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11 Foods You’re Better Off Avoiding in Winter

Our kitchen and fridge are full, even in winter – but often with the wrong food.

If you shop correctly, you are not only doing something for your health, but also for the environment and fair working conditions.

Strawberries

Strawberries now mostly come from abroad. For example from Spain, where strawberry plantations have fallen into disrepute due to exploitative working conditions, the massive use of pesticides and questionable irrigation methods. Or they are even imported from Israel or California.

The following applies to strawberries from Germany: don’t be fooled! In autumn and winter they ripen in this country only with a considerable expenditure of energy. Above all, the power consumption for the artificial lighting is enormous.

In our Utopia seasonal calendar you can find out which fruit and vegetables you can buy from local growers.

Imported apples

What is more ecological: an imported apple from New Zealand or a local apple from cold storage? This question is a well-known ecological dilemma – luckily we can’t care until about mid-December.

Until then, there are fresh apples from the region that do not have to be cooled using a lot of energy, for example Cox Orange, Jonagold, Elstar, Berlepsch. So there really is no need for apples from overseas.

In our photo series “Determining apple varieties”, you will mainly find apple varieties that also grow here.

Green salads

When it’s cold, green lettuces (like lettuce, batavia, iceberg lettuce) come out of the heated greenhouse and end up in stores “immature”. That is why they have less taste and also contain fewer healthy nutrients such as vitamins and phytochemicals.

There are still enough lettuce in season in Germany, for example lamb’s lettuce, chicory, radicchio, endive or purslane.

Imported Nuts

Most of the nuts in our stores come from far away: peanuts from the US and Israel, walnuts from California, almonds from the US and Spain, cashews from India.

Therefore, especially in the autumn and winter months, we should eat varieties that also grow in our area (and that can be stored without using a lot of energy). So: walnuts and hazelnuts from Germany.

Conventional citrus

Even if it says “untreated” – residues of pesticides and preservatives are regularly found in conventional oranges, tangerines and lemons.

Manufacturers use tricks so that they do not have to specify the chemical treatment: Sprays that are normally applied to the fruit after harvesting are already sprayed on the lemons and oranges hanging on the tree.

So: better buy organic and fair!

Conventional ACE juice

An extra portion of vitamins for an intact immune system? Better not with conventional ACE juice. The fruit content is usually only between 20 and 60 percent. For this, water, sugar or sweeteners and vitamins are added. These vitamins often come from the laboratory, and their use is also highly controversial.

If you want to take vitamins in liquid form, it is better to drink organic not-from-concentrate juices – they are healthier and are usually bottled during the respective season. Or try one of our healthy winter smoothie recipes made with seasonal ingredients.

Tomatoes

We like to eat them all year round. But in the cold season, almost all of our tomatoes come from the Netherlands, Spain and France, where they are grown in greenhouses with high energy consumption.

Better: Avoid “fresh” tomatoes in winter and use organic tomatoes that have been strained in a glass jar for pasta, pizza, etc. These are harvested when ripe and therefore not only taste better than winter imports, but also contain more nutrients. But it’s better to take a closer look when you’re shopping, because glass and canned tomatoes often come from China and have been transported long distances.

Cucumbers

The same applies to cucumbers as to tomatoes. They are popular all year round, but we only have season from June to the end of October. In winter there are greenhouse imports and that means less healthy nutrients, problematic production conditions and long transport routes.

Another reason that speaks against cucumbers in winter: In some supermarkets you can now only find them wrapped in plastic. The supermarkets justify that the cucumbers would be better protected during transport.

We show you how you can avoid packaging in the supermarket instead.

Zucchini

Although zucchini is a pumpkin plant, it is only in season here from June to the end of October. “Real” pumpkins such as Hokkaido or Butternut, on the other hand, are available until December and from then on as stock goods from local cultivation.

We show which pumpkins you can also eat with the skin. You can also try this delicious, warming pumpkin soup recipe.

