Create your own homemade whitening toothpaste without the toxins found in most store-bought whitening kits.
This 3-ingredient recipe not only removes stubborn stains but also prevents bad breath and diminishes harmful bacteria. The best part is, it takes less than 10 minutes to make and can easily be stored in a glass jar for up to three months.
Using the power of baking soda, this recipe gently polishes away surface stains caused by various foods and beverages – including coffee and red wine. Virgin coconut oil carries antimicrobial properties to help fend off the bacteria that causes tooth decay and cavities.
This makes coconut oil great for swishing out the toxins from your mouth (hello, oil pulling!) and can even lower the risk of gingivitis.
Peppermint essential oil also fights off bacteria, while adding a natural burst of minty freshness, too!
Tip: Clove, cinnamon, lemon, or spearmint essential oil work just as well for staving off bad breath.
To make the natural whitening paste, melt the coconut oil using a double boiler for about five minutes. Remove the melted oil from the heat and stir with the baking soda and peppermint essential oil to form a paste. Pour into a six-ounce jar and store in a dry cool spot.
When ready to use, spread a dime-sized amount of paste onto a toothbrush. Gently brush your teeth in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes, then rinse with water. Use this paste 2-3 times a week or as needed.
Homemade Whitening Toothpaste
Recipe by Jennafer Ashley
Brightening your smile has never been easier! Whiten your teeth with this super easy 3-ingredient whitening toothpaste.
Tools:
Double boiler
6-ounce glass jar
Ingredients:
⅓ cup virgin coconut oil
¼ cup baking soda
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
To Make: Melt the coconut oil over a double boiler. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and peppermint oil.
Pour the mixture into a six-ounce jar and cover. Store in a dry cool spot.
To Use: Spread a dime-sized amount of paste onto a toothbrush. Gently brush your teeth in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes, then rinse.
Use this paste 2-3 times a week, along with regular toothbrushing, or as needed.
Jenna is a Registered Dietetic Technician and recipe developer specializing in healthy eating. She styles and photographs recipes for her website, Fresh and Fit , as well as contributes to a variety of websites. In her free time, Jenna enjoys trying new restaurants and hiking with her German Shepherd.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
What makes a good impression? The Academy of General Dentistry reports that 40% of people notice your teeth first. So to help you put your best foot and smile forward, here are ten natural teeth whitening tips to try now.
While new technology has led us to discover how to safely bleach teeth, many people over-bleach their teeth which can lead to things like gum irritation, receding gum lines, bluish enamel, and tooth sensitivity.
Your teeth are made up of layers, with the outermost layer being your enamel. Even though your enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in your body, it is still prone to decay.
Besides the obvious, like cutting back on things like smoking, drinking coffee and other things that tend to stain your teeth, you can use one of the natural teeth whitenersbelow:
Tip 1 – Activated charcoal
This one might sound like some crazy black magic and it may look a little terrifying, but give it a try and see for yourself. Now we’re not talking about using the charcoal that brings us delicious smoky Paleo grilled eats, we’re talking about activated charcoal.
You can find it in stores next to your other vitamins and supplements. It comes in capsule form and is usually taken for stomach pains (like diarrhea and stomach ulcers), food poisoning, and to help your body cleanse out toxins via your bowel movements (this includes deodorizing smells!). Another purpose for this miracle black pill is teeth whitening. You have a few options when it comes to using this dark powder on your teeth:
1. Charcoal Powder
Open a capsule into some kind of container, like a cup. Take a toothbrush (definitely get a separate toothbrush for this kind of brushing), apply toothpaste to the head of the brush, and then dip the head of the brush into the pile of the activated charcoal powder so the toothpaste is completely covered. Gently brush your teeth to avoid any potential damage to your enamel. Then rinse with just water.
2. Charcoal Powder + Water
Open 1-2 capsules into a cup and add enough water to the cup to make a paste out of the activated charcoal powder. Use a toothbrush to apply the paste onto your teeth and wait 3 minutes. Rinse with water.
