Dixieland Historic District | Photo by @kalebwalding

In case you didnt know, Florida Ave. is about to get a bit of a makeover in just a few months. (i.e. its going from five to three lanes.)

Recreated footage of you trying to figure out how this will work. (Dont worry were about to get to that.) | Gif via Giphy

We know the redo of an entire road especially one thats as hopping as Florida Ave. can seem pretty daunting. Like when is it happening? Will you need to #PlanAhead your commute time? How will its success be measured? Etc. So in an effort to drive away some of your roadway anxieties (and ours too, tbh), we reached out to the City for the answers.

Heres the scoop on the project in ~2 min.

Click here to learn more about the why behind the project.

LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)

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Whats the deal with the Florida Avenue Road Diet Test? - AVLtoday

Looking for something new to add to your meals that can boost your nutrient intake, is budget-friendly, is quick and easy to cook, can help to reduce your risk of a number of medical problems, and can assist with weight control? Think lentils!

Lentils are actually considered pulses which are the edible seeds of legumes (a plant with pods). Pulses also include dried beans, dried peas, and chickpeas. These little nutritional giants are staples in countries such as India and a number of countries in the Middle East. They show up as ingredients for a wide range of delicious dishes. Interestingly, about 95% of lentils are grown in Canada.

So what makes them such a good addition to your diet? They are a good source of protein, contain complex carbohydrates, and are low in fat. Fiber is one of their best features they offer both soluble and insoluble fibers. Many Americans fall short of the recommended intake of fiber. As an unprocessed plant food, they contain some vitamins and minerals as well, such as potassium, folate, iron, manganese, magnesium, and phytonutrients.

Lentils are often associated with vegan and vegetarian diets, but they are a great addition for omnivores looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet. They align nicely with the patterns of eating noted for optimal health, such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Both encourage a higher intake of less-processed plant foods.

The DASH diet was created as a pattern of eating that could lower high blood pressure. Key features are an emphasis on foods that contain complex carbs, are high in fiber, and contain magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It specifies that four to five times a week the animal protein entre is replaced with a source of plant protein such as beans or lentils. A lower intake of sodium is recommended as well. This pattern not only works for lowering high blood pressure, but promotes overall good health as well.

Lentils are a great choice for persons who are at risk for or who have established diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, heart disease, or some intestinal issues. This is because they are low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and offer complex carbs. They are also gluten-free. In addition, their fibers contribute positively to the gut microbes which can impact immune system function.

With regard to diabetes and weight control, the fiber and complex carbs in lentils can lower the glycemic index of a meal or snack. This means more stabilized blood glucose levels rather than spikes. It also means feeling full more quickly which can reduce calorie intake at that meal. Since the carb fuel is sustained over a longer period of time after the meal, there is less likelihood of eating again shortly after the meal so again, lowering calorie intake. One-half cup of cooked lentils equals one grain equivalent.

Lentils are most often found in the dried form, but may also be canned. The dried form contains no additives. They do not require soaking as do some of the other forms of dried beans. This means they can be added to recipes more easily. The dried form retains its quality for up to about one year if kept in a dry, dark, cool location. This means they can be easily stored to have on hand. Before using, lentils should be rinsed. A good guide is to cook one cup of lentils in about 2 cups of liquid (such as water, broth, or the liquid of a soup). They tend to double or triple in volume with cooking.

Recipes for lentils include entrees, appetizers, soups, stews, baked goods, salads, sauces, breakfasts, dips, fillings for wraps/tortillas, burgers, stir fries, or pasta dishes. Lentils pair well with a wide variety of herbs and seasonings making them extremely versatile. You may also find pasta made with lentils and/or lentil flour at your local store.

Most lentil dishes can be made in larger amounts and then either used over several meals or frozen for later use. This means less time and effort spent cooking plus having easy meals on hand that you just need to heat and serve.

Beyond the benefits of health, lentils are a positive for the environment. As plants, lentils have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means less fertilizer is required. They are also water efficient, drought tolerant, frost hardy, and have an overall low carbon footprint.

If lentils have not been a part of your cooking habits, consider ways that you can start slipping some into your meals and snacks. Test out a variety of recipes that you can find in cookbooks and online. If you have recipes that use other types of beans, for a change, try swapping those beans for lentils and see what you think. A good place to start might be Mexican or Indian-Middle Eastern recipes as the seasonings in these applications tend to work well with lentils.

