You probably already know that you can't TV dinner your way into a healthy lifestyle. Frozen foods are quick, easy, and usually pretty affordable, but they're rarely the best way for you to get the nutrients you need. Still, even if you understand in theory that microwaving up a Costco chicken pot pie for dinner isn't the healthiest choice you could be making, you might not be exactly sure what the problem is.

Of course, there's a lot of misinformation out there. Contrary to what some may think, not all frozen foods are bad for you, and many frozen ingredients can be a key part of a healthy meal. Still, if you don't know what you're buying, you could be seriously hurting your body.

Here are some of the dangers you run the risk of exposing yourself to when you shop in the freezer aisle. For more on how to be smart about your frozen food choices, check out the 25 Best Frozen Dinners for Healthier Weeknights.

According to the CDC, more than 70% of the sodium we consume comes from processed and prepared foods like frozen meals. Eating too much sodium can increase your blood pressure, leaving you at an increased risk of stroke and/or heart disease.

Some frozen foods, especially frozen pizza and other pies, contain harmful partially hydrogenated oil, which could be putting your heart in serious danger, according to the American Heart Association. Check the ingredients of whatever frozen food you're buying to avoid this artery-clogging fate.

Many frozen foods contain MSG, which could have harmful side effects for those sensitive to it. Some research suggests the additive has the potential to give you headaches, make your uvula swell up, and cause you to break out in whole-body sweats.

Many of the most popular frozen foods are low-calorie meals like Lean Cuisines, which contain way fewer than the number of calories per meal recommended by nutritionists. When you don't get enough energy from your food, you're hurting your body. As dietitian Kimberly Gomer tells U.S. News & World Report, "The body will start sacrificing muscle, as it is more metabolically 'expensive' to maintain. So you lose weight, then break your diet and overeat."

Frozen meals' biggest advantageyou don't have to cook them yourselfis also their biggest drawback. According to a clinical nutrition study, people who cook for themselves experience more intense positive emotions, less intense negative emotions, and less worry than those who don't, so skip the TV dinner if you want to live a happy life.

A report from health watchdog Environmental Working Group estimated that a whopping 2,000 synthetic chemicals may be used in processed foods like frozen meals, and that these chemicals don't need to be approved by the FDA. "We don't know what the long-term impacts are," Dawn Undurraga, an EWG nutritionist, told Sierra Magazine. "And even the science we do have raises questions."

For more, check out the 11 Worst Frozen Foods to Always Leave on Grocery Store Shelves.

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Dangerous Side Effects of Eating Frozen Foods, According to Experts - Eat This, Not That

Immune system activity is enhanced after a viral infection such as COVID-19

Although the immune system is always working to prevent pathogens from invading the body, as well as eliminating those pathogens and generating an immunological memory, the metabolic activity of immune cell types is enhanced following a viral infection such as COVID-19. That heightened activity is accompanied by a higher demand of energy and nutrients, which come from diet, to meet the immune cells requirements.

In a new comprehensive review, Prof. Philip Calder from the University of Southampton provides an update on the role of nutrition in supporting the immune system as part of the current fight against COVID-19.

Different levels of evidence have shown the following as key nutrients involved in reducing infection risk by supporting antibacterial and antiviral defense:

The mechanisms by which each of the nutrients named above support the immune system include the strengthening of innate immune responses and antioxidant systems. Likewise, the gut microbiome also plays a role through its involvement in training the immune system and avoiding excessive inflammatory responses to pathogenic organisms. Furthermore, it has been shown to be altered in patients with COVID-19.

Although zinc and selenium have been shown to be particularly relevant for supporting antiviral defense, there is no single nutrient or diet that will prevent people getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or have an impact on mortality in COVID-19. The immune system plays a central role in protecting against infection, but due to its complexity and the multiple ways in which it deals with viruses, the best advice is to consume a healthy, diverse and well-balanced diet that will provide the nutrients required to achieve a healthy gut microbiome, which can also benefit the immune system.

Considering that some patients with COVID-19 have been shown to have an altered gut microbiome, coupled with gastrointestinal symptoms, probiotics could be used as means of reducing bacterial translocation and secondary infection. However, even though probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to improve immune function and enhance the response to some vaccinations, it is still early to conclude whether the gut microbiome plays a therapeutic role in preventing or treating COVID-19.

