Skip to content
Crafting Better Health

Health, Food & Nutrition Blog

  • Contact
  • Privacy

Our Experience Juicing With The Omega NC800

Posted on October 9, 2017

Nothing compares to the feel and taste of a glass of freshly made fruit juice. A good juicer can make a huge difference not only in your kitchen but also in your life. One of the best machines that we have come across is the Omega NC800 HDS. We have had great success using this particular model it is something that we always recommend to our friends. It is an easy to use and easy to clean product with many amazing features. This model is great for making juices and an assortment of other healthy drinks and snacks including vegetable smoothies, baby food, nut butters and extracting soy milk.

Just reading a quick review of the Omega NC800 and it is plain as day why this is the top ranked juice extractor for 2017. Its high owner satisfaction and superior user experience are just two of the main reasons this ranks so high. If you are looking for an alternative to eating a ton of fresh fruits and vegetables all day long, then getting one of these small kitchen appliances is the way to go.

Features

The Omega NC800 has amazing features. These have helped to give it a spot among the best juicer brands on the market. The features include:

· Rotation speed of 80 rotations per minute – This is slower than most other juicer models. It is a great advantage for two main reasons. The first is that the slow rotation provides the extraction system with more time to act on the fruits, nuts or vegetables. This ensures that you get as much as the item has to offer. The second reason why the slow rotation is a great thing is because it prevents overheating. This enhances the life of the juicer.

· Uses a dual stage mechanism – This style of extraction is one of the fastest and most effective. The term masticating refers to chewing. This is exactly how the juicer works. The fruits or vegetables compressed and crushed between two serrated hard surfaces while being rotated. This is done to squeeze out all the juice from the item leaving a dry pulp. That way, you get the most out of your fruits and vegetables.

· It has a compressing auger system – This is the system that ensures that the fruit, nut or vegetable pieces are all compressed before grinding to extract juice begins. The auger is made from melamine.

· It has 6 nozzles and 2 juicing screens and a large chute – The Omega NC800 has one of the largest feeding chutes. This allows you to put in more fruit or vegetable pieces at once. The six nozzles are for releasing different types of products from the juicer. These include pasta strands, juice pulp, baby food and juice. The nozzle used depends on the nature and consistency of the product as well as the mode that was being used. The two juicing screens allow for two juicing processes to go on at the same time.

· Automatic pulp ejection – This is an amazing feature that makes cleaning a whole lot easier. After the fruit or vegetable has been pressed dry, the pulp is released from the juicer through its own nozzle.

· Does more than just juice – Omega juicing machines can do a lot more than just extract juice from fruits and veggies. The different nozzles give you the ability to make your own peanut butter (or different nut butters), preparing baby food, and even make homemade pasta.

Pros

  • Some of the advantages of buying and using the Omega NC800 juicer include:
  • It is easy to clean both inside and outside.
  • It is easy to use.
  • The machine is strong and durable.
  • Comes with a large chute which makes it easy to use more pieces at once.
  • It is silent and does not overheat.
  • It is multi-purpose.
  • Easy to set up and disassemble after use.
  • Complete and efficient juice extraction with very dry pulp.
  • Comes with a 15 year warranty.

Cons

Despite having so many great features and advantages, the Omega NC800 juicer is not perfect.

  • The auger is made out of melamine. This means that if the machine is overloaded, it will cause wear and tear of the part. To help prevent this, use few food pieces at a time to avoid overworking the compressor system.
  • It is difficult to juice fruits such as apples and pears. To overcome this setback, ensure that you peel the fruit and cut into smaller pieces before juicing. You can also put a little water so that you get your juice in liquid form and not paste.

The great thing is that these two cons are minor and don’t really deter from the overall quality of the NC800. The great features and numerous advantages also make it easy to overlook some of its smaller issues. This masticating juicer is no doubt a great product. So if you are in search of a new juicer or an upgrade, it is definitely worth a try. Now what makes juicing different in Charleston, and the south in general, is that we do not frown upon adding a little spike of your favorite bourbon from time to time. The winter nights can get a bit cold after all. A little moderation is always the key.

