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Is a low-protein, high-carb diet the key for a better aging brain? Maybe in mice

A new small Australian study — in mice — is getting a lot of splashy news coverage this week. Articles around the world are claiming that the study shows a diet high in carbohydrates and very low in protein is best for the aging human brain.

Some of the headlines read like the fountain of youth was discovered by Australian graduate student, Devin Wahl, doing his PhD thesis in a mouse lab at the University of Sydney.

Here are some of the pronouncements:

Here is the actual study, “Comparing the effects of low-protein and high-carbohydrate diets and calorie restriction on brain aging in mice,” which was published November 20th in the journal Cell Reports.

Let’s take a closer look at what the study actually did and the conclusions it made. First note that the study was done on mice. Mice are not humans, and thus it’s unclear whether the results have any relevance whatsoever for anybody capable of reading this post.

Secondly, you need to understand a bit of the research background. More than 100 years ago, researchers first discovered that reducing the calories in the chow fed to female mice extended their lifespan. Since that time hundreds of studies have looked at the impact of calorie restriction on longevity, physiologic processes, gene expression, inflammation and more. Generally most studies over the decades have found that calorie restriction does tend to extend life in most organisms — but the physiologic reasons why are still unknown and hotly debated. In recent decades, numerous studies have been looking more deeply at the phenomenon to see whether other diets can mimic the effect of calorie restriction or have similar impacts on key physiologic pathways and functions, such as in various animal and insect brains. But results are inconsistent and generally not applicable to humans. As one recent group of researchers noted: “there may be a fundamental difference in the responses of insects and rodents to calorie restriction.”

This is where Mr. Wahl’s study comes in. He compared, in mice, four low-protein, high-carb (LPHC) diets — which the mice were able to eat freely — to a 20% calorie-reduced diet. The lowest-protein diet contained 5% protein and 77% carbs. He mostly looked at the impact of both calorie restriction and the LPHC on the functioning of the hippocampus of the mouse brain — looking at gene expression, signalling proteins, inflammation, neuron length and more. He also assessed the behavioral and cognitive performance of the mice by their maze running and their recognition of novel objects.

The 17-page study goes into great depth about all the various findings, comparing them to other calorie restriction and LPHC studies in a similar vein. But his own conclusions are very understated: “In our study, the calorie-restricted diet and LPHC diets were associated with modest improvements in behavioural and cognitive outcomes, although results were mainly limited to females and inconsistent.” He notes that the lowest protein diets did show effects on gene expression, protein activity and neuron shape “which approached those seen with calorie restriction.” Out of that he concludes “a very low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet may be a feasible nutritional intervention to delay brain aging.” (Only in mice? In humans? Nowhere does it say in the paper.)

These are the results that have headlines gush that such a diet in humans could be the secret to living longer and staying mentally fit in old age? No wonder the public is so confused about nutrition research. The headlines are not supported by the findings at all. Granted Wahl and his advisor did hype the study results and their meaning well beyond what the study found in a press release sent to media.

Here’s an alternate headline that would reflect the study’s findings more accurately: “A low-protein, high-carb diet may have subtle brain results similar to calorie-restricted diets in mice.”

Not very sexy, is it?

— Anne Mullens

Earlier

Does eating fat make us fat?

Could a keto diet increase the risk of diabetes (if you’re a mouse)?

Is saturated fat causing PTSD?

Credibility crisis in an era of clicks and shares

Should journalists avoid reporting on most food studies?

Nina Teicholz in WSJ: “Carbs, good for you? Fat chance!”

Source: https://www.dietdoctor.com/is-a-low-protein-high-carb-diet-the-key-for-a-better-aging-brain

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Some Candid Thoughts On My Conservative Home State, Which I So Desperately Wanted To Leave

I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, and for as long as I can remember, I could not wait to leave. Despite the fact that I did have a fairly progressive group of friends, Georgia felt like nothing more than an oppressive conservative bubble. My high school was pretty unofficially segregated, and I remember being taught that the Civil War was about states’ rights, not slavery. I attended a dance studio owned by two men, who never talked about the fact that they lived together and wore wedding bands. I did everything I could to let everyone know how much I resented the south. When I decided I was going to go to college in Vermont, I could tell how much it bothered even some of my teachers — which only reinforced my thinking that the south was Bad, and New England was Good.

(I didn’t quite know it at the time, but I grew up with a lot more financial privilege than many, if not most, of my peers. I always knew I’d be able to go to college wherever I’d like, without going into debt, because my parents could afford it — my mom was able to go to college seven or eight states away, and she wanted the same thing for her kids. And lucky for her, she was able to cover the costs of that.)

I was expecting to find in Vermont the liberal Utopia I desperately wanted to live in, and in a way, I did. My college boasted dozens of inclusive on-campus clubs, centers for LGBT students and students from multiple cultural backgrounds, and a robust Women’s and Gender Studies program. I attended a free sex-ed event called “I <3 Female Orgasm” and took a “sociology of sexualities” class my freshman year (and from both learned I’d been a lot more sheltered than I’d previously thought). I met lots of people with different gender identities and sexual orientations who actually spoke of them openly. And heck, composting bins were everywhere!

I can honestly say I love Vermont with a huge piece of my heart. But it, and all of New England and the rest of “liberal America,” is far from the Utopia I’d believed it to be. I could see evidence of this on my college campus alone. I once got lured into a meeting for a Catholic anti-choice group based on the promise of free pizza, and I could always count on inducing a few eye-rolls if I ever brought the word “anti-feminist” into conversation at a party. And there were many even more insidious occurrences. Some of my friends were called homophobic slurs on multiple occasions — someone I knew even got a block of ice thrown at their head from a moving car. There were many student protests against my school administration’s apparent lack of resources and opportunities for marginalized students. One of my school’s fraternities got shut down after passing around a “rape survey” (it looks like the chapter is going to be reinstated).

