Category Archives: Diet And Food

One of my favorite newsletters is "why is this interesting?" On Mondays, the newsletter interviews an interesting person about the media they consume. This week's guest is Roman Mars, host and producer of 99% Invisible.

Describe your media diet.

I listen to podcasts more than anything:Blank Check,Criminal,This Day is Esoteric Political History,Planet Money,Slate Political Gabfest,fugA-Zi,My Brother, My Brother and Me,Anthropocene Reviewed,Ear Hustle,Flop House,Pop Culture Happy Hour,The Rewatchables,Serial/Nice White Parents,Song Exploder,Conan O'Brien Needs a Friendso so many podcasts.

What's the last great book you read?

The last fiction book I couldn't put down wasBull Mountainby Brian Panowich. I loved reading it aloud because the dialog and accents were what I grew up with. As for nonfiction,These Truthsby Jill Lepore blew me away. You wouldn't think you needed another high-level survey of American history, but Lepore is so smart and has such verve, she brings it all to life in a new way. That one I listened to and Lepore was the narrator and she's so good.

What are you reading now?

I'm trying to readDuneand so far it's not grabbing me, but I've been assured that it will.

Roman has a new book, The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design.

See original here:
This is the "media diet" of 99% Invisible's Roman Mars - Boing Boing

We've been hearing more and more about the Okinawa Diet recently, named for the small island off of southern Japan that is home to some of the longest-living, healthiest people on the planet. They not only don't die of the usual western diseases like heart disease and diabetes, but many of them live independently and actively (and happily) well into their 90s.

So what's their secret? It turns out they eat an enormous array of foods every single day, up to 18 different vegetables and fruits, and they also eat foods that grow in three specific places: In the ground, in the form of roots, above the ground in the form of vegetables, and in the sea, in the form of algae and seaweed. And each of these environments affords the foods different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and micro compounds that create a spectrum of healthy nutrients to fuel a body that can fight off disease.

So the takeaway is that we need to add more variety to our plates, not just focus on one superfood or a small cadre of nutrients. Getting more types of plant-based foods into your diet is the key.

Here is a storyby Kaki Okumura, who writes a wellness blog calledkakikataabout how to use Japanese principles to live a longer, happier lifewherever you may call home.

Okinawa, an island prefecture in southern Japan, stands out among a country that is already well known for longevity. They have a much lower rate of coronary heart disease compared to mainland Japan.

A separate study on Japanese centennials living in Okinawa, where the researcher went back and analyzed at what age these individuals were able to live independently (cook for themselves, do their own house chores, live in their own home, among other factors), came to another fascinating discovery: The study was only on 22 individuals, but among them,82 percent were still independent at a mean age of 92 yearsand about two-thirds at a mean age of 97 years old a lot of Okinawans dont just live long, it seems they live long active and happy lives.

There are many factors to a healthy life, but a big one is a diet. In an interview with CNN, the researcher leading the study, Craig Willcox, shared that he found Okinawans typically eat seven different fruits and vegetables and 18 different foods a day, and more than 200 different foods and spices regularly in their overall diet.

I thought to myself, how do they do this? Isn't it difficult to get so many different kinds of vegetables and food in one day? But if you consider one of the most common and famous Okinawan foods, a stir-fried vegetable dish called chanpuru, maybe this isnt so impossible. Chanpuru means to mix together and can be a variety of different vegetables, but a classic version would include bitter melon (goya), tofu, egg, and bean sprouts, sometimes with carrots, cabbage, or onions. This is often served with a side of sweet potato and miso soup, which is frequently made with seaweed, tofu, and daikon radish. Okinawans also often enjoy a portion of fruit after or between meals, such as pineapple or papaya with some freshly brewed jasmine tea.

Its not limited to chanpuru many Okinawan dishes are often an assortment of different vegetables, such as Okinawan jyushi or papaya irichi. Their diet is particularly aware of the idea of eating lots of different kinds of vegetables every day meals are often colorful, and include an assortment of leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and sea vegetables. Suddenly, I could see how one could easily get so many different kinds of vegetables in one day.

And this is why the Okinawan diet works: Their focus is on getting a large variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, rather than becoming hyper-focused on increasing your intake of one superfood vegetable or eliminating an entire food category that has been deemed bad by the public.Their meals are never just tofu or bitter melon, and theyll frequently have rice or noodles, instead of just sweet potato. Their meals are often a colorful assortment of different vegetables and food types, of different colors and textures.

