In 2016, Andrew Tye, a fine-dining chef with an extensive culinary background, landed a job with Counter Logic Gaming (CLG), an eSports team based in Los Angeles.

If that sounds strange, Tye would agree that it is, especially if you consider his training.

Tye began his professional cooking career in Canada when he was 14. He eventually went to Fleming College, during which he competed in a nationwide cooking competition where he came in fifth. From there, he could have had a job at any restaurant he wanted.

But instead, after watching an AMA on Twitch with the founder of CLG, George "HotshottGG" Georgallidis, Tye decided to go a different direction. He'd long been a fan of eSports, or high-level video game competitions. "CLG had been my favorite team for a couple years by that point," he says. So he reached out to CLG and offered his talents.

Two weeks later Tye became a CLG employee as head of food operations, which feeds players, operations, and staff. And just like athletes in other sports, Tye occasionally works with a dietitian to develop nutrient-dense meals that are caters to individual player needs.

If you cant wrap your head around a keyboard and mouse as pieces of sports equipment, it's time to catch up.

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Michael Jordan has invested in eSports. CLG is one of Madison Square Gardens franchises. Newzoo, a games analytics company, reports that the eSports industry made $1.1 billion dollars in revenue in 2019, which was a 26.7 percent growth from 2018. (By comparison, the NHL has a yearly revenue of $5 billion.)

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eSports teams are structured like other sports teams. There are general managers that oversee roster construction and contract negotiation. There are coaches that work with teams to design game strategies. There are scouts the recruit players. And those players train.

CLG athletes train at a performance center, where they practice for up to 12 hours a day during the season, says Matt Nausha, head of eSports for CLG. (Seasons are also known as "splits.")

For CLG athletes, most practice days start around 10:30 a.m. with exercise or group yoga. Around 11:30 the athletes eat breakfast, followed by a team meeting to discuss strategy. Then they enter into a five-and-a-half-hour-long block of playing and reviewing their performance. Dinner is held family-style with players and staff, and then it's either back to more practice, language lessons, or team meetings.

Michael Fricke/CLG Photos

"This is why its important the players are well nourished to sustain optimal energy throughout the day," Nashua says. "By providing meals they can maximize their time to focusing on training."

"Sustained energy is key," Tye says. "Our guys are training differently from traditional sports where they're trying to gain muscle mass or get leaner. Our guys are sitting in front of a computer screen and we need to minimize issues of fatigue from sitting for long periods of time and the strain of looking at a screen all day."

"Sustained energy" is why Tye mostly sticks to a high-protein, low-carb diet for the players. "We don't avoid carbs completely since its one of the preferred sources of energy for our bodies, but having very carb-heavy meals can induce sleepiness, which we want to avoid."

Michael Fricke/CLG Photos

Breakfast offers bacon and eggs, high-protein Kodiak pancakes, and 'muscle muffins.' (Soy chorizo omelettes are a favorite of Kevin "PewPewU" Toy, 25, a Smash Bros. Melee player.) There are also mounds of fresh fruit, a rotating array of oatmeals, like banana toffee with molasses and shredded coconut. "Oatmeal is a low glycemic index source of carbohydrates which is better for sustained energy," he says.

At lunch, theres a large salad bar and prepared panini and wraps, like chicken breast with arugula and fresh mozzarella or a curry chicken salad, a favorite of Fortnite player Kevin "Tocata" Larreinaga.

And dinner is where Tye flexes. He'll usually try to make meals the players haven't had before or "something colorful." Meals like street-style tacos with carnitas, cotija cheese and a slaw of roasted corn, red onion, and jalapeno, or bacon-wrapped pork roulade stuffed with herbs a garlic served with a blueberry gastrique.

Michael Fricke/CLG Photos

Sometimes, meals help the teams 'foreign-born players cope with their new home in the United States. "To cater to our Korean players with homesickness, we do some homestyle Korean meals, such as egg -ried tilapia and green onion pancake," he says.

Tye also doesnt shy away from making plant-based meals. He'll do panko-fried tofu with ginger, garlic, and scallion oil, or vegan lasagna, a favorite of Mathew "xSojin" Perez, League of Legends assistant coach.

