#like the wheat/carbs stuff

[maretriarch]

turns out how not to be deficient in fat in your diet is to stop eating only low fat versions of foods

[flurriethefox]

Yeah, we do have those things. The hot dogs are usually just a bunch of processed meats tho. I’ve never had a Hot Pocket, but I’ve had something similar so I can say those are good. We also have burgers and pizza a lot of the time, and chicken is one of the most common. I’m not entirely sure what spices are used when it comes to cooking certain meats, but my parents once used lemon as a kind of seasoning or smth and it was good.

Uhhhhhhh then we sometimes have microwave ramen for lunch. It can be cooked on the stove, but usually people microwave it. I personally do it on the stove bc I think it tastes better.

Thennnnn premade meatloaf. The ones that you just put in the oven for an hour then let cool for a bit. There’s also steaks like that made by the same company, but I don’t think they’re that good. I’m picky tho

Lunches for me are usually just either a PB&J or a Ham and Cheese sandwich. Sometimes I change it up to something leftover from the previous night’s dinner. A couple days ago - I think it was Monday - I took leftover pizza to school.

We’ve also got those Mexican food places, so like Three Amigos stuff and all that. I haven’t had that stuff much, mostly just make it from home (badly; just a tortilla, meat, and shredded cheese), but when I have had it it was very good. I’m trying to think of some other things. Sometimes we have breakfast for dinner, either because leftovers or because it tastes good and we’re bored. This is for your Agoti’s bday fic right? On mine we had the sugar stuff before lunch, then later that day had even more sugar after dinner. My metabolism will never recover wjjakfhskbddhdydk

Idk if you knew this stuff too, I can see if I can find some other stuff but for now that’s all I got

holyfrickwhatdoamericanseatduringbreakfast.jpg

if it's Agoti's birthday I figured his family would have indulged in getting a butt ton of sugar just for breakfast that's why I'm writing in the cupcakes

but what else. I'm not good at this

dear certified american™️ mutuals. feel free to respond hejasdjas

[ms-demeanor]

I went diabetic earlier this year, since then I've had far more serious health concerns to really focus on it. I've listened to my primary care and reduced my average a1c from 13 to 7. I've recently been looking into diets and what not that are the best. Currently, I'm trying to cut out all carbs, on my doctor's orders. What I'm seeing though is that a plant based diet is best. It looks like a ketogenic diet is what my doctor wants me to follow? I've watched videos on both diets and I don't know, I agree with you that keto is evil. What are your thoughts about this?

I am not a medical professional so i can't give you medical advice, but I'd say that you should ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician (an RD or an RDN, NOT a "nutritionist" - RD/RDN are protected terms that mean they have completed specific training and have specific board certification) and ask the dietician for advice on your specific dietary needs for your specific medical conditions.

What I can say is that trying to cut all carbs is pretty dangerous - not only is it a macronutrient that our body uses as the most available fuel for your body processes (we *can* get fuel from protein and fat, and ketones can *theoretically* replace sugars for energy but nobody is actually sure how long our bodies can do that and we know it's a LOT less efficient, it's supposed to be less efficient, and what that means is it makes a lot of people feel exhausted when they try it because they literally have less available energy) but also there are certain nutrients that are fortified in the US that are going to be hard to get if you're cutting carbs completely. The example that I always use is folate, because when I had to cut wheat out of my diet (i have grain allergies and celiac disease) I didn't know to supplement it and ended up with a form of anemia and stuff like "fainting" and "dizziness" and "low oxygen saturation."

Which is part of why massive diet changes should be undertaken with the assistance of a dietician! That's why I started studying nutrition! Because nobody supervised my medically necessary diet changes and it went very poorly!

Your GP very likely doesn't have a ton of training on nutrition, and is even less likely to have training on nutrition specific to your condition. If your GP is telling you to cut all carbs, they are telling you to do something dangerous and not nutritionally sound (even really restrictive keto diets call for 20g of carbs a day). Ask either them or your endocrinologist for a referral to a dietician (again, you are looking for a Registered Dietician or a Registered Dietician Nutritionist, RD or RDN, NOT just 'nutritionist') who is familiar with helping diabetics manage their nutrition.

Now, all of that said, in the choice between two fairly restrictive diets I will always say to try the one that requires less effort. It is much easier to eat a plant-based diet long term than a keto diet, and it is vanishingly unlikely that you are going to end up protein deficient (the primary concern for most people who are starting plant based diets, and it's just not all that likely - we need a lot less protein than a lot of people seem to think; though if you're going completely vegan you do need to be careful to supplement your B vitamins and to ensure that you're getting plenty of omega fats)

Because the thing is, for a diet to "work" you have to be on that diet forever. If you stop being on that diet, and stop adhering to its restrictions, whatever benefits exist for that diet go away. So the best diet for *anybody* is one that will provide them with the nutrients they need in a way that they can access regularly and affordably, that they enjoy eating and can comfortably maintain for long periods of time, and that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables because the only diet advice that is nearly universally applicable is that people should be eating more fruits and vegetables and they should be eating a wider variety of them.

