It's no secret that fruits and vegetables are the key to a healthier lifestyle. Lack of fruits and veggies is associated with a number of different diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Unfortunately, fresh fruits and vegetables often hit people in the wallet, and often prices them out of healthy eating.

If you're a poor college student or struggling to make ends meet, you may be wondering how you can get more healthy foods in your diet while still adopting that healthy lifestyle. Here are a couple of tips experts recommend.

As much as 50% of food gets wasted. This is industry wide, but it's no secret that a significant amount of food in the fridge goes to waste as well. Plan your meals carefully so that your food stays fresh and you use all of it. If you're careful to avoid food waste, you'll cut costs by not throwing away your hard earned cash.

Tomatoes are more expensive in the winter because they have to either be imported from across the globe, or grown in a hot house. It costs more to ship produce in this way, which means you'll pay more during these times.

Sometimes, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables go on sale. When this happens, buy as much as you can and use them until the next sale. Frozen, canned, and dried vegetables are all great options for long term storage, and won't go bad quickly like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables can be expensive, but if you plan ahead you can end up saving money while still being healthy. If you've wanted to adopt a healthier lifestyle but couldn't afford it, these smart tips can really help you save.

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How to eat healthy on a budget - Jill Lopez

Editors Note: The Chronicle is working to assist local businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 virus spread and associated government orders to close or limit commerce. There will be a feature on a local business in each edition of The Chronicle and at chronline.com moving forward. To be considered, email reporter Eric Trent at etrent@chronline.com. Additionally, The Chronicle will continue to offer its coverage of the coronavirus and its effects across the community, state and nation free outside of our paywall at chronline.com.

After seven years in the military and a couple years working in civilian law enforcement, it just made sense that Samantha Thayer would pursue a career related to physical fitness.

Thayer, a Toledo resident, is the owner of Creative Life Fitness, a womens-only fitness center geared toward helping women lose weight, feel good about their bodies and reach their healthy lifestyle goals.

Creative Life Fitness is partnering with Good Stuff Food Cart and Catering to offer nutritional plans to pair with training packages.

Thayer is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and nutrition coach and started Creative Life Fitness, which currently operates out of Fitscape Health Club in Centralia, in August 2019.

Ive always been into fitness, Thayer said. Fitness has always been a requirement of the job that I had.

It was after the birth of her second child that Thayer found herself overweight and struggling to do the daily tasks in life, such as simply getting up and down and taking care of her kids. It kickstarted a 16-month journey to get herself back into shape.

She began training with Terry Curry, former owner of Fitscape Health Club in Centralia, who was a champion womens bodybuilder. Curry began training Thayer to prepare for a bodybuilding competition before Curry died in December 2019. The time spent learning from and training with Curry had a tremendous impact on Thayers life and philosophy.

I just saw the importance of women having the ability to speak with somebody who has been in a position where they were severely overweight and getting back to a healthy lifestyle, Thayer said. And helping them reshape their mindsets on what fitness really is.

Even minimal weight gain can have a negative impact on a persons self-esteem and self-worth, Thayer said. It doesnt feel good to gain weight.

Even the 5 or 10 pounds when your jeans start fitting a little snugger, it really starts to impact your life, Thayer said.

Creative Life Fitness' new location that is in the works and plans to be open in around three months time.

Thayers main focus in her classes and training is helping women regain their health and changing how they view their bodies. The training is what Thayer calls basic lifestyle mobility, which includes corrective exercise, weight training and nutrition guidance. She trains people who are working toward their first half marathon or 5K race. One of her clients is working toward a bodybuilding competition.

Thayer spent the past few months offering online virtual training sessions to work with clients while non-essential businesses were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thayer can now train clients in-person now that Thurston County is in phase two of the states four-phase reopening plan.

Classes are currently being offered on-demand and by appointment. Most clients recently have been doing private one-on-one sessions. Thayer offers a free consultation for anyone interested, and then they can talk about a package deal that would fit their needs, hours and time that they want to train. Typical sessions last from 30 to 60 minutes.

I basically can do classes whenever people are interested in them, Thayer said.

Shes also flexible and will work wherever a person is comfortable, whether that be in a local park or traveling to a client. Shes versatile and willing to adapt to whatever specific goals a client has.

A single session costs $40 and there are multiple packages to choose from. A beginners package is four sessions at $38 each with a fifth session free. A package of eight sessions runs for $37 each, and a package of 12 sessions is $35 each.

Business has still been a little slow recently, however, as people are still hesitant on spending money, especially if thats on a personal trainer, which is more of a luxury than a necessity at this time, Thayer said. But shes confident that once everything starts opening completely back up with fewer restrictions that shell see an uptick in people that are interested in the training.

Especially the women that find out theres a space that they can go and train, and it will just be women-only and in a private setting, Thayer said.

Thayer is also joining up with Cara Buswell, owner of Good Stuff Food Cart and Catering in Toledo, to develop a joint nutrition program for women. Buswell will prepare healthy meal options for Thayers clients, which will be a part of a package deal at Creative Life Fitness. It gives women an opportunity to change not only their physical fitness but also start working on their nutritional goals. Its a pairing that goes hand-in-hand with developing and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

A lot of people focus on calories, Thayer said. They say they can consume, for example, 1,300 calories a day and it doesnt matter what you eat. But if youre filling your body with 1,300 calories of Twinkies, versus 1,300 calories of protein and good carbohydrates, that makes a tremendous difference on how your body starts to shape.

Creative Life Fitness currently operates at Fitscape Health Club at 1610 S. Gold St. in Centralia. Thayer is also in the process of getting a private studio up-and-running in Toledo, where she lives. She still needs to obtain the required business permits from Lewis County but is hoping to have it operating within the next three months.

That will offer one-on-one private sessions in a redone private facility, Thayer said. Im really excited about it.

More information on classes, prices and updates on the remodel can be found at Creative Life Fitness website at http://www.creativelifefitness.com.

More Information on Creative Life Fitness

Owner: Samantha Thayer

Hours: By appointment

Location: 1610 S. Gold St., Centralia

Phone: 360-827-1675

Website: http://www.creativelifefitness.com

Reporter Eric Trent can be reached at etrent@chronline.com. Visit chronline.com/business for more coverage of local businesses.

Excerpt from:
Creative Life Fitness Offers Training for Women to Lead Healthy Lifestyles - Centralia Chronicle

Beth Masog has struggled with her weight throughout most of her life. She has lost many pounds at various times in her life. This time, after a weight loss of 65 pounds over two years time, she is determined to make it a permanent way of life and health that will carry her through tough emotional times and whatever else life throws her way.

My dad passed when I was 9, and thats when it started. I struggled with my weight through high school; shopping was challenging, she said.

By the time Beth was 30 in 2007, shortly after the birth of her second child, she was experiencing back pain, was out of shape and winded. Over the course of the next two years, she lost 75 pounds.

I was tired. It was difficult with the baby. I started walking every day and watched what I ate. I started running. I had never run in my life! she said.

After her recent 65-pound weight loss, Beth Masog put together a before/after comparison from January 2018 to May 2020.

By 2010, she had worked her way into robust good health and had run two half marathons. But then that fall, her brother died in a tragic boating accident. Their three siblings are much older than they, so Beth and her brother were especially close.

Not only was this a very difficult loss to grieve, but within less than two years, she also lost her job, lost her grandfather and then her mother. Beth and her husband, Carl, also suffered a miscarriage.

It was a very rough two years, she remembered.

Life seldom goes the way anyone plans it, but Beth said her faith and her trust in God have given her great strength. As it says in Ecclesiastes 3: To everything there is a season.

Were going to go through seasons, she said. God doesnt promise us that bad things wont happen, but he does promise to never leave us through those times. Its OK to break down. Give yourself permission to weep and mourn.

Beth recognizes that emotional eating is part of the pattern of her weight struggles. In her life, she has coped with stress and loss by eating.

And then, we also celebrate with food, she said with a smile.

Amid all of the losses of that time, she had also quit running.

Its a hard thing to put self first when youre so used to helping everyone else, she said.

Running is not something that Beth Masog had ever considered doing until she was determined to lose weight in 2007. She has run several half marathons in the years since.

After that time of loss and the neglect of her health and weight, she felt frustration, guilt and shame that she had gained the weight back. She tried to run again, but struggled with that.

At the same time, she experienced some doubts, even after her heavy reliance on her faith during past tragedy. She remembers that When my mom was in the hospital and told us she had cancer, she said All things work for the good. And I truly did believe that, even though I may not have understood it at that moment.

Her third child was born in 2014, with Goldenhar syndrome, with characteristics that included a cleft lip and palate and some hearing loss (because he doesnt have one of his ear canals). The stress of feeding him prior to his corrective surgeries, and his ongoing care led Beth to further neglect her health.

As I got heavier, my back became more painful. It hurt to sit and it hurt to stand, she said.

But as she thought about her parents early deaths her dad from a heart attack and her mom from cancer it made her consider her quality of life. Her mom had diabetes and so does her older brother.

