Category Archives: Diet And Food

PAMPERED Titch is one of the oldest dogs in the UK at the grand age of 20 despite his dubious diet of McDonalds and Netflix.

He tucks into his favourite Happy Meal three times a week before chilling out on the sofa to watch a box-set.

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Owner Candice Kay, 36, said: Titch lives on a diet of mainly human food, and always has done, but McDonalds is his favourite. It sounds awful but he is healthy and a really good age.

The Bedlington terrier-whippet cross has a chicken nugget Happy Meal plus a cheeseburger without the gherkin three times a week.

A dollop of Big Mac sauce on his fries is another must.

He also eats poached egg on toast and lasagne but its the trip to the McDonalds near his home in Cleethorpes, Lincs, which he really looks forward to.

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And afterwards its Netflix time, as he laps up shows such as Modern Family, Power and Episodes.

Candices lorry driver husband Luke, 34, got rescue dog Titch as a four-year-old in 2004 before they met.

Saleswoman Candice added: The vet has said he couldnt recommend the diet, but that Titch had another ten years in him and to keep doing whatever Im doing.

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Read more:
Titch the dog sees 20th birthday despite a diet of McDonalds Happy Meals and Netflix box-set binges - The Sun

Have you added these vitamin C enriched foods to your diet yet?

We all know that vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients for our body. It helps to keep our immune system boosted. Once you look after your immune system, then it would keep you away from cold, flu and any other body inflammations come various seasons. But do you know which foods contain the most amount of vitamin C? Take a look and feel your grocery cart with these food items now on.

Here are six foods which are loaded with vitamin C:

Oranges are the easiest and a valuable source of vitamin C. They contain citric acid which can be found in lemons too. These citrus foods help in boosting our immunity at its best.

Raw bell papers not only increases the appearance of any food but also gives you enormous health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C. A half-cut serving gives you more than 100 percent of the daily recommendation.

Papaya also contains nearly 10 percent of our daily vitamin C requirement. Plus it has an enzyme that makes protein easier to digest.

(Also read: 5 Smart Tips To Eat Healthy During Coronavirus Pandemic)

Being a superfood, broccoli is enriched with vitamin C and includes vitamin K also. It is a great source that plays an important role when it comes to blood clotting.

One cup of cauliflower gives you 77 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It has other great nutrients like fibre and calcium.

Remember how the cartoon character Popeye The Sailor used to get enormous power after eating spinach? Spinach contains more than 200 percent of the daily vitamin C value. Not only this, but it is also loaded with other health benefits too. Add it to smoothies, salad or use it as a side dish.

So have you added any of these vitamin C enriched foods to your diet chart yet?

(Also read: Check Out The Correct Ways To Wash Your Fruits And Vegetables)

Read more from the original source:
Add These Top 6 Vitamin C Rich Foods To Your Diet Right Away - NDTV

With most of us having to stay at home because of the lockdown, the opportunities of consume fresh foods have decreased. Yet, it is imperative that we now eat meals that support a robust immune system. To show that it is possible to have a healthy diet even when fresh produce is scarce, the World Health Organization (WHO) has come up with a list of best food buys (see box) as well as sample recipes for inspiration (see bottom). It has also issued a guideline on how to eat healthy for those in isolation.

The guideline points out: Limited access to fresh foods may lead to an increased consumption of highly-processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugars and salt. Such changes in eating behaviour could have a negative effect on the immune system, overall physical and mental health, and the well-being of individuals globally. It explains the strategies to be used while buying and using ingredients and how to follow safe food handling practices as well as limiting salt, sugar and fat intake. It also includes a list of high-nutrition items that are generally affordable, accessible and have a long shelf-life.

Theres a high chance that many of those confined indoors are gorging on plates of extra calories. Everyone is under some amount of stress because of the situation. To get over your lockdown blues, you might have a craving for food that satisfies the reward or pleasure centres of your brain and gives you a feeling of satiety. Foods that give you a feeling of happiness such as chocolate, cakes, soft drinks, cookies and pastries are usually high in sugar.

While binge-eating such sugar-rich food can give temporary relief from stress, it also increases the chances of having an inflammation of the blood vessels. This can affect the immunity system, which is supposed to fight back a possible viral attack.