So, for cost-savings, ease of preparation, versatility in recipes, easy storage, low carbon footprint, and numerous health benefits, try adding lentils.

[For more information about and recipes for lentils, check out http://www.lentils.org and http://www.pulses.org]

Pam Stuppy, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered, licensed dietitian with nutrition counseling offices in York, ME and Portsmouth, NH. She has also been the nutritionist for Phillips Exeter Academy, presents workshops nationally, and is Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics. (See http://www.pamstuppynutrition.com for more nutrition information, some healthy cooking tips, and recipe ideas).

Original post:
Lentils are nutritious, cheap and versatile - Foster's Daily Democrat

As the population continues to grow, scientists are sounding the alarms on the impact food production will have on the environment.

As it stands half of the food production is harmful to the planet. But it doesn't have to continue to be that way.Researchers at Potsdam Institute For Climate Impact Research devised a plan to feed 10 billion people across the world without causing more harm to the planet.

RELATED: ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

When looking at the status of planet Earth and the influence of current global agriculture practices upon it, theres a lot of reason to worry, but also reason for hope if we see decisive actions very soon, Dieter Gerten says, lead author from PIK and professor at Humboldt University of Berlin wrote in a press release announcing the research. We appropriate too much land for crops and livestock, fertilize too heavily and irrigate too extensively. To solve this issue in the face of a still growing world population, we collectively need to rethink how to produce food. "

The team of researchers set out to tackle the problem of feeding a growing population while adhering to strict standards of environmental sustainability. Using sophisticated simulation models, the researchers looked at foods' impact on biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, and nitrogen flows. They were then able to pinpoint where and how many environmental boundaries are being violated with the current system to produce food and how it can be reverted via more sustainable agriculture

We find that currently, agriculture in many regions is using too much water, land, or fertilizer. Production in these regions thus needs to be brought into line with environmental sustainability," said Johan Rockstrm, director of PIK. "Yet, there are huge opportunities to sustainably increase agricultural production in these and other regions. This goes for large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, where more efficient water and nutrient management could strongly improve yields.

The researchers noted that sustainable agriculture also increases climate resilience and reduces global warming. Some places in the world, even the most sustainable systems may not be enough. Those places include the Middle East, Indonesia, and Central Europe. International trade will be the key way to ensure sustainability when feeding the world in those areas, noted the researchers.

On the consumer side of things, the researchers said it will require a big shift to a sustainable food system. For instance, with meat consumption rising in China, the animal proteins would need to be replaced by more legumes and vegetables. There also has to be a greater focus on food waste, which the researchers said accounts for 30% of all the food loss in the world.

"Changes like this might seem hard to chew at first. But in the long run, dietary changes towards a more sustainable mix on your plate will not only benefit the planet, but also peoples health, adds Vera Heck from PIK.This situation clearly calls for resolute policy measures to set incentives right on both the producers and consumers ends."

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Changes in Agriculture, Diet Can Feed the World Without Harming the Planet - Interesting Engineering

If firming up your midsection is on your to-do list, you're not alone. Getting rid of stubborn belly fat is one of the most common goals for people looking to lose weight and get fit.

And while targeted fat loss or spot reduction does not work, you can tighten and tone this area along with the rest of your body by exercising and following a healthy diet.

Reducing belly fat is often more challenging than dropping inches from other parts of the body because doing so relies heavily on diet, says Caley Crawford, NASM CPT, and Director of Education for Row House.

"We often think if we do enough sit-ups, then we'll get a flatter stomach; however, abs also happen in the kitchen," says Crawford. "So, if you're looking to lose belly fat, it's crucial that you partner a strong and healthy diet with your exercise routine," she says.

You'll also need to consider your age and genes. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can play a small role in where you store fat. That's why adhering to a healthy, balanced diet (with little or no processed carbohydrates) along with your exercise program is critical to get rid of stubborn belly fat.

While it's true that core-specific exercises are a great way to fire up your abs, performing strength-training moves for your entire body may help you reach your goal of torching fat faster than if you focus only on abdominal exercises.

"Doing core-focused exercises like sit-ups and flutter kicks are always a great way to get some extra definition in your abdominals; however, functional, full-body movements strengthen and tone your core just as much," Crawford says.

