Category Archives: Diet And Food

Although olive oil is a staple in many American kitchens, some people do not know what to buy and how to use it.

Its popularity began in the 1980s when scientific research indicated a connection between extra virgin olive oil and heart health. Continued scientific research has shown additional health benefits including decreased risk for certain cancers, reduced inflammation in the body and improved brain health. The popularity of the Mediterranean diet has increased the sales of olive oil over 70% in the past five years. The choices available in grocery stores have grown significantly, too, which adds to the confusion. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends up to 35% of total calories from fat, with the majority coming from unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil.

Lets look behind the bottle to see how olive oil is made. Olives used to be crushed with stone mills but those have been replaced with machines that are cleaner and faster. The crushed olives are then pressed to extract the oil. Cold press on the label means that the oil was extracted by machine without the addition of heat. Extra virgin olive oil is the oil from the first press without any heat or chemicals. Other grades of olive oil, like virgin or pure, are extracted with machines and often treated with heat or chemicals, for less cost.

The flavor, color and aroma of olive oil varies depending on the types of olives as well as the soil and climate where they were grown. The color does not reflect the quality of the oil. Lets look at the different types of olive oils.

Extra virgin is from the first press of the olives and is the most flavorful and healthiest because it retains more of the nutrients and antioxidants from the olives.

Classic or pure olive oil is a blend of industrially processed olive oil with some virgin or extra-virgin olive oil added for flavor. Its milder flavor makes it a healthy alternative to vegetable oil.

Light flavor or light tasting olive oil has very little virgin olive oil and is highly refined, which results in less flavor, lighter color and few health benefits.

When selecting olive oil, there are a few things to check. First, it should come in a dark colored bottle or can, which protects it from breaking down when exposed to light and extends the shelf life. Look for a best buy date on the bottle, which is about two years from bottling. Olive oil is sensitive to heat, oxygen, light and age ,so it is best to store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Once you open a bottle of olive oil, try to use it within two to three months. For this reason, it may be best to buy in smaller bottles even if it costs a little more.

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Selecting and using olive oil as part of a healthy diet - Herald-Mail Media

Millennials get flak for being the avocado toast generation. But theyre definitely on to something. Avocados are as nutritious as they are delicious and they come with some great health benefits.

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Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, says, Avocados are a great addition to a healthy diet. Jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients, here are some good reasons to give these wrinkly green fruits a second look and add them to your regular rotation.

There are hundreds of avocado varieties, ranging from big to small, wrinkly to smooth. What they have in common: a big round pit, creamy green flesh and a whole lot of nutrients crammed into a handy pear-shaped package.

Whether youre adding a slice to a salad or sandwich or using them as an ingredient in a more complicated recipe, avocados have a lot going for them, health-wise, Zumpano says. Here are some of the many nutrients and vitamins packed into just a single avocado.

A perfectly ripe avocado is slightly firm but not rock-hard. Cant wait to eat it, but its not ripe? Store it in a paper bag on the counter until it gives a little when you squeeze it. Once its ripe, you can store it in the fridge for a day or two to keep it from going soft too quickly. (Or just dive right in, since a ripe-but-not-too-ripe avocado is a time-limited treasure.)

But dont go overboard. Avocados are packed with nutrients, but theyre not exactly low in calories. A 50-gram portion about a third of a medium-sized avocado has about 75 calories. An entire large avocado can add upward of 400 calories to your daily diet.

Like most things, says Zumpano, moderation is key. As long as youre paying attention to portion sizes, avocados are great foods to include in your diet, she says.

The avocado is an all-ages treat, says Zumpano. Lots of babies love it mashed with banana. For an older palate, there are almost endless ways to use it. Some ideas to get you started:

You can also use the smooth, creamy fruit to replace the less-healthy fats in your diet, Zumpano says. Here are some additional ways you can add avocado to your diet.

If you use avocado to replace other fats, you can enjoy the flavor and nutrients and also cut down on saturated fats, she says.

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Why Avocados Are a Healthy and Delicious Addition to Your Diet - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Healthy seeds: Adding seeds to your diet can help you lose weight and offer you several other amazing health benefits. Read here to know top 5 seeds that you should be consuming.

