Category Archives: Diet And Food

Include these 10 foods in your winter diet to keep your body healthy and warm  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Winters are here and thus dragging yourself out of the warmth of bed becomes the first challenge in the morning. Although it is the season when there is no harm in being a little more indulgent, the key to enjoying winter lies in a healthy diet, daily exercise and proper sleep. Remember that the immune system is our biggest defence, and keeping it strong is only possible when you eat a healthy diet.

Below are some healthy food items that must be a part of your diet plan during the winter season.

Dates are like capsules of nutrients and are beneficial for people who like to keep themselves fit. Low-fat content in dates keep your weight in check and at the same time, supplies your body with essential nutrients. Regular intake keeps your body warm which makes them the best option to say good morning to winters.

Rich in fat, protein and fibre, these human-friendly seeds are one of the best sources for Iron forour body. This gluten-free pseudo-grain is highly nutritious with a high content of phosphorus, the regular consumption of which rewards you with strong bones and thus keeps lethargy miles away from you.

Power-packed with tons of nutrients in a low-calorie package, dark leafy greens like spinach, collards, mustard greens and escarole spread their roots as well as leaves in the winter season when many other vegetables become a rarity. Rich in vitamins A, C, K and various other nutrients, these leaves not only enhance your bone health but also become a solution to your rough skin and hair problems commonly faced in the winter season.

Highly revered among the clan of dry fruits, almonds and walnuts not only keep your body warm but also ensure an active nervous system, a healthy heart and improved sensitivity to insulin. With their unique taste and crunchiness, they can reward you with many pleasant wintery days and evenings.

Who doesn't love these blessings from animal farms! Fishes and eggs, while being rich in protein and carbohydrates, are rich sources of Vitamin B12 which is essential for ensuring a healthy immune system. They also help in reducing fatigue and stress thus ensuring your physical as well as mental well-being.

Citrus Fruits are juiciest in winters and a single intake is capable of taking care of day-long Vitamin C requirement by a human body. Rich in flavonoids, they are best for maintaining a healthy proportion of Cholesterol in our body. One can have a good Vitamin D enriching sunbath and supply themselves with delicious Vitamin C at the same time, biting on these citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapes etc.

Porridge serves as a complete breakfast and with a slow release of energy keeps your body energised till lunch. One can add nuts and dry fruits to make them more delicious as well as healthy.

Turnips not only bless your cardiovascular system but also strengthen your bones as well as digestion with its rich fibre content. Winters these years come infected with a high quantity of pollutants in the air resulting in smog. Rich with starch, turnips act as excellent antioxidants and also help in minimizing the risks of cancer.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fibre, Vitamin A and potassium. Low on calorie and high on nutrients, they are beneficial for your stomach. Sweet potatoes help in curing constipation, improving digestion and reducing inflammation.

Ragi is super rich in calcium. While non-vegetarians have a plethora of options for their calcium intake, ragi comes for the rescue of vegetarians. A must-have for diabetes and anaemia patient, ragi also helps in battling conditions like anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Besides, one should also consume enough fluids (30ml of fluids per kg of body weight) for healthy functioning of the body. Remember there is no substitute for healthy eating. Incorporate these food items in your diet chart today and enjoy winters to the fullest

(Disclaimer: The author, Dr(Col) Manjinder Sandhu, Director- Cardiology & Artemis Cardiac Care, is a guest contributor. Views expressed are personal)

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Include these 10 foods in your winter diet to keep your body healthy and warm - Times Now

The age-old secret to a longer life really comes down to a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and eating a healthy balanced diet. Good nutrition is key to leading a healthy lifestyle. The foods a person eats gives the body information and materials they need to function properly. If a person eats too much food, or food that gives the body the wrong instructions, their risk of potentially life-threatening diseases increases and lifespan shortens. What is the best diet to help a person live a long, healthy life and reduce their risk of deadly diseases?

A study has been published in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal and reignites debate around increasingly popular vegan diets amid conflicting medical advice and evidence over the impact of ones health.

The study found every three percent in calories form plant protein was found to reduce risk of death by 10 percent.

