Category Archives: Diet And Food

(NAPSI)Registered dietitian for California Strawberries, Colleen Wysocki, explains what factors play a role in immunity, eating for health, and how to boost immune systems naturally:

Factors Influencing the Immune System

Factors that can influence immunity include:

Diet

Sleep

Stress

Exercise

Microbiome

Germs

Eating for Health

Eating for health means increasing whole foods while cutting back on processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. People are cautioned not to look for a single super food to prevent illness, but rather, start eating a balanced diet to build a strong immune system over time.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans promotes the My Plate method of eating for health:

of your plate: Colorful fruits and non-starchy vegetables

of your plate: Lean protein

of your plate: Whole grains or starch

Low-fat dairy is also encouraged at each meal for those who tolerate lactose.

Consistently building your plate this way prepares the body to fight illness and stress. Eating for health is a long-game; popping a few berries in your mouth when you start to feel a cold coming on will have limited effect. However, if you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day, your cells will be better prepared to overcome viruses and infections when your body does encounter them.

The Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables is at the Heart of Immune-Boosting Foods

Eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day is key to increasing immune cell responses to bacteria and viruses. The phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables that promote health depend on the color of the food.

For instance, red, blue, and purple fruits provide antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These immune-boosting foods help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Green vegetables, on the other hand, are recognized as foods good for the immune system and they have anti-cancer properties and protect against neural tube defects in pregnancy.

Its important to strengthen the body against non-communicable diseases with a variety of fruits and vegetables first; then when contagious germs enter the body, its defenses will be available to fight them off.

Eating a single color in the diet is like going to school and learning a single subject. If first graders were only taught physical educationthat would be important, but they would miss out on learning how to add, subtract, read, and write. Similarly, if a person were to only eat one color of fruits and vegetables (such as greens), they risk missing out on nutrients that may promote a more complete immune response.

Protein is Vital for Repair and Recovery from Illness

Protein is also essential for growth and illness recovery. Protein repairs cells and DNA damage caused by illnesses. Skinless poultry, fish, yogurt, eggs, low-fat cheese, and milk are great sources of protein. If you choose vegetarian protein, pair it with vitamin C-rich foods such as strawberries. Iron from plant protein is difficult to absorb without vitamin C.

Foods High in Vitamin C

Food sources of vitamin C are more effective at strengthening immunity and overall health than supplements. In addition, fruits and vegetables such as strawberries offer much more than vitamin C; all of their micronutrients work together to help prevent and fight disease.

One serving of eight strawberries provides all the vitamin C you need for a day. Oranges, red peppers, cantaloupe, papaya and kale are also foods high in vitamin C.

How to Boost Immune System Naturally

Exercises Role in Immunity.For those who want to know how to boost the immune system naturally, after diet, physical activity is key. Exercise is another long-term approach to building strength against germs and disease. Working out not only builds muscle, it also reduces abdominal fat, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and stressall risk factors for disease. It can help you sleep better and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise and at least three days of strength-building exercises per week.

Sleep and Stress.Increasing sleep and decreasing stress are also on the list of how to boost your immune system naturally. Do your best to get adequate sleep (7+ hours each night).

During stressful times, techniques to help manage anxiety may include talking to someone, checking in on loved ones, exercise, sleep, and eating a nutritious diet.

Microbiome and Germs. Dont neglect the role bacteria play in spreading harmful germs. While you can wipe out germs and bacteria on surfaces, its critical to feed your gut good bacteria.

Pre- and probiotics are immune-

boosting foods because they feed the good bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics include fiber from fruits and vegetables, while probiotics include strawberries, apples, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses.

For more strawberry nutrition information and recipes, visitcaliforniastrawberries.com.

"One serving of eight #strawberries provides all the #vitaminC you need for a day. #health #immunity #fruit #protein #foodhttps://bit.ly/2wsMSOl"

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Get the Facts on Eating for Health And Boosting Your Immune System Naturally - Brownsville Herald

If your Grubhub receipts are piling up, you might want to consider a slightly more hands-on food delivery experience: meal kits. Since Blue Apron pioneered meal kit delivery services, companies have cropped up all over the internet touting great meals that even the most amateur chefs can easily make. Each of these services promise something different whether it be diet-specific meals or pre-prepped ingredients. We looked into some of the best meal kit delivery services and narrowed it down to the 13 best.

Your Lifestyle: These services typically deliver every week. If your weekly routines are varied, youll want to find a delivery service that makes it easy to pause and resume delivery (and doesnt charge you for changes).

Your Tastebuds: All of these services are going to deliver solid ingredients and meals. Some of them may put a premium on expanding customers palates, while others might prioritize easy-to-make staples. Browse each options sample menus to get a sense of how varied the meals can be.

Your Fridge Space: These meal kit delivery services send out pre-portioned ingredients for each meal. That means you end up with a lot of packages and a limited amount of space in your fridge. The same can be said for services that offer pre-made food.

Your Budget:These delivery services do make getting food on the table easier, but its important to note that most kits, from a cost per serving perspective, work out to about as much as ordering takeout would, but with the added benefit of cooking the food yourself, thus knowing what youre eating. Let these services jumpstart your passion for cooking, but theyre not the be-all-end-all for meal prep.

Best For: Adventurous EatersCost: $60/week for three meals for two people; $96/week for three meals for four people (free shipping)Price Per Serving: $8 $10Blue Apron is a true OG in the meal kit delivery game. Its chef-designed dishes are simple to make and easy to follow along with. Plus, the whole cooking process can usually be done in under an hour. If youre looking to try out new flavors in the kitchen, Blue Apron might be your best bet. Expect dishes like coconut curry wonton noodles and zaatar white beans and kale saut. Where cost is concerned, its meals fall in the upper-middle price bracket.