Several seeds are loaded with essential nutrients

You might have heard this many times that you should add enough nuts and seeds to your diet as these are loaded with essential nutrients. It is advised to eat a handful of nuts and seeds to beat hunger pangs. There is a huge variety of seeds available which are extremely healthy. You can add seeds to your diet in several ways. These can be consumed directly or you can add these to smoothies, shakes, dessert or as a topping on salads and fruits. Vegetarians miss several essential vitamins and minerals. Some of these essential nutrients can be obtained from seeds. Here are some healthy seeds you can add to your diet for better nutrition.

Chia seeds are loaded with protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds are widely consumed for weight loss. Chia seeds are also good for your digestion, blood sugar levels and cholesterol. These are also loaded with antioxidants and essential minerals.

Chia seeds are loaded with protein that can help in weight lossPhoto Credit: iStock

The health benefits of flaxseeds are well known. These are amazing for your heart health as the omega-3 fatty acids content is high. These offer several benefits similar to chia seeds like control cholesterol levels, better digestion and weight loss. These contain high quality protein and may also help control blood sugar levels.

Also read:Revealed! The Right Way To Consume Nuts And Seeds For Weight Loss

Sesame seeds commonly known as til in India. These contain good amount of fibre. Sesame seeds are a great source of plant protein and can help boost bone health. Studies have also highlighted that sesame seeds can help reduce inflammation, blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with numerous health benefits including controlled inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of magnesium, antioxidants, zinc, iron, copper and fibre.

Also read:Fennel Seeds Health Benefits: Learn Different Ways To Use These Amazing Seeds

Hemp seeds are incredibly nutritious as these contain protein, magnesium and zinc. Hemp seed oil is also commonly used for various purposes. Adding these seeds to diet can help reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause.

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Also read:Chia Seeds For Weight Loss: 5 Interesting Ways To Add These Seeds To Your Diet

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.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

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Nutrition for kids: It is essential to incorporate healthy foods in your toddlers diet for their development. Read on to know the foods you can include.

Raising kids isnt an easy job, and getting children to eat healthy foods can sometimes feel like a battle. Not only do kids throw tantrums while eating, but dont want to have healthy foods at all. The greener the vegetable, the bigger the tantrum. In the process, kids are deprived of the essential nutrients that sometimes take a toll on their health.

For starters, it is difficult to make children understand what minerals or vitamins are important for their well-being. But there is a simple trick that might help - mix different fruits and vegetables and teach your kids to eat as many different colours as they can. This will help you incorporate different foods with different nutritional value in their diet, which will help in your kids natural growth.

Bananas

Bananas are a great option for toddlers, in fact, it is good for kids of all ages. They have a high content of potassium, which will help your kid develop strong bones. They are perfect for young kids as it is easy to eat and digest. Make sure you give them chopped bananas to eat properly.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which plays a role in their growth and healthy vision. Because of their bright colour and natural sweetness, carrots are always a favourite among kids. So, make carrots your childs best friend to help them reap all its benefits.

Avocados

Avocados are high in protein and monosaturated fat, which is great for keeping heart diseases at bay. Remove the peel and serve them mashed or in cubes any way your kid likes.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great option when it comes to providing vital nutrients to your kids as they are a good source of vitamin A, and C, potassium, and fibre. Their sweet, creamy texture is something your kids will never say no to and will enjoy.

Yoghurt

Feed your childs tiny tummy with some yoghurt. It is high in calcium, protein, potassium, which are important for healthy bones and teeth. It is also good for digestion and helps bolster immunity. However, you should choose whole-milk yoghurt over flavoured, low-fat or fat-free yoghurt.

Tomatoes

Kids love the tangy, delicious tomatoes. They are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that keeps diseases like cancer and heart diseases at bay. The best way to serve them to your child is by cooking with a little bit of oil to get the most of the juicy tomatoes.