The figure rises to 12 percent for risk of dying from heart disease. By contrast, raising the share of animal protein in ones diet by 10 percent led to a two percent higher risk of death from all causes.

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Experts recommend eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Lean protein and low-fat dairy products are also recommended.

Numerous research suggests eating at least seven portions of fresh fruits and vegetables per day may lower the risk of dying from cancer by up to 15 percent.

Dr Mingyang Song said: Overall, studies have supported the importance of the sources of dietary protein for long-term health outcomes.

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How to live longer: The diet proven to help you stave off cancer and boost life expectancy - Express

Edith Cowan University researchers have found that a chronic disease affecting up to 80 per cent of overweight people may be causing an iron deficiency that simply leaves them too tired to get off the couch.

Fatty liver disease affects about one in three Australians and is often associated with being overweight or obese. If left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and increase the risk of a heart attack.

But the remedy to lose weight through diet or exercise is often difficult to achieve for affected individuals.

In other words, it may not be laziness but lack of iron which is important for energy production that is stopping people with non-alcoholic liver disease from addressing their condition.

This research indicates that people with the condition may be physiologically incapable of exercise due to iron not being available for the body to use normally, which is very similar to the effects observed in people who have a true iron deficiency.

The new research, under the direction of lead researcher Professor John Olynyk, will help guide future treatment for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The body is like a car

ECU researchers measured the cardiovascular fitness of 848 17-year-old West Australians enrolled in the well known Raine Study and found that those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease had lower physical work capacity independent of their weight.,

This reduced physical work capacity was also strongly related to parameters suggesting that iron is not being made available to the body for normal metabolism.

Professor John Olynyk said the study showed that people with non-alcoholic-fatty-liver disease had lower cardiovascular fitness, which was likely caused by a functional iron deficiency.

We know that an iron deficiency can cause lethargy and fatigue, making it harder for people to exercise, he said.

What is likely happening is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is impeding the bodys ability to provide adequate iron into the blood to fuel processes such as energy and blood cell production.

To use an analogy, if you imagine the body as a car and iron as its fuel, what is likely happening is that there is plenty of iron, or fuel in the tank, but the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has caused the fuel line to shrink, so theres not enough fuel can get to the engine.

Diet before exercise

Professor Olynyk said the findings were useful for guiding the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The main treatment is lifestyle change aimed at reducing weight, primarily achieved through exercise and a modified diet, he said.

In particular, there is evidence published by other investigators in the field that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is because it is high in foods like fruit and vegetables and whole grains, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

This research shows that it may be more effective to first focus on new ways to improve the availability of iron to the body, enabling diet and physical activity to have better and more sustained effects on weight and the severity of their non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

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Diet, Not Exercise, May Be Key to Addressing Our Biggest Cause of Liver Disease - Global Health News Wire

Right from celebs to fitness enthusiasts, Ketogenic diet is one of the most popular diets that has turned out to be a love for health conscious people. This is simply because of its healthy eating pattern, which focuses on a low-carb high-fat diet. Interestingly, diet is very subjective, what works for one, might not work for the other person. However, much like every fad diet, there are several benefits of a keto diet and a few ill effects too, but what has made this diet a hit among people is that it allows one to eat their favorite delicacies by just avoiding and reducing the carb intake.No wonder, the new Keto 2.0 diet has been introduced as to avoid the lapses in the original keto diet. In fact, as per the typical keto diet, the food was generally broken down to macronutrients, which includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats; generally in the proportion of 5 percent, 20 percent and 75 percent from the total daily calorie intake. What is Keto 2.0?The new Keto 2.0 works on lapses in the traditional ketogenic diet. It basically works on three main purposes: Firstly, to make the diet regime more flexible. Secondly, to make it more sustainable and lastly to make the diet accessible and easy to follow. In fact, as we say the upgraded or rather revised form of the ketogenic diet focuses majorly on animals fats and proteins. As per Ethan Weiss, MD, a San Francisco based cardiologist, there is no clear way of practising a keto diet. This diet has no such rule book. In fact, this diet gives one the liberty to relish their favourite fatty foods like bacon, butter, steak and other foods high in animal-based saturated fats.However, it does work on reducing weight as well as body fat, but at the same time can increase LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol level in the body, which is not good for the heart health. He further validates that Keto 2.0 clearly states sourcing unsaturated fats, which can be derived from plant-based foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds. Bacon and other animal-based food can also be replaced with fish like salmon, which has a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. In fact, this can help in managing the LDL levels as well as maintain a healthy heart health as too much of meat often aggravated heart issues. Apart from that introduction of plant-based protein will also induce fiber content in the body and improve the digestive system and eventually improve metabolism.In fact, in this new diet version-Keto 2.0, the focus will be more on plant-based foods such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, cauliflower, mushroom, etc. These foods are not only great in nutritional content but are also high in fiber, which makes this keto 2.0 perfect for health and sustainable too!In a nutshell, it can be concluded that following Keto 2.0 will be a lot easier for the body and this is due to the flexibility and high nutritional aspect of this revised diet.

