Category Archives: Diet And Food

Whether you love him or hate him, every basketball fan is familiar with JJ Redick. The sharpshooter first burst onto the scene at Duke University; while his NCAA success didnt immediately translate to the NBA, the guard has turned into a solid pro player. After 14 seasons in the association, hes still going strong.

Although Redick has plenty of natural talent and a silky shooting stroke, thats not the only thing that helped him carve out a niche in the NBA, In fact, his bowl of beets diet is actually a key part of his on-court success.

RELATED: Deshaun Watson Grew up Wanting to Be Exactly Like JJ Redick

Thanks to its status as one of the NCAAs modern powers, Duke University is able to recruit plenty of star players. During his time in Durham, JJ Redick grew into one of the Blue Devils top talents.

After making a name for himself in high school, Redick arrived on campus ahead of the 2002-03 NCAA season. While there were some growing pains along the way, the guard established himself as a deadly shooter and a capable scorer; he finished his freshman campaign averaging 15 points, 2.5 rebounds, and two steals per outing.

Redick improved each year and, by the time he was a senior, had become a legitimate star. During his final season on campus, the guard poured in an average of 26.8 points per night. He shot 47% from the floor and knocked down more than 42% of his three-pointers; that offensive dominance made him helped him sweep the 2006 National Player of the Year awards.

RELATED: JJ Redick Slams Donald Trumps Stance on Not Watching Basketball

Coming out of college, JJ Redick seemed like a cant miss draft pick. While the Orlando Magic agreed, selected the guard 11th in 2006, it took him some time to find his stride.

At the NBA level, Redick found it hard to survive as a pure shooter; curling off screens might work in college, but it was harder to find space in the pros. The guards defense also wasnt up to scratch. Those factors, combined with some injuries, limited Redicks effectiveness. As a rookie, he only appeared in 42 games, averaging six points per outing.

Over time, though, JJ began to adjust to life in the NBA; he started earning more playing time and rediscovered his scoring touch. While the guard has bounced around a bit, hes become a solid contributor capable of slotting into any lineup. Reddick might not carry a team as he did at Duke, but hell give you 30 minutes of effort and double-digit points every time he takes the floor.

NBA players have plenty of resources, ranging from specialized coaches to unique training regimens, to ensure theyre at their best whenever they hit the court. JJ Redick, however, has another ace up his sleeve: beets.

In a GQ Youtube video highlighting 10 things that he cant live without, Redick discussed his relationship with the root vegetable in surprising detail. For those that dont know, for cardiovascular endurance training and endurance sports, like basketball, beets are an incredible nutritional supplement, he explained. During the season, I eat beets twice a day. I dont mean one or two beets, I literally mean give me a bowl of beets. He also drinks a bottle of water mixed with beet crystalsthose were the actual item that he couldnt live withoutbefore taking the floor.

Despite that, though, Redick doesnt love the taste of his essential vegetable. Beets taste terrible, theyre really tough to eat, he continued. But I genuinely believe in the science behind it and I also believe in the results Ive gotten from eating a lot of beets.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference and Basketball-Reference

Read more from the original source:
JJ Redick's 'Bowl of Beets' Diet Helps Him Get Results in the NBA - Sportscasting

by Alison Bonaguro 8/10/2020

Remember that old deep cut of Tim McGraws from 1997, Hard on the Ticker?

If not, heres how it goes:

And even though we all know full well that McGraw is the picture of health, he has had some unhealthyish cravings during this coronavirus quarantine. His daughter Gracie even called his mom to get her recipe for hot milk cake. (Here is Martha Stewarts take on the cake.)

I crave stuff all the time. I love a great cheeseburger. I mean, Im a cheeseburger fanatic, but now its more turkey burgers than a real cheeseburger every now and then, McGraw said in a recent radio interview. But Faith (Hill) makes great fried chicken, so weve had fried chicken quite a few times and I make the mashed potatoes. Weve had fried chicken and mashed potatoes quite a few times, and she makes the best roasted chicken that you can possibly imagine.

His specialty? I make a pretty dang good country fried steak, he admitted.

Alison makes her living loving country music. She's based in Chicago, but she's always leaving her heart in Nashville.

