Saturday, March 31, 2018
Stories of Hope: Drilling Into My Skull and Injecting Stem Cells Helped My Stroke
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Cord Blood Banking for Potential Future Transplantation
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Friday, March 30, 2018
This Is How the Whole30 Diet Helped Me Lose 36 Pounds
Take it a week at a time
It may feel really daunting to start Whole30. For one thing, it seems really restrictive on paper: There’s no sugar, legumes, dairy (oh, but the cheese!), bread, grains, or my beloved alcohol. You have to be mentally ready to make the sacrifices. I told myself to start with seven days—just seven—to see how I felt. And that’s the advice I now give to people when they start the Whole30: Be in it 100 percent for seven full days. If you don’t see a difference or feel a difference, by all means, stop. I have coached six people and counting through this program now. None of them have stopped after seven days. Here’s why most fad diets don’t work.
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7 People Share the Simple Diet Tweak That Improved Their Health
“Eliminating dairy, gluten and processed-sugar solved my tummy woes.”
While it might be a popular choice these days, going gluten-free isn’t for everyone. However, Avi Loren Fox, the founder of Wild Mantle, had a compelling reason: When she was in her early 20s, she got a stomach parasite—probably from drinking well water. “It was like a bus hit me. All of a sudden, everything I ate made me sick. I lost weight and couldn’t eat anything at first, and then only really plain foods like rice and chicken with no salt or pepper,” she explained. Once they figured out her diagnosis, antibiotics cleared up the infection, but her gut never fully digested food in the same way it did before. “Foods that used to be fine started to make me sick. I would feel lethargic and tired when I ate certain things. I started to have other issues like acne flare-ups, indigestion, and inflammation,” she shares.
In fact, a 2014 study published in the National Journal confirmed the direct connection between consuming dairy and processed foods and lower immune system function. As Jim Curtis, author and president of Remedy Health Media, explains, “Often we fail to recognize that the food we ‘take’ has an even bigger, long-term effect. We literally are what we eat, despite a cute mascot or funny commercial. The science shows fresh, organic foods, free from pesticides, corn syrup and aspartame, will simply make you happier and more energetic.”
To determine what was shifting in her body, Fox started seeking the expertise of various dietitians, doctors, and acupuncturists, but everyone had a different solution. Frustrated, Fox decided to become her own health advocate by paying close attention to her body and reading a bunch of books to locate the source of her issues. Finally, via an elimination diet, she discovered that dairy, gluten, and processed sugar were all triggers.
She decided to gradually cut these items out and keep track of the progress. The outcome wasn’t overnight, but it was impactful. “This shift changed a lot for me. I still slip up and eat things that aren’t great for me every now and then, and when I do, my body immediately reminds me that wasn’t a good choice,” she says. “I think I’m a lot healthier now because I don’t eat a lot of inflammation-producing foods. The challenge is to get to know your body and listen to what it is telling you. Even if it means a lifestyle shift, you’ll be happier. Your health is worth it.”
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New Insight Into How Immune Cells Are Formed
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Scientists Claim First CRISPR Editing of Human Embryos in the USA
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Study Reveals How to Reprogram Cells in Our Immune System
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How to Make 200k By Staying Healthy
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Wednesday, March 28, 2018
8 Clear Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Vegetables
How many veggies do you need to eat, anyway?
You may think you eat enough vegetables—but more than likely, you’re wrong. On average, Americans only get two servings of vegetables per day. The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines recommend adults eat anywhere from five to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day depending on age, gender, physical activity, and overall health. And those aren’t just numbers; skipping those key nutrients can seriously affect your overall health. (Here’s exactly what happens when your body doesn’t get enough vegetables.) Read on to find out ways your body is telling you what it needs, and how to give it the nutrients it craves.
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Tuesday, March 27, 2018
15 Superfoods to Help You Lose Weight
Eat smart overall
As summer approaches, plenty of people are trying to slim down. While “quick fix” fad diets might seem enticing, experts say more sustainable changes—like upping your fruit and vegetable intake—are key to weight loss success that lasts. “For successful long-term weight loss, people should focus on high-quality foods that offer both macro and micronutrients,” explains Colleen Chiariello, RD, the chief clinical dietitian at Syosset Hospital. “Nutrients such as protein, fiber, healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids), antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals should be the staples of one’s meal plan.” Foods that contain several of these components are considered “superfoods.”