Conventional tea

Black and green tea comes mainly from China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenya. Working conditions on conventional plantations are often miserable. Exploitation, discrimination and poverty are the order of the day. The massive use of pesticides harms the environment and workers, residues end up in our cup.

You should therefore buy black and green tea from fair trade and with the EU organic seal. Or: prefer herbal teas made from local herbs.

Imported Grapes

From November, grapes mostly come from South Africa, India, Chile, Peru or Brazil. Because they do not ripen, they are harvested fresh and then transported to us by ship. Depending on the place of origin, this can take up to three weeks – and that’s it with the freshness.

Conventional grapes are also often contaminated with pesticides because vines are susceptible to fungi, lice, mites and other pests. Not only do we suffer from this, but also the environment. You should therefore only buy the fruit regionally, during the season and in organic quality.

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Australia

Tim Tam Slam: Enjoy Tim Tam biscuits by biting off opposite corners and using them as a straw to drink coffee or hot chocolate.

What is the Tim Tam Slam?

The Tim Tam Slam is a popular way to enjoy Tim Tam biscuits by using them as a straw to drink coffee or hot chocolate. Tim Tam biscuits are a popular Australian biscuit made of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, separated by a light chocolate cream filling, and coated in a thin layer of chocolate. The Tim Tam Slam adds a fun twist to enjoying this iconic Australian snack.

The Tim Tam Slam has become a cultural icon in Australia and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun way to enjoy a hot beverage and a biscuit at the same time. The Tim Tam Slam is a unique experience that has made its way around the world, with many people from different countries now enjoying this Australian tradition.

How to do the Tim Tam Slam

To do the Tim Tam Slam, you will need a Tim Tam biscuit and a hot beverage such as coffee or hot chocolate. First, bite off a small piece from opposite corners of the Tim Tam biscuit, making sure not to bite off too much. Then, place one corner of the biscuit into the hot beverage and use the other corner as a straw. Suck the hot beverage through the Tim Tam like a straw until you can feel the biscuit starting to melt. Once the biscuit starts to melt, quickly place the whole Tim Tam into your mouth and enjoy the delicious combination of hot beverage and melted chocolate biscuit.

Tips and Variations for the Tim Tam Slam

To get the most out of your Tim Tam Slam, it’s important to use a hot beverage that is not too hot, as this may cause the biscuit to disintegrate too quickly. It’s also important to choose the right type of Tim Tam biscuit, as some varieties may not work as well for the Tim Tam Slam. The original Tim Tam biscuit is the best choice for the Tim Tam Slam, as it has the perfect texture and taste for the experience.

If you want to mix things up, you can try variations of the Tim Tam Slam. For example, you can try using different types of hot beverages, such as tea or hot chocolate with marshmallows. You can also try using different types of Tim Tam biscuits, such as the white chocolate or dark chocolate varieties. The Tim Tam Slam is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a hot beverage and a biscuit, so get creative and give it a try!

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Food

7 Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Get Your Day Off to a Good Start

A healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside due to lack of time. We can help: with our 7 practical breakfast ideas, which are either ready in a flash or can be prepared the evening before.

1. Overnight oats

As the name suggests, oatmeal is soaked in liquid overnight for this healthy breakfast idea. There are no limits to the imagination; everything that tastes good is allowed. Try these overnight oats with chocolate and figs – a real highlight in the morning!

Depending on your preferences, overnight oats can be prepared with normal milk, soy, almond, or rice milk, for example. The addition of cocoa, nut butter, and co. also brings variety to the oatmeal. In the morning, the creamy breakfast is then only refined with fresh fruit and nuts, for example, figs, pistachios, and other delicacies.

2. Granola balls and granola bars

Small granola balls or granola bars are a good choice for anyone who does not have a particularly large appetite in the morning and is looking for breakfast ideas on the go. Because the mix of almonds, dates, nuts, and much more is a kind of “muesli to go” for those in a hurry.

You can prepare the morning snack a few days in advance because the small balls will keep in the refrigerator for some time if they are kept cool. How about, for example, wake-up energy balls or these delicious muesli bars with apricots and flaxseed?

