Category Archives: Diet And Food

Theres been a lot of stories about certain foods being bad for us, only for another piece of research to say otherwise. So what are the facts when it comes to red meat?

Red and processed meat has again been making headlines with new research claiming its not as bad for us as previous research suggests.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogenin 2015, with red meat also added to Group 2A of the watch list.

But findings from an international research team led by Dalhousie University and McMaster University in Canada claim the 2015 report overstates the dangers of eating red meat.

The 3-year study controversially recommends adults should continue [their] current unprocessed red meat consumption.

The studys findings have reignited the discussion around how much meat we should be consuming, and theres plenty of media outlets joining the discussion.

But are these new findings as simple as they sound?

According to the UKs NHS, the new research does not assess a particular level of meat consumption but instead looks at the effect of reducing intake by three servings per week.

This means we dont know how much me at the people involved in the study were consuming before they joined in, so its hard to tell if the results are accurate. What if the participants were already eating at the level recommended by the WHO in 2015?

According to the NHSs analysis, what it does not mean is that people can increase their intake or eat as much red and processed meat as they want without ill effect.

Weve heard a in recent years about how certain foods can be dangerous to our health.

There was an uproar when it was revealed bacon and other processed meat could cause due to the use of nitrates and nitrites in the curing process.

Red meat has been connected with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer (such as bowel cancer) and premature death no mistaking the implications on the last one.

Even vegan and vegetarian alternatives have ended up in the spotlight, with meat alternatives and soy products having concerns raised about them too.

So who should we trust with our dietary health and are the suggested dietary guidelines are still correct?

In August 2019, the National Heart Foundation of Australia updated their advice on how much meat, dairy and eggs we should consume.

They loosened restrictions on unflavoured full-fat dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese and increased the amount of eggs we can safely consume.

But they also recommended reducing red meat intake to under 350 grams a week and limiting processed meat as much as possible.

It might seem like the Heart Foundation jumped the gun. That is until you realise these recommendations were made by many of the worlds dietary bodies 4 years ago.

When it comes to changing food guidelines, evidence is fortunately the most important factor taken into account.

Dr Amelia Harray is a Lecturer and Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin Universitys School of Public Health.

Shes also a Research Fellow with the Telethon Kids Institute in the Childrens Diabetes Centre and specialises as a dietitian and nutritionist.

Nutrition research is ever evolving, says Amelia.

Its important for leading health organisations to ensure their advice is based on the most current evidence.

Amelia says the recommendations released by the Heart Foundation are based on the results of many studies related to the incidence and risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke.

The new recommendations by the Heart Foundation suggest eating no more than 350 grams of red meat a week, down from 455 grams.

This reflects changes in the evidence and a specific focus on cardiovascular disease risk and incidence, says Amelia.

The average Australian eats approximately 560 grams of red meat per week above both sets of evidence-based recommendations.

One of the biggest misunderstandings about these recommendations is were being told to cut meat red and white out of our diets.

You might have noticed neither the Heart Foundation guidelines nor the 2015 WHO recommendations suggest completely cutting red meat out of our diet just limiting it as part of a diverse diet.

Unprocessed lean red meat in small to moderate amounts can provide the body with essential nutrients such as iron, protein, B12 and zinc, says Amelia.

These nutrients can be provided by other foods within the lean meat, poultry, fish and alternatives food group.

Its all about managing how much red meat we intake in the same way we limit oils, sugars and fats.

While certain types and quantities of these components have a role to play in nutrition, eating too much of them on a regular basis can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Similarly, the evidence shows that too much red meat in our diet can cause problems, but it still has an important role to play in moderation.

So yes, red meat is still on the menu.

In fact, it was never taken off.

This article was originally published on Particle. Read the original article.

Continued here:
Red meat in the spotlight: is it really bad for us? | Particle - Particle

The last long weekend of 2019 and the decade starts today, with Labour Weekend this weekend.

Many people will already have plans to go away this weekend, but what happens when your pet cant come with you?

While there is a growing number of pet friendly holiday options, it may not always be possible to bring your furry friend with you.

