A Wedding cake and diet restrictions don’t typically go hand in hand.Of all the symbols commonly associated with marriage ceremonies, the wedding cake is one of the most iconic. Many Canadian couples anticipate a grand multitiered cake, both as a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Professional bakers and pastry chefs work their magic to transform flour, eggs, and sugar into a delicious dessert. If you’re responsible for preparing a wedding cake or other sweet treats for someone’s nuptials, you may need to create a cake that accounts for food sensitivities, allergens, restrictions, and plant-based lifestyles. Here are some ingredient substitutions you should know about.
Flour Power
Flour is responsible for giving a cake its structure. All-purpose flour and cake flour are usually wheat products and therefore not recommended for those on a gluten-free diet. The easiest swap usually involves gluten-free flours that are 1:1, meaning if a recipe calls for one cup of wheat-based flour, you can use the same volume or weight of gluten-free flour. Other flours can be used, including those made from coconut, almond, and chickpea, but the substitutions aren’t 1:1. Use ¼ cup of coconut flour for every cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of almond flour per cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of chickpea flour for each cup of flour. You may have to make other adjustments to approximate the consistency and texture of wheat flour-based batter.
Stairway to Leaven
Leavening agents cause gas expansion in a dough or batter when exposed to liquid, acid, or heat. Leavening or rising agents such as baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, etc., help a cake rise, resulting in a pleasant, fluffy texture. Baking powder and baking soda are commonly used. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. If you don’t have any cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. If a recipe calls for baking soda, you can use 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of baking powder per teaspoon of baking soda.
A Jack of All Trades Diet
Eggs contribute to flavor, structure, texture, color, and volume. Some cake recipes call for adding whites and yolks separately, impacting the final product. Consider these substitutions for each large egg in your cake:
Carbonated water: Use ¼ cup in a recipe that doesn’t require separation.
Water, oil, and baking powder: Combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Fruit products: Use ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
Chia or flax seeds: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon of seeds and 3 tablespoons of water.
Aquafaba: This chickpea-based product can be used in place of egg whites.
A Dairy-Free Diet
Dairy is commonly found in cake recipes as either a liquid (milk), a leavening agent (whipped cream), or a fat (butter). For couples and guests who want vegan or plant-based cakes, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor, moistness, or structure with these substitutions:
Non-dairy creamers: These products add moisture and liquid. Flavored varieties can also add to your cake’s flavor profile.
Fruit juices: Natural juices work especially well in recipes calling for baking soda.
Vegetable and other neutral oils: Vegetable, avocado, and coconut oils work as a 1:1 substitute for melted butter.
Applesauce: Use ½ cup for every cup of butter.
As wedding celebrations become more inclusive and health-conscious, some couples may opt for cakes free of animal products or common food allergens, such as gluten. Consider these ingredient alternatives for cakes that are every bit as moist, tender, and delicious as those made from a classic recipe. You don’t need to sacrifice or compromise when it comes to caring about others.
Committing to and making a plan for healthy eating with your partner can increase the chance of success and help you stick to your goals.
Living a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done. While most people understand the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, having the motivation to commit to these choices when faced with financial constraints and fatigue from work can be difficult. Luckily, it is far more likely for you to stick with healthy changes to your routine if you have someone by your side during the journey. By committing to healthy eating with your significant other, for example, you might be able to make the changes you desire. Consider these tactics and discover the most appropriate methods for reaching your goals.
Create a Healthy Eating Plan
First, you need to formulate a plan together. The goal of “healthy eating” is too vague and ill-defined to be a practical objective. Instead, approach the task from a pragmatic perspective. What do you hope to get from this experience? Perhaps you learned recently that your blood pressure is higher than it should be. This could be reason enough to adjust your diet and begin cutting out salty foods. Create a framework for your plan, and it will give you useful parameters to work within moving forward.
Shop Smart
After you develop a plan for how you’d like to prep meals, you need to make a list and hit the grocery store. One of the biggest challenges of healthy eating is going to the store without coming home with a bunch of junk food or items you don’t need. This is where you can use your partner to your advantage. If one of you has a stronger constitution when it comes to avoiding temptation, this should be the person tasked with shopping. When you both are bad at exercising restraint, go to the store together to remain focused.
Look at Better Options
Transitioning to healthy eating can be difficult for people who really enjoy specific, unhealthy foods. Cutting bacon out of your diet, for example, can be healthy for your heart. Sadly, bacon is really hard for people to say goodbye to. Instead of cutting it out completely, look into healthier alternatives. From turkey bacon to vegetarian strips, there are several ways to get the smoky, crisp experience of bacon without resorting to unhealthy habits. There are several fantastic resources for this online, so conduct a little research to find some healthier options.
