How to make effective hand sanitizer that kills coronavirus

Credit: Grove.co

I know this is not a food-related post, and I was going to post something else. But as Coronavirus continues to spread. I feel compelled to help in some way. So, it’s said that giving someone something will last a moment, but teaching them something will last a lifetime. As the necessities needed to prevent coronavirus from spreading becomes scarce, we must prepare a backup plan. So, why not make some hand sanitizer at home, and share some with your neighbors to prevent the virus from spreading.

What Is The CoronaVirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC for short, Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a virus that is spread by person to person contact. Mainly people that are within 6 feet of each other can spread the virus through coughing and sneezing. Washing your hands often is one of the ways to prevent the virus from spreading.

It is suggested by the CDC that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will be just as effective.

What You Need To Make Hand Sanitizer At Home

There is hand sanitizer gel and spray, so I will be sharing how to make both. In my opinion, the spray is better for sensitive skin because it contains water. But having both on hand is always helpful. Here are the things you will need:

For The Hand Sanitizer Gel

For The Hand Sanitizer Spray

For Both

How To Make Hand Sanitizer 

Before you start, make sure to put on gloves because alcohol can burn the skin. It is also flammable, this should not be made by kids. You’ll also need a large bowl and spoon that’s been washed with soap and water.

The Gel

  1. In a bowl place ¾ cup of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. You can get this at any drugstore but I usually have 91% Isopropyl Alcohol on hand. So most times I use it and add 2 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide. 
  2.  Add ¼ cup of Aloe Vera Gel and mix. This is just a moisturizer to protect your hands from drying out from the alcohol. It is also what gives you the gel consistency that’s desired.
  3. Then put in 6 to 10 drops of Essential Oil. Disclaimer: If you are like me and have very sensitive skin I suggest skipping this step. But if you have to have some scent stick to just 3 drops.
  4. Give the Hand Sanitizer another mix. Then use the funnel to pour it in the plastic bottles.
  5. Now you have your very own homemade hand sanitizer gel!

The Spray

  1. In a bowl, add ¼ cup of water. Make sure you are using water that’s been boiled for 5 to 10 minutes. Even if it’s bottled water, boil it first.
  2. If needed allow water to cool, then add 2 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide and stir
  3. To the Peroxide mixture, pour in ¾ of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
  4. Add in 2 to 3 teaspoons of Vitamin E Oil. This is another moisturizer to protect your skin. But it keeps the hand sanitizer in liquid form. If you are going to add essential oil just use 2 teaspoons of Vitamins E oil. You don’t want it too oily!
  5. Now add in 3 to 4 drops of essential oil. In my opinion, the spray doesn’t need as much fragrance as the gel, so that’s even better if you have sensitive skin.
  6.  Give it a good stir before funneling it into a Spray Bottle
  7. Now spray the germs away!

You can also use the spray recipe to make your own hand sanitizer wipes. Just pour it over paper towels until they are slightly moist. I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Let’s all do our part to stop the Coronavirus from spreading. For more information please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Keto Cinnamon Zucchini Bread

credit: healthyrecipesblogs.com

This is a recipe I adapted from Keto Resource. It’s their Zucchini muffin recipe. But because I’m allergic to almonds I had to make some changes. I also have never been able to find a good zucchini bread recipe. So I’m so excited to share this recipe, but the researcher in me can’t wait to share the information with either.

Official Website: Ketoresource.com

What Is Keto Resources

The Keto Resource team created the 28 day Keto challenge. It’s for keto diet beginners or those looking to create a supportive community. They do all the hard work for you with the 28-day meal plan and the 10 guides that cover eating on Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Keto flu, and more. What got me was the two bonus dessert recipe books. I’m allergic to chocolate but a book full of peanut butter desserts is my weakness. If you want to take the 28 day Keto challenge I suggest reading my Keto Beginner’s Guide then consult your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

My Problem With This Recipe And Keto In General 

I love food and researching it is my passion, but I have a lot of food allergies. So, cutting many things from my diet could leave me starving. However, to my surprise, I was able to adjust the recipe with ease and it still tasted great.

The Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup grated, drained zucchini

2 cup walnut flour

¼ cup coconut flour

1 cup cashew butter

4 tablespoons melted butter

3 eggs

2 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions Preparing: 10 min Cooking: 50 minutes

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, walnut flour, coconut flour, cashew butter, eggs, honey, melted butter, vanilla, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Step 3

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.

Step 4

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5

Cool the bread for 10 minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and if you would like to take the 28-day keto challenge check out Keto Resource.

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3 Ways To Cook Eggs In The Microwave

credit: makeitgrateful.com

We all have days when we don’t have time to cook a healthy breakfast. If you are like me you do one of two things: stop for greasy fast food or skip it altogether. Both options leave you at the snack machine by lunchtime. You either decided to just continue your eating pattern or are starving from skipping breakfast. But you can curve all of that with an egg, microwave, and three minutes to spare. 

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  1. Scrambled Eggs
credit: eggs.ca

Of course, scrambled eggs are first, it is the simplest to cook. You can throw in some cheese and vegetables for a very filling breakfast.

  1. Grab a coffee mug or microwave-safe dish.
  2. Place two cracked eggs inside, scrambling with a fork.
  3. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
  4. Microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds on high, scrambling every 30 seconds.

2. Sunnyside Up Egg

credit: seriouseats.com

This is my favorite method to use if I want a quick egg to put on top of noodles or cauliflower fried rice. It’s so easy and delicious!