Original post:
This Tim McGraw Diet Might Be Hard on the Ticker - CMT.com

How? Your artery walls respond to high blood pressure by hardening and becoming more narrow.

As a result, less blood flows around your body, supplying vital organs, such as the heart - conditions that make a heart attack far more likely.

The only way to check your reading is to get a blood pressure test, which is conducted at a number places, such as GP surgery or some pharmacies.

Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own blood pressure monitor.

READ MORE:High blood pressure: The 30p item shown to lower reading and other heart disease markers

In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, participants consuming the highest amount of protein (an average of 100 g protein/day) had a 40 percent lower risk of having high blood pressure compared to the lowest intake level.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) analysed protein intakes of healthy participants from the Framingham Offspring Study and followed them for development of high blood pressure over an 11-year period.

They found that adults who consumed more protein, whether from animal or plant sources, had statistically significantly lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels after four years of follow-up.

Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are the two figures used to record blood pressure.

Systolic pressure is the pressure when your heart pushes blood out and diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

In general, these beneficial effects were evident for both overweight and normal weight individuals.

They also found that consuming more dietary protein also was associated with lower long-term risks for high blood pressure.

When the diet also was characterised by higher intakes of fibre, higher protein intakes led to 40 to 60 percent reductions in risk of high blood pressure.

High protein sources include:

A regular exercise routine should compliment a healthy, balanced diet.

The NHS explains: "Being active and taking regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition."

As the health body points out, regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure.

"Adults should do at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week," it advises.

See original here:
High blood pressure: Increase your intake of this food to lower hypertension - Express

From the first cereal commercial you see as a kid, you learn that you need vitamins and minerals in abundance. Like magnesium, for one. Your body needs it to function correctly, says registered dietitian Anna Taylor, RD.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Heres how to know if youre getting enough and what to eat to keep your levels up.

Magnesium is a real heavy hitter, Taylor says. Its necessary for more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including:

The problem is, many people dont get enough, forcing the body to compensate.

When your magnesium levels are down, your body filters out less magnesium than normal to keep adequate levels in your body, Taylor says. But thats not a great long-term strategy.

Its usually not a problem if you have days here and there where you dont get enough magnesium. But an ongoing lack of it in your diet can lead to magnesium deficiency.

Certain conditions (and some medications) can also make it harder for your body to have adequate magnesium levels. These conditions include:

Early signs of magnesium deficiency include:

As magnesium deficiency gets worse, other symptoms may occur, including:

To get enough magnesium in your diet, experts recommend:

But before you pull out the calculator, Taylor has some advice: I rarely recommend people tally up magnesium or other vital nutrients, she says. Its tedious, difficult and ungainly. Instead, make sure to include a variety of fiber-rich plant foods in your diet every day.

Here are Taylors top picks.

Tap, mineral and bottled waters can be magnesium sources but its difficult to know how much magnesium they contain because it depends on the water source, Taylor says. Its anywhere from 1 milligram per liter to 120 milligrams per liter.

So, if you drink the recommended two liters of water per day, that could be up to 240 milligrams of magnesium.

To reach the recommended amounts, Taylor recommends eating:

Magnesium supplements can be helpful if a doctor determines that you have a magnesium deficiency. But if you have no major health problems, Taylor says you should get magnesium from your diet.

Food first is my mantra, she says. If you take a dietary supplement for magnesium and take too much, youre going to get some uncomfortable side effects, such as cramping, diarrhea and nausea.

Eating magnesium-rich foods also gives you more nutritional bang for your buck. Youre not just getting magnesium from these foods youre also getting so many fantastic nutrients, such as vitamins, other minerals and phytonutrients, she says. Phytonutrients are plant compounds that are antioxidants, immunity boosters, anti-cancer agents and anti-inflammatories.

More:
7 Foods That Are High in Magnesium - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Aseel Soueid/YouTube Fitness YouTuber Aseel Soueid shared 5 nutrition and workout tips that helped him get him shredded, reveal his abs, build muscle, and get single-digit bodyfat.