To stop yourself from overindulging your sugar cravings, psychiatrist Dr Jai Ranjan Ram advises that you note down what you eat. Keep a food diary to rein in unplanned eating. Dont gorge because you are feeling bored or stressed. Snacking too much is also not advisable. Try practising mindful eating chew slowly, enjoy every morsel, its smell and its flavours, he says.

It is fine to indulge your cravings once in a while. Not only will it boost your mood but it it also easier to ration treats if you dont give them up altogether. Banning sweet treats from your diet will only mean that you will binge on them whenever you lose self-control. Keeping healthy and nutritious snacks at hand will also ensure you dont head straight for the cookie tin anytime you feel like nibbling. Snacks that pair protein with produce, such as cheese and apple or yogurt with nuts and dried fruit or carrots with a dip are healthy and tasty.

To stick to a healthy diet, plan ahead. It is easy to run out of ideas when youre having to cook all your meals at home. Try planning out the daily menu for a few days so that you dont have to face the whats for dinner dilemma every evening.

Planning meals in advance also ensures better use of ingredients you can use up things that are on the brink of spoiling first so that there is no waste. Also, you can then make sure you have used up all the staples before you go out to shop. You will be surprised how many dishes you can get out of things that have been hiding in the corners of your food cupboard.

The other advantage of menu planning is you can ensure youre getting a range of nutrients. Do not avoid any essential nutrient at this time unless you are allergic to it. The three nutrients your immune system needs now are Vitamin A (found in sweet potato, carrot and spinach), Vitamin C (found in lemons, oranges and tomatoes) and zinc (found in meat, dairy and bread).

Some people have started taking multivitamin pills to boost their immune system. But do these work? Says Dr Sumit Sengupta, a Calcutta-based chest specialist, Popping vitamin pills indiscriminately may not work as a preventive measure. Getting the right vitamin from a balanced diet should be the primary goal. One should also maintain a proper lifestyle and a balanced diet. To make sure your lungs are fit to fight the infection, do moderate exercise and give up smoking. Good sleep is also necessary to boost immunity.

Another important thing is to stay hydrated. Drinking an adequate amount of fluid is essential. It doesnt have to be just water squash, tea, coffee and milk all count towards the eight glasses of fluid we need daily. Cut down caffeinated drinks to a minimum and try not to drink them after mid-afternoon if you dont want them to affect your sleep.

Best food buys

Read more:
The diet that will give your immune system a boost - Telegraph India

We are currently living through some extraordinary times, where all of us are experiencing significant changes to our everyday lives.

But even in the face of such extraordinary times, we can make a conscious choice to make the most of this situation especially for those of us privileged enough to safely stay indoors at a place we can call home. Take advantage of this time to do some much-delayed house cleaning, expand your culinary mastery, or just bank more quality time with yourself or your loved ones.

On that note, I would like to share with you 5 simple tips taken from Greenpeace Hong Kongs COVID-19 101 booklet to stay safe, healthy, and eco-friendly through this global pandemic and beyond. Check them out below:

1. Buffer Zone vs Living Zone

Dividing your home into a Buffer Zone and a Living Zone can help lower the risk of bringing the virus into your house. Simply, the Buffer Zone is the area between the entrance and the living space (ex. entrance hall), and the Living Zone is the area you eat and live in (ex. dining room, bedroom). Be sure to remove any items that may have come into contact with the virus such as your shoes and outerwear in the Buffer Zone to prevent the virus being carried into your clean Living Zone. Consider placing a laundry hamper or a trash bin in the Buffer Zone for convenience.

Doing this little pre-planning means less areas to clean, which means using less cleaning products, which in turn means less negative impact on our environment. Win, win, win!

2. Be a responsible *paw-rent*

There have been a few reports of dogs and cats testing positive for COVID-19. But according to the World Health Organisation (WTO), there is not enough evidence of cats, dogs, or other pets transmitting COVID-19 to humans as of now. Regardless, be sure to give them a little extra TLC for both your and your pets safety! Get the lowdown from this helpful Q&A from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The most basic thing you can do is to wash your hands before and after caring for your pet, like when preparing their meals or giving a bath. After your pet does their doo-doo business, be sure to disinfect the area thoroughly to make sure your pooch or kitty does not accidentally lick up cleaning product residue.