So dont worry about eating more superfoods like kale, tiger nuts, or Indian gooseberries: The key to eating well is paying closer attention to the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables you eat in a day seven a day if you can.

If you enjoyed this piece, please write to Kaki atkokumura@kakikata.space withany questions on Japanese cuisine or culture.

View post:
What is the Okinawa Diet and How Can You Follow It to Live Longer - The Beet

Americans can't follow through with diets or exercise without someone to hold them accountable, according to new research.

The survey asked 2,000 Americans found 53% would fail a diet or exercise routine if they pursued these goals alone.

It's no surprise then that 71% shared they are more likely to follow through with these goals if they have someone to hold them accountable.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nutrisystem, the survey found that just over four in 10 respondents also said they're more likely to start a healthy habit when partnered with a friend or loved one as opposed to on their own.

This inspiration to start a healthy habit seems to have been amplified during quarantine as well, as 55% shared that hunkering down at home due to COVID-19 was the push they needed to pursue a healthier diet and more active lifestyle.

Another inspirational nudge to lead a healthier lifestyle is as simple as lending a hand and helping their loved ones pursue their own goals.

All of these factors seem to contribute to successful goals, with 64% of respondents sharing that dieting with a partner has worked for them in the past.

The top ways respondents help their loved ones included working out together and making healthy meals to share with them.

A quarter of respondents also shared they would even make healthy meals and drop them off at their loved one's home if it would help them achieve their goals.

When it comes to achieving these goals and finding motivation, 69% of respondents said have a go-to person in their life they turn to for this support.

Forty-three percent of those surveyed said their significant other is their go-to motivational support and a further 35% turn to a family member they live with.

And as their days in quarantine continue, 46% said their schedules with their spouses, friends and loved ones are more in-sync than ever before which may help them be more successful with their goals.

"Studies continue to show that dieting with a partner leads to greater success and helps people to maintain their weight loss," says Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian, Nutrisystem. "So, shared weight loss programs, like the new Nutrisystem Partner Plan, can make it even easier to reach your goals."

Aside from their goals of eating healthier and exercising more, 53% of respondents said they're trying to have a more positive attitude as quarantine continues.

Other goals respondents are pursuing during quarantine include reading more and practicing meditation.

Four in 10 respondents also shared they're pursuing a new hobby during quarantine.

Nearly half of respondents (45%) are also making a point to speak to a loved one once every day during their time in quarantine.

"People are finding fun and exciting ways to stay connected during the pandemic, especially when it comes to losing weight and getting healthy," adds McCormick. "Accountability and social fellowship are key factors to success."

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Many Americans say this is the key to sticking to their diet and exercise routines - Yahoo Entertainment

We all have that one person in our life who can convince us to do anything,even going so far as to persuade us tomake strides towards a plant-based diet.It turns out thatfour out of 10 Britshave switched to a vegan or vegetarian diet because of their partner.

The Fry Family Food Co., a vegan meat substitute company, conducted asurvey with 2,000 meat-free adults. Out of those surveyed,18% switched their diet to make their partner happy, reports The Sun. Even more convincing were friends and children: 19% were convinced by their friends and 16%convince by their children to eat plant-based or vegetarian.

Actually making the switch is the hardest part, but 8 out of 10 surveyed found changing their diet easier than they thought, especially after53% said they feel healthier and more energetic after eatingvegetarian or plant-based.

"Our research has revealed that those who follow a plant-based diet feel healthier, have more energy, and most importantly, found the change in the diet far easier to adapt to than they could have imagined," said Tammy Fry, Marketing Director of The Fry Family Food Co.

The Fry Family Food Co. conducted another, separate survey of 1,000 adults and found46% percent have tried eating vegetarian or plant-based and of those individuals, 49% made the switch because of a partner encouraging them. Our research shows that when it comes to trying out a plant-based diet, encouragement from partners, family and friends can be really helpful," said Fry.

She continued: "Whether its sharing experiences, advice or handy meal tips, talking to loved ones about the benefits of swapping to a meat-free diet can go a long way in encouraging others to reduce their meat or dairy consumption.

Unfortunately, one in 20 gives upeating plant-based or vegetarian because of a breakup.The majority of those who do give up the diet change is because they miss the nonvegan foods they cut out.Other reasons sticking to a plant-based diet proved difficult was because of the lack of support from family and struggling to find food when ordering out.

On the bright side,one-fifth of those who gave it up would try eating plant-based again, and 23% would try it because of all the plant-based options that keep coming out.