Fitness YouTuber Aseel Soueid isn't afraid to take on an ambitious weight loss or muscle-building challenge. In the past, for instance, he ate like Hugh Jackman's 'Wolverine' for a day and tracked the results. Now, in one of his latest videos, Soueid is on a new mission: to get absolutely shredded and reveal his six-pack absand it turns out, it's one he's already accomplished. Soueid's lean, ripped physique speaks for itselfand he helpfully shared the exact steps he took with his diet and workout that helped him get into single digit percent body fat.

"If you're serious about your fitness goals to the next level, weight yourself daily and jot down your weight," Soueid says. "Make sure you're tracking [your results] and seeing trends." While this tactic may not work for everyoneespecially given that it might cause you to fixate or feel guilty about the lack of sudden progress, there is science to support that it can work for some people.

"There's a right way to make coffee to actually help you get leaner and lose body fat," Soueid says. To do this, you should drink water before you touch your coffee. Soueid suggests drinking 16-32 ounces of water first to hydrate yourself. Then, drink your cup of black coffee, which is a caffeine source and a natural pre-workout drink. Soueid says that he hits the gym 30 minutes after his cup for a fasted workout, thanks to his intermittent fasting routine.

Soueid shares his entire workout plan, which he says he sticks to 6 days a week to maintain lean muscle and a muscular, dense physique.

Monday: Chest and Arms (A) workout

Tuesday: Legs and Abs (A) workout

Wednesday: Back and Shoulders (A) workout

Thursday: Chest and Arms (B) workout

Friday: Legs and Abs (B) workout

Saturday: Back and Shoulders (B) workout

Sunday: Off Day

After his morning workout, Soueid breaks his fast with meal #1, adding that he likes to eat 2 big meals and one snack. Here's exactly what he eats throughout the day:

Meal 1: Egg white omelette with veggies, bowl of oatmeal with fruit

Meal 2: Lean steak with "tons of potatoes"

Snack: Greek yogurt frozen ice cream with a protein smoothie or Greek yogurt with fruit

"I find it works so much better than splitting my meals up into 5 or 6 different meals to hit my total calorie goal," he says. "What it takes to get shredded does not matter whether you like to have 5 meals, 6 meals, or 2 big meals. You need to make sure you dial down your own personal calorie intake along with your macros. Being on a calorie deficit is ultimately what's going to get you super lean."

"Cardio is just a tool to burn more calories throughout the day," Soueid says. If you're just starting out, he suggests 1-2 cardio sessions in your first week, adding in a session every 2-3 weeks.

Try 200+ at home workout videos from Mens Health, Womens Health, Prevention, and more on All Out Studio free for 14 days!

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This Guy Revealed the Exact Diet and Workout Routine That Helped Him Get Shredded Abs - MSN Money

As Americans increasingly struggle with their weight, the number and range of weight-loss products and diets in the market have

As Americans increasingly struggle with their weight, the number and range of weight-loss products and diets in the market have only grown. Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70% of Americans are overweight or obese. And apparently, we know it. As of 2019, the weight-loss market totaled a whopping $72 billion in the U.S.

A portion of this market share belongs to commercial diet plans that enroll members or subscribers into programs or plans that are designed to educate them on the principles of healthy eating and weight loss that the company has developed. They typically include counseling and one-on-one support , and sometimes they sell supplements or food items to further support weight-loss goals.

A relatively recent entry into this niche of the diet industry is GOLO, the Newark, Delaware-based company founded in 2009 that offers a metabolic plan and supplements that are intended to help you lose weight. Its an acronym for GoLose Weight, GoLook Great, GoLove Life. GOLO reports that 500,000 people have used the diet.

Jennifer Brooks, president of GOLO, says GOLOs Metabolic Plan is based on eating real, whole foods while avoiding processed and packaged foods. Its not a conventional diet but rather a healthy eating plan.

Elena Gagliardi, clinical nutrition services manager in the ambulatory nutrition services department at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, says the diet is designed to help people who are overweight or obese obtain a balance of nutrients from conventional foods, eat defined portioned meals leading to gradual weight loss and participate in a low to moderate level of daily exercise.

