Somewhere between the dirt cheap eats and budget-busting blowouts there’s a sweet spot where the quality and quantity of the food match the amount of money you’re spending. It’s the place where $2.50 gets you plump, meaty dumplings but also where an $88 prix fixe meal offers the best value at the confluence of price and quality. That’s where you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak, or where you’re getting the most for your money.
Here’s how map-making whiz Steven Melendez came up with the rankings:
Zagat 2014 food score (a maximum of 30) divided by 15
The number of Health Department violation points divided by 14 (so a restaurant with a high B will lose exactly one point) was then subtracted from the total computed above. The resulting number was then divided by the cost of an average meal and drink, either as listed in Zagat or as computed from the restaurant’s online menu.
Below, Gothamist’s roundup of where to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to NYC eateries and why you should be eating there.
Starbucks: there’s something hypnotically reassuring about the place — from the placidly smiling mermaid on the logo to the cute barista who has your order ready by the time you get to the front of the line. But while the coffeehouse chain is famous for its laid-back vibe, you may not feel as relaxed once you learn these unnerving details about the nutritional content of some Starbucks favorites.
We combed through the worst offenders on the menu and rounded up the top least healthful drinks you can order from Starbucks. While some of these beverages contain enough sugar to induce a diabetic coma in a Shetland pony, others made our naughty list for more surprising reasons — like magnificent levels of cholesterol.
While we didn’t rank items on the super popular, not-so-underground secret menu, it should come as no surprise that drinks like the Cinnamon Bun Hot Chocolate, Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato, and Hot Butterbeer Latte — all available at any Starbucks location with a wink and a nod to your favorite barista — are all chart-toppingly caloric and blended with half a dozen super sugary syrups.
So how do you know what’s safe to order? There are a few easy ways to avoid sipping enough calories to please a hummingbird on a sugar bender: for starters, steer clear of items that leap out as especially decadent. If the term “Caramel Brûlée” is in the name, you know you’re not doing your waistline any favors. If you sometimes indulge in these little luxuries, however, you may not be prepared for exactly how badly they stack up nutritionally when we compare them to a Snickers bar — or even a bacon cheeseburger!
Worse still, some of the most innocent-seeming beverages were actually crammed with truly astonishing levels of carbs. Prepare for some troubling surprises: one of our biggest offenders, known as an antioxidant booster, seems like an especially healthful choice — until you look a little closer. Take a look at our slideshow to find out some surprising details that might make you reconsider your next drink order.
We based all of our comparisons on the venti size with whole milk, unless otherwise specified.
1. Peppermint Mocha
Is this the best way to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions? If your gym membership lapsed months ago, skip this dessert masquerading as caffeine: while high in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, this sweet treat contains the same amount of saturated fat as a large serving of foie gras.
2. Chai Tea Latte
Brace yourself: while the Chai Tea Latte may sound healthful, it packs 340 calories — that’s more than a Taco Bell Beef Gordita Supreme — and although it is the least sweet option of all the items we’re reviewing, it still contains as much sugar as two melted Snickers bars.
3. Caramel Flan Latte
To burn the calories you intake drinking one of these bad boys, you would need to spend an hour and fifteen minutes biking. This drink is the carbohydrate equivalent of 6 ½ slices of wheat bread.
4. Caramel Brulee Latte
A cup of coffee is like the Caramel Brulee Latte the same way my apartment is like the palace of Versailles. This prime example of end-of-the-empire decadence jams 580 calories, twenty grams of fat, and eighty-five grams of carbs into its scant twenty ounces.
Leftovers: the same food you had last night, except a little grosser!
Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Strategically choosing the stovetop over the microwave could reinvigorate countless pizza slices. And microwaving your rice the right way could make leftover Chinese food a lot more appetizing.
Scroll down to learn how to reheat almost everything languishing on those refrigerator shelves.
1. Pizza
Photo credit: Getty
Microwaved pizza is the worst. The crust gets hard and awful while the rest of it becomes squishy and wet. No longer! Heat up slices in a covered skillet for crisp rather than soggy slices.