3. Sandwiches

This idea can also be prepared in advance or is ready in no time in the morning. Sandwiches are also great for on the go. The classic sandwiches provide plenty of fiber and give you energy for the day, and the toppings can be varied as you like.

A great idea, for example, is the cream cheese toast with figs – doesn’t that look delicious? You will find many more recipe ideas in the cookbook “Bunt topped sandwiches”.

4. Breakfast smoothie

A good choice for morning grouches: muesli to drink. Fresh fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt or milk are mixed together in just five minutes. If you like, you can refine the filling drink with seasonal fruit or vegetables, for example.

How about a plum and date shake, for example, or a wonderfully green lamb’s lettuce and pear smoothie?

5. Breakfast Muffins

Breakfast muffins with blueberries – Our variant with wholemeal spelled flour, banana, and blueberries can be baked the evening before and will impress the whole family. Alternatively, the version with apple and carrot might be something for you.

6. Chia pudding

The taste of chia pudding is not for everyone. But breakfast is just bursting with nutrients! Another plus: You can soak the small seeds in the evening and simply garnish them with fresh fruit in the morning, such as in our chia pudding with banana or chia pudding with papaya, or nuts – also ideal for taking to the office. A great breakfast idea, right?

7. Profits

To make Proats yourself, simply mix oatmeal with milk, refine everything with spices as you like, add quark, and put everything in the fridge overnight – it couldn’t be easier! Garnish with fruit in the morning and the healthy lightning breakfast is ready. How about, for example, delicious autumnal products or buckwheat profits with apple, blueberries, and cashews?

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Lifestyle

Lose Weight With Hula Hoops: This is How The Pounds Melt Off Thanks to The Trend Sport

One fitness device for at home is particularly popular: the hula hoop. We reveal how you can train and lose weight effectively with “Hooping”.

More than just weight loss: That’s how effective training with the tire is

Many people who do sports do not only train to cover their weekly recommended active time, but are looking for a solution to lose weight quickly and sustainably. On her website, Haschke points out that many of her clients and Huller enthusiasts have already used the hoop to get fitter. To do this, she documents before and after pictures on the website – as living proof that this sport can really be used effectively to lose weight – coupled with the right diet.

How fast and how much you lose weight is individual. But what is safe to say is that you can burn between 400 and 600 calories in an hour of hooping. It’s about the same as jogging or other endurance sports. However, hulling can be the more varied sport, since the workouts can be more varied than a jogging session. That’s why hulling is a good alternative, especially for people who don’t like running.

Another study on this subject came to a similarly positive conclusion. The researchers also found out that training with the tire not only strengthens the stomach – it also trains the back, buttocks, thighs and pelvic floor. Precisely because of the strengthening of the pelvic floor, midwives recommend hulling to mothers in the recovery phase. But the hula hoop is also useful for a straight posture and more body tension.

Improving posture: Sport not only trains the abdomen

“Not only the lower back is trained, but also the back extensors, and that makes the entire posture more upright. A stable center is important for our well-being and our mental fitness,” says hula hoop trainer Elli Haschke in a telephone interview with the world .

As with any sport, hulling releases endorphins, relieves tension and puts you in a good mood. Finding your own flow can also be a great exercise to clear your head, says the hula hoop trainer. She herself does it everywhere, when shopping online, reading, watching TV and even when playing with her children. Also, many tires are collapsible and portable – making them more convenient than rigid gym equipment. This is exactly what makes the trend so appealing: You can incorporate it into your daily routine at any time. And best of all: There are no maintenance costs or monthly fees.

Anyone who wants to try this trend is faced with the following questions: What do I have to pay attention to when training after I have bought a tire? And: How do you distinguish a good hula hoop from a bad one? “Unfortunately, there is a lot of junk being offered at the moment because all dealers want to ride with the wave. But an unstable, wobbly tire is difficult to keep up, so motivation is quickly lost. Good manufacturers are, for example, Swingfit, Proiron or Resultsport – but currently they are often sold out “, says Haschke. The expert recommends waiting until a high-quality tire is available again rather than buying another of inferior quality.

