Category Archives: Diet And Food

When it comes to losing weight, watching your diet and adjusting how you eat can play a pivotal role. According to the Harvard Medical School, opting to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods has a significant result when it comes to burning fat, but past that point, many nutritionists can't agree on the quickest ways to lose weight. As a result of conflicting information and a variety of available options, 160 million Americans tackle specialized diets each year and collectively dole out $70 billion on weight loss supplements and other diet-oriented consumables advertised to burn off some excess flab.

While many folks might believe it takes a ton of work to successfully eat right and quickly lose weight, a few proven eating techniques and habits can do wonders. Eat This, Not That! caught up with a handful of registered dietitians who came to a consensus over which eating habits can quickly help you lose weight. With a few dietary tweaks, experts believe that these consistent techniques can help you rapidly drop some weight and keep you feeling good through the day.

If you want to supercharge your results, you don't have to stop at just adjusting your eating habits. Incorporate the 11 Healthiest Drinks for Weight Loss into your daily schedule and see even faster results.

Burning calories actively happens the moment you open your eyes in the morning, and choosing the right breakfast can ensure you don't end up overeating later in the day. One simple nutrient can make a major difference and adding it to your morning can do wonders.

"Eating whole-grain breakfast foods can help with weight loss because the fiber keeps us satiated and can actually keep us fuller longer, decreasing our overall calorie intake," Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, senior dietitian at UCLA medical center, and author of Recipe for Survival said. "It also keeps our blood sugar levels stable which helps with satiety."

Just make sure you eat the right type of fiber and avoid the 17 Worst 'Fiber-Rich' Foods.

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Once you select your favorite fiber-packed breakfast, you then need to choose the right beverage pairing to unlock the maximum levels of calorie burning. Luckily, two early morning staple beverages can supercharge how you eat breakfast.

"Drinking black coffee or tea can help with weight loss because it's essentially a calorie-free beverage that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory which can help promote weight loss," Hunnes continued. "When we consume coffee with a ton of added sweeteners and high-calorie creamers it's basically turned into a calorie bomb, which our bodies don't get satiated from (in the same way they do solid foods), so it's best to drink them black of very lightly sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar and/or plant-based milk."

Over the course of the day, keeping track of your hunger can prevent you from overeating, and eating meals slowly and mindfully can help you recognize when you actually are full.

"Mindfulness is a state of being that focuses on the present momentbeing aware and accepting of your thoughts, feelings, and messages from your body," Alyssa Burnison, MS, RD, LN explained. "When you practice mindful eating, it can have a positive impact on your emotional and physical health, your relationship with food, and possibly, your weight."

"You are more in tune with your body's cues," Burnison continued. "It takes nearly 20 minutes for your stomach to send a message to your brain that you are full. When you slow down and eat mindfully, you recognize when you feel satisfied and stop eating. You may consume fewer calories than if you hurried through your meal, possibly eating more than you need."

This practice encourages a healthy meal routine and discourages mealtime distractions, ensuring you don't end up packing on any unnecessary weight while you quickly slim down. This eating habit takes a bit of practice to master, but by following 11 Mindfulness Hacks to Eat Less, According to Experts, anyone can slow down and enjoy their food while losing a few pounds.

You have heard it a million times overby eating more fatty fish and vegetables, you can ensure you stay fit while shedding some pounds. While many might believe that this eating pattern's strength comes from fresh, healthy ingredients, its true fat-burning power stems from an essential nutrient.

"A Mediterranean-style eating pattern is often ranked the best for weight loss because it's easy to adopt and sustain long-term," Danielle McAvoy, MSPH, RD with Strong Home Gym said. "A key reason the Mediterranean Diet is so effective is that it's high in fiber from being largely plant-based. Fiber helps keep blood sugar levels stable, which can reduce hunger levels and cravings. Fiber also makes you feel full after eating, which can curb total calorie intake."

Calorie counting sounds attractive on paper, but the headache of closely monitoring every little thing you put in your mouth can quickly get tiresome. Luckily, intermittent fasting can keep your calorie count down while sparing you the hassle of monitoring your food intake as closely.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

"Intermittent fasting is also an effective eating pattern for losing weight," McAvoy continued. "A major review of the research found that the average weight loss from all intermittent fasting plans was 7-11 pounds over 10 weeks. IF is effective because it encourages the body to burn fat instead of carbs for energy, and limits eating to certain times of the day which limits calorie intake."

This eating habit can lead to some serious results, but just make sure you do it right and avoid The #1 Worst Intermittent Fasting Mistake.