You know how Chinese takeout rice gets hard and brittle after a few hours in the fridge? It’s the worst. But here’s a simple trick: Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it completely with a damp paper towel, and zap it for a few minutes. Voilà. Your rice is soft again!
3. Steak
Photo credit: Getty
America’s Test Kitchen has a crazy-simple tip for reheating steak: Reheat it like you cooked it but in reverse. That entails warming the steak in the oven until its center reaches 110 degrees, then searing it on both sides on the stovetop over high heat. Sweet.
4. Roast Vegetables
Photo credit: Getty
According to the The New York Times, hearty veggies like kale, root vegetables, and chard should be popped in the oven for up to 30 minutes, covered, at 350 degrees. Want to add some caramelization to foods like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower? Let them hang out under the broiler for a few minutes.
5. Soup
Photo credit: Getty
A thick soup will splatter if you reheat it, uncovered, in a microwave. If you don’t want your microwave looking like this, cover or reheat it on your stovetop. It’s a simple trick, but it’s one we’ve forgotten WAY too many times.
6. Pie
Photo credit: Getty
Soggy pie ain’t no fun. Food52 cofounder Amanda Hesser suggests you reheat that slice in the oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes. “You want it warm, not hot,” she says. Patience is key with this one, obvs.
7. Fried Chicken
Photo credit: Getty
We’ll be honest with you, folks—fried chicken is never going to be as good as it was when it was fresh and piping-hot. That said, your best chance at a decent reprise meal is to wrap it in tin foil and throw it under the broiler for a few minutes.
8. French Fries
Photo credit: Getty
Remember the advice we gave you about fried chicken? We’re about to give it to you again. Hit the broiler, baby.
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Photo credit: Getty
If you reheat mac ‘n cheese in the microwave, you’ll get some crusty pieces, some overcooked pieces, and some pieces that never warmed up at all. Trust us; you’re way better off heating it up in a skillet on the stove.
PopSugar has a few other good tips: Start off by melting a pat of butter or a bit of oil. After adding the pasta, pour in a couple tablespoons of milk. The result is creamier, evenly heated pasta. And no crusty bits!
10. Turkey
Photo credit: Getty
Ah, the most famous leftover of them all. Even the best cooked birds can taste dried-out the next day. The New York Times suggests spreading your leftovers on a baking pan, covering it with foil, and baking the whole thing at 325 degrees for up to 30 minutes. Crisp up any pieces that have skin, uncovered, under the broiler.
Go forth and reheat, readers. Just give that microwave a break once in a while.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Then add the sweet potato, egg, and milk, and mix until smooth. Add the cinnamon. Stir in the diced banana.
Place a skillet over medium heat, and spray lightly with cooking spray.
While the pan is heating up, make the yogurt sauce. Mix together the yogurt, milk, peanut butter, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
Drop large spoonfuls of batter onto the pan, making pancakes that are about three-and-a-half inches in diameter. Cook until bubbly, about two minutes. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown. Makes about 12 pancakes.
Place three pancakes on a plate, and pour one quarter of the yogurt sauce on top. Add some slices of banana or other fresh fruit, sprinkle on some chopped nuts, and enjoy!
Note: – low cal (low carb – high protein)
– quick and easy
Ingredients (1serving):
– 100 g low fat mozzarella
– 1 tomato
– balsamic syrup
– fresh black pepper and salt
– fresh basil (unfortunately I didn’t have any)
– Served with a salad. I made this with rocket, dandelion salad, olives, red peppers (paprika), radish and sundried tomatos
Directions:
– Clean and cut the tomato and mozzarella
– add some fresh black pepper, salt and balsamic syrup
– serve with a salad
Nutritional facts (1serving):
Energy: 194 cal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g (sugar 3 g)
Fat: 10 g (saturated 7 g)
Fiber: 2 g
It’s easy to get busy and either make poor nutrition choices, or skip meals all together. Thinking ahead and giving yourself healthy options that you can quickly grab, even when your schedule is hectic, is a good way to make it easier to eat clean and maintain a healthy bodyweight.
