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SUMMER IS HERE!
Summer activities
One of the attractions of summer is that we get the chance to get out and about and enjoy the country. During the bleaker months we can sometimes forget that many parts of this country look spectacular when bathed in sunshine and blue skies.
Those among us who are activity-minded can seize the opportunity to go on cycling tours or follow hill walking routes. While it is always enjoyable to get out and see the beauty in our country, a key part of the ritual is to bring sufficient provisions to see us through the day. Bringing a packed lunch or food for a picnic should always be close to the top of your priority list. Click here to see Costcutter Special Offers
Those among us who are activity-minded can seize the opportunity to go on cycling tours or follow hill walking routes. While it is always enjoyable to get out and see the beauty in our country, a key part of the ritual is to bring sufficient provisions to see us through the day. Bringing a packed lunch or food for a picnic should always be close to the top of your priority list. Click here to see Costcutter Special Offers
Healthy summer food
As with so many other times of year, sometimes in the summer we like to indulge ourselves when it comes to our food choices.
As mentioned elsewhere, barbeques are a popular choice for many at this time of year. As a reflex, we sometimes assume that barbeque food is unhealthy. This need not be the case at all. We can all enjoy a barbeque, yet make healthy choices at the same time. Health experts encourage lean cuts of meats like chicken, turkey, steak, and pork, alongside or instead of the old-reliable burgers and sausages. Another tip is to cut off fat and skin from meat before cooking, and also keep the food a good distance away the barbeque coals. The logic of this latter point is that it allows fat to melt and drip away. Outdoor eating enthusiasts are also encouraged to barbeque vegetables, and also use foods like cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and aubergines when preparing kebabs. Needless to say all of these foods are waiting to be sourced in your local Costcutter.
On a more general level, those in the know recommend a number of food and drink-related strategies to keep you on the straight-and-narrow for a healthy summer.
Among these tips are:
1. Drink water. When looking to quench your thirst in the summer heat, it is important to drink as much water as you can. This recommendation holds true regardless of your activity level, as high humidity brings with it the need to hydrate, and water is your best friend for that purpose.
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These should be incorporated into salads and fresh juices where appropriate, with a conscious effort to minimise your sugar intake.
3. If you’ve had the recommended eight glasses of water per day and would prefer to drink other liquids, consider iced teas and smoothies.
As mentioned elsewhere, barbeques are a popular choice for many at this time of year. As a reflex, we sometimes assume that barbeque food is unhealthy. This need not be the case at all. We can all enjoy a barbeque, yet make healthy choices at the same time. Health experts encourage lean cuts of meats like chicken, turkey, steak, and pork, alongside or instead of the old-reliable burgers and sausages. Another tip is to cut off fat and skin from meat before cooking, and also keep the food a good distance away the barbeque coals. The logic of this latter point is that it allows fat to melt and drip away. Outdoor eating enthusiasts are also encouraged to barbeque vegetables, and also use foods like cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and aubergines when preparing kebabs. Needless to say all of these foods are waiting to be sourced in your local Costcutter.
On a more general level, those in the know recommend a number of food and drink-related strategies to keep you on the straight-and-narrow for a healthy summer.
Among these tips are:
1. Drink water. When looking to quench your thirst in the summer heat, it is important to drink as much water as you can. This recommendation holds true regardless of your activity level, as high humidity brings with it the need to hydrate, and water is your best friend for that purpose.
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These should be incorporated into salads and fresh juices where appropriate, with a conscious effort to minimise your sugar intake.
3. If you’ve had the recommended eight glasses of water per day and would prefer to drink other liquids, consider iced teas and smoothies.
Summer cooking
It’s that time of year again, when we all cross our fingers and hope for a proper summer. Those hopes aren’t always realised, as our climate can be unpredictable, but even the merest hint of blue creeping through an otherwise overcast summer sky is enough to make the average Irish household start preparing a barbeque.
It could be said that outdoor cooking is a peculiar Irish obsession, given the nature of our weather, but our love affair with barbeques is undeniable, and might be the ultimate proof that we are an optimistic people!
You will be able find all of the usual, popular barbeque foods in your local Costcutter store. For the traditional barbeque lover, meats like sausages and steak will always be popular, while a beef or chicken burger in a bun is also unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon. Costcutter should also be your destination for all the sauces and relishes that make your mouth water with anticipation.
For those looking for more variety in their barbeque foods, Costcutter is also the right shopping destination. In recent years, there has been a gradual movement towards healthier foods for barbeques. The traditional foods are perfectly acceptable, but, as with most things, moderation is key, and, also, variety is the spice of life.
With that in mind, chicken, tofu, and fish are becoming increasingly popular barbeque options, while even fruits and vegetables can also be cooked in this way. The possibilities are endless, with the only boundaries being those set by your own culinary imagination.
Also, while discussing barbeques, it also important to emphasise the importance of cooking safely. Sites like www.safefood.eu offer a range of tips and advice for all types of cooking.
It could be said that outdoor cooking is a peculiar Irish obsession, given the nature of our weather, but our love affair with barbeques is undeniable, and might be the ultimate proof that we are an optimistic people!
You will be able find all of the usual, popular barbeque foods in your local Costcutter store. For the traditional barbeque lover, meats like sausages and steak will always be popular, while a beef or chicken burger in a bun is also unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon. Costcutter should also be your destination for all the sauces and relishes that make your mouth water with anticipation.
For those looking for more variety in their barbeque foods, Costcutter is also the right shopping destination. In recent years, there has been a gradual movement towards healthier foods for barbeques. The traditional foods are perfectly acceptable, but, as with most things, moderation is key, and, also, variety is the spice of life.
With that in mind, chicken, tofu, and fish are becoming increasingly popular barbeque options, while even fruits and vegetables can also be cooked in this way. The possibilities are endless, with the only boundaries being those set by your own culinary imagination.
Also, while discussing barbeques, it also important to emphasise the importance of cooking safely. Sites like www.safefood.eu offer a range of tips and advice for all types of cooking.
