James Hendrickson, Author at Beating Broke

James Hendrickson is an internet entrepreneur, blogging junky, hunter and personal finance geek. When he’s not lurking in coffee shops in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find him in the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. James has a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelors degree on Sociology from Earlham College. He loves individual stocks, bonds and precious metals.

10 Foods in Your Kitchen That Are Secretly Killing You

February 5, 2024 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, we often scrutinize our exercise routines and sleep schedules, but what about the food we eat daily? Surprisingly, some common kitchen staples could be detrimental to your health over time. This article unveils ten everyday foods that might be secretly harming your health, and why it’s crucial to consume them with caution. Understanding these hidden dangers in your diet can be a game-changer for your long-term well-being.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats like sausages, bacon, and ham are convenient and tasty, but they come with a health cost. High in sodium and preservatives like nitrates, these meats are linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as carcinogenic to humans. Moderation is key, as is seeking out preservative-free alternatives.

2. Sugary Drinks

Sodas and other sugary drinks are mainstays in many kitchens, yet they’re one of the worst offenders for your health. Packed with excessive amounts of sugar, these beverages contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. Switching to water or natural fruit juices can significantly reduce these health risks.

3. White Bread

White bread might be a breakfast favorite, but it’s not the best choice for your health. Made from highly processed white flour, it’s low in essential nutrients and high in carbohydrates, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Opting for whole-grain alternatives can offer more nutritional benefits and better energy levels.

4. Margarine

Once hailed as a healthier alternative to butter, margarine is now known to contain trans fats, which are harmful to heart health. These fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. It’s better to use healthier fats like olive oil or even small amounts of butter.

5. Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are a quick and easy meal, but their high sodium content and preservatives make them a risky choice for regular consumption. They lack essential nutrients and can contribute to increased blood pressure and heart risk, especially when consumed excessively.

6. Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables might seem like a convenient way to get your greens, but they’re often loaded with sodium for preservation. Excess sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Fresh or frozen vegetables are healthier and more nutrient-rich alternatives.

7. Diet Foods

Diet foods, including low-fat snacks and diet sodas, often contain artificial sweeteners and other additives to make them taste better. These additives can disrupt your body’s natural hunger regulation systems and lead to weight gain and metabolic issues.

8. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn bags are lined with chemicals that can vaporize and mix with the popcorn. These chemicals, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been linked to various health issues, including cancer. Air-popped popcorn is a safer, healthier option.

9. Non-Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Non-organic produce often contains pesticide residues. Some of these pesticides have been linked to health problems like hormone disruption and cancer. Washing fruits and vegetables helps, but choosing organic where possible is a safer bet.

10. High-Mercury Fish

Fish is a healthy protein source, but some types like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel contain high levels of mercury. Mercury exposure can lead to neurological and developmental problems, especially in pregnant women and children. Opting for lower-mercury fish like salmon or mackerel is a healthier choice.

Food Choices

It’s eye-opening to realize that some of our everyday food choices could be impacting our health negatively. By making informed decisions about what we eat, we can significantly improve our overall health and well-being.

Are you ready to rethink your kitchen staples for a healthier lifestyle? Share this article to spread awareness and start making those smart food choices today! What food will you be swapping out of your diet? Let us know in the comments!

10 Unique Jobs for People Who Love Food More Than Anything

January 26, 2024 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

For those who live and breathe food, why not turn this passion into a career? The culinary world offers a smorgasbord of unique job opportunities far beyond the traditional roles of chefs and food critics. In this article, we explore ten such unique food-related jobs that cater to different aspects of gastronomy, promising both personal fulfillment and a chance to revolutionize the way we think about food.

1. Food Stylist

Food stylists are the artists behind the mouth-watering images in cookbooks, advertisements, and food packaging. They use their creative skills to make food look aesthetically pleasing and appetizing. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about understanding how to make a dish camera-ready with the right colors, textures, and compositions. This role is crucial in the marketing of food products and in making recipes come to life.