Start the Day Together
One way to commit to a healthier routine is by eating breakfast together. Considered the most important meal of the day, what you eat in the morning sets the pace for what you consume later. If you eat a breakfast that does not satisfy you, then you might snack on empty carbs until lunch. Get the day started with a nourishing breakfast, and you can lay the groundwork you need to tackle whatever challenges await during your day.
Stay Strong
The whole point of getting into healthy eating habits with your partner is having someone you can turn to when you are having a low moment. After a particularly difficult day with a lot of strong emotions, you might feel tempted to break from your healthier habits. Instead of caving in, you can turn to your significant other for positive encouragement. Of course, you’ll also need to provide this support as well. As long as you know how to lean on each other, it can do wonders for your success.
There are countless reasons to think about living a healthier lifestyle, including healthy eating. Whether you’re trying to feel better, lose weight, or make more sensible decisions for your future, the trouble most people face is committing to the decision. By working with your partner on these wellness goals, you will increase your odds of success and commit to a rewarding challenge together.
As the years go on, it becomes a lot easier to fall into the wrong habits. A great way to succeed includes incorporating your significant other into the mix.
As the years go on, it becomes a lot easier to fall into the wrong habits. Routine may force you to eat specific foods out of convenience, for example, rather than for the nutritional content of the meal. Luckily, it is never too late to practice better habits. A great way to see success from your goals is by incorporating your significant other into the mix. When you both are serious about adopting healthier habits, you can lean on each other for support throughout the process. Consider these suggestions to find the right ideas to reach your goals.
What You Eat
One of the best ways to get started is by focusing on your diet. What you eat plays a huge part in your overall feelings of wellness. Try to begin incorporating healthier options into your meals. Instead of making traditional French fries, consider cooking some sweet potatoes. Small adjustments can make a big impact. Focus on the foods nutritionists claim to be the healthiest, like eggs, broccoli, Greek yogurt, salmon, spinach, lentils, nuts, and leafy greens. If you’re not used to eating any of these foods, slowly incorporate them into your diet to see success.
How You Sleep
How you sleep also plays a big part in your health. A number of recent studies suggest that the average adult does not get anywhere near the amount of sleep he or she is supposed to. Experts agree that a healthy adult needs somewhere between 6 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. One way to encourage this is by giving yourself a strict bedtime and sticking with it. Try to limit using your phone once you’ve gotten in bed. Instead, read a book or newspaper. Studies show that phone usage before bed increases the odds of sleep disruption.
Exercise Habits
A growing body of research suggests that regular exercise can significantly improve your overall health and longevity. Not only does it help you keep weight off and feel your best, it reduces the likelihood of disease and premature death. While you may not have the time and stamina to start training for a marathon, there are simple ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily life. For example, you could take a walk every evening, or take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Ideally, you can find some activities that you and your partner both enjoy that you can do together.
New Skills
When discussing health, a number of experts focus solely on the body. While it is crucial to eat the right foods, get a full night’s rest, and exercise your body, you also need to think about nourishing your mind. As you get older, you are less likely to pick up a new skill by chance. This means you need to take active steps towards learning how to tackle a task you’ve never attempted before. Whether you want to play a musical instrument, knit, climb, or ride a horse, taking the time to master a new skill is a healthy and productive option.
Disconnect
Limiting how often you use your phone is also a good habit to get into. These days, most people rely on their phones for everything. One study has even suggested that the mind is subconsciously thinking about checking a phone even when the item is not present in the same room or is powered off. This means you need to take hard action to break the chain. Try to have at least one full hour away from any screens. Use this time to meditate, read, connect with a loved one, or whatever else will help you use your time well.
Break a Bad Habit
You may also have adopted a bad habit that you want to break for your health. Smoking cigarettes or the excessive consumption of alcohol can easily take a toll on your life. In order to live in a healthier way, try to avoid these behaviors. Quitting smoking or cutting back on drinking might help you feel a bit more in control of your life. Be forewarned that these goals can be very difficult to achieve, so be sure to lean on your partner for support throughout it all and make the steps you are taking to improve your life small enough to be achievable.
Adopting healthier habits is important for your future. Take time now to see what adjustments will help you reach your wellness goals and discover what you and your significant other can accomplish together.