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Here's all you need to know about the Keto 2.0 and is it good for health - Times of India

Andre Drummond is a lot of man: 610 and 279 pounds, to be more precise. Those measurements guarantee that the 26-year-old Detroit Pistons center isnt going to blend in with the masses while walking down the street, playing Top Golf, or bowling (the latter two are some of his favorite off-the-court activities), but hes mostly cool with that. Case and point: His Today With Dre series on Overtime, in which he allowed cameras to document the full extent of his comings and goings, including his musical-minded pursuits. The series shows hes a defensive menace whos just as unfazed by an incoming dunk attempt as he is the prospect of spitting bars at a venue. My music is a little bit of everythingR&B, hip-hop, EDM, he says. I have a bunch of songs that Ill get out sooner or later.

Like his Overtime series, Drummonds admitted beer-a-day habit has also piqued the Internets interest of late. But I wanted to find out what really gives him his pre-game fuel, so we chatted prior to him catching a flight to Chicago. Given Drummonds stature, you wouldnt be off-base assuming he eats enough to feed a family of four at every meal. As it turns out, however, the current league-leader in rebounds is only swallowing up boards at a proficient rate.

GQ: Youve been in the NBA for eight seasons now. Whats the best piece of advice youve been given about staying healthy since you started?

Andre Drummond: Its all about icing, stretching, the things you eat, the time you go to sleep, and the pregame preparation. I like to eat a lot of fruit and starchy things to give myself more energy before games. But its the off-the-court things, like how Im taking care of my body, that are most important.

What time do you usually get up in the morning?

Im up around 8 or 8:30. But if were talking about the morning after a game, then Im up much later, like 12ish. I try to get eight or nine hours of sleep a night, and if I dont, Ill make sure to take a nap.

Whats your breakfast routine?

I work directly with my personal chef on my breakfast and making sure I have enough fats and proteins to perform without overindulging. In the morning, Ill drink some water, and then its usually an omelet with some potatoes and veggies. Ill go for any vegetables except zucchini, really. I hate that stuff. Ive also cut out red meat and processed foods, which means that I dont eat steak or anything crazy like that. I feel a lot better since Ive done that. My diet is now a lot of fish and leafy green vegetables, except I dont like tilapia.

Are you a coffee person?

I drink coffee a lot before my games. I take it with cream and sugar.

Okay, so after the coffee, what happens?

Well my meals and overall food intake are pretty low, because I dont want to eat too heavy. Some days its just a bunch of fruit, plus the omelet with potatoes and veggies in it. Ill maybe have a cup of tea. I also take fish oil and vitamin D supplements. The natural sugar in the fruit plus some coffee before go-time acts as a natural pre-workout. I also usually drink Essentia Water and my chef makes his amazing homemade peanut butter chocolate chip protein bars. That's pretty much it. The last thing I want is to feel like Im weighed down on the court.

It sounds like youre not too big on lunches.

It really just depends on the day. Same for if I eat after the game, which depends on whether my adrenaline is still pumping. I definitely wont eat right away when were done playing. Usually my post-game meal is something like pasta to get the carbs back that Im missing. Over the past year, I completed a few physical tests to figure out what works best for my body, and I got leaner and stronger in the process. Ive tried a ton of different diets, but this has been one of my best seasons yet.

