Archives for February 2022

If you currently reside in a country club, you may want to consider purchasing your very own golf cart. This will make it easier for you to travel from fairway to fairway, as well as journey to and from the golf course from your home. In fact, it is very common for people at a country club to do all of their errands on a golf cart while on the premises.

Country clubs tend to be very large and will have specific parking areas, designated for golf carts only. However, if you have not purchased one yet, you may be thinking about doing so. Here are the benefits, as well as the drawbacks, associated with owning your own golf cart if you live at a country club.

The Benefits Of Owning A Golf Cart At A Country Club

The first and most obvious benefit is that it gives you superior mobility. Instead of having to drive your vehicle to the country club to play golf, you can use your golf cart instead. It’s also a very affordable solution by comparison to driving a car not to mention because you own it, you’ll be able to customize it with additional accessories. There’s no shortage of add-ons for your cart.

You will save money on the cost of fuel, plus once you arrive at the golf course, you can drive right onto the fairway. It is this combination of convenience, coupled with a low-cost solution for moving around, that makes them very popular.

The Drawbacks Of Owning A Golf Cart At A Country Club

The most obvious drawback is the initial cost of owning and operating a golf cart. Even though it is likely less expensive than using a vehicle, it is not without certain expenses. You will have to provide maintenance for your golf cart. Most of them will use battery power, which means you may need to replace the battery from time to time.

You could also have the electrical system fail, including the lights on your golf cart, all of which will need to be repaired or replaced. That being said, it is still advantageous for people that live in a country club to own one for the following reasons.

Obtain One If You Play Golf Regularly

If you play golf regularly, you should have your own golf cart, whether you live in a country club or not. They are convenient for trips on the course, but not essential. A golf cart is also useful if you have an injured player. If you are playing 18 holes, it would become very tiring walking the entire distance. However, you should keep in mind that a country club is not like a neighborhood. You will find that it is very difficult to navigate the terrain. That is why most people will only drive their golf carts in designated areas.

Tips On Purchasing A Golf Cart

When purchasing a golf cart, it would be advantageous to purchase one that is brand-new. However, you might be looking for a bargain. You should be wary of sellers who are eager to sell you their cart, so do not hesitate to ask questions. When purchasing a golf cart, make sure to do so with caution.

You shouldn’t feel rushed or pressured to buy it, and you should never get defensive with the seller. In addition, if a seller becomes defensive, that may be an indication that the cart you’re interested in is defective. Whether this is brand-new, or something that is preowned, a golf cart is not a cheap purchase. Do your due diligence before buying one so that you can secure something that will last for many years to come.

In conclusion, the benefits of owning a golf cart are numerous, especially if you live at a country club. You’ll be able to save on maintenance by purchasing a brand-new unit. Obtaining a used one is a great way to save money, but always do your research on the seller, and the golf cart, before you make your purchase. Once you have one in your possession, and you begin to use it regularly, you will see why it is so beneficial. It may soon become your primary way of getting around at your country club on a daily basis.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can make it difficult to pay attention, finish projects, and maintain a stable emotional threshold. Those who struggle with ADHD often have trouble keeping relationships and places of employment. Furthermore, people living with ADHD are prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions that can complicate and compound their symptoms.

ADHD is frequently associated with younger children struggling to maintain focus in school and their daily activities. ADHD can be difficult to manage, especially for those who received their ADHD diagnosis online at an older age. However, recently, as mental health has become a popular topic of discussion, more adults are seeking diagnosis and treatment to fill in the gaps they may have noticed growing up. As they learn more about their new diagnosis, so too are they learning how to live it.

Research has found that exercise, while providing a host of physical benefits, greatly impacts the brain. Besides promoting a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, exercise helps prime and condition the body’s physiological responses, preparing and even shielding people with ADHD from their worst symptoms.

How Does It Help Combat ADHD?

When you exercise, blood flow increases to the brain, releasing neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, two naturally-occurring substances that provide clear thinking. People with ADHD often have less dopamine than people without the condition, which is why stimulant medications like Vyvanse and Adderall help increase this neurochemical.

Exercise improves memory by increasing molecular targets like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps increase synaptogenesis, the forming of new synapses that manage learning and memory, making your brain much more efficient at storing information and memories.  

While exercise does not decrease stress hormones, it does reduce the number of stress receptors in the hippocampus, minimizing the effect of stress hormones on the brain. This is good news for people with ADHD. Stressful events can feel much more overwhelming for people with ADHD. 

Other benefits of exercise for adults with ADHD include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Enhanced memory
• Enhanced executive function (i.e., the skills necessary to plan and organize)
• Improved impulse control
• Increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (i.e., a protein involved in learning and memory–people with ADHD have very little of it present)

Medical researchers have concluded that at least 150 minutes of exercise a week (moderate intensity) is needed to maintain peak physical health. That’s about 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week.

To start, fit one healthy activity a day into your current routine. If you drive somewhere local, try walking instead. The point is to make the exercise as simple as possible until it becomes a learned habit. If you are interested in more intense exercises like sprinting or weight lifting, 75 minutes of exercise a week will keep you in shape.