And while Tye can't take all the credit, his meals seem to be fueling CLG's success. The group's League of Legends team went 2-0 last weekend, which makes their current record 3-1 and has landed them tied for second place in the league.

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What an Elite eSports Team Eats, and the Chef That Feeds Them - Men's Health

Whether you are starting your weight loss journey or have simply decided to go for healthier food choices, you will need to make a long and solid commitment.

How to stick to a diet and not cheat?

If you have ever tried dieting, you would agree that the hardest part is not the diet itself but sticking with it.

There is a reason why people very often give up on the diet plan even before reaching the full goal. We get it, a diet is a drastic change in your food habits.

This is why today we will set you up for exactly what you should be expecting from your diet.

Workout is only half of your weight loss journey, the other and equally important part is your diet.

Here are 7 important questions you should be asking yourself before starting any new diet. These dieting tips for beginners will help you stay committed!

This simple question is one of the most important ones to ask. Stop before jumping into a journey that requires your full focus and ask yourself why exactly do you want to lose weight. Is it for health reasons or you just think that you should? Is it because you have unhealthy levels of fat on your body or because you want to achieve your fitness goals?

Ask yourself these questions because if you are trying to lose weight simply because you should, it might not be the strongest motivation for such a long commitment.

Most of the time, we start off on a weight loss journey but the timing isnt right. Certain scenarios like moving to a new city can alter our lifestyle drastically. In these situations you are already trying to settle in a new way of life. In such a case, starting another new and drastic journey will only put you and your body under stress.

If you have a super busy schedule or a demanding job, dieting may not be the best idea. Alone, dieting will not bring about the desired effects. As a result you might get demotivated and drop the plan entirely.

No amount of dieting tips for beginners can help you out if you dont workout. If weight loss is your goal, you will need to follow both these practices to get faster and better results.

Well, if you are a student or a working professional living outside of your hometown, you probably eat out more often than others. The more you hangout the harder it will be to stick to your diet plan. Also, it will not always be convenient for you to eat as per your diet plan. Eating on the go lifestyle is very popular these days. This is exactly what makes following a diet hard.

Weight loss does not automatically mean good health. Before starting a diet, you need to make sure that it has more than one health benefit. Otherwise, you might achieve your goal weight but at the cost of your health. Think about it beforehand and do your research well. If you dont, you might have to give up the diet at a later stage anyway.

Another aspect that most of us forget to consider is the affordability of a diet plan. Many diets include everyday food items that are used popularly and are cheaper. However, there are some diets that might require a little splurging on your end. Set your budget beforehand and then choose a diet.

The last and final question that you need to ask yourself is this one. More often than not, we start a diet but due to its extremity we end up struggling after just a few weeks. Some diets are way too extreme and may not be sustainable for many reasons.

For example if you are used to an Indian diet or have never tried dieting before, Keto may be a little too extreme for you. This is why research and professional knowledge on the subject is important.

Now that you know what to expect out of the journey you can mentally prepare yourself for it. It's a hard and long journey but only if you go into it with zero research and thought.

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7 Questions To Ask Oneself Before Starting Any Diet To Stay Motivated & Not Cheat Or Give Up - MensXP.com

Skincare is predicting $180 billion in global spend by 2024. Thats a 30% increase from where it sits right now, but dont bother betting against it. The industry is a runaway rocket ship; it firmly pushed past makeup sales in 2018, and is now counting on multibillion dollar growth among men, who have recently discovered a wide world or products beyond lip balm and talcum powder.

This success has already birthed, or at least magnified, a number of parallel, ripple businesses, which work in tandem with skincare, and share its self-care ethos. According to market research company Datassential, this trend is best exhibited in the recent convergence of beauty and food. Emerging brands like Purely Elizabeth, Sakara, Bare Bones Broth, Coco Luxe and Kalumi best exemplify the so-called kitchen beauty renaissance, and have staked claims on the credo that looking good starts with eating better.