Has anyone ever told you that youre not eating enough?

I know what works for my body. I have a chef and we have a team nutritionist who helps us figure things out. When I wake up in the morning, the food stuff is all done. I just go down to the kitchen and grab it.

I read recently that you drink a beer every day. Whats the deal with that?

I went through a phase where I did that to make sure that I was getting in the calories I needed. If I drink a beer, its usually a Miller Lite or Corona. Sometimes, that one beer would get me to the right place, and especially in the summer, its nice. Now its not always the same routine.

You mentioned drinking water in the morning. How much are you consuming throughout the day?

I probably drink about a gallon-and-a-half a day. Im the guy thats carrying a jug with me everywhere I go.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Real-Life Diet is a series in which GQ talks to athletes, celebrities, and everyone in between about their diets and exercise routines: what's worked, what hasn't, and where they're still improving. Keep in mind, what works for them might not necessarily be healthy for you.

The Real-Life Diet of Gunnar Peterson, Trainer to the Los Angeles Lakers and Other Assorted Stars

Peterson wakes up at 3:45 a.m. so he can squeeze in his own workout before training clients like the Kardashians and Kate Beckinsale.

Originally Appeared on GQ

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The Real-Life Diet of Andre Drummond, Whose Offseason Routine Featured a Beer a Day - Yahoo Lifestyle

Fiona Oakes is an extreme endurance runner. She has broken four Guinness World Records and runs in some of the worlds most inhospitable climates, including the polar ice caps and volcanic rings.

Fiona has achieved all of this with a disability. She lost a kneecap in an injury when she was 17 and doctors told her she would never walk again, let alone run. Despite this its her vegan diet that causes people to question her ability.

I have been vegan far longer than I have been a runner, Fiona tells Metro.co.uk. I actually became vegan when I was six years old, and I have honestly never found my veganism too difficult or compromising to any aspect of my life.

I think the biggest misconception people have about veganism is that it isnt healthy but Im testament to the fact it is.

Ive broken four Guinness World Records for running, having been vegan for 47 years now, and Im very healthy.

I built my athletic strength on a plant-based diet, and all this despite my permanent disability.

Fiona has faced skepticism and disbelief throughout her running career when it comes to her dietary choices. She thinks its vital to change perceptions about what people can achieve on a vegan diet.

When I ran the Marathon des Sables in 2017, I took a film crew with me who were making a documentary about my life Running for Good.

The director asked the guys I was sharing my tent with; what do you think about Fiona? And one answer was; shes not what I expected a vegan to be like.

Remember, this is almost three years ago, before the meteoric rise of vegan and plant-based living, but I can only assume he didnt expect a vegan woman to be out in the Sahara Desert, running the toughest footrace on the planet for the third time.

After decades of veganism, my goal when I started running was to break down the myths and stereotypes attached to it at that time, in that it was some way deficient, hardly adequate and prohibitive to doing anything more than sedentary activity.

Fiona says that one of the toughest moments of her career was the first time she competed in Marathon des Sables in 2012.

Having decided to move up in distance from road running, Fiona was going to be the first vegan woman to tackle the race and there was quite a buzz about it online.

The event itself is unbelievably gruelling. Its a week-long, self-sufficiency, multi-stage race across the Sahara Desert, where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees and the terrain is extremely hostile.

If any sand gets into your shoes it can cause ferocious blistering.

I have actually known of peoples feet becoming so blistered that they needed skin grafts, says Fiona.

What made this first epic race so incredibly difficult, was that one week before the starting gun, one of the elderly horses from the animal sanctuary Fiona started in the 90s had stood on her foot, fractures two toes and caused horrendous swelling.

I wont go into detail but by 82km, I could actually see the bone sticking out of my little toe, Fiona remembers.

My foot was absolutely smashed to a pulp but I managed to keep going and keep strong enough to complete the race. I proves that anything is possible if you want it badly enough.

Running non-stop, for hours at a time through punishing conditions seems unimaginable for most of us. Fiona says the real struggle is often mental rather than physical.

