My name is Amanda Piotrowski (@alwaystryingamanda), and I am 30 years old. I live in Florence, Kentucky, and am a general manager at a restaurant. I set a New Years resolution to lose weight and improve my health, and Ive lost 195 pounds.

It was always a struggle for me to lose weight. I tried over and over again with no substantial success. I love food, and I love junk food even more. At my heaviest weight I was 387 pounds.

My weight also impacted my health. I had high blood pressure that I needed medicine for. I was also previously diagnosed with uterine cancer and was told my weight could have played a part in that as well.

But it wasnt until January 2, 2018, when I was 27 years old, that I finally made a change that stuck.

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I knew that it had to be if I wanted to change. So every time I would plateau, I just kept going. I used to give up when that happened. But sticking with it and trusting the process lead me to where Im at.

I lost most of my weight with calorie counting, and I also incorporate intermittent fasting and a one-meal-a-day (OMAD) style of eating. I really love fasting and how it feels. I had previously tried keto, low-carb, and other high-protein/low-fat diet variations. I believe any way of eating can work as long as you make the best choices for you, physically and mentally.

It's important to note that OMAD is an intense form of intermittent fasting, so you should speak with a doctor or dietitian before trying it for yourself to make sure it's right for you. There are also lots of other forms of fasting diets, some of which are less strict. You have to figure out what's best for *your* mind and body. This is just what works for me!

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I didnt start working out right away. Adding too many changes into my life overwhelmed me. So while I worked on my food plan, I slowly added workouts in.

Now I work out between five and six days a week. I tend to stick with cardio, but have recently included weights. I love just getting lost in my thoughts and crushing it in the gym.

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My journey wasnt easy. No ones is! Its hard. Youll wonder if its worth it. Youll wonder if you can do it. And you can! You can do anything you want to. You just have to try. Thats all Ive been doing.

If I get stuck, I try something else. But I never give up. I never stop trying. I cried too many times hating my body and not being grateful, and that was exhausting. This is the only body we have, so we have to take care of it.

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My weight loss has changed my life so much. Sure, its easier to find clothes and I feel better about how I look. But the number one thing is that Im happylike *actually* happy. I feel clear-headed. I feel more energetic. And I let down my walls and just let myself be weird.

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Using OMAD Diet Days And Weighing My Food, I Lost 195 Pounds In Less Than 2 Years - Women's Health

The Candida Diet, suggested to help resolve yeast infection symptoms and starve the sugars that supporters of the diet claim feed Candida, has been around for decades. But does the diet actually work and is it safe for you to start on your own? Here's everything you need to know about the Candida Diet, including basics on Candida overgrowth itself and foods to avoid.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Candida is a yeast that normally lives on the skin and inside the body (more specifically in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina), and typically does not cause any problems. If Candida grows out of control and there is an overgrowth, it can cause the fungal infection candidiasis. Although candidiasis can develop in several areas of the body, most people are familiar with candidiasis in the vagina that is commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection. The most common species of Candida that causes infections is called Candida albicans.

Signs and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis can include itching, soreness, pain/discomfort while urinating, pain during sex, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Women who are pregnant, using hormonal contraceptives, have diabetes, have a weakened immune system, or have recently taken antibiotics are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis. Since taking antibiotics is a frequent cause, the CDC advises women to only take antibiotics when prescribed and exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.

The Candida Diet is essentially a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet that proponents claim can help promote good gut health and eliminate the sugars that potentially feed Candida. The diet is only intended to be followed temporarily and it is advised to reintroduce foods slowly and gradually once the diet is finished. Although the Candida Diet has been around for decades, the research on it is very sparse and there are no definitive findings to confirm the diet's effectiveness. The diet itself should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Proponents of the diet claim that Candida thrives on sugar, and although research is limited on this, findings from a 2017 study suggest that higher glucose concentrations may indeed promote Candida growth. The Candida diet also restricts gluten because of thoughts that it may damage the intestinal lining, but there is no current evidence to support this for individuals who do not have celiac disease.

Dairy products are also excluded from the diet due to an unproven theory that the sugar found in dairy products (a.k.a. lactose) can potentially increase acidity in the mouth and stimulate Candida overgrowth. And despite lack of evidence, foods with high mold content, preservatives, pesticides, or artificial ingredients are also restricted on the Candida Diet.

