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20 People Explain Exactly How They Lost 20+ Pounds This Year | Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Deciding to go on the journey of losing weight and changing your health can be a difficult decision to make and an even more difficult process to maintain.

Because of this, it can be extremely helpful to have support and encouragement along the way. If you're on your journey or thinking about getting started, we've got some extra inspiration for you.

Here are 20 success stories from people who lost 20 pounds or more this year. And for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out The 7 Healthiest Foods To Eat Right Now.

"I lost over 50 pounds in a period of about 8 months, and the biggest change I implemented was with my lunch during the workweek. I found that my lunch at work was my worst meal of the day. I went from eating fast food each day to meal prepping grilled chicken, vegetables, and nuts (almonds) for the week."

"Not only did I reduce my calorie intake by almost 800 calories for just that meal, but I also found myself not as hungry throughout the day because I was getting a good ratio of protein, carbs, and healthy fats." Jeff Moriarty, who lost 50 pounds

RELATED:14 Lunch Habits That Help You Lose Weight

"I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019, and having the accountability of everyday workouts and a community through Onnit was an absolute god-send for my road back to health and recovery. I participated in workouts on a daily basis that were engaging, but also nourishing, teaching me the importance of proper mobility and recovery."

"If you'd like, you can hear more about my health journey on my podcast!" Seth Marcus, who lost weight with Onnit

RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

"Things like meal prep and finding a supportive community were some of the keys to my success. I learned it all through the Onnit 6 Challenge, and the Onnit community continues to give me the tools and support I need for my results to be sustainable." Angie Sanders, who lost weight with the Onnit Challenge

"Being frustrated by my lack of progress and excessive snacking were some of my greatest challenges, so I set out to address each one of those obstacles."

"I started nightly meditation and breathing exercises, and have learned to be kind toward myself, remind myself how far I've come, and go into every day with a plan. Having a plan each day and tracking my intake through Lose It! has helped me avoid mindless snacking."- Daniel Acevedo, who lost weight with the Lose It! app

"I had a hard time doing normal tasks such as walking up stairs and playing with my daughter, so I began tracking my meals and getting in daily exercise using Lose It!"

"I realized I was drinking so many of my daily calories, so now I drink around 150 ounces of water each day. I log my food for the day each morning so I know what to expect throughout the day. I also make sure to get in some form of exercise every day." Michael Murphy, who's lost 110 pounds

RELATED: Major Side Effect Of Not Drinking Enough Water

"I have lost 101 pounds so far, and I did that by drinking a gallon of water every day, taking classes 5-6 times a week, and focusing on my cardio. I did weight loss challenges at The Camp Transformation Center and learned to really push myself every time even when it got hard and I wanted to give up."

"To maintain my healthy lifestyle, I've limited my alcohol intake, tried cutting out a lot of processed foods, fast food, junk food, continued to drink a lot of water, and continued my workout routine." Alex Alvarez, who has lost 102 pounds

"I've lost 70 pounds so far and I've done it through changing my eating habits by following the nutritional guidelines at The Camp Transformation Center."

"I'm more conscious of what I eat and what I put into my body. I don't eat rice as much, even though you know us Filipinos love our rice. I now sometimes substitute my rice with salad instead. At the end of the day, it was dedication, consistency, and the eating habits I changed that helped me lose the weight." Gian Muya, who lost 70 pounds

"I lost 20 pounds this year after gaining weight during Covid. I decided to try an Isagenix program, even though I was hesitant because of the price. It was a tough 30-day regiment and I had to completely change the way I was eating. I cut out dairy, red meat, alcohol, and in the first 30 days I lost 14 pounds."

"I decided to continue the plan but phased a few alcoholic drinks in here and there (just clear alcohol like vodka or tequila if I went out with friends). In May, I lost another 6 pounds."

"It really taught me to eat differently in a sustainable way. I can now go into a restaurant and know what to order. I treat myself occasionally, but I realize that my body doesn't really crave a lot of the stuff it used to anymore." Erin Talbot, who lost 20 pounds

"The biggest thing with my weight loss was getting my diet under control. Previously, every burger was a double cheeseburger, every scoop of potatoes and cheese had a second one behind it. Dessert was a 'yes, please!' But I realized no amount of exercise can undo this."