Ultramarathons are a state of mind rather than body for me, she explains. Because I come from an elite road running background I am used to running quite high weekly mileage around 160km so I have the physical base fitness to carry me through, but the mental side of things in ultras is what is different.

You have to manage your body and your mind carefully and always try to look for the positives rather than focussing on the negatives which can quickly seem overwhelming if you dwell on them.

She says the intense, multi-stage races take her to some pretty dark places, and often she has to really battle to keep her demons in check.

You are out there, day-in day-out, on your feet for hours, really pushing through the pain. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences, pain and struggles.

They teach you so much about yourself and, strangely enough, even though you literally have nothing apart from what you carry on your back, you have everything because you have the freedom and the ability to be there.

When you return to your day-to-day life, even the most seemingly trivial events like turning on a tap and fresh, drinkable water miraculously appearing is something to behold and cherish.

Fiona says running enriches every element of her life, and she is deeply grateful for everything it brings her.

I love the freedom of being out in the wilderness and the new and exciting experiences and adventures running always uncovers, she explains.

She adds that it isnt difficult adapting a vegan diet to enable her to achieve such physical extremes its just about working out exactly what your body needs.

Like any other diet, the main thing is that you find the correct nutritional balance for your particular lifestyle, says Fiona.

Mine has always been very active. I used to cycle 30 miles each way in to London to work, and now spend any time Im not running caring for our 550 rescued animals at the animal sanctuary I founded 25 years ago.

I dont fixate over my diet, but I have learned over the years to listen to what my body is telling me and act accordingly.

I dont think there is one set eating plan which suits all as everyones needs are different but basically I adhere to a whole grain diet including plenty of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced vegetables and fruits.

Fiona says that her convinction in her beliefs is what makes her a strong woman.

For the animals, the planet, other human beings, personal health and the future, my veganism is at the core of all I do.

It encapsulates justice and compassion for all something I have always been passionate about.

Strong Women is a weekly series that champions diversity in the world of sport and fitness.

A Sport England study found that 40% of women were avoiding physical activity due to a fear of judgement.

But, contrary to the limited images we so often see, women of any age, size, race or ability can be active and enjoy sport and fitness.

We hope that by normalising diverse depictions of women who are fit, strong and love their bodies, we will empower all women to shed their self-consciousness when it comes to getting active.

Each week we talk to women who are redefining what it means to be strong and achieving incredible things.

MORE: Strong Women: I lost all feeling in one side of my body at 28 but MS wont stop my fight

MORE: Strong Women: We live in a refugee camp and fear for our future but football gives us hope

MORE: Strong Women: Bells palsy changed my face and stole my confidence but yoga helped me heal

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'I'm an endurance runner with one kneecap - vegans aren't weak' - Metro.co.uk

Warning: This story discusses eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

No one is immune to the social stigma that dictates what our bodies should or shouldnt look like, what we should or shouldnt eat, and how we should or shouldnt feel about it all. Whether youre someone who consciously struggles with body image or not, these messages are unavoidable, especially around the holidays. As licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist Akilah Sigler puts it, This is the water that were swimming in. And as much as were all doing our best to stay afloat, the ways we often talk about bodies and food can end up causing others, and ourselves, to sink further into the negativity.

Many of us may look forward to seasonal food the most when the holidays roll around, but with so many celebrations centering around communal feasting and so many New Years resolutions centering around weight loss, this time of year can come with a lot of mixed and uncomfortable messaging.

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Thats not to say your family cant partake in those holiday-themed marathons if thats their thingbut the origins behind the traditions may not be as all in good fun as wed hope.

During the holidays, many of us also reconnect with family members we only see a couple times a year. And because our bodies change over time (thats human and totally normal, btw) family gatherings can bring about a lot of unsolicited comments about our bodies and appearance. Some of these comments, even the ones that seem like praise, can actually be harmful to a persons body image.

Sigler helped us identify a list of the types of body and food comments you should avoid making during the holidays. Its important to remember that while body image is an inherently gendered issue, Sigler says diet culture and weight stigma affects everyone, but some more than others.

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Most importantly, you can never fully know someones relationship with their body or food, so you may never be aware of the impact a certain comment may have on someone. Instead, we can work to understand the weight and implications of our words and be more intentional in our conversations. Check out the list below to learn what not to say about someones body this holiday season (and, honestly, every day).