ALSO READ:Wheezing Cough in Babies: Signs, causes and treatment for this discomfort in toddlers

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6 superfoods to include in your toddlers diet - PINKVILLA

Friends make you laugh, give helpful advice when you need it most, and sometimes they may even help you cheat on your diet. At least thats whatSpicedid when she met her old pal and Love and Hip Hop Atlanta co-starKarlie Redd recently.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Jamaican dancehall artist shared a hilarious video of herself tempting Karlie with a good piece of bread. In the clip, Spice is heard attempting to lure Karlie into breaking her diet, telling her try it Karlie and its so good. @iamkarlieredd Im all the friend you need, Spice captioned the clip that garnered over 170,000 views and over 400 comments. Fans were left in stitches after Karlie quickly gave into temptation, grabbing a plate and napkin to indulge.

One fan wrote, Spice is the friend our grandparents warned us about!. They added, Grandma-If yuh friend jump off the bridge yawh guh dweet?Karlie- Yessss. While another person commented, Thats how food be talking to me in my head when Im on a diet or dont wanna eat late.

A third fan jokingly wrote, Karlie gave in so fastspice your not a good friend. While another left a comment saying, If Peer pressure was a person, is the Devil on your shoulder was a person. It wouldve spice.

Karlie shared the same clip on her Instagram. When your on a diet And your friends dont want you to be Great! Tag Your Peer Pressure Friends@spiceofficial, the reality star captioned the post.

Karlies fans, however, were a little disappointed she caved in so quickly, including one fan who joking wrote, Omg!!! Lol I cant believe you let@spiceofficialget u in trouble like that!!!. They added, I knew yall were up to no good.lol Ill see u in the gym in the morning bread girl. While another user wrote, My god why you do itttt lolI love bread omg but starting tomorrow no more bread.

Despite the relapse, the reality star appears to be keeping with her overall health and figure. Over the past few months, Karlie has been blessing her timelines with stunning photos showing off her gorgeous beauty and curves. Two weeks ago, the television personality also shared a lovely picture of herself in a royal blue bathing suit. Karlie wore her hair in a royal blue short cut to match.

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Fans Are Left In Stitches After Spice Dares Karlie Redd to Break Her Diet with a Piece of Bread - Atlanta Black Star

The OTC drug and dietary supplement market was valued at US$ 2, 93,255. 40 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 4, 92,102. 49 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6. 8% from 2020 to 2027.

New York, Sept. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "OTC Drug and Dietary Supplement Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product ; Type ; Form ; Distribution Channel, and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05967899/?utm_source=GNW

The growth of the OTC drug and dietary supplements marketis mainly attributed to the factors such as growing awareness regarding general health issues and growing preference for non-prescription drugs over prescription drugs. However, the market is likely to get impacted by the drawbacks associated with the stringent FDA regulations related to safety and efficacy of OTC drugs during the forecast period.

Government and consumers mounting pressure on reducing pricing would help accelerate the prescription to OTC (Rx-to-OTC) transition.There is a widespread support for OTC usage among physicians for fever, cold/cough, and minor ailments of that nature; beyond that, the physicians do have some reservations.

Although there are generic prescription medications that are cheaper than OTC drugs, most of the OTC drugs are cheaper than prescription drugs.OTC drugs need to be ingested in lower dosages compared to prescription drugs.Although there are a few prescription drugs available as OTC drugs, their dosage requirements are much lower when sold OTC, than when they are bought via prescription.

In recent years, many prescription allergy medicines such as chlorpheniramine , cetirizine , fexofenadine among othershave been switched to OTC.According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, 81% of adults in the US use OTC medicines as their first line of treatment for minor illnesses.

On an average, consumers in the country make ~26 trips every year to buy OTC medications. Further, they visit their doctors roughly thrice per year.

Based on Product, the OTC drug and dietary supplement market is segmented into cough and cold products, vitamins and dietary supplements, analgesics, gastrointestinal products, sleep aids, oral care products, ophthalmic products, antacids, feminine care, and others.In 2019, the analgesicssegment accounted for the highest share of the market.

Growth of this segment is attributed to the growing awareness regarding general health issues related to body painand growing preference for non-prescription drugs over prescription drugs across the world. However, vitamins and dietary supplementssegment is likely to register the highest CAGR in the global OTC drug and dietary supplements market during the forecast period.