"I also found intermittent fasting to be a game-changer for me. It turns your body off fat-creation mode and puts it into fat-burning mode."

"And finally, regular exercise was a necessary part of it for me. It's not about being a gym rat, although I kind of am, it's just using your physical body to become stronger and healthier." Ben Nettleton, who lost 35 pounds

RELATED: Try This Intermittent Fasting Tip To Lose Stubborn Fat, Expert Says

"Because of my occupation (recipe developer), making large lifestyle changes just wasn't an option, but I started to make a conscious effort to control portion sizes by using small plates."

"I also eat all of my veggies and proteins first and then if I am still hungry, add carbs. Lastly, and the biggest change for my journey was daily exercise. I make sure to do a 30 minutes run/walk combo every morning on my Nordictrack." Jessica Formicola, who lost 35 pounds

"My buddies and I actually made a bet to see who could get in shape the fastest. I know it may sound strange, but I believe that to achieve your health goals, you have to make it about something bigger than you. Making a pact made me do the things I said I was going to do even when no one else was watching."

"I used a free app called MyFitnessPal and input my goal of losing weight. I tracked my daily calorie intake while still getting enough macronutrients to gain muscle. I also made sure I hit my step count by adding a 1-hour walk alongside my steps at work. My accountability started to slip so I hired a personal trainer who kept me accountable to my workout."- Kawan Karadaghi, who lost 22 pounds

"I recently lost over 30 pounds just by doing some very basic things. I learned to manage my portion control, track my daily calories, and change the types of desserts I have after meals."

"I'm not a big workout or exercise person, but I try to walk a few miles on the weekends if possible, nothing crazy! I've found that sticking to the basics and being aware of your caloric intake vs. what you burn in a day is all you really need sometimes." Sarah Levy, who lost over 30 pounds

"I lost over 100 pounds in the past 3 years from CycleBar. I was looking for a way to up my fitness game to actually see results and lose some weight. I started noticing results and fell in love with the classes at CycleBar, that I quickly decided to apply to become an instructor and teach my own classes!" Amy Schuerman, who lost 100 pounds

"I've gone from 265 pounds to 213 pounds, and I did this by making some key changes in my life. I gave up soft drinks, limited my intake of processed sugar, spent more time outside, and made more meals at home from scratch." Baron Christopher-who lost over 50 pounds

RELATED: If You Drink Soda, This Is What It Does To Your Body

"The biggest thing I did to jump-start my weight loss was meal planning. Having a plan each week for what I would be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a fridge stocked with food for those meals was a game-changer. Instead of running out for fast food at lunchtime, grabbing a last-minute pastry with my morning coffee, or calling for takeout because I was too tired to figure out what was for dinner I followed the plan I had made."

"This truly changed everything for me. Most of my unhealthy eating stemmed from choosing unhealthy foods in the moment when I was too hungry or tired to think about a better choice." Kristen, who lost over 20 pounds

"I came from a large, southern family who indulged in unhealthy foods and couldn't find time to make nutritious meals with their busy schedules. As an adult, I found myself falling into the same bad habits and weighing about 200 pounds."

"I discovered Pure Barre back in 2017 after taking advantage of a free week of classes and have been a member ever since. The welcoming atmosphere and encouragement from the studio's community have helped me overcome the intimidation of exercise and negative perceptions of my body." Allison Schweickert, who lost 50 pounds

"I was 49-years-old and 245 pounds when I was diagnosed with neuropathy diabetes. I reached out to Medi-Weightloss and the staff there taught me healthy eating habits, meal prep, how to monitor my blood pressure, and gave me ideas for exercise routines that would change my life for the better."