I am not a fan of "diets" as a concept and I think that people should think of nutrition in terms of "my diet" not "the diet that is meant to be one-size-fits-all for millions of people that I am attempting." Your diet is what you eat and drink, and that is what you should be looking at adjusting. If you want to reduce carbs in your diet it's better to tweak your consumption than it is totally replace your diet with a one size fits all keto diet. If you want to increase fat in your diet it is better to tweak your consumption than it is to replace your diet with a one size fits all atkins diet. If you want to go plant based I think it is better to start by adjusting your diet to include more plants and to slowly replace animal based products than by trying a one size fits all vegan diet right out of the gate. You can always (and should!) make adjustments to what you eat as circumstances change and you may end up at a vegan diet or a low carb high fat diet and find that that works for you, but part of the reason that I think nutrition studies on diets are so screwy and hard to pin down is because your body is going to *flip the fuck out* when you change from, say, an average american diet to a study-provided Mediterranean diet for a 12 week experiment. If you drastically change your diet all at once and get good results immediately it's very hard to say if those results will be lasting because your body may just adjust to the "new normal" of your diet six months down the line.

But like seriously if your GP is telling you to cut all carbs you need to see a person who specializes in nutrition, and to prepare for your appointment with that person you should make a list of your goals (for you it sounds like you want to manage your blood sugar levels, reduce a1c, and *ask about* low carbs if that is something that interests you), a list of things you think that you'll have trouble with or that you want to include in your diet because they're important to you (if you really like nuts but have to be on a low fat diet, ask if there's a way to work around that with your needs, for example; if there is a cultural staple that you will find difficult to cut from family meals, TELL THEM THAT), a list of questions that you have about different types of diets, and *VERY IMPORTANTLY* information about your food budget and cooking skills. Be clear about it if you can't cook. Be clear about it if you can't afford certain ingredients.

Anyway. Once again, not medical advice, please speak to a medical professional, good luck.

[divine-nonchalance]

I stopped eating bread and it's amazing how much smarter I feel, and how much easier it is to express my thoughts cohesively and clearly. Regular wheat really does something to the brain… We're eating way too many carbohydrates.

There's a reason Caesar organized free bread and games. It distracts people from what's really going on and keeps the population sick and dumb.

I'm eating apples instead, peeled. And eating more eggs. I feel more grounded.

No more bulging belly. My skin is healthier. Feeling happier!

On top of that, I have a small growth in my gums above one of my front teeth that I can feel with my tongue, a leftover from an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. I've had it for about 18 years. It's only recently that I figured out it grows when I eat lots of sweet stuff and cream. So I'm drastically reducing that, I haven't had any dairy in weeks now and the only bread I've been eating lately is fullcorn spelt bread, which still has regular wheat in it.

I've reduced that to one slice, every few days, and I feel so much sharper mentally.

I only drink water with a fresh living hemp leaf i it, which oxygenates the water and gives it a beneficial electromagnetic charge, I just keep adding more water as I drink it. One leaf can last days.

So now I'm living on apples for breakfast and a warm meal of veggies and eggs for the rest of the day. I don't do heavy labor anymore, I'd probably just add extra eggs and apples if I would be.

Cheese and every form of dairy and fake dairy I've given up too.

I'm amazed at the results from these adjustments after just a couple of weeks. The growth in my gums was almost gone until I ate some white bread, now it's bigger again, and that's the only thing I ate differently.

What an eye opener...

"The energy from burning protein can be used to synthesize glucose. That's slightly different from what the word conversion means. When protein is burned for fuel about half of the energy goes to a process named gluconeogenesis to produce glucose."

The human body is amazing, it can use protein for fuel as well as to repair cells and make new ones, but it can't turn carbs into protein. Carbs are basically just fuel, and when there's too much fuel the body stores it as fat cells, or burns it off through inflammation.

"...the effect that processed carbs have on blood sugar—whether that's slow and steady or a sudden spike—is considered a primary driver of inflammation."

The only things I'm gonna keep eating now: Apples, bananas and walnuts, dried figs and cashews, dried dates and almonds, veggies, eggs, mushrooms like reishi, oyster mushrooms and shiitake, virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, steamed potatoes. And small amounts dark chocolate.

And ofcourse many different herbs and spices.

That's it for me now.

It took me 37 years to figure this out... wtf. Better late than never!

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

Again I started feeling a -lot- better, and then a lot worse.

The problem is that high phosphorus mostly causes symptoms by leaching calcium from your bones and causing high blood calcium, so taking a calcium supplement doesn't always help. It'll help protect the calcium in your bones, and block absorbing new phosphorus, but if it's already bad enough, and you over-shoot how much you need with each meal, it can just add to a high blood calcium level...

So... I think the plan is to stick to mostly empty carbs, low phosphorus bits of protein and plenty of fluids until I can flush out the excess of whatever is actually causing my symptoms.

I'm really hoping this isn't being triggered by my parathyroid or some other gland under attack from my immune system [or cancer] because I can't take a bunch of anti-histamines to calm down the attack, if it already has my kidneys this over-taxed. Given the pain in my throat, my hopes are not high. I might just have to wait till my immune system stops what it's doing and the gland heals.

I was getting a lot of throat pain and figured avoiding all dairy and fish and not having much green vegetables was making my thyroid act up from a lack of iodine, and having some iodine brought down most of the swelling, but if this problem is being caused by excess hormone production, that may be why it just got worse again. We'll see over the next week ig.

I am pretty damn sure the problem is high phosphorus, considering it's what triggered symptoms both recent times, and cokey-cola makes it worse every time like clockwork. And because the resulting high calcium explains all the cardiac symptoms, and because it always comes with some bone pain, and all the other symptoms can be explained by my kidneys getting bogged down and allowing for stuff like gout and etc.

