Assalamu Alaikum,

Spring is here! It seems like the season we look forward to the most; it means the cold temps are in the past. While that may not always be accurate (depending on where you live), there is a joy that we feel here in the Midwest knowing we are another step closer to summer.

If you’re a runner, the slight rise in temperature makes it a bit more enjoyable to take runs outdoors. It’s also the perfect time to start training for that marathon. In “Marathon Training: It’s More Than Just Running,” you’ll read the tales and tips of those with varying marathon-running experiences.

In “Why Consumers are Going Nuts Over Nuts & Seeds,” you’ll find out the benefits behind this healthy snack trend; “Milk: A Choice Beverage” will provide you with insight on this Quranic and prophetic food.

Is your spice cabinet the epitome of minimalism? Find out why expanding your collection to include certain spices might actually help you maintain a healthy weight in “The Spice of Life.”

Those with an overabundance of food never intend to throw it away. But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. With 48 million Americans living in food insecure households in 2014, according to Feeding America, you’ll benefit from reading “Food Waste Management” by learning ways to keep from tossing leftovers in the trash.

Have you noticed more familiarity with the term “halal” from those who may not even be halal consumers? There’s definitely been an increase in halal products—on grocery store shelves and on restaurant menus. Here at IFANCA, our goal is to continue this trend and ensure Muslims are able to enjoy a variety of food products knowing the ingredients and handling comply with halal requirements. What do you think? Do you agree that “Halal Is Mainstream”?

Are you a user of social media? It certainly has its benefits, but find out how excessive use might be hurting you when you read “How Diluting Face-to-Face Contact Is Making Us Unhealthier, Unhappier.” Just make sure if you choose to cut back, you keep Halal Consumer in your newsfeed. Don’t forget Twitter!

As usual, this issue offers up some tasty and unique recipes we hope you’ll try. Let us know what you think—we love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!

Sincerely,

Alia Shalabi, content manager