I had left my red home state, but the same red ideologies still followed me. They weren’t everywhere, but they weren’t exactly hidden, either.

Now, of course, I recognize that it’s a rather simple life lesson: the world isn’t black and white, and there are all kinds of people with all kinds of flawed worldviews and blind spots everywhere. A progressive Utopia does not exist. For instance, I recently walked by a huge, rather daunting anti-choice rally in the middle of Manhattan’s Times Square. Massachusetts, as I only learned as an adult, is a notoriously racist place to live, and it hit a 10-year high in reported hate crimes in 2017. Bigotry isn’t unique to the south, or to “Heartland America.” But here’s the thing: you don’t hear people say “it’s time to cancel the entire state of Massachusetts.”

For this reason, I’ve been disheartened by many reactions I’ve seen from liberal and progressive people in response to the backwards anti-choice bills that have recently passed in Georgia and Alabama.

Now, I understand why film production companies would refrain from working in Atlanta while such a law is in place. I think that’s a really powerful move, and hopefully one that won’t be for naught. I am hopeful that neither of these bills will go into effect, thanks to efforts like those from the ACLU. But I also understand that, for the people living there, these kinds of boycotts may only do more harm to their livelihood, whether or not they actually induce change. (And for the record, I think you can be personally against abortion but still understand that criminalization will never be the answer. Abortions have been performed for thousands of years, and there is ample evidence that they will continue to occur even if they are made to be illegal — they will simply be much, much less safe.)

I’ve also noticed many dismissive, unkind, often ignorant responses from individuals, saying things like “can we finally just cancel the south” and “life begins the moment you leave Alabama,” as if it’s a choice for poor and/or marginalized individuals to just up and move to a different state whenever they feel like it. It hurts to think about all the people in “red” states who are going to suffer because of these potential laws, and who may already be suffering — and how cavalierly so many supposedly progressive people act towards their livelihoods.

It’s important to remember that a big part of why red states stay red is because of who is in power — and how they manipulate the law and practices in their own favor. In fact, polls have shown that not one state’s population has more than 25% support for a ban on abortion. And frankly, if it wasn’t for some really shady alleged voter suppression during Georgia’s most recent gubernatorial race, Stacey Abrams may very well be the governor of Georgia right now.

All of this is to say that there are people with different views everywhere — there are people who have oppressive, racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic beliefs in every corner of this country. Yes, it is immensely upsetting when my home state tries to pass laws taking away basic health rights from women and other people with a uterus. (And it’s especially upsetting when you consider that Georgia does have some really wonderful, borderline-socialist programs in place, like the HOPE scholarship program.) I understand why many people would want to move away from red states in their adult lives, both for their own safety and to find community. But while I may fundamentally disagree with people with conservative values, I still want to see a world where they can benefit from legislation that reflects my values. I want them to have livable wages and social safety nets, including easy access to healthcare. To dismiss an entire group of people simply because of their state government, when the reality is that hate exists everywhere, is fundamentally unkind — and the opposite of progress.

(If you’re in a position to be able to and would like to assist in helping people with barriers to entry for the healthcare they need, read this.)

Image via Unsplash

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Source: https://thefinancialdiet.com/i-couldnt-wait-to-leave-my-conservative-home-state-but-it-deserved-better/

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I lost over 120 pounds in under a year: Here are 5 tips that worked for me

Certain weight loss tips that work for one person might not work for another.

Here, author Jennifer Still lists five ways she approached dieting and exercise that helped her lose over 120 pounds in just under a year.

I've struggled with my weight all my life, but as I moved further into my 30s, something clicked in my brain and I realized that when it came to getting my health on track, it was now or never.

After all, obesity-related illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes run in my family and if I wanted to decrease my chances of getting them, too, I had to radically change my lifestyle and shed some serious pounds.

Just under a year later, I've lost more than 120 pounds and am pretty close to my goal weight.

It hasn't been easy and it's a journey that's far from over - it certainly is a lifestyle rather than a quick-fix diet - but understanding these five things helped me out along the way.

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/weightloss/i-lost-over-120-pounds-in-just-under-a-year-—-here-are-5-weight-loss-tips-that-worked-for-me/ss-BBSGjBX?srcref=rss

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Diet Doctor Podcast #13 — Peter Ballerstedt

Source: http://www.youtube.com/oembed?format=xml&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGZ3nNch5TsE

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Infos nur für freundliche Medien: Kickl erklärt sich im Wendy-Interview

Herby liebt süße Ponys genau wie wir. Doch der kleine Erwachsene hat in seinem Erwachsenenleben Riesenstress – au Backe! Denn Herby steckt als Innenminister von Österreich tief im Schlamassel. Ständig muss er sich fiese Sprüche gefallen lassen von Leuten, die ihn blöd finden. Im Interview mit WENDY-Redakteurin Pia-Marie von Rönne (11) zeigt er uns, wer hier wirklich im Sattel sitzt!

WENDY: Puh, Herby, das waren aber mal aufregende Tage. Warum sind die Zeitungen so böse zu dir, obwohl du Pferde liebst?

Kickl: Das weiß ich auch nicht. Ich bin wirklich traurig. Aber ich freue mich, dass es morgen eine klärende Hausdurchsuchung in der Falter-Redaktion geben wird, damit wir hier einige bedauerliche Missverständnisse ausräumen können.

WENDY: Herby, eure eigene Zeitung unzensuriert.at ist von Facebook gesperrt worden. Wie gehts da weiter?

Kickl: Das lassen wir nicht auf uns sitzen. Auf Anweisung der Staatsanwaltschaft sind derzeit mehrere berittene Pferde im Internet unterwegs. Sie reiten durch den Glasfaserkabel im Meer hinüber nach Amerika und machen dann Razzia bei Herrn Facebook. Diese linksfaschistoiden Unruhestifter gefährden unsere Freiheit.

WENDY: Und was sucht ihr dort?

