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Why is sugar not recommended for kids? Alternatives for mothers to try!

Sugar

Our newborns are born without understanding the taste of sugar, but we as parents offer it to them in the hopes of making food more appealing so they would eat more of it. It’s not just about the flavour; once sugar becomes a regular part of their diet, it promotes addiction to consuming more of it. 

However, sugar remains the most commonly utilized ingredient in our kitchens due to the excellent flavour it adds to our cuisine. It’s not just in our kitchens anymore, but the market is swamped with packaged junk meals and sugary drinks that make it difficult to look away. Our taste buds enjoy it, but when it reaches our stomach, our body begins to cry as it realises the pain it has caused.

Because it has zero nutrients, white sugar is commonly known to offer ‘Empty’ Calories. There are no lipids, vitamins, minerals, or protein – only calories!

Now we’ll discuss some common reasons why we should keep our children away from sugar and avoid it as much as possible. 

1. High risk of teeth decay 

Aside from preventing diabetes and heart disease in the long run, eliminating added sugars can save children from having to endure painful and expensive dental care. The constant consumption of sugary foods and beverages contributes to tooth decay. Dental disorders, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous infections

2. Leads to obesity 

Recent studies have found a significant link between high sugar consumption and childhood obesity illnesses. Sugar has an impact on both hormones and the brain. Because of the addiction it causes, our children lose control over their food consumption, resulting in weight growth over time.

3. Loss of appetite 

Children who are addicted to sugar demand more of the same foods. The natural flavour of actual fruits, veggies, and the goodness of our home-cooked cuisine pales in comparison to how sugar tastes. This indirectly leads to people consuming less actual foods and more junk foods, which are poor in critical nutrients required for body growth.

Here are some alternatives that can be used for sugar.

  • Dates
  • Honey 
  • Maple syrup 

As a parent, it can be tempting to offer kids candy or other sugary treats as a reward or incentive. However, while kids certainly enjoy sweets, it’s important to aim to limit them so that kids don’t overdo their consumption of sugar. While delicious, the truth is that too much sugar can have adverse health impacts.

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3 best dinner foods to cook together with your partner

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Cooking together and spending time in the kitchen conversing allows you to pause and appreciate the little things. Mindful cooking has been shown to be a calming activity, allowing you to enjoy the moment and your relationship. Cooking together allows you to spend more time interacting and connecting, which can help improve your bond.

Set aside one or two days per week to cook and experiment with new recipes at home. Cooking with your significant other, family, or friends can help you feel more connected and happy. 

Cooking dinner together may be a terrific and exciting way to spend quality time with your partner while also building closeness between the two of you.

To make things easier for you we have listed some of the easiest and exciting meal ideas that you can choose and cook to make your spouse even more happier and joyous.

  1. Air Fried Chicken

Chicken wings can be messy to eat, which is undoubtedly part of the enjoyment. These chicken wings, coated in a delicious marinade with the freshness of coriander and air fried, are good for weight watchers and an ideal compliment for your special day with your favourite movie.

  1. Creamy penne pesto  pasta 

Pesto’s key component, basil, is thought to boost blood flow, raise your pulse rate, and spice up your love life. This spaghetti dish for two does all of the above and more. If you can’t find pine nuts, try walnuts in your pesto instead for a simple earthy twist. Make a large amount of the sauce because you’ll be desiring it the next day as well.

  1. Strawberries dipped in chocolate 

Chocolate-covered strawberries, to be sure, have become somewhat of a staple when we think of romance, and with good reason. They complement each other well in taste, colour, and texture, and both are aphrodisiacs. A sprinkling of sea salt adds a surprising amount of depth and a whole new dimension to this classic.

To make things even more palatable, You can indulge in many other activities with your partner to improve your bonding. Aside, Starting your day by cooking breakfast together is another way to have fresh and lovely starts to your everyday togetherness. Apart cooking, Eating together almost everyday and Planning good dates will build a great connection.

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Food Business, the Ultimate Side Hustle and 4 to kickstart your Financial Freedom

Delicious Food

One income source is never recommended. A side job is always a good option and it may be just one side job. Even if they haven’t always gone by that term, side jobs have existed for a long time. 

Families frequently took in the laundry or cared for other people’s needlework during World War II. Families created tiny gardens in several regions of the nation and sold their extra food at farmers’ markets. Others raised chickens in their yards and offered farm-fresh eggs for sale. All different kinds of side businesses can ensure extra income for people, and even help them become entrepreneurs.

