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Smart Swaps and Budget-Friendly Ingredients for Heart-Healthy Meals

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Last Updated on August 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Heart-Healthy Meals (Family Features) Rising food costs can make healthy eating a challenge for many families. In fact, a poll conducted by Research!America found about 60% of Americans cite the cost of healthy food as their single biggest barrier to achieving better nutrition. “Food is deeply rooted to family and community,” said Arlen Vanessa Marin, M.S., R.D., a national volunteer for the American Heart Association. “Recipes are passed down through generations, but as grocery prices rise, finding creative ways to stretch your budget while maintaining a nutritious diet is key. Simple swaps – like homemade vinaigrettes instead of sugary bottled dressings, frozen veggies instead of fresh or lentils instead of processed meat – can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor.” Consider these simple tips from the experts at the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, to help you enjoy your favorite meals while keeping both your heart and wallet happy. Protein Without the Price Tag If you’re looking to add more protein without overspending, try these affordable, nutrient-packed options:
  • Beans and other legumes are protein-packed, high-fiber choices for heart-healthy meals. Add them to soups, stews or salads, or enjoy them as dips with whole-grain crackers or tortillas. Choose canned, no-salt-added varieties for a quick and healthy option.
  • Tofu and tempeh are versatile, plant-based staples that are rich in protein. Add silken tofu to miso soup, stir-fry firm tofu with garlic for a heart-smart meal or add tempeh to noodle dishes and curries.
  • Ground turkey or chicken are leaner, often more affordable alternatives to ground beef. For a budget-friendly twist, try them in dishes like turkey picadillo or homemade tacos.
Better Grains for Your Heart White rice is a staple in many diets, but it can spike blood sugar. When refrigerated and reheated, it can increase resistant starch while also raising the risk of harmful bacteria. Consider these ways to keep it heart-smart:
  • Brown rice is a fiber-rich alternative to white rice that pairs well with almost any dish.
  • Quinoa is another protein-rich grain that works in soups, salads and side dishes.
  • Barley is used in many Asian soups as a whole-grain swap.
Canned, Dried and Frozen Alternatives Healthy eating doesn’t mean you have to buy everything fresh, especially when fresh food isn’t readily available. Canned, dried and frozen foods can be just as nutritious and help eliminate costly food waste from spoilage as they stay edible longer. Check nutrition labels for low-sodium, no-salt-added and no-sugar-added options.
  • Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and frozen to lock in nutrients. Use them in stir-fries, soups, smoothies or as quick side dishes.
  • Canned tuna is packed with omega-3s, wallet-friendly and easy to mix with salads, sandwiches or in brown rice bowls.
To find more tips and budget-friendly recipes, visit recipes.heart.org.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: American Heart Association

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Food and Beverage

Mix a Little Luck into Your Big Game Menu

Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from this Good Luck Guac recipe.

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Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from this Good Luck Guac recipe.

Mix a Little Luck into Your Big Game Menu

(Family Features) Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac. After all, an estimated 250 million pounds of avocados are consumed during the Big Game each year, according to Hass Avocado Board Volume Data. That’s enough to fill 30 million football helmets with guac – but filling your belly instead is a win-win for good luck and great flavor. Dip into good fortune this football season with help from Avocado From Mexico’s Guac Guru, Rob Riggle, whose visionary Good Luck Guac recipe is ready to share just in time for the Big Game. Whether you’re in it for the football, the commercials or the snacks, this recipe can score major points with your entire crew. 17749 detail embed1Crafted for fans of every team, this bold, golden twist on a favorite football snack is infused with ingredients associated with good luck – edible gold flakes and pomegranate seeds – to get you through the most nail-biting moments of the game. The star ingredient is fresh, high-quality Avocados From Mexico that offer good taste, good nutrition, and good times. Beyond delicious dips, chips and lots of fun, hosting a watch party can also be a lot of work. Make sure your hosting duties don’t create interference or put you on the sidelines with these tips: Get a jumpstart on party prep. The day before the game, tidy up your space and prepare as much of the food as you can. For dishes best served fresh – like guac – take care of the ingredient prep, like chopping veggies. Create comfortable seating and viewing areas. For a watch party, you’ll want plenty of room for guests to sit comfortably where they can see the screen and have easy access to the guac. If there’s not enough space in the living room to fit everyone, consider bringing a TV to the kitchen so people can snack and watch at the same time. Know your guests. From non-alcoholic beverage options to additional entertainment like board games and kid-friendly activities, become a next-level party host by providing a setup tailored to your guests’ needs. One thing almost everyonecan agree on: Guac made with Avocados From Mexico can be the star of nearly any party’s snacking lineup. Make it your team’s lucky day with more game day recipes at AvocadosFromMexico.com/recipe.   17749 detail embed2