Consider how much time weve all probably spent debating whether or not its acceptable to go back for a second, third, or fourth round of food. Even in a family setting, it can feel like others are always observing our food intake. Comments like, Should you really be eating that? or Shouldnt you eat more food? can make people feel ashamed of how much or how little food they consume, whether you may realize it or not.

The comments that can be especially insidious, Sigler says, are the ones that seem like praise, the ones like, Wow, you cleaned your plate, or You mustve really liked your food. Dont get us wrong, cleaning your plate can be a great thing, but when someone else makes the comment, it can induce more shame than pride.

Instead, simply give your compliments to the chef. Your aunt would probably love to hear how much you enjoyed her green bean casserole and your uncle would likely be flattered that you thought his mashed potatoes were a smash.

While telling someone they look healthy may seem like a compliment, it could reinforce what Sigler calls the hierarchy of bodies, by implying that some bodies are better than others. Oftentimes, the language around thinness is good body, fit, healthy, and the language around [plus-size] is bad body, sluggish, unhealthy, lethargic, says Sigler. In those instances, the language might be coded, but the message is clear.

Using this kind of coded language can assign different levels of morality to someones weight, which means these types of statements dont only tell someone how you think they look, but also, how you view about their lifestyle. While people with thin bodies are perceived to be virtuous and hardworking, Sigler says, We assign laziness and poor health to [plus-size] bodies, which is really inaccurate and unfair.

In reality, you cant tell someones capability, health, history, or happiness just by looking at their body. And the truth is, you shouldnt try to either.

This is a more explicit way of assigning morality to body size. Congratulating someone on changing the size or shape of their body can also reinforce the idea that some bodies are better than othersand more worthy of celebration. Most often, people congratulate someone when theyve lost weight, because losing pounds is associated with the idea of becoming healthier. But Sigler brings up another important reason for why we should reconsider these types of comments: Body changes can signify so many different things, like illness, improved health, financial hunches, food scarcity, recovering from an eating disorder or an eating disorder itself.

Even though a congratulatory statement may seem positive and supportive in nature, we cant know if someone is in a healthy place with their body, and these comments could trigger an emotional response instead.

These types of comments are just one step (or one layer) removed from commenting directly on someones body. Sigler points to the comment, I could never wear that, as one that is rooted in body shame and weight stigma. It also reinforces the idea that we have to dress in a way that society dictates is flattering when ideally, at least in my mind, were only beholden to our own comfort and self-expression, says Sigler.

Like the many other types of comments, many clothing-related remarks are disguised as compliments as well. Comments like, Your arms look really muscular in that shirt, or Those jeans show off your thick thighs, might not be received the way we intended them to. What we may think of as complimentbecause of what we individually see as positive body traitscould land as an insult with someone else, especially if youre drawing attention to a part of their body theyre currently struggling with.

You might think youre in the clear with this one, but its not that simple. The way we talk about our bodies can affect the way other people see theirs. Ive definitely sort of experienced and also heard clients talk about the impact of what its like to just witness someone whos struggling with their relationship with food, even if thats not the way theyre framing itif theyre talking about how the diet theyre on is the best diet ever, it reinforces weight stigma and the norm that we should be discontent with our bodies, says Sigler.

Negative body comments (whether theyre at your own expense or not) and conversations about restricted eating habits, can be particularly harmful for people who are working on rebuilding their body image. It tempts and triggers those who are trying to move away from diet culture, Sigler says. It sometimes tempts and triggers us back into a diet culture and mindset.

Sigler also emphasized the importance of setting your own boundaries when you unwilling get stuck in these conversations. Having good boundaries over the holidays and really telling people, I cannot have this conversation with you, is totally valid, Sigler says.

Its okay to not be okay, is a mantra we always have on repeat here at HG. So, its an easy transition for us to also say that its okay to not be okay with your body, too. Because, for all the exact reasons listed above, it can be really hard to be content with, let alone love, the body youre in. Its sort of like the pendulum has swung in the other direction and people are really interested in cultivating an environment of body positivity, which can be a really beautiful thing, Sigler says.