If you do decide to start intermittent fasting, make sure you do it in a way where you don't end up skipping breakfast. "Eating breakfast allows the overnight fast to break and provides carbohydrates for energy to function and to perform exercises with energy," Blanca Garcia, RDN, a registered dietitian at Healthcanal said.

In addition to filling you up for the day and starting your metabolism, The Cleveland Clinic reports that regular breakfasts can improve your cardiac health, lower the risk of diabetes, and much more. If you love starting your day with a hearty meal but need to quickly reduce your weight, make sure you follow The #1 Best Breakfast Habit for Weight Loss for optimal results.

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6 Best Eating Habits for Rapid Weight Loss, Say Dietitians Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

The paleo diet is inspired by the eating habits of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, becoming a popular diet in recent years for weight loss and a more natural way of eating. Using the paleo diet for weight loss is effective mostly because of the unprocessed nature of the foods it encourages you to consume, which are often naturally low in sugar, salt and saturated fat.

The diet cuts out most grains, legumes, potatoes and dairy products, relying heavily on fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds and lean meat and fish. As a result, the paleo diet is fairly low-carb and has a slightly higher risk of calcium deficiency, due to the lack of dairy products.

While it may seem a good idea to return to our roots and eat in the way early humans did, how practical is the paleo diet for weight loss in a modern sense? With a wider range of foods available to us than our ancestors had, what benefits might we gain by restricting ourselves to a diet based on ancient practices? We asked the experts.

The paleo diet shifts focus from starchy foods such as grains, legumes, potatoes and foods made from these ingredients (pasta, bread, potato chips) and encourages you to base your meals around a lean protein source instead.

Dr Nurisa Kumaran, medical director and founder of Elemental Health Clinic (opens in new tab), tells us that the paleo diet puts a heavy focus on eating natural foods. The paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, focuses on eating lean grass-fed meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, she says. This means that you should eliminate processed foods and most dairy products, and instead eat a diet rich in nuts, seeds, fruit, lean meat such as lamb and chicken and omega 3 containing fish, such as salmon and mackerel.

The paleo diet can be helpful for those with obesity or diabetes, due to the reduction of heavily processed foods and reliance on lean meats and vegetables. A study from the International Association for the Study of Obesity (opens in new tab) indicates that the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and diet contributes to excellent cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Due to the protein-rich nature of the paleo diet, those who eat paleo for weight loss may find they have a higher success rate due to the feelings of satiety associated with eating protein, according to one study by the British Journal of Nutrition (opens in new tab).

As well as protein, the paleo diet is full of high-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds and vegetables, which are also great for an increased sense of satiety according to a study in Nutrition Reviews (opens in new tab). Fiber is a bulking agent that slows stomach emptying, which helps you to feel fuller for longer, as well as taking longer to break down in the digestive system than low-fiber foods. Feeling full is important when keeping people motivated to stick to eating habits, so the paleo diet might be good for weight loss due to its ability to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

However, one review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (opens in new tab) indicates that while there was a downward trend in weight and other positive metabolic markers, without the intensive dietary support of a clinical trial, many participants lapsed and stopped following it. This might indicate that the carbohydrate-restricted nature of the paleo diet isnt as sustainable without proper nutritional support.

Dr Kumaran agrees with the benefits of using the paleo diet for weight loss. There has been research so far to show that the paleo diet can produce greater benefits compared to other diets for weight loss and other associated metabolic health conditions, she says. Additionally, a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (opens in new tab) indicated that the paleo diet can be useful in supporting those with type 2 diabetes, increasing their insulin sensitivity over time. As diabetes is often a secondary condition to obesity, the research in this area is promising.

The paleo diet requires you to eat lots of fresh foods and lean meats, so there is often a little more prep involved in eating paleo than a traditional western diet that relies on ready meals and processed foods. Many of us are used to building our meals around starchy foods, as advised by the USDA government dietary guidelines (opens in new tab), so there may be a learning curve in making your meals paleo-friendly.

Paleo appropriate foods include:

Kumaran also advises caution when undertaking restrictive diets, such as paleo or keto, despite evidence of positive weight loss trends. As with all diets that can be restrictive such as the paleo diet, it is important to work with a qualified health professional to ensure you do not risk nutritional deficiencies, she says.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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Paleo diet for weight loss: How it works and what to eat - Livescience.com

Plant-based diets are on the rise. In 2021, the sales of plant-based foods increased three times faster than overall food sales. This fast-paced growth comes as no surprise, considering that eating a plant-based diet and eliminating meat and dairy is one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint. But the term plant-based is broad and has varied definitions depending on who you ask. Whether youre a vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or pescatarian, your diet may fall under the umbrella of plant-based.

