Just Smart Living

Waterless Cooking: a sustainable alternative

2009-03-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

A recent article in the New York Times outlined one author's experiment with cooking using less water. His reasoning is that if everyone in the country cooked using a little less water than we are used to, we could save big on energy costs. Our oil consumption as a nation would be reduced by hundreds of thousands of barrels per year. Of course this immediately sparked my interest, because Justsmartliving is built in part on the premise that waterless cooking can help preserve the nutritional value of our foods.
So I was intrigued by the idea that pasta, a food we normally wouldn't think of trying to prepare without any water, could be prepared using only a fraction of what is considered adequate by most italian chefs. His tests proved that it could be done, without reducing the quality of the food.
Justsmartliving makes cookware that is designed specifically for the purpose of cooking waterlessly. Foods like vegetables and meat, that contain natural moisture, can be prepared without adding any water at all. But, as this article makes clear, it is also ideal for preparing other foods using only a fraction of the usual amount of water.
Waterless cooking has revealed itself as a method that benefits not only the body and health of the individual, but also the common good. In an age of drought and energy shortage, environmentally conscious people are turning to waterless cooking as a way of contributing to the conservation effort that is badly needed today.

Fast Food Risk?

2009-02-25T13:08:00.001-08:00

Recently, CNN reported on a study that showed a connection between fast food and risk of stroke. It was found that people who lived near more fast food outlets were more likely to become stroke victims. Rightly, they pointed out that the study does not prove a direct correlation, but the relationship does exist. Here's the video:

Interestingly, they pointed out that there are now many healthy alternatives available at the fast food chains. It is notable that by choosing foods like salads and yogurt, the intake of fat can be reduced. But is choosing a healthier fast food alternative the best way to optimize health? No way. Often these "healthful" alternatives are grossly overpriced, while the fatty, non-nutritious foods are frequently priced lower. Doesn't it seem like the fast food places still want us to buy the junkfood?
It does to me. While market demand has moved some places to carry healthy alternatives, the change has seemed anything but sincere. Why should anyone pay $8 for a salad & yogurt? It's absurd.

Cooking at home using fresh, healthful ingredients has always been the best value, and the best choice for your health.

Free Cutlery Sets are Back at Justsmartliving.com!

2009-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

We had such a huge response to our offer to include a Free Cutlery set with every Cookware order, that we decided to extend the offer in to the Spring season. These are durable, heavy, stainless steel kitchen knives that will serve you well for years to come, for Free! And these are no ordinary knives. They exhibit superior sharpness year after year of use. These knives are being sold elsewhere for up to $200! Get them at www.justsmartliving.com for free.

Choose any one of our Lifetime Guaranteed Waterless Cookware sets, and get the cutlery set free.

Is the Justsmartliving Water Ionizer for you?

2008-12-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

The Justsmartliving Water Ionizer

We're thrilled to introduce to you the Justsmartliving Water Ionizer. This fascinating device is bringing a groundbreaking Japanese technology to American homes everywhere. People who have been using the ionizer report that they feel more energized, alert, healthy, and experience a strong sense of well being and centeredness.

What does a Water Ionizer do?

A water ionizer is a small appliance that attaches to your kitchen faucet, similar to the way many popular water filters are installed. But a Justsmartliving Water ionizer does much more than simply filter your water. This device actually regulates the level of acidity in the water you drink, a measure scientists refer to as pH.

Optimizing the pH level of our drinking water has been shown to provide tremendous health benefits in users of all ages. A highly acidic environment in the body is believed to contribute to poor health. The American diet tends to create that environment through fatty foods and acidic beverages.

By regularly drinking water that has been optimized for drinking in this way, we can counteract the effects overly acidic foods.

What else does a Water Ionizer do

The Ionizer does more than just filter and optimize drinking water. It also allows you to increase
the acidity of water for other uses such as cleaning, or as an astringent.

You can also reduce acidity to an extremely basic level, referred to as an alkaline state, which is perfect for cooking and rinsing foods!

What about the cost?

The Justsmartliving Residential Water Ionizer is a truly powerful and versatile device. It serves multiple, and vital functions in the home. We're confident that just after a few weeks of use, it will become a staple for your family. Imagine enjoying pure, clean, pH balanced water everyday, cooking with water that brings out the natural flavors and nutrients in your food, and cleaning with water that naturally disinfects the surfaces in your home, all using the same dynamic device.