The one trick I have up my sleeve in chronically stupidly low blood pressure. High blood calcium and fluid retention can barely make my blood pressure normal, so it can't make it high enough to damage my kidneys unless it gets bad enough to trigger cardiac spasms, and I'm a long ways off from that, and know how to stop them with magnesium now. So my kidneys should recover like 3-4 years ago, so long as I can get the excess minerals out of my body and then chill it on certain foods for long enough.

But for right now that leaves me with green tea, rice and cream of wheat until the pain stops.

In any event I am never trying a daily multivitamin again. My symptoms have gotten worse every time I have tried taking even ONE...

Also my keyboard is very on it's last legs [my fault] and the scroll wheel on my mouse stopped working, so I can't even play Raft or most other games. Need to find something I can play with the 360 remote that's really chill.

I moved my filing cabinet. Don't ask me how I woke up barely able to move my arms and moved a 1k-ish pound piece of furniture [a filing cabinet full of paper and tool front to back is no joke] anywhere, but it did open up the side of my chair so I don't have to climb in and out over the back of it. Now I can slide in and out over the chair arm like I had planned. This should help me not strain anything. The chair itself is very comfy. An armchair at a desk is so so so much better than a dining chair.

There's a goods exchange day later this month and I am considering putting my donations out separate from the garbage with signs on it to see if anyone wants the stuff. It would be very convenient if someone just walked by and took it all. I won't get anything for it, but it will be gone.

[vezlayfood1]

Is Vezlay Veg Meat Healthy? Here’s What You Need to Know

🌟 What is Vezlay Veg Meat?

If you’re someone who’s been tiptoeing into the world of vegan food, chances are you’ve come across Vezlay Veg Meat. But the big question remains — is it actually healthy? Let’s dig into this plant-based protein source and get real about what it brings to the table.

🥬 What’s in Vezlay Veg Meat?

Vezlay Veg Meat is made primarily from soya protein and wheat gluten, which means it’s rich in protein but completely free of animal products. You’ll also find ingredients like starch, spices, and sometimes natural flavors to amp up the taste.

Unlike traditional meat, it doesn’t come with the baggage of hormones, cholesterol, or saturated animal fat. That’s already a win for many health-conscious folks and vegans.

🧪 Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s break it down so you can see what you’re actually putting on your plate.

Protein: Each serving packs a strong punch of plant-based protein — ideal for gym-goers, vegans, and even kids who don’t eat meat.

Fat: Very low in saturated fat. Mostly contains healthy plant fats.

Carbs and Fiber: Balanced. It won’t spike your blood sugar and keeps digestion smooth.

Micronutrients: Fortified with iron, B12, and calcium in some variants.

💪 Health Benefits of Eating Vezlay Veg Meat

Protein-rich without cholesterol  You get the muscle-building benefits of meat without the cholesterol scare.

Supports Heart Health  Zero animal fat = lower heart disease risk.

Easier on the stomach  Compared to red meat, it’s far easier to digest. No bloating, no heaviness.

Supports Weight Management  High protein, low fat, and low calorie — perfect for anyone watching their weight.

⚠️ What Should You Be Aware Of?

No food is perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

It’s still processed  Vezlay, like most veg meat brands, is a processed product. That means it’s not as clean as whole lentils or tofu.

Sodium levels  Some variants may have higher sodium, so people with hypertension need to watch out.

Check the label  Some products might contain additives or flavor enhancers — just read the fine print.

🥩 Vezlay vs. Traditional Meat

Let’s settle this.

Calories? Vezlay wins.

Protein? Meat wins — but not by much.

Heart health? Vezlay, hands down.

Taste? That’s subjective. But Vezlay comes pretty close, especially for those transitioning from meat.

🌍 Vezlay vs. Other Vegan Meat Brands

When compared to international brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible, Vezlay holds its own in the Indian market.

More suited for Indian taste buds

Affordable and locally available

Cooks well in Indian dishes like biryani, curries, rolls, etc.

🍲 Cooking Ideas: Make it Tasty!

People often ask — how do I even cook this stuff?

Grill it like tandoori tikka

Toss it into stir-fry or fried rice

Stuff it in parathas, sandwiches, or wraps

This veg meat is incredibly versatile and absorbs spices like a champ.

👶 Is It Safe for Kids and Seniors?

Absolutely! In fact:

Easy to chew — great for seniors.

Nutritious for kids — especially those on vegetarian diets.

No allergens — unless someone is allergic to soy or gluten.

🌏 Environmental Wins

One of the biggest reasons to go for vegan food like Vezlay?

Uses fewer natural resources

Produces less CO₂

No animal cruelty

You’re basically eating cleaner and greener.

💰 Is It Worth the Price?

A pack of Vezlay Veg Meat costs more than paneer but less than imported Vegan Products For what you’re getting — protein, taste, and ease — it’s solid value.

Of course, some say it can be a bit chewy or too processed. Personal taste matters!

🛒 Where to Buy It

You can easily find it at:

Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh

CatchyCourt

Local organic or vegan food stores

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you’re into vegan food or just trying to cut down on meat, Vezlay Veg Meat is a tasty, healthy, and convenient option. It’s not perfect, but it’s a major step in the right direction.

Whether you’re a hardcore vegan or a curious foodie, this plant-based protein can easily earn a spot in your weekly menu. Just remember: moderation is key, and reading the label never hurts.

❓FAQs

1. Is Vezlay Veg Meat good for weight loss?  Yes! It’s low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for weight watchers.