With so many options available, figuring out which plant-based diet works for you can be downright confusing. As a result, many of us throw our hands up in surrender and dig our heels in the dirt with old eating habits. Fortunately, we spoke with a registered dietitian who gives useful insights to help you determine which one could work best for you to reduce your meat intake and eat more plants.

Firstly, its important to define what aplant-based diet is, states Katie Cavuto, MS, RD, Execute Chef for Saladworks. Aplant-based diet [emphasizes] eating plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. However, this doesnt mean you dont eat meat. Here are various ways you can limit animal products and adopt a plant-based diet:

A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology compared the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) between three different categories ofplant-based dietsby examining the dietary data of over 209,000 adults spanning two decades. The categories included:

So which diet came out on top with the lowest risk of heart disease? You guessed it, the healthyplant-based diet that emphasized whole plant foods. Conversely, the highest CHD risk category was the unhealthyplant-based diet which focused on refined grains and processed foods.

The takeaway is that eating more whole plant-based foods is good for you, regardless of your overall dietary choices. Most studies show that any increase in the amount of plant-based foods you eat will offer health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, explains Cavuto. [In addition], there are some general ideas that we can all agree [on], including the fact that whole, unprocessed foods are more nourishing than their highly processed counterparts.

As a starting point for achieving a well-balanced plant-based diet, fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. Then, fill the rest of your plate with balanced amounts of plant protein, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as avocado or extra virgin olive oil. (Looking for healthy meal inspiration? Check out these 10 Easy and Healthy Plant-Based Soups and Salad Recipes.)

Instead of focusing on percentages of specific nutrients, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends we simplify the way we view our food choices [...] by consuming a variety of whole foods while cutting down on foods that contain excessive amounts of salt, added sugars, and saturated fats, says Cavuto.

The most important thing to remember is to choose the eating plan that feels the best for your body. Recognize that this may change depending on the season or your life stage. Cavuto advises, Be open to listening to what your body needs versus subscribing to a way of eating that you think is healthy, as this will vary from person to person.

Start small if youre on the fence about embracing a fully plant-based diet. A minor shift in your diet, such as reducing animal products or swapping meat for tofu or beans at one or two meals a day can significantly improve your health and reduce your environmental impact.

Ultimately, there is no single diet that works for everyone. The best diet for you is whichever one gets you eating primarily whole foods from plant-based sources.

Which type of eating plan you choose is a personal decision as our nutrition needs are all different, and while one way of eating may work for one person, it doesnt mean it works for everyone, says Cavuto.

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How to Choose the Best Plant-Based Diet for You, From Experts - The Beet

Theres a lot of chatter online about which foods might help parents and caregivers manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Separating the good suggestions from the bad ones can be a challenge.

Here, experts reveal the truth about four common ADHD diet myths and the facts that will empower you to make wise choices about your childs nutrition.

Fact: The impact of added sugar on ADHD isnt entirely clear, says Dilip Karnik, MD, a pediatric neurologist at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin in Texas.

Much of the evidence related to sugar and ADHD is anecdotal. Many parents have told me they see increased impulsivity following consumption of sugary drinks or food in their children, Dr. Karnik says.

Clinical research findings related to ADHD and sugar have been mixed. For instance, one small study published in January 2022 in BMC Pediatrics showed that unhealthy eating behaviors, including high sugar intake, were more common in children with ADHD than in children without the condition. But a large study published in January 2019 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which included nearly 3,000 children ages 6 to 11, showed no link between consumption of sucrose a sweetener commonly found in soft drinks and processed foods and ADHD.

What is clear: Even though the jury is still out on how sugar affects ADHD, limiting your childs intake of the sweet stuff is a good idea in general. Added sugars are associated with an increased risk of heart disease among all kids in the United States, according to data published in August 2016 in Circulation.

High sugar intake also has been shown to raise the risk of childhood obesity, which can lead to the premature onset of hypertension and insulin resistance, according to a study published online August 3, 2021, in the journal Children.

Amy Reed, RD, a pediatric dietitian at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says her recommendations for sugar intake among children with ADHD are no different from her recommendations for children without ADHD no more than 6 teaspoons, or 25 grams, of added sugar each day. Those amounts are based on a 2016 scientific statement from the American Heart Association, she explains.

If youd like to help your child consume less sugar, recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics published in April 2019 in the journal Pediatrics suggest that you:

To find more enjoyable replacements for foods containing a lot of added sugar, Reed also recommends working with a registered dietitian.

