Follow the 2-2-4 rule. It’s not a football play, but a simple guideline to keep food safe.

2: Two hours is the maximum amount of time food should be left out after cooking. Within two hours of serving, put it in the refrigerator or freezer.

2: Two inches of food in a shallow dish is the best way to make keep foods out of the danger zone. Food safety experts at USDA note that bacteria can grow when the food temperature is between 40° F and 140° F. Shallow dishes help the food to cool down quickly and evenly – the only way to prevent bacteria growth

4: Four days is how long you can safely keep leftovers. Make sure to reheat them to 165 before you indulge.

Some prep work before the big day can make sure your food storage game is at its best. Consider cleaning and organizing the refrigerator and freezer before food shopping to create room for perishable foods.

Check out this infographic with the best locations to keep different types of foods in the refrigerator. Raw meat, poultry and seafood should be in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent raw juices from contaminating other foods. Try to allow enough room so cold air can circulate.

When those Thanksgiving leftovers are nearing the four-day mark, consider some ideas from our expert to make good use of them.

Leftovers are a great way to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal for days to come and to reduce food waste. Follow food safety guidelines to keep you and your family safe.

Originally published Nov. 19, 2018

The post Got Thanksgiving Leftovers? Keep Them Safe. appeared first on Best Food Facts.

“The holidays are a great time to be creative when giving gifts and you don’t have to break the bank to do so. There are lots of affordable and health-focused ideas that your friends and family will love!” said Sarah Downs, MBA RD.

For the foodies on your list:

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pressure Cooker
  • We are convinced that there’s nothing better than coming home to a meal that’s already been done. The foodies on your list can appreciate meal planning, too. There are so many foods that you can create in both a slow cooker and an instant pot.
• Food Baskets
  • A themed food basket is a perfect gift for anyone who loves food. You could put together a wine & cheese basket, homemade pizza basket, gardening basket, picnic basket or a popcorn basket.
  • For example: a popcorn basket could include a popcorn popper, theater-themed bowl, popcorn kernels and an assortment of seasonings. You could also include a movie in this basket. “When you pop your own and add your own seasonings/herbs you are able to cut down on the excess fat, salt and calories that is sometimes found in other popcorns,” Downs said.
• Fruit Infusers
  • An inexpensive and attractive water bottle is just the gift that your foodie might not have known they needed. The idea is simple – there’s typically a removable hollow rod that can be filled with fruits, mint and more. This is a healthy, and fun, way to incorporate more fruits and water into a diet.
  • “These are a great way to add some flavor to your water without any added sugars. My favorite is slicing up strawberries and mint leaves!” Downs said.
• Fun Kitchen Gear
  • Who doesn’t love a new kitchen gadget? Your foodie would love a unique gift such as a salad spinner, a juicer, an on-the-go blender, a precision cutting board, or witty kitchen towels.
• Cookbook
  • There’s nothing like the feeling of a book between your hands – go old school and get them something to remember. For a foodie who loves to have all of their favorite recipes in one place, a cookbook would be the perfect gift for them.
• Digital Device to View Recipes
  • If your foodie is all about keeping their recipes online, a device to view their recipes on might be the perfect gift for them.
  • Does your foodie already have a preferred digital device to view their recipes on? We recommend a stand for them to be able to keep their device on display and off the counter at all times.
• Meal Kit Delivery Service Certificate
  • Meal kit deliveries are extremely popular right now, and with so many options, there are a ton to choose from! Sending them a coupon to try a meal delivery service might help continue their creative streak when it comes to the kitchen.

For your fitness fanatics:

• Fitness Gear
  • With the way that fitness is changing, there’s always something that you can add to your fitness fanatic’s collection. Whether it’s a new yoga or Pilates gear (mats, blocks, bands), running clothing, tennis shoes, specific sporting gear, head accessories or sunglasses – they will love it all.
• Workout Class Pass
  • Have you heard your fitness fanatic talk all about a new workout trend they want to try? Help get them there with a workout pass. Whether it’s a barre, yoga, cycling or a general workout, it is a great gift to help get them moving. And, you can join them for all the fun!
  • “This is a great way to get moving and have fun together. There are many unique and different types of exercise classes and studios all over town,” Downs said.
• Wireless Headphones or Speaker
  • There’s nothing worse than cords that get in the way. Wireless headphones allow for more movement without having to worry about keeping their phone or audio device right next to them.
• Fitness Trackers
  • “One of the hottest healthy gifts this year. Wearable digital fitness bands keep track of activity, food intake, sleep patterns and more,” said Carolyn O’Neil, RD.

When it comes down to it, the holidays don’t have to be hard. You now have options to give a Christmas gift that is fun to open – and also gives a head start on those New Year’s resolutions.

Here’s to the holiday shopping – may it be stress-free and full of fun.

Originally posted December 3, 2014.

The post Holiday Gifts for a Healthy Lifestyle appeared first on Best Food Facts.