The plan includes directions on how to put together meals to support sustainable weight loss, and Brooks says one of its best aspects is that nothing is off limits all the time. You can still enjoy a birthday dinner or night out and not ruin your progress. And, if you feel you over-indulged, you can get right back on track.

[See: The 10 Best Diets for Healthy Eating.]

Foods on the GOLO Diet

GOLO emphasizes eating real, whole foods, and Brooks notes that you dont have to look for unusual ingredients or things youve never heard of to follow GOLO.

Recommended foods include:

Proteins such as chicken, beef and fish.

Grains such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and oatmeal.

All vegetables.

All fruits.

Dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter.

Nuts.

We dont tell you specific things that you have to eat, but simply give you a guideline to follow, Brooks explains. The diet does recommend limiting your portions and keeping total daily calories to less than 1,800. Since you choose the foods you eat, you can personalize the plan to your own individual tastes and preferences, and no food is strictly forbidden. We find that this significantly increases the chances of customer success as it puts them in control.

Correcting Insulin Resistance

One of the key factors that sets GOLO apart from other commercial diet plans is its premise that individuals who struggle with weight loss do so because of hormone imbalances, says Matthew Black, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. The idea is that these hormone imbalances will eventually damage your metabolism, further preventing you from being able to lose weight.

GOLO specifically targets the hormone insulin, with an eye to correcting insulin resistance, a condition in which your bodys cells do not respond to insulin as efficiently as they should, and can serve as a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, Black explains, a condition known as prediabetes.

GOLO claims these hormone imbalances, including insulin resistance, can be fixed with proper diet, activity and by taking GOLOs proprietary supplement called Release. Insulin resistance typically doesnt cause any noticeable symptoms, and you would need to be evaluated by your primary care provider in order to be properly diagnosed, Black adds. Plus, Gagliardi notes that the insulin hypothesis is not consistently supported by research.

Nevertheless, GOLOs aim, Brooks says, is to help people lose weight in a healthy, sustainable and realistic way and not be reliant on the diet industry. We offer a healthy eating plan based on sound nutrition, an all-natural supplement that is meant to be phased out as the user loses weight, free support and coaching, and discounts to our customers for re-orders for other GOLO products. We want everyone to be able to reach their goals and never have to diet again.

[See: The Best Diets to Prevent and Manage Diabetes.]

Leveraging a Supplement for Faster Weight Loss

A signature aspect of the GOLO plan is its proprietary supplement called Release. Adding Release, our all-natural supplement, helps you to lose weight faster, Brooks says, adding that we know this because we tested it in a double-blind placebo trial.

That trial compared the weight loss outcomes of a group of dieters following GOLOs Metabolic Plan alone to a second cohort using the metabolic plan plus the Release supplement. Both groups did lose weight, but the group that took Release lost 79% more weight and 209% more inches around their waists than the placebo group during the same period of time.

The Release supplement contains a patented formulation containing seven natural plant-based ingredients and three minerals zinc, magnesium and chromium. Black says these minerals have demonstrated potential effects on improving insulin resistance, but studies are limited.

The supplement also contains a number of plant extracts that are considered generally safe and have shown some effectiveness for improving metabolic processes in studies, including:

Banaba leaf extract.

Rhodiola rosea.

Berberine.

Salacia reticulata extract.

Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract.

Apple polyphenol fruit extract.

Myo-inositol.

With regard to the efficacy of the supplement, Black notes that the company only provides highlights of the studies that were conducted. GOLO doesnt divulge all the details of these studies, other than quoting random statistics when compared to placebo. As with any research study, its important to know all of the data, rather than trying to make conclusions based on favorable highlights. The studies were not published in a peer-reviewed journal and Gagliardi adds that since the author was funded by the GOLO company, theres a conflict of interest and therefore the results are questionable.

In addition, Black says that generally speaking, using supplements isnt typically recommended for weight loss, nor should supplements be used to treat insulin resistance, especially without guidance from a health care practitioner. He notes that its possible to reverse insulin resistance just by decreasing your caloric intake, losing weight and increasing physical activity.

Gagliardi agrees that the supplement might not be necessary. The diet alone is a positive shift in eating, such as eliminating processed foods, adding whole fresh foods, adding filling, fibrous foods, and portion and calorie control. The diet, coupled with exercise, should propel you towards weight loss, hormone regulation and improved insulin sensitivity without any need for pricey supplements.