"I enjoy going for my hour-long morning walks and eating my favorite whole foods, and I feel more confident in holding myself accountable." Rachelle Rivera, who lost 85 pounds

"I am 44 years old and I have lost weight with WW and intuitive eating. I followed their program and I did very light exercises. It was the first time I really considered how hungry I was and why I was eating what I was eating." Pesha Perlsweig, who lost weight with WW (formerly Weight Watchers)

RELATED: Ways Intuitive Eating Can Help You Lose Weight, Say Dietitians

"It's been a wild ride, but something that really helped me was discovering intermittent fasting, as well as realizing I wanted to limit my meat intake to chicken, pork, and bacon only on special occasions." Leslie Jacobs, who lost over 100 pounds

"I started with power walking every morning, 6 days a weekrain, heatwave, or shine. To amp that up, I threw in taking the stairs more. Walking in the door with a sweat is key after every walk."

"I then cut out things like rice and bread and mashed potatoesthat 3rd part I'm still working on. I also replaced fast food with smoothies, and learned to never skip a meal as well as enjoy fun cheat days."

"Another important thing I did for my weight loss journey was cut out negative friendships and any old negative thinking patterns." Sam Russel, who lost over 45 pounds

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20 People Explain Exactly How They Lost 20+ Pounds This Year | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Michael Mosley: Reason you need to eat protein for weight loss – and how much to eat – Express

Posted: October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Weight loss can be hard for many, with results taking time to show and it taking a lot of determination. However, eating a protein-rich diet could help aid slimmers, with protein keeping the body fuller for longer as well as support a healthy metabolism.

Some people may also opt for protein shakes or protein bars to help them increase their intake of the macronutrient.

For those who are vegetarian and looking to follow Dr Mosleys Fast 800 weight loss plan, he said: We do have meal replacement shakes which are very rich in protein, and were also aiming to produce protein boosters, to help people who might otherwise struggle with it.

While protein can help slimmers lose weight, it is also an important macronutrient for building muscle.

The expert explained: The reason for protein is you need it for your muscle.

The amino acids in protein help to repair and maintain muscle tissue and help you recover from working out.

Dr Mosley added: You also need it for all sorts of essential metabolic processes, and also because when you consume it, its digested slower by the body so you dont get the same sort of peaks.

There have been several studies over the years to determine the relationship with weight loss and protein.

One 2011 study in obese men, who consumed 25 percent of calories from protein, detailed increased feelings of fullness as well as reduced late at night snacking desires.

As well as helping aid weight loss, according to Healthline protein can also prevent weight gain.

It said: A high-protein intake helps you build and preserve muscle mass, which burns a small number of calories around the clock.

Eating more protein makes it much easier to stick to any weight loss diet, be it high-carb, low-carb, or something in-between.

While it is important to eat protein-rich meals, consuming high-protein snacks can also help slimmers stay on track.

Dr Mosley said: I find that if youre eating something which has plenty of fibre in it and plenty of nutrients, I really dont get hungry at all.

I would go for a small handful of nuts or something like that, it really takes the edge away.

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Michael Mosley: Reason you need to eat protein for weight loss - and how much to eat - Express

Nutritionist warns against breakfast cereals when trying to lose weight – ‘Not healthy!’ – Express

Posted: October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

For some, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for others, they simple cannot eat it and wait until lunchtime to break an overnight fast. Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to James Collier, Co-Founder and Head of Sustainable Nutrition at Huel about the benefits of having breakfast and the best foods you should be eating first thing in the morning if you want to lose weight or are on a weight loss journey.

Summing up Huel in one sentence, James said: Huel is nutritionally complete food in a convenient form that contains all essential nutrients.

He went onto explain why Huel was set up: Julian [Hearn] who is the main founder of Huel found that sometimes preparing food can be quite an arduous task, and time consuming.

For that reason, people are going to less nutritious alternatives, just because they're quick and convenient and fill a gap.

So if we can satisfy convenience with something that's healthy, then that solves that problem. So I was contacted as a nutritionist seven years ago, and we went from there.

As for what makes Huel different from other brands, the nutritionist explained: Huel is in a growing space, there are some other [competitors] out there. But primarily ours are vegan suitable - others arent.

And also, the choices of ingredients rather are optimal for keeping people full, providing good nutrition is the best forms of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and it's convenient and tasty.

Shop Huel nutrition here.