However, in the modern world, where everyone has to run behind their primary jobs and responsibilities, the time constraint is so tight that it is so hard for anyone to dedicate time towards a Side hustle. Standing out are the opportunities to pursue Food and Beverage Industry as your side hustle.

Here are 3 main reasons, why food businesses are the global favourite as a side hustle:

  • Food is Basic. Everyone and every day need food.
  • The process is always straightforward and Natural.
  • Food Business can be of many types.

Here are 4 types of Food businesses to Kickstart your Journey towards Financial Freedom:

1. Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or food blog

Food-related blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels can be entertaining creative outlets and a way to earn some additional cash. These platforms provide various affiliate marketing options, which could save your pocket money. The more followers you amass, the more probable brands and businesses will pay you to market their goods.

You can charge for subscriptions, make your content accessible, and rely on advertisements for revenue. After garnering a sizable audience, the subscription model is used by many popular podcasts.

2. Make food as a Catering Service

Catering events for others can be an excellent side business if you enjoy creating appetizer buffets for parties and cooking for dinner party guests. You may cook in your own home, at a business location, or in a kitchen at the event, depending on the kinds of events you cater and local laws and limits. You can start with appetizers for ten-person gatherings or immediately prepare food for hundreds of wedding guests with catering, depending on what works best for you.

3. Starting a local food service or a food truck 

To hone and showcase our excellent cooking skills, you can start a food service in our vicinity. Your food business shall be catering to classes like young students and working professionals who are navigating their way through their busy schedules. So if you start your food service you shall have a ready market for it. 

While catering to, say, professionals who are living away from their families, you may say that your food service will give them ‘A taste of home’. Like most culinary side hustles, your success will lie in your culinary and business skills. Once you plan a menu the people in your area respond well to and figure out how to make it work financially, you may be in good shape to keep this business going long-term.

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Romantic Bliss: Discover the 5 Best Candlelight Dinner Spots in Mumbai

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Candle Light Dinner in Mumbai

Everyone has their idea of a romantic evening with their significant other. One may even be confused about the right restaurant, the right food, and just the right romantic atmosphere.

Read More: 10 romantic beach restaurants in Mumbai for a dreamy dinner date with your special someone

Candlelight, good food, a well-stocked bar, soft music, and a tranquil atmosphere are a must for me. If you have a similar idea in your mind, your life just got easier! There’s no need for you to scour the city of Mumbai in search of the perfect restaurant for a candlelit dinner for two. Here we bring you a list of the best places to go to for a candlelight dinner for two in Mumbai, to help you create your perfect evening.

Mumbai’s Romantic Restaurants for Candlelight Dinner

1. The St. Regis Mumbai and Asilo

With its all-white interior, cosy oak floors, and stylish outdoor seating with private dining lounges, Asilo has wholly taken over the city. Additionally, its breathtaking panoramic views and Mediterranean ambience make it the ideal setting for a candlelight supper for two in Mumbai.

  • Where: Lower Parel, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg 
  • Cost for Two: INR 3,000 (approx.)
  • Phone: +91 (22) 6162 8000

2. Skky – Ramada

The trademark restaurant and bar of Ramada Powai is SKKY, offering you one of Mumbai’s best rooftop candlelight dinners. Middle-eastern specialities, gourmet pizza, and Pan Asian food are all available to please your palate. With its beautiful foliage and running waters, SKKY is ideal for a candlelight supper in Mumbai. 

  • Where: Powai, Saki Vihar Road, Paspoli, Ramada, 16/17
  • Cost for Two: INR 3,000 (approx.)
  • Phone: 022 61998042

Read More: 8 cafes in Delhi/NCR you must visit with your crush this April

3. Corniche, a shoreline area

Corniche, an open-air Multi-Cuisine restaurant, is the premium choice of every Mumbaikar looking for the ultimate romantic restaurant. With breathtaking views and a diverse menu covering cuisines like Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc. it is the right choice for a perfect evening. So, if you’re trying to find a place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Corniche has got you covered!

  • Where: Carter Road, Bandra West, B 15, Gagangiri CHS
  • Price per person: INR 1,800 (approx.)
  • Phone: 022 2600 6300

4. Churchgate and Dome

Dome, situated on the Intercontinental Hotel’s rooftop, will wow your special someone. The Arabian Sea is admirably seen from the beautiful open-air lounge and terrace restaurant, where you can enjoy the twinkling lights of the Queens’ Necklace.