The SPCA says if your pets cant come with you, its important to weigh up the pros and cons when deciding where they will stay, or with who.

Whether you choose a pet sitter, kennel, cattery, or dog day care, you will need to assess each option before you hit the road.

The SPCA has compiled some top tips for preparing for your pets holiday: what you should look for and what questions you should ask.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitters are ideal for people who want to keep their pet at home while they are away and for species that are easily stressed by a change in environment, such as cats, and for animals who dont have many options for external boarding, such as birds, rabbits, fish, or guinea pigs. If your pet cant come with you when you go on holiday, a pet sitter is a good choice because your pet will be in their own environment and be cared for individually. Pet sitters also provide customised care for them, which reduces separation anxiety and stress for all.

For cat owners, a pet sitter is a good option because the cats can stay in their own home environment and stress from change of routine and environment is minimised.

To find a good pet-sitter, start by asking your friends and family to see if they have any recommendations. Your vet may also know some reliable sitters, or you can find a professional pet sitter from a company these can be easily found online. Ask for and check multiple references before booking. Having a police background check is standard practice for many professional pet sitters.

When you find the perfect sitter for your pet, have them come to your house so you can introduce your pet to them, and show them around your home, explaining where things are and how your pets routine works.

Before you go on holiday, be sure to provide your pet sitter with the following:

Your phone number.

Accommodation details.

Your vets contact number.

Notes on your pets routine, health, medication, food, and any behaviour details (e.g. if they have separation anxiety).

Family or friends contact details in case you cant be reached.

Details about what to do in case on an emergency related to the house (e.g. a plumber/electrician)

Kennel

If you choose to keep your dog at a kennel while youre away, it is imperative that your dog is safe, well cared for, and is going to enjoy themselves. You should always check to see that any kennel you visit is licensed by the local authority or council to operate, as this will ensure a high level of standard has been met for accommodating animals. A good kennel owner or manager will be more than happy to give you a tour of the facilities if you pop in and ask to be taken around. Be conscious that some kennels have mat times or quiet times, so go outside these times but ideally show up for an unannounced visit. If they wont show you the facility dont leave your dog there.

Ask and check the following:

If dogs have a behaviour assessment before they join the facility. It is not enough to simply assess a dog for aggression, a good facility will assess dogs for other things such as separation anxiety, confidence levels, and toy possessiveness.

View the accommodation available for your dog/s at the kennels and make sure that you are happy that it will provide for their needs.

Check out the exercise areas at the kennel facility, and see that they are safe and appropriate for your dog. A kennel where you see dogs that are relaxed, rather than pacing, barking, or looking anxious, is a good indication of how the kennel operates. Ask whether you can bring your dogs own toys and bedding/blankets, as this can be comforting to them in your absence.

How the staff would address a scuffle breaking out between dogs. They should do this in a safe manner, distracting dogs and redirecting the dogs or, if the dogs are engaged in a physical fight, using the wheelbarrow technique to safely separate the dogs and then give the dogs some quiet time to cool off. The staff should observe what led to the undesirable behaviour and redirect the dogs to something more appropriate, or change the environment to help the dogs feel more comfortable.

Ask about how they match dogs for group exercise and the level of staff supervision (ideally there should be 2 staff members per play group).

Dogs with particular health needs will need extra attention, so ask if staff can administer medication, and if this carries an extra cost.

What protocol do they have in case your pet has a medical emergency? The facility should have an agreement with a nearby veterinary facility, and the ability to take your pet there if something happens. Discuss what protocol should be set up in case your pet is not eating normally or just seems off.

A reputable kennel will let you know if they think a kennel is not the best option for your dog based on their behaviour. It is important to disclose if your dog does not get along well with all other dogs. Some kennels offer private play areas and most kennels will try to match your dog to a with a friend theyll feel comfortable with. Ensure that the facility is set up to be able to care for your dogs health needs appropriately.

Remember that your dog will need to be up to date with vaccinations before going to a kennel, see below for a list of these.