READ MORE:Meghan Markle: The exercise she says changed her body instantly

It's also designed by professional, nutritionists, James added.

Huels main products are powders which you add water to and some have raised concerns about being on a full or part liquid diet when trying to lose weight.

James response was: People can have Huel as much or as little as they'd like to fit in with their lifestyle, routine.

So, we don't like the term meal replacement, because you wouldn't say 'I'm not going to have fish and chips tonight, I'm going to replace it with a pizza'.

Same as you wouldn't replace Huel with fish and chips and vice versa. You'd have Huel or fish and chips.

We don't just do the powdered foods, we've got the ready to drink, we've also got bars as well, and our hot and savoury products, which is something that you use hot water, leave for a few minutes and eat with a spoon so it's closer to what people recognise as food, he revealed.

In terms of the benefits of breakfasts versus fasting until mid-morning or lunchtime, James said: Some people get on well with fast, but obviously it depends on the time you've had the last meal of the previous day, if you've had it about five oclock, then having breakfast can be more advantageous.

But you've just fasted for a long time, most people fast for at least 12 hours, so it provides nutrients first thing to give people energy.

Obviously the right sort of breakfast is ideal, he continued. If you're just going to have sugar filled with a high glycemic index, which is basically the speed that carbs breakdown, cereals, that's not going to be very filling.

Some people like a 16 hour fast as they used to that, maybe they're better adapted to it and that's fine.

Getting some nourishment can sort of help stabilise blood sugar levels.

But as I mentioned, it's got to be the right source. The breakfast cereals which are available are often dressed up to be healthy - the addition of B vitamins and iron on the label - but really, the carbs that they're made out of break down really quickly, so it's going to cause an energy surge after a period of fasting, and then that then you're going to get the slump, James explained.

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Huel Powder v3.0-Huel Powder v3.0 is a nutritionally complete meal in powdered form. Just mix with water in the free shaker provided and consume. Its nutritious food ready in under a minute with flavours that include Vanilla, Banana, Chocolate, Berry, Mint Chocolate, Coffee and Salted Caramel. From 1.32 per meal, each pouch contains 17 meals, and customers can scale portions up or down to whatever size they need.

Huel Black Edition- Huel Black Edition is packed with 33 percent more protein than Huel Powder v3.0. Ready to go in under a minute, and a lower-carb option as compared to Huel Powder v3.0, it is perfect for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen. Flavours include Vanilla, Coffee Caramel, Chocolate, Banana, Salted Caramel and Strawberries & Cream. From 1.47 per meal, each pouch contains 17 meals but portions are totally flexible.

Huels guide to fat loss

There are no quick and easy fixes for fat loss, but it can be simple, Huel says.

The first thing that needs to be done is defining your goal, most people say they want to lose weight but what does this mean? When we commonly talk about losing weight, we really mean that the goal is to lose fat.

How do I lose fat?

To lose or burn fat you need to consume fewer calories than your body uses.

When your body doesnt have enough calories for energy it uses the energy stored as glycogen in your muscle first, then your fat stores.

Huel recommends you aim to lose one pound of fat per week, any more and it gets hard; see the numbers below:

Huel also explains how it is important to get all essential nutrients in your diet: Your health is vitally important, not just your waistline.

The best diet is the one you can stick to, the brand adds.

Shop Huel here.

This article containsaffiliatelinks, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more detailshere.

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Nutritionist warns against breakfast cereals when trying to lose weight - 'Not healthy!' - Express

From Healthy Heart To Strengthening Muscles, Check Out These Benefits of Brisk Walking – India.com

Posted: October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Walking has always been the best method to stay fit and healthy. Various studies have shown the improvement of mental and physical health by brisk walking. This is one of the most common aerobic exercises that people usually practise. Faster pace has numerous health benefits.Also Read - Want to Lose Weight? Try Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss, Says Study

The fast pace of walking is known as brisk walking. A lot of people prefer brisk walking as it has a combination of different forms of walking fast-paced, jogging leisure walking. However, it is important to get the technique right. Heres the right way of doing it: Also Read - Can a Toxic Liver Affect Your Health? Heres What We Know

Here are five benefits of brisk walking: Also Read - Benefits of Running VS Benefits of Jumping Rope Which Workout Style is More Effective For Weight Loss?