2. Can I eat Vezlay every day?  Yes, but rotate with whole foods like lentils, tofu, and veggies for balance.

3. Is it gluten-free?  Not always. Many Vezlay products contain wheat gluten. Check the label.

4. How long can I store it in the fridge?  Unopened packs last weeks. Once opened, consume within 2–3 days.

5. Is it better than soy chunks?  It depends! Vezlay tastes more like real meat, but soy chunks are less processed.

[unculturalswine]

a little update...

as you might have noticed, i stopped posting wieiads. you may wonder what happened, is everything okay and stuff, etc...

the truth is, its just that i was embarrased and didnt want anyone to see them. i was trying to restrict these days- it was only half succesful though. almost every time i ended up eating more than i wanted to, if not binging of course. i gained back almost 2kilograms... it was a tough week for me tbh. i wasnt even able to think of a reason why cant i control myself- i should have done that tho.

the reason of these binges is probably that i eat too less for my activity level. when i was starting to restrict, i was so weak and lazy that i didnt even want to start working out, so i just completely cut down on cals ofc, down to 600- it was almost half of my bmr, so it was okay since i wasnt even doing anything. but ive started to workout. at first it was just walking so yk didnt make a difference in my wellbeing tbh. but then i started pilates, then running, then gym, and then archery trainings... i truly love sports now! but doing all of this and still trying to stay under 600cals was impossible for me. maybe im weak and someone else could manage, and because of my lack of self-control i failed- i dont know. from not doing anything at all (pal ~1.15) i went to working out every single day (pal ~1.6), so me running out of energy was a matter of time ig. every time i binged, i ate everything that i craved most- carbs, like i could binge on plain wheat buns, or even uncooked pasta (gross..) . i didnt eat enough protein and fats and ive lost my period because of that, mind that im not even underweight- its just lack of nutrients. i cant risk my health, since ive finally found my love- sports. and i want to get better at it, especially archery!

back to math, my tdee is abt ~2000cals rn. of course im not going to eat allat lol- its going to be a little more than half of it (just like it was when i started wl). i think it will be okay. at least i will avoid so many binges. like im not trying to die from malnourishment- i want to be skinny and become happier person because of that, i want to be able to LIVE skinny. im doing this because i actually care for me and my body🫶

i know that 1000cals/day is a big amount for someone who wants to lose weight, and if i could, i would avoid eating this much tbh. but i want to be honest with you, thats why im here- to keep me accountable. also thats the only place where i can share what i really eat without lying, i want to keep it that way lol.

i wont continue doing daily wieiads, it just became boring chore for me, since its just rewriting everything from my calorie tracking app. maybe i'll start sharing a bits of my life, with a focus on food of course. im also changing my calorie goal for higher one in my pinned post. i hope yall arent dissapointed in me☹️

thank you for reading (or scrolling cuz why tf would anyone read allat🫡)

[borrelia]

growing up we didn't have a lot of carby foods in the house. my mom focused on getting us protein and fiber (plants) and otherwise we didn't have really any snacks. no sugary stuff to speak of, usually. well now that im an adult i find that i REALLY like having carby snacks and foods to have around. but then i come back and visit mom again and now shes allergic to wheat and rye so theres even LESS carbs to eat at her house.. i just feel hungry all the time im like ughgggg this is just like when i was a kid again....

[stuft]

I fucking finally slept decently last night!! Despite whoever it was playing basketball or something in their room nearby half the night. I could use another hour but I feel somewhat human again. Breakfast is in half an hour. I found among my things some more recently expired stuff for my stomach so we'll see if that works. My stomach feels ok right now. It usually only feels uncomfortable more than painful but it starts churning like a mofo and then I get gassy and loose stools (you're welcome for the tmi). Thankfully it's not as stinky as i fear but still, my god. I don't want to be the farty old lady no one talks to.

This all started after I ate that pint of ice cream a couple weeks ago. I'm trying to keep my sugar intake down not to feed the bad bacteria in my gut. Also I have to really stop the gluten. I usually allow myself when I'm overseas bc the wheat isn't the garbage we have in the US but I think it's best to avoid these carbs right now anyway.

Well I better get ready for breakfast and skool. Weeeee

I hope I do okay on my placement test 🤞

[forgetfulminks]

Nutrition + Gut Health

Nutrition is hard to give advice about because everyone's eating habits are different, and things like the country you live in and your income can affect it too. However, this post will aim to give you a rough guideline to healthy eating and making sure you are giving your body the nutrition it needs. Gut health is also important to keep in mind, so I'll mention that too. Let's begin!

BIG NOTE BEFORE STARTING: Eating something is better than eating nothing! If you are having trouble eating due to your mental health or thinking about all this nutritiounal stuff is just overwhelming you, make sure that you eat something even if it's not "healthy". All foods have something in them that your body needs! So make sure you give your body something to work with. Once you are eating consistently and you feel ready to start making your diet more balanced, then you can start thinking about what foods are better for you.

Things to Add

The first step to making your diet more balanced and nutritious is adding things to it. Cutting things out only makes you crave them more, and it's also really hard to stop doing something that you've already made a habit of. So, here are things that you can add to your diet:

In every main meal that you have, try to include foods with protein, carbs, fats, fibre, and vitamins. Including all these nutrients in your meals helps your body function better.

Whenever you feel like eating something (even just small snacks), try to include some sort of protein. Protein makes you feel fuller, which can help with over-eating and also helps you figure out your hunger and fullness ques.

