Christine

I am a fourth year at the University of California, Riverside studying Business in Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Currently, I am also an Inbound Marketing Intern for the company, IT Retail POS System. My position as an Inbound Marketer is updating our social media, optimizing our website, and blog.

Beware of these Midnight Cravings

 Eating Healthy, Professional Grocers Talk  No Responses »
May 152012
 

Ice cream

Are you guilty from late-night snacking? I know I sure am! Everyone knows that eating late has its consequences. Research shows that snacking at night not only hurts your waistline, but can also affect your sleep. I’m not saying all snacks are bad before bed because there are some beneficial choices that can help get a good night’s rest. However, there are definitely some foods you want to stay away from prior to going to bed.

Pasta, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The warm noodles lathered in delicious marinara sauce, topped off with fresh parmesan cheese is irresistible to any late-night craving. Since pasta is basically a plate full of carbohydrates, eating it before bed will only turn those carbohydrates into fat. Not only does pasta have a bunch of carbs, there is also a high content of sugar from the cheese and tomato sauce. The combination of carbohydrates and sugar makes pasta a definite no-go for a late-night snack.

Another type of Italian food that we all know and love is pizza. From kids to adults, we all enjoy it. However, a single slice of pizza could ruin your whole night. Pizza is greasy and the tomato sauce is high in acidity, which can easily cause heartburn and a long night of tossing and turning. So the next time you think about eating a slice of pizza before bed, think again.

Pizza slice

Everyone loves ice cream and for some reason it seems the most appealing before bedtime. The rich and creamy treat leaves us feeling satisfied, but the minute we climb into bed we’ll be regretting it fully. Ice cream is full of sugar and fat. The last thing you need before bed is getting on a sugar-high.

Lastly, some people may believe alcohol can help you sleep better; however, that rumor is not entirely true. Alcohol in way can help people sleep, but the alcohol hurts the body as it tries to restores itself. Sleeping is a time of restoration and drinking alcohol before bed will only prevent those things from happening and waking up feeling fully rejuvenated.

I know all these foods sound satisfying at the time, but avoiding such late-night snacks will benefit you in the long-run. Put down that pizza and pick up a healthier choice like fruit because a good night’s rest is very important. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some healthy snacks just in case that late-night hunger kicks in again.

What are some healthy snacks you like eating? Thank you for reading and make sure to leave your thoughts and comments!

24-Hour Cupcake ATM

 Grocery Gadgets of the Future, New technology for Grocers, Professional Grocers Talk, Uncategorized  No Responses »
May 102012
 

Sprinkles Cupcakes 24-hour ATM

Baking has always been a secret passion of mine, but it’s no secret that cupcakes are becoming more and more popular. Who wouldn’t love those little, adorable cakes in a cup? I know I do! Cupcakes are everywhere now; they’re on clothes, key chains, and even as tattoos. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my cupcakes in a paper cup, fresh out of the oven smothered with delicious butter-cream frosting on top. If only there was a way to have freshly baked cupcakes at anytime. Wait, there is a way! Sprinkles Cupcakes now introduces the 24-hour cupcake ATM!

Sprinkles Cupcakes opens their first 24-hour cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills where 600 cupcakes have been freshly made and waiting to be sold. The all pink cupcake ATM is easily to spot and is definitely simple to use as well. The touch-screen machine allows you to scroll through the many different types of cupcakes to choose from. There is also a picture and description of each cupcake flavor to help make your decision a little easier. Once you have chosen your cupcake of choice, the ATM will gladly accept credit card or debit. After your transaction has been processed, it’s now time for the best part! As your cupcake is being retrieved, there is a camera following the entire process while you are able to watch on the screen your cupcake being delivered. The door opens up and there sits your delicious cupcake waiting to be eaten.

Sprinkles Cupcakes box

My cupcake dreams have come true! Cupcakes are continuing to dominate the bakery world and now the 24-hour cupcake ATM can satisfy any sweet-tooth at any time of the day. Getting your hands on freshly-baked cupcakes couldn’t get any easier! If this cupcake ATM takes off, I’m sure we’ll be seeing these all over retail stores and possibly grocery stores as well!

Do you love cupcakes? Or do you think it’s all just a fad? Let me know your thoughts and once again, thank you for reading!

Tofu, the Superfood!