Based on type, the OTC drug and dietary supplementsmarket is segmented into branded and generic. The generic segment held a larger share of the market in 2019 and is estimated to register a higher CAGR of 7.1% in the market during the forecast period.

Based on form, the OTC drug and dietary supplementsmarket is segmented into tablets, capsules, powders, ointments, liquid, and others. The tablets segment held the largest share of the market in 2019 and is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 7.5% in the market during the forecast period.Based on distribution channel, the OTC drug and dietary supplements market is segmented into hospital and retail pharmacies, retail stores, online channels, and others. The hospital and retail pharmacies segment held the largest share of the market in 2019; whereas, theonline channels segment is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 7.5% in the market during the forecast period.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition consumer survey, National Center for Biotechnology Information, The Global Burden of Disease Study, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA),Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and World Health Organization (WHO), are among the major primary and secondary sources referred for preparing this report.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05967899/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Philadelphia --Gavin Perrin has his work cut out for him this semester. The Susquehanna University sophomore is taking a hefty 22 credits in a demanding accounting program. But as he planned to head back to campus this month, the pandemic permitting, Perrin was thinking about the fun stuff: seeing all the friends he made last year, moving in with his new roommates, playing sports.

It's a far cry from Perrin's high school days.

"I was that type of kid in high school who would rather be anywhere else," Perrin said.

It's not that his high school was a bad place. The difference is him: "I feel like a new man."

Between his junior year of high school and his freshman year of college, Perrin lost more than 200 pounds. At 5-foot-10, the 19-year-old from Turbotville, Northumberland County, is down to 230 pounds. He says he feels healthier, more confident.

Gavin Perrin is photographed at his Turbotsville, Pennsylvania home Sept. 3, 2020. He has lost a substantial amount weight through bariatric surgery.(Photo: TOM GRALISH, TNS)

Perrin accomplished that through a lot of hard work that included diet change and exercise. But it probably wouldn't have happened so quickly without another strategy that's used to help only a small number of the estimated 4.5 million American children and teenagers with severe obesity: bariatric surgery. That's despite growing research that it is an effective, safe way to deal with a health problem that has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, liver disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and many other health problems, even among teens.

The American Academy of Pediatrics in December came out in support of bariatric surgery as an "evidence-based effective treatment of severe obesity" and said greater access to the surgery for pediatric patients ages 13 and older "is urgently needed." There is no authoritative count of how many of these surgeries are performed each year on teenagers, but estimates range from 450 to about 1,600. Most experts agree it's less than 1% of the youngsters who might benefit.

"It's definitely underutilized," said Elizabeth Parks Prout, medical director of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program, a joint effort with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "We're not treating everyone who needs treatment, unfortunately."

'A tool for change'

Most teens who undergo bariatric surgery, like Perrin, have the gastric sleeve procedure, in which 70% to 80% of the stomach is permanently removed. Not only is the size of the stomach greatly reduced, but, especially significant, the surgery also affects hormonal balance, including the production of ghrelin, often referred to as the hunger hormone.

Surgery along with lifestyle changes result in a 20% to 30% average weight loss for adolescent patients, Prout said. Lifestyle changes alone aren't effective for long-term obesity treatment, many experts say.

A growing body of research shows there are few post-bariatric surgery complications, though many programs recommend nutritional supplements in response to concerns about postsurgery deficiencies.

Money, not safety, is one reason few teens get this surgery. It's not unusual for insurers to turn down adolescents for the surgery, according to the AAP, especially children from low-income families and children of color who may be stymied by complex, and at times costly, insurance appeals, or inconsistent coverage policies. These families may also lack access to a bariatric surgery program near them.

Some parents and patients fear going under the knife for something they might think could be handled without surgery. In addition, doctors involved in bariatric programs say other physicians often hesitate to refer younger patients, in part due to misunderstanding about the surgery.

"It's a surgery to help you to be able to be effective in the changes in your diet and exercise," Prout said. "The surgery is not a cure. The surgery is a tool for change."

Ann Rogers, director of the Penn State Surgical Weight Loss Program, said she thinks the stigma of obesity can extend to its treatment.

"Obesity isn't a choice. It's not a lifestyle people want to embrace," Rogers said. "It's a chronic and recurring medical condition, just like cancer. So if we have medical therapies that are designed to treat medical problems, we should use them."

