Healthy Aggies at UC Davis

Picture this: it’s a beautiful spring day, and you have finished all of your studying and assignments for the week. You’re ready to relax and enjoy a delicious picnic with friends in the arboretum, your favorite sunny spot on campus, or even just your backyard.

We’ve got just what you need to make sure your picnic consists of mouth-watering recipes that are not only sure to impress your friends, but packed full of the nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and happy.

Bon appétit!

Tomato Watermelon Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds                           Photo: Epicurious

Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A, C, B1, and B6. The antioxidants derived from the vitamin A help fight off inflammation. Tomatoes also contain a vitamin A and C. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which has been proven to halt the growth of cancer cells. This recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Add your choice of fresh herbs such as dill, basil, and mint.

Homemade Pesto                               Photo: Kiss My Spatula

Rather than buying premade pesto at the store, simply make your own! All you need is a food processor or blending tool of some kind. Basil, the main ingredient in pesto, contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health. This recipe calls for walnuts, which are cheaper than the traditional pine nuts used in pesto. Combine with whole-wheat pasta and your choice of veggies such as zucchini, yellow onion, and tomatoes.

Peach Crisp

              Photo: Big Girls Small Kitchen

Peaches are in season May though October, so now is the perfect time to enjoy them! According to a study from Texas A&M, stone fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines have been shown to ward off obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.Try to get them local at the Davis Farmers’ Market for best quality and taste. This recipe for peach crisp is simple, only takes 30 minutes to bake, and can even be used with other types of fruits. Once you have your crisp, top it with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Mango and Mint Infused Tea                                             Photo: Katie’s Cucina

I’ll be honest I’m addicted to iced to of any kind, but this recipe really impressed me because of it’s great flavor without all of the sugar present in most tea drinks. The blend of mango and mint is unique as well as refreshing. Mangoes are a low-fat, low-calorie, cholesterol-free source of a variety of nutrients, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines. Mint also promotes digestion and soothes the stomach in cases of indigestion or inflammation. 

We’ve all had those days when we feel like there is not enough time to get everything done. With school, work, and extracurriculars in college it can be difficult to balance it all. Often enough sleep is the first thing to go when life gets busy: we think that extra hour or two that we sacrifice won’t make much of a difference.

In fact, sleep is one of the most important aspects when it comes to staying healthy.

Cortisol is a hormone that regulates many body functions, and is a strong determinant in how rejuvenating sleep will be. Cortisol is produced in a cyclic fashion with the highest levels being released in the morning and the lowest at night. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm, and an abnormal circadian rhythm can disrupt hormone levels and lead to inadequate sleep.

Exercise also affects sleep. A study published in the December 2011 Journal of Mental Health and Physical Activity found that 150 minutes of physical activity a week provided a 65% improvement in sleep quality.

Here are a few changes you can make to your diet to improve sleep quality:

Avoid Sugar and Processed Food

The glycemic index of a food reflects how our blood sugar level is affected by the particular food. Foods containing high sugar and low fiber have a high glycemic index and result in wider fluctuations in insulin levels than foods with a low glycemic index. The glycemic index of a meal affects the cortisol level for approximately the upcoming five hours. High glycemic index foods, such as sugar and refined starches, cause cortisol levels to rise. The cortisol will likely remain elevated until night, making it difficult to get to sleep.

Maintain a Regular Meal Schedule

Having a high glycemic meal is worse than not having a meal at all. The cortisol level tends to rise whenever you do not eat within the first five hours of the previous meal or snack. A rise above the normal range during the day almost guarantees that the nighttime cortisol will be high, thus disrupting REM sleep.

A single late meal or skipped meal or high glycemic index meal during the day can result in a high cortisol during the early part of the night. A cortisol level higher than it should be during the night results in a disruption of REM sleep and with it non-refreshing sleep.