Fact: Theres no hard evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplements are helpful for ADHD symptoms.

In some scientific studies, omega-3 supplements have shown promise in helping manage ADHD, says Karnik. For instance, a review of 16 studies including more than 1,500 kids and young people with ADHD, published in the Journal of Lipidsin 2017, found that omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation could be viable additions to traditional ADHD treatment regimens.

Other studies, however, have been inconclusive, Reed notes. Whats more, the studies that have shown benefits of omega-3 supplements have several limitations, including small numbers of participants and short duration. Before omega-3 supplements can be routinely recommended for ADHD, researchers need to conduct larger and longer-term studies.

For those reasons, Reed warns that supplements should never be used in place of standard, evidence-based ADHD treatments such as medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you think youd like to have your child try an omega-3 supplement, ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. Also, bear in mind that supplements are not regulated as strictly as FDA-approved medications, and the quality of omega-3 supplements may differ from brand to brand.

Fact: Elimination diets any diet that involves cutting out certain ingredients or even entire food groups may do more harm than good, and a review published in November 2017 in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care states theres no sufficient evidence to show that any food or nutrient-based interventions help treat ADHD.

For ADHD, the most commonly touted elimination diet is the Feingold diet, which involves avoiding all sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and the ingredient salicylate, according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).

Many studies [related to elimination diets] did not show a significant difference in outcomes, says Karnik. In addition, these strict dietary restrictions may have a negative effect on a child as they feel they cannot freely participate in fun social activities that happen at school, such as a birthday party. Not allowing children to participate in eating cake or cookies could exacerbate social anxieties or isolation.

Reed agrees, adding that unnecessarily removing major food ingredients like gluten or sugar could mean taking away many nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and whole grain bread.

I have worked with families that have gone through elimination diets to see if it improves behavior and then by the end, they realize they've had to take away a lot of their children's favorite foods, explains Reed. Now they're not eating very well, and their behavior really hasn't improved either.

RELATED: Whats the Deal With Elimination Diets for ADHD?

Fact: Many children with ADHD have irregular or impulsive eating habits and need help sticking to a regular eating schedule, which has benefits for both their health and their behavior, Karnik says.

Some ADHD medications can suppress appetite temporarily, Reed explains. Then, when the medication begins to wear off, hunger can come back quite suddenly and intensely. This can lead to binge eating behaviors in children, such as not eating throughout the school day, then eating everything they can once they come home.

Whats more, hallmark ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity can also make eating consistently throughout school days more challenging.

In turn, long periods without eating or drinking make it harder for a child to focus and think clearly, Karnik says. It is very important that children with ADHD eat healthy foods regularly and keep well-hydrated. Hydration is equally important for proper brain function.

Have a healthy snack ready after school and stick to a consistent dinner schedule so your child doesn't miss a meal or graze throughout the evening, Reed advises. And at school, consider working with your childs teachers to form a meal and snack schedule to ensure your child eats regularly throughout the school day.

Fortified nutritional shakes can be helpful for children and teens with ADHD because they can be consumed quickly, Reed adds.

While no fad diet can successfully treat ADHD symptoms, a nutritious and balanced diet can help your child live well with the condition, CHADDsays.

Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans, your childs diet should be rich in these nutrient-dense foods:

In addition, USDA experts recommend limiting your childs consumption of:

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4 Myths About Diet and Your Child's ADHD, Busted - Everyday Health

Early in his professional baseball career, Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner says he thought of the gym like a bit of a meathead. I thought working out was going in and throwing around as much weight as I could, getting as big as I could, he told GQ. But the World Series champion and two-time all-star is now in his 14th season, and he's matured a bit. Now he's all about a less-is-more approach, with plenty work on mobility and recovery. Along with that shift in mindset came some adjustments to his diet, like going dairy-free, that he credits with extending his playing career.It seems to be working: These days he's the heart and soul of a division-leading Dodgers team that seems like a lock to contend for another title this fall.

For more, Turner caught up with GQ about exactly how hes tweaked his nutrition, the secret to clean eating while on the road, how he manages to still enjoy a little fast food, and his game-day routine from start to finish.

GQ: What was the deciding factor that led you to eliminate dairy?

Justin Turner: There wasnt just one. I broke my wrist in spring training four years ago, a week before the season was going to start. I played with Chase Utley, who had been diary-free, and he was always talking about how I was putting inflammation in my body. Obviously, I was trying to come back as fast as I could, so I did no dairy while I was recovering and didnt find it to be that difficult. I wasnt really paying attention to how it made me sleep or feel because I was so homed in on trying to rehab my wrist. When I came back, I went back to living my normal life but that next year my wife asked what I was going to do for my New Years resolution. I decided I was going to give up dairy, and its really changed my life over the last four years, and its changed my body. I think Ive been moving better, sleeping better, I recover faster, and its really been something that I can directly attribute to extending my career.