For example, doing a squat works your quads, but it also involves maintaining a stable trunk, which requires your abdominal muscles to contract. Other exercises like lunges, rows, and push-ups also require your abdominal muscles to work in a coordinated fashion with the other muscles you're stressing. So, in all, you're still getting a core exercise even though you may feel it more in the glutes, back, or chest.

Here's a core workout you can perform at home or at the gym, including moves that target your upper and lower body. Crawford says to complete each exercise for the recommended number of reps before moving to the next move. For a complete workout, do three rounds. For an extra challenge, consider adding a set of dumbbells.

Warm-up: Three to five minutes of rowing without the foot straps (this fires up the core even more). Start slow, and be sure to keep your toes connected to the footplate. If you don't have access to a rowing machine, warm up with a stationary bike, treadmill, or walking in place.

Exercise 1: 15 to 20 reps of squats + arms reach up overhead

Exercise 2: 10 to 15 reps of tempo push-ups (three counts down, one count up)

Exercise 3: 10 to 15 reps each leg of side plank + knee drives (In a side plank, bring the top knee to meet the elbow and lengthen)

Exercise 4: 10 to 15 alternating straight-leg toe touches

Exercise 5: 30 seconds of a hollow hold

If you do this workout three times a week, Crawford says, you should start to feel results in about six to eight weeks. "You'll feel stronger first, then you'll start to see progress in your performance, and then you'll start to see results," Crawford says.

If you're unfamiliar with these exercises, here's how to do them:

Side plank + knee drive

Alternating straight-leg toe touches

Hollow Hold

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Which exercises help sculpt your abs, and how to do them at home - INSIDER

(Reuters Health) - - People who follow low-carb or low-fat diets may not live longer - unless theyre also careful to avoid junk food and sweets, a U.S. study suggests.

Researchers followed 37,233 adults for two decades starting when they were 50 years old, on average. During the study, 4,866 people died, or about 13% of participants.

Overall, mortality rates were similar for people who followed low-carb or low-fat diets and those who didnt, researchers report in JAMA Internal Medicine.

However, the risk of premature death did appear lower for people on these diets who consumed healthier foods like plant proteins, unsaturated fats and high-quality carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. In contrast, mortality was higher for people whose diets included lots of saturated fats and animal protein.

The health benefits of a low-carb diet may not only depend on the types of protein and fat, but also the quality of carbohydrate remaining in the diet, said study leader Dr. Zhilei Shan of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.

Among low-carb dieters, people who got the most calories from unhealthy foods were 16% more likely to die during the study than people with the healthiest diets.

With low-fat diets, people who got the most calories from unhealthy foods were 12% more likely to die.

The findings are drawn from responses to national dietary surveys conducted from 1999 to 2014. Participants were asked to recall everything they ate in the previous 24 hours, providing a snapshot of their eating habits.

During the study period, 849 people died from heart disease and 1,068 died of cancer. Several types of cancer and many cardiovascular diseases are associated with unhealthy diets.

The study wasnt designed to prove whether or how any specific eating habits might help people live longer, or have the opposite effect.

One limitation of the analysis is that researchers could only score participants diet quality based on their recollection of a single days food intake, and its possible some people changed their eating habits over time.

Its not completely clear what happens in the body when people consume different types of carbs or fats that might impact longevity, said Kevin C. Maki, a researcher at Indiana University School of Public Health in Bloomington who wasnt involved in the study.

Eating lots of saturated fats, for example, might raise cholesterol, and consuming more unsaturated fats might help lower cholesterol, Maki said by email. High cholesterol is one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Beyond this, people who eat well may have other healthy habits that help them live longer.

People who have a higher-quality diet tend to exercise more, have lower body weight, are less likely to smoke and drink alcohol to excess, and are more likely to undergo recommended health testing.

The study shows there can be both good and bad low-carb or low-fat diets, said Andrew Mente of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, who wasnt involved in the study.

Its more about selecting whole natural or minimally-processed foods, regardless of the amount of carbs or fat, Mente said by email. This would translate into a diet that may include a variety of whole foods in various combinations including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and fish as well as whole fat dairy and unprocessed red meat and poultry.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2RcMESR JAMA Internal Medicine, online January 21, 2020.

