Tag: Diet

Recommended Diets - To Diet or Not To Diet
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To Diet or Not to Diet? Recommended Diets and What You Should Know About Them

To Diet or Not to Diet? Recommended Diets and What You Should Know About Them

No sooner do you decide on a more hands-on approach to your fitness and health than wellness gurus and sites present you with a billion options. And whether you are out for weight loss, immunity boost, or gut health, diets are among the most recommended solutions. 

But all that glitters isn’t necessarily the diet you need. Some diet plans will help you; others will ensure you need help immediately or in the long run–at least if done wrong.

We want to help preemptively by giving you the scoop on some recommended diets. We’ll discuss the positives and negatives to consider; then, we’ll offer some guidelines for choosing a diet plan. And so, without further ado, let’s talk diets.

Paleo Diet

The paleo diet is often recommended as a starting ground for people who want to lose weight. The idea is to stay away from overly processed foods rich in artificial ingredients and additives. 

Instead, you focus on fruits, meat, poultry, fish, poultry, etc., foods that would have been available to our Paleolithic ancestors. Grains, legumes, extra sugar, dairy, etc., are all dietary sins if you are on paleo.

Pros and Cons

On the one hand, this diet plan is one of the best options for starting weight loss and increasing sugar and lipid profiles in the short run. 

On the other hand, the absence of legumes, grains, and dairy can leave you low on carbs, as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics warns. As such, if you already have a low-carb problem, or you have kidney damage or type 1 diabetes, you should avoid paleo dieting.

Warrior Diet

While technically a fasting plan, nutrition experts also think of the warrior diet as, well, a dietary plan. The plan is pretty simple: you go without food for 20 hours, after which you have four hours to gorge yourself—just like an ancient warrior. This plan is for intermittent fasters who want to step it up a notch and go for something more intensive. 

Pros and Cons

Now, the warrior diet is a bit complicated where benefits are concerned.  On the face of it, it can help with weight loss, which is why some fitness experts may recommend it. 

Still, it’s not directly supported by scientific evidence. Its credibility mostly derives from the fact that it is a kind of intermittent fasting, and those have been shown to be effective for not just weight loss but also sugar control, brain health, and inflammation. 

In any case, this diet plan is extreme for most people and may lead to extreme fatigue and even fainting. Don’t go Warrior except under the guidance of a nutrition expert.

DASH Diet

If you have issues with high blood pressure, experts generally recommend Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s both a single plan and a collection of different approaches that center around managing hypertension. 

The idea of it is a diet focused on lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meat. Red meat, high salt, and added sugars? These are all to be avoided. 

Pros and Cons

Apart from a scientifically verified role in preventing hypertension, there is also much anecdotal evidence that this plan can aid in weight loss and reduction of depressive symptoms. 

Furthermore, it’s also known to reduce the risk of colorectal and breast cancer. However, there are some significant risks to this diet plan. 

The reduction in salt intake has been linked to developing insulin resistance.  Furthermore, experts warn that the low sodium intake isn’t good for non-hypertensive people. 

MIND Diet

This is the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, quite a mouthful of a name for sure. Quite aptly for its acronym, this diet type focuses on improving brain health. 

As a MIND dieter, you are not required to follow a strict meal plan, only advised to eat up to 10 particular brain-friendly foods, most of them fruits. These include berries, beans, whole grains, fish, and poultry. 

Additionally, you need to eat nuts, as well as leafy and non-starchy vegetables. 

Pros and Cons

One of the main advantages of the MIND diet is its demonstrated role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. It is also known to slow the onset of Parkinson’s disease while also outperforming most plant-based diets at improving cognition. 

The MIND diet is almost too good to be true as it is not currently known to have any real downsides. Although, the fact that it does not involve any strict meal plans or guidelines leaves a bit too much wiggle room. And where there’s too much wiggle room, some dieters may wiggle too much and may experiment dangerously. 

How Can You Choose the Best Diet Plan

Clearly, the many diet plans have their relevance and are not for everyone. Before you choose any, you must know if it’s what you need. So, how can you choose the right plans? Here are a few tips to help.

  • Make sure it’s sustainable: The best diet plans, experts say, are the ones you can keep up. This consideration also includes your capacity to afford and prepare the foods recommended in that diet plan. If you cannot sustain a diet plan indefinitely, you should probably try something else. 
  • Avoid experimental plans: This includes plans that have not been tested and certified scientifically. Little is reliably known about such diets, especially their relevance and potential side effects.
  • Listen to your nutritionist: Your best shot at getting the right results is betting guidance from a certified nutrition expert. They will recommend the best, tested diets for you.
  • Follow the research: While your nutritionist may be familiar with the best-supported diets and the relevant research, it doesn’t hurt to know a bit yourself. Besides, especially when you can’t afford the services of an expert, it’s always great to have your own working understanding of these diets.