A Wedding cake and diet restrictions don’t typically go hand in hand.Of all the symbols commonly associated with marriage ceremonies, the wedding cake is one of the most iconic. Many Canadian couples anticipate a grand multitiered cake, both as a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Professional bakers and pastry chefs work their magic to transform flour, eggs, and sugar into a delicious dessert. If you’re responsible for preparing a wedding cake or other sweet treats for someone’s nuptials, you may need to create a cake that accounts for food sensitivities, allergens, restrictions, and plant-based lifestyles. Here are some ingredient substitutions you should know about.
Flour Power
Flour is responsible for giving a cake its structure. All-purpose flour and cake flour are usually wheat products and therefore not recommended for those on a gluten-free diet. The easiest swap usually involves gluten-free flours that are 1:1, meaning if a recipe calls for one cup of wheat-based flour, you can use the same volume or weight of gluten-free flour. Other flours can be used, including those made from coconut, almond, and chickpea, but the substitutions aren’t 1:1. Use ¼ cup of coconut flour for every cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of almond flour per cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of chickpea flour for each cup of flour. You may have to make other adjustments to approximate the consistency and texture of wheat flour-based batter.
Stairway to Leaven
Leavening agents cause gas expansion in a dough or batter when exposed to liquid, acid, or heat. Leavening or rising agents such as baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, etc., help a cake rise, resulting in a pleasant, fluffy texture. Baking powder and baking soda are commonly used. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. If you don’t have any cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. If a recipe calls for baking soda, you can use 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of baking powder per teaspoon of baking soda.
A Jack of All Trades Diet
Eggs contribute to flavor, structure, texture, color, and volume. Some cake recipes call for adding whites and yolks separately, impacting the final product. Consider these substitutions for each large egg in your cake:
Carbonated water: Use ¼ cup in a recipe that doesn’t require separation.
Water, oil, and baking powder: Combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Fruit products: Use ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
Chia or flax seeds: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon of seeds and 3 tablespoons of water.
Aquafaba: This chickpea-based product can be used in place of egg whites.
A Dairy-Free Diet
Dairy is commonly found in cake recipes as either a liquid (milk), a leavening agent (whipped cream), or a fat (butter). For couples and guests who want vegan or plant-based cakes, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor, moistness, or structure with these substitutions:
Non-dairy creamers: These products add moisture and liquid. Flavored varieties can also add to your cake’s flavor profile.
Fruit juices: Natural juices work especially well in recipes calling for baking soda.
Vegetable and other neutral oils: Vegetable, avocado, and coconut oils work as a 1:1 substitute for melted butter.
Applesauce: Use ½ cup for every cup of butter.
As wedding celebrations become more inclusive and health-conscious, some couples may opt for cakes free of animal products or common food allergens, such as gluten. Consider these ingredient alternatives for cakes that are every bit as moist, tender, and delicious as those made from a classic recipe. You don’t need to sacrifice or compromise when it comes to caring about others.
Committing to and making a plan for healthy eating with your partner can increase the chance of success and help you stick to your goals.
Living a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done. While most people understand the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, having the motivation to commit to these choices when faced with financial constraints and fatigue from work can be difficult. Luckily, it is far more likely for you to stick with healthy changes to your routine if you have someone by your side during the journey. By committing to healthy eating with your significant other, for example, you might be able to make the changes you desire. Consider these tactics and discover the most appropriate methods for reaching your goals.
Create a Healthy Eating Plan
First, you need to formulate a plan together. The goal of “healthy eating” is too vague and ill-defined to be a practical objective. Instead, approach the task from a pragmatic perspective. What do you hope to get from this experience? Perhaps you learned recently that your blood pressure is higher than it should be. This could be reason enough to adjust your diet and begin cutting out salty foods. Create a framework for your plan, and it will give you useful parameters to work within moving forward.
Shop Smart
After you develop a plan for how you’d like to prep meals, you need to make a list and hit the grocery store. One of the biggest challenges of healthy eating is going to the store without coming home with a bunch of junk food or items you don’t need. This is where you can use your partner to your advantage. If one of you has a stronger constitution when it comes to avoiding temptation, this should be the person tasked with shopping. When you both are bad at exercising restraint, go to the store together to remain focused.
Look at Better Options
Transitioning to healthy eating can be difficult for people who really enjoy specific, unhealthy foods. Cutting bacon out of your diet, for example, can be healthy for your heart. Sadly, bacon is really hard for people to say goodbye to. Instead of cutting it out completely, look into healthier alternatives. From turkey bacon to vegetarian strips, there are several ways to get the smoky, crisp experience of bacon without resorting to unhealthy habits. There are several fantastic resources for this online, so conduct a little research to find some healthier options.