Eat Protein with Every Meal

Low glycemic index foods such as eggs, meats, poultry, fish, and most vegetables tend to lower the cortisol level. Try to eat foods from the low glycemic index category every five hours during the day to keep the cortisol on its normal downward track. The high glycemic index of sugar or starch, including whole grains, requires consumption of nearly an equal weight of animal protein to maintain glycemic balance. Vegetables usually balance themselves in terms of glycemic index, but vegetables are not of sufficiently low glycemic index to balance grains. To prevent the upward swing of cortisol, balance all sugars and grains, including whole grains, with animal protein.

Use Sprouted Whole Grains

According to the American Nutrition Association, grains have been hybridized to contain about half the protein that they contained in 1900. In addition, non-sprouted grains are now used in flour and many commercial bread products, so many people consume them on a daily basis. Non-sprouted grains result in an inflammatory response in the gut that causes the secretion of excess cortisol into the intestinal tract. Look for bread that contains sprouted whole grains in order to avoid these effects.

Drink Tea

Select a calming herb tea such as chamomile.. This herbal tea lacks the caffeine found in traditional teas, and it has a calming effect on the body. Also, a warm liquid before bed can make you sleepy by raising body heat. In the evening, as you wind down, drink 1-2 cups. Calming herbs can help clear clogged or damaged neurotransmitter receptor sites, and increase the production of healthy neurotransmitters.

Last quarter I had the opportunity to work as a sports nutrition intern for Dr. Liz Applegate, Director of Sports Nutrition for Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Davis. I worked directly with both her and our Division 1 athletes, and learned a few things along the way. What I found was that if there is one thing that athletes need to know, it is how to eat. Athletes, especially at college and professional levels, are required to be very in tune with their bodies, spending years figuring out what method of nutrition works best. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or training to run your first 5k, use these tips to improve your performance.

Don’t Skip Breakfast

Dr. Applegate emphasized that one of the biggest mistakes athletes make is heading out for a run in the morning without eating anything first. Your blood sugar is already low when you wake up, so you should eat something rich in carbohydrates, like half a bagel or toast upon waking. That way, 30 to 45 minutes will have passed before you actually head out the door.

If you’re not used to eating in the morning, start small. Drink a glass of apple juice before your workout until your stomach adjusts, and then add in a piece of toast. Mixing in protein with cream cheese, peanut butter, or yogurt slows down your gastric emptying rate, so you’ll need more time between the time you eat and the time you hit the road.

Gwen Jorgenson, American professional triathlete and a member of the 2012 Olympic Team, likes to eat her favorite breakfast of oats with raisins, walnuts, bananas, peanut butter, honey and two poached eggs on top. Lauren Wenger, a current member of the USA Water Polo Women’s National Team and Olympic silver medalist says “Every single day, no matter where I am, I always eat one pack of instant oatmeal with a huge scoop of peanut butter for breakfast. It keeps me fueled and gives me enough energy for the morning practice.”

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water while you work out is great, but the fact that you are thirsty means you are already dehydrated. Athletes should be consuming .5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. To get enough water, try carrying around a water bottle with you throughout the day (see water bottle suggestions in previous post on Staying Hydrated).

Heather O’Reilly, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and two-time Olympic gold medalist, says “I wind up drinking more throughout the day when I carry around my water bottle, which keeps me going.” If you choose to consume sports drinks instead of water, avoid trying a new drink during competition. Sip on the same beverage you used during your training to stay hydrated, avoid any stomach issues, and  perform at your best.

Boost Your Immunity

One of the best things you can do to better your performance is to stay healthy, which means including antioxidant rich  superfoods in your diet. Incorporate whole-grain carbs, lean proteins, and colorful fruits and veggies into snacks and meals every day. The more color on your plate, the better. Another way to stay healthy is to eat Greek yogurt, which is high in probiotics. Sprinkle some walnuts and fruit or flax seeds on top for an extra antioxidant boost.

British snowboarder Zoe Gillings, who competed in Snowboard Cross at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, says her favorite snacks include: berries and nuts with Greek yogurt; turkey and avocado wholegrain wraps; tuna salad with basmati rice; oat bars and milk; homemade smoothies; and cottage cheese with Ryvita crackers.

Multivitamins are another weapon against sickness. Erin Hamlin, a two-time luge Olympian, says “I recently started taking a variety of vitamins like vitamin C, calcium and fish oil, because fresh, nutrient-rich foods are hard to come by in some places.”