Last but not least, this one is a no brainer: if youre feeling ill, its best practice to avoid close contact with your snuggle buddies. It is very important to keep physical distancing for everyones safety.

3. Choose to slow the spread

With the combination of frequent hand washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask can help to slow the spreading of the virus, according to supporting research. Mask usage has become common practice in many Asian countries since the onset of COVID-19, and more recently, the US, France, and parts of Italy have also urged their citizens to wear alternative masks such as cloth face coverings.

If and when youre wearing one, here are some simple tips to properly wear your mask:

4. More veggies, please!

Physical distancing means more time at home, which in turn means more time to cook! Its the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary mastery and get on the healthy diet train by eating more veggies and less animal products. To learn why a plant-based diet might be the right choice for you, check out this interview.

A report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the agricultural and animal husbandry industries make up about 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal products making up about 58% of all carbon dioxide emissions from the food industry.

So for tonights dinner, try swapping out your meat with some vegetables and legumes, and kickstart that plant-based diet for yourself and our planet. If youre feeling extra inspired, here are some Greenpeace-approved recipes to jazz up your meals.

5. Lets get physical

Binging on your favourite tv show for uninterrupted hours accompanied by your delicious vice of choice can be glorious. But because were probably in this pandemic for the long-haul, dont forget to get up and move around once in awhile to maintain your health.

On top of eating healthier meals, there are plenty of ways to stay active at home. Perhaps its that time to get started on spring cleaning? Maybe youre ready to kick some major butt with that online kickboxing class. If youre lucky and have a yard, try your hand at gardening; you might have a green thumb! Or just take it easy and do some gentle stretching while binging on your show. Whatever you choose to do, your house is your oyster.

No one knows when this pandemic will be done for good. But for now, do your part: show love by keeping physical distance from those you care about; step out of your comfort zone to reach out to those who may need that extra support; most of all, express gratitude (digitally) to those who are on the frontlines every single day.

Last but not least, hit the pause button and take some time for self-care. You deserve it.

Read more here:
COVID-19 101: How to stay safe, healthy, and eco-friendly - Greenpeace International

The resurgence of family meals is one of the "precious few good things" that's come from the COVID-19 pandemic, says food writer Sam Sifton. supersizer/Getty Images hide caption

The resurgence of family meals is one of the "precious few good things" that's come from the COVID-19 pandemic, says food writer Sam Sifton.

As billions of people around the world face stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19, family dinners and breakfasts and lunches are resurgent. Former New York Times food editor Sam Sifton calls the shift to family meals one of the "precious few good things" happening as a result of the pandemic.

"A lot of us are really experiencing the joys of eating together with family regularly," he says. "For me, it's been kind of joyful amid all the sorrow."

Sifton was recently promoted to be The Times' assistant managing editor, overseeing its culture and lifestyle coverage, but he continues to write about food and its role in helping people cope with the isolation of the pandemic. His new cookbook, See You on Sunday, was inspired by the idea that regularly gathering and feeding friends and family is psychologically and spiritually nourishing.

"We're gathering for the purpose of sustenance, for the purpose of an almost literal communion," he says. "If you do that regularly enough, you'll see a change in your relationship to both the cooking and the people and perhaps see a change in yourself and how you regard the world."

Sifton emphasizes that now is not the time for dinner parties. Instead, he's staying home, enjoying meals with his own nuclear family and fantasizing about the other side of the pandemic, when he can safely host a big Sunday dinner. His ideal post-coronavirus feast? A giant pot of steamed clams.

"Everyone crowded together around it when it's done, shoulders touching and people reaching over one another to get at the drawn butter and tearing off pieces of bread to dip into the broth," he says. "That's gonna be joyous when that happens."

On how people are cooking both adventurously and pragmatically during the pandemic

Sam Sifton's new cookbook, See You on Sunday, promotes the spiritual benefit of eating with friends and family. The New York Times hide caption

Sam Sifton's new cookbook, See You on Sunday, promotes the spiritual benefit of eating with friends and family.

This may be a time to be more adventurous. It's also, conversely, a time to be simple. At The New York Times and NYT Cooking (our recipe site and app), we're seeing that play out in real time in what people are searching for and what people are asking us about. You see people, on the one hand, trying to perfect their sourdough bread-making skills, and on the other asking for what the simplest, easiest way to get a can of beans on the table to feed the family is.