In some COVID-19 patients, an excessive inflammatory reaction (called a cytokine storm) can occur as a compensatory reaction by immune cells for dealing with lung damage. In that regard, Philip Calder acknowledges in the review that the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) seem to be relevant in resolving ongoing inflammatory processes in patients with an outbreak of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Although there is no specific evidence that nutrients alone can help protect against or lessen the effects of COVID-19, eating well and keeping a healthy weight will help the immune system cope better with the demands placed on the body before, during and after COVID-19 infection.

The World Health Organization has stressed the importance of a balanced diet to maintain a strong immune system and to avoid or minimize infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. For instance, the WHO has recommended consuming 9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, which is more than in the usual dietary recommendations.

Although micronutrients, nutraceuticals and probiotics could be of interest for enhancing immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is too early to make specific recommendations due to the small number of intervention studies that have been published.

In particular, patients with malnutrition, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseaseand especially older peopleare at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and will require personalized nutrition advice. In an attempt to provide specific nutritional advice for supporting the proper functioning of the immune system, the International Society for Immunonutrition has suggested increasing the intake of vitamin E, zinc and vitamin C in older people, along with vitamin D if they have a low serum vitamin D status.

So far, the most effective way of limiting the spread of COVID-19 is by preventing contact between people. Although several vaccines have been developed for prevention of SARS CoV-2, mass vaccination roll-out will take months. Meanwhile, nutrition should be considered in any approach to ensure that individuals immune systems are well supported, even though no nutrition studies have been published yet in the context of COVID-19.

References:

Calder PC. Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2020; 3(1):74-92. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000085.

World Health Organization. Nutrition advice for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak [cited 3 December 2020]. Available from: http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html.

Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, et al. Enhancing immunity in viral infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: a review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020; 14(4):367-382. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.04.015.

Derbyshire E, Delange J. COVID-19: is there a role for immunonutrition, particularly in the over 65s? BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2020; 3(1):100-105. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000071.

International Society for Immunonutrition. ISIN Position Statement on Nutrition, Immunity and COVID-19. 2020 March [cited 2 December 2020]. In: ISIN [Internet]. Available from: https://www.immunonutrition-isin.org/docs/isinComunicadoCovid19.pdf.

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What is the role of nutrition in immunity and host susceptibility to COVID-19? - Gut Microbiota for Health

Scary Mommy, Tom Hustoles/Burst and Wikipedia Commons

I quit smoking. I quit drinking. I even quit exercising. (Maybe I should pick that one back up.) But so help me God, Im not giving up my Diet Coke. And I dont give one shit about what you think.

Understand, I am not a diet soda addict. If a restaurant serves Pepsi, Im out. Id rather choke down a glass of flavorless, non carbonated, lifeless water before Id swish that nasty stuff in my mouth. I dont care to try your ultra-caffeinated Mountain Dew and dont dare offer me a Coke Zero because, It all tastes the same. Ummmmm, no. No thank you, it sure doesnt.

Every morning I get my kids up for school and head straight to the fridge. I grab my first can. Its cold, its refreshing and it centers me. I take my vitamins, serve up some Pop Tarts and Im on my way out the door. By the time we get to school, Im 12 ounces in and feeling great. Depending upon whether I remembered my purse or not, I may hit the McDonalds drive thru for 32 ounces of fun. Did you know McDonalds uses a special water filtration system and to pump just the right amount of carbonation into their D.C.? Well, it does. Youre welcome! Thats why its at the top of my list for a fresh one. I do miss the styrofoam cups, but I guess the environment wins.

Ill work on that one for a while. I enjoy it. I savor it. Those bubbles burst in my mouth like champagne, but that sweet taste is so much better. My husband tells me its bad for my kidneys and other things I ignore. He drinks coffee all day. That cant be much better. Plus, its all hot and my flashing self needs no more heat in my life! And, lets not forget that Im constantly looking for the sales and saving us money. Target hooks me up with 3/$12.00 on the reg. How much are you blowing on those K-Cups, pal?