The company also has a wine subscription with bottles that will complement its meals and a marketplace for users to buy essential kitchen tools like cast-iron skillets and cutting boards.

Best For: Tight BudgetsCost: $39/week for three meals for two people; $69/week for three meals for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $4 $5Dinnerly goes bare bones for its meal delivery kits to keep prices per serving low for customers. The company uses digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients, minimal packaging and word-of-mouth marketing so youre just paying for meals. Its menu isnt innovative staples include lasagna rollups, carne asada tacos and shrimp scampi but it gets the job done.

Best For: Cash-Strapped Home CooksCost: $39/week for three meals for two people; $69/week for three meals for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $5EveryPlate makes it easy for those with tight budgets to make delicious and different meals at home. At $5 a serving, it offers one of the cheapest plans in the category. Despite the lower price, the menu options are vast and the food quality is solid a bit like a more adventurous Dinnerly.

Best For: People Who Dont Like CookingCost: $46/week for four meals for one person and goes up to $96/week for 12 meals for one person (shipping costs vary)Price Per Serving: $8 $12Freshly meals arrive fully cooked, so all you have to do is microwave and eat. Freshly accommodates a wide range of dietary restrictions, and 100 percent of its menu is gluten-free and peanut-free. A sample menu may include anything from turkey meatloaf to chicken tikka masala. Plus, all of Freshlys meals come in recyclable packaging. Yay for less guilt.

Best For: People With No Time to SpareCost: $79/week for three meals for two people; $151/week for three meals for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $8 $11 for lunch; $12 $14 for dinnerGobble is the meal kit delivery service for those who cant find their way around the kitchen, but dont want to get something pre-made. Because the company does most of the prep work for you, meals take around 15 minutes to complete. Ingredients, sourced from local farms and specialty purveyors, come chopped and peeled and ready to handle. Expect dishes like shakshuka with swiss chard and potatoes and Sicilian-style balsamic glazed ahi tuna. Check out Gobbles Lean & Clean meals for under-600 calorie dishes made with lean meats and healthy fats.

Best For: Health-Conscious EatersCost: $79/week for three meals for two people; $95 per week for two meals, served family style, for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $10 $13 (varies by dietary options)Green Chef is a USDA-certified organic company with meals like roasted sausages and sauerkraut, streak frites and buttermilk-brined chicken. When selecting a plan, you can choose from keto, paleo, vegan and vegetarian and carnivore menus. Most meals can be completed in under 30 minutes, so a fresh, healthy meal can end up on your table faster than getting delivery.

Best For: Indecisive Shoppers and TravellersCost: $62/week for three meals for two people; $98/week for three meals for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $7 $9HelloFreshs meal plans center around flexibility for its subscribers. The company makes it easy to cancel, change meals and delay delivery to accommodate your lifestyle. Each box comes with step-by-step recipe cards, which include nutritional facts. Even if youre not a subscriber, use HelloFreshs recipe page for meal inspiration.

Best For: Picky EatersCost: Starts at $7 a mealPrice Per Serving: $7 (more for customizations)Rather than paying for a set number of meals per week, Home Chef subscribers choose which dishes they want for the week and pay $7 per meal. Users have the option to customize their meals with upgrades, swapped ingredients or extra helpings of protein, for an added cost. Previous meals have included garlic-parmesan crusted filet mignon and hot honey salmon. Its easily the most granular of any meal kit company.

Best For: Martha Stewart StansCost: $63/week for three meals for two people; $99/week for three meals for four people (prices include shipping)Price Per Serving: $7 $10Martha Stewart will never prepare you a meal in your own kitchen, but you can subscribe to Martha & Marley Spoon, which will likely be the next best thing. Every week, subscribers choose from 22 recipes to have sent to their door. Meals utilize seasonal ingredients and curated spice blends to create unique flavor combinations. The Martha & Marley Spoon menu runs the gamut in cuisine with dishes like pork katsu, gnocchi and enchiladas. Better yet, these meals are ready in under 30 minutes, all requiring six steps or fewer.

Best For: Vegans and VegetariansCost: $72 per week for three meals for two people; $120 per week for three meals for four people (free shipping)Price Per Serving: $10 $12Vegans and vegetarians can turn to Purple Carrot for a meal kit delivery service that caters to plant-based diets. The company has meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can even add ready-to-eat snacks to your weekly box. Subscribers in the past have had kimchi tofu stew and black bean avocado melt kits sent to them. Even if youre not on a plant-based diet, Purple Carrot is still a great option for those looking for a delicious meal.

Best For: Clean EatersCost: $72/week for three meals for two people; $144/week for three meals for four people (free shipping)Price Per Serving: $11 $13Sun Baskets meal kits center around quality ingredients organic produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats and wild-caught seafood to produce meals that taste great and are good for you. The brand caters to various diets, and all of its meals are approved by dietitians. Examples of what you can expect in a Sun Basket delivery includes meals such as spicy Sichuan dan dan noodles and Mediterranean garlic shrimp.

A major criticism of meal kit delivery services is its heavy use of packaging, so Sun Basket went ahead and made its packaging recyclable and compostable. In its efforts to combat poverty, Sun Basket supports local food banks and the nonprofit organization Feeding America.

Best For: Vegan Chef MikeCost: $117 for 10 meals; $216 for 20 meals; $297 for 30 meals (free shipping on auto-delivery orders; $10 shipping on one-time orders)Price Per Serving: $10 $12Veestros meal kit service caters to vegans and those with plant-based diets. Not only that, but they arrive to your door fully cooked, ready to be heated up in the microwave, in the oven or on the stove. Users can order meals a la carte, where they have the opt for a variety of dietary preferences such as kosher, gluten-free or high-protein. Choose Veestros meal plan service, called Chefs Choice, to get a set number of meals delivered to your door every week, two weeks or four weeks. A sample menu includes meals such as chickn shawarma, carrot osso bucco and veggie lasagna.