And I think that's kind of neat, actually, that we can hold these two things in our minds at once. These projects that we'll try and execute over the course of hours and days and then also: How am I going to do this fast and quick and cheap and with what's available? And I hope we can deliver answers to both.

On improvising with limited pantry items

I rely on these jarred magical potions which range from peanut butter, to pickled chilies, to soy sauce, to maple syrup to deliver notes of flavor on top of whatever plain-Jane things happen to be in the bottom of the refrigerator crisper.

Sam Sifton

I think it depends what's in the pantry. ... I'm not like a lot of my colleagues [who] are a true chef. I'm a pretty good cook and I can follow any recipe you throw at me. I could work for a chef, but I can't kind of close my eyes and conjure up amazing combinations and flavors as someone like [food columnist] Melissa Clark can do for The New York Times. Instead, I rely on these jarred magical potions which range from peanut butter, to pickled chilies, to soy sauce, to maple syrup to deliver notes of flavor on top of whatever plain-Jane things happen to be in the bottom of the refrigerator crisper. ... And sometimes it doesn't work.

On being open to substitutions

I think that many people me included write recipes, because if you follow them, you will get the result that I got and that I want you to get. But if you substitute along the way, you may end up with something that you like and that's even better. We joke about this a lot at The Times ... about people who say, "I tried the chicken, but I didn't have chicken, so I used sardines, and this is a terrible recipe." Your mileage may vary. But using the spices that you have or the flavors that you have on hand is more than perfectly all right. It's welcome. It's what we ought to do. It's in the nature of cooking often and being confident about what it is you're doing.

On the versatility of tinned fish

I'm loving the tinned fish right now. There's so many different things that you can do with those critters. If they're anchovies, I would use them like a condiment. They add this kind of salty umami pop to everything. I like sardines on crackers with a little mayonnaise and a little hot sauce. ... With tuna, there's so much you can do, particularly if the tuna is of good quality, then it can kind of stand on its own. If it's not, if it's just supermarket canned tuna, it's still pretty great. You mix it into a tuna salad with a little mayo, maybe with some curry powder if you have some going, a curried tuna salad is really terrific. ...

I find those canned fishes of all varieties to be hugely helpful in the manner of bringing variety to your diet and also a lot of good taste. I bet you, if you look deep enough, there may be a can of minced clams in the back [of the cupboard], and add that to a tomato sauce and spaghetti dinner is all the better this time for that addition.

On shopping infrequently because of the virus, and looking for ingredients that stretch

I try to go as infrequently as possible to the market to stock up, and when I do, I try not to shop like a panicky person. But I do want meals that stretch.

Sam Sifton

I think that we should be getting out to shop as little as possible. I think social distancing means ... that we shouldn't all be crowding into the store every night as if we were living in an imaginary Paris to pick up our daily baguette and a couple of duck legs for dinner. Life isn't like that right now. I try to go as infrequently as possible to the market to stock up, and when I do, I try not to shop like a panicky person. But I do want meals that stretch. If I can find a pork shoulder that can become four meals over the course of a week, well, that's great. If I can land starches and grains to put next to those various pork dishes, I'm happy. ...

We're cooking with a lot of cabbage right now. I think that's because I like cabbage for its ability to be many things, including once you get rid of those outer leaves ... you've got all that tender, fresh, clean, perfect cabbage flesh inside that makes a beautiful, crunchy, raw deliciousness thing on your plate at a time when sometimes fresh vegetables are few and far between.

On how the pandemic has impacted the restaurant industry

Our reporters are laser-focused right now on this issue, and they came back to the paper with a report ... that suggested that it would not be insane to think that 70% of independent restaurants in the United States could be closed by the coronavirus pandemic. And that's a staggering number. The size of the restaurant industry in the United States the restaurant industry outside of the fast food industry is gigantic. And it has ripple effects across the country with small farms, with larger farms, with fishermen, with wine salesmen, with all manner of related businesses that are going to suffer.

We had a story that spoke ... with a woman whose business is providing flowers for restaurants. That's gone. You think of the laundry services gone. It's really scary. ... If a restaurant can't make payroll, it can't make rent. How long can they stay socially isolated and return in the same form? Everything is gonna be different on the other side of this everything.