Despite lack of research, the Candida Diet itself is quite healthy, may provide a more nutrient-rich diet than many regularly consume, and is likely safe for most people to follow. By eating more non-starchy vegetables, boosting your fiber intake, drinking more water, eliminating refined sugars and processed foods, the diet itself may have anti-inflammatory benefits that are beneficial regardless of whether or not it can truly "cure" candidiasis. If you do chose to follow the Candida Diet, I recommend starting out slowly and removing things gradually from your daily routine. Start by limiting refined sugar or caffeine, and then work your way down the list. Remember that this diet is meant to be used short-term and that it is not intended to be a substitute for a consultation with your physician or healthcare provider.

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What Is the Candida Diet? - Foods You Can and Can't Eat on Candida Diet - GoodHousekeeping.com

In research published in the journal Nutrients scientists at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology at the University of Grenada questioned over 7,500 men and women across Spain(37% were aged below 35 years, 70.6% were female) via a web-based questionnaire on their dietary habits during the first three weeks of Spains lockdown period.

The results outlined healthier dietary behaviours during the confinement when compared to previous habits. Participants decreased their intake of fried foods, snacks, fast foods, red meat, pastries or sweet beverages, but increased MedDiet-related foods such as olive oil, vegetables, fruits or legumes during the confinement.

The studys authors said this dietary improvement, if sustained in the long-term, could have a positive impact on the prevention of chronic diseases and COVID-19-related complications.

Spain has been one of the European countries, besides the UK and Italy, to have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. A State of alarm was declared in the county on 14 March 2020 and the population was ordered to stay at home for four weeks.

The researchers denied the shift to a healthier Med diet among respondents during the lockdown was the result of a lack of availability of other foods.

The reality is that it was difficult to find some specific foods such as chicken in some (not all) supermarkets/grocery stores at the beginning of the confinement, but in general -- only 28% of participants declared to have had any difficulty in finding specific type of foods --all types of foods were available during the confinement, not only those associated to the MedDiet which could be considered the healthiest ones,Celia Rodrguez-Prez, one of the studys authors told FoodNavigator.

The improvement in dietary behaviours was not only associated with the food choices but also with cooking type or the increment of cooking frequency.

Will these trends stick? The healthy dietary habits tended to decrease after the first three weeks of confinement, according to the study. However, that trend was not statistically significant, said Rodrguez-Prez.

We could have had a better overview of this if the questionnaire had been opened for longer but this was not the main objective of the project. We wanted to know the real impact at the beginning of that novel situation. So, it is difficult to predict the demands in the future. Most probably the frequency of cooking will decrease when people come back to work daily and this will probably have an impact in the type of cooking that people will use and also in the number of meals out of home that usually is associated with unhealthy food choices, especially in the youngest population.

She added that the main goal of the researchers now is to raise awareness of the necessity of maintaining the healthy behaviours that we started during the confinement to turn them into habits.

This is important since the role of the Mediterranean Diet in preventing/ameliorating COVID-19-related complications seems to be connected, she said.

Changes in Dietary Behaviours during the COVID-19 Outbreak Confinement in the Spanish COVIDiet Study

Nutrients

Authors: Celia Rodrguez-Prez, Esther Molina-Montes, Vito Verardo, Reyes Artacho, Beln Garca-Villanova, Eduardo Jess Guerra-Hernndezand Mara Dolores Ruz-Lpez

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061730

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Spanish consumers shifted to healthier diets during COVID-19 confinement study - FoodNavigator.com

Susan Kleiner, PhD, has been a practicing clinical nutritionist in the Seattle area for years, and is also one of the founding members of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Kleiner has consulted with a number of athletes as well as private individuals and says that based on what she has seen, the keto craze seems to be on its downward curve.

In the world of athletics at least, meaning competitive athletes or serious recreational competitors, Id say the keto phase has hit its tipping point, Kleiner told NutraIngredients-USA.

My barometer is how busy my practice is with people coming in asking about various things. It started years ago with the zone diet. They werent on that long. Initially they did quite well and then later not so much. And then they were on to the paleo diet. Then it was on to keto and they were getting on that bandwagon, she said.

Proponents of the keto style of eating can sometimes engage in debates about which products truly deserve the title. The dieting philosophy calls for extreme restriction of carbohydrates to force the body to enter ketosis, or a state in which it is preferentially burning its fat reserves for fuel.

While there may be disagreements about whether some products using the word keto on the label are truly helping consumers reach that goal, Kleiner said there is no disagreement about what the state is and how to measure it.

There isnt any argument in the scientific community about when you are in ketosis. It means your blood ketone levels have hit very specific values, Kleiner said.

The process of using fat instead of carbohydrate for fuel produces an incomplete oxidation and leaves ketone bodies left over. You have much higher levels of these when you use fat as your primary energy modality.