No matter your current level of fitness, and despite the current therapies you’re already engaged in, exercise makes a great addition to your ADHD preventative routine.

About the Author

Roni Davis is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) America’s largest grocery retailer and parent of company of California-based Ralphs and Food 4 Less, today announced its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead. This fourth-annual report centers on the continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience, affordability, social gatherings, and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items.

Kroger’s 2022 Food Trends Report is thoughtfully curated by Kroger’s food experts – from Our Brands product developers to culinary specialists. The report contains 10 top trends that will influence consumer food purchases in 2022, while uncovering the “why” behind the trends. Overall, the trends can be broken down into emerging flavors, food item premiumization, and behavior shifts, all of which paint a picture of what consumers are sourcing and the ways in which they are preparing food in 2022. The findings show that consumers continue to have an increased passion for home-prepared meals, an awareness of both their own health and the planet’s, and a desire to seek comfort through food, which directly correlates to what will be on shopping lists this year.

“Last year, even as many Americans returned to work and eased back into social gatherings, it became apparent that new habits were formed in 2020 and that they are here to stay – including cooking more at home. Customers are enjoying the convenience, affordability, and just plain fun that comes from preparing meals at home,” said Stuart Aitken, Kroger’s senior vice president, chief merchant and marketing officer. “As at-home meals remain a staple, Kroger is proud to provide customers with fresh food options that meet them where they are in the kitchen – whether that’s a fresh heat-and-eat meal on a busy school night or a four-course recreation from your favorite restaurant you’ve missed.”

“Unlocking these trends allows us to prepare for the year ahead, adapt our offerings, and innovate within Our Brands to ensure we continue to provide customers exactly what they need and want to delight themselves and their guests in 2022 and beyond,” said Juan De Paoli, vice president of Our Brands. “At-home meals hold major significance for our customers, and we take the importance of supporting these moments very seriously. The Our Brands team is endlessly striving to provide quality items that become the perfect backdrop as customers pridefully serve as they celebrate holidays, birthdays, milestones, anniversaries, and other get-togethers. We’re excited to unveil new offerings in the year ahead that will add a wonderful – and tasty – touch to these gatherings.”

The latest tastes and freshest trends can be found on Kroger.com and in the aisles where customers shop for Simple Truth®, Kroger’s natural, organic and free-from brand; Kroger®, customer favorites that exceed expectations while fitting budgets; and Private Selection®, a collection of culinary creations designed to elevate every occasion.

Kroger’s top 10 trends for 2022 can be broken down into three categories: emerging flavors, item premiumization, and behavior shifts. Check out the list below, as well as fresh recommendations for those looking to get a jumpstart on each trend:

Emerging Flavors

1. Umami away! Umami is the taste that just makes things taste…better! Asian cuisine has long understood how ingredients high in umami help elevate other ingredients and round out flavors in a dish, but the umami trend is exploding across new products, multicultural cuisines, traditional cooking, and hybrid mash-ups.

Products to Try:

• Private Selection Chile Crisp Condiment
• Private Selection Chile Crisp Sauce
• Private Selection Premium Truffle Butter
• Private Selection Sweet & Spicy Soy Chile Sauce
• Simple Truth Plant-Based Korean Style Meatless Meatballs
• Kroger Teriyaki Style Cook-in-Bag Pork Tenderloin
• Kroger Wild Mushroom Ravioli
• Private Selection Sweet & Savory California Tomato Jam

2. “Everything” is … everything. ‘Everything’ seasoning is the trending flavor for 2022, as consumers top their favorite meals with a savory touch. Be on the lookout for ‘everything’ inspired foods from the bakery, to dips and even specialty cheeses to follow the trend.

Products to Try:

• Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
• Kroger Everything Bagel Sour Cream Dip & Spread
• Private Selection Everything Bagel Flavored Bacon
• Simple Truth Everything Bagel Seasoned Mashed Avocado
• Simple Truth Organic Everything Seasoning Keto Seed Crackers

3. Tastes of tequila. The biggest beverage taste of 2022 follows the umami trend – savory tequila. As consumers continue to host at home, tequila is a shareable spirit that opens the door to experimentation. With tons of mixes to explore and custom cocktails to create, consumers are using tequila as a base to delight guests with diverse palettes.

Products to Try:

• Simple Truth Organic Cilantro Lime Jalapeno Margarita Mix
• Private Selection Bloody Mary Cocktail Mixer
• Simple Truth Organic Ginger Lime Mule Mix
• Simple Truth Tropical Turmeric Juice Cocktail
• Simple Truth Organic Paletas Caribbean Style Mix Frozen Fruit Bars
• Kroger Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
• Big K Pineapple Passion Fruit Soda
• Private Selection Strawberry Mango Pineapple Blend Frozen Fruit
• Private Selection Tequila Serrano Beef Jerky

4. #TBT flavors. As consumers cook more at home, recipes from their childhood are delivering comfort and joy to people. Think of the nostalgic 90s comeback, but apply it to meals.