Best All In One Convertible Child Seat Options For Parents

Posted on August 8, 2017

Car seat shopping can be a real drawn out process, mostly due to the number of different types of seats available as well as the number of high quality models from which to choose. Of course you want to find the safest option out there for your child, but comfort and usability are almost as important. There are infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats that can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Luckily, “all in one” child seats are gaining traction because they can handle everything that your little one will need and adapt to there growth spurts. From infants to bigger toddlers, there are seats that can do it all. One such seat is the Graco 4ever. Let’s see why this makes the most sense for both parents and kids.

This all-in-one convertible car seat is designed to give your children the best possible protection no matter which configuration in which it is used. It has a lot of features that make it so highly rated as one of the top convertible car seats of the current year that we have found. From safety to durability, this is the one safety seat that deserves a close look for parents in the market for something for their vehicle.

You can read the full Graco 4Ever review for the complete details but here is our brief rundown of its features. For parents looking to save money on a seat that they hope to get many years of service from, this model is worth considering.

Superb Features

Long Lifespan – The most impressive feature of this model is the insane lifespan that it offers. It can be used for kids from 4 to 120 lbs. and it is rated for 10 years of use. This makes it ideal for families that are looking for just one solution to use throughout the years that their child will have a need to be in a car seat.

For small infants this seat can be used in rear facing mode. This offers the maximum amount of protection. Inserts will also help support their fragile head and neck area. When they get big enough you can then switch the seat around and have it face forward. This is the traditional convertible car seat role. The best part is that when they outgrow this position, the seat can be switched to booster seat mode for taller kids. This is an important step as children are often not quite big enough to use a standard seat belt once they our too big for a traditional convertible car seat. You will have to use some sort of booster seat to keep them safe.

One seat for all of these years is truly an economical solution that makes the most sense. There are several different models that can do everything, but this Graco does it very well, especially for the price.

Cup Holders – It may seem odd that this would be second on our list of important features, but cup holders can be a real life saver when it comes to keeping your kids calm and happy in the back seat. You will save yourself a lot of headaches by getting a seat with this and the 4Ever has two of them.

Fabrics – This model also makes use of plush, breathable, and durable materials that are designed to give your kids a comfortable ride while also giving parents something that is easy to maintain. Spills happen so it is important to have a seat that is not a lot of work to keep clean.

Safety – This is not an afterthought, a lot of serious engineering goes into each Graco convertible seat to offer the ultimate in safety. Side impact protection is second to none and this model has a strong frame and uses energy absorbing materials. Parents can drive with a certain peace of mind knowing that should the worst happen that the level of protection for their precious cargo is extremely high.

Installation – This is something that is also important for parents to key in on. If you have multiple vehicles that you plan on using then having a seat that installs securely and without a lot of hassle is going to be a blessing. The 4Ever was designed to have a small learning curve and to offer a method to install it properly every time.

Stop Pulling Your Hair Out

The best way to reduce stress is to really simplify things, and this goes for child seat shopping as well. This particular model should check all of the vital boxes for parents that may seem overwhelmed. Getting one seat that can do it all and do it well is a no-brainer. The Graco 4Ever is an excellent choice that has superior features and gets excellent reviews from parents who were once in your same position. The number of years that this seat will be in service in the back of our vehicle, the value it presents is immense and it may just be the number one investment you make for your child’s safety.

Jogging Stroller Options For Parents On A Budget

Posted on May 17, 2016

running-shoes

Running with your kids is something that is quite appealing to a number of parents. Jogging strollers have many advantages that can help your family stay happy and most importantly, healthy. Kids usually love to ride along with their parents and experience the outdoors at a breakneck pace. For parents, it is a simple way to get in some much needed exercise and stress relief without having to worry about getting a baby sitter. It is also great to give your kids the example of having an active Mom and Dad. Passing on your love for fitness and the importance of staying healthy is something that your children can take with them as they get older, so getting a quality jogger can be extremely beneficial.

If you have been shopping around you have probably discovered that these pieces of equipment can be quite expensive. If you’re budget is somewhere south of $200 then most of the high end models are going to be out of your price range, but it is possible to find a quality running stroller that won’t break the bank. In our efforts to help you find the best budget jogging stroller we have a couple of affordable options that your family should enjoy using on a regular basis.