You see the levels of acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood rise. Of these three we measure the last two and when the levels hit 3.6 and 4.7 in the blood stream respectively you are said to be in ketosis, she said.

While some consumers have reported promising weight loss results using the diet, Kleiner said it has not proven to be a winner for competitive athletes.

You had athletes getting on that bandwagon. They would find that in the offseason theyd lose weight. Then they found that when they entered their competitive season theyd hit the wall and theyd end up in my office because some coach sent them, she said.

Kleiner said that high intensity exercise and severe carbohydrate restriction just dont mix. Athletes who have cut their carbs down to the 50 grams or so a day required to enter and maintain ketosis found that their perceived rate of exertion during workouts went up, but their actual power output declined.

In some sports where power to weight ratio is important like cycling or distance running people would find an initial performance boost because theyre lighter, but thats because their power hasnt dropped off yet, Kleiner said.

Kleiner said one that that is poorly understood in the general public about the ketogenic diet is that is does not necessarily mean higher levels of protein. While keeping to less than 50 grams of carbohydrate is difficult, adherents of the diet cant fill in with more protein, Kleiner said.

Your body wants carbohydrate. If you have too much protein your body will cleave off the nitrogen moiety that makes protein protein and use it as a substitute source of carbohydrate, she said.

Kleiner said low carb eating styles may have a place in a periodization scheme. Periodizing diets is something she said she has advised her clients on for years, and brief spates of carbohydrate restriction could be a tool in that toolbox.

But Kleiner said in general, restrictive diets just cut out too many useful, important nutrition sources. The current baking craze has reawakened people to the basic physiological principle that eating the right kind of carbohydrates just makes you feel good.

Americans have been eating too may carbs, and too many carbs from the wrong sources. But we know that a diet that is less than 40% carbohydrates can raise your risk of depression. People seem to have decided that a restrictive eating style in this time when our lives are already so restricted is just too much, she said.

As for the future, Kleiner said she thinks the keto star may be setting. In talking with her practicing nutritionist colleagues, she said its prevalence seemed already to be on the wane before the coronavirus crisis took hold.

Im not a soothsayer in this, but my sense is that coming out of the other side of this crisis that the keto side of the coin may not have as much promise as it once had for sports nutrition manufacturers, Kleiner said.

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Will keto craze be among things that won't survive pandemic? - NutraIngredients-usa.com

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In the early 2000s, Dan Buettner embarked on a mission to determine what specific aspects of lifestyle and environment help humans live longer. He teamed up with National Geographic and the National Institute of Aging on his quest, and through research, they were able to identify five areas with the highest percentage of centenarians (i.e. a person who is 100 years old or older). Known as the Blue Zones, these areas also have low rates of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Buettner and his team of anthropologists, epidemiologists, and researchers traveled to these particular areas to study the lifestyle characteristics of the people who lived in these Blue Zones. From there, the "Blue Zone" diet became of interest to help people outside of these locations practice that way of life. Here's everything you need to know about the Blue Zones, including diet recommendations and more.

Although the Blue Zones are all over the world, they share quite a few commonalities. After studying the Blue Zone populations, Buettner and his team narrowed down nine evidence-based common denominators among all of the world's centenarians. Known as the "Power 9," these factors are said to be the most influential in promoting longevity in these Blue Zone groups.

Research suggests that a strong mechanism behind the longevity and reduction of chronic disease in Blue Zone people is the anti-inflammatory benefits of their dietary choices. While these centenarians aren't necessarily completely vegan, their diets do have a predominant focus on plants.

Vegetables, especially homegrown, are a huge emphasis for Blue Zone people and provide a ton of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidant benefits. Beans and lentils are strong plant-based sources of protein in these populations. Similarly to vegetables, legumes also provide a ton of fiber which has benefits ranging from reducing risk of cardiovascular disease to helping control blood sugar levels. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, are used in several of the Blue Zone regions and provide a slew of heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.

Blue zone people limit their consumption of red meat, and even only enjoy small portions of fish about three times per week. These populations do still indulge in moderation regarding sweets and other foods, but they eat sensibly and don't overindulge. By maintaining moderation and balance with food choices, especially following rules such as the Okinawans do with the hara hachi bu principle, weight stays controlled and obesity is not as prevalent to fuel chronic disease.

AndreyGorulkoGetty Images

Based on the "Power 9" principle of plant slant that the Blue Zone regions embrace, we've put together a food list that can help you get started on eating the Blue Zone way.