And now you've gone so far as to invest in the plant-based milk company Ripple. How did that get on your radar?

Our team over at VaynerSports has been on the lookout for products that are in our wheelhousethats how Ripple came up. They sent us their pea-based protein shakes, non-dairy dairy products, and their version of chocolate milk, which is phenomenal. I feel like I can drink the whole bottle in one sitting. I have to pace myself or otherwise its gone.

Before last seasons spring training, you and your wife did the Whole30 diet, which led to some drastic weight loss. What led to that decision?

I wasnt familiar with it, but my wife had heard about it, and usually when she wants to try something I do it with her. She was going to do it while I was going into spring training. I was on board with that, because we werent doing dairy and we usually dont drink during spring training because of the early mornings, so it didnt seem too hard cutting out the other categories. The Whole30 is an elimination process, and I was really doing it to resetclean everything out and go into the season feeling fresh. I didnt know that I was going to shed 16 pounds in 30 days. I had been trying for about seven years to get under 200 pounds. I would get down to 201 and I would just plateau. I just found that the pounds just started falling off. I did it again going into this season, and I got down to 192 this year, which is the lightest Ive been in at least 15 years.

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Justin Turner Hit His Lowest Weight in 15 Years on the Whole30 Diet - GQ

Image: ShutterstockHaving healthy and nutritious food that is safe and free of contamination is one of the pillars of good health. Food safety is important in this aspect since it ensures that contaminants that cause foodborne illness are not present in any food items during the handling, processing, and distribution of food. Every year on June 7th, World Food Safety Day is observed to raise awareness and emphasise the need of safe food consumption.

Foodborne illness is infectious and toxic and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances entering the body through contaminated food. Many foodborne diseases can have long-term effects on the human body and lead to fatal outcomes if not treated on time, suggests Minal Shah, Senior Nutrition Therapist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund who feels access to safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health.

A nutritious diet helps to reduce and combat malnutrition in all of its forms. According to research, it also has an important role in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, and cancer, which are major lifestyle diseases impacting the majority of urban populations. Shah discusses some of the most important aspects of a good diet, which include:

Small conscious steps can go a long way toward avoiding food waste and ensuring that meals are healthful and nutritious.

Also Read: 5 Foods Rich In Antioxidants For Better Health

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The Importance Of Safe Food And Well-balanced Diets For A Better Lifestyle | Femina.in - Femina

Thus far in the 21st century, we've come to take for granted feats such as delivering items to remote locations via drone, and the even more extreme delivery of tourists into space. What once seemed possible only in comic books seems to become closer to reality every day. Yet at the same time, problems that have plagued humankind throughout history are getting worse. The list starts with the most basic need of all: Food.

Malnutrition itself is a leading cause of death; poor diet is a major contributing factor in many more diseases. All of this generates global burdens of every kind: economic, political and, in the most basic sense, humanitarian. We can all agree that everyone, everywhere deserves access to ample amounts of nutritious food.

The obstacles dominate our daily headlines. International conflicts, a global pandemic, climate change and more are the primary challenges, often triggering secondary issues such as clogged, fractured supply chains. The result: Ill health and poverty cycles are perpetuated, further burdening already strained healthcare systems.

We understand the problems. Now it's time to start implementing solutions.

Fortunately, there are ways to reverse this crisis. More simply put, there are ways to provide healthy meals to those in need. Studies and global convenings, such as the first United Nations Food Systems Summit held in 2021, offer fresh ideas to globally transform the food system to better promote healthy, accessible, and sustainable diets.

Transforming to healthy diets by 2050 will require substantial dietary shifts, writes Professor Walter Willett, MD, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the Summary Report of the EAT-Lancet Commission. "Global consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes will have to double, and consuming foods such as red meat and sugar will have to be reduced by more than 50%. A diet rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal source foods will improve health and environmental benefits."

Another recent report suggests that diets high in plant foods and low in animal foods could improve many sustainability targets, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, healthcare costs and global greenhouse gas emissions. Alas, doing so requires navigating barriers such as knowledge, accessibility and cultural norms.

Because the world is such a vast, diverse landscape, there's no easy way to do this. No single, silver-bullet solution will transform the global food system to achieve healthy and sustainable diets.