On the importance of communal eating even if it's just at home with your family

I wrote a book saying invite as many people [as you can], and you can always welcome the stranger. I believe that passionately. But that's not something that we can do right now. But I warrant that my argument holds true for those of us who are stuck at home right now: that it's not always easy to put that meal on the table at night these days, because it happens every single night.

But there's something about the repetition. There is something about the practice of doing it that I think is going to bring a measure of something good to those who can see it for what it is: which is an act of giving to others that the making of the food is important, because you are serving others, even if the person you are serving is super annoying right now because you've been living with them for four weeks.

Sam Briger and Mooj Zadie produced and edited the audio of this interview. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper and Beth Novey adapted it for the Web.

See the original post:
Cooking During COVID-19: Family Meals And Fantasies Of Future Dinner Parties - NPR

Lifestyle CoachSome people have little or no symptoms from COVID-19 and others, young and old, are dying all around the world. We know one protective factor is a strong immune system. What helps create a strong immune system?

While many factors are at play, including age, overall health, good nutrition, exercise, adequate rest and managing stress effectively, there are current theories circulating about what other factors might help fight this deadly virus. Since COVID-19 research is rapidly changing, this discussion is more of an interest in how nutrition and specifically Vitamin D may play a part. Discovered in 1920 as a cure for rickets, Vitamin D is now well known for aiding in absorption of calcium from the gut, maintaining bone health, brain function, a strong immune system and reducing inflammation. Studies also indicate that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with higher risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma and is also linked with decreased lung function, which might make the lungs more vulnerable to infection especially in older adults or those with lung issues.

Should we be concerned? Maybe. According to a 2006 and follow-up American study in 2012, approximately 40 percent of 5,000 random adults in both studies were insufficient in Vitamin D, classified as less than 50 mmol/L in a blood test.

People at risk for Vitamin D deficiency include older adults, people with limited sun exposure, people with dark skin, people with gut issues that make it harder to absorb Vitamin D (such as Crohns and celiac disease) and people who are obese or have had gastric bypass surgery.

Sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D, as it turns a chemical in your skin to Vitamin D3, which is then transformed to active Vitamin D in the body.

Many people dont get outside enough, and sunscreen might block some of the light to prevent absorption. If you do want to get Vitamin D from the sun, guidelines from the Vitamin D Council suggest 15 minutes per day for lighter skinned people and as much as 120 minutes per day for darker skinned people. Current advice is for people to stay in the sun for half as long as it takes their particular skin type to burn before covering up and seeking shade. This should give adequate vitamin D without increasing the risk of skin cancer.

What about food? Most foods dont contain a significant amount of vitamin D naturally, but it is found in fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, eggs, mushrooms and fortified foods. Fortified foods provide the most Vitamin D in the American diet and is added to cows milk, many plant milks, cereals and some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine and other food products.

The amount of Vitamin D is required on the nutrition facts panel of food products, so check the label for Vitamin D. The daily reference intake requirement for Vitamin D is in International Units, or IUs, and for 0-12 months is 400 IUs, 600 IUs for ages 1 to 70 and 800 IUs above age 70.

Supplements are another form of Vitamin D and can be found in fish oils or sold alone as a supplement. Vitamin D3 is better utilized in the body and is the preferred form to take. How much do you need to take? Talk to your provider about any supplements you might be taking.

If you are significantly deficient, your provider will recommend 50,000 IU taken on a consistent basis until the levels are normal and usually will recommend a maintenance dose of 1,000 to 4,000 IUs daily. Most experts do not recommend taking more than 5,000 IUs per day, and levels need to be checked as Vitamin D can build up over time and become toxic.

While there is no current evidence that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to COVID-19, it is important to consider that optimal levels in the body are one aspect of keeping the immune system strong and protecting the lungs. Easy steps are eating foods fortified in Vitamin D, getting out in the sun safely and talking to your provider about bloodwork and supplementation.

For more information on adopting healthier lifestyle changes, contact Kitty Finklea, a lifestyle coach, registered dietitian and personal trainer at McLeod Health and Fitness Center, at 843-777-3000.

For more information on adopting healthier lifestyle changes, contact Kitty Finklea, a lifestyle coach, registered dietitian and personal trainer at McLeod Health and Fitness Center, at 843-777-3000.