Cattery

Good catteries book up quickly, so give yourself plenty of time before your holiday to look into an appropriate cattery if you want to book your feline friend in while youre away. Youll be wanting to book a secure, self-contained space for your cat, ensuring that your cat would not have direct contact with other cats. Ideally, your cat would also be able to go outside in a safe contained area. A good cattery will ask lots of questions about your pet, and will insist that all cats coming into their centre have up to date vaccinations. See below for a list of these.

Drop in and check out the facilities and ask if you can have a tour and see how the cats are housed during the day. The living areas, play rooms, and sleeping areas should all be a comfortable temperature (neither hot nor cold), secure, clean, and dry, with plenty of fresh clean water available. Individual cat enclosures should have toys, a scratching post, something for the cat to hide in or under, a high area such as a shelf where the cat can rest, and a litter tray. If you will be boarding more than one cat, and the cats get on and would like to stay together, ensure the cattery will allow them to be housed together. Check below for vaccination recommendations for your cat.

Cats need their own space to sleep and rest, and like to have an area from which they can survey their environment while feeling secure. Therefore, they need a secure place to hide (for example, a comfortable box, tent or igloo) and a high perching area. It is also important that the cats enclosure/cage is not open (i.e. at least three walls are solid) and that enclosures/cages do not face each other, as this can be very unnerving for shy cats.

Dog day care

Many pet-owners work long hours and they choose to book their pooch in to a dog day care facility. These facilities look after dogs of all shapes and sizes, and should have a daily schedule of activities that will include activities such as playtime, rest time, learning, training, and socialising for your dog.

When looking after groups of dogs, a dog day care needs to have a high level of organisation. When deciding what dog day care youd like to take your dog to, be sure to take a tour of the facilities with the owner or manager.

A dog day care should provide a clean, sanitary environment, with good ventilation (this could be achieved through open doors or a fresh-air exchange system). Fresh, clean water should be available in play areas and individual kennels at all times.

All good dog day cares will require a behaviour assessment prior to accepting your dog to determine if the dog day care environment is suitable for your dog. They should have an area which allows them to gradually introduce your dog to other dogs.

Take a look at how they are containing dogs - dog day cares that are caring for many dogs will typically split dogs into different playrooms based on factors such as size, temperament, or play style. It's not ideal to have high energy large dogs in the same area with low energy tiny dogs. Facilities should also have proper fencing that is strong enough to hold the weight of a dog and high enough to ensure sprightly dogs cant leap over them. Gating should be secure, and some might have a double gating system which provides space for them to get used to the play area before joining other dogs outside.

Staff members should ideally hold an animal management certificate or a similar qualification. This means staff will be educated on dog behaviour, dog body language, canine first aid, health, play style, and behaviour management. Ideally the facility will have a qualified dog behaviourist onsite overseeing the dogs and staff. Also, be sure to ask the manager about the dog-to-human ratio, international standards advise the ratio should be no more than 15:1. Play groups should be supervised by at least 2 staff members, as this is the minimum required to safely break up a dog fight. When taking the dogs out of the facility, (for example, to a park) extra staff should be on hand.

A dog day care that has activities and training will keep your dog stimulated and interested. Some will provide activities and services such as swimming, field trips, overnights, bathing, walks, and classes.

Alongside this, staff at the dog day care may reward your dog with treats. Be sure to ask about their policy around this, if your dog can display aggressive behaviours around food or is on a special diet.

Most of the considerations discussed under Kennels also apply to dog day cares so have a read of that section too and check those things too.

Advice when dropping off and picking up your pet

Dropping them off:

When you arrive with your pet, remind the staff about any medical or behavior problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. Finally, have a good trip, knowing that your pet is in safe hands and will be happy to see you when you return.

When picking them up:

Picking up your pet can be an emotional reunion. Before heading home, ask the staff how things went.

Once you get home, spend some time relaxing with your pet before getting back into your routine. Hold off on feeding your pet for a few hours after arriving home since they may be overexcited to see you. When this happens, they tend to gulp food and water, which could trigger vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Remember before putting your pet in a cattery / kennel they will need to be up to date with the following recommended vaccinations. You can use this as a checklist with your vet beforehand.