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They have so many vitamins that help your body. Find ones that you think taste good and add those to your diet. You do not have to force yourself to eat something that you really hate just because you know it's good for you. We want to enjoy our food, not force ourselves to eat something.

Things to Limit

After adding things to your diet, it's time to think about things that need to be limited. This part is really hard, but it's an important step. Over-indulging in certain foods can lead to health problems, so it's important to moderate how much you eat. But again, don't think you need to cut them out completely! Just because it's not healthy to eat too much of it doesn't mean you can't eat it at all. All foods have good things in it that can benefit your body! It's just important to moderate it. With that being said, here are some things to limit:

Soda + juice - they both have a lot of sugar in them, and drinking them every day can lead to a sugar addiction (as well as health problems). It's better to have sugar drinks such as this once a week, but don't try to do this right away. If you are drinking them every day, try to slowly decrease it every few weeks. This way, you can reach your goal in a sustainable way! It's also better for your health to buy cans instead of one big bottle. Cans helps you control the portion and you can hide the cans somewhere else for when that one day a week comes around, while a big bottle in the fridge will make you feel like you need to drink all of it quickly.

Sugary foods - lots of things have sugar in them, and it's important to limit how much you have. Natural sugars that are in dairy, fruit, vegetables, honey, and wheat should be prioritised over added sugars. But, it's hard to cut down on sweet treats, so just try to slowly decrease your intake rather than cut it out entirely.

Chips, crisps, and other salty snacks - eating too much salt is not so good for your body, so it's important to limit these kinds of snacks. Slowly decrease how much and how often you eat it and you'll be good!

Processed meats - things like ham, sausage, bacon, jerky, and salami. These meats contain more salt and more fat than normal cuts of meat. Ideally, you shouldn't be eating these meats every day. Again, slowly decrease how much and how often you eat them until you reach your goal.

Think About You

After thinking about what you need to add and what you need to limit, now it's time to think about your own diet goals! Everyone is different though, but I'll give a few examples:

I have an iron deficiency and I want to feel more energised - eat more things with iron and vitamin c in them. When you have a deficiency, just taking iron supplements isn't enough, you need to eat more iron as well. And vitamin c helps with iron absorption, so you can't skip that either. For iron, eat more spinach, red meat, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. For vitamin c, eat more tomatoes, capsicum, and oranges.

My hair is damaged and I want a diet that will help keep it healthy - protein and foods with biotin in them can help a lot. Biotin helps produce the protein keratin, which is essential for healthy hair (and nails). The best foods with both of these are eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds.

I want to lose weight - this is a tricky one. You don't want to limit or cut out things too kuch in your diet. I think it's better to eat a lot of protein and make sure that you eat slowly without distractions (so no looking at your phone), as it can make you feel fuller faster. Also, don't feel like you have to finish everything that you eat. If you feel really full, save it for later. Also, drink a lot of water, as it will fill your stomach up and not make you feel so hungry.

I want to gain weight- also a tricky one, as you don't want to over-indulge in foods that will make you feel gross or super bloated after eating it. I think creating a balanced and healthy diet first is key, and then slowly increase the portion sizes. Also, have more snacks throughout the day as well as three big meals. This will create a balanced diet where you can also hit your goals!

Whatever goal you want to hit, create a plan for your diet and add/limit whatever you need to.

Gut Health

Gut health is extremely important because it is related to your overall health. If your gut health is bad, then your overall health is bad. But what is gut health? It refers to the micro-organisms that live in your intestines. We are meant to have about 200 different species of bacteria, virusus, and funghi that live there (they are meant to be there and keep us healthy, they are not bad for you). But, things like antibiotics and highly processed foods can kill these micro-organisms and leave us feeling sick. But, there are many things that we can do to help improve our gut health, which will improve our overall health:

Drink plenty of water - the micro-organisms love water! So make sure to nourish them and your body by drinking a lot.

Get plenty of sleep - not getting enough sleep also impacts your gut health, so make sure to get plenty of it.

Eat foods that are high in fibre - vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, fruits, etc.

Eat garlic - not raw, but like add it to your cooking. Garlic was found to improve gut health, so find some recipes that include it.

Eat fermented foods - kimchi, yoghurt, sauerkraut, natto, etc.

Eat collagen-boosting foods - collagen-rich foods include bone broth and salmon. Collagen production foods include citris fruits, broccoli, meat, eggs, and nuts.

So there you go! Now you know how to have a diet that is good for your health and good for your gut! I hope this helps 🤍

[klapollo]

under the assumption that people making those "i forget to eat all day and then eat two blueberries" posts are being earnest and would actually like help for this, here are some calorie dense lazy meals that can help you make sure youre getting enough food quickly from your local eating disorder recovery dude who knows way too much about calories and nutrition

peanut butter sandwich. any variation or any other nut butter is fine, but make sure it's a real butter with oil etc, not the powdered stuff. peanut butter is very calorie dense and has protein and fat. pairings like bananas, wheat bread, and other quick additions can bulk it up

granola. granola is super calorie dense even in small amounts. throw a bunch into some full fat yogurt with some fruit, drizzle honey or maple syrup if youre up to it and feeling fancy. add nuts, chocolate, whatever.

chocolate -- one bar is usually between 250-500 calories depending on size.

nuts!!!! nuts have tons of calories and lots of protein and healthy fats. one cup of walnuts is 500+ calories -- i'd also suggest these w full fat yogurt and fruit for extra bulk/protein.