Fitness trend: This is something to look out for when buying a hula hoop

For adults, hoops with diameters of 90 to 110 centimeters are common – the hula hoops from the toy store for children are not a good option here. For the average adult, these are too light and almost impossible to hold on the waist due to the small diameter. The rule of thumb for the perfect hoop is: the diameter of the hoop should correspond to the distance between your toes and your navel.

As far as weight is concerned, it is important not to use tires that are too heavy. For beginners, the effort is still too great to keep the sports equipment up for the entire duration of the training – without losing form and technique. However, the hoop must not be too light either, because the weight determines how strong the centrifugal forces are – the higher the centrifugal forces, the easier it is to hold the hoop up. The expert recommends using a 1.2 kg tire for beginners under 80 kg. With a body weight between 80 and 100 kilograms, one that weighs 1.5 kilograms and heavier people should then use a tire with 2 kilograms.

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Lifestyle

8 Tips: Pay Off the Loan and Pay Off Debts Faster

We have collected many useful tips and tricks to pay off debt faster. Now repay your loan at full steam, pay off your debts quickly and finally live debt-free again.

People often owe money to multiple lenders. They have to pay off a car or television in installments, while others have debts to private individuals or relatives. Some more, others less, but these people all have one goal in common: to pay back the debt.

Many debtors would like to settle their debts as quickly as possible. There are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve this goal faster.

Pay off credit or debt problems

Borrowers often have several debts in different places, for example, a loan from the house bank, a car loan from another bank, and several financing or open invoices from online shops or department stores. On top of that, a few hundred euros are borrowed from a friend or other work colleague. Here, several thousand euros quickly accumulate, where you can lose track and motivation of the repayment.

How can I be debt-free faster?

Every borrower wants to get rid of his debt. There are three ways to get rid of unloved debt: either make higher monthly installments, negotiate more favorable loan terms, or use psychological tricks to save. There are basically three levers at work:

  • Higher-income (earning money).
  • Less private consumption (saving money).
  • Better interest rates at banks for loans.

1) Payback small amounts first

It is always worth paying off small debts in the beginning. This burden on the mind and too many open bills make life very complicated. The fewer open creditors you have, the easier it becomes to manage the debt. By the way: Always pay back the money you have borrowed from friends first because friendship is much more important than any money in the world.

2) Replace old and expensive loans through debt restructuring

If you already have a loan running, you can very likely save a lot of money by rescheduling with a cheap loan or get the repayment time over with much faster. Since we currently have particularly low-interest rates, debt restructuring is doubly worthwhile. Look for a new loan that has significantly lower interest rates and better terms. You can have the expensive existing loan replaced by a cheap bank as a new lender. The monthly installment contributions fall immediately due to the lower interest rate. You can also use your savings to reduce the total life of the loan.

3) Merge multiple loans

If you have multiple loans, be sure to combine the debts together. Try applying for a new personal loan with low-interest rates. This should then show the sum that all debts can be settled at once. A good option, especially if there are tolerable installment payments. Then you as a debtor can plan again and have more money available again. Of course, you should find the cheapest provider for a new main loan. Our credit comparison helps:

4) Personal loan instead of overdraft facility

If the salary account is constantly hopelessly overdrawn, the negative debt trap is permanently exacerbated by very high overdraft interest. Here it is really appropriate to convert this debt into a loan as soon as possible. And then definitely reduce the financial scope of the overdraft facility. With a normal installment loan, the interest rates are considerably lower than with an overdraft. A credit line should really only be used to bridge financial bottlenecks in the short term.

5) Budget book for a better overview

If you have debts in your household, you should definitely keep a household book for more control in order to be able to continuously monitor the financial situation. It collects monthly cash receipts and expenses. All necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance are collected and planned for a year in advance. Then you can clearly see how much money is still available for the rest of the month. If there is anything left for the piggy bank, fill it up. If you have a considerable amount together, use it to pay off debts instead of spending.

