the demand for out-of-season fresh tomatoes, which often require long-distance transportation and energy-intensive greenhouse production methods. By opting for canned tomatoes during the off-season, consumers can reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and transportation of fresh tomatoes.
Efficient transportation: Canned tomatoes are generally more compact and have a longer shelf life, allowing for more efficient transportation and reduced carbon emissions. Transporting fresh tomatoes often involves refrigerated trucks or air transportation to maintain their quality and freshness, which can have a higher carbon footprint compared to canned tomatoes that can be transported at ambient temperature.
Reduced water usage: Tomato cultivation requires significant amounts of water, particularly in regions with water scarcity. Canning tomatoes can help reduce water usage by preserving tomatoes that may otherwise be discarded due to imperfections or surplus supply. Additionally, canned tomatoes often require less water for processing and canning compared to fresh tomato production, which involves washing, sorting, and packing.
Reduced packaging waste: While packaging materials are required for canned tomatoes, they are typically more efficient in terms of weight and volume compared to the packaging used for fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes also have a longer shelf life, which means they can be stored without the need for additional packaging or preservation techniques, such as plastic wraps or coatings.
Health benefits
Canned tomatoes can offer several health benefits, so here are some of the key health benefits you should know about.
Nutrient-rich: Canned tomatoes are packed with essential nutrients, and are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and folate. These nutrients contribute to a healthy immune system, support eye health, and help maintain overall well-being.
Lycopene content: Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid pigment responsible for their red color. Canned tomatoes are actually known to have higher levels of lycopene compared to fresh tomatoes. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. It also has potential cardiovascular benefits and may help protect against heart disease.
Antioxidant properties: Canned tomatoes contain various antioxidants (such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids) which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions.
Nutritional stability: The canning process used for tomatoes helps preserve their nutritional value. Canned tomatoes retain their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants over time, making them a reliable source of nutrients even during off-seasons when fresh tomatoes may not be as readily available or affordable.
Cooking benefits: Cooking tomatoes enhances their nutritional benefits by making the lycopene and other antioxidants more bioavailable, meaning they are easier for the body to absorb and utilize.
How to use canned tomatoes in the kitchen
Canned tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a burst of flavor and richness. Let’s wrap up this ultimate guide to canned tomatoes with some of our favorite ways to use them in the kitchen.
In the world of culinary choices, the decision between fresh and canned tomatoes often arises. While fresh tomatoes have long been cherished for their taste and nutritional value, canned tomatoes offer a range of advantages that make them a practical and flavorful option. From their environmental impact to astounding health benefits, canned tomatoes are one pantry staple you should always have on hand.
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