'What am I waiting for?'

Lyndsey Gibb, 17, said she's always been "a bigger kid," at least since she was a toddler. "It was something that continued to get out of control as I grew when I hit the teenage years. That's especially when it got bad," she said.

The Dillsburg, York County, teenager tried various diet and exercise programs and went to multiple nutritionists, but nothing ever kept the weight off. Then a couple of years ago, her father had bariatric surgery. As her dad shed weight, she noticed other changes in him. He was more confident, less self-conscious about what he wore, less restricted in the things he would do. She decided she wanted that for herself.

Gibb had her surgery last December at Hershey Medical Center with Rogers. Since then, she's lost 115 pounds and intends to shed another 60. Her BMI went from almost 53 to 36. (Severely obese is considered to start at a BMI of 35 to 40.)

"I definitely feel a lot better, more so confidence-wise than health-wise," Gibb said. "Health-wise, I feel like I can do more, but just being more comfortable with what I look like and what I can wear makes me feel a lot better."

Gibb said she is excited that she can now wear stylish brands like Simply Southern that she always liked, but didn't come in her old size. She gave up riding horses because of her weight. She thinks that could be an option again. Just walking is more enjoyable.

She's beginning her senior year at Northern York High School. COVID-19 permitting, she's looking forward to the prom. Growing up in a rural area, Future Farmers of America is an important activity for her. It involves speaking in front of large groups of people.

"It will help if I feel better about how I look," she said. "I'll be more confident in what I'm doing, and hopefully I can even be better at what I'm doing because of it."

To those who would say she was too young to have this kind of surgery, she has a ready answer.

"What am I waiting for in my life? I've dealt with this for how many years now? My dad got it when he was 40-something years old. It's either I live with how I am and continue to go up and down, or give this a shot and be able to improve my quality of life sooner."

Gavin Perrin is photographed at his Turbotsville, Pennsylvania home Sept. 3, 2020. He has lost a substantial amount weight through bariatric surgery.(Photo: TOM GRALISH, TNS)

A new start

Perrin started his battle with weight at a young age, too. From ages 4 to 15, he participated in a medical weight-loss clinic program where he was given nutrition counseling. Finally, he was told there was nothing more they could do for him. By the time he got to the CHOP bariatric program, his BMI was 65.

"I had high blood pressure. I was borderline diabetic. Even walking around, my feet would burn up. I'd get tired really quick. I did try to play sports, but I couldn't last," Perrin said. "My size definitely bothered me. I could tell from a young age there were these differences, and I wasn't the same as everybody else."

Eating in public places made him feel self-conscious. "Even if they're not looking at you, you felt as if all eyes were on you."

In elementary and middle school, he had temper problems. He thinks his weight had something to do with it.

In high school, he found himself not wanting to go most of the time. He didn't ask anyone to the prom, and no one asked him.

He was a sophomore when he entered CHOP's program. He spent about a year in the presurgery program, which included education and lifestyle changes like a high-protein diet, vitamins, and medication. He had his doubts, given his past experiences. But for the first time, the pounds started coming off _ and staying off. He also was no longer prediabetic, and his blood pressure returned to normal.

"I thought, 'These are people I can trust.'"

By the time he arrived for freshman year at Susquehanna University, Perrin was very different from the kid who underwent weight-loss surgery.

"No one knew me. I could kind of reinvent myself," Perrin said.

After taking charge of his body and his health, "I felt like I could really talk to anybody. I didn't have trouble going out and meeting new people."

The high schooler who preferred to stay in his room became a college student who set goals of meeting as many people as he could. He was a regular at the campus gym. He joined the rugby team and played pickup basketball.

Last month, classes at Susquehanna started online, and Sept. 20 is his back-to-campus day. His roommates will be waiting. He's got a new job as an academic coach for freshman business students. Perrin's ready for whatever the future might bring.

"As long as coronavirus doesn't get in the way," he said, "I think these next couple years are going to be the best time of my life."