2. Flavor Chemist

Also known as flavorists, these professionals use chemistry to develop and enhance flavors in food and beverages. A flavor chemist’s job is a blend of science and creativity, requiring an in-depth knowledge of chemical processes and a keen palate. They are the unsung heroes behind the tastes of your favorite snacks and drinks, creating new flavors that can become the next big culinary trend.

3. Fermentation Specialist

Fermentation specialists are experts in the age-old art of fermenting food, a process that not only preserves food but also enhances its nutritional value and flavor. They work with foods like kimchi, kombucha, cheese, and sourdough bread. With the rising popularity of fermented foods for their health benefits, this career is more relevant than ever.

4. Food Photographer

A food photographer captures the beauty and appeal of food through their lens. This career requires a deep understanding of photography techniques and a knack for storytelling. Great food photography can evoke emotions and sensations, making it a powerful tool in the food and hospitality industry.

5. Culinary Tour Guide

Culinary tour guides combine their love for food and travel by leading gastronomic tours. They take people on culinary adventures, exploring local cuisines, markets, and restaurants. It’s about sharing the culture and history behind regional foods and providing an immersive dining experience.

6. Personal Chef for Specialized Diets

As a personal chef specializing in diets like vegan, gluten-free, or keto, you cater to clients with specific dietary needs. This job requires creativity in adapting traditional recipes to fit these dietary restrictions while ensuring the meals are nutritious and delicious.

7. Sensory Analyst

Sensory analysts conduct tests and surveys to understand how people perceive different food products through their senses. Their work helps in enhancing the sensory appeal of food, ensuring it meets consumer expectations. This role is a blend of science and sensory experience, making it perfect for those with a refined palate.

8. Food Historian

Food historians study the history and cultural significance of cuisines. They delve into how historical events, trade, and cultural exchanges have shaped the way we eat. This role is ideal for those who are as passionate about history as they are about food.

9. Agricultural Food Scientist

These scientists focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of food production. From developing new farming techniques to studying crop yields and food safety, their work is essential in meeting the global food demand.

10. Culinary Blogger or Vlogger

food bloggers — Just try. Positive good looking woman smiling while showing a spoon with muesli to her viewers

Culinary bloggers and vloggers share their passion for food through written posts or videos. They review restaurants, share recipes, and offer cooking tips. It’s a great way to build a community of fellow food enthusiasts and influence food trends.

Opportunities For Food Lovers

These ten careers offer a feast of opportunities for food lovers. Whether your interest lies in the art, science, history, or storytelling of food, there is a career path waiting for you in the vast culinary landscape.

Are you inspired to explore these food-centric careers? Share this article with fellow food enthusiasts or in thee comments with the food job of your dreams! Let’s discover the endless possibilities in the world of gastronomy together.

15 Hidden Features in Your Smartphone That Will Make Your Life Easier

January 25, 2024 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

Smartphones are amazing devices that can do so much more than just make calls and send messages. They are also packed with hidden features that can make your life easier, more productive, and more fun. Here are 15 of them that you might not know about.

1. Scan QR Codes Without An App

QR codes are everywhere these days, from product labels to restaurant menus. They can contain useful information, such as links, coupons, or contact details. But did you know that you don’t need a separate app to scan them? You can just use your smartphone’s camera app. Simply point your camera at the QR code and tap on the notification that pops up. You will be taken to the relevant website or app.

2. Use Your Phone As A Level

If you need to hang a picture or a shelf, you can use your phone as a handy level tool. Just open the Compass app on your iPhone or the Measure app on your Android phone and swipe left. You will see a level indicator that shows you how much your phone is tilted. You can also calibrate it by placing it on a flat surface and tapping the screen.

3. Turn Your Phone Into A Magnifying Glass

Sometimes you need to zoom in on something small, such as a fine print or a tiny detail. You can use your phone’s camera to do that, but there is a better way. You can turn your phone into a magnifying glass by enabling the Magnifier feature in the Accessibility settings. This will let you use your phone’s volume buttons to zoom in and out, and also adjust the brightness and contrast of the image.