Here’s why this is a good option for a snack or meal (if you eat a few of them)
Low in calories, all clean ingredients
A good source of protein
Very high in Vitamin B6, A, and selenium
High in iron, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and Vitamin B12
What you’ll need:
1 Large onion, diced
8 Ounces Mushrooms, chopped
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
2 Garlic cloves, minced
Salt and Pepper to Taste*
4 Cups of Spinach
12 Eggs
Saute all of the vegetables in the olive oil on medium heat. Once the onions are browned or transparent, add in the spinach and cook for a couple more minutes. Move the sauteed veggies to a mixing bowl, add the eggs and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin, or use baking cups as a base to keep them from sticking – we used paper cups, which worked, but tin foil would probably result in less sticking. Cook in the oven for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees, using the toothpick trick to make sure that the center of the quiche cup is cooked all the way through.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Modifications/Variations: We didn’t add any extra salt to ours, so the sodium is nice and low. If you can, it’s a good idea to bump up the flavor with other spices – garlic, basil, oregano, cumin, chili pepper, paprika, pepper, or anything else you might like. There are a lot of different, equally tasty ways to make this recipe. Add in any kind of vegetables you might have around the kitchen; tomatoes, asparagus, artichoke, and peppers are just a few of the veggies that would taste great. You can also make it more indulgent by adding cheese of your choice (to the mix, before you put it in the muffin tins).
Makes 12 Mini Quiches
Nutrition Information (1 mini quiche)
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
Cholesterol: 162 mg
Sodium: 71 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2.9 g
Dietary Fiber: .7 g
Sugars: 1.4 g
Protein: 6.8 g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 9%
Calcium: 5%
Iron: 10%
Losing belly fat is an inside job, yes you have to exercise, but first fuel your body with foods that give you energy and nutrients, while also helping you to lose belly fat. Any program that encourages eating works for me! I love my greens, legumes, olive oil, berries, and yogurt!
Think popping a multivitamin once per day is good enough to cover all of the bases your diet is missing? Think again. Your body doesn’t absorb nearly as many minerals and vitamins from that pill as you might believe. Instead, give your body a powerful boost by adding some natural superfoods to your diet.
1. Kale If Popeye knew about kale, he’d never have bothered with spinach. This robust, dark leafy green is chock-full of nutrients like iron, vitamins A, C and K, fiber, antioxidants and is a great detoxifier (particularly for your liver).
2. Chia Seeds Prized by the Mayans and Aztecs, this superfood is once again becoming a star in the modern-day diet. Add these to your diet to get a boost of fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium — and it’s also a complete protein that’s easy to add to salads and smoothies.
3. Spinach Your mother always told you to eat this vibrant, leafy green if you want to grow up big and strong. What she didn’t mention is that it’s also great for preventing prostate cancer, is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, is loaded with antioxidants and is a good source of protein.
4. Swiss Chard Swiss chard grades highly among the ranks of nutrient-packed leafy greens, but the best part might be the taste. Kale can be tough, collards are heavy and some people hate spinach, Swiss chard tastes similar to the very neutral romaine lettuce. Best of all, it has all of the same nutrients as its brethren.
5. Collard Greens Collard greens don’t get the type of love that kale does, but they still bring the same nutrients to the table, like vitamins C and K. Collards also give you vitamin E, folate and manganese, and similarly, are known as a cancer-fighter.
6. Bee Pollen Bee pollen is an incredible superfood that is considered to be one of the most complete foods you can eat. It is a richer source of protein than any animal source (percentage-wise) and it contains all of the essential amino acids as well. Throw in massive amount of enzymes (over 5,000), phytonutrients, vitamins (A, B, C and E), and a ton of minerals, and you’ll be giving your body a big boost. Some of those benefits include increased energy, muscle growth, a stronger immune system, and an enhanced sex drive.
7. Moringa Leaf Moringa leaf is still a well-kept secret, but those who are up on it are aware that this is one of the most nutrient-packed plants ever found. You’ll get a good dose of iron, calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, protein, and amino acids. And all of this from a leaf!