Conclusion

Diets offer a whole range of benefits, especially weight loss. However, we can see that each one works best for one thing or the other. Essentially, whatever your aims are, it’s dangerous to use just any diet plan to achieve them. And while it can initially be a challenge to determine the best from the many options, it doesn’t have to. 

This post gives you the tools you need to approach diet choices. By understanding enough about the relevant diets and with guidance from a trained and certified dietician or nutritionist, you will find that you will reach your dieting goals with as little to remedy as possible.

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Apps to Make Eating Healthy Easier
Articles, Diet and Nutrition, Guest Articles

Apps to Make Eating Healthy Easier

Apps to Make Eating Healthy Easier

If you are wondering why a balanced diet is important, you are not alone. To simply put, healthy, balanced diets are important for maintaining good health and feeling good. The majority of us can get all the nutrients we need by eating a healthy and varied diet, but individuals with special dietary needs, such as athletes, may need additional support through the use of protein powders and protein bars. 

You need nutrients for day-to-day activities, for protecting your cells from damage caused by the environment, and for repairing any damage you might have done to your cells. Protein strengthens the immune system and rebuilds injured tissue. Your body is fueled by carbohydrates and fats, while it also relies on vitamins and minerals to function properly. Your cells benefit from antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, and E, while B vitamins help you produce energy from food. Sodium and potassium help transmit nerve signals, while calcium and phosphorus strengthen your bones. All of these functions are compromised by a poor diet.

So, if you are someone struggling to find the perfect food plan full of nutrients and vitamins, then this article is for you. We have compiled a list of apps that will guide you in this journey of healthy eating. For now, just make sure that you have a reliable internet as you do not want delays and lags running these apps. Spectrum Internet is a great option, if you happen to look for suggestions. 

Anyway, below are some of these apps to download:

MyPlate Calorie Counter

With this fantastic free app, MyPlate users can monitor their calorie intake and lose weight. The program includes a database of over 2 million foods, a barcode scanner, an 8-week meal plan, personalized daily calorie goals, and progress tracking. 

Additionally, the app features in-app workouts, water intake tracking, and real-time support from a community of motivational users. If you pay for an upgraded membership, you are offered advanced statistics, exclusive workouts, and no ads.

MyNetDiary

This amazing app allows you to track your food intake, workouts, medications, and even water intake. MyNetDiary helps you keep track of both your food intake and exercise when you are trying to lose weight. If you set a weight goal, the app shows you how quickly you can reach it based on your daily food and exercise logs. 

By taking into account your height, weight, age, and target weight, MyNetDiary will calculate your calorie intake. A premium version of MyNetDiary is available if you wish to track macros and calories better. Additionally, the premium version of the app lets you customize meals based on your diet type such as low protein, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and gluten-free.

Mealime

The main concept behind this app is the convenience of meal delivery combined with a diet plan. This app allows you to create a condensed grocery list that you can shop at your favorite stores or online according to your preferences. Just add whatever meals you enjoy to your meal plan and the app will create a condensed grocery list based on your preferences.

Mealime offers customized suggestions based on every individual’s diet, and its Meal Planner Pro subscription platform even offers advanced features. Are you curious about its recipe variety? Our guarantee is that all you’ll say is “wow”.  This recipe collection was developed with quick and easy in mind so that you don’t have to be an expert cook to master it.

Paprika

This recipe management application syncs recipes automatically between devices and allows you to capture online recipes. The Paprika app lets you save recipes while browsing the web, which you can then add to your recipe collection. You can enter recipes from blogs, non-compatible websites, and even major food magazines’ websites with just a click. You can also add your own recipes to the system so that everything is in one place. Additionally, it is easy to create grocery lists and meal plans based on saved recipes.

Yummly

Yummly provides cooking enthusiasts with instructions and suggestions based on a combination of online recipes as well as company signature recipes and video content. Additionally, the app incorporates helpful features, such as a recipe planner and an Instacart integration. The Yummly app is my go-to for healthy recipes.

You can filter and organize recipes based on cuisine, course, diet, and ingredients to find something that works for you. Additionally, you can create custom collections with your favorite recipes and add ingredients to your shopping list.