I want to be active while my kids are still at home. I thought, if I was in this much pain now, what would it be like when Im older, she said. That was definitely not a path I wanted to walk.

At some point, she injured her back. The doctor diagnosed osteoarthritis. Through the physical therapy process, she set goals. One of the goals was to be stronger, especially to help her back. She joined Snap Fitness in January 2018.

Last time, I ate a reduced-calorie diet and walked and ran. This time, I follow a macro plan. It helps make sure I eat enough protein for muscle strength and growth, she explained.

She lost about 20 pounds in 2018, trying to figure the macro plan out on her own. In early 2019, she found a company online that helped her set up a full plan. She also was given a variety of workout plans and chose one of them that best fit her life and her experience.

I dont take any supplements. Its about learning how to create a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. I have a personal adviser who is a registered dietician, Beth said.

She lost 40 pounds in the first seven months on the new program. Since then, she has lost five more pounds in 2020.

During the first week of the lockdown, with the kids at home, I did a lot of baking. I realized I had to refocus on what I was doing, she said.

Before the lockdown, Beth had been lifting weights five days a week and had to drastically change that to using 12.5-pound dumbbells and resistance bands at home. She was able to find a workout that accommodated that in her plan.

Its a challenge, but its possible to work out at home, said Beth.

Thinking back at her previous weight loss, she realizes that she didnt give herself anything to work toward once the weight loss was completed.

I had to learn how to maintain, she said. I always have something Im working toward.

Looking ahead to her future, and giving a word of encouragement to others, Beth said she is determined not to let one bad day ruin all the hard work. She wakes up the next day and keeps moving forward.

Even in this current season our world is going through, I want to continue to do what I can to help others, she said. I want to share what God has done by running for those who cant.

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Sauk Centre woman determined to live healthy life - ECM Publishers

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Updated: June 13, 2020 8:18:38 pm Doing yoga enhances mood and overall wellbeing. (Source: Getty Images)

A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Disturbed sleep often hampers not only a persons mental but physical well-being as well. Begin by ensuring you sleep on time and wake up before sunrise, which gives you more time in the day for your tasks and is also a step towards a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, young adults need to focus on building a strong immune system that will defend the body against viruses and infections keeping in mind the current healthcare scenario as well as the onset of monsoon.

Here are some natural ways to stay healthy

* The practice of oil-pulling which is an ancient Ayurvedic technique is recognised as a self-care, immune-boosting measure. It involves swishing cold-pressed virgin oil in the mouth for about five minutes just like using a mouthwash, says Nutritionist Sheryl Salis, RD, CDE. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil helps get rid of the million bacteria in the mouth through swishing in-between teeth and then discarding the oil from the mouth. Rinse your mouth with warm water after discarding the oil. This should be done on an empty stomach every morning, even before you drink water.

* Yoga and meditation bring peace to the mind and body. It is recommended to perform these activities between 6 am to 10 am in the morning on an empty stomach as the body is in Kapha state. The Kapha dosha helps overcome the states of dullness and lethargy and therefore yoga asanas and poses in the Kapha state removes sluggishness as the body is the strongest physically in this state and benefits from flexibility, said Salis.

* Apart from physical activities, one must regulate their eating habits and consume a balanced diet overall. Including protein-rich foods and superfoods that are nutritionally dense and provide the body with the essential nutrients and vitamins. One such age-old superfood found as a kitchen staple in most Indian homes is coconut oil. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is obtained from the fresh matured kernel of the coconut by natural means and is known for its myriad health benefits such as:

Boosting energy Improving immunity Weight management

* It is recommended to consume two spoons of virgin coconut oil every day for a healthy start to the day; it can also be used in everyday cooking, baking vegan desserts at home or as a simple salad dressing.

* Lastly, eat a wholesome nutritious breakfast and lunch; have dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime. Ensure you eat clean and healthy throughout the day even if you are snacking in-between meals, opt for healthy snack options like green tea, roasted makhana, salad bowls, smoothies or simply a bowl of fresh fruits.

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How to promote healthy living and better immunity in young adults - The Indian Express

NEW YORK, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Onegevity, a consumer health intelligence company and renowned scientific wellness experts Drs. Leroy Hood and Nathan Price, today announced a joint venture, Aevum Aging, dedicated to advancing the science and practice of healthy aging and enhancing healthspan. The new company brings together leading experts and an integrated ecosystem to help people advance their own health, resilience, and longevity. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Aevum Aging expects its first product launch to follow this summer.

"We are pleased to announce this exciting partnership, which will vertically integrate testing, data analytics and actionable natural product solutions," said Paul Jacobson, the co-founder of Onegevity and CEO of health solutions provider Thorne. "Aevum Aging brings to bear an unparalleled experienced team of experts and a research-based approach to quantifying and improving health. We are very excited about the opportunities ahead."

Ledby founding partners and experts in scientific wellness, Leroy (Lee) Hood, MD, Ph.D., and Nathan Price, Ph.D., the company is built on the foundation that healthy aging is essential to enhancing resiliency when health challenges emerge, and that while diseases result in elevated biological age, healthy lifestyle changes and interventions can reduce biological age.1 In fact, Aevum's first product, expected later this summer, will enable consumers to understand their biological age and how to leverage for optimal health and wellness.

"We're thrilled to partner with established scientific leader Onegevity and science-based wellness brand Thorne to share how healthy aging a lifetime endeavor is the key to enhancing resiliency and educating people on how different organ systems can age and accumulate damage at varying rates so that we can know where to focus to enhance lifetime health," said Dr. Price.

"Aevum Aging is uniquely positioned to help people add years to their productive healthspan and enable people to determine how best to maximize those additional healthy years. At 81, my biological age is 15 years younger than my chronological age a significant measure of my healthy agingwhich lends credence to my aspiration to take on some of the most important scientific challenges of my 50-year career," said Dr. Hood.

A world-renowned scientist and recipient of the National Medal of Science in 2011, Dr. Hood invented automated DNA sequencing and helped launch the Human Genome Project and systems biology. Dr. Price, a leading computational biologist, was selected in 2019 as one of ten Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and received the Grace A. Goldsmith Award for his work pioneering scientific wellness.

To learn more about Aevum Aging please visit Onegevity.comand Thorne.com.

About OnegevityOnegevity combines a multi-omic artificial intelligence (AI) platform with a consumer-friendly interface to make precision wellness intervention possible. Onegevity's testing delivers science-based recommendations for customized wellness plans that include dietary, supplement, and other lifestyle recommendations. Onegevity leverages Thorne's physician network to offer convenient testing and powerful analytical tools to improve preventative care and lower healthcare costs for their patients. The detailed insights extracted from testing allows Thorne and Onegevity to have the unique opportunity to validate nutritional products while offering insight into new product development to better improve patient outcomes.For more information visit https://www.onegevity.com.

About ThorneThorne is the leader in providing medical practitioners, athletes, and consumers with innovative health solutions of the highest quality and caliber. The only testing and vitamin/supplement brand to be A1 TGA Certified, Thorne exceeds the strictest quality standards. The company's reputation and science-backed approach is the reason Thorne is one of the most trusted brands by both healthcare professionals and people around the world. For more information visit https://www.thorne.com.

1Multi-Omic Biological Age Estimation and Its Correlation With Wellness and Disease Phenotypes: ALongitudinal Study of 3,558 Individuals (Earls et al, 2019).

Media Relations Contact:Jessica MoschellaEdelman212-277-3762Jessica.Moschella@edelman.com

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Onegevity and Scientific Wellness Experts Leroy Hood, M.D., Ph.D. and Nathan Price, Ph.D., Announce Aevum Aging - a Joint Venture to Advance the...

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Cures & Botanical Distribution, Inc. (OTC: GRCU) ("The Company" or "Green Cures") a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of hemp and CBD-infused nutritional, sports, body care and alcoholic spirits products, announces it has agreed to terms with Product Supply Labs on exclusive rights for the distribution and bottling of bulk hand sanitizer nationwide.

Product Supply Labs is a contract manufacturing company producing clean, innovative and effective skincare, nutritional and personal care products. Green Cures now has the capacity to fill up to 50,000 bottles per day in 1 ounce, 2 ounce, 4 ounce, 6 ounce, 8 ounce, 16 ounce and 1 gallon sizes. The agreement including turnkey bottling and labeling services for FDA-registered bulk hand sanitizer.

As Green Cures continues to build on its existing hand sanitizer brand it now will tap into the fast-growing private label hand sanitizer market. Green Cures Chief Executive Officer, Rich Thomas, stated, "In late June we toured the facilities of Product Supply Labs and were very impressed with James and his team."

James Martell, Founder and Owner of Product Supply Labs, is a serial entrepreneur leading multiple successful enterprises in the Hemp, CBD and Fulfillment arena. "We're excited to partner with Green Cures on bringing the highest quality hand sanitizer liquids and gels to the mass markets," said Martel. "Our teams will continue to work closely as we take advantage of a business landscape that is booming and showing no signs of slowing down."