Beyond simple need, Black cautions about taking supplements for any condition, especially those containing proprietary blends because the FDA does not regulate them as long as ingredients fall into the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) category. Many supplements on the market today arent backed by sufficient research.

Because they arent regulated, some supplements may not contain the amount of a specific ingredient thats listed on the label or contain something else entirely. That can be a problem if the supplement interacts negatively with another supplement or medication the dieter is already taking.

Gagliardi also says that while the companys website states there are over 100 published independent experimental studies supporting the safety and efficacy of the ingredients in Release, keep in mind that they are referring to testimonials, not actual peer-reviewed studies.

GOLO maintains that its Release product does not interact with any medications, does not contain caffeine and is entirely safe and effective.

How Much Does it Cost?

There are a few different options to choose from if youre looking to get started with GOLO. All come with the GOLO for Life Plan, which shows you how you can optimize gut health, digestion and restore your metabolism with food, and access to an online support site that provides meal plans, health assessments and support from GOLO coaches. You also get the Overcoming Diet Obstacles booklet, which includes weight loss tips and tricks. All orders ship free and the company offers a 60-day money -back guarantee.

Plan options cost:

$49.95 for the GOLO for Life Plan with one bottle of Release supplements (90 pills). This supply lasts 30 to 60 days and is intended for weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds.

$79.90 for the GOLO for Life Plan with two bottles of Release supplements (180 pills). This supply lasts 60 to 90 days and is intended for weight loss of 21 to 40 pounds.

$99.90 for the GOLO for Life Plan with three bottles of Release supplements (270 pills). This supply lasts 90 to 150 days and is intended for weight loss of 41 to 60 pounds.

In addition to the pills and the diet plan, you also have to factor in the cost of food, which youll be purchasing on your own. GOLO emphasizes inclusion of whole, affordable foods like butter, eggs whole milk and cheese, meats, fruits, vegetables and grains, including bread and pasta.

[See: 15 Best Weight-Loss Diets at a Glance.]

Does It Work?

Testimonials on the companys website show several people whove had great success with GOLO, losing more than 100 pounds in a year or 20 or 30 pounds in a few months. The amounts and rate of weight loss advertised are in line with other commercial weight loss programs such as Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem.

Brooks says the plan is very effective, touting a 98.4% customer satisfaction rate. Studies were conducted between 2009 and 2018, with consistent results observed across the studies. Study participants not only lost weight and inches but improved health risk markers.

From her perspective, looking at the principles of the diet in terms of what to eat and how much, Gagliardi says, its a good one. Its a relatively simple concept, appears easy to follow and incorporates a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods while eliminating processed foods. While their meal plan might encourage whole foods, you would still just be following a calorie-restricted plan that wont help you make long-term behavior changes.

Black notes that the principles of the plan are the same proven strategies as recommended for any healthy diet consuming fewer calories, eliminating processed foods and exercising more. The GOLO plan promotes keeping daily calorie intakes to between 1,300 and 1,800 calories. Because most adults are recommended to consume about 2,000 calories daily to maintain weight, a 200 to 700 calorie per day deficit should result in weight loss for most people.

Avoiding calorie-dense and nutrient-limited processed foods, as the GOLO plan does, can also promote weight loss. GOLO encourages increasing physical activity too, which Black says can help support overall health.

As for the supplement, Black says you may not need it. The reversal of insulin resistance typically results as a by-product of weight loss, healthy diet and physical activity. Since these are requirements of GOLOs plan, it would be difficult to conclude the effectiveness of the Release supplement specifically in terms of its effect on insulin resistance.

Plus, the Release supplement, which GOLO insists is a vital part of its weight-loss plan, appears to lack independent, peer-reviewed research and is costly, so you may want to consider this before making the expense, Black adds. The hard truth is, if you continue to consume too many calories and live a sedentary lifestyle, then you probably are still looking for a magic pill solution to weight loss.