Eat for Health

Dr. Applegate has said one of the biggest nutrition mistake she sees athletes, especially female athletes, make is reducing their caloric intake in an attempt to be lean. This causes reduced stores of carbohydrates in your body, which are essential for training and performing, and can then lead to muscle breakdown. This leads to your body using protein as an alternative fuel source.

Swimmer and 12-time Olympic Medalist Natalie Coughlin says, “I don’t have a ‘strict’ diet but eat very healthy. I prefer to eat healthy because it makes my body feel so much better. And healthy food doesn’t necessarily mean tasteless. Healthy food can be delicious when you take advantage of herbs, spices and seasonal food. I focus on what is in season, with a big emphasis on veggies and fruits. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but when I do I indulge with pastured, sustainably raised meats from local farmers.” Coughlin also maintains her own garden at her Lafayette, CA home that includes ten citrus trees, seven seasonal vegetable beds, and five chickens for eggs.

Recover the Right Way

Within 30 minutes after finishing a high-intensity and/or endurance activity, you should consume a mix of protein and carbohydrates, such as a glass of chocolate milk or a whey protein shake. This will help reduce muscle soreness and aid in your muscle recovery. Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, the first NFL quarterback to win 23 games in his first two seasons, drinks a shake rich in protein and carbohydrates immediately after a game and a protein-rich meal two hours later. When recovering, avoid processed carbohydrates, which increase inflammation, and opt for anti-inflammatory foods, like cherries, walnuts, or kale instead.

Photo Credit: UC Davis

Nothing compares to the taste of a cucumber or tomato just picked from the vine from your own backyard. Gardening is a fun physical activity, providing you great tasting produce while saving you trips to the store. In addition, it’s a perfect way to learn about where food comes from and appreciate how much effort goes in to producing the foods we eat every day.

Here are a few easy steps to gardening and growing your own nutritious food:

Create your space. If you’re starting your garden on a patch of lawn, you can build up from the ground with raised beds, or plant directly in the ground. Building raised beds is a good idea if your soil is poor or doesn’t drain well. This approach is usually more expensive, however, and requires more initial work than planting in the ground. Before buying plants or seeds, calculate how much space you have (ground or container) that gets adequate sun. Most vegetable plants require at least six hours of light each day.

Know what grows. When buying your plants, ask what varieties will do best in the conditions you have to work with. For example, several compact tomato plants do particularly well in containers. If you are a novice gardener, consider buying seedlings. Doing so increases your chances of success, especially with crops such as eggplants, peppers and tomatoes which require a long growing season.

Check your soil quality. If you aren’t sure about the quality of soil in your backyard, use a testing kit to see if you need to reinforce it with any nutrients. After you’ve planted your plants, add some mulch. Just about any organic matter, such as straw or grass clippings, can be used as mulch. Mulch deters weeds, helps retain moisture, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decays

Start small. Your garden can be as simple as a potted tomato plant or a few herbs (see earlier post Five Herbs Worth Trying!). Here are some instructions on how to start an herb garden. All you need are some small pots, soil, seeds, and sunny spot in your house. Also practice patience when gardening. Rather than trying to plant your garden during one busy weekend, space your planting out over the course of several weeks by using short rows. Every time you harvest a row or pull one out that has stopped producing, try to plant a new one. This is known as “succession planting”.

Maintain your garden. Fruits and vegetables are made mostly of water, so you’ll need to make sure your plants are getting enough to drink. This is especially important for seedlings that haven’t developed a deep root structure. You’ll want to water them lightly every day or two. Once the crops are maturing, they need about an inch of water per week, and more in sandy soils or hot regions.

Learn more about growing you own food at the Resident Garden at Segundo: a space for all on-campus residents to learn about edible plants, how they are grown and cared for and how they can be prepared after harvesting.

It is understood that sun exposure is among the top causes of skin damage. But did you know that scientific evidence shows eating certain types of foods could help to prevent the damage that sun does to our skin and decrease the risk of sunburn? In most cases, you need to start eating those foods 8-10 weeks before you hit the beach in order to get the best results. This means that now is most probably the best time to get started! Don’t skimp on the sunscreen though, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends at least one ounce (two tablespoons) to cover the entire body surface applied a half-hour before going outside and reapplied at least every 2 hours outdoors.