According toGrand Review Researchthe global hand sanitizer market size is valued at $2.7 billion and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22.6% from 2020 to 2027. Upon terms of the partnership, Green Cures gained exclusive distribution rights for the full suite of Product Supply Labs bulk hand sanitizer services.

In August, Green Cures received and fulfilled its first commercial hand sanitizer order with a brand currently placing product on the shelves of Rite Aid and Wal-Mart. By teaming up with Product Supply Labs the company now has a clear path to grow both the Green Cures brand and Private Label business significantly over the coming quarters.

"With the added capacity we can now fulfill large scale hand sanitizer opportunities at the highest of levels," stated Thomas.About Green Cures & Botanical Distribution, Inc. (OTC PINK: GRCU)

Green Cures & Botanical Distribution Inc., is a revenue-generating company that wholesales and retails hemp-infused nutritional, botanical, sports, and body care products. Green Cures & Botanical Distribution Inc., operates a diverse portfolio of products and services within the botanical and cannabis industry, as permitted by law. From concept to production and distribution, Green Cures & Botanical Distribution Inc., is continuously creating and introducing products that promote a healthy lifestyle. For more information visit:http://www.greencurescorp.com/.

Product Supply Labs

Product Supply Lab is a contract manufacturing business of clean, innovative, effective skincare, nutritional, and personal care products.

Exceptional customer service and flexibility are our strengths. We're always striving to provide our customers with the best possible products at the most reasonable price.

At Product Supply Lab, we believe that the continuous pursuit of creativity, innovation, and quality will provide our customers with the products they need to stay healthy and live well.Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission atwww.sec.gov.

Contact:[emailprotected] 844-420-4728

SOURCE Green Cures & Botanical Distribution Inc.

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Green Cures & Botanical Distribution and Product Supply Labs Agree on Exclusive Distribution Rights for FDA-Registered Hand Sanitizer - PRNewswire

Arthritis is the most common joint disorder in the United States, and knees are often the first joints affected by the condition.

One study found that in people above age 60, more than 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women had symptoms of arthritis in their knees.

OTC and prescription pain medication can offer relief, but are frequently associated with side effects. These side effects include kidney damage and heart problems.

Almost 20 percent of Americans report some degree of knee pain, according to figures published in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pain can range from mild stiffness to levels that are nearly disabling.

Recent studies have found that turmeric, a flavorful spice popular in India, may help relieve joint pain. The spice is popular in Ayurvedic medicine, but is mainly used in food in the United States and not as a medication.

Experts say that there is increasingly clear evidence that the active ingredient in turmeric may have health benefits.

It is widely believed that curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And for this reason, its frequently used as a supplement by many people to help with joint symptoms, Dr. Nagendra Gupta, FACP, CPE, an internist at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, told Healthline.

A study published in the medical journal Trials compared the effectiveness of turmeric to that of an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac.

The randomized trial gave 139 patients with knee pain either a 500-milligram (mg) capsule of curcumin three times a day or a 50-mg diclofenac pill twice daily. Scientists found that both groups experienced significant pain relief.

Curcumin has similar efficacy to diclofenac but demonstrated better tolerance among patients with knee OA. Curcumin can be an alternative treatment option in the patients with knee OA who are intolerant to the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the study authors wrote.

In another study, published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers at the University of Australia in Tasmania assigned 70 participants, over age 40, with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and swelling diagnosed by ultrasound, to receive either 1000 mg per day of turmeric or a placebo.

After 12 weeks, the randomly controlled placebo trial found that an extract of turmeric was more effective than a placebo in reducing knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Those taking turmeric reported significantly less knee pain at the end of the study, according to the standardized questionnaire.

Researchers emphasized that more research is needed, and the only limiting factor of their study was the small number of participants.

This research also received funding from Natural Remedies PVT Ltd, a company that offers Ayurvedic medicines and herbs.

While this may indicate a conflict of interest, previous research also supports this spices effectiveness for pain relief.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a frequently used spice in South Asian foods like curries, and it can add a warm orange or yellow color to meats and rice dishes. It also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, and research finds that it has a surprisingly wide range of beneficial properties.

Curcumin, unlike some NSAIDs, has also been determined to be nontoxic. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, taken in excess can cause symptoms that include convulsions, coma, and acute renal (kidney) failure.

Experts say that given turmerics known health benefits, including it in meals is best.

Eating turmeric with fats or oils can improve absorption.

Turmeric however, specifically the phytonutrient curcumin, has so many health benefits, so definitely incorporating turmeric into meals would be ideal as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan, said Reema Kanda, RD, a clinical dietitian at Hoag Orthopedic Institute.

Incorporating turmeric into meals that contain fats and oils or black pepper will enhance absorption.

Kanda emphasized that the quality of the turmeric powder can also affect bioavailability. She also said, You want to be sure the turmeric powder is free of contaminants that are often found when making powders.

She added that many studies have utilized turmeric extracts over turmeric powder, which has higher amounts of curcumin. Because of that, the studies recommended extracts for therapeutic use for health benefits such as improving in joint pain.

Theres strong evidence that eating the Mediterranean diet may provide significant knee pain relief in people with OA.

Researchers reviewing three different studies found that people with symptoms of arthritis had an improved quality of life after starting the Mediterranean diet.

According to the study, the Mediterranean diet may benefit OA because of its anti-inflammatory properties, tendency to reverse metabolic syndrome (a risk factor of diabetes), and reduce obesity.

Researchers say the diet is also rich in polyphenols (plant compounds), which can prevent inflammation and cartilage destruction, and this could also be why it shows benefit.

While there is no specific diet that works as a cure for arthritis, various studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet can help fight the inflammation associated with arthritis and slow the disease progression, said Gupta.

As always, getting the right dosage is key to staying healthy. While turmeric may help joint pain, more is not always better.

Consuming large amounts of turmeric can have side effects.

Subjects in a 2006 small dose-response study reported a range of adverse reactions from using 500 mg to 12,000 mg of curcumin daily, although the researchers found overall participants tolerated the high levels of the spice.

Of 24 participants, seven reported side effects that included headache, diarrhea, and skin rash. All but one of the people with side effects were taking over 4,000 mg of turmeric.

Turmeric is also high in oxalate, a chemical that in large doses can combine with calcium to create kidney stones.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is generally recognized as safe. However, the FDA has previously warned that turmeric from Bangladesh contained excessive levels of lead, which can adversely affect health.

Studies have shown that turmeric can have strong anticoagulant effects, which could affect how blood-thinning drugs work in the body.

If you want to try using turmeric to treat joint pain, its always a good idea to speak with your doctor first to make sure it wont interact with medications youre already taking.

Joint pain, especially in the knee, due to arthritis affects about 1 in 10 older Americans.

Research finds that an ingredient in the spice turmeric can significantly reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis but it wont improve swelling or change cartilage.

Although considered safe by the FDA, there is strong evidence that turmeric can interact with blood-thinning drugs, and the agency has warned that turmeric imported from Bangladesh has shown high levels of lead.

More:
Want to Take Turmeric for Arthritis Pain? Here's What to Know - Healthline

Barbara Fradkin, Special to FLORIDA TODAY Published 6:11 a.m. ET Sept. 22, 2020

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common type of diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.(Photo: Space_Cat, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This Q&A is provided by One Senior Place, a marketplace for resources and a provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families, located in Viera.

Most of the food we eat breaks down into sugar, or glucose.

In a healthy person, the pancreas releases insulin when your blood sugar goes up. Insulin is the gatekeeper, letting blood sugar into your body'scells for energy.

People with diabetes don't make enough insulin, or can't use it as well.

That means too much sugar stays in their bloodstream, which can lead to serious health problems over time.

Barbara Fradkin is theDirector and a Social Worker atOne Senior Place(Photo: Provided by One Senior Place)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 34.2 million Americans are living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 is thought to be caused by an auto-immune reaction and is mostoften developed in childhood. There is no known prevention.

Type 2 diabetes is a different story, accounting for 95% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 comes on slowly over time, and obesity is the leading risk factor.

The last 20 years have witnessed a diabetes surge in adults, teens and even children.

In Florida, 2.4 million people have diabetes and another 5.8 million have prediabetes, which is a blood sugar level that's higher than it should be.

Nearly everyone with Type 2 diabetes has prediabetes first.

Right now, more than one in three adults in America have prediabetes and 84% of them have no idea.

Catherine Robinson, Registered Diabetes Educator with Florida Health Plans, believes prediabetes intervention is critically important.

These are truly epidemic numbers," Robinson said. "But there is clear evidence that prediabetes treatment can delay or prevent the conversion to diabetes."

More: One Senior Place: Virtual support groups help homebound stay connected

More: One Senior Place: Preparing for a hurricane amid COVID-19 pandemic

More: Need answers to your difficult questions? One Senior Place can help

And that's the good news: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy foodand being active.

If you're one of those people walking around with undiagnosed prediabetes, Lisa Conway, R.N., at One Senior Place wants you to know the warning signs.