More here:
Shedding light on Vitamin D: Is there a connection to COVID-19? - SCNow

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, one thing has been clear: People with a compromised immune system are at increased risk. And this population includes people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

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

Cancer specialist and Director of Breast Medical Oncology Halle Moore, MD, offers insights about the coronavirus and cancer, and recommendations for how you can stay safe.

A: There are three reasons cancer may raise yourrisk:

A: We dont know yet. Reports from China suggest that people with cancer had worse outcomes compared with the general population. But the information doesnt account for the different types of patients. It is possible they were older, smoked or had other factors that raised their risk for severe complications.

We believe people with active cancer, or those receiving immunosuppressive treatments, have the highest risk. Those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant may be at particularly high risk. Cancer survivors without evidence of active cancer and who arent receiving immune-suppressing treatments may have a lower risk.

A: In general, yes, but not always. Cough andshortness of breath are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection and would beexpected to be common in cancer patients with the infection as well. But peoplewith cancer may not develop the high fever due to immune-suppressingtreatments. So if a person has cancer and develops a cough and otherrespiratory symptoms, even without a fever, they should contact their provider.

A: They need to take the same precautions and beextra vigilant. Family members or anyone they are exposed to while isolating mustalso follow the precautions, which are:

A: It is vital for people who have cancer to prioritizehealthy habits, such as:

A:Patients need to discuss individual treatment plans with their provider. Thereare instances where treatments can be delayed, but if doctors deem a treatmentnecessary, then they will find ways to deliver it safely. Doctors and cancercenters are using innovative approaches, such as:

A: The uncertainty is one of the challenges weredealing with we dont know if this is going to last for weeks or months. Cancercenters are actively developing guidelines to ensure that we can safely delivertreatments. We wont withhold treatment from newly diagnosed patients who needit; our patients health and safety is our top priority.

Doctors will consider many factors, including the stage andtype of cancer (some are slow-growing), to determine the next steps of yourcare. Theyll also make adjustments they feel are safe. For example, yourdoctor may delay surgery and instead use a non-immunosuppressive treatment, orchoose an oral chemotherapy drug to limit your trips to the cancer center.

Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have. We wantyou to feel confident and safe in your care.

See the rest here:
Cancer and COVID-19: What You Should Know About Increased Risk - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Staying home can mean lots of screen time and not a ton of fresh air this sort of imbalance could be contributing to that tension headache, anxiety, and stress you may be feeling. If your space safely allows, a quick way to recoup is connecting with nature for a few minutes, but you can maximize the physical and mental benefits of being outside by meditating at the same time, too.

"To prepare for this specific meditation, find a quiet space outside maybe your backyard or front porch. If you're in a city, get outside for a walking meditation if you can," said Nina Endrst, a reiki master and holistic healer and the creator of The SoulUnity.

For those without an outdoor space or who don't feel comfortable being in a public setting, open a window so you can feel the fresh air on your skin, Endrst said.

If your eyes are open because you are walking or reading, that's OK do your best to breathe and stay present with yourself as you follow along with Endrst's outdoor meditation.

Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.

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This Outdoor Meditation Is Great For Those With Limited Access to Nature - POPSUGAR

MUSCATINE, Iowa, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener, the first commercially available food and beverage thickener and America's number one-selling retail brand for dysphagia, is now available in new, innovative stick packaging in mildly thick and moderately thick consistencies. Fast-mixing and easy-to-use, starch-based Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets safely thicken hot or cold beverages and pured foods to desired consistency without altering flavor.

Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener, the first commercially available food and beverage thickener and Americas number one-selling retail brand for dysphagia, is now available in new, innovative stick packaging in mildly thick and moderately thick consistencies. Fast-mixing and easy-to-use, starch-based Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets safely thicken hot or cold beverages and pured foods to desired consistency without altering flavor.

Created to improve quality of life for patients with swallowing disorders and their caregivers, Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets are convenient for mixing at home or on the go. The flexible and narrow packets are discreet, and each serving is preportioned making them also perfect for facility use, where healthcare professionals and kitchen staff can quickly and safely thicken food and drinks with no additional measurement required.

Packaging for Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Single-Serve Packets complies with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), of which the Thick-It brand is a gold sponsor. Packets are available in IDDSI Level 2 Mildly Thick, or nectar consistency, and IDDSI Level 3 Moderately Thick, or honey consistency. The single-serve packets are sold by case; each case contains eight boxes, and each box contains 25 packets.