Fry's advice to people making the diet change is: When it comes to taking steps towards a meat-free diet, it doesnt have to be all or nothing you can simply start by making easy swaps once or twice a week... Its never been easier to introduce meat-free options into your diet, without compromising the taste or quality of your meal.

More:
Half of Brits Switch to a Plant-Based Diet With Help of Partner - The Beet

Research has shown that Diabetics are at a higher risk of COVID infection.

Highlights

The pandemic gripping the entire world today has affected our health in varying ways. On one side, being locked in, we are eating home cooked food made with fresh ingredients and with our families. Traditional recipes are making a comeback into our lives. This is good and healthy. On the other side, we have seen that lack of physical activity, the stress of the scare of getting infected and prolonged stay at home is creating mental and physical ill-health. With respect to diabetes, from day one, Doctors have been telling us about the increased risk of infection in people with underlying co-morbidities like Diabetes, Heart disease, stroke and people of older ages.

Research has shown that Diabetics are at a higher risk of COVID infection, and at a higher risk of the severity of the infection and complications that come with SARS- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Emerging evidence also points towards the fact that this infection makes diabetes control difficult because of the treatments involved. Conversely, uncontrolled blood sugars make controlling the infection that much more challenging. Also, it has been seen that a lot of obese and pre-diabetics have become Diabetics with the onset of COVID infection. To protect against the infection, Diabetics are not stepping out, thus leading to a lack of physical activity. Add to this poor food choices, stress, uncontrolled blood sugars, and increased BMI. It seems like a vicious circle, but you can break this by making the right choices for a healthier lifestyle.

(Also Read:17 Easy Diabetes-Friendly Snack Ideas To Manage Blood Sugar Levels)

1. Eat At The Right Time: This time isn't a weekend; you are at home to stay safe and it's a long time. Eating at proper times means a better regulation of blood sugars by preventing binge eating, supplying a steady and measured carbohydrate in the blood preventing spikes and troughs. Eat within 1 hour of waking up and eat every 3-4 hours. Three well-planned major meals, with two snacks in between is a good strategy to follow. Close the kitchen by 9pm, take a cup of milk at bedtime.

2. Add Whole Grains:Make sure you add whole grains in at least 3/4th meals. They ensure a slow and steady supply of carbs, keeping up your energy levels. Whole grain fibre slows down the release of glucose into the blood and at the same time provides many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Millets like Jau aka Barle, help control blood sugars. Try using them in one meal in two days at least.

Whole grain fibre slows down the release of glucose into the blood.

3. Benefits Of Eating Protein: Proteins don't just build up a healthy body, they also add to the satiety value. Adequate protein intake for an adult is about 0.8g/kg body weight as per the recent guidelines of National Institute of Nutrition. High protein diets with very low carbs may be followed, but only if your doctors decides as they need very close follow-ups and monitoring. They have shown to control very high sugars but must not be tried without your doctor/dietician by your side. Plant proteins like legumes- Rajma, chana, lobia are excellent for sugar control. Low-saturated fat animal proteins from fishes, chicken breast, eggs can also be included safely. Fat free/ low fat milk and dahi also add quality proteins. Dahi or yogurt is a probiotic that enhances gut health which is directly related to better sugar controls

Proteins don't just build up a healthy body, they also add to the satiety value.

4. Fats Oils And Nuts & Seeds:Healthy fats from plant sources like, Olive oil, Peanut oil, Rice bran oil in combination with Mustard or sesame oil have a beneficial effect on our health. Recent research has highlighted that replacing excess carbohydrates and saturated fats with healthy fat choices improves both blood sugars and insulin control. Eating an ounce of nuts & seeds, at least thrice a week, has shown better sugar controls and heart health.

Healthy fats from plant sources like, Olive oil, Peanut oil, Rice bran oil in combination with Mustard or sesame oil have a beneficial effect on our health.

5. Fruits And Vegetables:Fill up half your plate with vegetables and salads. Choose seasonal and colourful. Add the whites, greens, reds, orange and ensure that your body gets not just fibre but also lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect against infections, oxidative stress and boost the immune system. Two fruits a day make a good snack providing little carbs, with fibre and electrolytes keeping you full and your sugars stable.

Fill up half your plate with vegetables and salads.