Still, we know that a coordinated approach across nations and sectors is vital to solve food system challenges. We also know health equity should and must be at the centre of those innovations. Data-driven innovations would allow all stakeholders across the food system to adopt practices that simultaneously improve economic, environmental and health targets.

Shifting from food insecurity to food security will require collaborative efforts among international, national, regional and local supply chains. This is the essence of the notion of going from farm-to-table. This is the lynchpin in ensuring accessibility to healthy and sustainable diets. And because your table may look different from mine, we must factor into the process foods that are culturally acceptable and relevant.

1. Seek international and national commitments to shift toward healthy diets.

2. Reorient agricultural priorities from producing high quantities of food to producing healthy food.

3. Sustainably intensify food production to increase high-quality output.

4. Strong and coordinated governance of land and oceans.

5. At least halve food losses and waste, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Clearly, this won't be easy. That's why it's so exciting to see some of the data-driven innovations are on the horizon, such as the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI).

I'm proud to say this initiative is managed by the American Heart Association on behalf of multiple funders, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, and the Seerave Foundation.

Along with the AHA, the Periodic Table of Food is co-managed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, which is focused on delivering research-based solutions for agricultural and food systems sustainability.

The name obviously stems from the periodic table of elements we all learned in grade school. However, it's perhaps best explained by comparison to the evolution of navigation instructions. Over the last 20 years, fold-out maps were replaced by computer printouts, which were replaced by dedicated GPS devices, which were replaced by apps on our phones that we dont even have to look at a voice gives us turn-by-turn directions. The evolution is rooted in satellite and mapping technology generated by countless agencies around the globe working together on a shared goal that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Similarly, the Periodic Table of Food Initiative seeks to gather standardized and comprehensive information on food from all over the world. Collaboration and capacity-strengthening across scientific networks is key. The PTFI is creating the database, and the AHA is enabling conditions for others to populate the database as well by providing standardized analytical protocols.

Malnutrition isnt just a lack of food; its a lack of nutritious food. So, as we seek to feed populations, we must provide sustainable, diverse foods that meet their individual needs. Thats a major challenge because our scientific understanding of the foods that nourish us is still rudimentary.

Generally, 150 biochemical components of food are measured and tracked in food composition databases. Yet there are tens of thousands of such biochemicals in food. Using the GPS analogy again, it is as if weve mapped only the highways and a few major roads in a metropolitan area a good start, but a lot of work remains. That's where the PTFI comes in.

Creating partnerships across national, academic and industry labs using standardized approaches created by the PTFI partners, the initiative aims to expand the number of foods currently available in food composition databases. Currently, there are around 400 single-ingredient foods in most databases. The aim is to log more than 1,000 of the world's most commonly consumed whole foods in the next two years, and ultimately all foods, using the same protocols to gather primary data

It's also worth noting that there's a need to rebalance our food portfolio. Additionally, the world has become over-reliant on a few staple crops. Consider this imbalance: Nearly half of our daily calorie intake comes from three food sources (rice, maize and wheat). Yet there are upwards of over 10,000 edible plant species consumed for food.

In one way, this knowledge is frustrating. But viewed through the lens of the initiative, these are opportunities. And there are more opportunities on the back end. Once the database is set up, everyone from the scientific community to the private sector can build on it by adding additional foods, varieties and cooking methods.

Our goal at the PTFI is to create a globally shared food composition database that represents the edible biodiversity consumed by people across the planet, said Selena Ahmed, Global Director of the PTFI.

Two billion people in the world currently suffer from malnutrition and according to some estimates, we need 60% more food to feed the global population by 2050. Yet the agricultural sector is ill-equipped to meet this demand: 700 million of its workers currently live in poverty, and it is already responsible for 70% of the worlds water consumption and 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

New technologies could help our food systems become more sustainable and efficient, but unfortunately the agricultural sector has fallen behind other sectors in terms of technology adoption.

Launched in 2018, the Forums Innovation with a Purpose Platform is a large-scale partnership that facilitates the adoption of new technologies and other innovations to transform the way we produce, distribute and consume our food.

With research, increasing investments in new agriculture technologies and the integration of local and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing food security, the platform is working with over 50 partner institutions and 1,000 leaders around the world to leverage emerging technologies to make our food systems more sustainable, inclusive and efficient.

Learn more about Innovation with a Purpose's impact and contact us to see how you can get involved.

Food insecurity has plagued far too many for far too long. In an era where we've figured out how to zip packages to remote outposts in deserts and jungles, and to give non-astronauts quick trips to the brink of the stratosphere, surely we can get nutritious food into the mouths of the malnourished.