Top Budget Joggers

There are a couple of strollers that really stand out for their features, durability, owner ratings, and their price.

Scwhinn Turismo

We normally associate the name “Schwinn” with bicycles, but they also have a top notch running stroller that has gotten some excellent reviews from parents. This model will set you back around $150, which considering a top of the line jogger can go for $300 to $450 makes this an excellent bargain. Some of its best highlights include:

  • Lightweight aluminum frame for easy carrying and storage.
  • Durable construction made for the wear and tear of faster paced running.
  • Multiple flip up trays with cup holders, one for each for the passenger as well as the runner.
  • Car seat adapter for infants. Simply pop in your infant seat into the stroller for added convenience and safety.
  • Front swivel wheel that can be locked for added stability at faster speeds. Easy to maneuver when unlocked.
  • Speakers in the canopy for your mp3 player.
  • Adjustable handlebar to accommodate runners of different heights.

This particular models has received a nice amount of positive feedback from owners. They really like how smooth the ride is, even when running, as well as its maneuverability. At this price point the Tursimo from Schwinn is an excellent option.

Graco FastAction Jogger

Graco some makes some terrific child equipment that is affordable, and their jogging stroller is no exception. Their FastAction Fold stroller will cost somewhere around or just under $150. Some of its features include:

  • Like its name implies, this stroller has a one handed quick fold feature that makes breaking the stroller down for storage or transporting super convenient.
  • Air filled tires that help ensure a smooth ride over any kind of terrain.
  • Can fit select Graco infant seats for added safety and convenience.
  • Recommended for kids up to 50 lbs.
  • Extra storage so that you can take everything you need for those long runs.
  • Weighs only 30 lbs. This makes it extremely simple to take with you, move in and out of the car, and store in the garage.
  • A swivel front wheel that can be locked in place. This adds stability for faster speeds and greater maneuverability when needed.

This running stroller has a lot going for it. At this price point you might be hard pressed to find something that provides this level of overall value. For runners it offers a great experience while also providing a comfortable ride for its passengers. Another excellent budget option for parents.

Get Running

Price is not a hurdle that should stop you when looking for a new jogger. While it might be nice to have the super strong construction, high tech suspension, and off road capabilities of higher end models, that performance comes at a cost. Staying active and fit while sharing it with your children is something that you really cannot put a dollar sign on. Running with a stroller has many advantages and getting something that is affordable will still let you enjoy all of the benefits that this activity has to offer your family. Hopefully, some of the options above will keep you running in the right direction.

A Kitchen Innovation That Will Help You Cook Faster

Posted on April 7, 2016

Cooking with a toaster oven.

If you have not looked recently at the latest small kitchen appliances on the market, then you might still think that toaster ovens are for just toast or heating up a frozen pizza. If you are one of those that think these machines are just a slight step up from an Easy-Bake Oven then we are here to open your eyes. Today’s countertop ovens are full featured cooking machines that offer those who love to cook an opportunity to create wonderful tasting meals in less time and with less effort. Everyone loves to eat, but who really has the time to slave over a hot stove? This is why having one of these for your home makes so much sense. And for those who are serious about their cooking, getting a toaster oven with a convection feature is the best way to take full advantage of one of these little power houses.

A toaster oven can be a tremendous asset for any amateur chef looking to prepare healthy recipes for their loved ones. But what should you look for in a countertop convection oven? There are a few high end models with a host of features that can help simplify your time in the kitchen. There is one new entry that we have been excited to use and it has not disappointed us. We have been blown away with its cooking performance and we believe that you will too.

The Cuisinart TOB-260 is battling to be the top convection oven that you can buy for your kitchen counter. It offers spacious food capacity, excellent cooking results and a variety of innovative and convenient features that allows users to enjoy preparing their favorite meals. This Cuisinart toaster oven delivers supreme cooking performance as it’s designed with automatic heat sensors that are effective in monitoring the temperatures and maintaining the right heat, regardless of its surroundings.