Gagliardi recommends being wary of supplements that say proprietary blend. Never take a supplement from a company that does not disclose its level of ingredients. It may not be standardized and you may get a vastly different amount from one bottle to the next, or none at all. Also if you are on certain medications, this supplement may interact, so be sure to speak with your doctor before starting this or any other weight-loss plan.

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What Is the GOLO Diet? originally appeared on usnews.com

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What Is the GOLO Diet? - WTOP

Keto diet: Drink sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated and reduce cravings

The transition to keto diet and then maintaining consistency in following are the most difficult aspects of following it. The diet involves restricting intake of carbs, increasing intake of healthy fats and eating proteins in moderate amounts. The carb restricting aspect of keto diet is the most challenging part of it. So, we are going to discuss a few points that can help in easing this transition and maintaining consistency while following the keto diet, which is popular for giving quick weight loss results.

Following the keto diet can be especially difficult for people who have just started with it. To successfullly follow the keto diet and get results from it, the body needs to enter a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a process which occurs when the body burns fat for energy, instead of carbs. In the process of burning fats, it males ketosis, which it uses for fuel.

Also read:Vegan Keto Diet: Know What To Eat And Avoid For Weight Loss

Here are some tips that can help you:

Fluid secretion occurs more in keto diet as it is a low-carb diet. Drinking sufficient water and eating hydrating foods is thus of crucial importance. Beginners of keto diet need to insure that they drink ample amount of water through the day. Hydrating foods like cucumber, lettuce, spinach and kale can also be good options as they are also low in calories. Proper hydration can also keep your cravings in check.

Fats are the primary source of nutrients if you are following a low-carb keto diet. To keep yourself from starving and craving food all the times, make sure you eat good fats in filling quantities. We don't imply overeating here. The idea is to satiate your hunger properly and not stay hungry. Processed and trans fats need to be off the table. Homemade butter, ghee, avocado, coconut oil, cheese, olive oil and almond oil are sources of healthy fats that must be part of your diet.

Also read:The Truth About Fats And Why They Are Extremely Important For You

Beginners may find it difficult to make the right choice for keto diet. Potatoes, corn, peas, pumpkin and beans are some examples of starchy foods that you must avoid in order to stay in a state of ketosis.

Low carb veggies should be your preferred pick if you are following keto dietPhoto Credit: iStock

Eggs are considered to be the ideal keto food. They are rich in proteins and healthy fats that can be helpful for weight loss in keto diet. The best part about eggs is that they are an extremely versatile food. You can have them fried, boiled, make an omlette, have them with low-carb sandwiches and can even add them to salads.

Also read:Try This Quick And Easy Eggs And Avocado Keto Breakfast For Quick Weight Loss

How you feel in the first few weeks of keto diet is not going to be very pleasant. Havingpatience is they key to following a keto diet. You will begin to see weight loss results in just a few days and that is the biggest motivation to continue following the diet. But the cravings, mood swings, headaches and other side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of following keto diet can make it difficult for beginners to adapt to the diet plan. Take a dietitian or nutritionists' help to make the transition easy for you.

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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Keto Diet For Beginners: 5 Tips That Can Make The Transition To Ketosis Easier - NDTV

While most cats and dogs are still being fed 'conventional' wet and dry food, there has been a distinct shift in feeding practices over the past decade to include raw and home-made foods, particularly in Australia, finds an international study, published in this week's issue ofVet Record.

These 'unconventional' diets may help nurture the bond between pets and their owners, but they may also be storing up health problems for these animals, warn the researchers.

Over half the world's population has a pet: in the US alone there are more than 94 million pet cats and 89 million pet dogs.

There is a vast array of 'conventional' wet (tinned, pouches, rolls) and dry (kibble) commercial food options for cats and dogs in developed countries.

But trends in animal nutrition have mirrored those of human nutrition, with the content and origin of commercially available foodstuffs coming in for closer scrutiny. As such, pet owners have been exploring alternative options, including vegan, natural 'ancestral', grain-free, home-made and raw food diets for their dogs and cats.

To look at the extent of this shift over the past decade, the researchers trawled research databases for studies on feeding practices for pet dogs and cats in English-speaking countries and published between 2008 and 2018.