Superfoods have been shown to help support nerve and muscle function, immune health, blood sugar control, heart health, bone strength, and protection from free radical damage, all while also curbing appetite, Chiarello says, making them ideal for people trying to shed pounds. Ahead, find weight loss experts’ top superfood picks for anyone on a diet.
You may also want to check out the 11 superfoods that stand the test of time.
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How You Can Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency
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Causes and Treatment of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
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How You Can Become Taller Naturally
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How You Can Get Started With Essential Oils
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Common Signs You Are Nutrient Deficient
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Friday, March 23, 2018
“I Lost 50 Pounds Making One Simple Change”
Even though David Bader had followed a vegan diet since his early twenties, his life-long struggle with weight remained. There are many great reasons for going vegan, but Bader, a 48-year-old Georgia Tech professor, couldn’t keep the pounds off eating that way. “I’ve had a weight problem my entire life—in college I weighed 243 pounds at my heaviest. I lost weight when I became vegan, but quickly gained it back as I raised my daughter while working full time.” Bader says that everyday tasks became a challenge due to all the extra weight he was carrying around. “Even a walk would leave me out of breath. My life was focused on my daughter and my professional career. I put everything ahead of my own life and health, and had given up on ever losing weight.” Diet alone wasn’t getting the job done, and Bader was growing frustrated. Then he made the move that would change everything.
Perplexed by the pounds that refused to budge, Bader bought a Fitbit tracker on a whim. Using the device, he was able to track steps taken, distance traveled, and his heart rate. He explains: “I purchased a Fitbit Charge HR that records my steps, heart rate, and activities, and soon I began tracking my daily steps. Just about a year ago, I started walking as a way to simplify my life, and focus on what was important—raising my daughter as she finished high school,” he says. “At first, I was walking 10,000 steps every day, yet my weight remained the same. I began by walking between two buildings at work, and getting used to wearing the Fitbit tracker. During this time, I learned how to use features of my smartphone, such as talk-to-text, and voice commands. That allowed me to multitask while walking, such as answering emails while walking on safe paths where I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic.” Motivated by his newfound ability to work while exercising, Bader continued to raise his personal exercise goals. “Quickly, I was able to increase the distances I was walking each day, until after two or three weeks I was walking a minimum of 27,000 steps per day—the equivalent of 12 miles. I was determined to walk at least that number of steps daily, and usually walked about 13 and a half miles a day. I started losing about two pounds a week.”
Inspired to include walking in all areas of his life, Bader began involving others in his exercise routine. He says, “Many of my meetings with students and staff turned from sitting around a conference table to taking walks around campus. On days with bad weather, I would walk around the hallways of my building, or around the organic foods section of my local supermarket!” He had tapped into one of the proven ways to shed pounds: Walking your way to weight loss.
A computer science professor, Bader applied his love for technical analysis to his new healthy habit. “I find that I walk about 7,000 steps an hour, so I try to walk about four hours a day. That’s approximately two hours in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one at night.” Maintaining this schedule requires some planning for Bader. “Since I tend to have a number of phone calls at work, I time these calls and teleconference meetings for when I can walk. I’ve also made a number of changes including avoiding elevators when I can take the stairs, parking at the furthest parking space, and walking for errands as often as I can.” Not every day is as conducive to physical activity as he would like. He says, “The most challenging days are when I’m flying for travel, or at a conference where everyone sits all day. I’ve found strategies for getting in walking even then, such as pacing in the back of the lecture hall. I just cannot sit anymore.”