So what should a Diabetic meal plan look like? Choose at least 4 components from each of the food groups to make a major meal:

1. 2 small multigrain bread slice + 1 egg boiled/poached/ scrambled/ omelette+ 1 cup milk

2. 2 stuffed multigrain or whole wheat roti + big bowl of Dahi + mint chutney

3. 2-3 Idly/ dosai + Thick sambar 1 bowl + Dahi or thick lassi

1. 2 chapati + 1 big bowl Rajmah + 1 big bowl palak+ Dahi

2. Parboiled rice (cooled down) + thick sambar or chicken breast in gravy + Cauliflower+ 1 Bowl dahi

3. Multi grain burger Bun + grilled Paneer / Chicken patty + lots of cucumber, lettuce leaves, tomato slices + 1 glass cold coffee. Make a burger at home, use mustard instead of Mayo

4. Veg Pulao + sprouts salad 1 bowl + Dahi or Chicken Biryani + Mixed Veg Raita which contains one bowl of vegetables.

1. Roasted foxnuts or makhana + 1 table spoon roasted peanuts

2. Boiled corn with Paneer cubes

3. Grilled/raw vegetables with 1 tablespoon peanut/almond butter

4. 1 fistful of almonds + walnut + chia seeds

These are just guidelines to explain balanced meals, get your personal diet plan from a registered nutritionist.

In addition to this, exercise. Even if you aren't going out, please take out 30-45 minutes and choose a workout that helps get your heart rate up. 10,000 steps are ideal and 15,000 steps prevent NCD's (Non-communicable diseases). Start today, add 250-500 steps every alternate day.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay at home.

Disclaimer

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The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

About Rupali DattaRupali Datta is a Clinical Nutritionist and has worked in leading corporate hospitals. She has created and lead teams of professionals to deliver clinical solutions for patients across all medical specialties including critical care. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

See more here:
Diabetes And Covid-19: Expert Tips And Full-Day Diet Plan For Diabetics - NDTV Food

Its happened to most of us: at some point in our lives, weve dreaded those extra pounds. So wouldnt we all want a procedure that can remove excess fat in a single afternoon? Shouldnt we all try a little liposuction?

Well, the scientific consensus is that, if done right, such procedures should be safe but theyre never without risk. Theyre also not a substitute for weight loss, experts agree.

Liposuctions are procedures that involve physically removing adipose tissue (fat) from our bodies, usually through some form of suction (hence the name). Make no mistake, however it is considered to be a type of major surgery and not something you should consider lightly.

Such interventions are not and should not be considered an alternative to weight loss approaches such as dieting, exercise, or bypass surgery.

Liposuction is used to remove fat that has been unresponsive to dieting or exercise and will remove less weight and centimeters than other approaches.

Liposuction begins with the administration of certain drugs, most commonly local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and intravenous sedatives. Then, a small incision is made in the skin, through which a diluted anesthetic solution is infused. The role of this infusion is to reduce local bleeding and trauma to local tissues.

A thin hollow tube the cannula is then inserted into the hole and used to loosen fatty tissues using back-and-forth motions. This fat is then removed using a syringe attached to the cannula or a surgical vacuum. In general, the skins natural elasticity is enough to make it stretch neatly over the (now slimmer) areas.

Not all the fat on our bodies always responds to exercise or diet. Liposuction can be used as an alternative in areas such as the abdomen, chest, back, our necks, chins, hips, or on our limbs. It has also been used medically, to remove adipose tissue in other areas of our bodies, for example in breast reduction interventions. However, its chief use remains cosmetic.

Our bodies use fats to store excess nutrients and energy from our food. Fat is made up of adipose cells that multiply and increase in size as we pack on the pounds. Liposuction physically removes these cells from the body; adipose tissue isnt very strong or knit together, meaning this can be done with relatively little intrusive intervention.

Still, it does place a lot of strain on the body, and it is a major surgical intervention, meaning that candidates for liposuction need to be in good health and not have pre-existing conditions that could imperil their life during surgery. Doctors will need to review your medical history and lifestyle to assess the risk beforehand. Medication or ongoing treatments can also factor in: according to the Mayo Clinic, treatments with blood thinners or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), for example, need to be interrupted at least three weeks prior to such an intervention.

Like anything thats supposed to quickly alter your body, there are risks involved in liposuction. A study published in 2000 found that between 1994 and 1998, about 20 in every 100,000 patients who underwent liposuction died, making it more deadly than traffic accidents over the same timeframe. A statement issued by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) following the study explains that poor patient health was the main driver of these deaths, followed by the removal of too much fat, excessive use of fluid or anesthesia during the procedure, and performing multiple interventions in a single session.

Although patient outcome has been steadily improving, such findings do go to show that liposuction is in no way devoid of risks.