They found nine relevant studies, which indicate that pet feeding practices have changed over the past decade, with a decline in 'conventional products', particularly as the sole diet, and an increase in 'unconventional' diets, especially raw foods.

"In comparison with earlier studies, the differences in feeding practices may partially be explained by a loss of trust in the pet food industry," suggest the researchers, citing a large global pet food contamination crisis that occurred in 2007.

The researchers also mined the 3161 (88%) responses to a widely distributed online survey, from pet owners in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, and the UK. The survey, which ran from September 2016 to January 2017, asked pet-owners what they fed their dogs and cats, and where they sourced it.

Half the respondents had dogs (51%; 1870); 1 in 3 had both cats and dogs (33%; 1200); and around 1 in 6 (16%; 603) only cats. Complete dietary information was provided for 1542 cats and 2940 dogs.

This showed that most animals were fed a diet that included some conventional food (79% of dogs; 90% of cats). But only 13% (381) dogs and around a third (32%; 488) of cats were exclusively fed a conventional diet for their main meals.

Many respondents said they fed their animals a diet that included home-made foods (63.5% of dogs; 45.5% of cats), although few were fed this diet exclusively (7% of dogs; 3.5% of cats).

Raw animal foods were fed to over half of all the animals represented in the survey: two thirds of dogs (66%) and 53% of cats. Vegetarian food was included in the diets of around 1 in 5 (22%) dogs and 1 in 20 (5%) cats. Half of these animals were fed only plant based (vegan) foods.

Feeding practices varied among the countries represented in the survey: exclusive raw food diets were most common in Australia, while exclusive home-made diets were more commonly fed to dogs in Australia and cats in the USA.

Pet-owners in Canada and New Zealand were most likely to feed their dogs and cats an exclusively conventional diet.

"Avoidance of conventional pet foods in favour of [home-made] and [raw food products] may put the health of dogs and cats at risk," warn the researchers, citing published analyses indicating insufficient levels of nutrients or imbalances in these diets and associated health conditions.

Home-made raw food diets pose an additional risk of infection in the absence of chemical or heat treatment steps to kill potentially harmful bacteria and act as a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistant microbes which can be passed on to people, they add.

"Considering the high prevalence of unconventional feeding practices, veterinary healthcare teams must be aware of the potential risks and benefits of these practices and educate their clients to help best meet the nutritional needs of their companion animals," they conclude.

Read more from the original source:
International study indicates shift to raw/home-made food diet for pets over past decade - Jill Lopez

The cardiac diet emphasizes foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish. These foods are beneficial for heart health. The diet also limits processed foods that are high in sugar and salt, as these increase the risk of heart disease.

This article will cover some foods to eat and avoid and give an example of a cardiac diet meal plan.

It will also discuss healthful food options at restaurants, offer tips on how to stick with the diet, and suggest some other lifestyle changes to make.

One 2019 review indicated that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean diet, and vegetarian diets have the most evidence for cardiovascular disease prevention.

The American Heart Association (AHA) say that the following foods are beneficial for heart health:

The phrase eat the rainbow is a useful way for people to remember to consume a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables each day. The different types of antioxidants that plant foods contain can help protect the heart.

Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which is essential for heart health.

Experts suggest eating 45 servings (2.5 cups) of vegetables per day.

People should try to focus on eating non-starchy vegetables and limiting the portion sizes of starchy vegetables, including potatoes and squash.

Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for the heart.

The AHA suggest eating 2 servings of fish, particularly fatty fish, per week. A serving is 3.5 ounces cooked or a three-quarter cup of flaked fish.

Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise children and pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid larger fish such as shark, swordfish, and marlin. This is due to potential mercury contamination.

Limiting refined grains and opting for whole grains instead helps protect against cardiovascular disease.

Whole grains contain more beneficial fiber than refined grains. People can include whole grain bread, pasta, and rice as part of a healthful diet.

The best diets for cardiovascular health include 23 cups of nuts, seeds, and legumes daily.

However, although they are nutritious, nuts and seeds are also very energy-dense. For this reason, a person should consume them in accordance with their desired calorie intake.

A person can try adding the following to their diet:

The AHA acknowledge the conflicting evidence surrounding saturated fats and the risk of heart disease.