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Not all low-carb, low-fat diets help you live longer - Reuters

Daniel Grill/Getty Images Fit for Life DietThe keto diet. You've probably heard of it by now.

It's the low-carb, high-fat diet that caught on and spread quickly, leading some to label it as a fad, while others praised its effectiveness.

The new year brings in anannual flood of personalhealth goals, and for those trying to lose weight, the keto diet might have come into consideration. Is it effective? More importantly, is ithealthy?

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Before making any commitments to keto, it's important to understand what you're getting yourself into.In addition to whatthe health professionals below have to say about keto, it's important to consult your doctor before embarking on any high-fat diets.

Though there are slightly different versions of the ketogenic diet, it's primarily based on a low intake of carbohydrates coupled with a high intake of fat and protein.

Generally, this means people on the diet get70% to 80% of their daily calories from fat, about 20%from protein and about 5%from carbs.

The decreased intake of carbs forces the body into the state of ketosis,in which fat becomes the main provider of fuel for the body.

Though similar, keto is not the same as the Paleo and Atkins diets, which also feature low-carb routines.

The diet has been associated with effective weight loss, but it doesn't necessarily get the approval from doctors.

"I wouldn't recommend the keto diet to anybody," Jeffrey Mechanick, medical director at Mount Sinai Heart's Marie-Jose and Henry R. Kravis Center for ClinicalCardiovascular Health,told USA TODAY.

When it comes to dissecting popular diets such as keto, doctors stress the importanceof knowing the difference between weight loss and genuine overall health.

Reducing your intake of carbs, as the keto diet does, goes hand-in-hand with reducing intake of whole grains, fruits and some vegetables, which raises red flags for health professionals.

"That's where Iget a little concerned about the keto diet," Vasanti Malik, adjunct assistant professor of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told USA TODAY.

"You want to be mindful, because these foods whole grains, fruits and vegetables carry a number of beneficial nutrients vitamins, polyphenols, fiber that have been shown time and time again to be beneficial for cardiometabolic health."

As the keto diet essentially nixes the body's intake of carbs, the bodysearches for an alternative source of fuel. Before long, the body breaksdown fat,muscle and tissues to sustain itself, Mechanick said.

"In theory, the keto diet basically mimics starvation," Mechanick said."If you don't eat carbohydrates but you eat an excessive amount of fat and protein, you're still going to waste tissue. Tissue is still going to burn off."

Yes, you might experience weight loss on the keto diet,but that might not actually be good for you, considering what you giveup.

"I don't feel particularly comfortable telling people to reduce intake of things that we know offer benefits for health," Malik said.

Diet-driven peoplemight find this part hard to digest.

Doctors are moving away from what we traditionally think of as a "diet," one with specific restrictions or calorie goals. Instead, theypromotea healthier overall lifestyle.

"The vernacular is changing," Mechanick said. "We try not to even use the word 'diet.' We try to use the phrase 'eating pattern.'"

There's a "rebound" issue with many fad diets such as keto, Malik said. You go on the diet, lose weight, but what happens after that? Most people struggle to stick with it.

"Without a realistic lifestyle change, the individual is going to regain the weight," she said.

The answer might not be a traditional "diet" at all,but there are changes you can make to shed weight while leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

The importance comes in the quality of the foods you eat, not necessarily the number of calories you consume, Malik said. She favors eating patterns that don't abide by a restrictive calorie count, because they generally help people stick with the pattern longer.

Mechanick recommends minimizing your intake of two types of carbs sugars and starches while boosting another: fiber. High-fiber foods,including vegetables, low-glycemic index fruits, beans and nuts, are instrumental to a healthy eating pattern, he said.

"If you can get it up to seven to 10 servings a day, that's great," he said."You can't do that with the keto diet."

Malik urges people trying to lose weightto target foodssuch as whole grains, fruits, vegetables andnuts, while limiting saturated fat, added sugar and added sodium. Balance those practices with daily physical exercise, and you've established a solid base for weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.Althoughshe argues against daily calorie counting, Malik urges caution about portion sizes there's no use in overeating. Avoid appetizers andsnacks in front of screens, and limit meals to one plate of food, the American Heart Association advises.

Losing weight has its benefits, both in a physical and mental sense. But when striving to eat well and hit the treadmill, don't lose sight of what it means to be healthy.