As a result of the task forces investigation and recommendations, many plastic surgeons have altered their approach to [liposuction]. Consequently, since about 1998, we have seen the rate of serious complications plummet, ASAPS president Fritz E. Barton Jr., MD, said at the time, according to WebMD.

But death is, understandably, the worst-case scenario. Other dangerous complications that can arise from liposuction include accidental internal punctures with the cannula (which require medical intervention), infection (which are rare but still possible), a fat embolism (blockage of blood vessels in the heart or lungs with a bit of dislodged fat), adverse reactions to the anesthetic lidocaine (also rare), or potentially-fatal kidney, heart, and lung issues due to rapid shifts in fluids inside the body.

Milder side-effects include temporary numbness or irritation of the nerve bundles in the treated area, fluid accumulation in the body, or contour irregularities. The latter consists of bumpy, wavy or withered [skin] due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, and unusual healing, according to WebMD, and can be temporary or permanent. While both the characteristics of the patient and the quality of the procedure play a role here, there are ways to address loose or saggy skin following liposuction.

The thing to remember here is that liposuction isnt, has never been, and never will be a weight reduction method. It is a type of plastic surgery meant to contour to quickly change the shape of an individuals body.

There is a limit to how much excess fat can be safely removed during a liposuction procedure, and removing more than that carries very real risks for patients.

Furthermore, unless also backed by changes in habits, the fat removed through liposuction can and will come back surprisingly quickly the procedure in no way guarantees that the results will be maintained over time. Its important to note, also, that the procedure can only remove subcutaneous fat (the one immediately below the skin), not visceral fat (the one deeper in the body that surrounds our organs, our viscera).

Subcutaneous fat is both easier to shed and less unhealthy than visceral fat. It is also much less involved in our metabolism. So liposuction can only address part of the least damaging type of body fat.

Liposuction can help change the superficial aspect of your body, but it will not make you healthier if anything, its a very demanding procedure on our bodies, just like any other surgical intervention. It definitely has its role and, if done right, can be safe. There isnt any silver-bullet against obesity or excess weight, and even if you do decide to make a liposuction appointment, you will need to put the effort in to maintain that weight loss.

Read more here:
What liposuction is, and why it can make you thinner, but not thin - ZME Science

An avocado toast with nuts and herbs can make for a well-balanced and quick breakfast food

Having a healthy, homemade breakfast every day can be a tad bit difficult. The most common reason behind this is lack of time. In the morning, one is usually occupied with a long list of the day's to-do tasks, due deadlines and chores that cannot be ignored. So, it's a given that having a healthy breakfast every day can be a tad bit difficult goal to achieve. But, it can all be solved with some planning and time management. Ideally, your breakfast should provide you with healthy fat, fibre, carbs and proteins.

Cornflakes, breakfast cereal or a plain toast will rarely provide you with the nutrition and energy you need to go on with the day. What you need is something homemade or something that is naturally available.

Also read:Immunity-Boosting Breakfast Ideas You Must Try To Stay Healthy

Take Kayla Itsines' breakfast option this morning, for instance. The celebrity fitness trainer shared the picture of a humble avocado toast, which she says can be prepared in just five minutes!

"I prefer my breakfast to be both quick to make and eat so I can get started with my day as soon as possible!" she writes in the capiton of her Insta post.

Having said that, she agrees that just because a meal is quick doesn't mean it has to be unhealthy. "Try to include a healthy, balanced portion of protein, carbs and good fats into a fast breakfast - as you would with a more time-consuming dish," she recommends.

Also read:Weight Loss: Do's And Don'ts Of Breakfast You Must Follow

A quick go-to breakfast for days that she is occupied is a an avocado toast. You need to slice avocado and place it on a toasted bread. Season it with herbs, spices and have a handful of nuts and seeds trail mix, on the side.

This combination provides you with protein (nuts and seeds mix), good fat (avocado), fibre (avocado and bread) and carbs (bread). Not only does the breakfast option taste good, it can also be prepared in just five minutes!

In this meal, avocado can be replaced with the likes of peanut or almond butter, peanut butter and banana, cream cheese and berries, or olive oil, tomato, basil, dried oregano and salt and pepper. All of these combinations can safely be added to your weight loss diet as well!

Also read:Our Nutritionist Suggests These Healthy Breakfast Options For Kids: Don't Miss These

As mentioned above, the goal of eating healthy and homemade breakfast every morning can be achieved with the help of a little time management. Poha, upma, idli and ajwain parantha are other quick, filling and nourishing breakfast options that you can bank on.

