10 Ways to Stay in Shape While Traveling

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 10:43

When you’re out and about flitting from tourist attraction to subway station to lunch, it’s hard to keep up with your diet and exercise regimen. Even though you’re out walking all day, and it may seem like you’re getting a lot of exercise, you’re probably also eating a lot of high-calorie and fatty foods that pretty much negate all the good you’re doing with the walking, hiking and stair-climbing. Those extra pieces of cake and pie for dessert aren’t helping either.

Contrary to popular belief, calories do count on vacation, as much as you wish they didn’t. So, if you want to stay on track and earn those meals, you might want to add additional exercise to your vacation itinerary.

Get outside

I love to be outdoors when I travel. It’s the best way to see your destination, so why not get out a little more and burn extra calories?

Go running – You’re going to bring along a pair of walking shoes anyway, so why not make them running shoes that are also good for walking. If you run at home, then keep your routine set and get up early to run around the block or the hotel grounds.

Jump rope – This is an easily packable item and gets you great exercise anywhere you have some extra room. Not just little kids love to jump rope. It’s fun and helps you tone and keep in shape. Make sure you buy a nicely weighted one that will stand up to the rigors of the road

Make your lodging your gym

You walked all day yesterday, but you got up early in order to watch the news or eat breakfast in your room. As much as you know you should put on your workout clothes and hit the gym, the thought of looking presentable just doesn’t sound appealing. You aren’t alone. While you’re waiting for your bagel to toast or you’re listening to the weather report, you can take advantage of the floor space in your room to get in a quick workout.

Chair crunches – If you have a chair, you have a low-impact gym. Work your abs by sitting on the edge and pull your legs up or pump your legs as if you are riding a bicycle. 

Do lunges – You’ll feel a lot less awkward doing them in the privacy of your room than out in public, too.

Calf raises – Do these anywhere, like while you are brushing your teeth, making oatmeal or waiting in line to get into the Louvre (for bonus exercise points).

Resist – Pack a resistance band (or set) in your carry-on and do more strenuous workouts in the time you have available. There are also fancy loop bands you can use to strengthen your legs/thighs.

Boxing – You don’t have to bring along full gear and a punching bag, but a pair of weighted gloves is a fabulous way to tone your arms and legs. Bookmark a few good training videos on YouTube.

Use what’s available at your accommodation

Your hotel or rental property might have some useful ways to help you work out. If the weather cooperates enough to be outside, then you’re in luck.

Go for a swim – Almost all hotels have a pool. Pack your swimsuit and you can get in some laps. If a fancy indoor pool is available, then you can swim if the weather is uncooperative. 

Use the stairs – Walk or run up the stairs to your room and you’ll start to feel the burn. Generally, the stairwell is pretty private, so you also won’t be disturbing others if you are up early or late doing this.

Hit the gym - Lots of hotels and rental/timeshare properties have gyms. It may not be large, but you can get a quick workout in on the equipment they do have. You might also have access to tennis courts, bicycles, or basketball courts.

Keeping up with an exercise routine when you travel will keep you motivated to continue doing it at home, even if it takes you a few days to get back into your healthy eating habits. You’ll feel better about yourself and might even add to your regular workouts. Download a pedometer app or use your FitBit to keep up with your progress. 

How do you stay in shape when traveling?

Want to read more tips for traveling worldwide on a budget? Check out my blog at Shereen Travels Cheap or find me on Facebook or Twitter. You’ll also find product and website suggestions, packing tips, current deals and a whole lot more to help you travel better for less!

https://beforeitsnews.com/travel/2023/05/10-ways-to-stay-in-shape-while-traveling-2-2498856.html

Small Air Fryer: A Healthy Choice

Small Air Fryer: A Healthy Choice

Thursday, May 11, 2023 14:55

In a world where many people seek to eat healthier, food preparation methods directly impact our diets. One solution to this issue is an air fryer. Air fryers have many benefits for both our bodies and our wallets. These appliances use hot air to cook food, eliminating most or all of the oil typically used in frying. This not only decreases fat content, but it also reduces the number of calories consumed. Air fryers also save energy, time, and money. Using an air fryer can decrease cooking times by up to 25%, making it a valuable and efficient addition to any kitchen.

Compact Size and Functionality

Small air fryers cater to people with limited kitchen space or those who do not cook a lot of food at once. These compact air fryers are easy to clean, store and maintain. Despite their smaller size, these air fryers still perform just as impressively as their larger counterparts, providing quick and evenly cooked meals. They take up minimal counter space and can easily be tucked away when not in use.

Variety of Cooking Options

One may think that size limits the number of meals that can be cooked in a small air fryer, but this is not the case. Many different foods can be prepared in a small air fryer, such as veggies, fries, chicken tenders, fish, and even baked goods. Experimenting with different dishes becomes easier due to the versatility that small air fryers offer. Having this ability to cook multiple types of foods in one small appliance makes mealtime more enjoyable and efficient, reducing the time spent on separate appliances and pans to create a dish.

User-Friendly Operation

The simplicity of using a small air fryer makes it an attractive choice for novice cooks or those seeking an appliance that is not too complicated. Air fryers often have digital control panels or simple dials that make it easy to understand and control the appliance. Most small air fryers come equipped with preset cooking options for various types of foods, taking the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures, ensuring that your food comes out perfectly cooked every time.

Healthier and Tastier Food

As previously mentioned, the main selling point of air fryers is their ability to utilize hot air instead of oil to cook food items. This means fewer calories and fat consumed without compromising the taste and texture that we all love from fried foods. Air frying still provides the crispy, crunchy texture that we crave without the guilt of consuming high amounts of oil. This cooking method also helps to retain more nutrients in the food, making dishes healthier overall.

Easy Cleanup Process

No one enjoys spending a lot of time cleaning up after cooking a meal. With small air fryers, cleanup is a breeze. These appliances typically have non-stick cooking baskets, which make washing much more manageable. Some models even have dishwasher-safe parts, making the cleanup process even more straightforward. Save some valuable time by not having to scrub pots and pans filled with excess oil, thanks to using air fryers.

Energy Efficient Cooking

Using compact air fryers can help to save energy compared to using traditional ovens or stove-top frying. The small size of these appliances allows for faster heating times, so you will not have to wait long for your food to be ready. Additionally, they often use less energy than conventional ovens, making them not only efficient but also eco-friendly.

Helpful Tips for Air Frying

To get the most out of your small air fryer, always follow the manufacturers instructions and guidelines. Preheating the appliance before use will help to ensure consistent cooking results. Shaking or flipping the food during the cooking process allows for better air circulation, resulting in an even crispiness. Avoid overfilling the frying basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less than desirable textures. Lastly, experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to see what works best for your favorite dishes.

Conclusion: A Valuable Addition

Small air fryers are an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their health, save time, and experience the delicious taste of fried foods without the guilt. With their compact size, versatility, user-friendly operation, and efficient energy usage, these appliances are perfect for those with limited kitchen space or those simply wanting to upgrade their cooking methods. Give a small air fryer a try and relish in the benefits it brings to your life and your meals.

https://beforeitsnews.com/food-and-farming/2023/05/small-air-fryer-a-healthy-choice-2531998.html

WATER STORAGE

 

How Long Can You Store Water Before It Becomes Unsafe To Drink?

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 3:23

Having a safe and reliable water supply is essential for survival, especially in emergency situations.

Knowing how to store water for long-term use can help you ensure that your family has access to clean drinking water for days, weeks, or even months.

But one question often arises when it comes to storing water—how long can you store it before it becomes unsafe to drink?

How Much Emergency Water To Store

The rule of thumb is that you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.

So if there are three people in your household, you should aim to store nine gallons of water. If possible, you should try to have a two-week supply on hand—this will provide enough drinking and sanitation water for a longer-term emergency situation.

It’s also important to consider that certain members of your household—pregnant women, those who are ill or disabled, and those living in hot climates—may require more than one gallon per day.

Therefore, it may be wise to plan for an additional supply above the minimum recommendation.

When storing bottled water purchased from the store, be sure to observe the expiration date listed on each container.

Non-store-bought options, such as water collected from rain or snow runoff, should be replaced every six months due to potential contamination from outside sources such as wildlife or air pollution.

How Long Can Water Be Stored In Plastic Jugs?

Water from your tap that is clean enough to drink can last up to six months or sometimes even longer when stored in a sealed container.

However, it’s important to check on your stored water every month to ensure it’s still safe.

How Long Can You Store Water In A 55 Gallon Drum?

A food-grade 55-gallon drum can safely store water for up to 1 year or even longer under the right circumstances.

When storing water in a 55-gallon drum, there are certain requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the safety and longevity of your stored water.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a clean food-grade drum that has never been used with any other substances.

Once you’ve found your clean drum, make sure it is tightly sealed so as not to let in any light or chemicals from the environment.

Another thing to keep in mind when storing water in a 55-gallon drum is treatment options. Regularly treating your stored water with the correct amount of household chlorine bleach can help preserve its quality and taste over time and extend its shelf life significantly.

How Long Can You Store Canned Water?

Generally speaking, depending on the quality of the packaging and the storage conditions, you can safely and reliably drink canned water for up to two years.

After this point, it may start to degrade in terms of smell and taste.

With proper storage techniques, such as providing cool temperatures and avoiding any exposure to direct sunlight, you can maximize the lifespan of your canned water and ensure it remains safe to consume.

Can Water Get Too Old to Drink?

Water is a precious resource and an essential part of life. But can water get too old to drink? The answer is yes, although it’s not the water itself that goes bad, but rather the way it’s stored or contaminated.

When water gets too old to drink, it means that it has been contaminated by bacteria, algae, or other pathogens.

Contaminated water can cause serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation and rashes, ear infections, and even more serious diseases.

It’s important to be aware of the signs that your water may have become contaminated so you can avoid these risks.

There are several signs that your water may have become contaminated or is simply too old to drink. These include:

1. A strange smell – If there’s a strange odor coming from your water, it could be a sign that it has become contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens.
2. Murky or cloudy appearance – If your water looks discolored or cloudy, this could also be a sign that it has been contaminated with bacteria or other pollutants.
3. Developed a strange color – If your water has taken on an unusual hue (such as yellowish or greenish), then this could indicate contamination as well.
4. Green algae growing in it – Algae growth in standing water indicates the overgrowth of microorganisms, which can lead to contamination of the water supply.
5. Has floaties – Floaties in water are usually indicative of bacterial growth, which can lead to contamination if left unchecked for too long.

How To Store Water So It Lasts Longer

Having clean, safe drinking water on hand is essential in any emergency situation. When stored correctly, water can last indefinitely.

But how do you store water so it will last as long as possible?

Use An FDA Approved Food Grade Storage Container

The first step in properly storing water is using an FDA-approved food-grade storage container. It’s important that the container be made of a material that won’t leach chemicals into the water. Make sure that whatever container you choose is clean and free of dirt or debris before filling it with safe drinking water.

Clean And Sanitize Your Water Storage Container

Once your container is selected and clean, it’s time to sanitize it. This can be done by adding a teaspoon of liquid bleach to a quart of water.

You should then cover the container tightly and shake it thoroughly. Then, pour out the solution and let the sanitized container air dry.

Letting the sanitized container air dry before use will help keep any unwanted bacteria from getting into your stored water supply.

After air drying, make sure to secure a tight lid on your storage container so no contaminants can get in over time.

Use A Water Filter

Most filters are made of ceramic or activated carbon, which helps clear out dirt particles as well as bacteria and other contaminants.

If you have access to a water filter, make sure that you use it before storing the water in containers. 

Remove Water Wisely

When removing safe water from your storage container, make sure that you use a clean device each time. Avoid touching the insides of the container with your hands, and never scoop safe water with your hands.

Avoid Storing Where Dangerous Substances Are Stored

Avoid storing your water where chemicals such as gasoline or pesticides are stored; these substances can contaminate the water even when sealed tightly in plastic containers.

If you can, keep the water out of your garage or shed if you’re storing other chemicals there.

Replace Every Six Months

Finally, replace stored drinking water every six months to ensure its quality and safety for consumption.

It’s important to know how long you can safely store your drinking water so that you don’t put yourself at risk of consuming contaminated liquid.

Generally speaking, you should replace any stored drinking water every six months, as bacteria and other contaminants may accumulate over time and make it unsafe for consumption.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your family has access to clean drinking water whenever necessary.

https://beforeitsnews.com/self-sufficiency/2023/05/how-long-can-you-store-water-before-it-becomes-unsafe-to-drink-2538675.html