Best For: ParentsCost: $48/week for six meals; $56/week for eight meals; $72/week for 12 meals (free shipping)Price Per Serving: $6 $8Picky eaters wont seem so picky with a Yumble meal in front of them. With dishes like baked taco pockets and chicken marinara, you might find yourself picking off your kids plate. Plus, Yumble works with nutritionists to create healthy meals thatll keep your kids coming back for more. Meals take 90 seconds to heat the microwave, and Yumble packaging can be recycled.

Tyler Chin is Gear Patrols Editorial Associate for Editorial Operations. He's from Queens, where tempers are short and commutes are long. Too bad the MTA doesn't have a team like Ed-Ops.

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The 13 Best Meal Kit Delivery Services for Every Kind of Cook - Gear Patrol

Lindsay Rubin courtesy of v planet

Committed to providing 100 percent plant-based products for dogs around the world, v-planet is the international brand of US brand v-dog. Since 2005, v-dog has helped dogs of all shapes and sizes thrive on its nutritionally-complete plant-based kibble.

Over the past few years, v-planet has expanded into multiple international markets and continues to grow with new products and new distributors. We spoke with Lindsay Rubin, vice president of v-dog and v-planet, about the growth shes seen in the vegan dog food market and how human diets are influencing the way people feed their pets.

What was behind the decision to expand internationally? Part of our motivation to expand comes from how rapidly the vegan movement is growing all over the world. We get international requests for our products daily on social media, which is encouraging to see the demand for plant-based dog food grow. A big part of what we ask people is, Hey, where do you want to see v-planet next? The combination of seeing the vegan movement grow and spike and also meeting our customer demand is a big part of what drives us to expand.

People are continuing to demand plant-based vegan products, and were producing the kinds of products that they are looking for.

How have you seen the domestic and international markets differing?Everyone has their own path toward veganism, and some are faster than others. For example, Israel is a very small country, and their major exposure to veganism came through a prominent vegan activist on a popular TV show called Big Brother. This spurred lots of national discussion around the topic of veganism and animal rights.

Other plant-based brands are really paving the way for brands like ours. For instance, the Impossible Burger and other products are causing people to not only think about what they eat, but what their dogs eat, too.

What lessons have you learned as your brands have grown?A big lesson we learned is that it can be difficult to completely predict the international market. Weve gone through adjusting various components like bag sizes and other packaging needs based on where weve expanded and the countrys specific dog and consumer demographics.

While we value connecting with all kinds of distributors, weve had great experiences with distributors in the vegan space because theyre passionate and knowledgeable about the demographics of the customers we are looking for. Its such a specific market, and vegans are so passionate, so its always nice to have a distributor with experience in the space. We also work with pet food-specific distributors who offer a vast set of experiences and knowledge in the pet space.

What has been the most rewarding part of the international expansion? Customer photos! We receive so much amazing customer feedback and reviews. We have hundreds of testimonials on our v-dog site, and every day customers are tagging us in adorable stories, videos and posts on Instagram and Facebook. Internationally, we receive pictures from New Zealand, Australia and Canada as we expand. Its so rewarding, because wherever we bring this product, were making dogs happy and its making their parents happy. The photos are too adorable, and its always so fun to see them.

Another rewarding component is that we produce a different formula for the Canadian market, and the reception to that formula has been really excellent. Its still a complete and balanced plant-based food for adult dogs, like our v-dog USA formula, but with a few different ingredients. For example, there arent any peanuts, and all the ingredients are GMO-free.

What have been the most challenging aspects of the expansion process? Packaging! There are so many parameters and regulations in pet food packaging. You really have to have everything just right, including language translations, and that process involves many layers. Making sure everything was right down to the tiniest details and making sure it communicated everything to the customer was a super fun, but a really long and intricate experience.

What brought you to this business, and what keeps you passionate about it? Weve always prioritized being a company that is dedicated to creating 100% vegan products that dont use animals as food, and making sure the dogs that eat it are healthy and happy. All of us on the team are individually passionate about the vegan food movement and the vegan pet food movement. Were proud to be an authentic company we all live vegan lives ourselves.

We think plant-based food for dogs still remains a nearly untouched area of veganism. Millions of vegans have dogs, but only a small percentage consider that they dont need meat in their diet to thrive. Its exciting to be part of this movement that is showing the world that dogs can thrive on vegan diets.

Related

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v planet: "It's Exciting to be Part of This Movement That is Showing the World That Dogs Can Thrive on Vegan Diets" - vegconomist - the...

Wuhan Coronavirus, better known today as COVID-19, is creating havoc all around the world. This deadly respiratory disease can spread from one person to another. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during a massive outbreak right before the Chinese New Year in Wuhan in China. As of this week, this disease has infected more than 450,000 people and caused more than 20,000 deaths. Although China is reporting zero local transmission, countries like Italy, Spain, USA and more are in the midst of medical catastrophes.

Many experts say that the virus that causes COVID-19 most probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from human to human. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close proximity of one another through respiratory droplets produced when someone infected sneezes or coughs.

There is also a high possibility that a person being infected with COVID-19 may make contact with a surface or object that has the virus and then touches their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. People infected with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, difficulty in breathing and cough. Some people with higher immunity have been known to be asymptomatic whereas older people with secondary health issues can have severe pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure which can ultimately lead to death.