Good Luck Guac

Recipe courtesy of Rob Riggle on behalf of Avocados From Mexico
  • 4          Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled
  • 1          tablespoon lime juice
  • 1          tablespoon onion, minced
  • 3          tablespoons pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1          pinch edible gold leaf flakes
  1. In large bowl, mash avocados until chunky-smooth.
  2. Fold in lime juice, onion, pomegranate seeds and salt until well combined.
  3. Garnish with edible gold leaf flakes.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE:

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/


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Food

What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?

Comfort foods go beyond taste—they offer emotional reassurance, cultural identity, and nostalgia. Learn why we crave them and how they connect us.

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Comfort foods go beyond taste—they offer emotional reassurance, cultural identity, and nostalgia. Learn why we crave them and how they connect us.

What Are Comfort Foods—and Why Do We Crave Them?

Food & Beverage | The Knowledge Comfort foods are more than just meals—they are emotional touchstones. From a bowl of chicken noodle soup to a plate of mac and cheese, comfort foods provide familiarity, warmth, and reassurance during moments of stress, illness, or nostalgia. While comfort foods vary by culture and personal experience, their purpose is universal: they make us feel grounded, safe, and connected.

What Defines Comfort Food?

Although comfort foods differ from person to person, they often share common characteristics:
  • Familiar and nostalgic – Foods tied to childhood or family traditions
  • Warm and filling – Soups, casseroles, stews, and baked dishes
  • Emotionally satisfying – Comforting beyond physical hunger
  • Rich in carbohydrates or fats – Which can influence mood-regulating chemicals in the brain
These foods are rarely chosen for convenience alone—they’re chosen because they feel like home.

The Science Behind Comfort Foods

There is real science behind why comfort foods make us feel better. Carbohydrate-rich foods can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and promote a sense of calm. Warm foods also play a role. Studies suggest that warmth can enhance feelings of safety and emotional comfort, which may explain why soups, stews, and hot meals are commonly craved during stressful times or colder seasons. In short, comfort foods don’t just satisfy hunger—they support emotional well-being.

Comfort Foods Are Cultural

Every culture has its own version of comfort food, shaped by tradition, availability, and shared history:
  • United States: Mac and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes
  • Mexico: Tamales, pozole
  • Italy: Pasta, lasagna
  • Japan: Ramen, curry rice
  • India: Dal with rice
What makes these foods comforting isn’t the recipe—it’s the memory and meaning attached to them.

Why We Turn to Comfort Foods

People often crave comfort foods during moments of emotional or physical vulnerability, including:
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Illness or fatigue
  • Homesickness
  • Major life changes
  • Celebrations and family gatherings
In uncertain moments, familiar flavors help restore a sense of normalcy and emotional balance.

More Than a Meal

Comfort food isn’t about indulgence or nutrition alone—it’s about connection. These dishes link us to people, places, and moments that shaped us. That’s why comfort foods endure across generations, cultures, and changing trends. Comfort food doesn’t just feed the body. It feeds the moment.

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Food and Beverage

Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason

Teremana Tequila and Wingstop team up for Fans of Flavor: wing-and-margarita pairings, a pairing generator, and a sweepstakes through Feb. 8.