Since purchasing the Fitbit, Bader has lost 53 pounds and life is better than ever. He says, “I weighed 223 pounds before I began walking. I now weigh 170. My waist, which was 46 inches, is down to 34! My resting heart rate has decreased from 74 beats per minute to 60. This is the lightest I’ve ever been in my life, and I don’t get tired.” Bader has no plans to stop walking—the benefits are much too great. “I could walk forever, and I love to dance all night long! My stamina is out of this world. I feel like I’m getting younger, not older,” he says. Bader’s advice to others hoping to follow in his 27,000 daily steps? “Don’t give up! Anyone can get healthy. Get a Fitbit and walk! It doesn’t matter how much—just get up and take some steps!” Try starting with these eight easy walking strategies for weight loss.
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Are You Eating Your Way to Health or Into an Early Grave?
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Thursday, March 22, 2018
The Best Protein Diet Foods for Weight Loss
Tuna
Canned tuna has 22 grams of protein and just under 100 calories per 3-ounce serving. That makes tuna 94 percent protein, with the remaining 6 percent of calories coming from fat—namely heart-healthy omega-3s, which have been associated with weight loss. Choosing “light” tuna means you’re getting the lower mercury option because it’s skipjack tuna, which is a smaller fish than the albacore tuna in canned “white” tuna. In addition to being one of the healthiest high-protein foods, tuna is rich in vitamins and minerals like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B12. (Here’s something else to consider when you’re buying canned tuna.
Canned tuna is also versatile—mix it with a little Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, then spoon it into a whole wheat pita with plenty of fresh veggies to round out your meal with flavor and filling fiber. Or for a low carb option, try my quick and easy Tuna and Green Bean Salad with Artichoke Hearts.
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14 Mistakes People Make When Prediabetes Dieting
Prediabetes dieting
If you have prediabetes, chances are your doctor has urged you to lose some weight. While not everyone with this condition is overweight, most are—and so are about 90 percent of people who end up with full-blown diabetes. What’s the best way to lose? There are many different ways for people who are prediabetes dieting to slim down, but some strategies are more effective than others. If possible, ask a certified diabetes educator or registered nutritionist to guide you. And be sure to avoid the following common pitfalls.
Check out 15 of the best foods for diabetics, according to science.
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Antioxidant Products
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Wednesday, March 21, 2018
20 Superfoods That Could Help You Lose Weight
Almonds
The key to finding superfoods for weight loss is going back to the basics, according to Libby Mills, MS, RD, LDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “You need to look for nutrient-dense foods.” Nuts, particularly almonds, fall into that category because they’re packed with protein and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full longer. Here are some more healthy, energy-boosting snacks.
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Stories of Hope: Little Sister's Stem Cells Offer Hope
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Banking a Baby's Cord Blood May Save Their Life - Is It Worth It?
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Know More About Different Types Of Knee Surgeries
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Tuesday, March 20, 2018
I Went 100 Percent Refined Carb-Free for a Month: Here’s What Happened
Deciding to go carb-free
After an indulgent holiday season and a ton of international traveling, I knew it was time to detox my overfed body. In order to erase some damage caused by hearty comfort food and daily charcuterie boards, I decided to live entirely without refined carbs—that is, all sugars and starches that don’t exist on their own in nature. So all forms of breads, pastas, chips, fries, etc., were completely off limits, but natural carbs like those found in fruits and lima beans were OK. Cutting these refined carbohydrates not only helped reset my digestion, but also fulfilled my lifelong dream of being able to say “Sorry, I don’t do carbs.” I can proudly announce that I have nearly reached one month sans carbohydrates, but the effects haven’t been entirely rosy (in fact, they’ve been far from it). Here are the good and bad side effects I’ve experienced since starting this strict diet. Follow these nine steps to a low-carb diet.
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7 Exercise Mistakes That Make You Look Older
You’re always at the gym
While keeping an ambitious workout schedule is admirable, rest days are necessary, especially as muscles age. “Intense, prolonged exercise and sleep deprivation will release and increase levels of cortisol in the blood,” sports and rehab therapist Jav Asaro told webmd.com. “This will have a counter effect to insulin and increase blood sugars. These sugars go through a process and end up as a product known as Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs). AGEs then bond between the collagen fibers causing reduced elasticity, blotches, and premature wrinkles.” To reduce this type of inflammation, include at least one rest day per week. These are the other types of days you should absolutely skip the gym.
