Jo's Kitchen

Coffee is not just a part of most people’s mornings; nowadays it’s a big part of British culture. A far cry from a few years ago when all we had were watery Styrofoam cups in cafés and the occasional Italian deli espresso that cost the earth, today great coffee is not only something that can be enjoyed in your lunch hour but also in your own home.

One great way to bring the taste of fresh coffee to your mornings is with a coffee machine – but what do you need to know about these appliances?

How do they work?

Coffee machines, like the Tassimo from Bosch, are very easy to use. Simply pop the little T Disc into the machine which contains your roasted beans, place your mug underneath and then press the button.

In absolutely no time at all, the machine will fill your mug with your morning coffee. They actually take a lot less time to boil than a standard kettle too which leaves you with a few precious minutes to take care of anything else you need to when getting the family ready for the day.

How do they taste?

The taste is the most important part of any cup of coffee. With coffee machines, you are able to buy the exact strength refill disc that you desire; with beans varying from dark and chocolaty to gentle and nutty.

Importantly, machines such as the Tassimo incorporate an “intelligent brewing” system. This is done via a barcode on the refill disc. The machine scans the disc to calculate the exact temperature, boiling time and amount of water needed to make each specific cup of coffee. No more adding too much instant coffee or too much water and spending those morning minutes gulping down something only half-tolerable!

How do they look?

Coffee machines are designed to not only make great coffee but also to look fabulous. Thanks in part to their sleek ergonomic styling, coffee machines fit beautifully into the modern kitchen and this is something that all mums can get behind.

How do you maintain them?

When it comes to maintaining your coffee machine, it is amazingly easy – something all busy mums want to hear. No more constantly wiping down the decks to get rid of spilled instant power, all you have to do is simply pop a cleaning disc into the back of the machine and run it as normal. This will ensure it stays clean, functional and beautiful for years and years, giving you the benefits of gloriously brewed coffee and a clean family kitchen at the same time.

Healthy eating is very important when it comes to keeping your body in tip-top shape, and it’s always best to listen to advice from doctors and nutritional specialists about how better to improve your physical shape. However, instead of just taking the doctor’s orders for granted, you could do a little research to better understand how your body reacts to different foods, and what specific dietary requirements you need.

These days, many people struggle to make their health a priority, and with longer working hours combined with less time to go to the gym, the food you put into your body must remain a key focus of your lifestyle. In order to be a healthy eater, you must understand the concepts behind healthy eating, and from nutrients to calories, motivation to exercise, there are many factors that need to combine to help you get in great shape. Let’s take a look at some of the top facts behind healthy eating.

The Good Stuff

You don’t need to be an expert in healthy eating to know what the best foods for your body are. From deep yellow and dark green vegetables to citrus fruits, wholegrain, low-fat dairy and fish, your body needs a little bit of everything to ensure it keeps your organs in great condition, as well as your mind. The foods mentioned above are only some of what you need, however with a balanced diet over the course of a week, you’ll be able to digest exactly what your body requires, putting you on the road to a healthy lifestyle.

Health Benefits

By eating the right kinds of foods, specifically in the correct quantities, you can dramatically increase your chances of avoiding severe diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, osteoporosis and obesity. It’s no coincidence that there’s been a health drive in the media – five portions of fruit and vegetables every day really does boost your immune system, helps you to maintain a balanced diet, and cuts the chances of you developing serious conditions.

Function of Healthy Eating

There are many ways in which different types of foods benefit your body. Take whole grains for example – not only are they complex carbohydrates that provide you with essential energy, but they also keep your insulin and blood sugar low. If you’re able to control your blood sugar levels though healthy eating, then you will be able to control your hunger, and prevent over eating.

There are also foods that contain healthy fats that are beneficial to your body, and these help to protect you against heart disease. Fruit and vegetables are great at boosting the body’s immune system, and the vitamin C stored in fruits such as oranges help to fight inflammation. If you enjoy cooking your own healthy dishes, visit rangecooker.co.uk for the latest kitchen appliances!

Misconceptions

Despite their reputations, some foods are actually really good for you. Fats, like those found in peanut butter, are great for your body in small quantities, and egg yolks provide high levels of protein. Instead of calorie counting your way through life, enjoy foods that are good for you. Just make sure your eating habits are not in excess!