Wrapping up

That is all for this post. We hope you find these apps helpful and start eating healthy soon. Let us know which app did you like the most in the comments section below.

References

The 10 Best Nutrition Apps (healthline.com)

The 11 Best Meal Planning Apps to Help You Lose Weight (healthline.com)

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Dry Fasting vs Water Fasting: Benefits, Risks and Insights
Articles, Diet and Nutrition, Guest Articles

Dry Fasting vs Water Fasting: Benefits, Risks and Insights

Dry Fasting vs Water Fasting: Benefits, Risks and Insights

Dry Fasting and Water Fasting are two distinct fasting methods, each with its own set of health benefits including improved mental clarity and accelerated weight loss. In dry fasting, you challenge yourself to abstain from food and water for a specific period. Sounds tough, doesn’t it?  Well, water fasting offers a different approach. Here, you can still hydrate yourself while skipping meals. 

You might be curious to know which type of fasting is the best fit for you, or maybe you’re just interested to know how they work. No matter the reason, we’re here to lay out the facts clearly and help you understand these practices better.

What is dry fasting for?

Dry fasting involves refraining from both food and water for a specified period. It is primarily used for weight loss purposes and is considered a form of intermittent fasting. There are different types of dry fasting, including hard dry fasting and soft dry fasting.

  • Hard Dry Fasting: With hard dry fasting, you avoid any contact with water, including not brushing your teeth, showering, or using a mouthwash during the fasting period. This type of dry fasting is considered more challenging and requires careful consideration and preparation. The purpose of hard dry fasting is to create a state of extreme water deprivation within the body. Proponents of hard dry fasting believe that this intense level of fasting can potentially provide additional benefits, including accelerated weight loss and a more profound detoxification effect
  • Soft Dry Fasting: Soft dry fasting allows for limited contact with water for hygiene purposes. You can brush your teeth, floss, use mouthwash, and take showers without disrupting your fast.  It offers a more flexible approach compared to hard dry fasting. The purpose of soft dry fasting is to create a fasting state while still allowing some level of external moisture absorption. By limiting direct water consumption, proponents of soft dry fasting believe that it can provide benefits such as weight loss and potential detoxification effects.

What is water fasting for?

Water fasting is a practice where you abstain from consuming anything except water for a specific duration, typically ranging from 24 to 72 hours. It is a more common and widely practiced form of fasting and can be practiced for various reasons, including weight loss, detoxification, spiritual or religious purposes, or as preparation for surgical procedures. 

Comparing the benefits and risks associated with both fasting methods

Both dry fasting and water fasting offer potential benefits, but it’s important to consider the risks involved as well. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and risks associated with both types of fasting:

Dry Fasting Benefits

  • Weight Loss: Dry fasting may lead to weight loss, as the body uses stored fat for energy when no food or water is consumed.
  • Potential for Ketosis: Dry fasting can potentially induce a state of ketosis by forcing the body to utilize its stored energy reserves, particularly fat.
  • Detoxification: Many individuals claim that it can cleanse the body by helping eliminate toxins and water weight. For instance, a one-day dry fast could help you eliminate the same amount of water weight and toxins as a three-day water fast. 

Dry Fasting Risks

  • Dehydration: Dry fasting involves abstaining from both food and water, which can lead to dehydration if not done carefully.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances: The absence of water intake during dry fasting can disrupt electrolyte balance in the body, potentially leading to health complications.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: With no food or water consumed, it can be challenging to meet your body’s nutritional needs during a dry fast, which may result in deficiencies if prolonged.

Water Fasting Benefits

  • Weight Loss: Water fasting can be an effective method for weight loss, as it limits calorie intake and promotes fat burning.
  • Potential Health Benefits: Studies suggest that water fasting may improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and offer protection against certain conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Simplicity and Safety: Water fasting is generally considered safer and easier to implement compared to dry fasting.

Water Fasting Risks

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Prolonged water fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, as the body may not receive essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
  • Muscle Loss: During water fasting, the body may break down muscle tissue for energy, potentially resulting in muscle loss.
  • Adverse Reactions: Some individuals may experience adverse reactions such as dizziness, fatigue, or low blood sugar levels during water fasting, especially if done for extended periods.

Is dry fasting more effective for weight loss?

People often turn to fasting as a means to shed pounds, and some individuals believe that dry fasting, as opposed to water fasting, can enhance the weight loss effects better. However, it is important to note that research on fasting, especially dry fasting, is still in its early stages.