Written by

Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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The map of food: why we need a world atlas of what we eat - World Economic Forum

Breakfast can either make or break the rest of your day. Even though we know that it's the most important meal of the day, many Americans treat breakfast with very little care, throwing it to the side whenever our schedules get busy. But eating a healthy, nutrient-packed meal in the morning can set us up for success, giving us fuel to keep going and plenty of energy to make healthy decisions.

In fact, skipping breakfast altogether is one of the worst ways you can start your day when it comes to your health. Skipping this morning meal has been found to slow down metabolism, lead to weight gain, negatively impact your immune system, and even lead to greater stress levels.

While many Americans can certainly work on improving their healthy breakfast habits, some of the longest-living people in the world know the value of eating a healthy breakfast. In fact, many of the world's Blue Zones (regions across the globe with the highest concentrations of centenarians) practice eating their largest meal of the day first thing in the morning.

The Blue Zones were coined as a way of pinpointing parts of the world where people lived the longest, healthiest lives. The regions include Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California.

Since the founding of the Blue Zones concept, researchers have discovered commonalities in lifestyle habits among these communities, including their diets, movement, values, and spiritual practices. And when it comes to the way they handle breakfast, the Blue Zone centenarians try to fit as many nutrients into their morning as they possibly can.

According to a research article published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, one of the core values shared among Blue Zone centenarians is the practice of eating their largest meal in the morning, and their smallest meal in the afternoon and evening. This concept goes against what many Americans naturally practice, which is eating a small breakfast that lacks in nutrients or not eating breakfast at allwhile saving larger meals for later in the day.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

RELATED:6 Breakfasts Enjoyed By The Longest-Living People in The World

Another major difference that sets many of these centenarians apart from the rest of the world is that they consume healthy, whole foods at every meal. While many of us may reach for a quick breakfast pastry in the morning, the Blue Zones are eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and beans, which gives them a boost of protein, fiber, and antioxidants in the morning hours.

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The #1 Best Breakfast Habit of the World's Longest Living People Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Milk may aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in some people. They may wish to try alternative types of milk, such as oat or soy. However, people should be mindful of getting enough calcium if they choose to avoid dairy products.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). UC affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States. A person may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgent and frequent bowel movements.

This article defines UC and explains how someones diet can affect their symptoms. In addition, it discusses which types of milk to avoid and consume and provides other dietary tips.

Regular dairy milk contains fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). FODMAPs are a group of sugars that a persons digestive tract may have trouble absorbing.

People may wish to track any reactions to dairy and other food products by keeping a food journal.

The primary sugar in milk is lactose. Some studies suggest that FODMAPs such as lactose may cause pain, bloating, and diarrhea in people with IBD. So avoiding high FODMAP foods may reduce their symptoms.

Some people find they cannot tolerate lactose, especially during a flare, found in dairy foods such as:

According to a 2017 review, a low FODMAP diet may benefit people with IBD. However, a person should work closely with a dietitian to determine whether the diet is suitable and helps alleviate symptoms.

Learn more about the low FODMAP diet here.

The following types of milk may be suitable for someone with UC. However, a person should monitor any symptoms when introducing a new type of milk.

Read more about almond, hemp, oat, soy, and cows milk.

When avoiding dairy products, a person must ensure they are still getting enough calcium in their diet. They can choose the types of milk that manufacturers have fortified with calcium. They may also wish to try the following food sources of calcium:

It is important to note that some of the above foods can trigger or worsen flares for certain people. A person should monitor for any reactions to these foods.

Learn more about calcium-rich foods that do not contain dairy here.

The Crohns and Colitis Foundation advises that there is no single diet that works for everyone. Instead, they suggest that someone with UC works with a doctor or dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that ensures they get adequate nutrients.

When a person is in UC remission, they should eat a balanced diet that includes all the food groups. Some research suggests that consuming an anti-inflammatory diet may benefit people with UC. Anti-inflammatory foods include:

People may help avoid worsening symptoms by eating soft, bland foods. These may include:

Additionally, someone may wish to include probiotic foods such as yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut. They may also consider taking supplements with their doctors approval. A person should speak with a dietitian to determine the best source of probiotics in their diet.

Learn about probiotics for UC here.

The following foods and drinks may trigger symptoms during a flare of UC:

Read more about the foods to eat and avoid with UC.

Additionally, the following tips may help:

Read more about diet recipes for UC.

Dairy may be a common trigger for symptoms of UC. Avoiding it may help during a flare. Many milk alternatives are available, including oat, soy, and almond milk. Additionally, probiotic drinks such as kefir may help some people.