Cats:

Feline panleucopaenia

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV)

Feline calicivirus (FCV)

Your vet may also advise vaccination against Chlamydophila felis, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), and/or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Dogs:

Distemper

Hepatitis

Parvovirus

Parainfluenza

Bordetella bronchiseptica (which causes kennel cough)

Canine leptospirosis (if recommended by your vet)

See the article here:
What to do when your pet can't come too - The Bay's News First - SunLive

Thinking about starting a new diet? While the amount of information available can be overwhelming, its possible to find a diet that is safe, suitable and effective for your lifestyle.

Sarah Keyes, assistant professor in the Physician Assistant Program and certified lifestyle medicine specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, discusses what you need to know about intuitive eating.

A: The basic premise of intuitive eating is that we all have the ability to cultivate an attunement to what our biological and psychological needs are via the physical sensations and cues we are sent by our bodies and minds.

There are 10 principles:

Intuitive eating holds that what we eat is not as important as our relationship with food and our body and that relationship is challenged by the diet and weight-focused culture in which we live.

A: Intuitive eating rejects dieting outright, but also does not make masked diet-culture claims about being a lifestyle change. Intuitive eating is paralleled by the paradigm shift that a person can be healthy at every size (HAES) and thus, the focus should move from what and how we eat to honoring and respecting our hunger, fullness, satisfaction, body, health and engaging in movement.

A: Yes. A recent study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion demonstrated positive psychological-related variables among women who struggle with weight and body image. There are other studies with similar conclusions. In a review published in 2014, the authors concluded intuitive eating helps participants develop a healthier relationship with food and resulted in improved blood pressure, lipids, and other markers of cardiorespiratory fitness independent of weight loss.

Other benefits included decreased depression and anxiety, increased self-esteem, and improved body image. The idea is that when a person stops restricting through dieting, the mental energy spent on thoughts like I just dont have the willpower or I fail every time may be channeled elsewhere.

A: Intuitive eating is for everyone, but if you are struggling with food, your body, and your mental health, you should seek professional help before trying to incorporate intuitive eating on your own.

A: Those who practice intuitive eating can expect to struggle at first with enacting the principles in our diet and weight-focused culture. There is nearly constant messaging in our culture about weight loss and how, what, and when to eat. Once we become aware of these messages and attempt to resist them, there can be resistance from our friends, family, and even ourselves.

Seeking out a professional who is well-versed in intuitive eating can be a helpful resource. You can also check out the Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.

A: There are tons of great resources for intuitive eating and HAES. Check out the resources above as well as podcasts like Food Psych by Christy Harrison and Comfort Foods (if you are a parent and interested in introducing these concepts to your child).

Intuitive eating is a dynamic process, not an end-goal. Every person is different and will have a unique experience after enacting each principle, but it can be expected that pursuing intuitive eating results in a long-lasting and sustainable relationship with food and your body.

Learn more about intuitive eating.

See more from the Debating Diets series.

-By Nicole Blanton

Read more from the original source:
Debating Diets: What is intuitive eating? - Baylor College of Medicine News

You want to lose a few pounds and this time, youredetermined to make your healthy habits last. So, where do you start? Should youditch carbs, or embrace whole grains? Cut out meat, or go high-protein?

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

Theres no one right answer, says registered dietitian Andrea Dunn, RD. The best diet is the one youre going to follow, she says. And I dont say that tongue in cheek! Theres no one diet that will fit everybodys needs, personalities, lifestyles or food preferences.

Fad diets have been around forever, and most come and go for a reason: They dont work long-term. If youre looking to lose weight and keep it off Dunn recommends starting with an eating plan backed by solid science.

Here are her top 3 picks:

Technically, the Mediterranean diet isnt a diet, Dunn says.Its more of a lifestyle. Based on typical eating habits from theMediterranean area, this plan is heavy on plant-based foods.

The basics: Load up on veggies, beans and other legumes. Eat fish and seafood a couple times a week in place of red meat. Eat fruit for a sweet treat or nuts for a snack. Use olive oil as your main fat.

The benefits: Studies show the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke and helps with weight loss, too.