Kickl: Stichhaltige Gerüchte, die beweisen, dass Mark Zuckerberg und Florian Klenk in Wahrheit ein und dieselbe Person sind – nämlich George Soros, der wiederum über die GIS finanziert wird.

WENDY: Du sprichst das Thema Pferde an. Gibt es etwas, was Journalisten und Pferde gemeinsam haben?

Kickl: Medien sind wie launige Gaule. Wenn man sie füttert, mit Karotten oder mit mehrseitigen Inseraten, und sie sind dann immer noch bockig, muss man sie manchmal halt leider einschläfern.

WENDY: Ich selbst war mal, als ich fünf Jahre alt war, Standard-Redakteurin und hab unter dem Namen Thomas Mayer geschrieben. Hast du vielleicht was von mir gelesen?

Kickl: (lacht) Kann sein. Ich kaufe mir den Standard täglich und werfe manchmal auch kurz einen Blick rein, bevor ich ihn öffentlich verbrenne.

WENDY: Du sagst, dass die Guten von dir Zuckerl bekommen. Mmmm, leckerschmecker. Was können wir schreiben, um so ein Zuckerl zu bekommen?

Kickl: Wie wäre diese lustig-schöne Geschichte, die eure jungen Leserinnen begeistern wird: Die kleine Reinhilde bekommt von ihren Eltern einen Araber geschenkt. Doch der Araber wird sexuell übergriffig und daher zu leckerem Käsleberkäs verarbeitet.

WENDY: Hihi! Lachkickl! Du, Herby, zum Abschluss für unsere Leser, die auch gerne einmal bestester kleinstester Innenminister von Österreich werden wollen. Was für Tipps hast du, wie bist du zu dem geworden, was du bist?

Kickl: (lacht bescheiden) Weißt du, ich bin mir immer treu geblieben. Ich bin eigentlich immer noch derselbe wie damals vor 49 Jahren, als ich noch ein Embryo im Mutterleib war; von oben bis unten mit Geifer beschmiert, schreie ich mich durch den Tag.

WENDY: Darf ich mir die Polizeipferde mal aus der Nähe anschauen? Meine Eltern haben in der Finanzkrise 2008 leider fünf unserer zehn Pferde verkaufen müssen.

Kickl: Ja, komm vorbei. Bei der nächsten Demo darfst du gemeinsam mit unseren Pferdefreunden von der WEGA in eine linksradikale Demogruppe reiten.

WENDY: Wow, cool. Danke, Herby, für das coole Gespräch auf Augenhöhe.

Source: https://dietagespresse.com/kickl-erklaert-sich-im-wendy-interview/

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Ketogenic Diets for Mental Health: A Guide to Resources

Scientific Presentations

Metabolic Health Summit 2019

The single best resource of in-depth, cutting edge scientific information and inspiration about ketogenic diets, nutrition, lifestyle and brain health is the video content produced by the 2019 Metabolic Health Summit.

I was honored to have participated in this sold-out (850 attendees) conference in Los Angeles, which dedicated an entire morning to ketogenic diets and brain health featuring presentations and panel discussion by pioneering scientists, educators, authors, and influencers. I was joined by:

Stephen Cunnane PhD, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec. “Ketones and brain energy rescue during aging: implication for treating Alzheimer’s disease.”

Jong Rho MD, University of Calgary, Alberta. “Ketogenic diet for autism spectrum disorder: evidence for mitigating core symptoms.”

David Perlmutter MD, neurologist and best-selling author of Grain Brain, who was the special guest for our one-hour speaker panel and round table discussion.

Dale Bredesen MD, neurologist and best-selling author of The End of Alzheimer’s delivered a pre-keynote presentation entitled “The first survivors of Alzheimer’s.”

I created a new presentation for this special event that isn’t available anywhere else: “Understanding Food: Nutritional Psychiatry Offers New Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders.” This talk explores root causes of mental illness, including the neurotransmitter theory (the cornerstone of pharmaceutical treatment) and explains how ketogenic diets affect the activity levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA and glutamate in the brain, reduce inflammation and oxidation, and stabilize brain chemistry. Included is a review of where the science stands on ketogenic diets and psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders.

Also included are professionally-recorded talks by keynote speaker Harvard nutrition and metabolism researcher David Ludwig MD PhD, Boston College cancer metabolism researcher Thomas Seyfried PhD, Angela Poff PhD, Loren Nations DVM, David Diamond PhD, Sarah Hallberg DO, Mark Sisson, Dominic D’Agostino PhD, Jeff Volek PhD RD, Eric Westman MD, Robb Wolf, and many others.

Low Carb Breckenridge 2018: “Our Descent into Madness: Modern Diets and the Global Mental Health Crisis”

This 2018 Low Carb Breckenridge presentation (100K+ views) summarizes the science behind my nutrition philosophy and explores the potential mental health risks of processed foods and plant-based diets. In this talk I explain why I think a whole foods pre-agricultural diet is the best starting place for most people and why a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic version of this diet is worth considering for those with insulin resistance.

Carnivore Conference 2019: “The Brain Needs Meat: Mental Health Benefits of the Carnivore Diet”

This 2019 presentation from the Boulder Carnivore Conference (65K+ views) scours the science in support of theoretical brain health benefits of plant-free diets.

New Guide to Low-carbohydrate Diets for Mental Health

I wrote a new fully-referenced guide to the science and practice of low-carbohydrate diets for mental health in collaboration with the team at DietDoctor.com that is free for everyone, no membership required, courtesy of Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt. To the best of my knowledge, it is the only resource of its kind available anywhere. It is intended for patients and clinicians alike, and includes a review of the research, scientific explanations and case examples, information about safety concerns, and practical guidance about medications, ketone measurements, and more. It was released in four installments:

Psychology Today Articles

I have written many concise, scientifically-referenced pieces for the general public about how sugar, insulin resistance, low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets affect mental health on Psychology Today that are free for everyone to access. Most of these have spent time on the top five most popular list on PT and have been collectively viewed millions of times.