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5 Magic Numbers Every Dieter Needs to Know
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You Are What You Eat, Revisited
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When Inflammation Goes Bad
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How to Dine Out and Stay Healthy
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Are You Getting Enough Probiotics?
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Are Protein Powders Made From Vegetables Recommended?
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8 Painless Ways to Cut Carbs
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Monday, March 19, 2018
10 “Zero-Calorie” Foods That Aren’t Really Zero Calories
Manufacturers may be fooling you
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but all those zero calorie foods you’ve been munching on with abandon aren’t really calorie-free. Nothing you put in your mouth, chew, and swallow is completely free, it turns out. Per the FDA, manufacturers are allowed to say a food is calorie-free if a serving is less than five calories. Which means that if you’re squirting a lot of that “calorie-free” flavoring into your smoothie, or spraying a bunch of that “no-cal” cooking spray in your pan, you could be getting as much as 20 to 30 calories. Do that several times a week and eventually, you’ll be tacking on pounds to your frame. Here’s a look at some of the biggest “zero-calorie” offenders.
Here are some other ways we’re reading food labels wrong.
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How You Can Combine Foods For Optimal Nutrition
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How To Increase The Level of Your Endorphins
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How You Can Boost Your Willpower
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19 Tips a Weight-Loss Coach Won’t Tell You for Free
Don’t expect miracles
As much as you fantasize about it, you’re not going to lose 20 pounds in a week. Instead, you want to set realistic weight loss goals and then be prepared to stick with your diet plan for weeks, even months. “I tell clients that it takes four weeks to feel better, six weeks to see some differences, and really a full eight weeks to see a lot of changes and long-term results,” says Phyl London, a Level IV Master Trainer specializing in Pilates and Group Exercise instruction who created Bodiphy®, a program that brings you through Pilates, Barre, strength, and alignment training. That means you need to stay on track even when the scale isn’t budging—because it may start moving the following week! Don’t miss how to jump-start weight loss.
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This Is How to Get a 6-Pack—Without Doing a Single Crunch
Get your diet in check
Before you tone a six-pack, you’ll need to shed any excess pounds—and that starts in the kitchen. Countless studies have shown that diet, not exercise, is the key to weight loss. One 2014 analysis of past studies found that exercise didn’t have any effect on the first six months of a weight-loss program, but participants who ate well and worked out lost the most pounds after a year. “Food is everything and exercise is extra credit,” says registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein, creator of Beachbody’s 2B Mindset program. “You can do 500 crunches a day all you want, but you’ll never see them if you’re carrying extra weight.” To get to a healthy weight, you’ll need to eat fewer calories and replace junk foods with satisfying, nutritious options. Read these 50 things doctors wish you knew about losing weight before changing your diet.
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Don't Join the 'Morning' Club
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Friday, March 16, 2018
Leukemia Through Cord Blood Treatment
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Benefits of Using a Hydrogen Water Bottle
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Thursday, March 15, 2018
A Man Suffering From Leukaemia Has Been on a Quest to Make Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplants Safer
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Miracle With Paralyzed Patient With Stem Cells
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Wednesday, March 14, 2018
17 Healthy Foods That Are Actually Dangerous to Overeat
Broccoli
First off, it’s worth highlighting that most people don’t even come close to getting as many vegetables as they should in their daily diet, so don’t use this as an excuse to avoid the greens you need. Think of this warning as inspiration to eat the rainbow when it comes to your vegetables. “Broccoli is a superfood that is packed with potent antioxidants known to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, but when eaten in very large amounts, broccoli may lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid),” say the Nutrition Twins, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, authors of The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure. “This is because they contain thiocyanates, which can make it difficult for your body to absorb iodine. If you’re someone who has dealt with thyroid issues in the past, be sure not to consume very large amounts of broccoli.” In moderation, though, find out what broccoli can do for your blood sugar.