8. Cacao Beans Chocolate lovers can indulge all they want in cacao beans without feeling guilty. Although the chocolate that is near and dear to us all is made from this wonderful ingredient, the truth is that after heating, processing, adding a ton of dairy and sugar, and putting it in candy-bar wrapping, this superfood turns super unhealthy. Stick with the beans — either as a snack or by adding them to smoothies, and you’ll be giving your body one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods around.
9. Blueberries Blueberries are great for the brain, as they help improve your memory, as well as prevent the onset of any cognitive problems that tend to come with age. The best part is that this popular fruit is commonly available in the frozen section, and most of its important antioxidants are preserved even through freezing.
10. Turmeric Turmeric powder is a spice that’s often found in curries that has plenty of health benefits. It’s not only known for its yellow pigment; it also helps combat free radicals, is great for inflammation and protects against memory loss. Although it’s better recognized in its powder form, nowadays, a number of markets will carry the turmeric root as well, which looks very similar to ginger root.
11. Garlic Sure, it’ll make your breath stink, but otherwise, it’s worth it. This age-old superfood is renowned for giving your immune system a boost and warding off many types of cancer.
12. Acai This tiny purple berry is packed with antioxidants that’ll help fend off cancer, heart disease and even aging. It’s one of the rare fruits that contains oleic acid, which is the same healthy fat that’s found in olive oil, and even has the ideal essential amino acid complex, which is integral to muscle regeneration.
13. Lingonberries Meet one of the newest berry superfoods on the block: lingonberries. They’re loaded with plant polyphenols, which means these tart little red berries contribute in a number of fashions. They can lower inflammation, fight staph infections, replace antioxidants, add red blood cells and increase liver enzymes.
14. Beets Beets can be messy to work with, but those who go through pain get the gain at the end. Beets are a unique source of betalains, which is a phytonutrient that can combat tumors. Make sure you don’t throw away the beet greens, as they are high in lutein, which is related to and has similar benefits as vitamin A.
15. Black Beans Black beans make this list because they’re a very underrated source of protein. One cup provides around 15 grams of protein, and the best part is that you don’t have to deal with any of the saturated fats that you might get from animal protein sources, like red meat.
16. Oats Oats might seem like a boring breakfast option, but they’re a great choice for those who need to lower their cholesterol. Whole grain oats help do exactly that, and help with the maintenance of your blood-sugar levels. Just add some blueberries, cinnamon or honey to liven up the oats.
17. Avocado Avocado is another one of those paradoxical high-fat foods that’s still good for your body. That’s because it contains good fats, as well as oleic acid, lutein, folate, vitamin E and glutathione. All of those assist in deflecting heart disease and cancer.
18. Cod Liver Oil Cod liver oil may not be the most delicious of items you’ll pull out of your fridge, but among health nuts, it’s a delicacy. Taking daily doses of cod liver oil is known to prevent arthritis and reduce muscle and joint pain. It also has the healthy fats, which means it’s good for lowering cholesterol, maintaining mental health and preventing heart disease.
19. Broccoli Maybe mom wasn’t completely accurate when she said broccoli makes you smart — but you’d be smart to eat it. The superfood we’ve loved to hate as a kid helps detoxify the body and is a vegetable with one of the highest vitamin C concentrations. It’s also developing into a game-changer in the role of cancer prevention.
20. Green Tea Green tea gives your metabolism a kick in the butt by speeding it up. People who drink it burn more calories throughout the day (roughly 50 to 100 more). It also helps regulate glucose levels in the body (good for those battling diabetes), helps reduce bad cholesterol and slows the brain’s aging process.
21. Walnuts Boost your mood by adding more walnuts to your diet. Not only do these guys have a healthy amount of zinc, manganese and copper, they’re also loaded with serotonin, which is a chemical in our brain directly tied to happiness and feeling good. As a matter of fact, walnuts have among the highest values of serotonin you can find.