So, what did you have for breakfast this morning? Share in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Read more:
Quick Breakfast Ideas: Prepare This Avocado Toast To Get A Dash Of Protein, Fibre And Good Fats - NDTV

words Al Woods

Everybody wants to lose weight but dont want to put in the necessary work to achieve their weight loss goals. So what do they do? They turn to fad diets, also known as crash diets.

A fad diet is a drastic approach to weight loss in hopes of losing weight within a matter of days or weeks.

So whats the number-one drawback of these fad diets?

Sure, the friend of the sister, of a girl in your office tried one of those diets and she lost 10 pounds in a week but that doesnt mean that the diet will work for you, nor does it prove that the diet is safe. According to Readers Digest, fad diets can cause severe dehydration, fatigue, serious digestive issues, and malnutrition.

The truth of the matter is that if you want to lose weight, youre going to have to completely rethink your diet and put in the work. And by putting in the work, thats going to require exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, and incorporating juice cleanses for gut health. These changes arent as traumatic as people like to make them out to be, either You just have to set realistic goals for yourself.

The key is to ease your way into your weight loss journey because it is indeed a lifestyle change and not something that can be accomplished within a few days. But, the reality is that people want to drop those pounds as fast as it was to gain them, and thats just not realistic. However, despite its history of damage to your health, people still give in to the fads. Here are some of the most ridiculous diets that people actually go through with.

On the baby food diet, youre supposed to eat 16 jars of baby food each day in place of regular food. If anything, you can eat one regular meal while on this diet. The theory is that because baby food is minimally processed, theres a calorie deficit and it will help you to drop the pounds youve been desperately trying to get rid of.

Unfortunately, this diet is ridiculous and its a lose weight quick gimmick. If you were to ask all the fit people you know how they lost their weight, theres a high chance that theyre not going to say they lost it by eating a ton of baby food *insert eye roll.

On this particular diet, the objective is to plug or cover your nose while you eat so you cant smell what youre eating. True enough, your sense of smell does drive your appetite and the amount of food you consume, but whos actually going to sit down and do that for every meal? The goal is to blind your sense of taste so that you can truly focus on your appetite and stop eating when youre truly full.

Unfortunately, this diet is also ridiculous and should never be approached, ever.

On the prayer diet, youre supposed to pray every day that you lose weight. While praying that you lose weight every day wont do any harm, if anything, maybe itll strengthen your spiritual relationship. But the idea is that by praying, youll subconsciously make healthier food choices. Again, there is no harm in this, but most people know that faith without work is dead. Youre going to have to do a little more than this.

If you thought the previous diets were outrageous, get ready to have your socks knocked off with the cotton ball/tissue paper diet. With this diet, youre supposed to soak five cotton balls or tissue paper that amounts to five cotton balls in orange juice or a juice of your choice, and eat it. The idea is for it to fill your stomach without gaining any calories.

Not only is this ridiculous but its dangerous! And the fact that people have actually done it is whats mind-boggling! You dont have to be a gastroenterologist to know that this is dangerous and can cause serious damage to your vital organs. DO NOT TRY THIS DIET!!!

While these diets are real, and people have actually tried them, they are not safe. Regardless of your weight or where you are on your weight loss journey, approaching weight loss the safe way is whats most important. A well-balanced diet and adequate exercise is whats going to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Originally posted here:
Most Ridiculous Diets That People Actually Try and the Reality Behind Them - Flux Magazine

Remedies for period pain: Painful periods can be because of iron and folic acid deficiency

Period pain is a tough to endure. For many women, it requires taking an extra leave or a forced break from daily commitments. Health experts believe that moderate amount of period pain is normal, and shouldn't be much of a concern. However, if the pain is excruciating and occurs every time you get periods, then it can be because of an underlying health condition like iron deficiency, and must be checked by an expert. You will be surprised to know that moderate and recurring period pain can be dealt with the help of simple kitchen ingredients like raisins, kesar and ghee.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, in a recent live session on YouTube talks about these home remedies that can effectively reduce and even help you get rid of painful periods.

Take two small bowls. In one add black raisins (4-5), and in other add a few strands (1-2) of kesar or saffron. Have them first thing in the morning. "This is one of the most useful food interventions for the likes of period cramps and bloating. It can also help in reducing constipation and meeting iron deficiency," says Diwekar.

Start your day with soaked raisins and kesar to reduce period painPhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:Exercising During Periods: This Is The Workout You Should Do When You Are On Your Period

These vegetables are rich in fibre, polyphenols and naturally-existing hormone-like substances that help you have smoother periods and better skin and hair health. Cook them how they have been cooked in your family for generations.