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From Healthy Heart To Strengthening Muscles, Check Out These Benefits of Brisk Walking - India.com

Why is intermittent fasting gaining popularity? Here’s all you need to know – Mumbai Live

Posted: October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

These days intermittent fasting is gaining popularity with Bollywood celebrities like Varun Dhawan, Bharti Singh, Malaika Arora Khan, Alia Bhatt, etc., following the trend.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is what people are following these days to improve their health, lose weight and make their lifestyle simple.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is when people change their eating patterns and the timings between fasting and eating.This type of fasting does not tell you what to eat but rather when and to eat.

How is intermittent fasting done?

People who follow intermittent fasting extend their fast for a little longer. They usually fast for 16-hours every day while eating for 8-hours. This can be by skipping breakfast, having lunch at noon, and dinner by 8 PM.

Its effects on hormones and cells:

Repeatedly, the levels of growth hormone increases which benefits one in losing fats and muscle gain.

Due to intermittent fasting, the levels of insulin drop, and insulin sensitivity improves. While fasting, the cells start the cellular repair process, following which cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins which are built up inside the cells.

How does intermittent fasting benefit weight loss?

This is one of the most common reasons why people choose intermittent fasting. Since one consumes fewer meals each day, the calorie intake reduces, resulting in weight loss. It also helps in increasing the metabolic rate.

However, if one eats a massive amount of food during the eating period, it does not help in losing weight. The reason why intermittent fasting is successful is that it makes you eat fewer calories.

Dos of intermittent fasting:

Don'tsof intermittent fasting:

Who should avoid intermittent fasting:

One must take care of the side effects and follow this fasting under proper guidance. Hunger is the main side effect of this type of fasting.Few people also start feeling weak which can also be temporary since the body takes time to adapt to new eating patterns.If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, problems in blood regulation, underweight, under any other medications, etc. should follow after talking to your doctor.

Well, we hope this helps you in intermittent fasting, and you are successful in following this trend!

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Why is intermittent fasting gaining popularity? Here's all you need to know - Mumbai Live

6 reasons why Intermittent Fasting is not working for you – Times of India

Posted: October 12, 2021 at 1:54 am

Basically, intermittent fasting is when a person, looking to lose weight, cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It is more about the 'when', rather than the 'what' aspect of a diet. This means that intermittent fasting limits one's food intake to a shortened time window, which aids in reducing the consumption of excess calories.

The most popular methods of intermittent fasting are:

The 16:8 method - This involves restricting your eating to an eight hours window, wherein you fast for 16 hours.

Eat-Stop-Eat - This method demands fasting for 24 hours and should be done once or twice a week.

The 5:2 diet - This diet programme allows a person to eat only 500600 calories on two nonconsecutive days of the week, whereas they can eat normally on other remaining days.

While there are many Intermittent fasting methods you can resort to, there are mistakes you may commit that may hinder your weight loss process.

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6 reasons why Intermittent Fasting is not working for you - Times of India

The #1 Way to Build Immunity, Say Experts | Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: October 12, 2021 at 1:54 am

If Google searches held their weight in gold, "How to strengthen your immune system" would be the equivalent of the great California rushparticularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there's no magic bullet for improving your immunity, you can take one easy step to seriously shore up your body's defenses against disease. Here's what experts say is the #1 way to build immunity. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.

Experts say you can do several things to support your immune system, including:

But there's one habit that's probably the best to add to your routine.

The #1 thing you can do to aid your immune system is to eat a healthy dietone that's rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and low in processed foods, added sugar, and sodium.

Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that directly support the immune system, including two of the most important: vitamin D and vitamin C. Look to whole foods, not supplements, first. "While vitamins and supplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up on essential nutrients is to get them straight from food," says the Cleveland Clinic. "Your body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients better when they come from a dietary source." Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain many micronutrients and natural plant chemicals that may work together synergistically to produce benefits in the body.