22. Almonds
Almonds are one of the most popular superfoods on this list that most people already consume. What could possibly be bad about a high-fat food that’s good for your heart? These guys are loaded with good fats which promote heart health and lower bad cholesterol. Almonds are also a quality source of manganese, vitamin E, magnesium and tryptophan.
23. Pine Nuts
This tiny-but-tasty nut sometimes gets lots in the shuffle, but it’s a super contributor all across the board. From vitamin A and lutein, which help improve eyesight, to vitamin D (stronger bones), to vitamin C (robust immune system) to iron, protein and magnesium, make sure you take your dose.24. Quinoa
Vegetarians and vegans have been up on quinoa for years, but now everyone else is catching up. It offers a great source of non-animal protein with about eight grams in one cup. It’s also a good source of fiber and iron.25. Yogurt/Kefir
Not all bacteria is bad for you. Your body needs some of the good kind to help the digestive tract and yogurt has those. Your colon will be happy (and function better) if you add more of these intestine-friendly bacteria to your diet.
Getty Images/D Dipasupil
26. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a hot commodity these days, as bakers and fryers have been reaching for this fat rather than butter, margarine or processed oils. It’s lauded for its lauric acid, which helps prevent some heart problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In short, the saturated fats in coconut oil are not as harmful to you as the ones in commercially processed oils.
27. Coconut Water
Coconut water is an excellent alternative to a sports drink. Many people champion its hydrating powers, as it does a good job replacing lost fluids. It’s also a great source of potassium (more than four bananas).
28. Ginger Root
Ginger root is a staple in Indian and Chinese cuisine. It’s been known to do wonders for the stomach, namely easing stomach aches, eliminating gas and soothing the intestinal tract. Don’t just use it in stir fries, though; throw a little knob into your morning smoothie to give it some kick.
29. Cayenne Cayenne does more than just spice things up. It adds vitamins A, C and K, and is best known for its high amounts of capsaicin, which is good for fighting inflammation. Those trying to trim down a bit might want to add some more cayenne to their diet, as it can curb appetite and raises your body temperature, which will help you burn some extra calories.
30. Apple Cider Vinegar Some people swear by the detoxifying effects of apple cider vinegar. It helps balance your body’s alkaline pH levels and can stimulate cardiovascular circulation.
31. Bulgur Eating whole-grain foods is believed to reduce a number of cardiovascular risks. That’s why this 100% whole-wheat grain is a good addition to your diet. It’s a sound source of fiber, protein, iron, and vitamin B-6.
32. Pistachios Looking to lower your cholesterol? Here’s one option that’s not in pill form: pistachios. They’re stocked with phytosterols and soluble fiber, both of which have been shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol).
33. Red Peppers Red bell peppers often get overlooked as a superfood, but they’re loaded in their own right. There’s more than three times the daily recommended vitamin C intake per pepper, plus vitamin A, antioxidants and lycopene, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
34. Papaya If you’re feeling the onset of a cold, reach for this tropical fruit instead of an orange next time. One papaya has more than three times the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and is also stocked with flavonoids, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium and fiber. All in all, it’s good for the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
35. Black Garlic Black garlic is made by treating regular garlic with heat and humidity for about a month. Because of the gentle aging process, its health benefits are maintained, but its flavor is much more palatable than regular garlic. This version is sweet with hints of balsamic, tamarind and molasses.
36. Cinnamon Seeing this one on the list isn’t an excuse to go scarf down multiple cinnamon buns. However, this age-old spice has been known to reduce the risk of cancer, cholesterol and also helps regulate blood-sugar levels.
37. Flax Seeds Small in size but large in returns, flax seeds are easy to add to salads, cereals and soups. They are best known for being a good source of fiber, which helps keep your exits smooth. But they’re also a good source for omega-3 fatty acid and lignans, which reduce breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
38. Goji Berries
Typically, we associate oranges with vitamin C, but Goji have nearly 500 times more (per ounce) than those round orange guys. They also pack a vitamin B-complex punch, as well as vitamin E and a slew of antioxidants.