And now I will rank my Diet Coke experiences. First and foremost, give me a fountain. There is nothing quite like it. I could probably live off those alone. Next, ice cold can. All day long I can pop them and never get bored. Individual bottle is next in line. They just fizz out too quickly. I mean, if its all youve got Ill take it, but its definitely not my fav. Then youve got the 2 liter. Thats my absolute last choice. Especially if its been sitting a while. It loses all of its carb and is just flat. But again, if Ive gotta gag it down, I will.

All of these people I know drink water. And they think that I should too. One, its gross. Two, it tastes like nothing. Three, I have to pee soooo much when I drink it. I have four kids, I dont have time for all that peeing. Give me the dehydration from the aspartame any day. Plus, Diet Coke is delicious!

You call me an addict. I prefer connoisseur, knowledgeable, an expert if you will. There was a time when I was addicted to Salem Slim Lights and Budweiser. Perhaps its my personality. But Ill be damned if I have to give up every vice in my life. Plus, if youre not truly passionate about something, I think it makes you boring.

You may disagree with my choices. You may think youre all healthy and stuff and one day Ill regret my D.C.s. Well guess what? Youre the one whos missing out. Youre the one whos no fun and all judgy with your coconut La Croix. Im living the high life. Im happy. I know whats best for me. Mind your business. And like they said back in the 80s, Im in it, Just for the taste of it! Diet Coke.

P.S. Your La Croix tastes like shit.

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Give Me A Diet Coke And Mind Your Business - Scary Mommy

Cashews grow on towering, tropical evergreen trees (some measure more than 40 feet tall!), but these versatile nuts can also appear in salads, stir fries, and tofu bowls and even transform into dairy-free yogurt, milk, ice cream, and queso dip.

Like other nuts, cashews provide a plethora of vitamins and minerals as well as filling protein and fiber. They're not only good for you, but also good for the planet, says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, Registered Dietitian for the Good Housekeeping Institute.

"All nuts provide a vegan source of protein that promotes a more plant-forward diet, making nuts a more sustainable choice when compared to red meat and other animal products," she says. Get the full lowdown on these nutrition-packed nuts below.

Serving Size: 1 ounce

Not only do cashews taste great and work well in vegan dishes, but they can also boost your body in a number of ways:

Stick to a 1 ounce serving (about cup) per day, Sassos recommends, and you'll reap all of the nutritional benefits of cashews.

Yes, cashews can help support a healthy diet and prevent weight gain. "Cashews and nuts in general may be high in calories, but they are also nutrient-dense and packed with a slew of vitamins and minerals," Sassos explains.

In fact, multiple studies have found that consuming nuts regularly especially in place of less healthy foods like red meat or refined carbs can help prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. The high protein and fiber content in nuts help keep people feeling fuller for longer.

While all nuts offer their own pros, almonds have the most fiber. They're also rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps support a healthy immune system.

"Brazil nuts are a less popular nut variety but are a serious nutrition powerhouse," Sassos adds. "They are an excellent source of selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce risk of developing certain cancers." What's more, you only need to eat one Brazil nut to get an entire days worth of selenium.

Roasted pistachios also deserve a special call-out. These vibrant nuts are considered a complete source of protein since they contain adequate levels of all nine essential amino acids. "I also like that pistachios with the shell take some time to eat, forcing you to slow down during snack time and eat a bit more mindfully," Sassos says.

No matter which type of nut you choose, go for a raw or roasted version that's either unsalted or lightly salted. "Pay attention to the nutrition label and ingredients list," Sassos says. "The ingredients should really only include the nut itself maybe salt and a little oil but thats it. Avoid varieties with loads of added sugar and excessively high sodium counts."

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Are Cashews Good for You? - Cashews Nutrition and Health Benefits - GoodHousekeeping.com

MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The holiday season is a cherished time of year for many; it brings family and friends together to celebrate, share stories about the present and reminisce about the past. With COVID-19 surging, this year will be different. With precautions necessary to keep our community healthy, people are feeling more distanced than ever.Over time, limited social connection, dwindling recreational activities and increased isolation can affect the mind and body, which are intricately intertwined. Our efforts to limit the spread of the disease, combined with the Pacific Northwest weather, can take a toll. When one area of health is affected, often both are.However, during these extraordinary times there are many things we can do to protect our mental and physical health and ensure we still enjoy the holidays.The medical professionals at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Wash., are devoted to the health and well-being of their patient population, Service Members and their families, retirees and Reservists. Two of these individuals are Col. Christopher Perry, the chief of the Department of Behavioral Health and Lt. Col. Julie Rylander, who is the chief of the Nutrition Care Division.COVID-19 has perpetuated the fragmentation of society, said Perry, and the holidays will definitely be difficult for many, particularly our single Soldiers.Perry shared his views regarding the strain the pandemic has placed on genuine relationships. He discussed the use of modern day technology to stay in touch with loved ones, while stressing the importance of real human connection made outside of screen time.Humans are, by nature, social creatures; and research in the behavioral health field has shown that increased isolation can be detrimental to our mental health. Some of us are in positions where we still go to work and have some amount of in-person interaction, which can be fulfilling. For those who do not have opportunities for personal interaction, one of the many social media platforms and applications can provide that sense of togetherness during times where people are physically far apart.Our Service Members need to spend time virtually with their family and friends, said Perry. But dont forget to also strive for authentic relationships where you are.Perry said that while many social distancing precautions are necessary, it is important for people to still spend time together within the limits of the current restrictions.He also encouraged people to honor your traditions, even if it must be done from afar this year.One of those traditions might be related to tasty holiday treats that most of us enjoy. Rylander shared her perspective on that topic.Moderation is key, she stated. Having a healthy, well-balanced diet as a base is essential, but dont deny yourself treats this season.A well-balanced diet includes things like lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. Many of us know this, but a proper diet is incredibly important in order to support our performance, mental health and immune system.As the pandemic rages on, many people have looked to nutrition to help boost their immune system. The typical holiday diet for many of us includes desserts, highly processed foods and excess alcohol, but these items are not going to help. These foods cause inflammation in the body and reduce our ability to effectively fight infection. Some of the vitamins and minerals that can boost our immune system include zinc (found in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds and nuts), vitamin C (found primarily in citrus fruits), and vitamin D (found in fatty fish such as salmon, egg yolks, and red meat).Vitamin D in adequate amounts may be challenging to get in even the best of diets, and is primarily produced from sun exposure. Rylander acknowledged that sunlight exposure in Washington isnt always easy to get, especially at this time of year.Given the winter weather here, she said, it may be beneficial to supplement with vitamin D.People who want information on what vitamin supplements to take should check with their dietitian or other medical professionals.Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, we should remember to care not only for ourselves, but also for others during this time. We may do a fantastic job of maintaining our own mental and physical health, but what about those around us? We are seeing less of each other, which makes the importance of connecting and reaching out that much more critical. Check in on those you love, those you work with, and simply those you know. It could make all the difference.Perry emphasized that sentiment with a reminder.We are our brothers keeper," he said.In the military, that brother is our fellow Service Members, their families, the civilians we work with and the community we serve. We are all responsible for one another.Madigans Social Media Links:Madigans Facebook:www.Facebook.com/MadiganhealthMadigans Twitter:www.Twitter.com/MadiganhealthMadigans Instagram:www.Instagram.com/MadiganmedicineMadigans LinkedIn:www.Linkedin.com/company/madigan-army-medical-center/Madigans YouTube:www.youtube.com/c/MadiganArmyMedicalCenter

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Maintaining holiday health, both mind and body - United States Army

Need some motivation to live healthier and reach your goals? At The Beet, we asked people all over the world to share their best mantra, words of wisdom, or inspirational quotes that helped them overcome life's biggest challenges.

We listen to failures, successes, and advice from people who beat illness, addiction, disorders, depression, and more by eating a plant-based diet. Then, we share the entire journey (under our success stories column) with you, and our readers,tolearn from personal, real-life experiences, and feel inspired to make smarter choices, daily.

The new year is right around the corner, andit's likely you have a new intention or goal in mind. The most important part of your resolution is sticking to it. One simple way to focus on your goals is tospeak out loud and repeat mantras or affirmations that spreads positivity, release negativity or doubt from your mind, andhelp you concentrateto feel present.

We rounded up theten best mantras we have ever heard from people who changed their lives and stayed committed.Learn, think, appreciate, and execute everything you want to be in 2021.