Here is a list of foods you should be stocking up on:

1. Dark Chocolate

Believe it or not chocolate lovers, dark chocolate actually acts as a shield from the sun. It contains phenol compounds that help to decrease the risk of developing cancer, and antioxidants called flavonoids. Antioxidants help protect our skin from sunburn and skin cancer by canceling out the free radicals in the body that are created by prolonged sun exposure. Look for chocolate made of 65 percent or more raw cocoa, and aim to eat one square a day.

2. Tomatoes

According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, 20 healthy women, ages 21 to 47, who ate a quarter cup (or four tablespoons) of tomato paste in olive oil every day for three months were more protected against sunburn than those who consumed olive oil alone. Side note: olive oil can help to reduce reddening from sun exposure by 35%, according to an article from World’s Healthiest Foods. Tomatoes and tomato-based products are a major source of an antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene helps to neutralize the damaging effects of UV light and eating lycopene-rich foods can help prevent your skin from aging. Add tomatoes to your salad or sandwich, or enjoy pizza with tomato sauce.

3. Green Tea

Green tea holds numerous health benefits for the immune system and metabolism, and it also helps to soothe sunburns. Drinking one to two cups of this antioxidant-rich tea a day helps to reduce the redness of sunburn. Green tea also contains EGCG, a natural chemical that fights free radicals, decreases inflammation from the inside out, and may ultimately prevent the development of skin cancer. Look for decaf tea, because caffeine is a dehydrating agent. Your skin stores fluid, and if your internal core is fluid-depleted the body will try to scavenge all the fluid it can from its surface which dries out the skin.

4. Red Peppers


Bell peppers contain an antioxidant called capsiate, which decreases skin damage caused by UVB rays. Peppers also help to reduce inflammation from sun exposure. Add red peppers to pizza, try some rep pepper hummus, or try this recipe for stuffed bell peppers.

5. Garlic


Not only does garlic detoxify and reduce bloating, it also can protect the skin from the aging effects of UV radiation. Garlic contains a natural compound called allicin, which has strong antioxidant and healing properties. Add garlic to your pasta for some extra flavor or saute some veggies with garlic.

6. Pomegranates

Pomegranate seeds have polyphenols, which protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. Scientists have discovered that nutrients in pomegranates can reduce the ability of UVB radiation to cause cancer-promoting damage in skin cells, including alteration of NF-kappa, a pre-cancerous biomarker. Pomegranates also have high antioxidant content, and have been found to offer anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin.

7. Carrots 
& Sweet Potatoes

These orange veggies have carotenoids (plant pigments that are rich antioxidants), which help to protect against sunburn because of their antioxidant properties. Both carrots and sweet potatoes are a major source of skin-protecting beta-carotene.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon contains lycopene—also found in tomatoes— that can decrease your chance of redness from sunburn. Enjoy a summer salad with these four ingredients: cubed seedless watermelon, crumbled or diced feta, whole mint leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Strawberries, Kiwis, and Oranges

High in vitamin C, these fruits are great for killing off free radicals that your body produces in response to the cellular damage caused by exposure to sunlight. Kiwi packs more vitamin C per ounce than any other fruit. Citrus fruits like oranges contain large amounts of the skin-cell protective compound called limonene. These fruits also contain flavonoids, which improve the skin’s ability to recover from sun damage.

10. Almonds and Sunflower Seeds

Top off a salad, yogurt, or smoothie with slivered almonds or sunflower seeds—both contains vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant that protects against sun damage. This vitamin has also been proven to slow the aging of skin cells and diminish the appearance of scars

Find these foods and more at the UC Davis Dining Commons and look out for some exciting special events going on during the spring quarter!

Did you know that some food can actually help you think better?

If you’re feeling forgetful, it could be due to a lack of sleep or a number of other reasons including genetics, level of physical activity, and lifestyle and environmental factors. However, there’s no doubt that diet plays a major role in brain health.