Have a fresh fruit or a banana by 4 or 6 pm in evening, every day. It will help you have a smaller portion size for dinner. This in turn helps you sleep better and wake up fresher. Banana is rich in potassium, fibre and Vitamin B.

Eat a banana at around 4 pm or 6 pm every dayPhoto Credit: iStock

Apart from eating the banana, you can also bank on the banana flower. It is therapeutic in nature and has medicinal properties.

"Not having anything between 4 or 6 pm in evening can either lead to overeating during dinner, or lead to consumption of stimulants like tea, coffee or cigarette. Junk food and comfort food cravings also tend to shoot up if you don't eat at this time of the day," Diwekar explains.

Also read:Try These 7 Foods That Have More Potassium Than A Banana To Control High Blood Pressure

They are extremely useful as they add more diversity to your diet. They help in improving gut flora, which can improve the health of your ovaries and reproductive system, she says and adds that it can be helpful for women who get painful periods and even those who have endometriosis. Kuttu or buckwheat, rajgira, makai, etc are good grains for winter.

Aliv seeds or garden cress seeds of halim seeds can ensure smooth and pain-free periods. These seeds are a good source of folic acid and iron. These seeds can be mixed with coconut and jaggery to make a laddoo. You can also add a pinch of aliv seeds to turmeric milk, and have a cup of it at night. It can help you sleep well. Eat one aliv laddoo every day for smooth, pain-free periods.

Coriander seeds, with some dried coconut and jaggery can also help you have smooth periods. Also add a tsp of ghee to each of your meals. It helps you provide essential fatty acids and helps in assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

These basic home remedies helped women experience fewer mood swings, cramps, bloating, sugar cravings and tiredness and fatigue.

"Such food interventions primarily are effective in reducing pain during periods as they help in overcoming micronutrient deficiencies," she explains.

Also read:Irregular Periods: 5 Superfoods That Can Induce Menstruation

It may take around 12 weeks of consistent effort for one to overcome aches and pains, using these time-tested foods practices, Diwekar informs.

Iron, folic acid and haemoglobin deficiencies are quit common among women in India, says Kareena Kapoor Khan's nutritionist. These aches and pains and conditions that most people suffer from, are because of micronutrient deficiencies.

Avoid following fad diets that are restrictive in nature. These low-calorie diets that offer promising weight loss benefits can do more harm than good by causing nutritional deficiencies, sleep troubles, digestion troubles and much more.

(Rujuta Diwekar is a nutritionist based in Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Written by Surbhi Gupta, Edited by Explained Desk | New Delhi | Updated: October 6, 2020 11:27:01 pmIn the past five years, the keto diet found popularity after a lot of celebrities endorsed it.

Actor Mishti Mukherjee, 27, who had worked in Bangla, Telugu and some Hindi films, died on October 2 in a hospital in Bengaluru. Her family said Mukherjee suffered from kidney failure as she had been following a ketogenic diet.

What is a ketogenic, or keto diet, and when can it turn unhealthy?

The ketogenic diet is one of the most popular weight loss diets the world over. It is a high-fat, moderate-protein and low-carb diet that helps in weight loss by achieving ketosis a metabolic state where the liver burns body fat and provides fuel for the body, as there is limited access to glucose.

What constitutes a keto diet?

A classic keto requires that 90 per cent of a persons calories come from fat, six per cent from protein and four per cent from carbs. But there are many versions doing the round, since this one was designed for children suffering from epilepsy to gain control over their seizures. Typically, popular ketogenic diets suggest an average of 70-80 per cent fat, 5-10 per cent carbohydrate, and 10-20 per cent protein, explains nutritionist Ruchi Sharma, founder of EAT.FIT.REPEAT.

Many versions of ketogenic diets exist, but all ban carb-rich foods. In the beginning, it may seem easier to follow a keto diet as theres no need to count calories and the rules are very simple, but eventually adherence becomes very difficult, she says.

What are the food items that make the diet?

One can have eggs, chicken and turkey in poultry, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds like Macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and flaxseeds.

There is also nut butter like natural peanut, almond and cashew butters. It also consists of healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut butter and sesame oil. There are Avocados, and non-starchy vegetables like the greens, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers.

How does keto impact the body?