We applaud their efforts, and have happily recommended some of their products. But its important to remember that many of the ideas and ingredients that these brands are selling are already available to us. In an age when (for some) skincare routines can cost over $200 a month, its helpful to revisit these concepts, and cultivate a grasp on how you can optimize your diet to help your skins greater cause preferably without having to rely on more subscription boxes.

To that end, we sourced a panel of 11 expert dermatologists and nutritionists and asked them a variety of questions. What foods are harmful to the skin? What foods are now seen as beneficial? Where do antioxidants fit in? Is turmeric overhyped? Find their answers below, including ruminations on gut health, sulfur and the best food to protect against sun damage.

Spoiler: it isnt M&Ms.

Skin is the bodys largest organ. When were not eating well or chronically stressed, inflamed skin is often the first telltale sign that somethings going on internally.There arent any serums, masks, creams or supplements that can take the place of a healthy diet.You can spend thousands on skincare products and supplements, but if youre eating poorly, your skin will show it. Nicole DeMasi, MS, RDN, CDCES, Founder of DeMasi Nutrition

People who are seriously concerned about optimizing their skincare routines should pay attention to diet: we are what we eat, and the skin shows it. Many dermatologic studies have shown a correlation between diet and common skin diseases such as acne and rosacea. There is also ample scientific evidence showing that our diet directly ages the skin, even leading to wrinkle. Oxidative stress can actually be linked back to certain foods it occurs when there are too many free radicals in the bodys cells, and not enough antioxidants to balance them. Dr. Kemunto Mokaya, board-certified dermatologist based in Knoxville,TN

Sugar is one of the absolute worst across the board when it comes to skin health. Kylene Bogden, RD,Love WellnessAdvisor, former dermatologist to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Sugar and high glycemic index foods(anything that converts into sugar quickly, likewhite bread, potatoes, processed foods) cause a spike in insulin, which leads to inflammation and a process called glycation. The sugar molecules attach themselves to the proteins in collagen and make collagenlose its elasticity, resulting in sagging skin.The spike in insulin can also cause a surge in testosterone, which can contribute to acne breakouts due to increased sebum production. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, MBChB, MRCGP, MRCS, medical director of MySkynClinic in Yorkshire

You may have noticed that when youve indulged a little more than usual in processed foods, it all shows up in your complexion. Sugar is one of the biggest culprits, and tends to have a major effect on skin: it activates inflammation by binding to collagen, which makes the skin appear stiff and more rigid. Jennifer Keirstead, RHN atMountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa

It isnt talked about enough, but common food senstivies like gluten and dairy can be very hard on the skin for certain people.(Im one of these people.) Heidi Moretti, MS, RD, The Healthy RD

The two most common things I eliminate with my male patients with skin concerns is cow dairy and trans fats (usually found in fried or processed food). In recent studies, dairy has been linked to increased acne and redness in the face. Your skin is made up of a large percentage of fatty cells, so poor quality fats such as trans fats found in fried foods are linked to poor skin health. Michael Robinson ND, CNS, LDN, Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Nutritionist

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body. Its about 25-35% of the body. Without collagen, wed be just like a big puddle of skin. If you think about how inflammatory foods react in the body, they actually break down or hinder the use of proper collagen.So, ingesting inflammatory foods is actually doing the exact opposite of what were aiming for, when having great skin is our goal. Its about taking in foods that build collagen, not break it down. Dr. Christian Gonzalez, Naturopathic Doctor,Non-Toxic Living Expert, podcaster at Heal Thy Self

Vitamin Cisfound in both the epidermal (superficial) and dermal (deeper) layers of the skin. Its essential in collagen production. Peppers, dark leafy greens andBrusselssproutsaresome underrated sources. Dr. Qureshi

Vitamin C is needed in order for collagen synthesis to occur. To help promote collagen production, aim to consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi and strawberries, leafy greens, tomatoes and broccoli. Alex Turnbull, RD and Gut Council Member forJetson

For better skin, a large portion of the diet should include vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. Opt for healthier cooking methods like steaming and boiling. Foods rich in antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, therefore preventing damage of collagen. Dr. Mokaya

People pay an arm and a leg to rub antioxidants like melatonin, glutathione, and resveratrol onto their skin, but these commercial products are often full of harsh chemicals. Meanwhile, those antioxidants are all available via food which benefits every cell in the body, not just where you rub the lotion. Glutathione is our master antioxidant and is found in greens like Brussels sprouts and asparagus, as well as almonds and walnuts. Melatonin is found richly in Cherries, orange bell peppers and Goji berries. Resveratrol is in dark-colored foods such as blueberries, red grapes and chocolate, as well as peanuts.Dr. Robinson

Anthocyanins are antioxidants in red and purple fruits and vegetables, and are helpful in reducing the inflammation and free-radical damage to the skin from UV light and everyday air pollution. Anthocyanins are commonly found in strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, but cherries have the highest levels of all. So, say hello to summer fruit. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD., board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills

Clinical research has shown that blemish-prone skin has a less-diverse skin microbiome. One simple way to increase the amount of good gut bacteria is to include probiotic-rich, fermented foods in the diet. These can include: unpasteurized sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and apple cider vinegar.Increase your high-fiber food intake, as theyre full of prebiotics. Prebiotics contain fibrous carbohydrates that nourish the good bacteria to help it to grow (broccoli, cauliflower, legumes, seeds, garlic, oats and avocado). The more varied your fiber sources, the more microbial diversity is encouraged. Keirstead

There are skin receptors on every organ, as well as inside our GI tract. When these receptors are disturbed and our good bacteria is thrown out of whack, you will see skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and others. Bogden

Many bowel conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease,are associated with skin rashes. Improving the healthy bacteria can be done bytaking a probiotic supplement, which will add bacteria such asLactobacillus and Bifidobacteriumand help foster the presence of good bacteria.Fermented foods such as pickled vegetables, kefir,Jerusalemartichokesand natural yogurtwill then feed that bacteria so they can multiply. Dr. Qureshi

Depending on the health of your gut bugs and the integrity of your gastrointestinal barrier, you may notice skin issues flare with foods such as dairy or gluten. This occurs when a gut tissue enzyme called transglutaminase cross-reacts with the epidermal tissues transglutaminase. Gut tissue transglutaminase is what helps digest gluten, and the same enzyme that processes gluten also exists in the skin! That cross-reaction is what results in issues like hives, eczema and psoriasis. Bogden

Omega 3 oils help keep skin hydrated, reduce inflammation and help the skin to repair itself.It also works to create strong cell membranes.You can find itinwalnuts, seafood and fatty fish. Dr. Qureshi

Salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are fatty fish that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body and skin. Two to three servings a week can also help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Adding these fish to the diet will help balance the omega 3-to-omega 6 fatty ratio (the latter of which can actually trigger inflammation). Fish oil supplements also make a fine substitute. Shainhouse

Zinc, which can be found in foods like oysters, fortified cereals, chickpeas and cashews has been shown to help reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for people who suffer from acne. Erin Jensen PA-C, founder of California-basedThe Treatment Skin Boutique.

Eating sulfur-rich foods is also super important for glowing skin. Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic, Brussels sprouts. Dr. Gonzalez

Foods thigh in beta carotene, meanwhile, can help protect against sun damage. Think carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Specifically, flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).Ground flaxseeds (a great source of omega-3 fatty acids) will also protect against sun damage and the fortify the skin, by helping to decrease molecules that contribute to inflammation. Also, olive oil, a great source of heart healthy fats, which may have an impact on protecting our skin from sun damage. Turnbull

It is absolutely essential that your body gets enough water. Staying hydrated ensures that nutrients actually reach your skin cells. Avoid sugary drinks and enjoy water or green tea, which is known to be a brilliant source of antioxidants. Jensen

Alcoholis well-known to be dehydrating due to its diuretic effect, and can also trigger rosacea(askin condition where the face can turn red)in predisposed people, because it dilates the blood vessels. Caffeine, meanwhile,can cause increased levels of cortisol(astress hormone) which triggers increased levels of insulin. In turn, this causes increased sebum production and breakouts. Cortisol also ages skin by impairs the skins barrier function; it result in excess water loss, which leads to drier skin. Dr. Qureshi