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The Inspiring Secrets of People Who Lost 50+ Pounds—and Kept It Off
Eat like a caveman
Kyle Kranz is a 29-year-old former athlete who lost 85 pounds after gaining weight steadily after suffering a bad injury because of a car accident in middle school. “I was unable to play football and soccer like I previously had,” he says. Then a friend of his, who was starting to focus on his health a bit more, invited Kranz to join him during his freshmen year of high school. While in high school, he credits his weight loss to 75 percent dietary changes and 25 percent working out, which for him, consisted of mostly lifting weights, since the accident didn’t allow him to run. But the greatest difference for Kranz came from curbing what he puts in his mouth every single day. “You lose weight quickly when your diet changes from fast food, soda, and chips to meat and vegetables. I was the high schooler eating pre-portioned and pre-prepared—thanks for the help, Mom!—chicken breast and veggies for lunch. I also found out I actually enjoyed lifting weights, and put together a fairly respectable home gym in a spare bedroom,” he says. Though he eventually recovered and was able to become an endurance athlete, doing everything from swimming to cycling to running, Kranz maintains a caveman-like attitude toward nutrition. “My favorite health advice is something I read from Michael Pollan, when he said, ‘Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’ Eating real food and not processed junk was the biggest game changer for me,” he says. (Follow these 40 fast, easy tips to lose weight.)
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Cord Blood Banking: Which Option Is the Best for You?
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Balancing Conflicting Claims About Cord Blood Banking
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Monday, March 12, 2018
10 Keto Diet Recipes That Will Make You Forget You’re on a Diet
Keto Grilled Chicken & Peanut Sauce
During the summer, this Thai-inspired chicken tastes great hot off the grill, but you can easily remake it in the oven when grilling season is over. No matter what the weather, the tangy, low-sugar peanut sauce ups the flavor for an unforgettable dish. Learn how to make it at I Breathe I’m Hungry. If you’re new to the eating plan, learn what it’s really like to follow the ketogenic diet.
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Thursday, March 8, 2018
15 Signs Your Weight Gain Means Your Health Is in Trouble
Your fat is around the middle
All weight is not created equal—and if you have belly fat or a “spare tire,” it could be a marker for cardiovascular problems. Research from the American College of Cardiology found that the more abdominal weight, the greater the risk of heart disease. “Fat cells in the abdomen are associated with worsening insulin resistance, which in turn is associated with high blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and higher risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus,” says UPMC endocrinologist and internist Jason Ng, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “All of these risk factors increase the risk of heart disease.” Try these home remedies to help you lose belly fat.
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How to Lose 10 Pounds (and More!) from People Who Did It
Seek out others with similar goals
Newsroom editor Kate McGinty, 33, of Cincinnati, OH, found success in dropping weight—74 pounds, to be exact—by participating in a private accountability group on Facebook. Group members all started the same workout program—21-Day Fix, which they could do in their living rooms for just 30 minutes a day—and committed to checking in with each other on the platform every day. “The accountability was a huge help. I wasn’t alone. Having the support group means having people to celebrate with you, cheer you, relate to you, and hold you accountable,” she says.
Follow McGinty’s journey on Instagram @kjmcginty.
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Keeping Those New Year's Resolutions Going From January and Beyond
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7 Popular Diets That Put You at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency
Vegan
The simplest way to get vitamin D is sunlight on your skin—that stimulates the body to produce its own D. But in winter or more northern latitudes (or if you’re rarely outdoors), you’ll need to get more from your diet. Unfortunately for vegans, dairy products, fish, and eggs are among the richest food sources. Most adults need about 600 IU of vitamin D per day, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A cup of vitamin D-fortified plant-based milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk) or fortified orange juice will provide about 90 IU of vitamin D. So unless vegans drink six or more cups daily, they’ll probably need to supplement. However, check with your doctor first, and be sure to read this before you start taking vitamin D supplements.
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Wednesday, March 7, 2018
10 Crash Diets Nutrition Experts Secretly Use
“I inject myself with pregnancy hormones”
“When I want to lose weight quickly, I do the hCG diet, using daily hormone shots, along with a strict diet. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and is a hormone that helps to shed the fat that is stored in our bodies. Normally, it’s associated with pregnancy as it pulls out stored fat, in preparation to give it to the baby. But if you’re not pregnant, you get rid of the extra fat when you urinate. The diet that goes along with this medication is very low-calorie—between 500 and 800 calories per day—but it is made up of purely clean and healthy foods. The hormone plus the diet is what causes rapid weight loss. I average about 5 pounds per week.” —Shannon Cook, nurse practitioner at Slimmer Solutions.