"Symptoms can include increased urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, fatigue, dry mouth or itchy skin, slow healing sores and increased infections," she said.

Conway, a Certified Care Manager and Aging Life Care Professional, is also quick to echo the prescription for good health.

"You can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating healthier and getting regular physical activity," she said.

Beginning Oct.7, One Senior Place in Viera will present a five-part seminar series on diabetic health, in partnership with Chefs for Seniors, Aging Matters, Florida Healthcare Plans and VITAS Health Care. More information is available at OneSeniorPlace.com.

One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. To submit a question, send an email to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging at OneSeniorPlace.com.

Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager and the Director for One Senior Place in Viera.

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One Senior Place: If you have prediabetes, does that mean you will develop diabetes? - Florida Today

Why men must talk about mental health, its effects and causes.

The coronavirus pandemic and the effect it has had on peoples lives is undoubtedly here to stay. The old normal is no longer a plausible reality as public places have become increasingly unsafe. The workplace, an often dreaded but frequented spot, has had to make major adjustments to business as usual, especially with COVID-related lockdowns in many areas of the world. Companies have had to adapt to this new way of remote work, whether that meant sending desktop monitors to the homes of employees, mandating days off for mental health and wellbeing, or even overstepping the boundaries of traditional work hours. What initially seemed to be like a mini vacation has re-ignited the work-life balance debate.

Dr. Afshin Nasseri stresses the medical importance of maintaining a work-life balance and warns of what failure can entail. With chronic stress being one of the most common health issues borne out of such situations, it is essential for both companies and employees to understand what this often overlooked condition could lead to.

Physical consequences include hypertension, digestive trouble, chronic pain, and heart conditions, most of which can be prevented and maintained with a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, responsible monitoring, and regular exercise. The narrative of chronic stress changes entirely when it comes to mental health, especially for men chronic stress has close links to depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Gender disparity in mental health

In his quest to tackle common issues in mental health, Dr. Afshin Nasseri focuses on gender disparity around depression and its manifestation in males ages 18-65.

One out of five men develop alcohol dependency in their lifetime, and men are also four times more likely to die of suicide than women. Moreover, more than six million men live with depression each year.

Dr. Nasseri also identifies how social norms and cultural codes associating achievement, aggression, competitiveness and emotional isolation with perceived ideas of masculinity, contribute heavily towards persistent unaddressed depression for men globally.

Dr. Afshin Nasseri notes how such stereotypes have resulted in male depression going undetected because men are less likely to report sadness, poor sleep, and experience irritability and agitation when they are not well, while women are comparatively more likely to seek support.

Mental health in men

The most common mental health issues in men are depression, anxiety, or panic disorder among others. To identify if a person is dealing with such issues requires thorough medical assessment. The lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders in developed countries is about 20%. Women are affected twice as often as men.

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States ages of 15 to 44 years and a significant risk factor for suicide. The peak onset is in the fifth decade of life.

Dr. Nasseri notes that anxiety can be caused by anything from personal health, work, or social interactions. Anxiety symptoms include feeling restless or wound-up, being easily fatigued, facing difficulty concentrating, irritability, difficulty controlling feelings of worry, and insomnia/sleep problems.

On the other hand, panic attacks which are defined as sudden periods of intense fear with rapid onset, are comparatively easier to catch. Dr. Nasseri notes that panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger. Symptoms include sensations of heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath/smothering/choking, feelings of impending doom and feelings of being out of control when a panic attack hits.

Once men consider seeking help, they generally go through a lengthy mental checklist before doing so. Dr. Nasseri explains that such questions typically include Is my problem normal? Is my problem central to who I am? Do I have approval to seek help? What will I face if I ask for help? Elaborating on the last two, Dr. Afshin Nasseri delves into detail regarding why such questions usually arise. If other close figures, especially other men, are supportive, then the person will be more likely to seek medical help or attention. Generally, the largest obstacle in asking for help is fear of losing control losing work, a job, friends, or family and/or being involuntarily committed.

For anyone living with mental health issues, admitting to yourself that you have a problem is often an even greater task than talking about it with anyone. Such hesitance stems from fear or not wanting to overburden others. The stereotypes of Men dont cry or men arent weak, have often only compounded these problems further. However, continued activism over time has forced the conversation to the forefront and given men who suffer from the hose conditions a chance to fight the stigma.

During these unprecedented times, take the time to check in with yourself, your mood, your habits, and your wellbeing. To men who are feeling overburdened, overwhelmed, and exhausted right now -- it is ok to reach out for help.

Please contact your physician if you feel as though you might need help and reach out to loved ones for support during this time.

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COVID-19 Has Reignited the Work-Life Balance Debate, Dr. Afshin Nasseri Tells You Why - LatestLY

When former grade-school teacher and professional harpist Holly Thaggard, now 48, launched a line of sunscreen thirteen years ago in San Antonio, sun protection was considered the sleepy category of the skin-care world, an afterthought in an industry focused on wrinkle-reducing creams and fountain-of-youth serums. After a friend in her late twenties was diagnosed with melanoma, Thaggard was determined to help fight skin cancer. She set out to change sunscreens reputation by giving hers a playful name, Supergoop!; by developing products that werent heavy or greasy; and by excluding oxybenzone, a common but controversial chemical that may have negative effects on health and the environment, including our dwindling coral reefs. Today, Supergoop, which generated $40 million in revenue in 2018, is one of the buzziest darlings of the beauty and wellness industry, with more than forty types of SPF-packed moisturizers, mists, and mousses online and at retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom.

Texas Monthly: Since you started Supergoop, the wellness industry has exploded. Why do you think that is?

Holly Thaggard: Were all looking for ways to take care of our bodies and our minds, and to lead a more balanced life. And that includes looking at everything from the products that we put on our skin to the food that we ingest to moments of meditation. Having been down this road about fifteen years, weve finally broken through to this mindset that applying SPF is just as important as brushing your teeth or even wearing a helmet when youre skiing. Its really just about that little bit of mindset change to lead a more healthy lifestyle.

Were publishing more stories than ever before, and giving youunlimited accessto all of it.Subscribe now to have the magazine delivered to your home.

TM: Your line, which often comes in bright-yellow-and-blue packaging, includes everything from Play Body Mousse to a sunscreen for the scalp called Poof Part Powder, as well as makeup. The name Supergoop is certainly fun, but do you think it, as well as your branding, has ever been an obstacle to being taken seriously?

HT: It was very different when we launched at Sephora in 2011. It was a wall of Dr. Brandt, Dr. Dennis Gross, Perricone MDjust very serious names. It took time for people to fully appreciate us. It again goes back to our authentic mission, which is that we have to raise a generation that understands the importance of protecting their skin. And we arent going to do it by scaring people. You dont inspire change by scaring people or talking about scary things like skin cancer. You have to inspire them.

TM: In 2015 you secured $6.5 million in funding, and the next year, you hired a new president and opened a second office, in New York City. How have those big changes affected your company?

HT: Its always been about stopping skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer and yet primarily preventable. In that regard, weve never been tempted to make decisions that arent aligned with that mission. In the early years, my family really bootstrapped the brand, and we poured all of our dollars, time, and energy into product development. And it was really in only the past four years that we have fully built out a team in both New York and San Antonio. While every year, I think, weve doubled in revenue, I think that shifting of the mindset of the consumer to think about SPF every single day has really grown in the past four years.

TM: The skin-care and wellness industry is sometimes criticized as being inaccessible and elitist, with expensive products. Is sending free sunscreen to schools through your Ounce by Ounce program a way to make Supergoop more inclusive?

HT: Having options for everyone from a price perspective is important. We do have some multibenefit formulas that have more expensive ingredients, so theyre a little bit pricier. We definitely make sure that we have products that are easily accessible to every demographic. And with Ounce by Ounce, we believe that sunscreen should be in schools across America because thats where children are in the middle of the day and often in sports after school. Its important to teach our youth these healthy habits at a very young age. We were set to hit about three thousand classrooms this year, but everythings a little wonky right now because of the pandemic.

TM: Your New York office has grown to almost thirty employees, compared with a dozen staffers in San Antonio. Why is it important to keep your Texas office?

HT: There arent a lot of brands that are national or global in scale that are based in San Antonio. I think that makes us pretty unique and exciting for our city. Weve kept accounting, operations, and of course product developmentthe heart and soul of what we doin San Antonio. Keeping those responsibilities in the San Antonio office has helped me remain very close to whats most important to me. Its also important to have that presence in New York City because that is where the heart of the beauty industry lives and where we can attract the talent that we need to be a global brand.

TM: What would you say has been your biggest achievement since you started?

HT: The team that we have in place today, without a doubt. We have a forty-person team, and what each of them contributes to making sunscreen cool and making the magic of Supergoop resonate all over the globe is incredible. What Ive been most concerned about over these past few months has been the health of my team and keeping everybody mentally in the game with us.

TM: Whats next?