Clinical Consultation Services

If you are a patient or fellow clinician who would like to consult with me privately about nutrition, mental health, and more, please see my consultation page for all the details, including a self-scheduling button. I am available to work with people worldwide to discuss special diets including therapeutic ketogenic diets, medication issues, nutrition coaching, individualized food plans, food sensitivities, management of complex cases, personalized literature research, and more.

Podcasts

DietDoctor podcast hosted by Dr. Bret Scher: Episode 22 Dr. Scher and I discussed medications, eating disorders, and how diet affects our mental processes. Since this podcast was recorded just after my LowCarb Denver presentation about the recently published, controversial EAT-Lancet report, we also shared our concerns about its misleading science and the damaging nutritional implications that could arise from its dietary recommendations. 

Human Performers Outliers hosted by Shawn Baker and Zach Bitter: Episode 21 This focused, information-rich conversation covered a lot of important ground. You may know that the hosts are both elite athletes with a special interest in carnivorous diets (Dr. Baker has been eating an all-meat diet for over a year now, I believe), so we talked in some detail about red meat science (carnitine and heart disease, meat and cancer, etc) and the lack of science in support of eating plant foods (the antioxidant myth, the presence of planti-nutrients and toxins), in addition to going into depth about nutrition and mental health. If you are interested in the debate of plants vs. animals, this is unquestionably the best podcast interview I’ve done on this topic.

The Adventures of Keto Woman podcast hosted by Daisy Brackenhall: Episode 41 Daisy Brackenhall invited me onto her KetoWoman podcast for a truly unique conversation covering topics I’ve never discussed anywhere else, including the metabolic effects of dairy products, hormonal changes of perimenopause, why it’s harder for women to lose weight, the differences between ketogenic and carnivorous diets, and the politics of fat-shaming.Not only does Daisy have her own illuminating story to tell, but her interview style created an unusually comfortable space in which to discuss sensitive topics. 

Books

If your family is coping with Alzheimer’s disease and you’re interested in learning more about how ketogenic diets may help, I highly recommend Amy Berger’s excellent book The Alzheimer’s Antidote. Berger expertly explains the fascinating connection between diet and dementia, in plain English and from every conceivable angle, arming you with the scientific understanding and practical strategies you need to change the course of your future. The Alzheimer’s Antidote will completely change the way you think and feel about Alzheimer’s disease.

Ketogenic Diet and Metabolic Therapies: Expanded Roles in Health and Disease edited by Susan A. Masino is an incredible resource for understanding the intricate science that governs how ketogenic diets impact various health conditions. This tome devotes approximately 1/3 of its chapters to neurological disorders. There is not much information about psychiatric disorders specifically, but much of the additional content is relavant to general brain health. Because it is a textbook, it is a little more expensive, however this is the most comprehensive and informative book that I have come across for ketogenic diets and the brain.

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Source: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/ketogenic-diets-for-mental-health-resources/

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Commuting to work through nature could boost your mental health

© Provided by AFPRelaxNews Choosing a route to work through nature could help boost your mental health according to a new study.

New European research has found that commuting to work through a natural environment could help boost mental health, especially if you incorporate some exercise such as cycling or walking.

Led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and published in the journal Environment International, the new study looked at 3,599 participants from four European cities: Barcelona, Spain, Doetinchem, the Netherlands, Kaunas, Lithuania, and Stoke-on-Trent, UK.

Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire about their commuting habits, including whether they commuted through a natural environment or not and how often, and their mental health.

In the study natural environments were defined as all public and private outdoor spaces that contain 'green' and/or 'blue' natural elements such as trees or forests, and included both city parks and natural parks and all types of water.

The findings showed that participants who commuted daily through natural environments had on average a 2.74 point higher mental health score compared to those who commuted through natural environments less frequently.

Those who commuted daily through a natural environment were also more likely to be active commuters, who cycled or walked to work. Moreover, the positive association with mental health was even stronger among those who reported active commuting through natural environments.

However, active commuting alone was not associated with improved mental health, and the quality of the natural environment also did not appear to influence the results.

"From previous experimental studies we knew that physical activity in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood and mental restoration when compared to the equivalent activity in urban environments," commented Wilma Zijlema, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. "Although this study is the first of its kind to our knowledge and, therefore, more research will be needed, our data show that commuting through these natural spaces alone may also have a positive effect on mental health."

Related video: Psychologist Says Listening To Pre-Season Christmas Music Can Adversely Affect Mental Health [via Geo Beats]

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/commuting-to-work-through-nature-could-boost-your-mental-health/ar-BBOAP3B?srcref=rss

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5 Things That Are Keeping Me Sane & Grateful Despite Being Laid Off

I went into the holiday season freshly laid off. While there was initial shock and panic, it quickly subsided as I remembered all of the things I’m so lucky to still have in my life.

1. Having a supportive network.

Immediately after being let go, I started reaching out. An old boss put me up for a position with the group that’d acquired Startup #2. A few old coworkers hyped me up to their partners’ or their own companies. One found 162 roles in his company and sent them my way that morning. I felt loved and appreciated, and like I wasn’t in an unemployment void. A new hope was acquired.

2. Having worked for the company.

Since starting at my last company, I was able to make genuine friends out of the sea of coworkers, and I’m so thankful for that. These are people that I know will remain in my life, possibly indefinitely, and that’s an amazing thing to gain from a place of work. I was also able to learn new tools and processes, pick up a better understanding of the real estate world, and fill in a bit more of my travel map through company-paid business trips!

3. Having a padded emergency fund.

The last time I was laid off, I felt nervous about the big obvious elephant in the room: money. I’d squirreled away 1-2 months of expenses, but didn’t know how long a potential job search may take, and felt the pressure of “oh god the holidays.”