Diets high in processed foods, added sugar and sodium increase your risk for overweight or obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressureall conditions that tax the immune system.

RELATED: Delta Symptoms Usually Appear Like This

There's strong evidence that Vitamin C supports immunity. "Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system," wrote researchers behind a 2017 study published in the journal Nutrients. "Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections."

Good food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, berries, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts.

RELATED: This Blood Type Puts You at Risk for Dementia

The National Institutes of Health notes that vitamin D helps regulate immune function, while the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says that lab studies indicate vitamin D can help control infections, reduce inflammation, and slow cancer cell growth.

Good sources for vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel; egg yolks; liver; and fortified milk. That said, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, so taking a vitamin D supplement (after consulting your doctor) can be beneficial.

Vitamin D has a fan in Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert. "There is good evidence that if you have a low vitamin D level, that you have more of a propensity to get infected when there are infections around," he said last fall. "Those data are pretty good data." And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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The #1 Way to Build Immunity, Say Experts | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Do Brain Supplements Actually Work? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Posted: October 12, 2021 at 1:54 am

Better memory. Improved focus. Lower odds of developing dementia. Brain health is big business. A 2019 report by the Global Counsel on Brain Health projected that by 2023, people will spend more than $5 billion a year globally on brain health supplements.

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

But can popping a pill really boost your brainpower? The research in this area is in its infancy, says dietitian Maxine Smith, RDN, LD. We dont yet have the data we need to make a recommendation about whether brain supplements work. And there are some safety concerns.

Heres what you should know before you buy supplements for your brain.

Many of the ingredients in brain health supplements have been tied to brain health in some way. But much of the evidence comes from research on food and diet, not supplements, Smith says.

There are more than 25,000 bioactive substances in food, which work together to protect your body including your brain and processes that affect your brain, Smith says. Taking just one or two of those vitamins or chemicals isnt going to be a cure-all.

Still, you might be wondering about the link between common brain booster ingredients and brain health. Heres what the science says.

Omega-3s are a type of healthy fats that are important for several body functions. Theyre found in fatty fish, shellfish and plant sources like walnuts and flaxseed. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, and scientists are studying whether they may also benefit the brain.

But theres not enough research to say that a supplement has the same benefits as omega-3 fatty acids from foods, Smith says. Its probably a better bet to just order the salmon.

Researchers have explored the link between cognition and vitamins B6, B9 and B12. But so far, there isnt evidence that B vitamins improve cognition or prevent dementia. Most people get plenty of B vitamins from their diet, Smith says.

Some older adults are deficient in B12, however. In that case, a supplement could benefit overall health, including brain health. If you are taking a daily multivitamin, its likely providing enough B-12, but its always best to discuss supplements with your physician before taking, she says.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. In people who already have dementia, a daily supplement of vitamin E may slow the rate of decline.

And theres some evidence that people who eat a diet rich in vitamin E may be less likely to develop dementia. But its not clear whether supplements would have the same benefit.

Whats more, too much vitamin E can be harmful. High doses of vitamin E supplements are associated with an increased risk of death, Smith says. Instead of supplements, she recommends a vitamin E-rich diet, with foods like nuts, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils like sunflower and corn oil.

Vitamins A, C and D are often included in products that claim to benefit the brain. But while these vitamins are important for overall health, theres no evidence that they boost memory, cognition or brain health. That being said, vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin and many of us arent getting enough. Vitamin D is a good one to discuss with your physician.

Ginkgo is an herb thats long been popular as a supplement for cognitive health. But a large study of more than 3,000 participants found that ginkgo was no better than a placebo at preventing dementia in older adults. And in people who already had dementia, ginkgo didnt do anything to slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Plus, ginkgo could interact negatively with other medications. In other words, you should probably skip this herb.

What about all those over-the-counter brain supplements that claim theyre proven to benefit your brain? Take those claims with a grain of salt, Smith says.

Supplements are loosely regulated in the U.S., so theres no guarantee they do what they claim to do. The studies done by manufacturers arent always well-designed, Smith says. And some supplements might contain ingredients at doses that could be harmful. They might even be tainted with contaminants like heavy metals that can be dangerous, she adds.