HT: I think we have helped change the way the world thinks about sunscreen. Its now not an icky, sticky mess you have to put up with when youre at the beach. We had to do that first. Now we should get people wearing it every single day. We still have a long way to go, but theres no sign of slowing down.

This interview has been edited forclarity and length.

This article originally appeared in the August 2020 issue ofTexas Monthlywith the headline Block Party.Subscribe today.

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Holly Thaggard: San Antonio Will Always Be Home to Supergoop - Texas Monthly

By Sheryl Salis

New Delhi, Jul 26 (IANSlife): As we face this global pandemic, it is important that we stay indoors. maintain physical distancing and focus on building a strong immune system which is a crucial shield against infections.

While we are confined to the house, it is important we maintain a regular routine which includes daily exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, maintaining good gut health, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress levels.

Our immune system works as the frontline defence mechanism against disease-causing microorganisms and protects us from all viruses and microbes that our body is exposed to. A healthy lifestyle along with a well-balanced diet containing all the essential macro and micronutrients is vital for optimal functioning and maintenance of the immune system.

Protein is a versatile macronutrient that sustains life and has a particularly important role to play in boosting immune function. Though we all know about the importance of protein, Indians are deficient in our protein intake. On average an individual needs 0.8-1.0g of protein per kg ideal body weight. Recommendations may vary depending on several factors such as physical activity, age, comorbid conditions like kidney disease etc. As per the General Consumer Survey (PRODIGY) conducted in 2015, 73 per cent of our population is deficient in protein intake with 93 per cent of our population being unaware of their daily protein requirements.

It is important to consume good quantity and quality of protein daily for the immune system to function at its best. A quarter of our plate at every meal must be protein.

A good quality first-class protein is one with high digestibility and has all the essential amino acids required by the body. Sources: all animal products like eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, milk products like curd, paneer, whey. Proteins that are partially lacking in one or more essential amino acids eg, cereals and pulses are called incomplete protein.

Combinations of foods such as cereal pulse combination like idli, dosa, Pongal, khichdi, dal rice etc. in 4:1 proportion helps improve the quality of protein in a vegetarian meal if you are unable to meet your protein requirements through diet alone, protein powders containing good quality protein can be included to bridge the gap. You can consult a qualified dietician to plan a diet tailor-made to meet your protein and nutrient requirements.

vitamins which help boost immunity

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory vitamin and plays a critical role in enhancing immunity. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A which when ingested is converted in the wall of the small intestine to vitamin A.

Sources of beta carotene-carrots, sweet potatoes, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, dark green leafy veg, pumpkins, asparagus, mangoes, drumstick leaves.

Vitamin B6

Vit B6 plays an important role in supporting biochemical reactions of the immune system.

Sources: fish, poultry, nuts, chickpeas, dark green leafy veg, bananas, papayas.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient in the formation of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 along with folic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Sources: fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant known to boost immunity. It also helps in the regeneration of Vitamin E.

Sources: Indian gooseberry (amla), guava, orange, sweet lime, lemon, bell peppers, berries, red amaranth leaves, cashew fruit, kiwi, strawberry, broccoli, etc.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to immune function and helps regulate the body's immune response. You can get your dose of Vit D by standing in sunlight either on your terrace or balcony without sunscreen during the day preferably between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your levels of Vit D are low, consult your physician who may suggest a Vit D supplement.

Sources: Egg Yolk, cod liver oil, mushrooms, sardines, fatty fish

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in regulating and supporting immune system function. It prevents oxidation of Beta Carotene and Vit A in the intestine.

Sources: nuts such as almonds, pistachios, seeds like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, garden cress seeds In addition to protein and vitamins, certain minerals like zinc, magnesium, selenium along with omega 3 fats play a key role in boosting immunity.

We can also give our immune system a boost by adding anti-viral foods easily available in our kitchen like garlic, fennel, ginger, cloves, tulsi, turmeric and coconut oil.

Making simple tweaks to your diet by including immune-boosting nutrients to help to fight infections. Lastly, do not forget to maintain hygiene by washing hands regularly, wear masks when out maintain physical distancing.

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Pump up the protein and vitamins in your diet - Daijiworld.com

Get to know Internist Dr. Umbrine Fatima, who serves patients in Clarence, New York.

(YorkPedia Editorial):- New York City, Jul 10, 2020 (Issuewire.com)Recognized as a reputable, board-certified internist, Dr. Fatima strives to help patients live their best and achieve their individual health and wellness goals. She is the owner & operator of My Health 360, a membership-based premier concierge internal medicine practice which also offers medical esthetic procedures in Clarence, New York.

Patients suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, hormone imbalance, chronic pain, obesity, or other chronic conditions can turn to My Health 360 for premium care. A firm believer in taking a holistic approach to care, Dr. Fatima focuses on each patient as an individual instead of just treating their medical condition(s). She uses personalized, alternative, and lifestyle strategies were needed to enhance ones quality of life.

From health to wellness, the doctor and her team of skilled professionals offer the following services: aesthetics, concierge care, cosmeceuticals, deprescribing, genomic testing, hair products and treatments, iCARI Data Wallet, pain management, and weight management.

Aesthetics: Helping patients to look and feel rejuvenated using simple, minimally invasive solutions, Dr. Fatima and her expert esthetic team offer botox, fillers, herbal facial serums, hair loss treatments, and nonsurgical face-lifts. They strive to help each patient achieve desired effects, including tighter, lifted skin; younger looking skin; better facial symmetry; restored facial volume; and fewer skin creases and folds.

Concierge care: My Health 360 Concierge Care offers an old-fashioned direct patient-physician relationship with premium medical care at an affordable membership fee of $1,500 per person per year, which entitles members up to four medical visits per year, including some lab tests. House visits, if deemed medically necessary, may be available for an additional cost.

Cosmeceuticals: Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products and treatments with therapeutic properties that improve the look and health of ones skin well after their application. With a holistic and integrative approach to care, Dr. Fatima combines traditional medical treatments with alternative therapies to improve overall health and wellness. Utilizing cosmeceuticals, the goal is to help each patient meet their esthetic goals, while also caring for the underlying cause of their individual beauty concerns.

Deprescribing: Dr. Fatima and her colleagues offer deprescribing strategies to optimize medication regimens or reduce the number of medications patients take in favor of healthy lifestyle changes. They will review a patients symptoms, medical history, medication list, and advise on possible interactions and adverse effects one may be experiencing with recommendations to deprescribe if needed. The goal of deprescribing is to maintain or improve quality of life.

Genomic testing: From a simple cheek swab, Dr. Fatima and her experienced team access copious amounts of genomic data (DNA makeup, biochemistry, metabolism, and more) and analyze broad or specific areas of concern. They deliver personalized, actionable information, providing patients with evidence-based roadmaps for effective dietary and lifestyle interventions based on their unique genetic and biochemical needs.

Pain management: Chronic pain management at My Health 360 involves treatments that ease long-lasting pain without addictive opioids or invasive surgery. Dr. Fatima reviews each patients symptoms and medical history completes an exam and may use blood or imaging tests to diagnose the cause of their pain and develop personalized chronic pain treatments with a goal to restore quality of life naturally.

Weight management: Weight management at My Health 360 is a medically supervised program with proven success that helps patients achieve or maintain a desirable weight and lower their risk of chronic diseases. Alongside her team, Dr. Fatima uses sophisticated methods, including genomics-guided lifestyle modifications, to guide treatment decisions which may be based on hormone levels, food cravings, nutrient utilization, metabolism, thyroid function, biochemistry, and other genetic factors. By doing so, she develops personalized diets and exercises plans to get patients on track with a healthy lifestyle.

With over two decades of experience in her field, Dr. Fatima earned her medical degree from DOW University of Health Sciences in Pakistan. Upon relocating to the United States, she completed her residency in internal medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.

Following her education, she became board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

A physician informaticist with an extensive background in health informatics and data analytics consulting, Dr. Fatima is the President and Founder of Health Information Technology Consultants, Inc. She combines her clinical and informatics experience to help healthcare organizations implement technologies that balance best security practices and efficient clinical workflows with a focus on patient safety while minimizing physician burnout. To date, she has successfully led many health information technology projects to support business needs of healthcare organizations throughout North America.

Licensed to practice medicine in New York and Florida, Dr. Fatima is also the Medical Director of Capacity for Development of Mentally Disabled Adults through SASINC.org. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS).

Internal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They manage and prevent common and complex diseases by providing comprehensive care and promoting overall well-being.

In addition to English, Dr. Fatima speaks Urdu and Hindi.

Learn More about Dr. Umbrine Fatima:

Through her findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/81722926 or through My Health 360, https://myhealth360.net/pages/about-us

About FindaTopDoc.com

FindaTopDoc is a digital health information company that helps connect patients with local physicians and specialists who accept your insurance. Our goal is to help guide you on your journey towards optimal health by providing you with the know-how to make informed decisions for you and your family.