While certain studies suggest that there are potential weight loss benefits associated with intermittent dry fasting, it remains uncertain whether these effects are specific to dry fasting or just fasting in general. In essence, the current lack of sufficient research makes it difficult to determine conclusively whether dry fasting leads to greater weight loss compared to other fasting methods.

What should you consider when choosing between both fasting methods?

When deciding between a dry fast and a water fast, it’s essential to consider your goals and individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Hydration: If you have an acidic stomach or are concerned about maintaining proper hydration during fasting, water fasting may be a suitable choice, as it allows for water consumption.
  2. Detoxification: Dry fasting is often associated with claims of detoxification and potential health benefits. If your goal is to focus on detoxifying the body, dry fasting may be worth considering.
  3. Duration of the fast: You should also keep in mind the duration of both fasting methods. Dry fasting is generally practiced for shorter periods compared to water fasting. While dry fasts typically last between 3-7 days, water fasts can extend from 7-14 days or longer.
  4. Metabolic activation: Dry fasting has been claimed to activate metabolism and potentially aid in weight management. If boosting your metabolism is a priority, dry fasting might be worth exploring.
  5. Reaching ketosis is your goal: Dry fasting has been associated with a faster onset of ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses stored fat for energy. Achieving medium to deep levels of ketosis can occur within 24 hours of dry fasting. 

Who should consider dry fasting?

Dry fasting is often recommended for individuals who have prior experience with fasting and understand the potential risks involved. It is generally considered a more extreme form of fasting and requires careful consideration and knowledge of one’s body’s response to fasting.

It is important to note that certain groups of people should avoid dry fasting. Individuals with underlying medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with a history of disordered eating, and those taking medications should consult with a healthcare professional before attempting dry fasting.

Who Should Consider Water Fasting?

Water fasting can be a suitable starting point for individuals new to fasting or those without prior fasting experience. It is a relatively straightforward fasting method compared to more complex approaches like alternate-day fasting or an extended fast. 

Water fasting has also been associated with improved insulin sensitivity, which can benefit individuals with conditions like insulin resistance or prediabetes. It may also help regulate hormones like leptin, which plays a role in appetite regulation. Individuals interested in improving their metabolic health may consider water fasting under appropriate guidance.

Like dry fasting, water fasting should be avoided by individuals with underlying medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a history of disordered eating, and individuals taking medications.

Conclusion

Both dry fasting and water fasting offer unique approaches and potential benefits. Remember, whether you choose to explore dry fasting or water fasting, it’s important to prioritize your health and approach fasting with caution. Stay hydrated, prioritize nutrition, and if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns, always consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any fasting regimen.

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Vitamin K Spinach Salad Bowl
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Vitamin K: Be Careful With How Much You Get

Vitamin K: Be Careful With How Much You Get

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is mainly found in leafy green vegetables. It is also produced by the bacteria in our gut. It has many important functions, including helping clot blood and keeping bones healthy. However, if you’re not cautious, you might end up overeating this valuable nutrient.

In this article, we’ll discuss five cases that can lead to excess vitamin K intake.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1.) You’re Not Careful With Your Supplement Use

If you are using supplements containing vitamin K, it’s important to be careful with how much you take. It’s easy to accidentally take too much of this nutrient if you’re not paying attention.

Be sure to read the instructions on your supplement bottle carefully. Do not take more than the recommended amount.

2.) You Eat a Lot of Foods That Are High in Vitamin K

There are certain foods that are naturally high in vitamin K. These include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

If you consume a lot of these foods, you may be at risk of overeating it. So, it is highly recommended that you talk to a dietitian about how to plan your meals so that you’re not getting too much of this nutrient.

3.) You Have a Health Condition That Increases Your Risk

There are some health conditions that can increase your risk of overeating vitamin K. Some of these conditions include liver disease, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.

It’s vital to talk to your doctor or nutrition specialist about your health conditions. They can help you manage your vitamin intake so that you don’t accidentally overeat this nutrient.

4.) You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding

You might be at risk for vitamin K overconsumption if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because your body needs more of this nutrient to support your growing baby.

However, it’s important not to take more than the recommended amount during pregnancy. Taking too much of this nutrient can be harmful to both you and your baby.

5.) You Take Certain Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk for overeating vitamin K. These medications include blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs.

In case you take any of these medications, be sure to talk to a nutrition specialist about your vitamin K intake. They can help you manage your intake and tell you what not to eat when on warfarin so that you don’t accidentally take too much Vitamin K.

What are the Results of Consuming Too Much Vitamin K?