Someday researchers might identify a blend of ingredients that does wonders for your gray matter. But in the meantime, there are more effective ways to keep your brain healthy:

As were living longer and our population is aging, more people are concerned with protecting cognition, Smith says. Theres no magic pill, but healthy lifestyle choices can do a lot to benefit your brain.

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Do Brain Supplements Actually Work? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Eating to Extinction review: Are our bland diets bad for the world? – New Scientist

Posted: October 12, 2021 at 1:54 am

By Gege Li

The foraging of Hadza honey inTanzania is under threat due toincreasing demand for land

Katiekk2/Getty Images

Book

Eating to Extinction

Dan Saladino

OUR diets are more homogenous than at any other point in human history, says food journalist Dan Saladino. Particularly in the West, a revolution in farming methods since the second world war has led us to a point where much of what we eat comes from just a few established varieties of crops and animals, controlled by a handful of companies.

This has undoubtedly had many benefits for humanity, making food supplies more predictable, cheaper and more accessible, and helping to curb malnutrition. Yet in his new book, Eating to Extinction: The worlds rarest foods and why we need to save them, Saladino argues that it has also pushed thousands of little-known foods, many with beneficial characteristics or rich historical and cultural significance, to the brink of extinction.

The human diet has undergone more change in the last 150 years (roughly six generations) than in the previous one million years (around 40,000 generations), he writes. This is worrisome, because restricting ourselves to such a narrow range of varieties diminishes the genetic variation that might protect crops and livestock from disease.

It also narrows the diversity of our gut microbiome, which is vital for our health and well-being, and risks the loss of entire culinary traditions forever. As Saladino puts it, where nature creates diversity, the food system crushes it.

Through a narrative that weaves science and history with stories spanning every corner of the globe, Saladino makes an urgent call to protect the worlds rare foods. The alternative, he warns, is a future where we lose our grip on nature and the vital services it provides, perhaps permanently.

The book is split into 10 parts, each focusing on a different category: wild foods (hunted or foraged); cereals; vegetables; meat; fish and seafood; fruit; cheese; alcohol; stimulants (tea and coffee) and sweet foods. In every chapter, Saladino highlights a few ingredients and traces their origins, meeting the people who are championing food biodiversity. Often, these individuals represent the last line of defence between a food and its extinction.

Saladino covers so much ground that it is hard to touch on even a fraction of the foods he explores. Just one example of a rare food with a remarkable story to tell is Hadza honey, foraged by some of the few remaining hunter-gatherer societies the Hadza people of Tanzania.

Through a relationship forged over millennia, the Hadza have learned to work together with honeyguide birds so both can reap the rewards of the nutritious honey found high in baobab trees.

But this special dynamic is under threat: the rising demand for land for crops and livestock is spilling into Hadza territory, putting their livelihoods at risk and depleting the supply of honey and other wild foods on which they depend. Saladino makes the impact of these potential losses clear, often rounding off a chapter with a moving story that underscores how tragic it would be if these foods ceased to exist.

Packed full of knowledge about a host of ingredients that you probably didnt even know existed, Eating to Extinction captures the urgency (and cost) of heading towards a future that is less nutritionally diverse.

We cannot afford to carry on growing crops and producing food in ways that are so violently in conflict with nature; we cant continue to beat the planet into submission, to control, dominate and all too often destroy ecosystems, Saladino concludes. The endangered foods in this book helped make us who we are; they could be foods that show us who we become.

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Eating to Extinction review: Are our bland diets bad for the world? - New Scientist

Richfield Public Schools is the first K-12 district in the country pledging to offer plant-based food options – MinnPost

Posted: October 12, 2021 at 1:54 am

It started at the snack bar. When Jodi Gruhns kids came in from the playing field, she wanted to be able to offer them healthy, tasty food options but their choices were severely limited.

I was appalled when my kids were doing sporting events to see what kind of food was there for athletes and parents, Gruhn said. There were not very many options available just blue slushies and hot dogs.