Who its good for: The Mediterranean diet is a great choice if you arent a huge meat eater and dig veggies, fruits, legumes and whole grains.

Dunn often recommends a diet she calls a moderate proteinplan but it could also be described as a moderate carbohydrate plan. Thisplan still emphasizes whole grains and produce and limits processed foods andadded sugar. But it allows for more animal proteins for thosecarnivores-at-heart.

The basics: With this diet, aim to get:

The benefits: For many people, a higher-protein diet decreases hunger, making it easier to stick to the plan.

Who its good for: This diet is a great choice for people who get excited about making spreadsheets or using an app that lets them track everything they eat. If you love numbers, this is the plan for you, Dunn says.

Short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, the DASH diet started as a research diet plan to curb high blood pressure. This style of eating can also help with lowering cholesterol and weight loss, Dunn says.

The basics: The DASH plan breaks out the number of servings you should eat from each food group.

The benefits: Studies have found that while DASH does help lower blood pressure, its even better at lowering cholesterol.

Who its for: This diet is perfect for the person who plans meals around the food groups and does not want to track for calories.

Some people find other diets work well for them. Some love the high-fat, low-carb keto diet. Others swear by intermittent fasting, in which you restrict eating during certain days of the week or hours of the day.

Dunn recommends steering clear of plans that forbid entire food groups. Likewise, skip diets that promise rapid weight loss of more than 1 or 2 pounds a week. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, she says.

And think about whether your new diet is truly something you can stick with for the long haul. Dunn notes, Its about matching your lifestyle with the foods you enjoy and what will work best for you long-term, without feeling deprived or ripped off.

View original post here:
What's the Best Weight-Loss Diet? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

When trying to get into shape, the foods slimmers consume can make a huge difference to the results. One man shed an impressive amount of weight and used social media to share his results. Posting on Reddit, the user, elixer590 opened up about the diet plan which helped him transform from 25st 10lb to a healthier 20st 5lb. He used the low carb keto diet and Calories In Calories Out (CICO) to achieve this.

In his post, the dieter said he is 30-years-old, six foot tall and his transformation took just three months.

To slim down, elixer590 explained he changed his diet routine and began to follow the low carb and high fat ketogenic plan.

Those who use the diet will drastically cut back their carb intake and instead fill up on high fat foods.

This is thought to help the body enter a state called ketosis which promotes fat loss.

It is likely the slimmer tucked into keto-friendly foods like meats, fish, avocados, eggs and non-starchy vegetables.

Not only did he shake up the types of food he ate, the slimmer decided to monitor just how many calories he was eating.

He followed the CICO diet plan where dieters can beat the bulge by counting their calories and making sure they always eat less than they are burning off.

Cutting caffeine out of his diet also helped elixer590 whip himself into shape.

He said: Overall I feel way better. I used to drink mountains of over sweetened coffee and energy drinks. I them quit cold turkey and managed to dodge any caffeine withdraw.

Strangely I feel more awake and alert now than I ever did before. Less strangely, I sleep way better without it all in my system.

See the article here:
Weight loss: One man used simple diet plan to shed 5st in three months - what did he eat? - Express

Highlights

Diwali week is finally here and it's time to catch up with family and friends. While the festive vibe is in the air, a lot of us have already started to indulge in all things decadent and sweet. Diwali celebrations and sweet treats are quite synonymous to each other, which often end up giving us a sugar overdose. Bingeing on the traditional delicacies of the festival may wreak havoc on your waistline as most of the Diwali delights are loaded with sugar and fat that only adds to the calorie load. However, you can steer clear of those extra calories by following few cooking and eating tipsthat won't make you go looking for a diet post the celebrations.

Snacks like mathis and samosas can be baked instead of frying, which would further cut out on a lot of extra calories. To reduce the calorie count further, you can skip the regular potato-based filling and stuff your samosas with veggies instead as they are rich in fibre content. Kebab, cutlet, tikka masala can all be baked with full seasoning and very less oil. Alternatively, you may also bring to your rescue the air-frying method that reduces the oil consumption to a considerable extent without compromising on the taste. Pakoras, fish, chicken; all of these can be cooked using this method.