The results of consuming too much Vitamin K can be severe. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it can build up in your body and cause toxicity if you consume too much of it.

The symptoms of Vitamin K toxicity include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal

If you believe you might be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to stop taking vitamin supplements and seek medical attention immediately. Vitamin K toxicity is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Keep Yourself Healthy

Vitamin K is an important vitamin that our bodies need to function properly. However, too much of this vitamin may be harmful and lead to health problems.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be eating too much, please consult with your doctor. There are many potential causes of excessive vitamin intake, and it is best to seek professional help in order to determine the underlying cause.

Once the root cause has been identified, steps can be taken to address it and ensure that an adequate level of this important nutrient is being consumed.

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How To Build Muscle on a Vegetarian Diet
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3 Ways to Build Muscle on a Vegetarian Diet

3 Ways To Build Muscle on a Vegetarian Diet

The vegetarian diet is common as many people have adopted this lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons are nutritional and health-related, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. But there is a popular belief that building muscle on a vegetarian diet can be difficult and stressful because animal proteins are synonymous with muscle growth. However, there’s no need to fear because developing muscle as a vegetarian is absolutely possible. Read on for three tips on how to build strong, long-lasting muscle on a vegetarian diet.

1. Be Aware of Your Calorie Intake

The stepping stone in achieving your fitness objectives is to calculate the number of calories you need to consume in order to maintain, or increase, your weight. Keep in mind that consistency is the key when it comes to fitness. So, if you want to gain muscle, be sure that what you’re consuming is adequate. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of eating style.

When following a vegetarian or vegan diet, protein intake tends to be one of the areas where most people miss the mark. Therefore, protein intake needs to be closely monitored, because protein is the pillar of muscle growth. Bear in mind that carbs are crucial as well, so make sure you’re eating enough to meet your energy needs. Other than that, investing in some kitchen devices like an electric scale or measuring cups is a great start to identify portion sizes and understanding how much you need to build muscle.

It’s also critical to keep track of how much you eat. If you’re not sure how much you should get on a daily basis, try using an app like MyFitnessPal to monitor your food intake. While it may not be necessary for the long run, tracking calories are useful to assess your overall food intake. Keeping track for at least five to seven days can help you see how much or how little you normally eat.

2. Choose the Right Plant-based Protein

When following a vegetarian diet, it doesn’t imply you can’t eat protein. You actually can consume protein like eggs. Eggs are one of the most frequent protein sources for vegetarians, because they provide a nutrient rich protein punch. Fortunately, there is also a vast variety of plant-based proteins to choose from, all of which can help with muscle growth.

Soy Protein: You can opt for soy protein, which is one of the most common vegetarian options. The flavorful soy protein is extremely low in fat and cholesterol.

Pea Protein: Pea protein is likewise high in protein, cholesterol-free and has a good branched-chain amino acid profile. And it is vital to consume an adequate number of essential amino acids, because failing to do so will result in the degradation of existing muscle tissue.

Hemp Protein: There is also hemp protein, which is high in magnesium and iron and is high in Omega-3s.

Whey Protein: The final option is whey and other protein powders, which are popular among athletes for bulking up quickly and safely. It is significantly easier to meet the required daily protein amount by adding these proteins to fruit and yogurt smoothies. Just remember that as long as you’ve eaten enough calories and protein throughout the day, you can gain muscle without a problem.

3. Avoid Nutrient Deficiencies

Generally, fruits and vegetables are abundant in a well-planned vegetarian diet. However, any diet that does not include full food categories can contribute to a deficiency of certain nutrients. There is no doubt that a meatless diet can be healthy, but vegetarians and vegans, in particular, must be aware of two major deficits on a plant-based diet.

The first is vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy blood cell development and DNA synthesis. However, B12 is usually available in a variety of animal-based meals and the kind of B12 found in plant-based foods is not as efficiently absorbed by the body. Furthermore, low B12 levels can cause fatigue.

There is also zinc deficiency, which arises as a result of zinc being found largely in animal-based food but not so much in plants. Zinc is required for regular growth and development. It is involved with testosterone production, helps regulate hunger, and many other things for most athletes. To combat this, consider increasing your intake of nuts and seeds.

To help prevent either of these nutrient deficiencies, we recommend you take both a zinc and vitamin B12 supplement daily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, do yourself a favor by following these tips and consume sufficient nutrients so that you can feel good about yourself and get the most out of your healthy lifestyle. If you want to begin a fitness adventure as a vegan or vegetarian, read more to determine which diet programs are ideal for you.