Life goes on but precautions need to be seriously taken to prevent further infection. Governments around the world have taken steps to restrict citizen movements, close borders, businesses and more. What everyone needs to understand and do is to take individual precautionary actions like avoiding making any contact with anyone who is sick. For some people, touching, scratching or rubbing the eyes, nose and mouth is an involuntary reflex action. That has to stop and hand washing is of the utmost importance. Our recommended hand washing regimen is as follows:

The other first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as the following:

The idea of boosting ones immunity effectively is enticing but the ability to do so has been proven to be a challenge for many. Everyone must understand that the immune system must be treated holistically and it is not a single entity. To function efficiently, requires balance and harmony.

Some recommended foods to help you kick start this journey of health include:

According to many healthcare professionals, foods rich in antioxidants include berries, garlic and onion. These foods contain Vitamins C, B and E. They are essential for building up the immune system. This in turn can reduce the risk of diseases and at the same time help to fight off infections.

Foods like eggplant, pumpkin and carrot are all high in antioxidants and should be eaten at least once a day.

Some types of foods have anti-inflammatory values. Consuming foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory values is essential when one wants to boost the immune system. Vegetables and fruits are such foods with high anti-inflammatory value. Eating such foods on a daily basis will ensure that one will get optimal anti-inflammatory food intake. Eating at least five types of vegetables each day can help fight inflammation.

Another common anti-inflammatory ingredient with additional benefits is turmeric which contains a natural compound called curcumin, known as a type of superfood. Another anti-oxidant, other beneficial features of curcumin include:

Superfoods are types of foods that have outsize health benefits resulting from an exceptional nutrient density. Foods below are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which boost cell regeneration and help prevent a multitude of diseases:

When dealing with a devious disease like Covid 19, it is best to take a firm stand that prevention is better than cure. Make sure that hygiene practices are in place, eat and stay healthy, avoid crowded places and close contact interactions. Many countries around the world have already enforced movement restrictions including working from home, so take no chances, and stay safe.

Author: Ezree Ebrahim, Head Business Development (Healthcare), Absolute Health Group. For Further information, please contact: ezree.ebrahim@akesisoncology.com

Series Editor: Christopher F. Bruton, Executive Director, Dataconsult Ltd, chris@dataconsult.co.th. Dataconsults Thailand Regional Forum provides seminars and extensive documentation to update business on future trends in Thailand and in the Mekong Region.

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Beating Covid-19: Risk avoidance and better health and diet solution - Bangkok Post

Who could have imagined a global crisis larger than climate change? But here we are! Life as we know it has come to a halt as we hunker down to shelter in place indefinitely, to protect ourselves and tamp down the spread of a virus. Everyone, even those less food- and shelter-secure, must press the pause button and stay put. Now what?

How can we contribute to the common good sequestered home, even if our concern about big issues like climate change, feeding the world, curing disease, and other environmental and humanitarian causes hasnt evaporated with our day-to-day lives? The good news is that there is much that we can do from our couch and kitchens.

Here are some ideas:

1. Work on Climate Change.

There is a simple and effective way to address the universal threat of global warming, through the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, or H.R.763. It will reduce Americas emissions by at least 40% in the first 12 years, and boost the economy at the same time; something government leaders are most concerned about as fallout from the coronavirus pandemic looms. This one policy can create over two million new jobs and promises economic growth in local communities across America A crucial way to propel our sinking economy.

The Solution: H.R.763, which is a revenue neutral act that allocates fees collected on carbon emissions at the source to all Americans. This funnels money into the pockets of American consumers to spend. The government keeps none of the fees collected, so its not a tax, but money returned to all Americans with a social security number.

Most significantly this bill is bipartisan. A growing numberof republicans and democrats alike have signed on as cosponsors as they reviewits effectiveness. The majority of Americans support Congress acting on climatechange, including more than half of republicans, and this relatively painlessmeasure is something that we can all agree on. Climate change is too urgent to forgetabout, or to get caught in partisan politics.

What you can do: Write or call your state representatives and urge them to support H.R.763. Join Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization focused solely on this one national policy, because it is the most immediate and effective tool that we have. Their consistently respectful, nonpartisan approach is designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. Joining them is the easiest way to educate ourselves on the climate change solutions available.

2. Consider Your Food: Eat a Plant-Strong Diet and DontWaste.

According to a largebody of research including Project Drawdown,food choices make a big impact on global warming. Choosing a plant-based diet alongwith eliminating wasted food can reduce your personal carbon footprint morethan other habits; more than eating local, more than giving up a car, and morethan recycling, (1).It turns out that eating beans, vegetables,fruits, whole grains, tubers (like potatoes), mushrooms, nuts and seeds, is notonly good for us, but good for the planet.

The Food: Given that the global food system is among the principal drivers of climate change as well as the biggest indicator of chronic disease, imagine the impact each of us has on greenhouse gas emissions, soil preservation, deforestation and biodiversity. Fortunately for us, those health-promoting foods mentioned also tend to be the most climate-friendly foods whole plant foods, (2). Eating these foods delivers the nutrients to fight bacteria viruses, as well as boosts our immune system so our bodies can overcome foreign invaders like viruses.

Conversely, the foods that carry known health risks are alsothe most climate-polluting foods. For instance red and processed meat that isassociated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (3), type 2 diabetes (4),and certain cancers (5), are the highestemitters of greenhouse gas, (6).

The Waste: Globally thirty percent of food is wasted. Americans waste closer to forty percent. That means food that is never eaten uses up precious land, soil, water, and fuel, with the biggest demand on these resources coming from animal food production; then processed foods, (7). Most of that wasted food ends up in landfills to generate large quantities of methane as the food decomposes, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the FAO, thirteen percent of animal food by volume is wasted, which is a low percentage compared to other foods, but due to their high emissions intensity, a high percentage of greenhouse gas. Meat alone accounts for roughly onethird of greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste, (8).