39. Spirulina
Spirulina is an algae that’s loaded with all sorts of super benefits. It’s a high-quality source of protein, gives you the Omegas (3, 6 and 9), a slew of vitamins (A, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-9, C, D, E) and has 26 times the calcium of milk. It has a rank taste, though, so it’s best to try to hide it in smoothies.
40. Maca Root/Powder No, it’s not just a running gag from the fourth season of Arrested Development. Maca is typically found in powder form these days, as juice bars use it to give their smoothies a boost. This nutrient-rich root has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years, and it helps out your endocrine system, which should — among many other things — increase your energy, boost your sex drive and balance your hormones.
41. Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t throw these guys out when you’re scooping them out of squashes or pumpkins; they’re a gold mine when it comes to nutritional value. These edible seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, and even tryptophan, which helps you sleep.
42. Wheatgrass While the taste is sometimes hard to swallow, the juice extracted from wheatgrass has wonderful effects on the body. It does everything — stimulating the thyroid, boosting the red blood cell count, detoxifying the blood and gastrointestinal tract, fending off cancer and providing beneficial enzymes to the body.
43. Camu Camu Camu Camu is a trendy superfood that’s making the rounds in North America. That’s because we love our vitamin C — the most used supplement in North America — and camu camu is loaded with it. One teaspoon is 1,180 times your recommended daily intake.
44. Chlorella Those looking to detoxify/remove some of those heavy metals in the body might want to try chlorella. This single-cell algae is one of the best detoxifiers you’ll find. Inside your body, it binds to metals, chemicals and pesticides in your digestive tract and pulls them out.
45. Lucuma This tropical South American fruit is packed with antioxidants and B vitamins. It’s been known to boost your immune system and prevent a number of ailments — including cancer. It’s a sweet fruit, so it’s an easy add to smoothies if you’re using the powder form.
46. Maqui Berry
Most berries are high in antioxidants, but this Chilean berry is one of the richest sources you’ll find. It also offers a healthy dose of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium and anti-inflammatory properties.
47. Hemp We’re not talking about the kind you smoke; that’s hemp’s seedier cousin, marijuana. Hemp seeds are great for your body, as they help with digestion. With its protein and fiber contents, hemp is more filling than you’d think. It also contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as essential amino acids.
48. Sacha Inchi We’re a little slow on the Inca peanut: Amazon rainforest inhabitants have been using this superfood to boost their bodies for centuries. It’s one of the richest sources of Omega fatty acids you can find, and it’s also filled with fiber, antioxidants and protein — plus it contains every amino acid.
49. Makuna Honey Manuka honey is prized for its antibacterial properties. As odd as that sounds, this rare form of honey — produced from the Manuka trees in Australia and New Zealand — is known for its healing powers. The best part is that, unlike Buckley’s Mixture, this stuff tastes pretty good.
50. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil has long been considered a healthy oil because it helps decrease the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that people who regularly consume olive oil have lower levels of cancer than those who instead opt for butter or other high-saturated fats. Just make sure that you don’t use olive oil on high heats, as it breaks down and then flips into a very unhealthy choice for your body.
They’re at it again. Refusing to pay their employees a decent living wage, McDonald’s is now tell its workers to sell off their gifts to raise cash for their bills.
As the giving season approaches, fast-food giant McDonald’s has found a new way to avoid helping its low-paid workers with a living wage: this time by urging employees to sell their Christmas presents for extra money. The helpful bit of corporate advice was posted on the company’s “McResource” employee webpage in an effort to help staff manage finances and stress as the holiday season approaches. Companies like McDonald’s and Walmart are really outdoing themselves with the holidays appaoaching: Retail giant Wal-Mart’s recently requested help with the company’s food drive, with proceeds going to their own employees, because Wal-MArt does not pay them enough to afford food.
Of course, McDonald’s also recently advised employees break food into little pieces in an effort to feel more full on less food. In yet more helpful tips from this very caring empyer, McDonald’s also recommended singing away stress and taking two vacations a year to lower the risk of heart attack. And, of course, selling your possessions is not just good for Christmas presents, they advise “selling some of your unwanted possessions on eBay or Craigslist” for “some quick cash.”