This time around, I have a much better sense of security. I’ve been saving up for another home purchase, and kept a good amount of that fund liquid alongside a more traditional emergency fund. Now, instead of panicking about whether I’ll be able to afford my rent and groceries next month, I could take the time to make sure I chose the right next fit. That peace of mind is incredibly impactful.

4. Having multiple income streams.

This. Is. So. Helpful. Two years ago, I was occasionally side-hustling my way through the odd freelance job, selling prints on Etsy, and babysitting, among other things. Each of these was great, but none of them were consistent. It was a couple gigs here and there, and part of the work was just finding them.

Nowadays, I have a few income streams on autopilot:

Hosting pub trivia nights, which usually generates around $200-500/mo, depending on how many games I host.

Renting my home, which brings in a cool $1,675/mo.

My website and freelance writing, which generate anywhere from $50-400/mo, depending on revenue from affiliate links, partnerships, and paid articles for other publishers.

Dividends, which average out to roughly $185/mo. Woo, completely passive income!

Depending on the effort I put into the site and trivia nights, that adds up to $2,110-2,760/mo before taxes. Not too shabby! And not only do these provide a solid extra buffer and cover most (if not all) of my necessary expenses, they offer some self-confidence.

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have no value, and as someone who’s fallen into the trap of defining myself through work, it can feel like suddenly you’re stripped of an identity. Sure, I may not be a gainfully employed recruiter right then and there, but I am a pub quiz hostess, a writer, an entrepreneur, and a somewhat savvy investor. Panic not, concerned family — your girl is going to be alright!

5. My relationship with my family and close friends.

Speaking of, I’m so thankful to have my family in my corner. Literally less than two hours after I was laid off, my sister came over for a movie, Chardonnay, and some good old fashioned job searching. The next night, I was ready to host my weekly dinner with the grandparents. My aunt reached out to extend her love and offer to help find me work with her. My mom has been my gut-check on all things unemployment along with the new job search. My dad offered to be a second set of eyes on the separation agreement my company had provided.

And that same weekend, I got to spend time with all of my favorite people, sitting around a fireplace with hot cider (in LA’s chilly 63-degree winter) and reading the Die Hard illustrated holiday storybook. Yes, that’s a thing. And it rhymes. I’m so thankful that everyone I care about took the time to rally behind me. It means a lot. I love you all.

*****

It’s never easy going from I have a job to I don’t have a job, especially when it’s entirely out of your control. But it’s important not to lose sight of what you do have. Focusing on these things has made the chaos of unemployment actually… not that bad. Two years ago, I didn’t have all of the cushion and extra income streams, but I still had my experience, my family and friends, and the benefit of a strong professional network. I was lucky then. I’m even luckier now. Job or no job, we’ll be alright.

Tis is a 20-something recruiter, startup enthusiast, finance blogger, and proud feminist-slash-crazy cat lady. Find her on Twitter or check out the blog for lifehacks and musings on personal finance, professional growth, and enjoying the journey to early retirement.

Image via Unsplash

Source: https://thefinancialdiet.com/5-things-that-are-keeping-me-sane-grateful-despite-being-laid-off/

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Kroger predicts hottest food trends for 2019 - Dayton Daily News

Kroger announced today its top food trend predictions for 2019.

Product developers, chefs and innovators at Kroger looked at the grocer’s insights to see what food trends will continue into 2019. Here’s what they found:

1. Regional flavors

Food influenced by specific regions will be popular in 2019. “From tried-and-true barbecue sauces and flavorful potato chips with a twist – inspiration is coming from Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and other geographies. America’s culinary heritage is as varied as it is delicious. Consumers will see a growing number of products influenced by local, regional and global tastes.”

» TRENDING: 7 major moves Kroger made in 2018

2. Plant-based foods 

Consumers want more plant-based meals in their diet. “By electing to go meat or dairy free, whether for a meal, a Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday, or every day of the week, there will be more plant-based options available to power through the day. Last year, 31 percent of consumers participated in meat-free days once per week.”

3. Trendy styles 

Consumers will continue investing in trendy food diets like keto and paleo eating. “A recent study reports 15 percent of the U.S. population identify as vegetarian or vegan.Kroger is responding by offering and developing new products that make it easy for any customer practicing any lifestyle to find foods to support their health and wellness journey.”

4. Gut-Healthy foods 

Consumers will find more food in 2019 that are rich in probiotics and good bacteria. “Medical studies show that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, and more than ever before, consumers are seeking foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems.”

5. Low sugars 

Consumers want to cut sugar from their diets. “In fact, 47 percent of consumers say they are working to minimize their sugar intake.iii New solutions and foods will continue to be added to grocery shelves to help consumers find products rich in nutrition and flavor and lean on sugar.”

FIVE FAST READS

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• Kroger launches wine delivery service

• Keith Urban makes wish come true for dying Ohio fan

Source: https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/kroger-predicts-hottest-food-trends-for-2019/VAV0kTcSVoXGRQzir1icbM/

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How cholesterol really works – presentation with Dave Feldman

Dave Feldman is a software engineer and an entrepreneur with a passion for lipids. In this presentation, he gives us a detailed overview of cholesterol. Is LDL clogging our arteries and what is the connection with cardiovascular disease? We get all the answers to this and more in this surprisingly witty and entertaining presentation! Watch a part of the presentation above (transcript). The full video is available (with captions and transcript) with a free trial or membership:   How cholesterol really works – presentation with Dave Feldman Join free for a month to get instant access to this and hundreds of other low-carb videos. Plus Q&A with experts and our awesome low-carb meal-plan service.

Source: https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-cholesterol-really-works

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THE MIKE DOLCE SHOW: Ep. 212 They’re Cooking Him

No-nonsense fitness coach Mike Dolce is a 4X World MMA Awards Trainer of the Year, NJ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee and was named a Men’s Fitness Top 30 Fitness Game Changer. Mike Dolce is known the world over for managing the incredible weight cuts of top UFC athletes. He is the founder of The Dolce Diet and creator of UFC FIT home fitness DVDs.