Products to Try:

• Kroger Deluxe Fluffer Nutter Ice Cream
• Kroger Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Cookies
• Kroger Mini Pizza Bagels
• Kroger Pimento Cheese Spread
• Kroger Edible Cookie Dough
• Kroger Corn Dogs
• Simple Truth Organic Sour Cherry Fruit Chews
• Private Selection All Beef Hot Dogs

Item Premiumization

5. PLANeT-based foods. Consumers continue to focus on the health of the planet, not just through plant-based foods, but also by reducing their waste impact with upcycled ingredients and more recyclable packaging. Plant-based foods are now being purchased for indulgence, comfort, and nostalgia, rather than being solely known as the healthier choice for our bodies, while still helping consumers lower their carbon footprint. Customers can also recycle flexible plastic packaging from Kroger Our Brands products through our national partnership with TerraCycle.

Products to Try:

• Kroger Egg & Cheddar Croissant with Plant-Based Breakfast Patty
• Simple Truth Plant Based Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Mac & Cheese
• Simple Truth Plant-Based Baking Mixes made with upcycled Okara Flour Sugar Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie, and Dark Chocolate Brownie (coming soon)
• Simple Truth Non-Dairy Cheese Shreds, Slices
• Simple Truth-Kipster Carbon Neutral Eggs (launching in 2023)

6. Grocery glow up. Cooking at home isn’t just about convenience anymore; emulating restaurant and travel experiences at home with upleveled, “Instagram- able” meals is trending today. Consumers are raising the bar when recreating dining experiences at home and have been met with the premiumization of frozen food as well.

Products to Try:

• Private Selection Duroc Baby Back Ribs, Bone in Pork Chop, Boneless Pork Chops
• Private Selection Macarons
• Simple Truth Grass-fed Beef Burgers, Beef Hot Dogs
• Simple Truth Organic Flavored Nitro Coffee
• Kroger Bavarian Pretzel
• Kroger Family Size Broccoli & Parmesan Sauce
• Private Selection Goat Cheese & Crispy Bacon Pinsa Crust Style Pizza
• Private Selection Ruby Chocolate Ice Cream Bar
• Simple Truth Organic Plant-Based Meals Kimchi Meatballs

7. Hyper-local: Consumers are more conscious about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases and are making it a point to purchase products grown or made close to home. Alternative farms have created a way to get locally sourced, natural ingredients at their peak freshness – so everyone can support and enjoy their local farms – and in-store bakery items are providing consumers a chance to support small businesses.

Last year, Kroger launched Go Fresh & Local in 2021, which offers additional opportunities for fresh suppliers to become part of the organization’s supplier network. Last year’s winners will soon be appearing on shelves and include Maazah, Nona Lim, Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale, Simply Southern Sides, and Soupergirl. As part of Kroger’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion plan, the organization is committed to increasing its spend with diverse suppliers to $10 billion by 2030 – after reaching $4.1 billion in spend in 2020, representing a 21% increase from the previous year.

Behavior Shifts

8. Natural health & beauty. Consumers are seeking out natural products to increase beauty from the inside-out. Eating for beauty and medicine is trending with food and beverage products that have health and beauty-boosting benefits are trending in 2022, with examples including fermented kombuchas, collagen-rich bone broths, antioxidants, probiotics, reductions of sugar, and additions of omega-3s.

Products to Try:

• Simple Truth Beauty Crate Avocado Coconut Papaya Bar Soap
• Simple Truth Beauty Crate Almond + Oatmeal + Honey Effervescent Bath Bombs
• Simple Truth Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk with Omega-3s
• Simple Truth Organic Low-Sugar/Zero Sugar Kombucha
• Simple Truth Organic Tropical Turmeric No Sugar Added Juice
• Simple Truth Body Oil – Rosemary Mint and Coconut Papaya
• Private Selection Drinkable Chicken Bone Broths

9. Good enough to share. Whether you’re vegan, organic, gluten-free or otherwise, you can have your cake and share it too. Foods for specific diets or eating styles taste so good when everyone can enjoy them and no one is left out of a great eating experience.

Products to Try:

●     Kroger Family Size Migas Egg Bake

●     Kroger Pork, Beef, Pepper Jack & Cheddar Party Tray

●     Kroger Carbmaster Classic White Bread

●     Simple Truth Plant-Based Cupcakes

●     Simple Truth Vegan Grated Parmesan Cheese

●     Private Selection Protein Pancake Mix – Toasted Coconut

10. All aboard charcuterie. Charcuterie has created a board craze, especially when it comes to breakfast and dessert. Boards have branched out beyond appetizers to offer consumers a variety of small portions to make the most out of every meal. As “boardies” start or end their day, breakfast and dessert boards open a world of flavors without the commitment to a single dish.

Products to Try:

• Private Selection Dipped Cheesecake Bites
• Private Selection Caramelized Onion Burger Topper
• Kroger Mini Quiche Duo
• Home Chef Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese
• Bakery Fresh Goodness French Toast Fritters
• Bakery Fresh Goodness Loaf Cakes
• Murray’s Cheese Wild Blueberry Preserves
• Simple Truth Almond Butter Filled Pretzels

Credit: Kroger Co.