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Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Teremana Tequila and Wingstop team up for Fans of Flavor: wing-and-margarita pairings, a pairing generator, and a sweepstakes through Feb. 8.

Teremana® The People’s Margarita and Wingstop Original Hot Wings

Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason

Teremana® Tequila is bringing the good energy to game day. In a new “Fans of Flavor” partnership announced Jan. 9, 2026, the premium tequila brand founded by Dwayne Johnson is teaming up with Wingstop—the global wing brand known for fresh, made-to-order chicken wings, bold flavors, and its iconic housemade ranch—to help fans turn watch parties into full-on flavor celebrations. The idea is simple: rival teams may split the room, but wings and margaritas are universal.
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop 1

Teremana Tequila and Wingstop

Wings + Margaritas: A Game Day Pairing Worth Building Around

From now through Feb. 8, fans can explore wing-and-cocktail combinations using the new Fans of Flavor pairing generator, built to match Wingstop’s signature flavors with Teremana margarita recipes. It’s a fun way to level up the table—where the food, drinks, and people become the main event. Here are a few standout pairings highlighted in the launch:
  • Wingstop Original Hot wings + Teremana® The People’s Margarita for a tropical twist on a classic heat-forward flavor
  • Wingstop Spicy Korean Q wings + Teremana® Spicy Margarita for heat that builds and keeps the party going
  • Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings + Teremana® Strawberry Margarita for a fresh, fruity contrast against savory richness

Sweepstakes: Win the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest

The partnership also includes a nationwide sweepstakes offering fans a shot at a seriously upgraded watch party. One grand prize winner will receive the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest, featuring:
  • Wingstop gift cards
  • Game day drink funds
  • A 75″ TV
  • Support for a private bartender and party essentials
Plus, 60 additional winners will each receive Teremana drink cash prizes and a Wingstop gift card—an extra nod to the 60th anniversary of football’s biggest game. Official rules and prize values are available at TeremanaFansofFlavor.com.

“Mana” Meets Flavor: The Point of the Partnership

At its core, this collaboration is built around shared moments—bold taste, good company, and the kind of food-and-drink spread that makes people linger a little longer. Teremana’s brand philosophy centers on Mana—good energy that brings people together—and the pairing concept fits naturally into how fans already celebrate postseason football. “Wingstop has always delivered on bold flavor, and that spirit shows up naturally in how people enjoy Teremana on game day,” said Richard Black, CEO of Teremana® Tequila. “The best game day moments don’t happen by accident, they come from good energy, great flavor, and the people you share them with.”

Three Teremana Margarita Recipes to Try at Home

If you’re hosting—or just want to bring a little “Fans of Flavor” energy to your next game day meal—Teremana shared three margarita recipes designed to pair with Wingstop favorites.

Teremana® The People’s Margarita

Paired with Wingstop Original Hot Wings Ingredients
  • 2 oz Teremana Blanco
  • ¾ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz agave nectar
  • 1 oz pineapple juice (to taste)
Preparation
  • Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
  • Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple leaves.

Teremana® Spicy Margarita

Paired with Wingstop Spicy Korean Q Wings Ingredients
  • 2 oz Teremana Blanco or Reposado
  • ¾ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz agave nectar
  • 2 jalapeño slices (remove seeds)
Preparation
  • Muddle jalapeños in a shaker.
  • Add Teremana, lime juice, and agave.
  • Shake with ice.
  • Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with jalapeño slices.

Teremana® Strawberry Margarita

Paired with Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings Ingredients
  • 2 oz Teremana Blanco
  • 1 oz strawberry puree
  • ¾ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz agave nectar
Preparation
  • Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
  • Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a strawberry slice and lime wheel.

Where to Follow + Learn More

Fans can follow along for pairing inspiration and sweepstakes updates at @teremana and @wingstop. For more information—and to find a Teremana retailer near you—visit Teremana.com/FansofFlavor. Source: Teremana Tequila (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026) Resource link: Teremana Fans of Flavor Sweepstakes + Pairing Generator Learn more and find a Teremana retailer near you

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/


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