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14 Pros and Cons of the Whole30 Diet You Should Know Before You Start It
Pro: It’s a healthier way to eat
This program helps you to eliminate many foods that are bad for your body and contribute to weight gain, including fast food, sodas, and anything that comes from a bag or a box. Before I started the Whole30, I was consuming a higher amount of sugar than I realized and my cabinets were filled with processed food. This can help folks shed a few pounds, but, more importantly, can help establish a change in behavior when it comes to food.
Find out why these women say Whole30 changed their lives for the better.
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Tuesday, March 6, 2018
10 Reasons Why It’s So Hard to Lose Water Weight
You’re skimping on antioxidants
You’ve probably heard the term “water weight,” but what does that mean exactly? According to Bridget Murphy, a registered dietitian at NYU Langone Medical Center, our bodies are 60 to 70 percent water. Eating too much of certain foods, or not enough of others, causes your body to hold onto extra water, making you feel bloated and puffy. For example, eating more vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidants can help us lose water weight. “Research supports an increase in antioxidants to help to flush our system and reduce water retention, as they bind to and neutralize free radicals,” Murphy says. “My biggest recommendation when it comes to foods high in antioxidants is to ‘eat the rainbow,’ meaning find a natural food source from each color.” Some options she suggests are red bell peppers, tomatoes or strawberries for red; carrots or butternut squash for orange; squash or artichokes for yellow; leafy greens like spinach or kale for green; and blueberries, purple beets, or eggplant for blue. Don’t miss these 10 things experts wish you knew about water weight.
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17 Weight Loss “Tricks” That Don’t Actually Work—and What to Do Instead
Going on a cleanse
The worst diet advice nutritionists have ever heard: Go on a cleanse. These “detox” diets purport to rid your body of harmful toxins and help with weight loss—but they don’t, and they can be harmful, according to the National Institutes of Health. “The weight lost completing a cleanse or detox is not sustained in the long run—temporary solutions equal temporary results,” says NYC-based registered dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD, bestselling author The F-Factor Diet and creator of F-Factor. “Immediately after finishing a cleanse, people go back to their regular eating habits and inevitably gain their weight back.” Cleanses can lack important nutrients like protein and fiber, she says, which can leave you exhausted and hungry. Plus, “juice cleanses have more sugar than several bowls of sweetened cereal,” Zuckerbrot says. Your kidneys and liver naturally detox your body, so cleanses aren’t necessary. Here are some other terrible pieces of diet advice that nutritionists hear.
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Monday, March 5, 2018
9 Best Diet Snacks for When You’re Trying to Cut Back on Sodium
Apples with peanut butter
Apples with peanut butter can be great low-salt diet snacks, but you have to make sure of one thing—that the only ingredient in the PB is plain ground organic peanuts, no salt added. One tablespoon of peanut butter has only 3 mg of sodium, while one medium apple has just 2 mg. “The apple provides you with fiber and water for hydration, and the peanut butter provides you with protein for satiety,” says Keri Glassman, RD. Keep an eye out for the signs that you’re eating too much sodium.
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9 Inspirational Weight-Loss Stories That Prove It’s Possible to Drop Pounds for Good
Get serious for your future family’s sake
When my husband and I had difficulty starting a family after trying for five years, I decided to see a fertility specialist. I was well over 400 pounds at that time and he told me there was nothing he could do for me until I lost weight.