6) Use special repayment for additional income

If you are lucky enough to be employed by an employer who pays Christmas and holiday bonuses, then this can also be used to pay off debts faster. If purchases were made with it earlier, this time they have to be done at the back. So in the case of unplanned income or gifts, talk to the bank to see whether special payments are possible as repayment without fees for an ongoing loan. You should always arrange each new loan with the possibility of such a free special repayment in order to be able to pay off debts faster at any time.

7) Restriction on spending

It can also be considered whether the regular vacation in Italy or in the Allgäu can be canceled. You can cope with that and with the money saved you should pay off debts and pay off the loans with higher installments in the future. It is also possible to enjoy only one week’s vacation instead of two weeks. This also saves money that can be put to good use elsewhere. Here you will find money-saving tips for shopping in the supermarket.

8) Compare energy suppliers

Each of us uses electricity and gas. If you have debts that you want to get rid of as quickly as possible, you can use the savings from reduced electricity or gas prices to pay off the debt directly. This gives you more time for the things your family needs every day. Savings of up to 750 euros per year when comparing electricity tariffs enable an additional repayment of the loan. A gas tariff comparison can also save up to EUR 500 per year.

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Food

Not Healthy: Keep Your Hands Off This Fruit

Fruit is always healthy, no matter how much? Unfortunately, this is not correct. We’ll tell you which fruit you should stay away from – because it’s not as healthy as it seems.

Is fruit always healthy? no

Daily consumption of fruit is part of every balanced and healthy diet. But you can also do a lot wrong when consuming fruit.

Nutrition organizations recommend eating at least two servings of fruit a day. To put this in perspective, a serving of fruit is roughly equivalent to one banana or two handfuls of berries. The consumer organization Foodwatch is even calling for the VAT on fruit to be abolished so that Germans can eat healthier. But not every fruit is suitable for a healthy diet. We tell you which fruits you should avoid and why.

grapes

Grapes, the millennia-old cultural fruit – not so healthy after all? According to nutritionist Jennifer Hyland of the Cleveland Clinic, the tasty fruit should only be enjoyed in small amounts, otherwise it can be harmful to your health. The reason for this is simple.

According to Hyland, grapes are simultaneously very high in sugar and low in fiber. The fact that the grapes also have such a convenient shape for snacking between meals increases the health risk even further. Due to their bite-sized size and high sugar content, there is a risk of eating a lot of grapes in a short time, which can raise blood sugar levels and thus promote illness.

But you don’t have to give up grapes because there are ways to reduce this risk. For example, instead of putting whole grapes on your plate, portion out the berries so you eat less of them. Nutritionist Hyland gives the following tip: Freeze the berries beforehand for a sweet snack that takes longer to eat.

Important: To prevent grapes from spiking your blood sugar levels, it is always best to combine grapes with a protein source such as nuts. How about a handful of Greek pistachios* with the grapes, for example?

dried fruit

Many athletes promote dried fruit or fruit bars as a healthy alternative to chocolate bars. While that’s true, there’s a catch: Many dried fruits contain unhealthy added sugars, which not only can make dried fruits a real calorie bomb, but also spike your blood sugar levels.

Dried fruits have another problem. Most of the water is removed from them during the drying process. So far, so unsurprising. However, like fiber, water is important for the feeling of satiety. Therefore, dried fruits often tempt to eat too much of them. But: If you pay attention to unsweetened variants and the portion size, there is nothing wrong with dried fruit. In general, fresh fruit is always the better and healthier choice.

Also interesting: It is not only in dried fruit that there is a lot of sugar, also in many other foods of our everyday life there are enormous amounts of calories, without most people knowing it.

fruit juice, smoothies and squeezies

When it comes to drinks, fruit comes in many different forms on our menu. Whether as orange juice for breakfast, as a supposedly healthy smoothie for athletes or as so-called Quetschie, a fruit mush snack popular with children. And these fruit drinks really pack a punch.