Key Features

Cuisinart has really stepped up their game when it comes to this countertop oven. For years Breville has set the bar on high end toaster ovens. However, with the introduction of the TOB-260, Cuisinart has made strides to compete with them. Some of what you will find in this oven include:

15 Cooking and Toasting Functions

The TOB-260 allows you to prepare food with 15 cooking and toasting functions which include; Defrost, Leftovers, Roast, Broil, Bagel, Waffle, Toast, Pizza, Keep Warm, Bake, and Sandwich. The +30 Second buttons lets you add 30 seconds of cooking time to any of these cooking functions, giving you more control. The dual cooking feature also enables you to combine any 2 of the above-listed cooking functions and then run them consecutively. You can also combine 2-temperatures. This creates more cooking options and flexibility.

Convention Cooking

This oven comes with two convention features that cook food faster. The regular convention involves an inside fan that circulates hot air by blowing it around food, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly, at lower temperatures and in less time. The Convection button is effective in starting the convection fan for most of the cooking functions.

The second convention feature is the speed convention that you can use to skip the preheating process and go straight to cooking. It also circulates the heated air around the food, but at a faster rate compared to the regular convention. It is recommended to be used especially for frozen entrees as well as roasting meats and vegetables. While there are plenty of toaster oven specific recipes available online, you can use this feature with any type of recipe that you would prepare in your full sized standard oven.

Excellent Display and Controls

This oven has digital controls with LED buttons and modern LCD display which is easy to control with just simple dials. The Blue Back-light LCD Digital Display shows the selected functions, temperature, cooking time, and shade settings. Preheating and ready readouts data are also included. As a user, you will be able to navigate around different settings with a lot of ease. There is also a 2-hour timer and 2-hour automatic shutoff.

Roomy Interior

Cuisinart TOB-260 comes with a spacious interior that has a capacity of 0.95 cubic foot and can fit 9-slices of bread, 13-inch pizza and 9″ x 13″ baking pan or even an entire 9-pound chicken, providing you with the easiest way to prepare real home-cooked meals at any time.

Accessories

The TOB-260 comes with several items that allow users to enjoy its full benefits. These includes; a broiling pan, crumb tray, recipe booklet, a 13-inch pizza stone that you can use when baking pastry, pizza or breads, two cooking racks that can be inserted in four positions and a baking/drip pan can be used with the broiling pan while broiling or used alone while roasting or baking.

Other Features

  • The start/stop button allows you to either start or stop a cooking function. It’s also great in activating the oven when in dormant mode.
  • The speed convention button helps in eliminating preheating.
  • A broiling pan fits in the drip/baking pan and can be used when broiling.
  • It requires 1875Watts of power for operation.
  • Selector Button/ Dial: Allows you to choose the cooking functions and then set the baking time, temperature, clock and toast shade.
  • Door sensors activate the oven.

Pros

  • You can monitor the cooking progress with ease as the oven light button illuminates the interior for two minutes.
  • The front pull-out crumb tray slides out from the front of the oven for easy cleaning.
  • It comes with three years warranty.
  • The interior is easy to clean as the sides of this amazing oven are specially coated, which makes it easy to wipe and clean.
  • All the oven materials that come into contact with food are BPA free.
  • The cord storage takes up the excess cord and keeps the counter-top neat.

Cons

  • The control dials can be touchy and can skip numbers if you decide to turn them a little faster

Final Verdict

If you are looking for an oven that you can use to prepare healthy meals for your family within the shortest time possible, then the TOB-260 would make an excellent choice. Bring your kitchen into the 21st century and discover how a modern toaster oven can elevate your food while reducing the amount of time and energy needed to cook it.

Older Posts

Recent Posts

  • Our Experience Juicing With The Omega NC800
  • Best All In One Convertible Child Seat Options For Parents
  • Jogging Stroller Options For Parents On A Budget
  • A Kitchen Innovation That Will Help You Cook Faster
  • Improving Your Daily Nutrition With Carrot Juice
  • How Spinach Can Truly Benefit Your Health

Categories

  • Cooking
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Parenting
Copyright © 2018 WoodcraftIndustries.com. All rights reserved.