4. Control Your Phone With Voice

You can use voice commands to control your phone without touching it. For example, you can say “Hey Siri” or “OK Google” to activate your virtual assistant and ask it to do things like set reminders, play music, or make calls. You can also use voice commands to perform specific actions on your phone, such as taking screenshots, opening apps, or adjusting settings. To enable this feature, go to the Voice Control settings on your iPhone or the Voice Access settings on your Android phone.

5. Use Your Phone As A Remote Control

You can use your phone as a remote control for various devices, such as smart TVs, streaming boxes, or game consoles. All you need is an app that supports the device you want to control. For example, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or the Android TV Remote Control app on your Android phone to control your smart TV. You can also use apps like Roku, Chromecast, or Xbox to control other devices.

6. Split Your Screen For Multitasking

You can split your screen into two windows and use two apps at the same time on your smartphone. This is useful for multitasking, such as watching a video while browsing the web, or checking your email while using a calculator. To do this, open one app and then swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold until you see the app switcher. Then drag the app you want to split to the top or left of the screen and release it. Then tap on another app to open it in the other half of the screen.

7. Translate Text In Real Time

You can use your phone’s camera to translate text in real time, such as signs, menus, or labels. This is handy when you are traveling or learning a new language. To do this, open the Google Translate app on your phone and tap on the Camera icon. Then point your camera at the text you want to translate and select the language you want to translate from and to. You will see the translated text overlayed on the original text.

8. Use Dark Mode For Better Battery Life

Dark mode is a feature that changes the color scheme of your phone’s interface from light to dark. This can make your phone easier on the eyes, especially at night or in low-light conditions. But did you know that dark mode can also save battery life? This is because dark mode reduces the amount of light emitted by your screen, which consumes less power. To enable dark mode, go to the Display settings on your phone and toggle on Dark Mode.

9. Unlock Hidden Games

Your smartphone has some hidden games that you can play for fun when you are bored or need a break. For example, you can play a dinosaur game on Chrome when you are offline by tapping on the dinosaur icon and then tapping anywhere on the screen to make it jump over obstacles. You can also play a snake game on Google Maps by swiping left from the menu and tapping on Play Snake.

10. Use Gestures For Faster Navigation

You can use gestures instead of buttons to navigate your phone faster and easier. For example, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to the home screen, swipe left or right from the edge of the screen to go back or forward, or swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel. To enable gestures, go to the Navigation settings on your phone and choose Gesture Navigation.

11. Scan Documents With Your Phone

You can use your phone’s camera to scan documents, such as receipts, invoices, or contracts. This can save you time and hassle, as you don’t need a scanner or a printer. You can also edit, sign, or share the scanned documents with ease. To do this, open the Notes app on your iPhone or the Google Drive app on your Android phone and tap on the Camera icon. Then choose Scan Documents and take a picture of the document you want to scan.

12. Use Your Phone As A Flashlight

You can use your phone’s flash as a flashlight when you need some extra light, such as in the dark or in an emergency. To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on the Flashlight icon. You can also adjust the brightness of the flashlight by using the slider that appears. To turn off the flashlight, tap on the icon again.

13. Use Your Phone As A Hotspot

You can use your phone’s cellular data to create a hotspot that you can share with other devices, such as laptops, tablets, or other phones. This can be useful when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or when you want to save money on data plans.

Go to the Personal Hotspot settings on your iPhone or the Mobile Hotspot settings on your Android phone and toggle on Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot. Then choose a password and a network name for your hotspot and connect your other devices to it.

14. Use Your Phone As A Ruler

You can use your phone’s screen as a ruler to measure small objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry. Use the feature by opening the Measure app on your iPhone or download a ruler app on your Android phone and place the object on your screen. Then use your finger to drag the measurement tool over the object and see its length in inches or centimeters.

15. Use Your Phone As A Mirror

You can use your phone’s front camera as a mirror when you need to check your appearance, such as before a meeting, a date, or an interview. To use this feature, open the Camera app on your phone and switch to the front camera by tapping on the camera icon. Then adjust the angle and lighting of your phone and see yourself on the screen.

Make Life Easier

These are some of the hidden features in your smartphone that will make your life easier. Try them out and see how they work for you. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might find it useful too!