By cutting food wasted globally we could reduce greenhousegas emissions by an estimated 4.5 gigatons by 2050, (9). Not only isthat significant, but we individual citizens have a say in it. Diet issomething that all of us can improve upon, in the seclusion of our own home.

3. Start a Garden, Indoorsor Out.

Your body needs green veggies nowmore than ever, and we can grow these, the healthiest of foods, even without ahouse with garden space, any time of the year, in just a few days!

4. Fight Hunger

What local food redistribution programs operate in your areathat may need assistance in this challenging time? For instance, schoolnutrition programs have been stymied while schools are closed. In my area theYMCA is stepping up to distribute foods to children in the school food programs.Volunteers are needed, and maybe from the safety of your car or home. Our localMeals on Wheels program, as well as many other charitable programs, cancelledtheir annual spring fundraiser due to the COVID-19 crisis and must depend ononline donations. Whatever you could do that feels right, will result in personalsatisfaction. Bonus: time spent on charitable work could lead to a rewarding interactionnow in the time of seclusion, as well as ways to give back to your communitylater, when were back to some kind of normal.

5. Practice Cooperation

Like global warming, viruses know no boundaries. We are all inthese planetary-wide challenges together. So protecting the developing world aswell as sharing what we have and know, is the only way towards a successfuloutcome. Now is the time to practice skills such as cooperation and diplomacy,and figure out how to work together to overcome a global crisis. Start at home.Start now, and keep busy with meaningful work thatll aid us all when we pickup with the work of survival on the other side. Well be facing new daily challengesfor a while, but its good to remind ourselves that were in this pandemic together.

As our local CitizensClimate Lobby leader recently did, I close with a timeless old song with a relevantmessage Itll end, and WellMeet Again! Now go and find your silver linings in this mostchallenging time.

Link:
Saving the World While Sheltering in Place - Thrive Global

1.American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

The AFL-CIO is the largest U.S. based federation of unions that protects the rights of workers in a variety of industries, including food and agriculture. They take action to prevent child labor in agriculture, support diversity in farming and land access, improve farm and food worker wages, ensure overtime pay, and fight for immigration policies that help agricultural workers attain employment security.

2.Center for Good Food Purchasing

The Center for Good Food Purchasing encourages large institutions to adopt the Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) an initiative that facilitates shifts in institutional food purchasing toward local food economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. Implementation of the GFPP is currently being carried out in multiple cities and school districts across the U.S.

3.Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)

The CIW is a worker rights organization that exemplifies the power of farmworker community organizing. Their internationally recognized Worker-driven Social Responsibility paradigm led to significant advances in human rights within corporate supply chains. Through this approach, the CIW successfully negotiated agreements that improved worker labor standards and wages with Whole Foods, McDonald's, Subway, and Walmart through its Fair Food Program focused on Florida tomato growers.

4.Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ)

CAGJ is a grassroots organization based in Seattle, WA that aims to strengthen local economies by transforming unjust trade and agricultural policies. Through community education, grassroots organizing, research and analysis, and media outreach they support healthy local food economies in which optimal labor rights are achieved.

5.Fairfood International

Fairfood international works to create a food system in which value is distributed along the supply chain proportionally and food is produced with the wellbeing of people, animals, and the planet in mind. By advancing supply chain transparency they help the agri-food sector identify improvements in sustainability and solutions for the payment of a living wage in supply chains.

6.Fair World Project (FWP)

FWP is a global organization devoted to promoting fair trade for small producers and labor justice for workers. They emphasize that unfair trade policies and corporate-friendly business practices continue to harm people and the planet. Their solution is to educate and advocate for a just global economy that respects the environment and they have active campaigns supporting coffee, melon, and cocoa farmers and farmworkers.

7.Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC)

FLOC is a labor union affiliated with the AFL-CIO that aims to give farmworkers a voice in the decisions that affect their economic security and wellbeing. Baldemar Velasquez founded the organization in 1967 and built it into a more than 20,000-member strong organization that mobilizes, educates, and trains farmworkers to advocate for their labor rights.

8.Farmworker Justice

Farmworker Justice seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers to achieve fair wages, occupational safety, immigration status, and improved overall living and working conditions. They frequently engage with government officials and administrative agencies to advocate for improvements in U.S. labor laws, guest worker programs, and clearer paths to U.S. citizenship for the approximately 1.25 million seasonal workers on U.S. farms and ranches that lack authorized immigration status.

9.Food Chain Workers Alliance (FCWA)

The Food Chain Workers Alliance is a Los Angeles, California based coalition of worker rights organizations. They advocate for improved wages and working conditions for the people who plant, harvest, process, pack, transport, prepare, serve, and sell food. The FCWA also leverages the Good Food Purchasing Program as a tool to win fair wages and improve working conditions within institutional supply chains.

10.International Labor Organization (ILO)

The ILO is a United Nations agency devoted to promoting social justice and ensuring that internationally recognized human and labor rights are upheld. Their Decent Work Agenda focuses on working with stakeholders in their 187 member states to set labor standards and develop policies and programs that support decent work, fair globalization, and poverty reduction.

11.La Via Campesina

La Via Campesina is an international coalition of organizations that defend food sovereignty as a way to promote social justice and worker dignity. They built a movement that amplifies the voices of smallholder peasant farmers and aims to decentralize the power of corporate driven agriculture, which they argue is destructive to the environment and social relations.

12.Migrant Justice

The mission of Migrant Justice is to strengthen the capacity and power of the farmworker community to collectively organize for economic justice and human rights. By investing in leadership development, Migrant Justice enhances farmworker community members' skills in community organizing and capacity to produce systemic change. Among their accomplishments is the Milk with Dignity agreement with Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, an industry contract to implement a worker-driven social responsibility program.