"My Mantra is: Mood Follows Action.What that means is we have this human tendency to try to make a change, and then we wait to do the hard, uncomfortable thing.We wait until we feel like doing it. But that day never comes. But to me,Mood Follows Actionmeans the action precedes the mood. If you wait to take the actionwhen you feel like it you may never do it. That helps me take the first step,like jumping into the cold water when I may not feel like it, or not hitting snooze on the alarm. And that approach has helped me in many contexts. It has helped me since I first heard it back in AA many years ago. Does the mood follow? Well, yes. You never do the thing and think, "I wish I hadn't done that."

All things are working for my good.I love that one because Ive already been through so much, and if Ive made it this far, I can keep going. I can keep pushing for myself, for my girls, because thats what mamas do."

Still, I Rise,is one of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou. It really helped me through my darkest moments. There was a point when I just didnt want to continue living, so the quote reminded me that I could still rise above all the things Id gone through. With depression, even the heaviest of emotions can be thought of as just being a wave and theyll pass. You just have to ride them out, because whatever youregoing through, you can get past it. You never come up against something you cant overcome, it just takes the mental space to realize it."

"You can have your best life, or you can have alcohol.That one just blew my mind. The other one I love that I mentioned earlier is if you dont have control over yourself and your time, someone or something else will."

Only those who go where few have gone can see what few have seen. I didnt write it, but it definitely helped me get through many moments of my personal detoxification journey. Another one I love is, real change occurs when the pain of staying the same hurts more than whatever it is youre going through."

"Keep going and keep trying.If you fail, just keep going. If youre doing this for your health, just keep going. You will reap the benefits of it."

"I am all about loving your food and loving your life.I understand food is fuel but I am a foodie first. You don't have to eat what you dont like to be healthy. By incorporating healthy foods into your life, you are going to love your life more."

"I really like the perspective that time is not real, from a metaphysical perspective. Its how I healed a lot of my past self-shame and guilt and regret. If I loved myself five minutes ago, shouldn't that apply to myself five years ago, ten years ago, when I was still beating myself up after eating family-sized bags of Cheetos? It really helped me to look at my past self as someone who was doing her best and needed to go through those experiences to feel what I feel now.I can't be mad at myself for eating all those family-sized bags of Cheetos and crying in a closet, I have to hold her and love her. Thats me! If I want to feel better now, I cant hold on to the negative feelings towards the past version of myself, thats me right now. It really helped me to view it like that, that its all me, and the future version of myself, I can be here in two seconds. Thats it, then I'mthere.You dont have to wait in order to feel good. You dont have to wait in order to be happy."

"It's that I walk a little bit more softly on the earth. Whether that's in my interactions with people or interactions with animals, I know that eating this way helps everything and everyone. It helps the environment, it helps the animals, and I know I'm not hurting anyone.That next step for me is to be gentle, generous, and kind, and giving that to the humans I interact with. So it is to walk softly on the earth, or gently. That sort of encompasses everything. My wife and I talk every once in a while, and we ask each other: Would you ever go back to eating certain things. For instance, I loved eggs. I loved meat, but when you think about where these things came from, and those abuses that those animals go through, you cant let go of that idea. For me, that mantra is walk softly on the earth."

"Be kind to every kind, even if it's a rat or a cow. Be kind to every living being, that includestrees, anythingin nature. It's also important to be humble."

""What is.. . not What if." It's a mantra to help manage my anxiety. If you keep saying "What if" you are creating stories in your head of what could happen, good or bad. Saying "What is ..." allows you to stay in the present."

"'Love the life you have while creating the life you want.' Meaning: Never wish you had somebody elses life or body or success or privilege because you dont know what they are dealing with (and everyone is always dealing with something) so never wish you could trade places. Instead of measuring yourself against someone else measure yourself against your best self and then work to achieve your personal goals. But keep it joyful."

"'Be Here Now', as Ram Dass would say.Relivingthe pastmakes you live in a state of regret, andfixatingon the future makes you live in a state of anxiety. True peace is living in the moment, and focusing on what is here now.

'Be the flame, not the moth,' which is a different way to say be the leader, not the follower. This is a phrase my grandmaalways said when I was younger, meaning you should look to your inner self and be your own leading light."

"'It takes no more time to see the good side of life than the bad.' In other words, dont waste your time or energy on looking for the bad when it takes the same time to find the good. For every negative, you can find two positives."

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The 10 Best Mantras We Have Ever Heard, From Success Stories - The Beet