(Also Read:This Instant 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Garlic Bread Is Sure To Be A Party Favourite)

Home cooking allows you to choose the amount and type of ingredients. For instance, if you are making butter chicken at home for Diwali party, replace the butter with some healthy oil and use it in moderation. You can also swap the heavy cream and use skimmed milk instead to get the same texture and taste.

(Also Read:6 Tips To Choose Best Cooking Oil By Looking At Its Label)

Instead of snacking on deep-fried stuff, bring protein-rich snacks to your rescue as they may help you stay satiated for long. For dinner, you can choose vegetables of your choice and a small serving of carbs.

(Also Read:6 Easy-To-Make Protein-Rich Snacks You Can Have At Work)

Alcohol packs in a lot of calories and if you add a sugary soda or juice to your drink, the calorie load would only end up increasing. First of all, drink in moderation and have a glass of water or flavoured water between your drinks as it will prevent dehydration and help you avoid a hangover.

(Also Read:7-Day Diwali Diet To Shine This Festive Season)

When you're at a Diwali party, walk around the table and see what is laid out from end-to-end. Avoid eating everything that's present on the buffet table and be judicious in your choices as it will help prevent calorie overload. Other than this, wait before you reach out for the second helping. It takes about ten minutes for your stomach to register what you have eaten; wait and then decide if you really need the second helping.

Eat before you hit the party circuit. During the festive season you may have to head out every day or very often. Therefore, it is better to eat your meal before you leave and stick to munching small amount of non-fried snacks. You can munch on a snack, preferably a protein-rich one, before you leave so that you don't hit the party empty stomach. You can also consider a handful of nuts, an apple or cucumber, a tablespoon of peanut butter, or just one whole grain toast or roti.

(Also Read:5 Best Nuts To Consume While On A Weight Loss Journey)

Make the most of the festive season by dancing to your heart's content. Dancing is a form of exercise that may help you manage your weight by burning excess calories.

Stay focused for the rest of the day. Keep yourself hydrated and eat lots of vegetables and fruits. This will prevent exhaustion and keep you energised through the day.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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Diwali 2019: 7 Diet And Cooking Tips To Cut Down Excess Calorie Intake This Festive Season - NDTV Food

CANTON Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County will receive a $680,000 federal grant to promote healthy diets and active lifestyles for low income residents.

The grant was part of $12.9 million in federal funding for 16 non-profit organizations around the state. The money will be used to promote healthy diets and active lifestyles among individuals and households eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or those that are receiving the benefits already.

Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the five-year SNAP-Ed grants are aimed at helping low-income and working-class New Yorkers avoid obesity and chronic nutrition-related diseases, while improving their overall health outcomes, said a press release from the governors office.

Many low-income individuals and families in New York face social and economic barriers to nutrition and health and live in communities that are disproportionately affected by poverty, said the press release. As a result, poverty, child poverty, food insecurity and obesity-related chronic disease in some communities can exceed state and even national averages.

The programs funded through the grants are aimed at helping low income families and individuals increase the amount of nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products in their diet, while avoiding unhealthy foods containing large amounts of added sugars, salt and saturated fat.

Participants will also be encouraged to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, the press release said.

Each program will provide either a nutrition education using evidence-based curriculum, outreach through mass communications or at public events, or a nutritionist with training experience to communicate healthy eating and obesity prevention.

The goal is to improve food resource management and preparation skills among participants, while also increasing access to affordable and nutritious foods.

OTDA's Eat Smart New York initiative also provides free online tools that can assist individuals and families in choosing a healthier diet. These include Eating Healthy on a Budget, an interactive module that provides planning tips for preparing healthy meals, tips for smart shopping, and links to nutritionist programs throughout the state.

Nearly 1.5 million households and more than 2.6 million people throughout New York -- roughly one out of every five adults -- rely on SNAP to avoid food insecurity, which is defined as lacking reliable access to an adequate amount of nutritious sustenance, the press release said.

About 43 percent of SNAP recipients are in families with elderly or disabled members, 59 percent are in families with children; and 39 percent are in working families.