13.Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA)

As an organization led by fisherfolk, NAMA was founded to promote healthy and economically secure fisheries and fishing communities. Their organizing efforts extend beyond human rights to include sustainability efforts that ensure the long-term resilience of marine food systems and the promotion of equitable access to fair markets for small and medium-scale community-based fisherfolk.

14.Oxfam International

Oxfam international operates in more than 90 countries and is centrally focused on ending the injustice of global poverty. They place a large emphasis on food and farming in their work because they note that three-fourths of the world's hungry people live in rural areas, many of whom are farmers, fishers, herders, and laborers. Through Oxfam's Behind the Brands Campaign, consumers can track major food brand's progress in supporting farmworkers and the planet.

15.Solidarity Center

The Washington, D.C. based Solidarity Center is an international organization partnering with over 400 labor unions and human rights organizations in 60 countries to support workers' rights. Seafood, agriculture, and food processing are among the many industries that they aim to effect change in by providing technical and legal expertise, bolstering union's advocacy efforts, connecting workers to protective networks, and more.

16.Teamsters

Teamsters is one of North America's most diverse labor unions, representing workers in a wide range of industries from sanitation workers in New York to vegetable growers in California. The organization supports workers in advocating for contracts that ensure fair wages, health coverage, job security, paid time-off and retirement income. Once these contracts are negotiated, Teamsters works to hold companies accountable by invoking contract grievance procedures if necessary.

17.United Farmworkers of America (UFW)

National Farmworker Awareness week ends on a day commemorating the founder of UFW, Cesar Chavez, because the organization is the nation's first union explicitly for farmworkers. Their work to protect labor rights in the agricultural sector continues today as they have facilitated dozens of UFW union contract victories that secured farmworkers' rights including fair wages, overtime pay, protections from occupational health hazards, and more.

18.Walk Free

Walk free tackles one of the world's most complex and prevalent human rights issuesmodern slavery. They devote resources and collaborative organizing efforts to drive behavior and legislative changes that liberate people trapped in slavery. They also conduct research to build a comprehensive database of the estimated 44 million people living in modern slavery and have campaigned to protect children working in the chocolate industry as well as farmworkers in the palm oil industry.

Farmworkers truly are the backbone of our food system and these 18 organizations work to ensure that their rights are being adequately met or exceeded. By continuing to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, farmworkers are risking their health to prevent disruptions in the food supply. National Farmworker Awareness Week provides a time to reflect on the contributions farmworkers make to society and raise awareness about the issues they continue to grapple with, especially in the face of global pandemic.

Student Action with Farmworkers has a number of resources and to help individuals and organizations engage in the 21st Annual National Farmworker Awareness week from March 25-31, 2020.

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Part of the series Accessing the Most Powerful You

Managing depression and anxiety in high-stress times

In crisis times like these, depression and anxiety often rise as people try to come to terms with situations that make them feel vulnerable, out of control and unprepared. Many people with or without anxiety disorders are feeling more anxious now.

As a former marriage and family therapist working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety and other disorders, Ive seen firsthand how our anxieties and insecurities can escalate the more we feel helpless and realize that many things we once believed about our lives are no longer valid or true.

To learn more about how we can manage depression and anxiety in these uncertain times, I caught up with mental health expert Dr. Gregory Jantz this week on my podcast Finding Brave for his insights and suggestions.

Dr. Gregory Jantz is a bestselling author of over 40 books and the founder of The Center: A Place of HOPE, voted a top ten facility for the treatment of depression in the United States. Dr. Jantz pioneered Whole Person Care and is a world-renowned expert on eating disorders, depression, anxiety, technology addiction, and abuse. He is a leading voice and innovator in Mental Health utilizing a variety of therapies including nutrition, sleep therapy, spiritual counseling, and advanced DBT techniques. His latest book, Healing Depression for Life: The Personalized Approach That Offers New Hope For Lasting Relief, is on bookshelves now.

Below, Dr. Jantz shares his insights and strategies for helping us manage depression, anxiety and mounting fears during this current crisis and beyond:

Kathy Caprino: In these rapidly-evolving times, what are you seeing as the top symptoms people are experiencing, in terms of their mental health?

Dr. Gregory Jantz: During times of uncertainty we see an increase in worry, fear, and anxiety. Symptoms manifest in the physical, psychological and emotional being. People are experiencing trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, difficulty concentrating, irrational obsessions with worst case scenarios, uncontrollable crying, fatigue, and physical symptoms of anxiety like headaches, nausea, and even panic attacks in extreme situations.

Here are some tips for whole-person care that have been shown to be effective:

Invest in all three areas of your well-beingyour mind, body and spiritto maintain your strength.

For your mind, surround yourself with positive, supporting people. Practice positive self-talk and remind yourself you have control over your actions and thoughts. If you need additional support, speak with your counselor or therapist.

For your body, commit to daily fitness, even if it is just a brisk 20-minute walk. Sweat a little bit and get your blood flowing. Eat a consistent, healthy diet that includes leafy greens, omegas, lean protein, vegetables, and is low in sugars. Avoid alcohol. Supplement with a good probiotic.

Be disciplined to create a restful sleep environment where you can get at least seven of of uninterrupted sleep nightly. Do not eat within two hours of going to bed, and do not watch television, especially stress-inducing programming, within two hours of going to bed. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool for optimum sleeping. Invest in a quality mattress and a quality pillow. They can make a world of difference.

For your soul, be purposeful in your thoughts and actions, and reflect on and commit to your core values daily. Be compassionate and help others who are in need.

Caprino: Depression, anxiety and substance use often rise in crisis situations like these, and for many, panic is setting in. What steps can people take today, to help them rein in their fears?