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For teens with severe obesity, bariatric surgery works, but is rarely used. Experts say that needs to change - The Detroit News

When it comes to cutting carbohydrates, its not only pastries and bread you have to think about. Carbs are also in fruits (which explains their sweetness), so logic might suggest canceling this type of food, too but dont.

While many low-carb diets recommend avoiding fruit because it tends to be higher in carbohydrates due to its natural sugar, its not ideal for health. Fruit contains many health-promoting nutrients, and removing them from the diet completely could be detrimental, explains Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, an online vitamin supplement shop based in Wilmington, Delaware. For example, fruit (as well as vegetables) providesheart-healthy dietary fiber, along with vitamins and minerals that the body uses as antioxidants to fight various chronic diseases, points out past research.

So you know including fruit in your diet, even a low-carb one, is beneficial. But that doesnt mean that anything goes. A standard low-carb diet involves eating no more than 20 grams (g) to 100 g of net carbs per day, depending on your weight loss goals, according toAtkins.com.

RELATED: Which Low-Carb Diet Is Best for People With Diabetes?

Some fruits have a lower amount of net carbs than others, making them a better choice. (Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols, and are often counted in low-carb dieting, such as Atkins.) So to hit your weight loss goal, it helps to choose fruits with the lowest amount of carbs.

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The 12 Best Fruits to Eat on a Low-Carb Diet - Everyday Health

A person buys soda at a convenience store in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on April 13. The country has high levels of obesity and medical conditions that health authorities warn are related to a diet high in soda and processed foods. Mauricio Palos/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

A person buys soda at a convenience store in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on April 13. The country has high levels of obesity and medical conditions that health authorities warn are related to a diet high in soda and processed foods.

Picture this: You're 17, you walk into a corner store and grab a Coca-Cola and Doritos, but the cashier refuses to sell them to you because you're underage.

That rule is expected to soon become reality in parts of Mexico, as lawmakers in several states push legislation to keep junk food away from children, partly in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

First Oaxaca's state legislature passed a ban on selling or giving out high-calorie packaged foods and sugar-sweetened drinks to minors on Aug. 5. Less than two weeks later, Tabasco state approved a prohibition, too. Now at least a dozen other states are considering similar legislation.

"I know it can sound a bit drastic but we had to take action now," says Magaly Lpez, a lawmaker in Oaxaca's Congress who spearheaded the ban.

More than 70,000 Mexicans have died from COVID-19, the world's fourth-highest recorded death toll, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins University. Two-thirds of those who died in Mexico had an underlying medical condition such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular problems, according to Health Department officials. That has led to a new urgency to change diets so that the younger generation doesn't suffer those ailments.

"The damage of this kind of diet is even more visible because of the pandemic," says Lpez, who is a member of President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador's Morena party.

The party's critics, however, say its leaders are using preexisting health conditions in COVID-19 patients to distract from a weak government response to the virus outbreak.

Yet few would deny the country consumes large amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed snacks with little nutrition or that Mexico has a major weight problem.

One-third of Mexicans aged 6 to 19 are overweight or obese, according to UNICEF. They may not be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 now, but they can suffer myriad health issues, especially in adulthood.

"Bottled poison"

Senior federal officials have been calling on citizens to cut back on junk food. Assistant Health Secretary Hugo Lpez-Gatell has called soda "bottled poison."

Mexico's assistant health secretary, Hugo Lpez-Gatell, speaks about plans for Mexico to produce an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, at the national palace in Mexico City, on Aug. 13. Hector Vivas/Getty Images hide caption

Mexico's assistant health secretary, Hugo Lpez-Gatell, speaks about plans for Mexico to produce an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, at the national palace in Mexico City, on Aug. 13.

The country's overweight health issue "is not the fault of individuals, it's the fault of this nutritional environment that has been developed to favor those [junk food] products instead of health," Lpez-Gatell, Mexico's coronavirus czar, said in July. He has since endorsed the Oaxaca bill.

Oaxaca congresswoman Lpez says legislators from all over the country have called her for advice. In addition to Tabasco, Chihuahua state is debating a junk food ban, and Mexico City's mayor says her administration is looking into something similar. A federal senator from Oaxaca says he wants to make it national law.