Research has shown that communities with the highest rates of food insecurity also have a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity and individuals with some form of disability, the press release said.

Food insecure adults in New York are also likely to pay significantly more in healthcare costs than those who are not, a recent study found.

Read the original:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County to receive federal grant for healthy diet promotion - North Country Now

In comparison to the past decade, we see more and more obese people around us. Almost every other person is trying to lose weight or at least complaining of being overweight. What can be the reason behind this major increase in the body fat of the general population around the globe?A recent report by the United Nations Organization puts the blame on our sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits.United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in a report issued on the World Food Day, has mentioned that consuming a diet loaded with starch, sugar, fats and salt; combined with a sedentary lifestyle, is the main reason behind the increasing global obesity rates, despite the fact that there are so many countries where people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

According to the UN report, people living in cities or urban towns in recent decades have slowly moved away away from having seasonal diets and local food, mainly plant-based and fibre-rich food. Globalisation, urbanisation and growth in income were cited as major reasons behind the diet shift as people find less time to cook at home, and rely mostly on fast-food outlets, street food vendors and takeaway meals due to their busy schedules.

Now the situation is such that more than 800 million people are considered to be suffering from obesity, and over 40 million children under five are overweight!

Such unhealthy eating habits have further led to an increase in obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers.

As a consequence the health cost of such a sedentary lifestyle are estimated at around USD two trillion per year, the report said.

With inputs from ANI

See the rest here:
Dramatic increase in obesity, diet is responsible: UN - Times of India

What does keto mean, and whats the diet like?

Keto is short for ketogenesis, which is the production and build-up of ketones. Ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism, and they increase when carbohydrates are restricted, and the body is forced to rely more heavily on fat as a substrate for energy.

In considering whether to follow a diet that intentionally alters normal metabolism, it is helpful to have some understanding of how the body and the keto diet is designed to work.

At rest, our bodies typically burn a fairly even mix of fat and carbohydrates. Protein plays other important roles but is not typically included in the regular energy mix. Despite all the low-carb hype we hear these days, working muscles use carbohydrates for energy, and during exercise, the percentage of carbohydrates burned increases with intensity.

Our brains rely entirely on glucose (a simple carbohydrate) for energy. If you have ever experienced the sensation of being hangry (when you are so hungry that you get grumpy or have trouble concentrating), then you have felt your brain calling for glucose. As a survival mechanism, in the absence of adequate carbs/glucose, the human brain can also metabolize ketones to keep from starving.

Carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. When dietary carbohydrates are restricted, these stores are depleted. The basis of the ketogenic diet is to intentionally deplete these stores by severely limiting carbohydrate intake.

When there are no carbs available, the body is forced to rely more heavily on fat for energy. As fat is metabolized, ketones are produced. Ketones can be recycled for energy, but not very quickly. When they are produced faster than they are utilized, ketone levels in the blood rise and also are excreted in urine. This is ketosis.

There are several variations of the ketogenic diet, but traditionally it includes around 15 percent of calories from protein, and limits carbohydrate intake to 5-15 percent of total calories (about 20-75 grams per day), with the remaining 70-80 percent coming from fat.

The keto flu refers to a series of unpleasant side effects that many people experience as their carbohydrate stores are depleted and their bodies adapt to burning more fat. Symptoms include headache, nausea, bad breath, mental fogginess, muscle cramps, increased heart rate, fatigue, insomnia, feeling light-headed, and lethargy/fatigue.

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for individuals to become fat adapted to the ketogenic diet, after which symptoms typically subside.

Obvious benefits of the keto diet include weight loss, often rapid, especially in the beginning. Fat makes foods taste good and is very satiating, so keto followers enjoy eating and not feeling as hungry as they may have on other diets.

There are a few short studies showing benefits such as improved glucose control, reduced insulin levels, and positive changes in cholesterol markers, even on a high-fat diet.

Having the keto flu doesnt sound like fun! The potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can pose a challenge to the kidneys, and it is nutritionally inadequate (more on that below). We have decades of research supporting the fact that high-fat diets pose a risk to our cardiovascular health. Also, long-term compliance on such a restrictive diet is difficult to maintain, both practically and socially.