Jantz: The World Health Organization notes that depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, affecting more than 264 million people. In the U.S., the American Association of Depression and Anxiety notes anxiety is the #1 mental health disorder, affecting over 40 millionalmost 1 in 5adults. And the numbers are increasing. Columbia University noted that depression rates are rising at accelerating rates since 2005, especially among adolescents.

The good news is that both depression and anxiety are treatable. A whole personal approach to caremind, body, and soulhas proven to produce lasting results. Dialectical Based Treatment (DBT) is regarded as a very effective tool to empower individuals with the tools and techniques they can use every day to manage their depression and anxiety.

Here are some tips to help address fear and anxiety:

Manage your stimulation: Turn off the television and put down the mobile device for extended periods of time.

Increase a focus on positivity: Invest in positive self-talk and in conversations with friends and family who are also positive and supportive. Remind yourself that you can do the things required to create a healthier, safer environment.

Dont neglect your body: Keep your body strong emotionally and physically by avoiding stressful conversations or news reports, and by eating well, exercising, and getting good sleep.

Caprino: What are the most difficult anxieties and fears to navigate through regarding the pandemic, and what are the best three strategies to navigate through and effectively address these fears?

Jantz: A pandemic like this one can exacerbate existing mental health challenges around stress and anxiety. Persistent, irrational thoughts are a real concern, as they lead to unhealthy outcomes like anger, sadness, paralyzing fear, a lack of sleep, and even physical debilitation.

Three key strategies can help:

1) Acknowledge your challenge and address it. Use small steps to restore calm and strength. Practice positive self talk and proactive actions like creating healthy meals and maintaining fitness.

2) Unplug. Limit your screen time to minimize distressing news. Keep up healthy non-digital activitieswalk the dog, finish a project, read a book.

3) Include family and friends in a positive, online support group. Encourage others. Surround yourself (however you can, using online tools) with those who are positive and who will support you.

Caprino: What about uncertainty? When so much of what we've counted on and taken for granted in our lives, society and in our world is shifting, what do we hold onto and focus on?

Jantz: Remember that tough times will pass. That doesnt mean they are not challenging, but there are positive things we each can do to protect ourselves and support others. Heed the advice of medical professionals and practice social distancing, use good hygiene, eat well and maintain fitness. These are proactive things we all can do. Know that there are others who are here to help you. If you are struggling, speak with a mental health counselor. Treatment programs are available. Connect with a strong support network.

Difficult times can amplify all potentials within our personality and the foundation of who we are. Demonstrate compassion, empathy, joy and commitment to help others during these times. You can be a strong example of strength and steadiness during these times that can inspire others.

Caprino: Can you talk about priorities right now? How to set them and achieve a sense of balance and security by attending to these priorities? What are some priorities we can hang on to?

Jantz: Here are some helpful priorities to focus on:

Keep your physical body healthy. Avoid alcohol and stay well-hydrated. Maintain a healthy diet and support your immune health. Did you know 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? Take a daily probiotic to support your immune health and infuse greens into your daily diet.

Get good rest. Your body recovers and heals while you sleep. Avoid unnecessary contact with others, hunker down and embrace the opportunity to connect with family in your home. Challenge yourself to start a meaningful project.

Support your mental health. The worry and anxiety you may be feeling is legitimate. These are uncertain times. For many of us, finances, employment, elderly family members, and the fear of sickness can combine to create significant stress in our lives. If you need support to manage these challenges, ask for it.

Avoid negativity and reinforce positivity and HOPE. So many can become consumed by (irrational) worry and fear. Break out of that mindset and think positively, objectively and clearly. There is much we can do to help out, and encourage others.

Overall, focus on what you can do and put your best efforts forward to maintain a strong mind, body, and soul. Remind yourself that your surroundings are within your control, along with the quality of food and exercise you get. Do your best to be positive, comforting and helpful to others which will, in turn, help you become stronger and more resilient to face the challenges of today.

To learn about types of treatment for anxiety and depression, visit The Center A Place of HOPE.

If youd like career and leadership growth support, visit Kathy Caprinos Career Breakthrough programs and speaking, and tune into her podcast Finding Brave.

Originally posted here:
How To Manage Depression And Anxiety In Frightening Times - Forbes

WFH is the new diet buster. We are snacking all.... day... long. Okay, so it's plant-based but it's getting out of control. For help, The Beet turned to nutritionist Erika Fox, a Registered Dietitian and community manager at 310 Nutrition. Here are hertipsfor staying healthy and stopping the snack attacks, whilespending too much time inside with a ready path to the fridge. (Guilty, guilty guilty.) Her advice, with notes from The Beet.

The Beet: Okay, we love this tip. tell us more.

Foxsays: Ensuring sure youre eating meals throughout the day will not only give you the nutrients you need to stay focused and keep energy levels up, but it will help keep you satiated, so youre not feeling the need to snack all day long!

Secondary Tip: Make sure your meals are well balanced with a combination of complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein, soyou wont be reaching for a snack right after.

The Beet: This is hard. I work within easy view of the kitchen and the pantry (and about ten large steps away from where the snacks are sitting on the counter.

Fox says: If your workspace is right next to your kitchen, or youre working from your kitchen table, its going to be extremely difficult to ignore all those snacks calling your name. Take a look around to see if theres another spot you can work from thats further away from the kitchen. This will help keep you focused on your work and not so much on snacking!

The Beet: Like online shopping? JK, that's bad too, at least if it becomes a habit.

Fox says: When youre in an office, its easy to get up, walk around, and chat with others when you feel like you need a brain break. At home, these brain breaks usually turn into snacking. Oftentimes, people arent even hungry, but rather just need something to do so they can refocus. Instead of resorting to snacks, try incorporating a different activity into your routine. Here are some ideas: go outside for a walk, take a 5-minute journal break, stretch, incorporate exercise into your day, etc. Play with the kids on the couch for a littlefunstudy break.