According to a well-known TV advertisement, a glass of orange juice covers your daily vitamin C requirement. What many people don’t know is that this glass of orange juice also covers more than half of an adult’s daily sugar requirement. The same goes for store-bought smoothies and squeezies. The sweet fruit drinks are a supposedly good way to cover the daily need for fruit. These and even unsweetened fruit juices can also raise your blood sugar level significantly.

Normally, the fiber contained in fruit ensures that the blood sugar level remains stable, but this is removed in most fruit drinks such as juices, squeezes or smoothies. The following applies here: Making it yourself is not only healthier, it also tastes much better. If you can’t avoid store-bought juice, consider adding a handful of nuts or another source of protein, according to nutritionist Hyland.

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Lifestyle

Off on Vacation: 8 Tips for Packing Your Suitcase Cleverly

Pack your bags cleverly and off you go on vacation. But before your well-deserved vacation, the first thing to do is to gather the necessary utensils that should not be missing on vacation. Then the question arises as to how all the things fit in the suitcase. We have the best packing tips.

Nothing should be forgotten! Our tips and lists will help you so that you can spend the time as pleasant and carefree as possible. As a result, you have the most important utensils at a glance. And on vacation, you don’t have to go out again to buy forgotten things.

Everything you need for a relaxed holiday season

With a bit of a system and our packing tips, the packing will go smoothly. The best way to do this is to create a checklist with different categories. Then you can search for the things you need one after the other. You should work through the luggage list carefully. If there is still space, you can take other things you love with you. You should also decide beforehand what can go in the suitcase and what you will take with you in your bag. In addition, note our useful tips for vacationing with the family.

1) Appropriate clothing for vacation

Clothing will likely take up the bulk of your suitcase. In order to save space, you should clarify beforehand whether you will be able to do your laundry during your holiday. Then put everything in order next to the suitcase until you have everything together. This way you can see if anything is missing. Additionally, note our packing list for clothing.

  • underwear and stockings.
  • At least one sturdy pair of shoes and open-toe shoes.
  • Warmer clothes in case it gets colder.
  • Light things when it should get hot.
  • Swimwear: bikini, beach towel, sunglasses
  • Appropriate sleepwear, a pair of thicker socks
  • Depending on the destination, rain gear may be necessary.

2) Pack important cosmetics in the suitcase

When it’s time to go on vacation, you should also think about your cosmetics. Many have selected products for their daily routine that they cannot do without. And these may not be available in the destination country. So make a packing list and pack your wash bag with the following items. Of course, some hotels also provide the basic set of care products, so check with your hotel beforehand. Our article on making natural cosmetics yourself is also interesting.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
  • hairbrush and razor.
  • Soap, shower gel, and shampoo.
  • deodorant and perfume.
  • Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
  • Care cream and washing lotion for the face.
  • Make-up articles: mascara, eyeshadow, make-up, etc.

3) Pack helpful medication

If you take medication regularly, you should pack it. It can often be helpful to have the leaflet with you or a corresponding prescription. This allows customs officials to quickly determine what it is about. In addition, you should determine important vaccinations for the holiday in advance. There is also medicine that you should always carry with you just in case. These include the following resources.

  • Motion sickness pills.
  • Medication against diarrhea and constipation.
  • Painkillers and stomach-soothing medicines.

4) Pack your suitcase properly

After you have found everything together and nothing is missing, everything has to be put in the suitcase. And that’s usually a challenge. There are also many different ways to place things in your suitcase. But which is the most space-saving way? We have the most important tips and a video for more information on how to pack your suitcase cleverly. Also, note favorable sun destinations for the winter.

  • Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Because that way you get more in the suitcase and your clothes stay wrinkle-free.
  • Put heavy things down. This way you shift the weight below and the case is easier to pull. Likewise, no heavy things press down.
  • Sensitive things go on top. Then they cannot be broken by heavy things and they are better protected. This includes cosmetics or other fragile items.
  • Use separate bags or pouches. You can use it to pack shoes or underwear separately, for example. This will prevent your shoes from getting dirty.
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