The cost of a water ionization unit for the home has typically ranged from $1,500 to $3,000 in the U.S., and was normally only purchased by those who had the means and the understanding of such a sophisticated piece of home equipment. Now the U.S. market has begun to better understand this technology which has been popular in Asia for many years. Demand is growing, and so we at Justsmartliving are able to offer the same incredible device for under a thousand dollars.

Is it easy to maintain?

Your water ionizer comes with 2 filtration units that are used simultaneously. They typically need to be replaced about once per year.

Justsmartliving provides a 2 year warranty on each unit. Our highly skilled technicians will repair your ionizer in our Southern California facilities should the need arise during the warranty period.

Best Juicer

2008-12-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

You or someone you know wants & needs a juicer. Having a juicer in the house is great! Vegetable and fruit juice is healthy, and its fun trying out & creating new flavor combinations. Kids definitely get in to it. They love making juice, and you can often sneak some veggies in without their noticing.

That’s the romanticized view of owning a juicer. We imagine all the fun and health benefits of whipping up wild creations and we love the idea! Right?

Sometimes though, someone will bring home a juicer that they paid hundreds of dollars for with a big grin on their face. Imagining all that excitement as they set it up, only to discover that the juicer they chose is way too big to sit on the countertop comfortably, is way too loud to fire up in the morning while family members are still sleeping, and is impossible to clean due to the many intricate moving parts involved. So after that first introduction to the wonderful world of juicing, it goes back in the box, along with all those dreams of family fun and superb health.
But now there’s hope! The Justsmartliving juicer is different.

First of all. Its small and light. That’s a practical quality for a juicer to have. Use it, quickly rinse it, and it goes back in the cupboard easily.

Notice we said “quickly rinse” in that last paragraph? Easier said than done right? Well, the Justsmartliving juicer is really easy and quick to clean, and we mean it. But as with all sticky substances, you have to rinse fruit juice right away or it gets a little more difficult. Our point is that the parts that need to be cleaned disassemble fast so you can go ahead and rinse, or toss in the dishwasher and move on with your life.

Now the third reason you’ve got to have this juicer, assuming you want a juicer, and you do want a juicer don’t you? It’s not terribly loud as is the case with some juicers out there. We won’t name names, but seriously, it can get obnoxious if your waking up to a wild grinding noise every morning. You won’t have a problem with ours. Its as quiet as a juicer ought to be.

Our forth reason we’re sure this juicer is the one for you gets a little scientific. Some juicer makers out there will tout their incredibly high motor speeds, claiming speed and efficiency. We love speed and efficiency at Justsmartliving, but if you’re juicer is running at a really high rpm, you’re actually heating up the fruit, which causes it to oxidize. Consequently, valuable nutrients and enzymes are lost. Well that won’t be a problem with this juicer. Don’t get us wrong, this juicer gets the job done with speed, but the efficiency principle dictates that if we lower our motor speed a bit, we can preserve the nutritional value of our juice. Sounds reasonable right? Google it. Lower speed is better. But if you really are a speed fanatic, just set it to “High” and you’ll be all set. The point is, with our juicer you have the option.

Fifth, and most important reason? Our juicer makes juicing fun again. The size, the ease of use & cleaning, its quietness, and versatility make it easy for any member of your family to whip up their own juicy creations any time of day. That’s the real reason we would ever want a juicer right? To conveniently make juice. And thats exactly what this juicer does.

2008-11-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has arrived just in time. For many of us, it will be a more humble season than it has been in the past. Indeed, the situation in America is capable of making us feel especially thankful for what we have, and what we’re being told we might lose.

There are reminders everywhere that this is the season to give, be charitable. That has become a bigger challenge this year, as our nation braces itself for a hard economic road.

Remember to be generous this year.

This isn’t a pitch to encourage you to buy cookware for everyone you know, although we’d like you to.

But be generous where it counts. Give food, time, friendship, and love. There are people in your life, and strangers who really need it.

Do You Love to Cook?

2008-11-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

Do you love to cook? Are you good at it? It seems there are those people who savor the opportunity to spend an evening in the kitchen preparing something wonderful for family and friends to enjoy. But many of us feel like there simply isn’t time for that kind of luxury—at least not on a regular basis. Others think they don’t have the knowledge or skill to make food that’s really good.

The truth is, anyone can learn to prepare delicious food at home with quality ingredients, a good recipe book, and the right equipment.