  • Where: 135, Churchgate, Hotel InterContinental
  • Price Per Person: INR 3,500 (approx.)
  • Phone: 022 3987 9999

5. Novotel Gadda Da Vida

The delicious food and the soothing murmur of the waves will only enhance your ideal date. Situated in the famous Juhu Beach, Novotel’s Gadda Da Vida restaurant is the epitome of elegance and taste. With its delicious menu and excellent customer service, this restaurant is set to impress your significant other!

  • Where: Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu, Novotel, Juhu Beach
  • The price for two is INR 4,500. (approx.)
  • Phone: 022-66934444
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India’s food inflation is among the lowest in the world; Rabi season expected to yield higher

India’s food inflation in December fell to 4.19 per cent, the lowest of the year and one of the lowest in the world, despite the growing challenges facing the global food sector. The country’s policymakers will be greatly relieved by this at a time when global concerns about food production and security have grown.

Vegetable, pulse, and edible oil prices all fell in tandem with the decline in food inflation. In December 2022, food prices increased by 4.8% year-over-year in China, while food inflation was 7.9% in Bangladesh, 64.4% in Sri Lanka, and 7.38 per cent in Nepal in November in other South Asian nations. In December, food costs in Pakistan increased by 35.5%. Japan’s food inflation in November was 6.9%, while South Korea’s was 5.23 per cent in December, among other Asian economies.

The United States experienced food inflation in December, which was 10.4% higher than the average for developed Western economies. In December, annual food inflation in the UK increased by 13.3%.

The “tectonic shift” in farmers’ sowing practices was primarily to blame for the decline in vegetable prices, according to a State Bank of India report.

Rabi crops have expanded from 457.80 lakh hectares to 526.27 lakh hectares. This year’s difference of 68.47 lakh hectares is 15% higher than during the same time in 2021 and 2022. While all crops experience an increase in area, wheat sowing experiences the greatest increase.

According to an official statement, the increase in wheat area from 203.91 to 255.76 lakh hectares, out of the 68.47 lakh hectares of increase in all rabi crops, is 51.85 lakh hectares.

Subhomoy Bhattacharjee, a Senior Adjunct Fellow at RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries), said, “As of now, it is a very comfortable position for India, but we also need to be watchful of the weather conditions going ahead. We have seen how weather conditions are changing dramatically, and untimely rains, say around March — can damage Rabi harvest.”

Rabi crops are usually planted after the monsoon season until November when they are harvested.

In November, food inflation in India was 4.67 per cent. The overall CPI inflation fell to a new low of 5.72 per cent in December as a result of the pattern that was observed in the previous month’s price movements for vegetables. The Reserve Bank of India will have ample room to once more concentrate on economic growth as a result of the overall inflation drop.

An analyst quoted, “Even if the interest rates do not reduce, we can expect a halt with the inflation numbers.”

Farmers in north India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, are anticipated to benefit even more from the current cold wave. However, an untimely downpour could ruin the party.

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2023 Makar Sankranti: Must-try Recipes to welcome this year’s Harvest Festival to our home

Festival Food

Makar Sankranti is one of the most widely observed festivals in India. It is the first Hindu festival that is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm across India and usually takes place in January. It is a major harvest festival celebrated by Hindus across India but different states celebrate the festival under different names, traditions and festivities.

Part of those traditions are the amazing delicacies filled with festive vibes like never before. Regionally, these delicacies have their tint. The people of Andhra Pradesh celebrate Sankranti with simple and snacky delicacies. While northern India has a reflection that is more of whole Indian Cuisine for the Sankranti Season.

We have compiled a list of recipes for Makar Sankranti to complete your harvest festival.

Karela Seekh Kebab

Ingredients

  • Ghee
  • Cumin seed
  • Garlic, chopped
  • Ginger, chopped
  • Bitter Gourd, grated
  • Beans, chopped
  • Chopped spinach
  • Grated potato
  • Black pepper
  • Almonds, crushed
  • Khoya
  • Corn
  • Roasted gram flour
  • Salt as required

Procedure

  1. In the pan, add the desi ghee.
  2. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds until golden brown.
  3. Add potatoes, beans, Karela, salt, and black pepper.
  4. It should cook for about a minute. Then include the corn, khoya, and almonds.
  5. To form a dough, add the roasted gram flour now.
  6. Put the dough in the tandoor and place it on the rod for roasting.
  7. Serve with mint and chilli chutney after it has been roasted.

