Assalamu alaikum,

Spring is upon us and we look forward to more outdoor activities. Gardening, relaxed strolls, athletic activities, and barbeques are some of what we may be participating in. This issue features many a helpful article as we prepare for the outdoor fun!

More outdoor activities means more sunshine, which is good for Vitamin D absorption. Learn more about the need and benefits of vitamin D in “The Sunshine Vitamin.”

In “Finding Your Fit,” you will learn about combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises, as well as balance, flexibility, and strength training to produce an overall fitness regimen.

Meat is a feature of most barbeques and you will find some helpful insight into how earlier generations indulged when you read “Meat.” Whether it’s a steak, lamb chop, or chicken breast, each has its own flavor and appeal. If you like cheese on your burger, or as a side to your meal, you know that not all cheese is created equal. Check out “Rennet” for a brief history of cheese making and how rennet fits in.

With all the extra activity, we may find ourselves preparing more food than we can consume. It’s astonishing to learn Americans throw away $218 billion of food a year. That’s over $600 per person. Get some ideas on how to avoid food waste in “When Dinner Makes $218 Billion Worth of Trash.”

Spice up your meals with “Turmeric” and learn the treasure of nutrients it provides.

And as always, enjoy the new recipes in this issue.

We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to your comments and suggestions. Also, if you have a favorite original recipe you would like to share with our readers, please send it to us. If we print it, you may be eligible to receive a gift. Please send your feedback and ideas, whether via email, Facebook, or Twitter.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Roger M. Othman, editor