Though not specifically a food, water is essential for keeping our skin healthy.Bodies are comprised of 70% water and it plays a vital role in many functions of the body, including hydrating the skin and encouraging elasticity. If youre looking for an extra boost of hydration and collagen, try incorporating bone broth into your diet.Not only is it hydrating, its rich in collagen.Turnbull

Menopausal women may want to consider phytoestrogens; these are plant-derived estrogens that can improve collagen, hydrate the skin and calm aggravated skin. Theyre in abundance in soya beans, soy products, yams, pomegranates and flaxseeds. Dr. Qureshi

There hasnt been enough research for me to confidently comment, but it likely has anti-inflammatory properties that would help in healing throughout the body. Dr. Qureshi

Tumeric contains curcumin. Its an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce oxidative stress in the body.While turmeric is an amazing antioxidant, over-hyping it can lead to over-emphasis on its benefits at the expense of the many other wonderful antioxidants found in other natural spices. Consider clove, cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, ginger and yellow mustard seed. Of the list above, clove, cinnamon and oregano have a higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC score) than turmeric. Dr. Mokaya

Healthy levels of vitamin D have been demonstrated to prevent skin aging. Skin aging can be viewed at the molecular level, with the shortening of telomeres, caps of genetic material on the free ends of DNA strands. As these telomeres shorten with age, they render the DNA more and more unstable, until the cell dies. One studydemonstrated that telomeres were significantly longer in patients with the highest serum vitamin D levels, compared to those with the lowest the disparity was equivalent to five years of aging. Try toincorporate foods that are high in vitamin D into your dietand supplement with 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily (which is the recommended daily allowance, per both the National Academy of Medicine and the Skin Cancer Foundation). Shainhouse

The problem with labeling certain foods as beauty foods is that it over-emphasizes them at the expense of other healthy and beneficial foods. Those foods become a fad, and others, which have their own benefits, are then overlooked.Eating a plant-based, whole-food diet that emphasizes variety should be the revolution not just focusing on a few super foods that made it onto a list. Dr. Mokaya

Get away from the processed sugar and packaged foods, start to eat tons of dark leafy greens, adequate hydration and real food, and you will start to see a difference within a week or two. Bogden

Skin takes 120 days on average to rejuvenate. So any changes to diet need to be sustained in order to see benefit rather than be sporadic. Skincare is essential as the skin needs help as it ages to maintain youthful qualities. Dr. Qureshi

Overall, long-term consumption of fresh, fermented, minimally processed, whole foods is the key. It isnt one specific superfood that will ultimately be responsible for the health of any bodily system. And just as important to note: treating yourself to substances like sugar can be critical to the enjoyment of life, achieving a sustainable healthy lifestyle and activating your pleasure systems. Its what you do most of the time that matters. Balance is everything. Keirstead

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How to Eat Your Way to Healthier Skin - InsideHook

RESTRICTED item. Maximum number reached were the words that flashed up on the self-scan checkout screen.

After several more blundering scanning attempts, a kind employee called over that there was a limit of two bottles per customer.

9

My jaw dropped, the reality of their words forcing me to confront the unthinkable. After 20 years of addiction I was going to have to give up Diet Coke.

I am the first to admit my obsession with a fizzy drink is utterly laughable. Diet Coke (DC) is just an indulgence, but it was an indulgence Id craved since the age of eight.

An indulgence Id drunk two litres of every day of my adult life. I drank it first thing in the morning, last thing at night and many a glug in between.

My unquenchable thirst saw me make moonlit dashes to all-night garages and lug bottles to social events.

9

If eating out, Id have a can in my bag in case DC wasnt on their menu, and when touching down on holiday, securing some Coca Cola Light was the first port of call.

Full lockdown had just been imposed and the limit would mean braving the supermarket every other day to feed my habit.

I briefly considered storming multiple shops and selfishly stocking up, before thinking of all the potential virus exposure via trolley handles and fellow customers.

There was no way of justifying that behaviour, so I decided then and there I would emerge from lockdown fizz-free.

