The Major Grocery Store Change That’s Coming and What It Means For You

A major shake-up is coming to grocery stores nationwide in a move that could prompt food manufacturers to change their recipes. The Health and Human Services Department will be publishing its first-ever definition of ultra-processed foods next month, which will pave the way for front-of-package nutrition labels that warn consumers about products high in fat, sodium and other nutrients. Packages will then contain a green light, yellow light or red light to indicate whether the food will be good for you. Foods typically considered to be ultra-processed include soft drinks and packaged snacks such as potato chips, cookies and candies. The CDC estimates that 55% of the American diet is made up of ultra-processed food. Approximately 42% of Americans today are classified as obese, as compared with 10% obesity in the 1950s. The new food pyramid encourages Americans to eat more protein, vegetables and Whole Foods, while avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods where possible. The coming change will facilitate that in a much easier way.

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Why You Shouldn’t Buy Fresh Blueberries

Whether tossed into smoothies or baked into muffins, blueberries are tiny blue spheres packed with nutrients. Most people have made a habit of avoiding frozen blueberries, opting for fresh ones at farmers markets and in the grocery store. It turns out, they should be doing just the opposite. Frozen blueberries are the ultimate convenience. Like most frozen fruit, they’re typically picked at peak ripeness and quickly flash-frozen, locking in nutrients and antioxidants. They often have higher — or at least equal — nutritional value to fresh berries, which may lose nutrients during shipping. Research has shown that the freezing process can make antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, easier for the body to absorb. Frozen blueberries are also easier to find — especially during the cold winter months — and can even be less expensive than fresh ones. Right now, frozen blueberries are significantly cheaper than fresh ones. A typical small container of fresh blueberries runs around $6 in most grocery stores, while you can pick up a hefty 3-pound bag of the frozen ones for around $10. So, the next time you want to stock up on blueberries, head for the freezer aisle.

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Experts Say You Could Be Storing Your Pans Wrong

Kitchen storage is a challenge in most homes, but one common habit could be damaging your pans. According to experts, you should never pile your pans on top of each other. That’s because weight and friction can cause a surprising amount of damage over time. The inside of your pans take the brunt of the damage when they’re stacked. Every time you place one pan inside another and shift them around, you’re creating friction that gradually wears down the surface. For non-stick pans, the damage can happen faster than most people realize. Pans can also be at risk of scratching and warping. The good news is, there are smarter ways to store them. If your kitchen has deep drawers or cupboards, storing pans side by side rather than stacked can help protect them. A ceiling-mounted or wall-hung pot rack can also be a space-saving way of storing your pans while ensuring they stay protected. Vertical pan organizers — either freestanding or fitted inside a cupboard — allow pans to stand upright and separately from one another. Even a pan divider inside a cupboard can make a huge difference. Your pans aren’t touching, they’re easy to grab, and you’re not dragging them across each other every time you cook. Finally, if you absolutely have to stack your pans, felt or silicone pan protectors placed between cookware prevent direct contact and significantly reduce the risk of scratching.

 

 

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Balcony Solar Panels: The Future of Urban Energy?

In more than half of states, lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of small plug-in solar panels that sit on apartment balconies and plug directly into household outlets. Currently, only major utilities deliver power to households, but now their monopoly is beginning to crumble. That’s because more than half of states are set to follow Utah’s lead and allow plug-and-play solar panels. As of last week, Democratic and Republican lawmakers in 28 states and Washington, DC, have announced their own legislation to make these systems legal. As utility bills climb and contribute to broader cost-of-living challenges across the U.S., legislators see the portable tech as an affordability tool. Differing models range in price from around $400–$2,000, depending on the size of the system. In contrast, rooftop solar installations can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s what makes balcony solar panels an appealing option in circumstances where rooftop solar is unrealistic.

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