Dahi ke kebab

Ingredients:

  • Hung Curd
  • Paneer (Grated)
  • Roasted channa powder
  • Gram Masala
  • Green Cardamom Powder
  • Salt
  • White pepper powder
  • Orange marmalade
  • Desi Ghee for cooking

Procedure

  1. In a bowl, combine all of the aforementioned ingredients with the hung yoghurt.
  2. Divide into portions of equal size. Now add paneer to the dish. 
  3. Take a small portion of the mixture with damp hands and lightly roll it into the shape of a kebab (one centimetre thick round). The other kebabs should be prepared the same way. The kebabs should be grilled over medium heat until golden brown.
  4. Serve hot with mint chutney or sauce after taking the pan off the heat.

Fruit & mint custard

Ingredients:

  • Strawberries
  • Kiwi
  • Apricot
  • Yellowberry
  • Mango custard powder
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Cashew nuts (chopped)
  • Few drops of vanilla extract
  • Mint leaf (chopped)
  • Almond (sliced)
  • Milk/chocolate bar

Procedure

  1. Cut strawberries, apricots, kiwis, yellow berries, or any other fruit into small cubes or slit them in half. Combine custard powder, sugar, and a small amount of milk.
  2. The remaining milk should be boiled for ten minutes.
  3. Add the boiled milk to the mixture above.
  4. Include chopped mint leaves, chopped fruits, and vanilla extract.
  5. Add milk and garnish with chopped cashews and almonds. You can add a chocolate bar of your choice.
  6. For better flavour, store it in the freezer or at room temperature for some time.
  7. Custard with mint and exotic fruit is ready to serve.

Almond Gujia

Ingredients:

  • Maida (All purpose flour)
  • Oil / Ghee (melted)

For Filling:

  • Khoya
  • Cardamom Powder
  • Chopped almond
  • Raisins (Kishmish)
  • Crushed almond
  • Dried coconut (shredded)
  • Sugar

Procedure

  1. Sort the flour. Combine the maida and oil.
  2. Combine thoroughly so that the mixture resembles breadcrumbs and binds to some extent.
  3. Now gently knead after adding some water. Knead into a soft but firm dough by adding water as needed.
  4. Cover with a damp cloth and place aside.
  5. Mash the khoya and fry it until it is light brown in colour in a kadhai or deep pan. The sugar and cardamom powder should be thoroughly mixed into the khoya. Include raisins, cashews, coconut, and almonds. Remove from the heat after frying for two minutes. Let it cool down.
  6. Roll each ball of dough into a small, 4-inch-diameter round after dividing it into small balls. Fill half of the round with the khoya mixture, fold it over, and twist the edges inward to seal the round. Be careful not to let the filling leak out.
  7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Dip in sugar syrup after being removed from the oven. Ensure that the sugar is adequately coated.
  8. Serve hot and garnish with pistachios and almonds.
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Pics: Traditional Sweets that Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrated her Lohri 2023 with

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Kareena Kapoor Khan

In Northern India, Lohri is a harvest festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. Bonfires are lit, traditional music is played, and people dance to it. Like every other Indian festival, Lohri festivities feature a bounty of food. 

Popcorn, Makki ki roti with Sarson ka saag, and sweet and crunchy revris and chikkis are just a few of the delicious treats that can be enjoyed on this day. Additionally, our Bollywood celebrities enjoy doing everything!

In addition, Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrated Lohri in Mumbai with her family and posted a sneak peek on her Instagram handle. We could see a plate of til (chicken with sesame seeds), peanuts, and gur chikki in her story. Look down below.

Karisma also shared a picture of a plate of peanut chikki after Kareena’s story. It would appear that they are jointly commemorating the occasion.

Without any of these dishes, the Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations would be incomplete. Til or sesame is a common ingredient in winter dishes due to its reassuring properties. In a similar vein, gur, also known as jaggery, is acknowledged to offer a plethora of health benefits. It keeps you warm, boosts your immune system, and keeps you safe from seasonal illnesses.

The actresses have been seen having a gala time together before. They occasionally share something that makes us squirm. Kareena Kapoor was left drooling after the filling Sindhi lunch that Karisma Kapoor hosted for her family and friends a few days ago.

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Kolkata International Airport’s Food Outlets to provide Calorie Counts for Food and Bevs

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Kolkata Airport

Eat well and be wise. The message that appears to be being sent to travellers by the airport is evident from the fact that the majority of food establishments at Kolkata Airport include calorie counts for the items on their menus. Some businesses go above and beyond to disclose ingredients that some customers may be allergic to, such as soy, milk, gluten, eggs, almonds, and gluten.