Start the Day Together
One way to commit to a healthier routine is by eating breakfast together. Considered the most important meal of the day, what you eat in the morning sets the pace for what you consume later. If you eat a breakfast that does not satisfy you, then you might snack on empty carbs until lunch. Get the day started with a nourishing breakfast, and you can lay the groundwork you need to tackle whatever challenges await during your day.
Stay Strong
The whole point of getting into healthy eating habits with your partner is having someone you can turn to when you are having a low moment. After a particularly difficult day with a lot of strong emotions, you might feel tempted to break from your healthier habits. Instead of caving in, you can turn to your significant other for positive encouragement. Of course, you’ll also need to provide this support as well. As long as you know how to lean on each other, it can do wonders for your success.
There are countless reasons to think about living a healthier lifestyle, including healthy eating. Whether you’re trying to feel better, lose weight, or make more sensible decisions for your future, the trouble most people face is committing to the decision. By working with your partner on these wellness goals, you will increase your odds of success and commit to a rewarding challenge together.
As the years go on, it becomes a lot easier to fall into the wrong habits. A great way to succeed includes incorporating your significant other into the mix.
As the years go on, it becomes a lot easier to fall into the wrong habits. Routine may force you to eat specific foods out of convenience, for example, rather than for the nutritional content of the meal. Luckily, it is never too late to practice better habits. A great way to see success from your goals is by incorporating your significant other into the mix. When you both are serious about adopting healthier habits, you can lean on each other for support throughout the process. Consider these suggestions to find the right ideas to reach your goals.
What You Eat
One of the best ways to get started is by focusing on your diet. What you eat plays a huge part in your overall feelings of wellness. Try to begin incorporating healthier options into your meals. Instead of making traditional French fries, consider cooking some sweet potatoes. Small adjustments can make a big impact. Focus on the foods nutritionists claim to be the healthiest, like eggs, broccoli, Greek yogurt, salmon, spinach, lentils, nuts, and leafy greens. If you’re not used to eating any of these foods, slowly incorporate them into your diet to see success.
How You Sleep
How you sleep also plays a big part in your health. A number of recent studies suggest that the average adult does not get anywhere near the amount of sleep he or she is supposed to. Experts agree that a healthy adult needs somewhere between 6 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. One way to encourage this is by giving yourself a strict bedtime and sticking with it. Try to limit using your phone once you’ve gotten in bed. Instead, read a book or newspaper. Studies show that phone usage before bed increases the odds of sleep disruption.
Exercise Habits
A growing body of research suggests that regular exercise can significantly improve your overall health and longevity. Not only does it help you keep weight off and feel your best, it reduces the likelihood of disease and premature death. While you may not have the time and stamina to start training for a marathon, there are simple ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily life. For example, you could take a walk every evening, or take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Ideally, you can find some activities that you and your partner both enjoy that you can do together.
New Skills
When discussing health, a number of experts focus solely on the body. While it is crucial to eat the right foods, get a full night’s rest, and exercise your body, you also need to think about nourishing your mind. As you get older, you are less likely to pick up a new skill by chance. This means you need to take active steps towards learning how to tackle a task you’ve never attempted before. Whether you want to play a musical instrument, knit, climb, or ride a horse, taking the time to master a new skill is a healthy and productive option.
Disconnect
Limiting how often you use your phone is also a good habit to get into. These days, most people rely on their phones for everything. One study has even suggested that the mind is subconsciously thinking about checking a phone even when the item is not present in the same room or is powered off. This means you need to take hard action to break the chain. Try to have at least one full hour away from any screens. Use this time to meditate, read, connect with a loved one, or whatever else will help you use your time well.
Break a Bad Habit
You may also have adopted a bad habit that you want to break for your health. Smoking cigarettes or the excessive consumption of alcohol can easily take a toll on your life. In order to live in a healthier way, try to avoid these behaviors. Quitting smoking or cutting back on drinking might help you feel a bit more in control of your life. Be forewarned that these goals can be very difficult to achieve, so be sure to lean on your partner for support throughout it all and make the steps you are taking to improve your life small enough to be achievable.
Adopting healthier habits is important for your future. Take time now to see what adjustments will help you reach your wellness goals and discover what you and your significant other can accomplish together.