  1. Get a microwave-safe plate and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Carefully crack the egg onto the plate
  3. Gently poke the yolk with the tip of a knife or fork. (I poke twice to be safe)
  4. Microwave 3 minutes on high, in 45-second intervals.
  5. Sprinkle with salt.

*Tip: You may not need the whole 3 minutes, as long as the egg is white around the edges and runny in the center.

Related: Delicious Keto Friendly recipes

3. Poached Egg

credit: simplyrecipes.com

This one won’t look like the traditional poached egg, but it gives you a more uniform egg and tastes great.

  1. Get a coffee mug and fill with ¾ cup water.
  2. Add a splash of white vinegar.
  3. Microwave the water and vinegar on high for 1 minute. 
  4. Crack the egg into the mug of warm liquid.
  5. Poke the yolk lightly with a knife. 
  6. Microwave for another minute on high.
  7. Remove from the mug with a fork then sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

*Tip: If you like the yolk more runny microwave for 45 seconds

I hope this has inspired you to make some eggs next time you’re short on time.

Note: Microwaves vary that’s why cooking in intervals is suggested.

THE ULTIMATE KETO GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

The ketogenic diet also called the keto diet for short, is the latest craze on the diet scene. Although research has been limited, it has been shown to help improve medical conditions like epilepsy and diabetes. It’s allowance of fatty foods while achieving weight loss, like bacon and cheese, also has made the diet a success. 

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But even a successful diet like keto leaves questions in our minds. Is the keto lifestyle for me? Will I have to give up bread and pasta? What does a keto meal plan look like? This guide will answer all these questions and more. But before you try any new diet consult with a health professional or nutritionist first.

What Is The Ketogenic Diet?

The Ketogenic diet is a high fat, protein, low carbohydrate way of eating. This pattern of eating helps the body achieve weight loss by ketosis. Ketosis is a state where the liver breaks down stored fat to make ketones for energy. The liver only produces ketones when it doesn’t have access to the number of carbohydrates needed to make fuel. The goal is to eat fewer carbohydrates to produce ketones so that your body can burn existing fat. This will speed up the metabolism to continue to burn fat as it is consumed.

TAKE THE 28-DAY KETO CHALLENGE!

4 Tips To Get Started On Keto

1. Decrease Carbohydrates Slowly: Remember a keto meal plan is a low carbohydrate meal plan, so you should still have some carbohydrates daily. There is nothing wrong with decreasing your carbs a little at a time. Track your normal carbohydrate intake and lower it each week. Especially if you are still deciding if the keto diet is right for you. Start by eating keto-friendly vegetables to meet your carb goal instead of sugary treats.

2. Have Fun Food Swapping: Honestly, following a keto meal plan will restrict some of the foods you love. But it can be fun eating mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes or spaghetti squash to replace pasta. Try experimenting in the kitchen to make new versions of your classic favorites.

3. Get Comfortable Increasing Good Fat: For the body to continue making ketones, fat-free or lite foods won’t do. Fat makes up more than half of the keto diet. So don’t be shy about cooking eggs in butter or putting avocado on a salad. You need healthy fats, like olive oil and butter, to make up for the reduction in carbohydrates. Fat keeps you fuller longer and prevents hunger in between meals. 

4. Customize Your Keto: Once you choose to go keto, you will have to decrease carb consumption to 20 to 40 grams for a couple of weeks to achieve ketosis state. But after that, you choose how you’ll continue the lifestyle. Some stick to strict carbohydrate reduction, but others gradually allow themselves more carbohydrates over time. It’s all about what feels good and works for you long-term

Beginner Shopping List

This is a list of the basic foods to get when starting the Ketogenic diet.

DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED RECIPES

Fruits And Vegetables: 

  • Cauliflower 
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli 
  • Zucchini 
  • Brussel Sprouts 
  • Tomato 
  • Avocado 
  • Raspberries 
  • Blueberries 
  • Strawberries 

Meats:

  • Canned or fresh tuna
  • Chicken Thighs
  • Bacon
  • Ribeye Steak

Dairy:

  • Heavy Cream
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Full Fat Plain Yogurt

Nuts:

  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Almonds 
  • Pistachios
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans 

 Fats:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Lard
  • Avocado Oil
  • Tallow

Sugar And Milk Substitutes:

  • Stevia
  • Sugar-Free Maple Syrup 
  • Almond Milk
  • Coconut Milk

Condiments(make sure some of these don’t contain sugar):

  • Yellow Mustard
  • Ranch Dressing
  • Hot Sauce
  • Mayonnaise 
  • Blue Cheese Dressing 

Snacks: 

  • Almond Butter
  • 85%-95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate 
  • Sunflower Seed Butter
  • Coffee
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Sugar-Free Candies And Desserts 

Some Foods To Avoid:

  • Bread Containing Grains
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Peas
  • Bananas
  • Corn
  • Mangos
  • Potatoes And Sweet Potatoes
  • Dried Fruits
  • Milk
  • White Sugar
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Brown Sugar
  • Low Fat Yogurt 
  • Beans
  • Grapes
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils 

GET A FULL KETO MEAL PLAN

What A Day Of Eating On A Keto Meal Plan Looks Like:

Breakfast: Three strips of bacon, sunny side up eggs, and a whole avocado.

Lunch: Canned tuna, raw spinach, and tomato salad topped with olive oil.

Snack: Strawberry Colada Smoothie: blend strawberries, coconut milk, stevia, and plain full fat yogurt blended 

Dinner: Baked chicken thigh with broccoli and cauliflower sauteed in butter and topped with cheese.

Dessert: Berries And Cream: Whip heavy cream and stevia together until stiff peaks form then fold in blueberries and raspberries and enjoy.

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