My aha moment: After hearing the doctor’s news, I received an unexpected pregnancy announcement from a family member. That announcement broke me, but I also credit it with finally giving me the kick in the butt I needed. It made me realize if I ever wanted a family that I needed to do something a little more drastic. I’ve been overweight my whole life, and I’d tried every diet from Weight Watchers to South Beach. I decided to get a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and it has completely changed my life. Since January 2016, I have lost 220 pounds. A few years back, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome which makes losing weight very difficult. At the time, I had considered weight-loss surgery, but I was worried people would judge me. It wasn’t until I wanted to start a family and couldn’t do so without intervention that I really got serious. Losing weight isn’t just about eating right or exercising. It’s about finding a balance between the two, and setting attainable goals. Start with small goals and celebrate your progress along the way. For me, accountability is key, I use social media to keep myself accountable for what I’m eating, ensuring I’m exercising and doing weekly weigh-ins. My husband and I are still hoping to conceive! —Lindsay Hackman Shenk, 34, PA, human services program specialist
Learn the 50 things doctors wish you knew about losing weight.
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10 Nighttime Habits that Can Make You Gain Weight
Dinner is your largest meal of the day
Americans tend to eat their largest meal of the day at dinner, but that could be a one-way ticket to extra pounds. “Loading up the body with calories that it never has an opportunity to burn translates to weight gain,” says Michael Russo, MD, a general surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery at Memorial Care Center for Obesity at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Instead, try making your largest meal a high-protein breakfast or lunch instead. “You’ll feel more energized throughout the day and give your body the time it needs to effectively use the calories, instead of storing them while you sleep,” he adds. A study from Tel Aviv University, published in the journal Obesity, suggests racking up as many as 700 calories at breakfast—as long as you eat less at lunch and dinner. In their study, obese women who ate that jumbo breakfast (and then 500 calories for lunch and as few as 200 for dinner) for 12 weeks lost double the amount of weight and double the inches off their waist compared to a group of obese women who ate the same number of calories, just in reverse order (200 calories at breakfast, 500 at lunch and 700 at dinner).
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15 Food Myths That Are Making You Gain Weight
A calorie is a calorie
Wrong. “This is a myth that refuses to die and keeps people from getting and staying healthy, as well as losing weight and keeping it off,” says Mark Hyman, MD, author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? (and the Clintons’ health advisor). The truth is, there are good and bad calories. Sure, eating 20,000 calories a day—even if they’re all from fruits and veggies—will make you gain weight. But not nearly as much as eating half that in donuts and processed junk. “Your body is much more complex than a simple math problem. In fact, every bite you eat affects your hormones, brain chemistry, and metabolism. What counts more is the quality, not the quantity, of the calories,” says Dr. Hyman. For quality inspiration see foods nutritionists swear by.
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50 So-Called “Healthy” Snacks That Are Secretly Destroying Your Body
Frozen yogurt
While fro yo itself is a good treat, it’s easy to eat it the wrong way. “People go to a frozen yogurt place and think ‘Hooray, I’m being so good by having yogurt instead of ice cream, I can pile peanut butter cups and chocolate syrup on top.’ What was initially a good choice is now 600 to 900 calories,” says Angel Planells, MS, RDN, Seattle-based founder of ACP Nutrition, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Your best bet instead is to go light on the extras, he suggests: “Two or three toppings max—think fruit, nuts, maybe a small drizzle of chocolate syrup—otherwise you may as well just eat some ice cream.” For more frozen snack variety, try one of these summer treats.
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12 Little Weight-Loss Tricks Only Nutritionists Know
There’s no single trick that works for everyone
“I wish the diet industry would stop touting that weight loss is simply the result of eating less and exercising more, says New York City-based clinical nutritionist Jennifer Cassetta. “For some people that do eat way more than their bodies need, then yes, this strategy can often lead to weight loss,” she says. “However, that is not always the case.” In other words, there isn’t one perfect solution—and the thing that might work for you may not even be on your radar yet.
To help you make strides toward your goals, we asked top dietitians and nutritionists for the strategies that actually get results. And make sure you avoid the worst diet tips nutritionists have ever heard.
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This Is the Absolute Best Diet for Women Over 40
Swap in healthy fats
Fat may be higher in calories than carbohydrates or protein, but it satisfies your hunger—and that’s key to keeping your calorie count down. People tend to lose more weight and keep it off on a calorie-reduced diet that contains healthy fats rather than a diet that’s low in fat. That’s why the best diets for women include a source of healthy fat at each meal and snack. This could be two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of raw nuts or seeds, or half an avocado. Check out the seven signs you’re not getting enough healthy fats.