His #1 international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean and The Dolce Diet: Living Lean Cookbook. For more information, visit TheDolceDiet.com and TheMikeDolceShow.com

Listen to the latest Mike Dolce Show fitness and lifestyle podcast and get motivated!

Source: https://thedolcediet.com/the-mike-dolce-show-ep-212-theyre-cooking-him

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Every McDonald’s touchscreen in study tests positive for fecal bacteria

MONEYISH

© abalcazar/iStock A U.K. report found traces of fecal bacteria on McDonald’s touchscreens.

You deal with more crap than you realize every day.

We all suspect that high-traffic public surfaces like subway poles, railings and door knobs are covered in toilet germs. But traces of feces were found on every McDonald’s touchscreen swabbed in a recent investigation by Metro.

The burger chain has added self-service kiosks that let customers tap what they want on the touchscreen before picking up their orders from the counter. And when the U.K. news site asked researchers at London Metropolitan University to test the screens at eight McDonald’s restaurants, including six in London and two in Birmingham, every one of them had coliforms, or the bacteria found in feces. A screen at one branch had traces of staphylococcus, a bacteria that can cause blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. Listeria, which can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women, was also found.

‘We were all surprised how much gut and fecal bacteria there was on the touchscreen machines,” Dr Paul Matawele, a senior lecturer in microbiology at London Metropolitan University, told Metro. “These cause the kind of infections that people pick up in hospitals.”

Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of Microbiology and Pathology at NYU School of Medicine, was not surprised. “We are bathed, as a society, in human feces,” he told Moneyish. “Wherever numerous people touch the same surface over time, they deposit their germ passport, which can include bacteria from three body places -- respiratory, skin and fecal sources.”

© WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images) A U.K. report found traces of fecal bacteria on McDonald’s touchscreens.

“This (Metro) report shows that people do not properly pay attention to hand hygiene -- especially hand washing,” he added. “Eighty percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted by direct and indirect contact. Direct like coughing, sneezing, talking, kissing someone; and indirect like touching a dirty fomite (doorknob, phone, computer, elevator button, touchscreen, etc.) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth or a break in the skin.”

While McDonald’s has yet to respond to a Moneyish request for comment, a spokesperson told Metro that, “Our self-order screens are cleaned frequently throughout the day. All of our restaurants also provide facilities for customers to wash their hands before eating.”

And McDonald’s isn’t the only chain where you risk picking up a crappy meal. Other reports have revealed that the coffee or tea you’re sipping – and even the cash you used to pay for it – also carry bacteria found in feces.

The BBC’s consumer show “Watchdog” tested drinks at McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King in the U.K., and found traces of fecal coliform bacteria in the iced drinks at each chain. Another BBC investigation also discovered iced drinks from the U.K.’s most popular coffee chains, including Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffe Nero, contained traces of such bugs in their ice cubes.

Ice can get easily contaminated, either from water laced with fecal coliforms, or from bacteria getting on whatever utensil is scooping the ice if an employee doesn’t wash his or her hands. And the freezer actually preserves the bacteria, rather than killing it.

© artisteer/iStock ”We are bathed, as a society, in human feces,” warned Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of Microbiology and Pathology at NYU.

Your office is just as bad. Research shows that up to 90% of mugs in employee kitchens are coated with dangerous germs, and 20% of these same cups actually carry fecal matter, according to a study carried out by Charles Gerba, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona.

Gerba found that the reason our mugs are saturated in all kinds of bad bacteria is due to the sponges in the communal kitchen which, when rarely replaced, become a host for germs that end up in our drinks.

Plus, an earlier report swabbed $1 bills circulating in NYC, and found more than 100 different strains of bacteria on the dirty money.

It gets worse.

The CDC reports that poop in public pools helped double outbreaks of the cryptosporidium parasite between 2014 and 2016, which is spread when people swallow water contaminated with diarrhea or feces. “It is not easily killed by chlorine and can survive up to 10 days in properly treated water,” the CDC warned.

The dumbbells in your gym are dirtier than your toilet seat. A 2016 study noted that free weights are crawling with 62 times more bacteria than public toilets, including gram-positive cocci that can result in skin infections and sepsis.

And before you press your smartphone against your face, consider this 2011 study that found one in six U.K. mobile phones is contaminated with fecal matter.

Oh, and your purse picks up crap when you place it on the floor between your feet on the subway or in a bathroom stall (use the hooks, ladies). “About a third of them have fecal bacteria on them,” Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist, told the “Today” show.

So what’s going on? As Dr. Tierno noted, everyone poops, so everyone is a potential carrier of fecal bacteria. And fecal matter can survive for days or weeks on surfaces, depending on the type of bacteria, “so washing your hands is imperative - before you eat or drink anything, and before you touch your face.”

As for the contaminated screens, the Metro report suggests that disinfectant used to clean the screens may not be strong enough. And with the iced drinks in the BBC report, it’s possible the water being frozen into ice cubes was contaminated. Or perhaps fecal matter contaminated the ice machines, or utensils that dish out the ice.

But Dr. Ben Chapman, a food safety specialist and associate professor at North Carolina State University, told Moneyish that he was skeptical of the BBC report, because it didn’t identify which strains of bacteria were found, nor whether any of the pathogens were still alive.

“What this report is showing is that bacteria is there, not that it’s making anyone sick,” he assured. We’re exposed to bacteria all day, every day, and most of it doesn’t sicken us. “And in the specific cases [like E. coli] where it does make us sick, it’s thousands and thousands of bacteria from feces that cause illness,” he added. “Trace amounts of bacteria are not going to make you sick.”

You can protect yourself with basic hygiene, like washing your hands properly and often with soap and hot water, especially after leaving a bathroom and before touching your face.

Regularly wipe down your home surfaces, office surfaces, your phone and your bag with disinfectant, as well.

And make peace with the fact that poop is everywhere.