If you starve the body of carbohydrate, after burning out the glucose, the liver starts breaking down fats for energy. Ketosis is common in all kinds of fasting, but in a keto diet, when one is feeding it by giving a lot of fats from outside without carbs, it can become mildly toxic, says endocrinologist Dr Ambrish Mithal, Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare Pan Max, Saket, New Delhi.

It may lead to many nutrient deficiencies such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin A, D, E, & K) and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium. These are essential food groups, and their absence in the diet can be the cause of numerous deficiency diseases, says Sharma.

Extreme carbohydrate restriction can lead to hunger, fatigue, low mood, irritability, constipation, headaches, and brain fog, which may last days to weeks

What impact does it have on our kidneys?

Even the moderate increase in protein needs to be carefully monitored, especially in those who are already suffering from a chronic kidney disease, as it could lead to kidney failure, Sharma says, adding that one should get a thorough assessment and make sure they have normal kidney function before choosing this diet.

This diet could lead to increased stress on the kidneys and result in kidney stones, as they are made to work overtime, says Dr Rushi Deshpande, Director of Nephrology at Mumbais Jaslok Hospital. If a person has died while on a keto diet, its likely that there was some underlying kidney disease, adds Dr Mithal.

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How did the Keto diet become popular?

Keto had become popular as a therapy for pediatric epilepsy in the 1920s and 30s. But it gained considerable attention as a potential weight loss strategy when the low-carb diet craze started in the 1970s with the Atkins diet (a very low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, which was a commercial success and popularised low-carb diets to a new level), says Sharma.

In the past five years, the keto diet found more popularity after a lot of celebrities, including Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow, started endorsing it. In India, it made news after comedian Tanmay Bhat was learnt to have undertaken the diet to lose weight.

Why is it so popular?

Because it has turned out to be one of the quickest ways of losing weight. In the first few days after starting the diet, one experiences a significant loss of water weight, and to the average person, the diet appears to be working, says Sharma.

Everyone these days is looking for quick fixes. Many have failed on conventional diets, and want something extreme. Like with most fad diets, you can quickly lose weight on keto, but it is hard to maintain as the compliance is very low, says Sharma.

Who should opt for a keto diet?

A ketogenic diet may be an option for people who have had difficulty losing weight with other methods. But in my opinion, if you are looking to lose weight with keto, drop the idea. This urgency or desperation to lose in four to eight weeks weight youve been piling on for months and years can turn fatal, says Sharma.

I do not advise my patients to undergo keto, but if they insist, I tell them they can try it for four to eight weeks, at the most three months. But Ive noticed that most patients cant sustain it, says Dr Mithal.

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Should one undertake keto without medical supervision?

It is advised that a person undergoes the diet under strict monitoring of a nutritionist or dietician. A health care provider or a nutritionist can assess ones needs and can guide about clean keto vs whatever is available on the internet. Clean keto focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods and puts more emphasis on food quality. Dirty keto is also called lazy keto, as it allows for highly processed and packaged foods, says Sharma.

Common mistakes

Resorting to Google and starting the diet on your own. While one can technically attain ketosis and garner some of the benefits using this approach, one may miss out on several key nutrients and increase the risk of disease. By choosing processed foods over nutritious, whole foods, you may become deficient in micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and K, says Dr Mithal, adding that a number of keto supplements and alternatives like keto coffee, keto chocolates available in the market are unreliable.

What are the precautions one should take?

Doctors suggest that one should increase the intake of water if one is undergoing keto. They should make sure that they remain under medical supervision to check if any side effects come up.

One should see how ones adherence is towards extreme diets, and remember that yo-yo diets that lead to rapid weight loss fluctuation are associated with increased mortality. Instead of engaging in the next popular diet, one should embrace a diet that is sustainable over the long term, says Sharma.

She adds that a balanced, unprocessed diet, rich in very colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lots of water is a better idea.

How is keto different from a low-carb diet?

Most of the modern weight loss diets are low on carbohydrates, but the distinction there is that some of them are low only in refined carbohydrates, and high in protein.

But in keto, the carbs are below 10 per cent, which discourages you from having fruits and vegetables, says Dr Mithal. When following a low carb diet, its common to increase your intake of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables to replace the carbs and promote fullness. By restricting carbs, you eliminate many high calorie foods from your diet. All these factors may work together to reduce your overall calorie intake and promote weight loss.

A low-carb diet has been linked to several health benefits in people with diabetes, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors. Whereas when following a keto diet, the goal is to reach nutritional ketosis. This is achieved by consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day while keeping protein intake moderate and increasing fat intake drastically, explains Sharma.

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