The best menu for boosting memory and brain function encourages good blood flow to the brain — much like what you’d eat to nourish and protect your heart. A recent study found that the Mediterranean Diet helps in keeping aging brains sharp: a growing body of evidence links foods like those in the Mediterranean Diet with better cognitive function, memory and alertness.

Here’s how to eat your way to success during this upcoming finals week.

Eat your veggies.

Getting adequate vegetables, especially cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, may help improve memory. Try a raw kale salad or substitute collard greens for the tortilla in your next sandwich wrap.

This recipe for broccoli stir-fry is an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

Load up on berries and cherries.

Dark berries like blackberries, blueberries and cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that boost memory function. Enjoy a handful of berries for a snack, mixed into cereal or baked into an antioxidant-rich dessert. You can reap these benefits from fresh, frozen or dried berries and cherries.

Try this recipe for a delicious blackberry and blueberry smoothie.

Get enough essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Essential for good brain health, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may help improve memory for healthy young adults. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain, therefore increasing levels of DHA in the blood will help the brain operate more efficiently. Seafood, algae and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and herring are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute fish for meat a couple of times each week to get a healthy dose. Grill, bake or broil fish for ultimate flavor and health.

Try this recipe to enjoy seared salmon tacos with sriracha ranch sauce, snack on sardines or enjoy seared tuna on salad greens for dinner. If you don’t eat fish, you can get DHA from fish oil supplements.

Work in walnuts.

Well known for a positive impact on heart health, walnuts also may improve working memory. Walnuts are also one of the best plant-based sources of alpha-linoleic acid, another omega-3 fatty acid. Snack on a handful of walnuts to satisfy midday hunger, add them to oatmeal or salad for crunch or mix them into a vegetable stir-fry for extra protein.

photo by Martha Stewart

Try this recipe for oatmeal bars with walnuts and dates and take them on-the-go to your tests and study sessions.

Remember, these foods are not just good for the brain! They also sustain a healthy heart and all parts of the body to support lifelong good health.

It’s common knowledge that most college students are glued to their smart phones. I know I am guilty of using apps for just about everything. Recently, I have become aware of just how many great apps there are that concern food and nutrition. I decided to test a few and came up with this list of apps that are worth a try. Whether you are looking for new recipes, a vegetarian restaurant, or tips to make cooking easier, the solution may be just one click away!

1. Aggie Dish

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS (mobile web version on Android)

This app allows you to view a complete menu of what is offered daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night at Segundo, Cuarto, and Tercero Dining Commons at UC Davis. You are able to view a description of the dish as well as its nutrition facts for each meal item. In addition, the app tells you how many “happy healthy apples” a dish contains, which is an indicator of its nutrient density. A very nutritious dish has three apples, and apples are subtracted for negative aspects such as high sodium, high levels of saturated fat, and chemical additives. Common allergens that appear in dishes such as gluten, soy, and dairy are displayed, as  well as finding out if a dish is vegan or vegetarian. Aggie Dish also features a list of dining locations both on and off campus that accepts Aggie Cash. I highly recommend Aggie Dish for anyone who eats on campus regularly, or who wants to check out what the DC has to offer. To download, visit http://dining.ucdavis.edu/aggiedish.html

2. Farmstand

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS

Farmstand makes eating local easy to do by making it simple to find farmers’ markets, community gardens, and restaurants and events that serve local food. This app supplies the location, distance, and hours for local markets and events (such as Food Day) taking place. Markets appear on a map and a list sorted by distance. Also provided is contact or website information for local markets. You can also share content, reviews and photos within the app and via Facebook and Twitter

3. Local Eats

Price: $0.99

Platform: Apple iOS

The Local Eats app is perfect when you are exploring a new city and want quality food, but are not sure where to go. This app shares my philosophy that although chain restaurants are one option, it’s not nearly the same as trying out a locally-owned dining establishment. The app uses the iPhone’s GPS receiver to identify your location and pull up restaurants that are nearby. You can also search restaurants alphabetically or by category. Choosing “Best in Category” allows you to find top-rated restaurants for each type of cuisine. The app provides links to restaurant descriptions, contact information, websites, directions and comments and reviews by other users.