9

Past experience taught me going cold turkey leads to headaches and severe grouchiness, so I decided to wean myself off with alternative drinks. I deliberately splashed out on cans as part of DCs appeal was that it comes in a sealed container making it feel a bit special.

My cunning plan was to get my fizzy fix from diet Fanta and lemonade, while slowly introducing squashes and water.

I had a clear path mapped out and plenty of DC substitutes, but it was still going to mean breaking the habit of a lifetime.

Last year, being told Id have to stay in hospital overnight highlighted just how far Id sunk into DC dependency.

9

I immediately planned to ring my family, email my course leaderand then it hit me.I didnt have any DC. I felt utterly ridiculous, whinging for my pop like a needy child clutching their blankie.

But my embarrassment didnt stop me from ferrying my antibiotic drip down to the hospitals Subway at 1am.

They only had Pepsi Max, which did in a pinch, but the next morning I bounded to the hospital M&S, picking up a toothbrush, toothpaste and three cans of DC.

Ive often asked myself why the hell I love a brown fizzy drink so much. Admittedly each 330ml can contains 46mg of caffeine, but this is paltry compared to an Americanos 225mg.

9

I simply love the taste, which has a slight sharpness undercutting the sweetness.

I love the fizzing release of air when you first open the bottle, and the slightly acrid blast of CO from clicking open a can.

I love the rapid explosion of bubbles, like tiny fireworks and I savour hearing that ongoing symphony beside me as I work.

I love the feel of those bubbles effervescing over my tongue, tickling the back of my throat as they go down.

Yep, I was utterly hooked, not just to the syrupy liquid, but also to the emotional connection with drinking it.

Past experience taught me going cold turkey leads to headaches and severe grouchiness, so I decided to wean myself off with alternative drinks. I deliberately splashed out on cans as part of DCs appeal was that it comes in a sealed container making it feel a bit special

Substances like nicotine and alcohol are biochemically psychoactive, meaning they cause dopamine to flood our brains reward centre resulting in feelings of pleasure.

However, positive associations with an innocuous substance or activity can result in them becoming psychologically psychoactive meaning the same reward circuitry is activated when partaking.

From my first glass at my Godmothers house I connected DC with being grown up, slim and successful.

The infamous Diet Coke break campaign was in full swing, involving a musclebound Adonis draining his 11.30am can while a gaggle of women observed droolingly.

9

My malleable eight-year-old brain concluded that Diet Coke was sexy, and helped attractive people stay healthy and thin. In fact, recent studies suggest that aspartame (the primary sweetener used in DC) can disrupt the bodys digestive enzymes, leading to metabolic syndrome and weight gain.

Not that Im blaming my sizeable proportions on DC, but sugar-free does not always equal healthy. I did occasionally wonder if I was actually fat, or just filled with DC bubbles. Turns out its the former.

Some scientists also believe DC saps the bones of calcium, which crosses my mind every time my knees creak.

However, as a child, DC was something that tasted nice and was almost calorie-free, making it the ultimate treat.

9

A can on Sundays became a weekly bottle on the family shopping list.

By 13, I was buying a second bottle with a money from a cleaning job, which increased to a third as I began babysitting.

By 16, I was buying three bottles to last from Monday to Friday with another 2 litres at the weekend.

At university my weekly habit increased to five bottles, which Id haul back from Kwik Save in my wheelie suitcase.

When I entered the world of work, my weekly shopping list included fruit, veg, toilet roll and seven bottles of DC as standard.

After finally passing my driving test, I began bulk buying and would get up to 20 bottles a time, especially if there was a special offer on.

Unsurprisingly my kitchen cupboards couldnt handle my stash, so my car boot became commonly known as my wine cellar with the crescendo of rolling bottles adding percussion to my journeys.

There were so many reasons to quit, not least the expense.

9

Id spend at least 15 a week on DC, which I likened to grabbing a daily macchiato.

A less defendable factor was the huge quantity of plastic I produced which no amount of cloth bags and bamboo toothbrushes could offset.

But I felt like DC was something I needed to function, a tonic which energised and spurred me on, especially during work.