If you're looking to adopt some of the Blue Zone diet and lifestyle habits, these resources can help get you started.

The Blue Zones

$4.99

The Blue Zones Solution

$11.69

Good Housekeeping Mediterranean Diet

Ikaria

$23.33

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

$21.99

The Blue Zones of Happiness

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What Is the 'Blue Zone' Diet? A Nutritionist Explains the Popular Lifestyle - GoodHousekeeping.com

Highlights

Juicing is an easy way to load up on nutrients that fruits and vegetables have on offer. Even some of the fussy-eaters, who may push the veggies to one corner of their plate, enjoy a glass of juice without much tantrum. So what is it about the juices, particularly green juice, that have fascinated the fitness enthusiasts. Green juice as you may have guessed is green-coloured juice, typically made with green vegetables, fruits and herbs. It is brimming with antioxidants and various nutrients. These juices help boost immunity, digestion and help you shed a kilo or two as well.

Macrobiotic nutritionist and Health Coach Shilpa Arora tells us it is a good idea to start a day with a glass of green juice; it could act as a sponge and flush out all toxins from your body. Starting your day with a quick detox may help amp up your energy levels and metabolism.

Kadi patta is available everywhere - it is an intrinsic part of Indian cooking. Just take 5-10 leaves and a glass of water. Blend the leaves in water and you will get this green liquid. If you do not have kadi patta, you can do the same with mint and coriander. A nice, green fresh juice made with these herbs is going to be very alkaline.

Also Read:Indian Kitchen Tips: Follow These Steps To Store Curry Leaves At Home For Months

Kadi patta is available everywhere - it is an intrinsic part of Indian cooking.

Kick-start your morning with this juice and give your body a nice dose of chlorophyll, which will provide the vitamins that are crucial for optimal functioning of our body. In the long run, it could help cut visceral fat (or belly fat) as well, Shilpa Arora adds.

Also Read:Curry Leaves Promote Gut Health, Manage Diabetes And More - Study (Curry Leaves Recipes Inside)

Kadi patta (or curry leaves) offers a wide gamut of health benefits. They are good for digestion. Good digestion is an integral component of sustainable weight loss. They are also good for heart, gut and diabetes management. If you have some time at hand, you can also blend some veggies like spinach or celery with your curry leaves. A dash of mint may lend some zingy freshness to the concoction. Blend it together, sieve and strain the juice in glass and drink up.

It has been emphasised often enough that diet and workout go hand-in-hand.

So make sure you complement your diet with a good work-out regime as well for quicker and more sustainable results.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.

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Drinking This Kadi Patta (Curry Leaf) Juice Every Morning May Promote Weight Loss And Detox - NDTV Food

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: June 16, 2020 3:50:44 pm Binge-eating is one of the things that people are engaging in more frequently now. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Without having to really stick to a routine, people have become more indiscipline in lockdown, with respect to their lifestyle choices. They are staying up late, waking up later than usual, not worrying about rushing to work, because most companies are continuing their policy of work-from-home amid the pandemic.

Binge-eating is one of the things that people are engaging in more frequently now. And in the long run, it can lead to many problems, starting with weight gain. If you find yourself getting into the compulsive habit of munching on some unhealthy snack or the other, stop yourself right there. And if you cannot, allow these foods to become a part of your diet, so you can get over this bad habit, and feel nutritiously full all the time.

ALSO READ |Looking for a tasty way to lose weight? Try peanuts

Almonds

As mentioned in several of our earlier stories, almond is the best thing you can snack on when you are hungry. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin E and magnesium, all of which can together take care of our hunger pangs and lower the hunger drive between meals. Just consume a handful of almonds whenever you feel the urge to binge-eat.

Ginger

We all love it when there is a little bit of ginger in the tea. Ginger water is considered to be a healthy tonic, too. Besides, ginger is considered to be great for the overall health of a person. So, it is but natural that it must be considered when you are trying to keep yourself full and feeling healthy. It is known to be great for the digestive system, which is why it does exactly the opposite of what binge-eating would do. It makes you feel fuller in between meals.

ALSO READ |Healthy breakfast options to boost weight loss

Coffee

Coffee is, of course, known to be an appetite suppressant. Which is why excess of it can be considered harmful. But if you feel like binge-eating every day, you must consider drinking coffee at least once, so it can stop you from doing it. Also, a little bit of coffee is good when you are considering shedding a few kilos. It can help with burning your calories, but make sure you have black coffee instead of one which has a lot of milk and sugar, for that would be counter-productive.

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Have you been binge-eating? Time to look for some healthier alternatives - The Indian Express