COOK WITH OIL!! a little goes a long way. butter is also an option.

avocados. avocado toast is the millenial joke but put a thick layer of avocado on a couple fat slices of bread (toasted if youd like) and toss seasonings and whatever youd like on it for a good dose of fat fiber and carbs. if you have the energy, add an egg for extra protein

pasta. cook an entire box of pasta ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, reheat on low energy days. a bowl can give you a good amount of calories, even more if you add sauce/cheese/etc. rice is also a good option -- especially if you Throw An Egg On It(tm) again.

bananas arent super high calorie but they have higher calories than most fruit, so mix them with other things (on toast, in yogurt, etc) to bulk up

mix and match these foods if you want calorie bombs that can make up for a day of undereating, ex: a bowl of full fat yogurt with bananas, nuts and chocolate chips, pasta with olive oil and cheese, avocado toast with thick bread and oil drizzle.

this is just a starting point. go for meals that have a good mix of carbs, protein, fiber and fat. doesnt matter where it comes from, just get it in. pizza. sweet potato with butter. a frozen broccoli bake. canned chili with rice. egg and cheese on a bagel. getting all your calories in one meal is NOT recommended but if you struggle eating throughout the day you can bulk out what you do eat to make sure youre not hurting your body.

[3liza]

I'm not good at baking but I got a five pound bag of coconut flour a bit ago and if you can tolerate coconut and aren't allergic I think it's a good gluten free and low carb baking flour. it tastes of coconut a bit, and it is not as smooth as rice or wheat flour, but you can make very tasty and respectable cookies and muffins and flatbread type stuff with it. it is basically ALL fiber, which is good for me but disastrous for a lot of other gastroparesis and IBS people so be aware of that. also it absorbs an unbelievable amount of liquid so one five pound bag has lasted me like a year of occasionally making cookies and muffins and stuff and I have tons and tons left over

[vamptastic]

I kinda vaguely think it may help with my wonky metabolic markers but I have no fucking clue how people sustain low carb diets on a budget. My mom has to follow a similar sort of diet because she has Hashimoto's disease and refined grains (and also some random stuff like green tea) will tank her white blood cell count, but she can still eat whole grains so once she saw a dietician we started to buy whole wheat pasta & brown rice and such for family dinners bc 100% carb-less dinner was untenable. And she still ends up eating stuff that she's not supposed to on accident when going out because we just don't live somewhere where you can buy a low-carb meal out (except a salad, even then she has to ask to have certain things removed). Ironically fast food chains tend to be the most reliable in having a gluten free substitute. On Passover we mostly end up eating fish and lunch is matza ball soup all week. Like how do you do this shit longterm without cracking because whole grains are fucking expensive and cooking without having an easy to prepare carb like rice or pasta is a nightmare.

[cazort]

In case someone isn't convinced:

One cup of whole wheat flour (makes about 4-ish typical slices of bread), according to the USDA nutrient database:

16g Protein (32% RDA)

50% RDA Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

15% B2 (Riboflavin)

37% B3 (Niacin)

14% B5 (Panthothenic Acid)

29% B6

13% B9 (Folate)

54% Copper

25% Iron

39% Magnesium

212% Manganese

34% Phosphorus

9% Potassium

135% Selenium

28% Zinc

Even unenriched, refined (white) flour isn't horrible for you. 1 cup of such flour:

13g Protein (26% RDA)

12% B1

10% B3

11% B5

20% Copper

Or semolina flour, 1 cup:

21g Protein (42%)

39% B1

10% B2

35% B3

19% B5

10% B6

30% Folate

36% Copper

11% Iron

19% Magnesium

45% Manganese

18% Phosphorus

16% Zinc

Definitely seek out things made with whole wheat and semolina flour (like that one kind of Italian bread) as they're healthier but like...wheat is not empty calories.

Even white rice, supposedly the most "empty calories" carb...one cup of cooked rice (not very much, only 267 calories worth):

5g protein (10%)

3% B1

3% B2

5% B3

16% B5

7% B6

17% Copper

2% Iron

4% Magnesium

7% Zinc

There you go folks, that's as "bad" as it gets among normal carbs.

Warning: there are truly empty carbs, and they are the refined starches: corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and the like. They have almost no protein and micronutrients and are digested very fast. They are in most ultraprocessed foods.

If you want to be afraid of something, and avoid or minimize consuming them, target the refined starches.

But stop demonizing traditional foods like rice and bread. If you want to eat healthier? Great. Seek out whole grain especially whole wheat, and also seek out semolina because even if it isn't exactly "whole grain" in the same way it is even higher than regular whole wheat in protein and folate (B9).

Also consider exploring other carbs. Buckwheat, quinoa. Even try weird grains from other cultures. Like Ethiopian food has injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff. If you eat enough of it to get about 250 calories worth (this is a reasonable amount to eat with a big Ethiopian meal) you get:

10g Protein (20% RDA)

42% B1

17% B2

31% B3

24% B6

21% B9

16% Iron

44% Magnesium

9% Potassium

22% Zinc

You pretty much see the pattern here. Grains are rich in B-vitamins and minerals. Some have quite a lot of protein too. Different ones have different things.

Yeah, there are some nutrients you won't get from grains. You usually won't get much or any Vitamins A, B12, C, or D. Also they usually have only a little Calcium, Choline, vitamins E and K, and relatively little fat which means you lack the essential omega 3 fats.