Often the secret to a really good meal is variety. Combining and pairing savory meats with fresh vegetables, soups, & pastas creatively has been the greatest pleasure of chefs and homemakers all over the world. But do you tend to avoid taking the time to prepare multiple courses in the evening because it seems time consuming? Many people do. Perhaps limited space in your kitchen is a concern as well.

The answer is to equip your self with a durable, versatile cooking system such as the Justsmartliving 22 Piece Set of Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware. Each piece plays a unique role in streamlining the time and effort you spend in the kitchen. There are 4 differently sized, durable pots, each equipped with the same conductive base, handles that stay cool to the touch, and thermometer equipped lid. There is a large, covered skillet, a heavy colander that fits seamlessly in to the skillet and 6 quart stockpot, a separate steamer basket that’s perfect for steaming and deep frying, 2 stainless steel bowls with covers for mixing, serving, and storing. We've even included a stainless steel whisk and a grater insert. There is also a transferable handle to allow you to handle any hot lid with ease. All for only $299.

Being properly equipped in your kitchen means you won’t be losing time waiting for a pot to free up so you can start another component of your meal.

The amazing thing about this cookware is that it is all contoured to stack one piece on top of the other. You could actually cook up to three courses on one burner of your stovetop at the same time! Justsmartliving cookware also allows you to cook waterlessly. Imagine preparing a delicious roast right on the stovetop without adding water, allowing your cookware to seal in the natural moisture & nutrients.

Get organized and properly equipped in your kitchen. Find a nice recipe online, and take the time to really enjoy your time in the kitchen. We’re sure Justsmartliving can help you become someone who loves to cook!

Here we are!

2008-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed a little upheaval in the past couple weeks if you were looking for Justsmartliving products online. That’s because we were busy moving to a new domain.

Here’s what was going on. Our initial home on the web was at www dot justsmartliving dot net. And things were working out ok. But we thought they could be better. A lot of our initial efforts to get the word out about Justsmartliving referred you to justsmartliving dot com, because hey, it just sounds right doesn’t it? But all of our content was actually hosted on a dot net with a redirect.

So in the spirit of transparency, we decided to just switch over completely, with no messy redirects. We realize in the process we might have caused some concern among those who became customers, and returned only to find an under construction page. We sincerely apologize for that. We’re still here.

So welcome back to Justsmartliving.com! To all of our new visitors, we promise we will be here when you need us.

Oh, you might have noticed a new look on our site as well. We did a little housecleaning.

Stainless Steel Cookware—The Sustainable Choice

2008-10-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sustainability has become a highly regarded topic in the past few years, and with good reason. We have finally as a society taken stock of what effects our commercial activities are having on our environment. Certainly, every industry has areas where improvement can be made. We often think of only businesses and large corporations as needing to improve their activities for the benefit of the planet. But each of us can contribute in our own homes, particularly in our choice of cookware for the purpose of this article.

Stainless steel is the most environmentally sustainable cookware available. The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) lists the following properties of stainless steel that illustrate that point.

Benefits of Stainless Steel
Corrosion resistance
Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while high-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chlorine bearing environments, properties which are utilized in process plants.
Fire and heat resistance
Special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain strength at high temperatures.
Hygiene
The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, kitchens, abattoirs and other food processing plants.
Aesthetic appearance
The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance.
Strength-to-weight advantage
The work-hardening property of austenitic grades, that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, and the high strength duplex grades, allow reduced material thickness over conventional grades, therefore cost savings.
Impact resistance
The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, from elevated temperatures to far below freezing.
Long term value
When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the least expensive material option.
Cycle of Stainless Steel
To ensure a high quality of life, the materials that we use as consumers and manufacturers should meet not only technical performance standards, but have a Long Service Life, be Usable in a Great Number of Applications, and be Environmentally Friendly. Once their service is complete, they should be 100% Recyclable, thereby completing the life cycle to be used once again. Stainless Steel is such a material.
The longevity of stainless is the result of the alloying composition and, therefore, it has a natural corrosion resistance. Nothing is applied to the surface that could add additional material to the environment. It does not need additional systems to protect the base metal, the metal itself will last.
Stainless steel needs less maintenance and its hygienic qualities means that we do not have to use harsh cleaners to get a clean surface. There is little or nothing to dump into the drain that could have an environmental impact.
Stainless steel products complete their service life. There is less concern about disposal since this material is 100% recyclable. In fact, over 50% of new stainless steel comes from old remelted stainless steel scrap, thereby completing the full life cycle.