But not everyone is ready to dive right into talking about body love. To some extent, weve all internalized the body hierarchy and diet culture, she says. Most of us are sort of struggling with getting to a place of self-acceptance, self-love. And so being told that our feelings about our bodiesif were not feeling good about oursare not valid, or we should feel differently, can really induce a lot of shame.

Sigler tries to meet her clients where theyre at, and she finds that working towards body respect, rather than full-on love, can be an easier starting point for some.

Oftentimes, our comments are well-intentionedsometimes were just trying to give our loved ones a complimentbut the impact can go be deeper than what we see on the surface. So this holiday season, lets just all try to eat, drink, and be merry without all the body and diet talk.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please visit theNational Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) for more information and support or text NEDA to 741-741. Or, if you know someone who may be struggling with body dysmorphia, please visit The Body Dysmorphia Disorder Foundation for more information.

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6 types of comments that can be harmful to someones body image, especially during the holidays - Yahoo Lifestyle

High blood pressure means a persons blood pressure is consistently too high which in turn means the heat needs to work harder in order to pump blood around the body. While the condition doesnt pose any serious health risks in the beginning, overtime, a consistently high blood pressure reading could lead to potentially life-threatening conditions including heart and circulatory diseases like heart attack or stroke.

Drinking as little as a half-cup of green tea per day may lower the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50 percent, according to a new study of Chinese tea drinkers.

Researchers found that men and women who drank tea on a daily basis for at least a year were much less likely to develop hypertension than those who didnt and the more tea they drank, the bigger the benefits.

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What makes green tea so healthy

Green teas contain organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant.

Polyphenols can be broken down into many subcategories, including a group called flavonoids, which contain catechins.

Catechins are tiny powerhouse antioxidants found in green tea that destroy free radicals and improve the vascular system.

Catechins help to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which means it helps to increase the size of the arteries, lowering a persons blood pressure. Arteries narrow with age when the endothelium lining of arteries cease to function properly.

Because of this, different medical conditions such as plaque build-up can occur, which in turn raises blood pressure.

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High blood pressure: Drinking this tea every day could lower your reading - what is it? - Express

Intermittent fasting has been on our minds a lot this past year, and apparently, it's been on everyone else's as well. Google revealed their most-searched diets of 2019, and IF reigns at No. 1.

Celebrities like Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Aniston have been vocal about liking intermittent fasting (or time-restricted eating), but beyond the celebrity status, IFhas proven health benefits, which is why it's not surprising that it's climbed from the eighth spot last year to the top.

Intermittent fasting is a far cry from the fat-and-carb-fearing diets of the past. While there has been some debate about how long people can safely practice intermittent fasting and the potential dangers of fasting for women, most doctors have acknowledged the diet as more than just a trend. "This isn't a passing fad: It's a 5,000-year-old fad. All of the mechanisms of fasting are deeply, intrinsically human, Jason Fung, M.D., told us in our beginner's guide to IF.

This is because intermittent fasting is more about changing your lifestyle and promoting long-term healthlike decreasing your risk of diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and high blood pressurethan a quick-fix for weight loss.

This movement of overall well-being versus weight loss alone was evident in most of the top 10 diet searches. These included Dr. Sebi diet (No. 2), which promotes plant-based foods and supplements that claim to support alkalinity within the body; the Noom diet (No. 3), an app that allows users to track their meals, consult with health coaches, set goals, and track their workouts; and the Sirtfood diet (No. 7), created by two nutritionists who encourage people to drink red wine and eat dark chocolate and other foods that release sirtuins (or sirts), a protein that regulates metabolism.

While we were not surprised by what we did see, we were a bit surprised by what we didn't. The Mediterranean diet was named No. 5 most searched last year and is still a commonly utilized meal plan that promotes healthy aging and brain health. Somehow, it did not make this year's list. Similarly, the keto diet was No. 1 last year and didn't even end up in this year's top 10.

We're already eager to see what people are searching for in 2020!

The rest is here:
Intermittent Fasting Is (Unsurprisingly) The Most Searched Diet Of 2019 - mindbodygreen.com

BLARNEY woman and centenarian Peg Curtin, nee Morrissey, has friends in high places.