This is why you need to diversify your diet. But if you make grains, especially whole grains, a staple, you'll usually get enough of most of the B-vitamins quite easily and you'll be well on your way to getting enough protein, fiber, and many of the minerals.

OH, and BTW...you can add lots of things to carb-heavy foods to address deficiencies. Adding cheese especially adds calcium, protein, fats, and a bunch of other stuff. Adding nuts and seeds also adds fats along with lots of micronutrients. (Yes, those sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, whatever...those are actually adding something nutritionally!)

Or you can go full-on and eat something like fried rice where you're now adding oil, egg, vegetables, maybe seafood or meat, and you can end up with a nutritionally-complete meal that was initially built around a simple carb.

So yeah stop demonizing carbs!!!

‘bread is bad for you’ ‘rice is bad for you’ sorry im not subscribing to the idea that staple grains that have been integral to cultures for centuries are evil. i love you carbs

[honeysbunchesofoats]

it's deeply unfortunate to have gluten intolerance in usamerica, a very wheat-based society. HOWEVER! although the majority of that is the not eating gluten aspect, the supremely more annoying part is talking to people who can eat gluten. I'm like "aw damn, I really want fried chicken. I miss it." and five people pop out "oh it's probably actually pretty easy to make it gluten free!" yeah it's possible, but you are missing two CRUCIAL points. one. I can't just fucking go to a restaurant and have someone make me fried chicken. I can't buy it premade. it's an accessibility issue. I have to make a whole meal practically from scratch just to have fried chicken. and two, when you are used to gluten your whole life and then suddenly can't have it, substitutes aren't really sufficient to satisfy your real craving. all the time people say "oh I've tried lentil pasta and it's not bad! it's actually pretty good!" oh okay, now eat only lentil pasta for the rest of your life. if you like it, truly enjoy it, then why do you never choose it unless it's necessary for some outside reason?

having gluten free bread or pasta or whatever else once in awhile and thinking "oh this isn't too bad, why do gf people claim it sucks to be gf? you have other options these days." it's because I want a fucking hamburger with a bun that doesn't dissolve the moment it touches any moisture. I want to eat a croissant. I want a quesadilla with a flour tortilla. I want to be able to stroll in the grocery store and just throw things in my cart. even if something was labeled gluten free yesterday, it might not be today. I hate grocery shopping not because of how annoying that is (which it is), but because I don't want people to see me checking every label, who think I'm checking calories or sugar or carbs or whatever. recovering from my own ED I do not want to support and normalize diet culture that way. even though I'm not looking at those things, I can't convey that without wearing a gigantic sign that says "I DO NOT SUPPORT DIET CULTURE I JUST HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS (gluten free sucks ass)."

also when you're like "ah shit, I think there was gluten in that ube shake." and someone goes "I just googled it and ube doesn't have gluten!" .................no fucking shit. it's a yam. it's all the other fucking stuff in there. "just look online" restaurants/stores rarely have allergens properly labeled on their website. smaller stores often don't even think about it. oh you order something labeled gluten free? you tell the server it must be gluten free? well you're out of luck, everything in that kitchen is contaminated unless it's a 100% gluten free kitchen. you have gf fries but it's fried in the same oil as gluten? they aren't gf now. and 90% of people don't know that using the same spoon for stirring my coffee that was just used and only rinsed from a previous drink still has enough gluten on it to make me sick. let alone wooden utensils. that's a fucking minefield. wow thank you for making me rice pasta alongside your spaghetti, I really appreciate it! oh you used the same wooden spoon for both? okay well I'm actually not that hungry anymore.

also? IT'S REALLY FUCKING EXPENSIVE to live gluten free.

[drvitaltips]

Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes You'll Love

Tired of the same old meals? Ground chicken is a fantastic choice if you're looking for healthy and tasty options. It's leaner than many other ground meats and super versatile, making it perfect for all sorts of ground chicken recipes healthy and delicious. Forget boring dinners; ground chicken can be the star of exciting, good-for-you dishes that your whole family will enjoy. We'll explore why ground chicken is a smart pick and share easy ideas to make yummy, healthy meals without much fuss.

Key Takeaways

- Lean Protein Power: Ground chicken is generally lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef, making it a great base for healthy meals. - Super Versatile: Use it in meatballs, burgers, stir-fries, tacos, lettuce wraps, pasta sauces, and more. - Flavor Friend: Ground chicken easily absorbs spices and flavors, so don't be shy with herbs and seasonings! - Keep it Juicy: Use techniques like adding veggies or not overcooking to prevent dryness. - Healthy Cooking Matters: Baking, grilling, sautéing, and steaming are better choices than deep-frying.

Why Choose Ground Chicken for Healthy Meals?

So, why all the fuss about ground chicken? Well, it's got some great things going for it, especially if you're trying to eat a bit healthier. - Lower in Fat: Compared to regular ground beef, ground chicken (especially if made from breast meat) usually has less saturated fat. This is good news for your heart! The American Heart Association often recommends lean poultry as part of a heart-healthy diet. - Good Source of Protein: Protein helps you feel full, builds muscle, and keeps your body running smoothly. Ground chicken packs a good protein punch. - Calorie Conscious: Because it's leaner, ground chicken often has fewer calories than fattier ground meats, helping with weight management. - Kitchen Chameleon: Seriously, this stuff is versatile. It takes on the flavors you add to it, making it perfect for Italian, Mexican, Asian, or classic American dishes. Think of it like a blank canvas for your healthy cooking creations!