Shop the way that's best for you online, in store, or by phone. For more information and to find other Thick-It products near you, visit thickit.com and follow the brand on Facebook at Facebook.com/ThickIt, on Twitter at @ThickIt_PFI and on LinkedIn at Thick-It Nutrition Innovation for Dysphagia.

About The Thick-It BrandThick-It is a registered trademark of Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., based in Muscatine, Iowa. We are committed to researching, innovating, and educating on dysphagia nutrition products. The Thick-It product line includes xanthan- and starch-based food and beverage thickeners, ready-to-drink beverages, and ready-to-eat pured foods made from real food ingredients, available online and at pharmacies nationwide as well as for foodservice and facility use through North American and international distributors. For more details, visit thickit.com.

Thick-It is a registered trademark of Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., based in Muscatine, Iowa. We are committed to researching, innovating, and educating on dysphagia nutrition products. The Thick-It product line includes xanthan- and starch-based food and beverage thickeners, ready-to-drink beverages, and ready-to-eat pured foods made from real food ingredients, available online and at pharmacies nationwide as well as for foodservice and facility use.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thick-it-original-food--beverage-thickener-now-available-in-innovative-single-serve-stick-packaging-301036270.html

SOURCE Thick-It

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Thick-It Original Food & Beverage Thickener Now Available in Innovative Single-Serve Stick Packaging - Yahoo Finance

Were in the midst of the holiest time of year Good Friday and Easter Sunday are just a few days away, Passover started April 8 and ends in the evening of April 16, and it seems the whole world is holding its collective breath as we wait for the next shoe to fall regarding the current COVID-19 state of affairs.

Yet, what Ive noticed coming out in abundance, along with our spring flowers and sightings of robins and cardinalsis kindness. People helping others, even if its through the phone or online. Companies reaching out to first responders or front line workers to offer everything from free meals to virtual hugs. And companies like Walmart Canada and its dedication to helping food banks, even Hershey Chocolate is making sure those utilizing Ronald McDonald House have chocolate Eggies to bring a smile to those in need.

Lets look forward to crushing the curve together! In the meantime, lets take life one day at a time, and appreciate the little things for the greatness that they are.

NUTRITION IDEAS FOR LOCKED-DOWN SENIORS

While were all safely in our homes, waiting out the pandemic, meal buying and meal planning can bring out the best or the worst in everyone. But for seniors who are impacted, the idea of grocery shopping and then cooking and creating can be equally daunting. Natures Emporium well-known family-owned health food market with four locations throughout the city, has recently partnered with Ecosparkle to offer free home delivery for seniors 65 plus in order to provide shut-ins with a safe way to get groceries. Company officials say this service has been created as a helping hand to seniors.

As an essential service provider, we want to keep our seniors safe, and make sure they have a way to get what they need without worrying about their health and well-being, said company co-founder and president, Joe DAddario.

Seniors can either order online or, if they dont have a computer, can call 905-898-1844 to place an order. The delivery person will knock on the door/ring doorbell upon arrival and will then step back 2 metres so that the customer can answer the door, leaving groceries on the doorstep. Customers who require help bringing in groceries can indicate this at time of delivery and are asked toprovide the delivery person two metres of space while groceries are brought in. The delivery teams will be equipped with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to ensure deliveries are made as safely as possible Deliveries must fall within a 10 km. radius from one of companys four locations.

The company is also offering nutritional tips and meal ideas as well. Miranda Malisani, registered nutritionist and director of health and wellness for the company recommends getting these key nutrients into your diet for optimal health and wellbeing:

Quercetin Rich Food: Early clinical research has shown that this plant phytochemical has broad antiviral effects. Reach for more grapes, berries, apples, onions, broccoli, kale, buckwheat and tomatoes.

Vitamin C Rich Foods: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory, and immune supportive benefits. Reach for more kiwis, red peppers, lemons, Brussel sprouts, papaya,strawberries and oranges.

Nutrient Dense Soups, Stews and Bone Broths: Look for jarred, ready-made offerings with simple ingredients. These are easy warm meals that provide protein along with other vitamins and minerals.