It does. By eliminating or drastically reducing the consumption of many foods or food groups, long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet is likely to result in inadequate intake of many vitamins, minerals, and perhaps fiber.

As a registered dietitian, I cannot use the word healthy to describe this diet. It can be made healthier by including as many vegetables as possible and focusing on unsaturated fats (from nuts, oils, avocados, and fatty fish) while limiting saturated fats (from meats, butter, and other full-fat dairy foods). One good thing about this diet is that it cuts out simple sugars, which keeps people away from sodas, sweets, and fast food.

If an individuals need for immediate weight loss is significant and this diet is appealing, then it may be an effective short term fix. But realizing that the ketogenic diet is not a healthy long-term solution, anyone planning to follow it would do well to have a follow-up plan for lifelong healthy eating. Consult your doctor before starting a new plan.

The rest is here:
Dietitian Weighs in on the 'Keto' Diet - southsoundmag.com

Last fall, Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert was playing the best basketball of his careeruntil November 12, when he dislocated his foot in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was an injury far too gruesome to show on replay, the kind involving a mangled extremity that causes teammates and opponents to collectively shake their heads in disbelief while the crowd sits in absolute silence. (Seriously, dont Google it.) Except, LeVert remembers, it didnt actually hurt that much. At first.

I was more mad than anything, he says. I wasnt even thinking of the pain, which was probably partially adrenaline and disbelief. It didnt hit me until we got in the ambulance 15 minutes after they carted me off the court, and my trainer was talking to metrying to distract me. Next thing I know, theyre jerking my foot, and thats when I realized, Oh, this is real. That moment was the worst pain Ive ever felt.

Remarkably, after doctors popped LeVerts foot back into place, no surgery was required. He missed three months, but returned to action in February. He had an (understandably) up-and-down remainder of the season, but capped it off with an impressive performance in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers.

This offseason, LeVert prioritized strengthening his foot and ankle by employing a variety of balancing drills, while also squeezing in a healthy amount of hooping. LeVert logged four-a-days: two on-the-court workouts and two off-the-court workouts. Thats an encouraging development for Nets fans hoping hell emerge as the teams second star this season, behind Kyrie Irving (and third star next season when Kevin Durant presumably returns after suffering a ruptured Achilles.)

A few weeks ago, I spoke to LeVert about the full extent of his offseason routine, recent changes to his diet, and his affection for float tanks. At the time of our conversation, LeVert was gearing up for his first-ever trip to China as part of a preseason double-header against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had yet to fire off his fateful tweet about Hong Kong. LeVert said he was looking forward to the overseas experience, which presumably became a bit more complicated than originally anticipated.

GQ: Can you walk me through a normal day for you this offseason?

Caris LeVert: I took about two weeks off after we lost to the 76ers in the playoffs. After that, I started my workouts here in Brooklyn. First, Id get some breakfast inusually two or three eggs, some veggies like broccoli, and I love oatmeal in the morning, too. Id head to the gym around 9 a.m. to do a 30-minute lift. We call those correctives, where youre more working on balance drills, hamstrings, and core work. The Nets are big on that. The corrective workout isnt your typical lift, but it helps strengthen your little muscles.

Then, Id have an hour-and-a-half workout on the court, and after that is a bigger upper- or lower-body lift. Id get some treatment, do some more balance drills to strengthen my ankle back up. Then Id usually go home and take a nap, chill for a couple hours, and head back to the gym later that night and get a bunch of shots up.

Have you always stuck to a healthy-sounding diet?

No, thats been the biggest adjustment the past couple of years: I wasnt really very educated on what makes up a healthy diet. In college, I would eat a lot of Five Guys and burgers. Everybody eats differently, but thats not the best for your digestive system, and Ive learned that over the years. Now I stay away from pork, beef, and things like that. I stick to chicken a couple times a week, and I eat a lot of fish and veggies. I dont really like fruit, so I drink a lot of smoothies to get my fruit intake up.

See the rest here:
Caris LeVert: The Real-Life Diet of the NBA Player Who Swears by Fruit Smoothies - GQ