Tips for Cooking Healthy Ground Chicken

Making ground chicken recipes healthy is easy, but a few tips can make your meals even better and ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful. - Choose Lean: Look for ground chicken made primarily from breast meat for the lowest fat content. Sometimes packages will state the lean-to-fat ratio (like 90/10 or 93/7). - Don't Overcook: Ground chicken can dry out faster than beef because it has less fat. Cook it until it's no longer pink (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), but try not to go much beyond that. - Add Moisture: Mix in finely chopped veggies like onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. This adds nutrients, flavor, and moisture! A little bit of olive oil or chicken broth during cooking can also help. - Boost Flavor: Since chicken is mild, be generous with herbs, spices, garlic, and onion. Think cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, basil, ginger, soy sauce – the possibilities are endless! - Smart Cooking Methods: Stick to baking, grilling, pan-frying with minimal oil, poaching, or stir-frying. Avoid deep-frying to keep things light. - Drain Excess Fat: If any fat renders out during cooking, feel free to drain it off before adding other ingredients.

Healthy Ground Chicken Recipe Ideas

Ready for some inspiration? You don't need complicated recipes to eat well. Here are some simple, healthy ideas using ground chicken: Flavorful Ground Chicken Meatballs Who doesn't love meatballs? Making them with ground chicken is a lighter twist. - How to Make Them Healthy: Mix lean ground chicken with finely chopped onions, garlic, whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or almond flour for lower carbs), an egg white, and plenty of herbs like parsley or basil. Bake them on a baking sheet instead of frying. - Serving Ideas: Serve with zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta and a simple tomato sauce. They're also great in soups or served as appetizers. Juicy Ground Chicken Burgers Yes, chicken burgers can be juicy and delicious! - How to Make Them Healthy: Combine ground chicken with grated onion or apple (for moisture!), Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings. Handle the mixture gently to avoid tough burgers. Grill or pan-fry with minimal oil. - Serving Ideas: Serve on a whole-wheat bun or lettuce wrap with lots of fresh toppings like tomato, onion, avocado, and lettuce. Skip heavy mayo-based sauces and try mustard, salsa, or a light yogurt-based dressing. Quick Ground Chicken Stir-Fries Stir-fries are perfect for busy weeknights and packing in veggies. - How to Make Them Healthy: Brown ground chicken with garlic and ginger. Add tons of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Use a light sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or maple syrup if desired. - Serving Ideas: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete, healthy meal. Simple Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps These are fun, light, and super flavorful. - How to Make Them Healthy: Cook ground chicken with water chestnuts, carrots, mushrooms, and onions in a savory sauce (hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger). - Serving Ideas: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or iceberg). Easy, low-carb, and delicious! Ground Chicken Taco Filling or Bowls Taco night just got healthier! - How to Make Them Healthy: Brown ground chicken with taco seasoning (check for low-sodium options or make your own). Add black beans or corn for extra fiber. - Serving Ideas: Use in whole-wheat tortillas or corn tortillas, or create a taco bowl with brown rice, lettuce, salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Ground Chicken: Pros and Cons

Like any food, ground chicken has its pluses and minuses. ProsConsGenerally lower in fat & caloriesCan be drier if overcookedGood source of lean proteinMilder flavor needs more seasoningVery versatile for various recipesCan sometimes be more expensive than beefCooks relatively quicklyTexture might differ from ground beefFits well into many healthy eating plansQuality varies (look for mostly breast meat)

Key Takeaways Revisited

Just a quick reminder of why ground chicken is a winner for healthy eating: - It's a lean protein that's often lower in fat than ground beef. - It's incredibly versatile – think meatballs, burgers, stir-fries, tacos, and more. - It readily absorbs flavors, making it perfect for experimenting with spices. - You can keep it juicy by adding veggies or being careful not to overcook. - Focus on healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, or sautéing.

FAQs About Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes

Let's tackle some common questions people have about cooking with ground chicken. Is ground chicken healthier than ground beef? Generally, yes, especially compared to higher-fat ground beef. Ground chicken, particularly if it's made from breast meat (often labeled 93% lean or higher), usually contains less saturated fat and fewer calories. However, very lean ground beef (like 95% lean) can be comparable. Always check the nutrition label! How do you cook ground chicken so it's not dry? The key is not to overcook it! Cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also add moisture by mixing in finely chopped vegetables (like onions, mushrooms, zucchini) or a little bit of healthy fat (like olive oil) or broth before or during cooking. What can I make with ground chicken besides meatballs? Oh, so many things! Try it in burgers, tacos, lettuce wraps, stir-fries, stuffed bell peppers, pasta sauces (like a lighter Bolognese), chili, shepherd's pie topping, or even breakfast sausage patties. What's the healthiest way to cook ground chicken? Baking, grilling, broiling, poaching, stir-frying, and sautéing with minimal oil are the healthiest methods. These add little to no extra fat. Avoid deep-frying if your goal is a healthy meal. Can ground chicken be used for meal prep? Absolutely! Cooked ground chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can cook a large batch and use it throughout the week in salads, bowls, wraps, or reheated meals. It's a great way to have healthy protein ready to go. You can find more food safety storage tips at FoodSafety.gov.

Final Thoughts

Switching to ground chicken is an easy and smart way to make your favorite meals a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. It's lean, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile. By using fresh ingredients, plenty of spices, and healthy cooking methods, you can create endless ground chicken recipes healthy and satisfying. So go ahead, give it a try, and discover some new family favorites! Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health. Read the full article