Protein Rich Snacks: Reaching for protein at meals and snacks can help maintain energy levels and support the immune system. Add these protein rich foods. Smoked salmon, nut and seed butter, nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, baru seeds), healthy meat jerky, boiled eggs and a good quality plant-based protein powder.

Vitamin D Supplement: Vitamin D has important immune enhancing effects. Seniors often have suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Low levels have been shown to increase the risk of upper respiratory infections. You can find Vitamin D in oily fish, eggs and liver, but supplementing is recommended especially in cases where seniors are cocooning and not getting any sunlight.

Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement: Taking a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement as a nutritional safety net during this time could be a good option to help support seniors health.

For additional details, check out Naturesemporium.com.

KUDOS TO SECOND HARVEST

As the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, an unprecedented number of Canadians are worrying for the first time about how they will afford to put food on the table.

Second Harvest, considered Canadas largest food rescue organization, is rolling out $4.5 million in new funding to community groups who are feeding vulnerable Canadians during this crisis. The beloved organization is connecting small non-profit agencies with large producers of perishable food, providing these grants through their FoodRescue.ca, which is a free donation platform that connects business with food surpluses to charities and non-profits in their own backyard. The new grants will aim to empower local community organizations from across the country to ensure food makes its way to Canadians who need it most.

Our country needs to fight through this pandemic together. We thank the Government of Canada for helping us on our mission that no Canadian be left behind, said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. We know well-established charities and non-profits can access resources that smaller organizations local groups, shelters, local meal programs, and others simply cannot. Money for these groups means food on the tables of hungry families across Canada. Without these groups, we risk whole communities and vulnerable populations falling between the gaps of our social safety net.

While the organization is working with food donors such as Starbucks, Sysco and Loblaws, there are other food businesses, for example, farms who need to find a home for their crops, small community stores we can get them connected within their own communities and they could make a real difference.

Food waste is a real issue in our country. During this crisis in particular, when so many people risk going hungry, we cant afford to let good food go to waste, said Domenic Padula from MetroWorks Halifax. FoodRescue.ca allowed us to enhance our weekly care package for community participants by adding quality, healthy food. It also gives a second life to food that could otherwise go to the landfill.

For additional details, check out FoodRescue.ca, information on Second Harvest check out Secondharvest.ca.

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GETTING READY FOR EASTER

Getting ready for Easter is going to be quite different this year, but that doesnt mean we cant celebrate with ourselves, and with family. Heres a selection of menu tips courtesy of Derry-Anne Perog, head of culinary innovation at M&M Food Market, (mmfoodmarket.com) that can help guide you to the perfect repast.

Top Tips for Easter Meal Prep courtesy M&M Food Market

1. Make it easy: Save on time with online ordering and pick up, so you can shop for your groceries online, schedule a pick-up time, and get back to focusing on other important stuff. Avoiding leaving home? Use delivery.

2. Delight in the small things: We suspect menus and tables will be less full this year, but families can switch things up and consider offering holiday menus buffet-style no fuss, and still delicious. Consider video-chatting at the table with loved ones who cant be with you this year.

3. Make it new: With the new normal were all living, consider reinventing family favourites, or starting new traditions for these unique times. Consider brunch instead of lunch, breakfast instead of dinner leftovers are great for the evening.

4. Make it a meal kit: Easy to assemble, easy to cook, bake and create. Consider this years meal out on the grill.

5. Play with colour: Give people food options that represent the full spectrum of colour. Think red, orange and yellow veggies, green salads, blue fruits or edible flowers, in addition to the usual pinks, reds and browns of a main course protein.

6. Healthy sides: Green beans and Brussel sprouts, or perhaps a root vegetable medley will make your holiday menu.

7. Plan Ahead: In case you cant find fresh, fruits and veggies are frozen at peak freshness and theyre easy to buy in advance and usewhen you need them. Prep as much of your meal ahead of time.

8. Dont forget about peoples preferences: Include vegetable and vegan options, as well as those who have dietary issues.

9. Dont forget the appetizers: The perfect charcuterie board is easier to create than you might think and things like crackers, spreads, cheese and meat are always favourites. Start with a dazzling wooden serving board and build from there with a selection of favourite deli meats with different cheeses at both sides, finished with fruits, nuts and perhaps a frew springs of fresh, edible flowers.

rdemontis@postmedia.com

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GROCERY GOSSIP: Paying it forward over the holidays - Toronto Sun