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Umbrine Fatima, MD, FACP, CPHIMS, an Internist with My Health 360 - York Pedia

If you have been scrolling through TikTok recently you are bound to have come across 20-year-old Flo Simpson who has been on a mission to fit back into her jeans. Uploading the first of her daily food vlogs on 5th May 2020, Flo has taken the video-sharing site by storm, amassing 567.7 K followers- a figure that increases each day. Flo uses her videos, which at time of writing have a total of 13 million likes, to document her daily food intake, which usually consists of three balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Speaking to Portsmouths The News, Flo explained the inspiration for her health journey, my one-year relationship ended during lockdown and I had put on a lot of weight. Like a lot of people, I had probably been drinking and eating too much. I found this pair of jeans which I wore two months before my relationship ended and I wanted to get back to that place.

Flos popularity on the app is likely due to her healthy approach to weight loss, a refreshing change from the countless unsustainable diets often encouraged on social media

Flos popularity on the app is likely due to her healthy approach to weight loss, a refreshing change from the countless unsustainable diets often encouraged on social media. The promotion of such diets and other weight loss related content on platforms like Instagram has assuredly been on the rise since lockdown, with many unqualified influencers promoting unhealthy habits and dangerously low-calorie intakes. TikTok is saturated with videos that glamorize eating disorders, and while some people use the platform to document their recovery, others use it to create challenges like the headphone around waist challenge which sees users prove how slim they are by wrapping their headphones around their waist several times. Even content that appears to be of a joking nature, like many of the videos made with the Benjinx So you think Im skinny? sound, ultimately contribute to the damaging message that being perceived as skinny is something that young girls should strive for.

In her interview with The News Flo stated, I want to show people you can lose weight in a healthy way. Like with every platform, there are videos of people showing that they eat just carrots and hummus. Its not only unrealistic, its unhealthy and damaging. Allowing herself to enjoy family BBQs and socially distanced drinks with friends, Flo ensures her lifestyle is not overly restrictive, and on day 26 of her journey celebrated the completion of her dissertation with a cheat day. The Solent University graduate is honest with her audience, admitting in one video: my diet has been a write off this week, I know its not been great, Ive not been eating very well and Ive not really done much exercise. Still, on day 36 of her weight loss journey Flo achieved her goal and was met with thousands of comments congratulating her as she fitted into her jeans.

Flo ensures her lifestyle is not overly restrictive, and on day 26 of her journey celebrated the completion of her dissertation with a cheat day

Since achieving her original goal Flo has reassured her audience that she will continue to post daily vlogs as she aims to fit into her jeans more comfortably, and has started a body positive YouTube channel which already has 39 K subscribers. Flos success has also inspired others to begin their own healthy lifestyle vlogs. While some of her audience accused these people of copying Flo, she showed support, if watching my videos has inspired someone to embark on a similar journey to me then it fills me with absolute joy, she reminded her audience, we should all be supporting each other rather than tearing each other down. Lifestyle vlogs that focus on balance, overall health and wellbeing should be seen as a welcomed change to the fad diets, detox teas and overly strenuous workouts that have dominated social media for long.

Enjoyed this article? Check out some more from Life&Style:

Lockdown Life: Swiping Left or Right when Restrictions Ease?

Pride Month 2020: Do We Still Need Celebrity Coming Outs?

A Survival Guide For Couples Going Long Distance

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TikTok's Flo Simpson and Her Mission to Fit Into Her Jeans - Redbrick

New York, July 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Sports Nutrition Market: Consumer Behavior Analysis by Countries, Buying Pattern Analysis, Demographics, Trends Analysis, Survey Findings and Results, Leading Companies and their Market Strategies" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05927306/?utm_source=GNW

The report also provides insights into the marketing strategies and steps taken by the companies to retain their market position in the local as well as global market. The study also provides insights into the factors affecting the buying decisions, consumer preferences, and the demographic factors promoting the growth of the products of the global sports nutrition market.

The global sports nutrition market size was valued at USD 56,800 million in 2019 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.32% in terms of value during the forecast period. The sports nutrition market is going through a major transformation, muscling its way out of its athlete-focused niche into the mainstream. The mainstreaming of sports nutrition has pushed the category into new directions. As the consumer base evolves, manufacturers are changing their approach to address the diverse needs of serious athletes, as well as active lifestyle consumers. Manufacturers are connecting with active lifestyle consumers by showing them how the product fits into their daily lives as part of a healthy lifestyle. They are highlighting more moderate fitness activities, such as jogging, hiking, or yoga. Manufacturers are offering products in a variety of delivery formats to expand their reach due to the on-the-go consumption patterns of active lifestyle consumers. Consumers prefer the convenience of gels or ready-to-drink beverages.

The increasing concern about physical well-being is a major growth driver for the sports nutrition market. Sports nutrition plays a key role in optimizing the beneficial effects of physical activity of a bodybuilder, a professional athlete in training. It helps to improve performance, injury prevention, and quicker recovery. Sports nutrition helps to maintain physical well-being such as muscle health, weight management through increased satiety, and a slowing of age-related muscle loss. Sports nutrition has become increasingly mainstream over the past decade as interest in health, fitness, and wellbeing has grown.

The United States, Canada, and China among top markets for sports nutrition Figure 1. Global Sports Nutrition Market by Country, 2018 (Revenue % Share)

The U.S. is the largest sports nutrition consuming nation as it holds more than 60% market share of North America sports nutrition market and 29% market share of the global sports nutrition market. The factors such as increasing health awareness, healthy lifestyle, rising number of health clubs and fitness centers, and changing consumer preferences for nutritional products are the key growth drivers for the in this country. China holds an approximately 10% market share of the global sports nutrition market followed by Canada, Germany, and Japan. China sports nutrition market generated USD 5503.82 million in 2019 owing to the Chinese consumers interest in sports and wellness, especially among young.

Figure 2. Source of an Advice to Use Sports Nutritions

The analyst has published a comprehensive research study based on a survey conducted to analyze the buying patterns, consumer behavior, and consumer preferences. The above figure shows the source of advice to use sports nutrition given to the consumer before consuming sports nutrition. The majority of consumers got advice from the gym/health center to use sports nutrition which is highest than other sources. After the gym/health center, friends are the second-largest source from which consumers got advice to use sports nutrition. About 17% of consumers got advice from their health adviser to use sports nutrition.

Among the regions, North America dominates the global sports nutrition market. It holds more than 40% market share of the global sports nutrition market. The U.S. is the largest consumer of sports nutrition as it holds a 29% market share of the global sports nutrition market. Canada is the fastest-growing market for sports nutrition in the North America region. Europe is a second-largest market for sports nutrition followed by the Asia Pacific. The rise in obesity and an increase in the number of health centers & fitness clubs are driving the growth of the market in Europe. Growing demand among bodybuilders and athletes for various types of energy drinks and dietary supplements are the major driving factors for the Asia Pacific sports nutrition market.

Research Methodology

Primary Research Our primary research involves extensive interviews and analysis of the opinions provided by the primary respondents. The primary research starts with identifying and approaching the primary respondents, the primary respondents are approached through Key Opinion Leaders associated Internal and External subject matter experts Professionals and participants from LinkedIn, Hoovers, Factiva and Bloggers Our primary research respondents typically include Executives working with leading companies in the market under review Product/brand/marketing managers CXO level executives Regional/zonal/ country managers Vice President level executives.

Methods of Primary Research Computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) Computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) Computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) Questionnaires/Surveys

Secondary Research Secondary research involves extensive exploring through the secondary sources of information available in both the public domain and paid sources. Each research study is based on over 500 hours of secondary research accompanied by primary research. The information obtained through the secondary sources are validated through the crosscheck on various data sources. The secondary sources of the data typically include Company reports and publications Government/institutional publications Trade and associations journals Databases such as WTO (World Trade Organization), OECD (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), Hoovers, Factiva, and the World Bank, among others. Websites and publications by research agenciesRead the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05927306/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Global Sports Nutrition Market: Consumer Behavior Analysis by Countries, Buying Pattern Analysis, Demographics, Trends Analysis, Survey Findings and...

THE United States has an 84.1% share of the global market in organic food and beverages. This has come about because, over the past decade, organic producers have risen to the challenge of meeting increasing consumer demand for such products.

A review by the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture at Universiti Malaya revealed that the Malaysian organic food industry is still small, with more than 60% of such products being imported.

Over the past decades, the governments initiatives to encourage people to have a healthy lifestyle appear to have been successful demand for organically grown foods has increased significantly as people appreciate the possible health benefits of such foods and the assurance that such food is safe.

Agriculture and Food Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi has said that the increased demand for organic rice is attributable to Malaysians healthier lifestyles. He also stressed that organic padi farming offers a better return than traditional agriculture due to low water usage and limited use of padi seeds. It is also proven safe for public health because organic food is chemical- free. Other benefits of organically grown foods include higher dry matter levels, particularly for leafy vegetables and tubers, more top-quality proteins with better amino acid ranking in livestock reared organically, and more magnesium, iron, phosphorus and other healthy elements.