Recently a job required me to spend around six hours a day in the car, which I managed by chugging DC, then throwing the empty cans in the footwell behind the passengers seat.

After a few days, I winced with shame at the accumulated pile of aluminium. I knew that this couldnt go on.

So, with lockdown in full force, it was now or never. I began introducing the substitute cans while tapering off the DC.

When I finished the last bottle, my knee jerk reaction was to buy more, but instead I clicked open a can of diet Dr Pepper.

9

Slowly, I began replacing the cans with squash, keeping bottles of tap water in the fridge so it would be chilled and felt like more of a treat.

Despite my efforts, I felt imbalanced, fidgety, and was regularly popping paracetamol to deal with withdrawal headaches.

Focusing on work was especially hard without a grounding pint of DC at my elbow, to the extent that on my first attempt, I quaffed three litres of diluted tropical squash in a single afternoon.

But, after much dithering and experimentation with my soda stream, no DC is the new normal.

Its a pleasure not having to lug a bottle up to bed, or make regular trips to my wine cellar in the rain.

A welcome side effect is that I am considerably less windy, and no longer propelled along by a constant stream of CO.

Admittedly, Im still downing around two bottles of squash per week, but this is lessening slowly.

As lockdown achievements go, giving up a soft drink is a world away from mastering the trumpet or gaining a coding diploma.

But, getting over the fizzy brown hump is something I could never imagine doing under normal circumstances.

Lockdown forced me to consider what is really essential and for the first time in 20 years, Diet Coke is not on that list.

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For more real life stories, thissingle mum broke down in tears after finding kind noteand envelope stuffed with cash hidden inside her second-hand car.

And thismum would neck two bottles of vodka a daywhile caring for her kids and be passed out by 8pm.

Plus thiswoman makes 1k in a week selling sexy snaps to blokesonline and calls them "desperate saddos".

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I was a Diet Coke addict who guzzled 28 litres a WEEK but lockdown has finally helped me kick my 20-year habit - The Sun

New vegan film Theyre Trying to Kill Us is currently in production with a timely narrative that explores the intersections of diet, poverty, and systemic racism. The film (previously titled Hungry for Justice) is a collaboration between John Lewisthe Black vegan activist behind media brand Bad Ass Vegan, fitness expert, and partner at vegan protein company VeganSmartand director Keegan Kuhn, who co-directed popular vegan documentaries What The Health and Cowspiracy. The film will explore the profitable systems set up to keep Black Americans disproportionately affected by chronic illness by highlighting themes related to food deserts, links between poor nutrition and the pharmaceutical industry, and environmental racism, all through the lens of hip-hop culture.

Lewis and Kuhn have been working on Theyre Trying to Kill Us for more than four years, researching and collecting data, filming, and interviewing more than 100 people, including music legends such as Ne-Yo, Ma, Raury, and members of Wu-Tang Clan and Public Enemy, along with vegan doctors, attorneys, and social-justice activists. We are connecting the dots between diet, disease, systemic racism, government, and industry collusion, and the power of art and artists to transform the world, Lewis said.

Theyre Trying To Kill Us (Indiegogo Campaign) from First Spark Media on Vimeo.

Kuhn and Lewis are currently raising funding for the film via an Indiegogo campaign to gain public support. I believe that Theyre Trying to Kill Us is too controversial for mainstream outlets and so were asking for your support in getting this film out to the world, Kuhn said. Currently, the crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $16,000 of its $54,000 goalwhich will go toward completing the production of the film, funding an aggressive marketing strategy, and obtaining legal counsel.

The challenge of producing this film is that we must have the support of the community to ensure that this film, and message, gets to reach the actualization of creating massive transformation to the global society, the filmmakers said. We have to achieve this together as one, and your support is the reason we will continue to see this success come to be.

Please support independent vegan media and get the very best in news, recipes, travel, beauty, products, and more.Subscribe now to the worlds #1 plant-based magazine!

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New Vegan Film They're Trying to Kill Us Examines Intersection of Diet, Poverty, and Systemic Racism - VegNews