The 100-year-old, a resident at East Cork care home, Oaklodge, recently found out she has links to a former U.S President.

When the Morrissey relations came along to celebrate my 100th birthday here on November 21, one of them mentioned that they had done the family tree, tracing the family history, and that we were related to President Reagan, says Peg, aka, Margaret Mary Morrissey, who gave an impromptu speech on her big day and sang a song or two as well.

Isnt that something! says Peg, who at 100 years old is hale and hearty.

It is a big deal.

It is a very big deal, agrees Peg, delighted with life. Im connected to a man who was President of the United States of America!

It is quite something that Peg has had need of very little medical intervention during her long and happy life. The reason? She believes whole-heartedly in divine intervention.

God is my best buddy! she says smiling.

I prayed all my life. I believe in the power of prayer and going to Mass. I go to mass every day.

She was also blessed with a happy marriage to Laurence, who passed away in 1995.

I met him at the Arcadia dance hall in Cork, says Peg, who had five siblings and who is the only surviving member of her immediate family.

We were very happy together. We got married in 1942 during World War Two. After living in Limerick for a while, we moved to Blarney and we settled there, raising our five children, Edith, twins Phyllis and Sheila, Paddy and Joy.

Sadly, Peg lost two of her children, Edith in 2011, and Shiela in 2017.

Mams faith was always her passion, says Pegs daughter, Phyllis.

She was always a very devout Catholic and she donated generously to the church all her life. And she is still very involved with the church to this day.

Peg paced herself.

Mam always had a nap between 2pm and 3pm every day, no matter what, says Phyllis.

And she kept active. Reading was a great hobby of hers and she loves meeting people. Shes very chatty.

Peg knows her own mind.

Mam was always very independent, says Phyllis.

And she lived independently until the age of 98.

Peg also likes her style. Phyllis and Joy bought their mother a lovely new dress to wear for her 100th birthday.

Its gorgeous, says Peg.

The colours in the dress are really beautiful. I love it. I looked very glamorous on my birthday! I was just amazed at the turn-out.

All my family and grandchildren came to enjoy the day with me. My relations travelled from Dungarvan and Waterford.

All the staff here made my birthday a very special occasion. It was really lovely.

And I got lots of lovely presents. I never expected such a mighty reception.

She loves the portrait that Cork artist Gillian Cussen painted for her, to mark Pegs amazing milestone reaching the age of 100 years old. It is a good likeness.

I suppose it is, says Peg, examining the portrait close-up.

And the painting is a lovely keepsake.

She has another valuable keepsake.

I got the letter from the Irish President himself! says Peg. Michael D wrote to me from the Ars!

The honorary cheque given to all Irish citizens who reach 100 years, 2,540, is safely in Pegs bank account.

But its her good health all her life which has made her rich beyond measure.

My mother always had great health, says Phyllis.

She always took her vitamins and she was very tuned in to what she should be eating, having a healthy diet with lots of fruit and veg.

Peg, a former librarian, who has 13 grand-children, had another valuable asset a positive outlook on life.

Nothing worries me, she says.

And I never believed in rowing with people. Life is too short.

Does she like living near the sea now?

I moved into an apartment in the city when I left my house in Blarney, says Peg.

I was nearer to my grandchildren and to the church. God is very important to me.

When you are on the planet for 100 years, you get used to anything!

How does a mere mortal live to be 100?

Living a good life, says Peg. Not having too many stresses in life, or worrying about things too much.

Looking after yourself. I smoked a bit in my younger days and I took an odd drink, but very little.

Peg, who was born in Cork to Paddy and Edith Morrissey on November 21, 1919, is intent on enjoying her centenary year.

I love being around people, and the people here at Oaklodge couldnt be nicer, says Peg.

And I can sing in the choir at church every day.

What is her favourite hymn?

I sang twice on my birthday! she says. It is a beautiful hymn.

With that, this great lady, who has friends in lots of places, is off to 3pm mass, still enjoying her favourite and precious pursuit at 100 years old.

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Cork woman: The secret to living to 100 is... - Echo Live