"People have to be content,"Mechanick said."They have to be fulfilled. That's what being healthy and productiveis, and that's really the endpoint."

Follow USA TODAY's Jay Cannon on Twitter: @JayTCannon

Related video: The 12 Best Weight Loss Tips, According to a Nutritionist (Provided by Health.com)

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Keto diet isn't the answer for weight loss, experts say. Here's what is - msnNOW

At 47, Gwyneth Paltrow is thriving. Her skin is glowing, her hair is shiny, and she looks incredibly fit. So its only natural to wonder what she eats on a regular basis. Is she living off an all-organic diet, with a few jade egg-level unusual foods in the mix? Does she secretly eat total junk?

Paltrows former personal chef, Kate McAloon, revealed in a 2017 interview that her family eats as healthy as youd expect. They are very strict. They avoided any sugars, anything sweet, no dairy, just more vegetables, McAloon said. But, she ended up bending the rules a little. When I got there I was trying to stick to the brief and I realized as I started adding more ingredients in, they said, Your food is getting better! she recalled. Thats what happens when you eat more than grass.

Now, in a new video with Harpers Bazaar, Paltrow says she has pretty much become more of an omnivore. Heres what the Goop founders diet looks like in a typical day.

Paltrow told Harpers Bazaar that she starts her day with a large glass or two of water. Then, I sit down with my computer at the kitchen table before the kids wake up, she said. Next up is coffee and some quiet time with her husband as they look ahead to their workday.

Im not a big breakfast person, Paltrow said. Ill eat brunch sometimes late on a weekend but, after I take my kids to school, I go straight to the gym and I always have a big thing of water at the gym.

Paltrow said she puts two GoopGlow super powders into her water for vitamin C and for skinits like my morning orange juice.

Paltrow said on her Goop podcast in 2018 that, on a normal day, Ill have a smoothie for breakfast. She tries to find something that has good fat, protein, and fiber. Among her go-tos: A cacao and almond butter smoothie with spinach and protein powder. If shes in a rush, shell have a peanut butter protein bar.

Paltrow said this is very rare these days but, if she has a hangover, she told Harpers Bazaar that she tries to have an egg sandwich or something that will help me through it.

Paltrow told Harpers Bazaar that shes big on a salad with some protein, although sometimes shell eat something thats being tested in the Goop kitchen, like a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce.

Usually around three or four, Ill hit the snack cupboard at the Goop office, Paltrow said. There, shell grab something salty and crunchy, like cashews or pretzels.

She also likes to have a cup of green tea. That will hold me through til dinner, she said.

Paltrow said on her Goop podcast that shes a little looser with dinner. For dinner, I have whatever I want, she said. But I do always try to avoid highly-processed foods and high-fructose corn syrup.

I cook every weekend, but during the week, its hard because of my job, she told Shape. I have a bunch of chicken dishes and pasta go-tos, and I do a lot of stir-fry for the kids. I always keep cooked brown rice in the fridge. Then it takes two minutes to chop up some vegetables, make a nice sauce, and youre done.

Shes also into one-pot dinners, like chicken in a Dutch oven with root vegetables and potatoes underneath. I like to eat dinner on the early side, she told Harpers Bazaar. Ive gotten real geriatric about that 6:00, 6:30 dinner.

I love French fries, which is a well-known fact, Paltrow said. French fries are sort of my favorite meal. Theyre technically a side, but I guess I could eat them for a mealand I would.

And, like the rest of us, sometimes she needs a nightcap. Ive been trying not to drink so much on weeknights, because its such an easy habit to fall into, Paltrow said. But sometimes, work is tough, and you just need one. Her drink of choice: a Gibson, (a vodka martini with cocktail onions) or whiskey on the rocks.

Because she eats such healthy meals, Paltrow says she can feel it after indulging in processed foods and booze, per a 2017 interview with Womens Health. But at the same time, you want deliciousness, you want a fun lifepleasure! Youre going to have a baguette-and-cheese-and-red-wine frenzy sometimesbut you want it to be a choice youre awake to: I know this might not make me feel great, but today Im choosing it anyway.

Like what you just read? Youll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, and were on Instagram too.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Shared What She Eats in a Typical DayAnd Its Surprisingly Simple - Prevention.com