The company recommendations were publicized on Tuesday through Low Pay Is Not OK, an advocacy group for higher wages for fast food workers, arguing that the conglomorate asking its employees to make up for a lack of financial stability because of pitifully low wages was reprehensible. The organization quickly experienced blowback from McDonald’s, with the company flaming that the company-wide advice was taken out of context.
“This is an attempt by an outside organization to undermine a well-intended employee assistance resource website by taking isolated portions out of context,” the company said in a public statement.
The group was in the news earlier this month for releasing a recording of McDonald’s workers calling the company hotline asking for assistance, where the operators then urge the decade-long employee to apply for federal food stamps and Medicaid assistance.
Statistics show that the average American household spends 90% of their grocery budget on foods with over 300 processed chemicals. The human body treats manmade chemicals as foreign objects, this can lead to allergies and many other health implications and side effects, for example, MSG can cause overeating and weight gain. The top ten:
Aspartame – found in foods that are diet or sugar free; neurotoxin and carcinogen
High Fructose Corn Syrup – found in everything; number one source of calories in U.S.
MSG – Asian food, some canned soups, chips, snacks, frozen foods; neurotoxin
Trans Fat– margarine, chips, baked goods, fast foods; increases LDL, lowers HDL
Common Food Dyes incl. blue #1, blue #2, red #3, red #40, yellow #6, and yellow tartrazine – candy, sports drinks, soda, cherry products, cheese; can cause ADD, ADHD
Sodium Sulphite (sulfite) – wine, cheese; 1 in 100 people are sensitive to this chemical, can cause illness, rashes, among other things
Sodium Nitrite or Nitrate – hot dogs, bacon, ham, lunchmeat, smoked fish, many processed foods; carcinogen
BHA and BHT – potato chips, gum, lard, shortening, jello; affects neurological center of brain, can cause cancer, alters behavior
Sulphur Dioxide – beer, soda, juice, wine, dried fruit, vinegars; sulphur additives are toxic, can cause asthma, bronchial and respiratory problems, destroy Vitamin E and B1, should never be given to children
Potassium Bromate – found in most bread and rolls; known to cause cancer in animals, even small amounts can cause problems in humans.
The more you know about what you’re putting into your body, the more you can find healthier ways of doing things. For more information about food additives, click here.
Total Time: 1 hr, plus cooling time / Makes: 24 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar 1 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed 4 large eggs 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pie filling; about 1 3/4 cups) 1 recipe Pumpkin–Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line 2 (12-well) muffin pans with paper liners. Alternatively, coat the wells with vegetable oil; set aside. 2. Place the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to aerate and break up any lumps; set aside.
3. Place the sugar and measured oil in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the sugar is incorporated, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle with a rubber spatula.
4. Return the mixer to medium speed and add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, about 1 1/2 minutes total mixing time. Reduce the speed to medium low, add the pumpkin, and beat until just combined, about 30 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle with a rubber spatula.
5. Turn the mixer to low speed, slowly add the flour mixture, and beat until almost completely incorporated, about 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in any unincorporated flour at the edges with a rubber spatula, making sure to scrape to the bottom of the bowl.
6. Fill the muffin wells three-quarters of the way (about a heaping 1/4 cup per well). Place the muffin pans side by side in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. Rotate the pans front to back and side to side and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, about 10 minutes more.
7. Place the pans on wire racks and let them cool for 5 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and cool completely on the racks. Frost with Pumpkin–Cream Cheese Frosting (next recipe).
Pumpkin–Cream Cheese Frosting
INGREDIENTS 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature 1/3 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl and whisk to combine; set aside.
2. Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Reduce the speed to low, slowly add the powdered sugar mixture, and beat until fully incorporated and smooth, about 3 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the paddle and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
4. Turn the mixer to medium speed, add the pumpkin, and mix until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute. Use immediately.
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