However, they say that most of the evidence suggests that people should consume less saturated fat in their diet. A person can consume less saturated fat by choosing skimmed milk and low fat dairy products.

There are several foods a person should try to limit when following the cardiac diet. These are:

Red meat is a source of saturated fat. According to several studies, replacing red or processed meat with plant protein may lower the risk of heart disease.

Plant proteins include nuts, legumes, whole grains, and soy products.

Many processed foods and beverages contain added sugars especially sodas and energy drinks.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10% each day. If following a 2,000-calorie diet, this equates to 200 calories, or 12 teaspoons of sugar, per day.

Avoiding excess sugar can help a person maintain a moderate weight and prevent heart disease.

Processed foods often contain long lists of ingredients, many of which are not beneficial for a healthy heart. For example, many processed foods contain:

If possible, try to cook meals from scratch using whole foods. This is a more healthful option.

Refined carbohydrates lack fiber and can potentially cause a blood sugar imbalance. Over time, consuming a lot of refined carbs can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Some refined carbs to limit include:

People who consume alcohol should try to do so in moderation. This means consuming no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Some people believe that a moderate intake of red wine can help protect the heart because it contains resveratrol. However, the evidence for this is weak, according to Harvard University.

Consuming too much salt (sodium) may give rise to high blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk.

The AHA say that reducing sodium intake by 1,000 milligrams per day can reduce blood pressure.

Many processed foods contain added salt, so a person can monitor their intake by reading the labels and choosing whole foods instead, when possible.

The cardiac diet aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by encouraging people to eat healthful, anti-inflammatory foods.

The basic principles of this diet are:

People can make a start with the cardiac diet using the following meal plan:

Some people may find that altering their eating habits is challenging at first.

So, try making gradual changes, maybe two per week, and sticking to them. This is preferable to making many changes all at once and then giving up quickly.

Keeping a food journal or having a diet buddy can often help people stay motivated. Also, planning a special treat at the end of a month of perseverance is a good way for someone to reward themselves.

Another tip is to add herbs and spices (instead of salt or dressings) to meals to boost their flavor.

Good options to eat at restaurants include:

People should try to avoid high sugar and high fat sauces and dressings. They should also aim to limit their alcohol intake when dining out.

Some other tips for a healthy heart include:

Creating and sticking to the cardiac diet is a process. If a person is used to eating refined carbs and processed foods frequently, they may find it difficult to stick to a more healthful diet. Trying the tips above may help.

Over time, adhering to the cardiac diet should result in a person being able to maintain a moderate weight. This has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Whole grains, vegetables, and oily fish are excellent staple foods to include in the cardiac diet.

While following this diet, a person should focus on plant-based foods and items that are low in saturated fat. People should try to avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, including red meat and dairy.

It can be helpful for people to plan their diet and be mindful of their choices when dining out.

Getting daily exercise is also beneficial for heart health.

More:
Cardiac diet: What is it? Foods to eat and avoid, plus planning a diet - Medical News Today

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Not only are there more incidents of high blood pressure in African Americans than in Caucasians, but the end-results of the condition tend to be more serious often leading to stroke, renal failure, and heart failure. Some studies have found that African American women have higher awareness of blood pressure issues than men, so if you know and love a man at risk for high blood pressure, make sure hes keeping an eye on that there is a chance he isnt. But then again, men are notorious for avoiding checkups and other important exams.

Though its common to joke that certain situations raise ones blood pressure like visits from the in-laws or conflict with that one frustrating coworker there is actually no evidence that stress causes permanent changes in blood pressure. What does have an impact on blood pressure levels in the long-run is diet, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a history of high blood pressure in ones family. Taking a closer look at those causes, diet really trickles into all of them. Diabetes can be the result of diet, as can high cholesterol, so paying close attention to what one eats is especially important in the battle against high blood pressure. On that note, here are foods that can help lower ones blood pressure.

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Bright red and yellow vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers are high in potassium, which plays an important role in blood pressure management. Eating a diet high in potassium allows you to release more sodium through your urine, and it reduces the tension inside of blood vessel walls.

More here:
15 Foods That Help Manage Blood Pressure - MadameNoire