Just Smart Living believes in Stainless Steel as the sustainable, environmentally friendly choice for the home. For that reason we offer cookware fashioned from this high grade steel at moderate prices, making a highly valued product available to everyone. Visit our online store and have a look at the versatile selection of Cookware available in our catalog right now! Just Smart Living

How To Save Money On Your Grocery Bill

2008-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of amitai gat

Grocery prices have been steadily rising for years. Which leads many growing families to cut back on buying nutritious foods in an effort to save money. But there is a much better strategy for saving money on groceries than simply buying less. Food is among our most basic and essential needs, and should really be the last thing we cut back on in an economic downturn. So how can a family save on groceries while still bringing home an adequate amount of food?

First, ditch the junk food. Often we buy foods that have no nutritional value simply because they are cheap. You might feel like you got a lot for your money if you fill your cart with chips, ramen, soda, and microwavable dinners; however in most cases these items will leave your family unsatisfied and unhealthy.

“But healthy food is so expensive!” Not really. Granted, if you buy packaged foods that are marketed to you as “diet”, “low-fat”, “low-carb,” or whatever the current fad is, you will pay a premium for the planning, packaging, and advertising that goes in to those products.

Here is the secret. Buy more raw ingredients and take the time to prepare healthy meals at home. One package of flour will go much farther than processed baked goods will. Find a store that offers reasonable prices on fresh produce and stock up on it. You might be surprised just how much fruits and vegetables you can buy once all the junk food has been eliminated from your list. Choose fresh meats and learn to season and prepare them at home. Let your family discover the incredible experience of enjoying quality home made meals! The high cost of frequently eating out won’t be an issue any longer either.

Genetically Altered Meats on the Horizon?

2008-09-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of mselderhius

A recent release from the FDA indicates that the U.S. government is taking steps to regulate the genetic alteration of animals for use in our food supply. ( AP)

Genetically altered animals that grow faster are a scientific reality, and now all that is left is to decide how we will responsibly make use of this technology. ( FDA)

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the FDA, is seeking comment from the public addressing concerns as to the implications of Genetic Engineering in our food supply. The concerns of the public may influence policy, if comments are submitted by November 18, 2008.

Whether the prospect of giving your family genetically altered meats scares you, or sounds like a reasonable solution to food shortage, now is the best time to voice your opinion where it counts. We're instructed to read the official FDA Guidance for Industry #187 before submitting comments to the FDA. More info and instructions on how to submit your concerns to the FDA can be found here

Its Easy to Prevent Food Borne Illness

2008-09-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Food born illness occurs when we eat something contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses, or chemicals. It is a constant danger in all of our homes that we can prevent by taking just a few simple steps in the kitchen.

Keeping the area of your home where food is handled clean will go a long way in preventing food borne illness. Frequently wash hands between tasks, and use hot water with soap on all the surfaces that food touches.

Uncooked foods, and unwashed produce may carry a parasite called Toxoplasma. Properly cooking and washing foods reduces the risk. But while preparing a meal, remember to keep raw meats and poultry separate from foods that are ready to eat or don’t require cooking.

It’s important to cook foods thoroughly to ensure safety from bacteria or parasites. The FDA recommends using a thermometer to ensure safe serving temperature of cooked foods. They’ve also made a handy chart available here that shows the appropriate temperatures.

Temperature is also very important when it comes to food storage. The FDA says that harmful bacteria can grow in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerators should be set below 40°F, and freezers below zero.

If you’re pregnant, some foods are not recommended even if they have been refrigerated properly because unborn infants are especially vulnerable to them. Avoid eating ready to eat foods at refrigerator temperature, such as luncheon meats, soft cheeses, pâtés, and smoked seafood. Stay away from unpasteurized dairy products too. These foods are ok unless you’re pregnant. But there is a risk of contact with Listeria, a bacterium that can grow in the refrigerator.

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Methylmercury is a dangerous metal that is found in large fish that we eat such as shark, mackerel, and swordfish. Pregnant women should avoid this kind of fish altogether and stick to seafood that has low mercury levels such as shrimp, tuna, salmon, and catfish. The FDA recommends that pregnant women limit themselves to 12 ounces of this low mercury seafood per week.

While consistently choosing nutritious foods will certainly improve our long-term health, making informed decisions right now can reduce the risk of someone in your family getting sick. You can find more detailed information at: www.cfsan.fda.gov and www.fightbac.org