India’s food regulatory body, The Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), has published labelling and display regulations that require restaurants with a central license or outlets at ten or more locations to list the calorific value (in kcal per serving and serving size) of items on their menu cards, boards, or booklets.

At all major international airports in the United States and Europe, the calorie content of all food and beverages is displayed. Particularly because the airport is rapidly approaching pre-Covid traffic, the current upgrade at Kolkata Airport adheres to the FSSAI guideline.

An official of the master franchise dealing with F&B outlets at the airport stated, “Since an airport is an international facility, we have adopted the global trend of ensuring that customers get to make an informed choice. As people become more conscious about their health and calorie intake, we have urged food & beverage units to provide the information alongside the menu or the marker on the display counter,” 

Even though some establishments did publish information on packed foods like sandwiches before the epidemic, sources claim that the majority of establishments have listed the calories in all products on the menu that have become available since the Covid outbreak.

A salesperson at a kiosk selling juices and salads stated, “After the pandemic, people have become more health conscious. This move complements their efforts to eat and live healthy.” 

Both the kiosk next to the biryani shop that sells sandwiches, samosas and other savoury foods list the total number of calories in kilograms in each meal. The exceptions are the delightful businesses that have not joined the group. Flyers were supportive of the move.

Saswati Bhattacharya, A Freelance Model and Entrepreneur, said, “I like to maintain a healthy diet and keep a check on the food I eat. But during long waits at airports, especially during winter when flights get delayed due to fog, like everyone else, I, too, end up munching a lot of stuff. But from now on, I can keep tabs on the calorie count of the food I eat and know what to eat and what to skip.” 

The airport’s initiative was also praised by health and nutrition experts.

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Inflation in Nepal drops to 7.38% as food and beverage prices go down

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According to government figures released on Friday, the inflation in Nepal decreased to 7.38% in the month ending in mid-December, the lowest level in around eight months.

Since taking office as the leader of a seven-party coalition last month, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has vowed to rein in inflation, reduce rising interest rates, and stimulate economic growth.

According to data from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), overall inflation in the month through mid-December was higher than the same period a year earlier, when it was 7.11%, but lower than the month before, when it was 8.08%.

Inflation in the food and beverage industry decreased from 7.38% to 5.85% last month. Inflation in the non-food and service sectors only marginally reduced from 8.63% to 8.59% last month.

Remittances from the roughly five million Nepalis who work primarily in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Korea increased by 13.1% to $3.71 billion, according to additional NRB data.

As of mid-December, Nepal’s economy—which depends on remittances, aid, and tourism—saw a 64.0% increase in tourism-related revenue as travellers returned to the Himalayan country, which is home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Mount Everest.

According to figures from the central bank, the nation’s overall foreign exchange reserves increased by 3% by mid-December to $9.82 billion, or 8.7 months’ worth of imports. The fiscal year of Nepal spans from mid-July to mid-July.

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Swiggy, Zomato and others to feature 9000+ Street Food Vendors as per Central Initiative

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Street Food

As part of a Central initiative, over 9,000 street food sellers have joined food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato, giving them access to a larger market. Until January 9, 2023, these food merchants’ combined sales on these platforms totalled INR 21.93 crores.

According to Union Minister for Urban Affairs Hardip Singh Puri, these partnerships through the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme have opened up a larger market to both vendors and consumers.

He added that over the last two years, more than 40.07 lakh loans totalling $4,606.36 crore to 45.32 lacks had been paid to beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi. “The initiative has got an extraordinarily enthusiastic reaction from street vendors across the country,” he said.

By enabling street sellers to conduct digital transactions, PM SVANidhi has also created a platform for financial inclusion in keeping with the vision of a Digital India. I’m happy to report that street vendors have tallied 37.70 billion digital transactions worth more than 45,000 billion rupees. To encourage the usage of digital transactions, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has distributed cashback to the beneficiaries totalling INR 23.02 crore,” the Minister continued.

He stated at the opening of the 12th edition of the National Street Food Festival, hosted by the National Association of Street Vendors of India, that in addition to facilitating easy access to loans, the scheme has also provided a Parichay Board (identity board) for street vendors to give them a sense of identity and dignity in their work (NASVI).

The PM SVANidhi initiative, a microcredit facility, was introduced in June 2020 to enable street sellers to recoup losses brought on by the epidemic. The program aims to assist 50 lakh street vendors in urban areas by providing collateral-free working capital loans of up to 10,000 for a one-year term to enable them to restart their enterprises.

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