There is no single diet to help everyone with UC, and people should work with a healthcare professional to explore what is right for them.

The low FODMAP diet may be beneficial for some people. However, any diet that restricts foods needs to be supervised by a dietitian. Eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding too much sugar, processed foods, and alcohol is beneficial for the digestive system and a persons overall health.

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Milk for ulcerative colitis: Types to avoid and try - Medical News Today

What determines how fast we age? Why do some people live to be over 100, while for others, their life is much shorter? More and more we are learning that for the most part, the answers are not in our genes. It has been estimated that our genetics account for only 7% of our longevity and our lifestyle habits, for better or worse are the key factor for how fast we age. I am a physician, board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, and I help people lose weight, prevent disease, and optimize their lifestyle habits, so they can slow down aging and live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

When surveyed, 75% of Americans think that they are eating a healthy diet, yet the majority of Americans are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, fiber, or nutrients. The food we eat is profoundly related to how fast we age, our risk for developing chronic diseases, and our physical and mental health. Eating a diet high in sugar, fast food, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and other highly processed food promotes inflammation and will rapidly age you. Alternatively, if you are eating an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet, consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, you will be at lower risk for developing chronic diseases, and you will age more slowly.

Sleep is vitally important to our physical and mental health and skimping on sleep will not only increase your risk for diseases and negatively impact your quality of life, but it will also prematurely age you. In fact, it has been found that rats who were totally deprived of sleep died prematurely in just a few weeks. When you sleep, your body repairs its cells, your body restores its energy, and your brain clears out toxins and waste. For these reasons, and more, sleep is essential, and an inadequate quantity or quality of sleep will age you.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

The people who live the longest lives in the world don't necessarily go to the gym every day, but they live active lives, and physical activity is just part of their daily routine. In contrast, for many of us, we spend most of our day sitting. This sedentary lifestyle promotes inflammation, which will accelerate aging.

Ideally, we should all try to incorporate a set amount of time to exercise at least 5 times a week. At least 30-60 minutes a day is optimal. But, as we work up to that goal, we should feel good about incorporating any amount of increased physical activity in our life. At the same time, we can also just change our daily routine to be less sedentary. Examples of this are taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away in a parking lot, or taking a call while walking.

It is well known that relationships are important for our mental and physical health. But relationships are also closely tied to longevity.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is a famous, gigantic, and ongoing study that followed more than 700 men since they were teenagers in 1938. This study is one of the most comprehensive studies of health and well-being in history, and the findings are clear that relationships are the single most important factor for our health and longevity. In this study, researchers found that people who were more socially connected to family, friends, and the community, were happier, healthier, and actually lived longer, than people who were lonely.

In contrast, social media use can have a negative impact on our health. Social media interactions are not equivalent to real-life interactions, and may actually promote loneliness. Social media use can also be detrimental to our mental health and has been linked with increased anxiety and depression.

The health of our body and mind are closely connected, and stress has been implicated as a factor in increasing our risk for multiple diseases, and even decreasing our lifespan. In contrast, practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to better manage stress has been linked to increased longevity.

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, and their job is to preserve our DNA. With every cell division, a small portion of this telomere DNA is lost, so the result is that telomeres shorten with age. Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of developing diseases and a decreased lifespan.

It has been found that the rate of telomere shortening can be either increased or decreased by specific lifestyle factors and practicing mindfulness and meditation appear to slow this rate of telomere shortening, which in effect may increase longevity.

There are multiple reasons why excessive alcohol intake can age you. Drinking too much alcohol promotes inflammation and increases the risk for multiple chronic diseases such as cancer and liver disease. Alcohol intake also promotes dehydration which accelerates skin aging, including skin puffiness and wrinkles. Additionally, alcohol intake can interfere with sleep, affecting both sleep quality and quantity. For women, and men over 65, moderate drinking means drinking up to 1 drink per day. For men 65 and under, 2 drinks a day is considered moderate.

Everyone wants to live a healthy, happy and long life, free of sickness and disease. But there is no magic bullet or longevity pill, which will slow down aging or lengthen your life. In truth, it is a combination of factorsincluding the food we eat, our sleep, our physical activity levels, our relationships, our stress, and our substance use that primarily determine how fast we age. By focusing on these areas, we will not only add years to our life but also improve our quality of life, so that those extra years are healthier and happier. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Ritu Saluja-Sharma MD is a board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, an integrative health coach, and the founder of Head Heart Hands.

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Surprising Habits That Are Rapidly Aging Your Body, Says Physician Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That