Among the environmental effects are the fact that organic farming increases the soils physical-biological properties as it offers more organic matter and biomass, higher enzyme levels, better soil stability, improved water percolation and holding capacity, and less water use and wind erosion. It also requires less energy and creates less waste per unit area of yield and is less environmentally harmful because it does not use synthetic pesticides.

In comparison, conventionally grown foods have adverse health effects due to pesticide residue; they contain more nitrates, heavy metals and hormones; they create antibiotic waste; and they can come from genetically modified organisms. They are also less nutritious and contain fewer protective antioxidants than organically grown foods.

According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, which promotes organic farming, the four fundamental principles of organic agriculture are health, ecology, fairness and care. The principles are designed to enhance biological cycles in the agricultural system, preserve and enhance soil fertility, minimise all forms of pollution, avoid the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, and produce high-quality food in sufficient quantities.

Locally, there are also many government policies and regulations aimed at promoting the development of the organic food industry, including the National Agro-Food Policy, Third National Agriculture Policy and the 10th Malaysia Plan. Still, the governments efforts seem futile without proper implementation plans and, crucially, without peoples willingness to join the industry.

A few decades ago, India was also far behind in adopting organic farming for various reasons but it achieved rapid growth and has now become one of the worlds largest organic food and beverage producers. The country could serve as a model for Malaysia to succeed in organic farming with the advent of various advanced technologies.

We would also have to remove obstacles to developing the organic food industry here, including the lack of incentives to go organic, the lack of public interest in the quality of natural products, and heightened scepticism among farmers about embracing organic agriculture. Because of this attitude, farmers tend to overlook the fact that organic food can gain peoples confidence in food products because of its safety.

Another obstacle to increasing general acceptance of organic foods is their price they do appear to cost a lot more than traditionally produced foods, typically appearing at premium prices in most supermarkets. Part of this is simply a matter of supply and demand; also, organic produce, meat and dairy often require more money than conventional products to grow unless the economies of scale come into the picture.

Various wellness websites and environment NGOs encourage people to shop at farmers markets, join food cooperatives and community-supported farms networks, purchase produce seasonally and compare prices at grocery stores, farmers markets, online and elsewhere to manage their spending on organic food.

Apart from this, the government should review organic farming policies on an ongoing basis and shift the paradigm to ensure that the organic food industry becomes a growth engine for Malaysias agricultural sector. Comprehensive strategies and collaboration from producers and marketers are needed to gain public cooperation and trust to ensure the industrys success.

FARHAN KAMARULZAMAN

Emir Research

Note: Emir Research is a think tank focused on research-based policy recommendations.

See more here:
A green engine of growth - The Star Online

Green smoothies are not for everyone, especially when bitter greens and no sugar are involved. However, if made with the correct ingredients, it can change your mind. An important addition to a healthy lifestyle, they have a lot of benefits making it hard to ignore them. So, if you're tying to eat healthy during the lockdowna green smoothie is the perfect addition to your daily routine. With the right mix of good ingredients, this chlorophyll-rich drink can work as a midday snack, a morning smoothie, a post workout replenisher or as a meal on its own when you are in the mood to keep it light. Vogue spoke to chef Hemali Gala from Vegan Bites, a Mumbai-based healthy food company, to share green smoothie recipes for beginners.

1

Freeze the bananas overnight or for at least 6 hours. This will give your smoothie a rich texture.

2

Blend the frozen bananas, dates, spinach and coconut water into a smooth consistency and add ice. Serve immediately.

1 cup spinach

cup mint leaves

A handful coriander

A few curry leaves

2-3 stalks celery

A few basil leaves

1 green cucumber

2 tbsp ash gourd/bottle gourd

cup pineapple, optional

1 lemon for lemon juice

2-3 dates

Chaat masala as per taste, optional

1

Blend all the above ingredients except the chaat masala with about 1 glass of cold water till smooth consistency.

2

Strain the juice and add the chat masala or black salt as per your taste. One can also skip adding the chat masala.

2 bananas, frozen

1 cup spinach

avocado

1 mango

1 cup almond milk

1

Put the frozen bananas, spinach, avocado, mango and almond milk in a blender, and blend until smooth and thick.

2

Divide between two bowls and top with the berries, shredded coconut, chopped nuts and chia seeds.

2 green apples

1 cucumber

A handful kale leaves

avocado

1 lemon for lemon juice

1

Put the kale, avocado, cucumber, apples, lemon juice with a few ice cubes in a blender, and blend until smooth and thick.

2

If its too thick you can strain, but its best to avoid and drink this thick shake as is. Serve cold.

2 healthy desserts that you can make in under 20 minutes at home

5 nutritious milkshake recipes for any time of the day

5 easy-to-make vegan smoothie recipes to try during quarantine

Original post:
4 green smoothie recipes for people who trying to eat healthy at home - VOGUE India

Kendall Taylor

By Kendall Taylor

In this unparalleled time where our emotional and physical well-being are threatened, staying healthy and maintaining a normalcy has become increasingly challenging.

Its imperative more than ever that we focus on our own health in new and innovate ways to combat both chronic and mental health diseases that we continue to see on the rise.

Valley Schools provides tools for a healthy lifestyle to thousands of employees of school districts around Arizona. Valley Schools is a nonprofit employee benefits group that works with 22 school districts in Arizona.

They work with districts such as Paradise Valley Unified School District, Deer Valley Unified School District and Peoria Unified School District to keep medical insurance costs down by pooling the resources of thousands of employees to provide medical insurance in a cost-effective way.

While many of Arizonas businesses have been forced to close and schools shutting their doors for the remainder of the school year because of coronavirus, it was critical to find ways to continue to support employees.

With a robust health and wellness program, Valley Schools quickly shifted gears and put its content online, providing as many tools to help employees stay physically and mentally fit at home. They now provide online yoga classes, immune boosting recipes, cooking demonstrations, sleep presentations, meditations and other resources to help teachers, school administrators, facilities staff and bus drivers remain healthy and connected.

If health can be improved, not only can the quality of life be enhanced on an individual level, but money can be saved and put back into the classroom. For every dollar a school district saves on medical insurance, thats a dollar that can be put into teacher salaries and the classroom.

Many have experienced new challenges while working from home due to COVID-19, such as unhealthy eating and snacking, stress, inactivity and isolation. Creating a healthy stay-at-home lifestyle is imperative. Valley Schools continues to live by its mission to provide tailored and innovative solutions with a primary focus on improving individual health and well-being to achieve the lowest health care cost.

Valley Schools will continue to stand by those words and by their members to keep them engaged, active and healthy during this trying time.

Editors Note: Kendall Taylor serves as Valley Schools wellness director.

Excerpt from:
Taylor: The link between a healthy life and school dollars - Your Valley

An independent sector healthcare provider is urging adults across the country to check their blood pressure as huge numbers of people are living with serious health issues without realising it.

A poll carried out by Benenden Health suggests that a quarter of UK adults do not know what blood pressure is.

Two thirds (66%) do not know what to do to lower their blood pressure and three quarters (77%) feel there should be more information available on how to manage blood pressure, the poll shows.

Even if they showed symptoms of high or low blood pressure, such as headaches, black-outs and dizziness, a quarter of respondents to the poll (26%) said they would not visit a GP, with a fifth (20%) of these saying they would be put off by lengthy waiting times.

A further 20% said they felt it wouldnt be important enough to seek medical support about.

The research also shows that 5% of UK adults have never had their blood pressure checked and as many as one in five (18%) can not remember when it was last taken. One in ten (11%) said they were unsure where their blood pressure could be checked, with an additional 10% saying they wouldnt have it taken due to fear of the results.

A Benenden spokesman said that the organisation has produced a new online tool to help people understand what blood pressure is and offer tailored advice to users in order to achieve and maintain a healthy reading.

Despite resisting checks and medical advice, only half of all respondents could correctly identify a healthy blood pressure and nearly two thirds (60%) did not know what they can do to raise or lower their blood pressure, with three quarters (77%) of respondents thinking there should be more information available on how to manage a healthy blood pressure.

Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health, said: As a result of our findings, weve developed an online tool to help people understand what blood pressure is, what the risk factors are and what they can do to raise or lower their reading. Checking and understanding your blood pressure can be a really simple, yet hugely important activity in monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

People shouldnt be afraid to get checked out as it is simple to do and even if your reading is outside of the normal threshold, blood pressure can be managed to minimise the threat of associated health risks. Despite the current climate, we shouldnt ignore our wider health and would encourage people to find out their reading either by visiting their GP or pharmacy or by purchasing a machine themselves at a very reasonable price.

The real danger with blood pressure comes when we ignore it or dont see it as important. As symptoms arent always easy to spot, without an accurate reading you could be in danger of missing out on a vital indication that you are at risk of a serious medical condition. We therefore highly recommend regular monitoring and if you do have any concerns, that you visit your GP and are not put off by the current climate in doing so.