The Beet: but I know where I hid the chips and Cracker Jacks.

Fox says: If you find yourself overindulging on junk food just because its in the cabinet, move it to the back, or even better, hide it away in a spot that you wont reach to. Alternatively, make sure youre stocked on nutritious, balanced snacks. This way, if you do need a little something, you have plenty of options that will keep you going until your next meal.

Additional Tip: For a well-balanced snack, make sure it includes at least two of the three macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats) and focus on real, whole foods!

Here are some examples

The Beet: But that's the best place to snack. I don't pay attention to what I'm eating on repeat.

Fox says: Many people over-snack while working from home because theyre either bored or need something to do while they work (aka mindless eating). If you let yourself eat while working, its likely that youll end up over-snacking. Instead of chowing down on food all day, be mindful of your hunger levels and make time for snacks/meals. When you are hungry, step away from the computer, take the extra time to sit down and eat a snack/meal, and dont get back to work until you feel fully satisfied.

The Beet: Thank you, Erika. We will try. And anyone who has more tips, please send them. We need them now more than ever! Write to us at info@thebeet.com.

Erika Fox, MBA, RDN, is a registered dietitian with an undergraduate degree in dietetics from Purdue University and a masters in business administration from Dominican University. Erika works as the registered dietitian and community manager for 310 Nutrition, motivating thousands of individuals to reach their health goals every day.

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How to Snack Healthy and Smart When Working From Home - The Beet

Q. Toilet paper dates back to medieval China but all sorts of things have been used as bum fodder, really, whatever was handy. Can you name some of them?

A. In China, waste paper was being used for wiping by the end of the sixth century, and the 14th century saw establishment of the worlds first toilet paper industry, says Graham Lawton in The Origins of (almost) Everything, a New Scientist book. A document in 1393 records that 720,000 giant sheets of toilet paper, measuring two feet by three feet, were produced for the Ming imperial court.

Ancient Rome employed xylospongium, a sponge soaked in vinegar, wine or salt water on the end of a stick. For the Vikings, sheeps wool was the common wipe; for those in medieval Britain, it was cotton or linen, with a groom of the stool performing the task for the nobility. And since the hand was always handy, many cultures used the left for wiping and the right for eating.

Surroundings were often the determining factor: American pioneers used dried corn stalks; the Inuits employed moss in the summer, snow in the winter; and sailors at sea used the frayed end of a ships rope, kept dunked in a bucket of seawater. And for 19th-century Americans, the Sears Roebuck catalogue had a second life: Many catalogues were printed with a hole in the top left-hand corner to make them easy to hang next to the latrine. (Source: Bum Fodder: An Absorbing History of Toilet Paper by Richard Smyth)

Q. The bird population has undergone a significant decline in recent years, caused at least in part by night-time collisions with power lines. What clever way have scientists devised to minimize the danger?

A. In one month in 2009, 300 Sandhill cranes perished from collisions with marked power lines at Nebraskas Rowe Sanctuary, says Rachel Berkowitz in Scientific American magazine.

Knowing that half of all avian species can see ultraviolet light, wildlife biologist James Dwyer had the idea of using near-visible UV light to illuminate power lines. Working with utility consulting firm EDM International and Dawson Public Power District, the team developed these new lighting systems, installing them on a tower supporting a power line. Over a 38-night period, crane collisions decreased by 98 percent when the lights were on. Moreover, the researchers did not detect any negative effects on other species: insects did not swarm toward the lights, nor did bats or nighthawks do so in pursuit of a meal.

This new UV system may prove useful for existing lines and in hotspots where endangered bird species nest and feed.

Q. Long-distance flyers know the feeling of jet lag, but what is eating jet lag? And why might diet-conscious folks want to know?

A. Spanish researchers Maria Fernanda Zeron-Rugerio and Maria Izquierdo-Pulido were intrigued that disrupted sleep patterns were linked to weight gain, probably because our bodies arent used to processing food eaten at night, which seems to lead to the storage of extra fat, says Alice Klein in New Scientist magazine. They wondered if eating meals later on weekends might have a similar effect, since its common to sleep in on weekends and have breakfast and other meals later as well. This they called eating jet lag.

To test this out, their team surveyed more than 1100 Spanish and Mexican students and found that almost two-thirds had an hour or more of eating jet lag on weekends, with breakfast tending to become brunch. And those who reported more than 3.5 hours of eating jet lag on weekends had higher body mass indexes on average than those with no eating jet leg, regardless of their diets or how much they slept or exercised (Nutrients).

Perhaps, the researchers say, our internal biological clock prepares our metabolism to process food at specific times and gets confused when we eat later on weekends.

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Theres a run on it now, and toilet paper has a long history - ObserverXtra

#COVID19 pandemic has reached in more than 160 countries and people are facing lockdown to prevent life losses, in the scenario stress level is being increased and people need some specific diets to combat stress and anxiety.

BOL NEWS consults Dr. Addiya Wahaj she is nutrition by profession and working with Pakistans consulate in Saudi Arabia nowadays.

According to nutrition, food that contains vitamin C and zinc is the best source to manage stress levels these days.

She also reveals that vitamin C is also the best source of boosting the human immune system, which is the most necessary thing in the human body to prevent novel coronavirus.

Strawberries, blueberries, hand full of cashew nut, and green vegetables are best in relieving the stress of lockdown and the pandemic.

She advises people to intake some supplements that contain zinc as zinc is the rapid stress reliever and save from anxiety.

Here she shares a picture of hearty & healthy broccoli, mushroom n cheese omelet.

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#COVID19: Diet to release stress and anxiety in lockdown days - BOL News