“If you look for feces, you’re gonna find it,” said Dr. Chapman. “In fact, it would be a bigger surprise to me if someone did a study looking for bacteria like this, and they didn’t find it.”

This story has previously published in 2017, and has been updated to include the new Metro report.

Related video: McDonald's Nixes Artificial Ingredients From Its Burgers [Food & Wine]

Click to expand

UP NEXT

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/oh-crap-—-you-don’t-wanna-know-what-was-found-on-mcdonald’s-self-service-screens/ar-BBQcSlF?srcref=rss

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Edgy Tone Pops in New Diet Coke Campaign - Chief Marketer

Diet Coke has unleashed the latest iteration of its new global brand platform to promote two new flavors.

The new flavors, Strawberry Guava and Blueberry Acai, appear as the stars in six new 15- and 30- second TV films  airing on YouTube, as well as three broadcast TV commercials. The tone in the films takes on a bit more edge with the theme that Diet Coke can fit into the everyday lives of its target consumers.

The videos include: Late Night Driver, Sophomore Hustle and Big Meeting.

A digital play is ongoing on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with a mixture of different types of content rolling out, says Danielle Henry, group director, integrated content, Coca-Cola North America.

“We’ll also be using some planned cultural moments throughout the year to demonstrate the attitude of Diet Coke like summer vacation and spring break, as well as those tied to interests like travel and food and the hustle of the young go-getter,” she says.

An OOH buy in key markets also supports through a permanent network of high profile placements in 24 markets as does a “big buy” in the brand’s four top priority markets: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. An in-store presence and digital audio also support the platform.

The new campaign rides the momentum of Diet Coke’s recast last year to contemporize the brand with a laser focus on reaching Millennials and Gen Z.

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In January 2018, Diet Coke relaunched with the hashtag #SoManyFlavors branding that exploded with vibrant colors and graphics of sleek new modern cans of the four new flavors of Diet Coke—Feisty Cherry, Ginger Lime, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango— designed specifically with Millennials in mind.

The relaunch was surrounded with a new integrated marketing campaign “Because I Can,” which “is all about doing the things in life that make you happy, no matter what anyone else thinks,” the brand said at the time. The campaign included a suite of 15-second films, including a Super Bowl spot airing for the first time in 21 years.

Source: https://www.chiefmarketer.com/edgy-tone-pops-new-diet-coke-campaign/

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November 18th, 2018 Star Of The Show

November 18th, 2018 Star Of The Show

Yesterday: I maintained the integrity of my reduced calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with exceptional support.

Yesterday evening's family get-together in Stillwater turned out very well. My aunt (mom's sister) prepared chili for everyone--so it was chili and conversation on a night with a cold front moving in, so it seemed exceptionally appropriate.

My Aunt understands my vigilance when it comes to no refined sugar, so she wasn't surprised or bothered by me asking her to scan the ingredients lists of items used. Two of the ingredients lists contained sugar, one being the third ingredient--and that was okay. I don't ask others to change how they prepare things for a crowd in order to fit into my food plan. Maintaining the boundaries of my food plan is my responsibility. The solution was picking up a backup plan for me.

I found a canned chili without refined sugar. That's not an easy task! I must have gone through seven different labels before finding one with the simplest refined sugar-free ingredients list. It was a little pricey, as you might imagine, but it worked well. We all enjoyed chili and conversation and I maintained my abstinence from refined sugar. Whatever it takes, right? Yep!

I brought a pie for everyone to enjoy with coffee after the meal. It was a refined sugar-free wildberry pie. The pie, even without the refined sugar, isn't on my food plan. I can't do "look-a-likes." My brain lights up just the same, it's interesting really. I brought plenty of fresh Zestar apple slices for me and anyone else wanting some--and that was my dessert. It was an enjoyable meal.

On occasions like this, I must make the "star of the show" the people and things around me--not the food. I spent years and years making food the star in every circumstance. The food was good, certainly, but being able to enjoy a visit without an overwhelming food obsession stealing my attention was best. 

Understand, maintaining this perspective isn't easy. It takes intentional actions. It takes pause. I bookended the visit and plan with good support. So, if you're reading this and you're thinking--wow, he makes it sound so matter-of-fact and simple---uh, no-- I must make sure I've "installed" some accountability and support "pillars" around the plan.

It was a good visit. I was glad. The bonus was the extra time mom and I had to visit during the drive time to and from the get-together.

I slept for almost nine hours last night! A good rest felt great--and now I'm ready for a good Sunday. Oh, and my Oklahoma State Cowboys won a thriller last night against top 10 ranked West Virginia. That game, in Stillwater, played a role in our decision to enjoy chili and conversation at my Aunt and Uncles place--because finding a restaurant to enjoy a visit amid the post-game rush of fans wouldn't have been a very good plan.

I have work to get done today. I'll do some production work at the studio and then a client production meeting at 1:30pm with a local restaurant. My plan today includes some housekeeping and exercise too.

I'm set and ready for a good Sunday.

Thank you for reading and your continued support, Strength, Sean

Source: http://losingweighteveryday.blogspot.com/2018/11/november-18th-2018-star-of-show.html

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The diets of the best basketball players in the world show how insane Tom Brady's lifestyle really is - Business Insider

Nobody is as strict with their diets as Tom Brady.Adam Glanzman/Getty

We asked NBA players at All-Star Weekend about their diets, and while most try to eat healthy, they don't necessarily have super strict diets.

The answers only served to highlight how insane Tom Brady's diet is, which sees him avoid some vegetables, fruits, caffeine, and dairy, while taking in very few fats.

Even someone like LeBron James, who is fanatical about taking care of his body, doesn't eat as strictly as Brady.

Brady's longevity in a contact sport may inspire others to take care of their bodies, but for now, few seem as willing to go as far as he does.

Follow all of Business Insider's NBA All-Star Weekend coverage here >

Many professional athletes are strict about what they put into their bodies. To get to the highest level, athletes look for any minor advantage, and that often includes avoiding unnecessary ingredients from food and drinks.