Tip 2 – Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
Take 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix enough hydrogen peroxide with the powder to create a paste. A runnier paste is better than a chalkier paste, try slowly adding in more liquid if you are unsure what a good ratio is.
Baking soda is a bit gritty so be careful not to scrub your teeth too hard with this paste so that you don’t wear down your enamel.
Apply this to your teeth the in the same way that we described with the previous tip. Hydrogen peroxide has great antibacterial properties so it is a great agent for keeping your mouth and gums clean.
Tip 3 – Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil is basically the hottest go-to multipurpose food item on the market. There are even memes about how ridiculously awesome coconut oil is for your health. Coconut oil benefits your skin, your hair, and even cold sores — and it can also benefit your dental health.
Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. This is long enough for the oil to pick up toxins and prevent tooth decay, reduce gum inflammation, and to whiten your teeth.
Believe it or not, electric toothbrushes and floss were non-existent at one point, while oil pulling for dental health has been around for at least 10,000 years!
You’ll want to avoid swallowing the coconut oil at this point because it not contains all the bad stuff you want to remove from your body. Make sure to spit out the coconut oil in the trash and not in the sink. This is because coconut oil has such a high melting point that you run the risk of clogging up your pipes if it gets trapped and turns solid before it can drain.
Tip 4 – Turmeric
Turmeric is usually a cooking spice, so using it as a paste may not be the best-tasting home remedy for teeth whitening, but it does work nonetheless. Just like with the other powders on this list, you want to make a paste with turmeric.
This is yellow magic that will wash away and leave your teeth looking brighter, but be careful not to get any on your clothes or skin (or even surfaces like a light-colored countertop) because turmeric can stain.
You can use either water or melted coconut oil to make your turmeric paste. Apply it to your teeth and let it sit for 3 minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and follow up with a brush using your normal toothpaste.
Tip 5 – Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar is highly acidic and will hurt your tooth enamel, so be sure to dilute apple cider vinegar before using it for teeth whitening. Also avoid using this method more than once a day for the same reason.
Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Gargle the solution in your mouth for a few seconds like you would with mouthwash and then dispose of the waste in the sink.
Tip 6 – Strawberry Salt and Baking Soda
For a more pleasant taste, try making a strawberry paste. Take 1-3 strawberries and ½ teaspoon of baking soda and muddle together in a cup. Use a designated toothbrush to apply the mixture to your teeth and let it sit for 5 minutes.
This method needs special care afterwards, so be sure to brush and floss like you normally would after using strawberry paste. This is because strawberries have tiny seeds that can get stuck between your teeth, which is not good for your dental health. Abstain from using this method more than once a week.
Tip 7 – Avoid Dark Pigmented Foods
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Try focusing on your daily habits and see what you are consuming that has the most color. While it may not be bad to consume these things on a moderate basis, chronic consumption might be what is causing your teeth to stain. These foods may include things like coffee, marinara sauce, soy sauce, or anything with artificial coloring.
Tip 8 – Eat Raw, Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Getting foods that are crunchy and raw into your diet is great for teeth whitening, because they help scrub your teeth while you chew. They also typically have higher water content than other fruits and veggies, which can help to eliminate sugars and stimulate your saliva flow to further wash away food particles to protect against damage. Crunchy fruits and vegetables include things like apples, celery, and carrots.
Tip 9 – Limit Your Acidic Food/Drink Intake
In much the same way that you will want to avoid overeating dark-colored foods, you’ll want to steer clear of getting hooked on consuming things that are acidic, because they have the power to break down your enamel. This includes things like soda, energy drinks, and wine (both white and red can lead to staining).
Rinse your mouth with a swig of water after drinking or eating something acidic to help prevent the acids from wearing your teeth out. Using a straw to drink acidic beverages is also a good option to avoid as much tooth-to-acid contact as possible.
Tip 10 – Fruit Rinds
Believe it or not, these are not useless. Specifically, banana peels can be used to help whiten teeth. Just rub a banana peel on your teeth for about 2 minutes.
Active ingredients in banana peels include manganese, magnesium, and potassium. Rinse with water and brush with toothpaste afterward. Orange peels work too, their active ingredient is limonene.
Liz Lang is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Southern California Institute for Research and Education in the field of Gastroenterology. Liz graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Public Health Sciences.
Liz has an insatiable thirst to learn how the human body works in order to keep people healthy. When Liz isn’t in the clinic, she enjoys exploring nature, yoga, and trying new things (especially food!).
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
You can eat right, exercise, and do everything you can to live a healthy life…
But it’s easy to sabotage a lot of that hard work without even knowing it.
How?
A lot of it comes down to the water you drink.
Most of us don’t think much about this stuff. We don’t know exactly where our drinking water comes from. We just fill up our glasses whenever we get thirsty and carry on with our day.
Maybe we’ve heard a few news reports about potential dangers in municipal water supplies over the years. So we pick up one of those portable water filters at the store – like Brita filters – and figure that will take care of any issues.
Your drinking water – and all the chemicals inside it – are more complicated than you thought. Without the right precautions, it can cause some serious health complications.
It’s time for the truth.
Drinking Water: Contaminated by Thousands of Chemicals
When you think of perfect drinking water, your mind might wander to a pristine mountain stream.
But most of us don’t have access to those resources. The majority of us get our drinking water from cities, municipalities, and other public sources.
This can make it tricky to pinpoint the journey your water makes before it reaches your tap. Everyone wants pure water, but most public sources contain dangerous chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your drinking glass.
Many of these chemicals are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Over 2,100 chemical compounds have been found in drinking water in the United States.
That’s why not paying enough attention to your water supply could be one of your biggest health obstacles. Eating well and working out is great, but polluting your body with dangerous toxins undermines those benefits from the inside out.
There’s a huge range of substances, added on purpose and accidentally, to our water supply. Over 2,100 chemical compounds have been found in drinking water in the United States. Many of them are contaminating it and causing serious health issues.
And here’s the really scary part: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only established enforceable safety standards for 87 of these compounds. That’s less than five percent of the total amount!
Water quality varies depending on where you live, but contamination is a widespread issue. The Environmental Working Group analyzed over 200 municipal water systems across 43 states in the U.S. Their report found “probable human carcinogens” in every single water system they tested.
The Most Dangerous Drinking Water Chemicals
Of all the chemicals found in drinking water today, a few stand out above the rest as especially dangerous for your health:
Chlorine
Water suppliers use chlorine to disinfect public water sources by reducing the level of harmful bacteria. This has been going for decades because chlorine has been proven to effectively remove pathogens…
But there are plenty of unintended consequences.
Depending on your sensitivity, drinking too much chlorinated water can cause health problems. Multiple studies have linked the free radicals in chlorinated water to a weakened immune system, liver malfunction, and damages to arteries.
When chlorine mixes with natural organic particles, it creates hundreds of toxic by-products. Chlorine can cause problems all by itself, but it gets much worse when it reacts with other particles in the water supply.
When chlorine mixes with natural organic particles, it creates hundreds of toxic by-products which aren’t regulated or even monitored by government agencies or water suppliers.
These toxic by-products are called “disinfection by-products” (or DBPs). According to Renee Sharp, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, we know about more than 600… with plenty more yet to be identified.
Chlorine by-products are much more toxic than chlorine itself. Some by-products, like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), may cause reproductive problems and even cancer.
Even the EPA admits that long-term exposure to THMs and HAAs can cause kidney, liver, and nervous system problems… as well as an increased cancer risk.
Chloramines
Chloramines are another type of disinfectant made by combining chlorine with ammonia. More and more municipal water districts are turning to this chemical to either replace or supplement chlorine use.
Unfortunately, chloramines are just as dangerous as good old chlorine. These chemicals are harsh enough to dissolve the inside of water pipes and fixtures. But they don’t just stop at property damage.
Chloramines leach heavy metals (like copper and lead) from pipes during their journey to your drinking glass. As a result, traces of these metals ends up in your water.
Chloramines have become more popular because they produce lower levels of toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs) regulated by the EPA. They still produce these harmful by-products – just at slightly lower levels than chlorine.
But just because chloramines produce less regulated DBPs doesn’t make them safe.
Some evidence suggests that chloramines produce even more unregulated disinfection by-products than chlorine, chemicals whose health risks aren’t even fully understood yet.
Fluoride
Of all the chemicals in our water supply, fluoride is probably the most controversial.
This debate picked up steam over the past few years. But it’s been going on for decades now – almost ever since water suppliers began fluoridation shortly after World War Two.
Over 90 percent of the fluoride found in the American water supply comes from “hydrofluorosilicic acid” – a waste product produced when phosphate fertilizer is made.
Fluoridated water is supposed to help us prevent cavities and strengthen our teeth. Yet plenty of scientific studies cast serious doubts about its effectiveness. So fluoride might not work as well as advertised. Besides that, it’s also been linked to some serious health problems.
It helps to understand where fluoride comes from. Many people assume the fluoride in their water is pharmaceutical-grade sodium fluoride. But in reality, over 90 percent of the fluoride found in the American water supply comes from “hydrofluorosilicic acid”. This substance is a waste product produced when phosphate fertilizer is made.
Fluoride accumulates in different parts of your body over time, which can create consequences after a lifetime of exposure. One study found that ingesting fluoride had a huge impact on rats’ brains and changed their behavior.
British researchers found that thousands of people experience hypothyroidism because they drank too much fluoridated drinking water. The risk of hypothyroidism increased when higher concentrations of fluoride were found where the people lived.
Fluoride also affects your teeth… but not necessarily in a good way. One study found that about 40 percent of American teenagers have dental fluorosis, a condition in which your teeth become mottled due to changes in your tooth enamel. This rate is as high as 70 to 80 percent in certain areas!
Finally, adding fluoride to drinking water raises plenty of ethical and practical issues. The dose is imprecise: no one can know who ingests it or monitor how much water people have each day. There’s also zero consent. The fluoride is there – and medicating you – whether you agree to it or not.
Arsenic, Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, and Other Heavy Metals
Drinking water is also full of heavy metals, which can be toxic at high enough amounts.
An Environmental Working Group analysis took a look at the hexavalent chromium in drinking water across the United States. They sampled water from 35 different cities, finding hexavalent chromium in a whopping 31 of them. This was the first national analysis of a problem that might be much bigger than we thought.
Scientists have known about hexavalent chromium’s carcinogenic properties for a long time. But they thought that was only if you inhaled it.
Now, studies revealed hexavalent chromium can cause cancer in animals even when it’s ingested. The National Toxicology Program found increased tumors in mice and rats in the small intestine and oral cavity.
Arsenic has also been linked to increased risk of several types of cancer. Back in 2001, the EPA lowered the maximum levels of arsenic allowed in drinking later from 50 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion… but this probably isn’t enough.
The Natural Resources Defense Council estimated that 56 million Americans (across 25 states) drink water with unsafe levels of arsenic. One Texas study, where the groundwater was estimated to have even less arsenic than the median federal drinking-water standard, still found that exposure was linked to poor memory and language scores, as well as decreased brain function.
Besides drinking all these harmful chemicals, we also absorb them through our skin in the shower or bath, which is why…
Why Portable Water Filters Aren’t Enough to Keep You Safe
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. This means it can absorb a lot of nutrients, and also a lot of toxins.
Even if you filter your drinking water, you’re still exposing yourself to toxins whenever you take a shower or bath. The dangerous chemicals slip in through a combination of inhalation and skin absorption.
You inhale chloroform, a chlorine by-product, whenever you take a hot shower or bath. Chloroform has been linked to liver dysfunction, central nervous system issues, and even depression.
Warm water also opens your pores, so that combines with the chlorine gas you’re already inhaling to make things even worse. A study at the University of Pittsburgh found that you get less chemical exposure from drinking chlorinated water than from showering or washing your clothes in it.
Drinking-water filters are a huge step forward, but not enough to avoid all the dangerous toxins. Whenever we shower or bathe in the same water, these chemicals get into our bloodstreams.
This is especially dangerous for children. Children have a greater surface area to body weight ratio than adults, which can increase absorption of toxins through the skin.
Blood also flows faster through children’s circulatory systems, which can make them more vulnerable to toxins. Despite all that, most data used to set limits is based on exposures for adults.
Your Clean Water Solution
Worried about the substances lurking in your water?
Everyone’s drinking water situation is different. This short survey will help you pinpoint any problem areas where toxic chemicals are slipping in.
Once you have a better understanding of your unique circumstances, it’s easier to move forward and change them.
A point-of-use system is a must. These systems, which usually go in your kitchen cabinet, remove chlorine, chloramines, fluoride, and other contaminants from your drinking water. They’re even more effective when you combine them with a point-of-entry system.
Point-of-entry systems usually go in your basement, garage, or water closet. They keep all the dangerous chemicals from entering your showers, washing machines, and any other places where you use water.
Corey Pemberton is a freelance writer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and Paleo health enthusiast. Ever since he discovered the ancestral health movement five years ago, he has explored different ways to incorporate ancestral wisdom into his nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle at large. One of his favorite topics is challenging long-held nutrition myths. Feel free to stop by his website or say hello on Twitter.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
How to Clean, Season & Maintain Your Cast Iron Skillet
Few tools in your kitchen are as versatile as a cast iron skillet.
Whether you’re whipping up a flavorful breakfast, a healthy lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a sweet dessert, your cast iron skillet is always there for you throughout the day.
The question is: Are you there for your skillet? In order to achieve a plethora of recipes from your skillet for an extended amount of time, you have to properly take care of it. That requires a lot of time and patience.
Do you know how to season your skillet? Do you constantly re-season? Where are you storing the skillet? Why are all of these things so important to its well-being?
Find out with this comprehensive cast iron skillet guide! And keep both your skillet and stomach happy in the process.
1. Usage
Do: Keep It Relevant
Don’t: Let It Fall by the Wayside
Why: Using your skillet often keeps it from rusting. Then it’ll constantly be cared for as you re-season it on the regular.
Speaking of re-seasoning, your cast iron skillet will be able to build up a truly good seasoning (i.e., the non-stick layer the owner supplies the pan by using oil) because of the amount of times you’ll be re-seasoning.
Lastly, your skillet will build up some good flavors, since you won’t be using harsh cleaning products on it.
2. Washing
Do: Rinse Off
Don’t: Lather Up
Why: The best time to clean a cast iron skillet is while it’s still warm (but not hot, because cold water could crack it). During that time, all the extra debris will be easier to remove. The best way to remove tricky food is with a gentle, stiff brush or sponge; salt; and warm water.
Do NOT use steel wool or soap. Not only will you ruin your past seasoning efforts, the cast iron itself could be compromised by using such harsh materials.
Also, never EVER put your skillet in the dishwasher. That is the quickest way to destroy this coveted kitchen tool. By the way, once your skillet is seasoned properly, it’s really easy to clean.
3. Drying
Do: Towel Off
Don’t: Drip Dry
Why: Make sure to thoroughly dry your cast iron skillet after every use. Then it won’t rust. A fool-proof method is putting it on a burner on low heat for 5-10 minutes after you’re done hand-washing it. That will ensure it dries quickly. As previously mentioned, don’t subject your skillet to the harsh environment of a dishwasher or allow it to soak in the sink.
4. Seasoning
Do: Become a Seasoned Veteran
Don’t: Forget to Kick Things Up a Notch
Why: After you’ve bought your cast iron skillet, it’s time to season it. Yes, before you even start cooking. No, this doesn’t involve pepper, basil, oregano, or any of kicks of flavor like that. It’s a different type of seasoning.
To put it simply, “seasoning” a cast iron skillet involves that glossy layer on the skillet that gives it non-stick properties. The owner creates and maintains their skillet’s seasoning. It takes time, devotion, and a little love to keep a strong seasoning on your cast iron skillet, and the first usage sets the tone.
What You Need:
Cast-iron skillet
Sponge or stiff brush
Clean, dry cloth or paper towels
Shortening or olive oil
Kosher salt (optional)
Instructions:
Clean the skillet with a sponge or stiff brush and salt. Apply a light layer of melted shortening or olive to the skillet. Using the cloth or paper towels, apply the shortening across the skillet. Buff to remove the excess.
Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place your pan upside down on the top rack of the oven, and allow it to “bake” for one hour. Remove it from the oven, and allow your skillet to cool for one hour.
5. Re-Seasoning
Do: Re-Season Every Session
Don’t: Think You’re Done after the First Session
Why: Re-seasoning could and should be done when your skillet looks like it’s in need of a little extra TLC – and after you use it every time. Great seasoning doesn’t just happen after one use; it takes time to build.
After you’re done running your cleaning routine, let your skillet dry completely.
Quickly take a dry rag and wipe the skillet down with the same oil or shortening you originally used to season it while it’s still on the burner. Cover every area of the pan. Note: your pan will be hot, so be careful!
As the pan cools, the oil or shortening will soak back into the pores of the pan, which will help to build your seasoning. Every now and then, you can pop it in the oven to really bake the oil in these pores.
6. Un-Rusting
Do: De-Crust the Rust
Don’t: Think Rust Equals Bust
Why: Many people think that a rusty cast iron skillet equals the end of the pan’s shelf life. Not true. You don’t want rust in your pan, but rust doesn’t mean it’s time to seek out a new skillet.
First, give it a good wash with your stiff brush and warm water. Then towel dry. After the cleaning is done, go ahead and season it. You want the oil or shortening to really seep into your pan’s pores because your skillet needs some tough love right now.
If all else fails, a machine shop might be able to help you by pressure-blasting it. However, the moral is: Don’t neglect your pan. Keep it seasoned, and use it often.
The Salt and Potato Method: Another way to get rid of that tricky rust is by using the salt and potato method. All you need is two tablespoons of salt and a potato. Cut the potato in half, and pour the salt in your skillet. Using the potato as a sponge, scrub the salt against your skillet in a circular motion.
The moisture of the potato does all of the work. It may take a little time, but be patient. You’ll see the rust literally leaving the pan as you’re scrubbing. This method also works when removing stuck-on food.
7. Maintenance
Do: Oil Up
Don’t: Expose It to the Elements
Why: If your skillet is looking a little dry (i.e., porous and dirty), rub a little oil onto the surface to make it look slick again. If you haven’t used it in a while, it may also build up rust.
If rubbing a little oil on it doesn’t seem to do anything, re-season it. It should get it back to its old self in no time.
8. Storage
Do: Stay Cool and Light
Don’t: Keep Things Hot and Heavy
Why: Find a cool, dry area to store your skillet. You also want to be mindful that moisture causes cast iron to rust, so you don’t want it to be exposed to steam or water of any kind. A cabinet is probably your best option – just not a cabinet under the sink or close to water pipes. Storing it in the oven is also a good option.
If you have multiple skillets or pans, make sure you put a paper towel between each one if you plan on stacking them. That will protect them from getting damaged.
Also make sure you remove any lids when storing. You want your skillet to get ventilation while it’s being stored, and a lid will completely prevent that.
9. Absorption
Do: Keep the Flavor Party Short
Don’t: Let Food Overstay Its Welcome
Why: Flavors from food will inevitably seep into your pan’s pores, and that’s OK. It will enhance the seasoning you’re building onto it. However, you don’t want TOO much to soak its way into your pan.
Think about it. Do you want all of your food to taste overly fishy if you just made a salmon dish tonight? I don’t think so.
10. Repeated Usage
Do: Read and Repeat
Don’t: Skim and Forget
Why: All of these steps are very crucial when it comes to properly caring for your cast iron skillet. Make sure you’re regularly following all of these guidelines with every usage. That will keep your skillet at its peak condition, and it will ensure you aren’t buying a new one sooner than you should be.
Old-school vegetarian and paleo newbie, Jessie Dax-Setkus is a self-described “adventurous picky eater.” Discovering dishes from different cultures, exploring new flavor combinations, and simply stuffing her face on some homemade comfort food are definitely past times that make her top five—along with scribbling about them in her notebook.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