Oaxaca's governor approved the state's law last week. Legislators still have to draw up enforcement mechanisms, and punishment could include fines and even jail.

Business pressure

A nationwide law would not be easy. "There are powerful commercial interests that don't want it to happen, but we must prioritize the well-being of our children," Lpez says.

The business owners' association COPARMEX said the legislation "will be an obstacle to commercial freedom and will incentivize the informal economy."

Cuauhtmoc Rivera, the president of the National Small Businesses' Alliance, has been a vociferous critic. "Formal businesses will close and transition to sidewalks and street corners, where consumption of these products will continue," without regulation or oversight, he says.

A street vendor sells sweet snacks in Mexico City in 2016. Several states are pushing to ban the sale of junk food and soda to children to improve the population's nutrition levels. Eduardo Verdugo/AP hide caption

A street vendor sells sweet snacks in Mexico City in 2016. Several states are pushing to ban the sale of junk food and soda to children to improve the population's nutrition levels.

Rivera finds these laws particularly troubling at a time when coronavirus prevention measures have crushed small businesses. His group estimates 150,000 businesses had to close during the pandemic and it expects many will not reopen.

Business groups also say the bans would disproportionately affect the underprivileged.

"The daily battle of the average Mexican is to stretch the little money you have as far as it can go, to fill the stomachs of everyone in your house," Rivera says. The cheapest, easiest calories, especially in urban areas, he says, are things like soda, potato chips and white bread.

Power dynamics

There are power dynamics at play that helped make these kinds of foods so widely consumed, according to Ana Larraaga, of the public health advocacy group Salud Crtica ("critical health").

"We should not only be looking at the companies, the brands, that are involved in the processing in the food but also the political context that allowed the lack of regulations," she says.

Larraaga says the government failed to regulate junk food and soda for decades. She notes that a former leader, Vicente Fox, had once served as CEO of Coca-Cola Mexico before becoming president in 2000.

In 2013, Coca-Cola tried to buy goodwill by sponsoring a school fitness program in Mexico. Several public institutions adopted the program, but it's now widely seen as a failure.

Things began to change in 2014, when the government imposed a tax on sugary drinks. The tax contributed to a 6% drop in soda drinking in its first year, according to government research, while milk and water consumption climbed.

And last year, a new federal law passed. Starting in October, giant-font warning labels will be slapped on the front of food packages: "EXCESS SUGAR!" "EXCESS SODIUM!" "EXCESS TRANS FATS!"

Larraaga says the junk food ban for minors is another encouraging step toward nutrition, if it really catches on. "Whether this policy will work or not ... I definitely think it depends on the acceptance of the population," she says.

"Something healthy instead"

Oaxaca could be primed to embrace it. In the rural Oaxacan town of Villa Hidalgo Yallag, citizens have physically blocked chips and soda delivery trucks from entering since April, saying they don't want outsiders to bring in the coronavirus or junk food.

NPR spoke to several teenagers in Mexico City and Oaxaca state and found almost all knew about health problems related to junk food and agreed change was needed.

"I'd be frustrated at first if I couldn't buy a Coke," said 16-year-old Wendy Trevio, "but I'd adapt. And maybe I'd think twice and buy fruit or something healthy instead."

And 17-year-old Daniela Santiago in Natividad, a small town in the highlands of Oaxaca, said during a workshop with a nonprofit: "We learned about all the diseases associated with a bad diet, hypertension, diabetes, things like that, and I didn't know about all that."

Santiago thinks avoiding junk food should not be a problem, since Natividad's residents have easy access to fresh produce and can stick with traditional dishes based around beans, vegetables, fruit and corn tortillas.

But she knows it may not be so simple in urban areas.

"People in cities are always pressured by their work or school schedule and have no option but to eat junk," Santiago says, "even if they know it's unhealthy."

Link:
'We Had To Take Action': States In Mexico Move To Ban Junk Food Sales To Minors - NPR

Lets get this out of the way right off the bat: Carbs are not your enemy. But, compared to fat and proteins, carbsin their endless snackable formscan be the hardest macronutrient to resist. Carbs dont carry a strong appetite-satisfying effect, says Paul Kriegler, RD, a Minnesota-based certified sports nutritionist and personal trainer with Life Time Fitness health clubs. So even if you crush a bag of Goldfish while bingeing Selling Sunset, you might still be hungry and crave more. For that reason (and others), dialing back on pasta, cookies, and bread has become a popular diet move.