 Eating Healthy, Professional Grocers Talk  No Responses »
May 032012
 

Firm tofu

Tofu. What is that stuff? You either hate it or love it or don’t even know about it. The off white, square shaped, squishy matter is supposedly really good for your health. Some call it the ‘superfood’ or ‘miracle medicine’. However, I just refer to tofu as something my mother made often while growing up. I love tofu and everything about it. Tofu is fragile and almost tasteless and is great for many things such as stir-frys, tacos, and smoothies. Yes, even smoothies! This is for those who love tofu, hate it, or have never even heard about it.

The United States got its first taste of soybeans in the early 1800s and is now the second largest crop produced next to corn. The process of growing soybeans to making tofu is not long, but somewhat tedious. Soybeans take about 3 to 5 months to mature after planting and once ready they are harvested. The soybeans must be dried prior to being soaked in water and are grounded by a stone grinder which then produces soymilk. Before soymilk can turn into bean curd, soymilk needs to be mixed with natural thickening minerals and water. Once the bean curd has formed, it is poured into a box and the water is pressed out. Tofu can now be served.

Tofu stir-fry

Many of you have probably seen tofu in one shape, square. However, did you know that tofu comes in different textures? Every texture of tofu can be used for various ways. The super firm and extra firm tofu is great for dishes like stir-fry because of its meat-like texture can withstand the tossing and turning while cooking without falling apart. Another type of tofu is firm and soft which is more delicate but great for dipping! Lastly, the softest of them all is silken tofu which is creamy and when added to smoothies make for a delicious and nutritious snack. Trust me, I know it sounds odd to put tofu in your smoothie, but the almost tasteless, soybean squares add a rich texture that you can’t deny.

Some other undeniable facts about tofu are its nutritional value. The FDA said with just 25 grams of soy protein per day could possibly reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, soybean contains the exact amount of amino acids the human body needs. There are 20 common amino acids that make up protein in the human body and in food, but there are 8 to 10 that are essential. Thus, our bodies alone cannot produce amino acids. This is where tofu comes to the rescue!

So it seems to me tofu is pretty important and extremely good for your body. I know the texture and look of tofu can be unappealing, but it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. Start off slow by trying tofu in a stir-fry. I bet you won’t even notice it’s in there. So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget the tofu!

Do you think like tofu? What are your thoughts? Thank you for reading and feel free to leave comments.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi Exposes Risk of Cancer

 Eating Healthy, Professional Grocers Talk  No Responses »
Apr 172012
 

Coca-Cola and Pepsi

Are you a fan of Pepsi or Coca-Cola? Perhaps both or maybe you don’t even have a preference. Well either way, both Pepsi and Coca-Cola have been found with high levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), also known as an animal carcinogen. The high levels of 4-MI in Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Diet Coke, and Diet Pepsi have linked to the risk of cancer and has raised much concern for cola consumers.

The 4-MI chemical can be used to color certain foods into a brown color through a reaction between carbohydrates and amino-containing compounds. 4-MI can be found in roasted foods, grilled meats, coffee, and other types of items that contain a caramel color which is produced with an ammonia-based process. This exact chemical is used by Pepsi and Coca-Cola to create the signature caramel coloring cola. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) did a laboratory study of the companies; Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Snapple Group Inc.’s Dr. Pepper, and Diet Dr. Pepper for the level of 4-MI found in these sodas. Now the CSPI is saying the chemical Pepsi and Coca-Cola are using for their coloring is exposing millions of Americans to the risk of cancer.

4-methylimidazole (4-MI)

The interesting part to it all is that the chemical coloring that Pepsi and Coca-Cola uses is solely for creating the caramel color and has nothing to do with the flavor. If possible, the cola companies should find a substitute for the cancer causing chemical that can still create a brown color that is carcinogen-free at the same time. Since the discovery of the high levels of 4-MI has not just concerned the cola drinkers but most importantly the cola companies especially. The soda industry has noticed the major risks caused by 4-MI and are trying to find another way to color their sodas. The CSPI has estimated to cause 15,000 cancers in the U.S. population from Pepsi and Coca-Cola using the chemical 4-MI in their product. Pepsi has announced to CSPI that they have decided to change their coloring to a chemical that has less than 4-MI.

Personally, I am a huge fan of both Pepsi and Coca-Cola products and when I heard the high levels of 4-MI in their soda causes the risk of cancer made me nervous. However, I am glad the companies are noticing the harm and changing their products for the better. Pepsi and Coca-Cola are the two leading companies for the soft drink industry and for them not to change their products would only harm their brand and their loyal consumers.

What are your thoughts about the findings of high levels of 4-MI in Pepsi and Coca-Cola products causing cancer? Share your experiences; I would love to hear them. Thank you again for reading!

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