4. Cook’s Companion

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS

Ever been uncertain about how to use a certain cooking tool, or unfamiliar with an ingredient that a recipe requires? Then this app is for you. This kitchen reference app provides cooking tools including a timer, ingredient dictionary, equipment list, measurement converter, and a glossary of kitchen terms. The glossary provides a complete description and image of the equipment and how to use, handle, clean and store it. The measurement converter makes it easy to go from ounces to grams, milliliters to tablespoons, Celsius to Fahrenheit and more. My favorite feature is the ingredient dictionary, which identifies obscure foods such as aduzki beans and includes tips on selection, cooking, and storage.

5. Delicion

Price: Free initial download, in app purchases begin at 1.99

Platform: Apple iPad only

Delicion is perfect for those seeking gluten, grain, and soy free recipes. With appetizing images and easy step-by-step instructions, this app makes eating with special diet easier and more fun. Delicion allows you to adapt recipes to meet additional dietary needs such as vegan and vegetarian, Paleo, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and low carbohydrate. Other features include the ability to add notes to each recipe to personalize the experience, and scale recipes for a small or large group. Shopping lists are available by recipe and can also be organized by grocery store aisle and shared via email.

6. Meal Makeover

Price: $1.99

Platform: Apple iOS

Meal Makeovers is a recipe app created by registered dieticians that features healthier, more nutrient-rich versions of family favorites. Familiar recipes are modified into healthy family recipes in categories from kid food to holiday classics, main entrees and sides as well as vegetarian options. The searchable database of over 50 recipes includes recipes such as Black Bean Enchiladas, Nutty Banana “Ice Cream” and tuna salad with raisins. Meal Makeover allows you to save favorites, rate and review recipes, and add ingredients from the recipes directly to your shopping list. 

7. Cooking PlanIt

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS

Cooking PlanIt simplifies the cooking process and saves time by helping home cooks prepare a complete meal with everything ready at the same time. Automatic timers alert you when each component is ready to move to the next step, and voice or visual commands prompt cooks to prep ingredients for immediate and later use. There is even the option to build in breaks to relax and cleanup. The app also features preplanned menus that come with a synchronized and preplanned shopping list. Search by ingredient, type of dish, occasion and an extensive list of diet restrictions including no onion, no pork, no nuts, gluten-free and more.

8. Real Simple Recipes: No Time to Cook?

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS

Real Simple Recipes makes it easy to create delicious recipes even on a busy night. The first screen of the app displays three time options: 40 minutes, 30 minutes and 20 minutes. It also displays a basic selection of food categories like poultry, beef, seafood and vegetarian. Picking a type of dish and a time frame then allows you to sort through the app’s collection of 850 recipes. Real Simple Recipes includes kitchen timers and how-to videos along with its cooking instructions. Favorite recipe and shopping list features are also offered.

9. Veggie Spots

Price: 2.99

Platform: Apple iOS

A vegetarian friend of mine recently had the experience of going to a restaurant where the only menu item she could order was a side of broccoli. Not exactly a complete meal, am I right? This app will make it so that never happens. The application accesses a database of restaurants that are vegan, vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly. You can search by your current location or enter a custom location, perfect if you’re visiting an unfamiliar city. Sort results by user ratings, alphabetical order, or on a map showing distance from your current location.

10. Epicurious

Price: Free

Platform: Apple iOS

This app, based off the epicurious website, divides recipes into categories like healthy lunches or decadent desserts. Select the category you want, browse the contents and choose your dish. The app will tell you the ingredients and kitchen tools you will need to prepare the meal. Use the app when browsing the aisles at your local grocery store to make sure you pick up everything you need. It even has an interactive shopping list that lets you check off items as you pick them up so you don’t forget a thing. Then it’s time to get cooking. Each recipe has clear instructions on how to go from raw ingredients to the final dish. Create a successful meal and you may want to flag the recipe as a favorite – that will make it easier to return to if you want to recreate the same dish later.

What are your favorite food apps? Will you be using any listed here? Share below!