Read the original post:
Benenden Health urges people to monitor blood pressure as health problems spike - Health Insurance and Protection Magazine

Lululemon reported its first-quarter earnings results on Thursday. Sales fell by 17% overall despite strong growth online, indicating that even the athleisurewear giant which was is thought to have benefited from more people shopping for comfortable clothing and workout gear during the lockdown wasn't immune from the impact of the pandemic.

But analysts are still confident in the brand and say that it could actually emerge stronger than ever post-lockdown thanks to an upcoming fitness and wellness boom, which it is well-positioned to capitalize from, they say.

"Clearly, Lululemon was a winner prior to the pandemic, but we believe that it will emerge even stronger," Jefferies analyst Randal Konik wrote in a note to clients on Friday.

He continued: "We expect accelerated consumer gravitation toward fitness/wellness apparel in the wake of COVID-19, of which Lululemon should capture outsized share."

Konik then referenced recent data from NPD, which showed that the brand had achieved its highest quarterly market share gain in athletic apparel in recent years in the most recent quarter.

In the short-term, the pandemic has meant that people are spending more money on leisurewear and athletic wear while kept at home during the lockdown.But in the long-term, experts say Lululemon also stands to benefit as consumers become more health and wellness obsessed than before.

"The good news is this is a health crisis," Jason Kelly, author of "Sweat Equity" said in a recent conversation with Business Insider. "So a focus on health and wellness is going to be a bigger part of this."

Marc Magliacano, a managing partner atL Catterton a private-equity firm that is invested in Peloton and SoulCycle-owned Equinox among other fitness concepts echoed these thoughts in a recent phone conversation with Business Insider:

"Many of the adverse health issues related to COVID infections were a function of obesity people are going to now more than ever begin to re-think their approach to overall health and wellness.

"I know we say that each and every time a macro health concern surfaced but COVID has brought the issue to light of how vulnerable the obese and the severely overweight are in this country," he said.

This "renewed and heightened interest" in wellness should play into the hands of athletic wear brands as consumers spend more money on workout gear,NPD analyst Matt Powell said in a recent blog post.

"In addition to the lockdown providing a greater incentive for people to exercise at home or be active in the open air, I believe this illness has also motivated people to adopt healthier habits," he said, and ultimately, an increased interest in a healthy lifestyle bodes well for the sports and athletics wear brands, he added.

Original post:
Lululemon primed to capitalize from a health and wellness boom - Business Insider - Business Insider

Weight loss is hard. It's even tougher when you fall victim to these hard truths.

Why is it so hard to lose weight? It's a question many, if not most, people have asked themselves, probably on many occasions. Aside from the obvious -- food is delicious, exerciseis hard and time is short -- there are many other factors that affect weight loss and that many people don't even know they fall victim to. Here are six that might be hindering your weight loss progress.

Instead of embarking on fad diet after fad diet, take a long-term approach to weight loss.

Everything on this list is somewhat of a hard truth, but this is often the hardest to accept (and change). If you approach weight loss with a short-term attitude, you may not make it anywhere except on the yo-yo diet train.

Without a long-term approach to weight loss, you may end up losing 10 or more pounds in two weeks and then suffer a rebound when you discover that regimen wasn't working for you. This is all too common when people embark on strict diets such as keto or paleo, or fad diets that promise rapid weight loss. In reality, for most people, a well-balanced diet that includes all food groups and even some treats works best in the long run.

Part of successful, sustainable weight loss -- i.e. losing the weight and keeping it off for good -- is understanding that fad diets, excessive exercise and "detoxes" don't usually work. They only last as long as your willpower lasts, and I'm willing to bet that's not more than two weeks to a couple of months.

There are no quick fixes, miracle cures or magic pills when it comes to weight loss, despite what the wellness industry might have you believe: Losing weight requires dedication to a plan that supports long-term healthy habits.

The general recommendation for weight loss is a rate of one to two pounds per week, although initial weight loss might surpass that for people who are very overweight, and then slow down to the suggested one to two pounds per week. Studies have shown this to be an effective way to lose weight without losing too much water or lean tissue -- and to avoid a rebound.

Overcoming an all-or-nothing mindset promotes long-term weight loss.

Many people who struggle with a short-term attitude also struggle with an all-or-nothing mindset. I myself began my health and fitness journey with this mindset. I cut out all (literally all!) processed foods: no bread, no pasta, no milk, no cheese, definitely no individually wrapped snacks. I basically existed on chicken, vegetables and berries.

This was great until it wasn't, and I ended up on a CVS run for all the chocolate and Goldfish I could hold in two hands. Then, because I'd "ruined" my diet, I would eat as much as I could physically handle, because, "Why not? I already ruined it."

Then, of course, I'd feel bad about the snacks I ate and return to my overly restrictive regimen the next day. This is a destructive cycle to be in, but it's something I see all the time as a personal trainer. An all-or-nothing mindset can keep you in a perpetual cycle of lose-gain-lose, not to mention shame and guilt around food.

This all-or-nothing concept applies to fitness, too: If you've been crushing workouts left and right but don't feel fitter or stronger, you might be doing too much. Toning it down could -- counterintuitively -- be the answer to improving your fitness (and playing the long game).

A supportive community, IRL or online, can keep you motivated to lose weight and stay fit.

Supportive friends, family members and significant others are critical to successful weight loss. If I was asked to cite the most common reason for not sticking to a healthy diet from my past personal training clients, I would say stigma.

That's right. As silly as it sounds, people really do get made fun of for eating healthy, especially in regions where food is an integral part of the culture. Growing up in southern Louisiana near New Orleans, I experienced this very often when I decided I was making changes to my diet.

At family gatherings and social outings, I'd get comments like, "That's all you're eating?" or, "You're really not going to eat any dessert?" or, laden with sarcasm, "Next time we'll have a salad potluck."

It's not fun to be ridiculed or scoffed at, especially for things you care about (like your health!), so it can be very easy to fall into a trap of eating -- and drinking -- for the sake of your social life. This is why a solid support system is key to long-term weight loss. Without it, the journey can feel lonely and intimidating.

If you currently feel you lack a support system, try having open conversations with your friends, family and partner about it. You can make it clear that they don't have to change their eating habits if they don't want to, but that your health means a lot to you and you'd appreciate it if they didn't mock or downplay your hard work.

If an IRL support system isn't working out, turn to online communities that promote both health and body positivity. I really love Fit Approach on Instagram, Health At Every Size and the Intuitive Eating Community. Reddit also has a great forum (/r/loseit) where you'll find lots of real-life stories about weight loss.

Exercise is important for an overall healthy lifestyle, but it's hard to lose weight from exercise alone.

If you're at all attuned to the wellness industry, you'll know this saying: "Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym." Even if your goals don't include a shredded stomach, the adage is still relevant. You just can't out-exercise a poor diet.

Exercise should definitely be part of your overall approach to weight loss because it's proven to aid weight loss (not to mention its long list of other health benefits), but it's difficult to lose weight from exercise alone. Many people overestimate the number of calories they can burn from their workouts -- it's probably a lot less than you think.

For example, a 154-pound man will burn less than 450 calories during an intense, hour-long weight lifting workout. You can easily cancel that effort out if you don't pay any attention to your diet. The exact number of calories you burn during exercise depends on many factors, including your current weight, the intensity of the activity, the length of the workout, your age and your body composition.

Plus, focusing on only exercise can lead to a destructive cycle of exercising extra to burn off calories you feel you shouldn't have eaten. Or you may end up feeling like you need to "earn" your calories through exercise. Either way, taking this approach can lead to a strained relationship with food and exercise, as well as stalled weight loss.

There are exceptions to all rules. Some people, such as those who have spent years putting on muscle mass, can eat lots of calorie-dense food and not gain weight -- but even if you can eat whatever you want and lose or maintain your weight, that doesn't mean it's healthy for you.

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins and some whole grains will serve you best in terms of sustainable weight loss and health. Combined with a consistent exercise routine, you'll experience sustained weight loss and weight maintenance once you reach your goal weight.

Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can hinder weight loss progress.

Losing weight will be a helluva lot harder if you're chronically stressed, sleep-deprived or overworked. This scenario may sound familiar to you:

This is OK if it happens occasionally (everyone deserves a lazy evening every once in a while), but weight loss will seem impossible if this happens all the time.

The truth is, nutrition and exercise are only two components of a healthy life that can lead to weight loss. While important, too strong of a focus on nutrition and exercise can cause you to overlook other factors that are just as important: sleep and stress management.

Supplements don't work unless you do.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, bu
t that fat burner supplement in your medicine cabinet isn't going to do the work for you. While certain supplements may help you reach your weight loss goals, you have to work to make your supplements work.

For example, incorporating a daily protein shake in the mornings can help you feel fuller throughout the day, which may help keep cravings at bay. Increased protein intake can also help you build muscle, which aids in body recomposition.

Certain weight-loss supplements do have some evidence backing them, but no supplements are proven like the method that no one wants to take: eat fewer calories than you burn.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Continue reading here:
Why it's so difficult to lose weight: The hard truths - CNET