Whether youre following a carb-restricting diet like keto (which limits carb intake to 5-10 percent of your total calories) or just cutting some of that extraneous starchy snacking, adjusting your workouts is vital. Consuming fewer carbs can stall your fitness progress and make your workouts feel, well, more like work. Heres how to tweak your sweat sessions so you can stay on top of your fitness game.

Someone whos generally well-nourished can store about two hours worth of carbohydrate energyin the form of glycogenin their muscles and liver, says Kriegler. Thats a pretty decent tank of gas for a standard workout. But if youre not adequately refilling that tank with enough carbs, youll be starting subsequent workouts from a glycogen deficit. That could cause you to feel more fatigued than normal during a workout and want to cut it short, he explains.

You can avoid that entirely by planning to shorten your workouts from the get-go. How much you should dial things back depends on your training experience and overall health, says Kriegler. Exercising for as little as 10 minutes was shown to have the same benefits as traditional endurance training in a study published in PLOS One. So, consider starting there and slowly adding on 5 or 10 minutes to your workouts. This way, you can ease into working out with less fuel and get a sense of how much energy you realistically have to put toward your sweat sesh.

Artem Varnitsin / EyeEmGetty Images

Carb cutters might need to dial back on high-intensity workouts (like running, swimming, boot camps, and boxing) in favor of more moderate-intensity ones (like the elliptical, resistance training, slow cycling, and walking), says Audra Wilson, R.D., a clinical dietitian with the Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery Program at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

Youre just not really fueling yourself adequately to be able to perform high-intensity exercise to your utmost ability, she explains, and that can lead to muscle damage and breakdown. That doesnt mean you cant do any high-intensity workouts; it just means that if you do them too frequently, you may be self-sabotaging. Kriegler recommends that those cutting carbs stick to one to three hard workouts a week, one to three that are moderate, and one to three that are easy. Plan to stick to this scaled back fitness regimen until you add more carbs to your diet.

Your bodys preferred source of energy is always carbs. It takes more oxygen to break down fat and protein for energy, explains Wilson. If you start your workout with cardio, youre going to bottom out your limited glycogen stores right at the outset; then, your bodys going to turn to protein and fat for energy. Translation: Your body will literally break down your hard-earned muscle to provide energy for your strength workout, preventing you from making gains, says Wilson. Eep!

But regardless of how many carbs you eat, doing cardio before strength will cut into the number of weight lifting reps you can perform, according to a study from the The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Not only that, it'll decrease your muscle power while increasing how hard a workout feels, a separate study from the same journal found. Bottom line: Stick to post-lifting cardio whenever you can.

Theres a lot of buzz about working out before youve eaten in the morning, but experts dont recommend it. Its not a research-backed way to lose weight, and it would lead to muscle breakdown, says Wilson. In fact, cardio on an empty stomach caused twice the amount of protein breakdown in muscles than doing the same workout after eating, research published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal found.

If youre limiting your carb consumption, plan to eat those carbs at the meals right before or after your toughest workouts, says Kriegler. Then, its either going to give you the juice you need to get through that higher effort or replenish what youve burned through during the workout.

When you lower your carb intake, the less insulin your body makes; and the less insulin in your body, the harder it is for your body to retain electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Electrolytes are minerals that help trigger muscle contractionsif you don't have enough in your body, your body won't be able to perform a bicep curl or move your leg forward to take your next running step, explains Kriegler. You might experience more tension or cramping in your muscles, too. Even if you dont change the amount of load youre putting on your muscles, you might benefit from longer rest periods.

That could just mean an extra minute or two between sets of heavy lifts, or an extra day of recovery after a more intense workout. How do you figure out what kind of rest you need? Listen to your body. If you have extra time during your workout to rest more, great, says Kriegler. If you need to be efficient and just adjust your training frequency throughout the week, thats fine, too.

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5 Ways Your Workout Should Change If You're Watching Your Carbs - Women's Health