Those options were bad enough, but Gruhns two children dont eat meat, so that meant that there was often nothing available to them after the big game. And she wasnt just concerned about her own kids snack choices: Every kid should have an option of being able to choose an apple or an orange or a hot dog that is not meat-based.

Gruhns desire for more options eventually grew to encompass all food choices available to kids at her childrens school. While her kids plant-based diets are ecologically motivated, Gruhn knew that many other children in their school had other reasons to want options.

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She began volunteering for Wholesome Minnesota, a program created by the nonprofit Compassionate Action for Animals that encourages schools and other institutions in the state to provide plant-based food options for their students and employees. And this spring, she was hired as Wholesome Minnesotas coordinator. The idea around the program is to build awareness about the health, environmental and cost benefits of increasing the number of plant-based foods in institutions in Minnesota, Gruhn said.

Jodi Gruhn

One of those people Gruhn spoke with was Michael Manning, director of food and nutrition at Richfield Public Schools, whose interest in the program was based on what he was hearing from students. Students and their families had been asking us for healthier food options, Manning said. They want more culturally appropriate food and many of those options are already plant-based.

This summer, Manning signed the Forward Food Pledge, and began rolling out plant-based options in the fall, making Richfield Public Schools the first K-12 district in the county to commit to the program. It seemed like a good idea, so I signed up and committed to do it, Manning explained. They provided us with recipes to help us get the program up and running.

Michael Manning

Manning said that he and his staff have committed to, Twenty percent of the main entrees, or at least one item a week, will be plant-based. We plan to run the new dishes two times, and if a dish isnt acceptable to our kids, well end up running something else.

Listening to students

Sonny Rodriguez, the Humane Society of the United States food service innovation team coordinator, said that his organization created the Forward Food Pledge in response to what they were seeing as a growing desire among young people to eat more sustainable foods. Many K-12 schools, universities and hospitals were saying they wanted to expand what they are offering in the plant-based realm, Rodriquez said. We thought wed put together the resources to help that transition.

Much of the interest seemed to be coming from younger people, Rodriguez added. They are more focused on sustainable options. They are taking the charge as far as plant-based foods.

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Manning said he sees that trend in his own workplace. We have a Green Team on campus. We started composting in the high school cafeteria. Our student body is very health conscious. They pay a lot of attention to environmental issues.

When he was growing up in Mississippi, Manning said that he and his fellow students rarely questioned the kind of food that was served in their school cafeteria. We just came in and ate, he said. But its a different story today: With the internet and popular culture, kids understand more. They are asking more questions.

Sonny Rodriguez

Richfield is home to families from around the world, Manning said. We have a large Latino population, a growing Somali population, a decent amount of Indian students. This is a diverse population, which makes it fun for us.

Manning said that he and his staff are committed to offering food options that represent all of the cultures of the student body. Many of those foods just happen to be plant based. When you look outside a normal American diet, you discover that many dishes dont include meat, he said. Manning and his team are already offering a few options: Theres a black-bean burrito bowl, lo mein, chana masala.

Not all school food-service directors have embraced Forward Food as enthusiastically as Manning has, Gruhn said. While she is getting some requests for recipes, she added, There hasnt been the full-on embrace like Michaels.

Rodriguez said that he and his colleagues try to emphasize that offering more plant-based options to meal plans is actually adding more options for students, not taking them away. Its important to make it known throughout the school that these changes are being made for a positive reason, he said.

Richfield Public Schools

Richfield Public Schools food and nutrition workers.

One upside, Manning said, was that with so many goods and industries affected by supply-chain shortages, plant-based food options so far seem to be easier to come by. When you start looking at the recipes, you realize that the products you need arent the things that weve seen strains in supply chains with, he said. Everyones ordering chicken nuggets. Were ordering some chickpeas, some black beans. Theyre much easier to get.

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Now that students are back in school full-time, Manning said that his staff is excited to try out the new recipes. We feed students breakfast and lunch every day. In some cases, these may be the best or even the only meals they get. So its fun to be able to give them options. Its great to see their faces again, and its great to offer them good food.

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Richfield Public Schools is the first K-12 district in the country pledging to offer plant-based food options - MinnPost


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