Choosing the right fat is also key to staying healthy. Aging is associated with increased cholesterol, triglycerides, fat mass, and BMI. While fiber plays a part in reducing cholesterol levels, the types of fat you eat can also keep you healthy as you age. We’re talking beautiful, glowing skin, shiny hair and more! The key is to focus on unsaturated fats, particularly anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
If you replace the saturated fats in your diet—think butter, red meat—with unsaturated fats, research suggests it can lower your cardiovascular risk, and omega-3s are especially known for their heart-healthy benefits. One study found that omega-3s are also helpful in stimulating muscle protein synthesis to preserve muscle mass as you age.
Seafood sources of omega-3s such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and fish oil supplements provide forms of omega-3s known as EPA and DHA, the types that your body can use most easily (and the types with plenty of research backing). Plant sources like walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds provide ALA omega-3s. ALA must be converted to EPA and DHA in your body through a process that isn’t super efficient, so plant-based sources should be supplemented with fish! Eating at least two servings of omega-3-rich fish every week covers you for your daily recommendation of 500-1,000 mg. If you don’t like fish, here are some omega-3-rich foods you can eat instead.
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Sunday, March 4, 2018
I Never Struggled with Body Image—Until I Lost 36 Pounds
I can’t say that my body was perfect—in fact, it was far from it. But, I dressed in a way that made me feel good and polished. I carried myself with confidence. I was recently dating again and had no problems attracting men. I was active and worked out regularly, but by no means was I thin. I just felt OK with my body being where it was, that is until my life changed.
Inspired by the man I was dating, I decided to try to drop a few pounds. (This part is hard for me to admit because I never thought I would be “that girl.”) Not because he was a fitness guru who worked out religiously, or ate healthy, or even said anything to me about losing weight. (He always told me how sexy and beautiful I was.) I fell in love and, simply, I wanted to be a better person physically, emotionally, and financially because his love motivated me to grow in those ways.
So, I tried a round of Whole30 and lost almost 14 pounds. Then I did another. And another. For the most part, I still eat Whole30 compliant even when I’m not in a cycle with the exception of special circumstances. Down a total of 36 pounds since July 2017, I should be prancing around in clothes I always wanted to wear but never felt quite comfortable in, and glowing all the time because the compliment shower has not stopped.
Wrong.
I am actually having a harder time with my body image now than I ever had in my life.
I have lost weight before and I have gained it all back and then some. I stayed consistent for some years, but then there would be a large gain or loss. Then it would come back again. Sometimes it was conscious. Sometimes it wasn’t. However, with three rounds of the Whole30 behind me, I have completely changed my life and eating habits. But, to be honest there are some very real factors holding me back from celebrating.
First is the fear of gaining the weight back. I just feel like this would be a huge blow to my self-esteem. Yes, I know how to get back to the weight I am now, but the thought of letting myself down for a few indulgences kills me.
Second, dating again is holding me back as well. (Sadly, the man, who still means the world to me, isn’t in my life anymore.) While I had no problem attracting men before, the pool was smaller for me. Now, I feel like more men will be attracted to my body, making it harder to find someone who admires me for being a smart, accomplished individual, instead of just a hot chick.
I am trying, though, to battle my self-esteem the best I know how. I weigh myself daily to hold myself accountable. I stay active, running regularly and attending SoulCycle classes two or three times a week. However, I have also started focusing on other things about my body. I pay attention to how strong I have gotten. Or how much more endurance I have as I climb stairs or run with my dog. I started tucking my shirts in and wearing things a bit more fitted. I also take photographs once a week to examine progress made beyond the scale. And, of course, I’m still a pretty cool chick on the inside, too.
I’m not really sure when I will be OK with being where I am. I’m not sure when I will be able to fully accept my “new” body. But I’m going to keep focusing on the positive until I wake up one day and don’t even think about my body at all.
Next, these 12 empowering swimsuit pictures prove there’s no one bikini body.
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