When many of the best basketball players in the world gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the NBA All-Star Game, we asked them about their diets and what they try to avoid.

Few players went into detail, but what became clear is that even while these athletes watch what they eat, perhaps nobody in professional sports is as strict as Tom Brady.

"I don't really have a diet," Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton said. "I just try and stay away from fast food. That's my only thing. Try to eat clean for the most part. No real diet for me."

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who once divulged that he eats as many as 10 pancakes over two breakfasts each day, plus several pieces of grilled chicken, said he just tries to keep everything in moderation.

Read more: Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns has an insane diet that includes 10 pancakes a day

"I got my diet. I stick to it," Town said. "The biggest thing is [you] have to make sure you take everything in moderation. Just stick to the plan. Sometimes there are days when you're hungrier and it's tough, but you gotta just stick to the plan."

De'Aaron Fox has to eat a lot just to keep weight on.Brandon Dill/APThe NBA's youngest stars also know they can work off bad food a little more easily. Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox said he has to eat a lot to keep weight on. He said he tries to eat clean, but doesn't all the time. In his media availability, Fox discussed why he likes Whataburger more than In-N-Out.

Meanwhile, New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. said he doesn't really watch what he eats. He joked that Bojangles is the key to his leaping abilities.

Read more: Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. talks being in the Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster, what fans don't realize about trades, eating octopus, and jumping over J. Cole

"I eat whatever is good to me right now. I'm sure that'll change as I get older, but I just work whatever I eat off."

Mike Ehrmann/Getty

All of this only reinforced how unique (and maybe even over-the-top) Tom Brady's diet is.

Brady's diet, of course, has become a fascination in the sports world. He's divulged his stingy eating habits before — lots of natural, vegetable-based meals, and very few fats.

What may be more interesting is what Brady avoids. He doesn't eat nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms for fears of inflammation.

Read more: Tom Brady's diet is so strict that it excludes an entire group of vegetables

Brady also doesn't drink coffee. He doesn't eat strawberries, doesn't eat many bananas, and avoids dairy. He very rarely has alcohol.

Now, there aren't many similarities between 41-year-old Brady and the 21-year-old Smith. Brady plays a contact sport and is almost twice Smith's age. His extreme diet, he says, is to help his recovery, which he says will help his longevity.

However, even LeBron James,at 34 years old, one of the league's elder statesmen, doesn't eat like Brady. And James is fanatical about taking care of his body.

LeBron James eats clean meals, but nothing too crazy.Harry How/GettyJames broke down on Tim Ferris' podcast what a day's worth of meals might look for him, and it wasn't terribly strict. It included things like egg-white omelets, gluten-free pancakes, whole wheat pasta, lots of salmon, and even chicken parmesan. James is also a notorious wine connoisseur.

Read more: Here is what LeBron James eats to stay at the top of his game at an age when many other NBA players decline

Brady's teammate Rob Gronkowski, who is also a follower of the "TB12 Method," told Business Insider that while he eats clean, vegetable-based meals, he is not as strict as Brady.

Read more: Rob Gronkowski says his career changed by following Tom Brady's lifestyle, and it even got him to love avocado ice cream

Perhaps if Brady is still winning Super Bowls at age 45, as he has said he wants to do, the rest of the sports world will follow suit. In the meantime, it appears most others aren't willing to go quite as far as Brady.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.de/tom-brady-diet-vs-nba-player-diets-unique-2019-2?r=US&IR=T

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Wikipedia heute offline: Tausende Ärzte können keine Diagnosen stellen

Ein Tag ohne Wikipedia – der Horror für Ärzte! Seit heute Früh ist die Online-Enzyklopädie offline, um ein Zeichen für ein Internet ohne Uploadfilter zu setzen. Tausende Mediziner müssen auf ein altbewährtes Mittel zurückgreifen: ihr Bauchgefühl.

WIEN – „Das könnte alles mögliche sein, Grippe, Ebola, Angina. Da werden wir einfach mal Antibiotika für 14 Tage probieren“, sagt Hausarzt Alfons Schmaninger aus Ottakring selbstbewusst und schickt einen Patienten weg, der auf zwei gebrochenen Knöcheln schreiend aus der Praxis wankt. Doch nicht alle Ärzte können ohne Wikipedia so zielgenaue Diagnosen stellen wie Dr. Schamaninger.

Ein rätselhafter Fall beschäftigt Dr. Alma Schrumpf, HNO-Ärztin in Hütteldorf. „Ein Kind hat da drinnen irgendwas“, sagt sie und zeigt auf den Rachen des Kindes. „Genau da bei den komischen Hautdingern, die über der Zunge hängen, keine Ahnung, wie die heißen“, sagt sie und lacht. Auf Wikipedia nachschauen ist heute keine Option. Hilflos blättert sie in einer alten Autorevue, die sie in ihrem Wartezimmer gefunden hat. „Vielleicht stimmt etwas nicht mit dem Vergaser?“

Nur im Unfallkrankenhaus Meidling herrscht Normalbetrieb, wie Chefarzt Dr. Alexander Heindl betont: „Wir sind nicht von Wikipedia abhängig, da wir schon seit Jahren erfolgreich auf Diagnosen verzichten. Wir sägen einfach alles ab, was wehtut.“

Zwei-Klassen-Medizin

Die chaotischen Zustände verdeutlichen einmal mehr die vorherrschende Zwei-Klassen-Medizin. Denn während staatliche Spitäler stillstehen, stellen Privatkrankenhäuser ihrem Personal alte Scrubs-DVDs zur Verfügung, um wenigstens rudimentäre Behandlungen vornehmen zu können.

Source: https://dietagespresse.com/wikipedia-offline-tausende-aerzte-koennen-keine-diagnosen-stellen/

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3 Money Lies We've All Been Sold

Source: http://www.youtube.com/oembed?format=xml&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIvFbFYfrMKI