Top eight diets that celebrities swear by

When it comes to having a flawless form, celebrities seem to know their ways around it. Of course, this is mostly because famous icons have access to the best nutritionists and fitness trainers in the market, but many of them also like to share their secrets with their audience. While exercising is crucial to keeping yourself fit, this should be accompanied by the right diet that can nourish your body, as well as to help maintain its healthy weight. Here are some of the most promising diets that celebrities swear by:

The five-ingredient diet

Also known as the five-factor diet, this nutrition plan limits your calorie intake without severing ties with your favourite food. While some people may stop consuming bread, cheeses, or any other source of carbs, this has been proven to be inefficient as a long-term diet. Instead, the 5-factor diet allows you to create your own diet plan, however, you want, as long as it contains these five elements: Fluids, fat, protein and complex carbs. Accordingly, you should have five meals per day with only five ingredients in each dish.

Dr Nowzaradan diet

The Dr Nowzaradan diet allows you to consume everything you want, as long as you keep an eye on your overall calorie intake. Essentially, following this diet will cut down your calories from 2,000 to 1,200. If youre not familiar with this plan, you can visit this URL to read about it in more detail. In short, this diet can help you shed stubborn fat, as you only consume 1,200 calories, while your body needs 2,000 to function. This compels your body to use the stored fat in your body for fuel and thus you lose an impressive amount of weight in little time.

The Dukan diet

Although popular amongst celebrities, the Dukan diet is not recommended by nutritionists for long periods of time. This diet can be followed for a couple of months every now and again for rapid weight loss without compromising muscle mass. It comprises high-protein sources and low-calorie foods. That said, there are four phases to this diet: the first two are the most challenging to follow and theyre designed to shed stubborn fat, the last two stages can be a long-term plan as they contain more caloric intake.

Raw diet

While this diet helps you lose weight and stay in shape, most celebrities that follow it are more concerned about its anti-aging benefits. A Raw Diet contains unrefined foods that are preferably uncooked but can be heated to no higher than 118 degrees. This nutrition plan is mostly vegan, but raw eggs may also be consumed.

The keto diet

You must have already heard of this fad diet, which is followed by Halle Berry and Kim Kardashian. The plan works in precise percentages, where 75% of your meal should comprise fats, 20% should be protein and 5% should be carbs. This prompts your body to burn fat instead of carbs, which allows you to lose weight rapidly.

Mediterranean diet

This diet is not at all restrictive, but its popular amongst celebrities like Rachel Ray and Penelope Cruz. This plan contains plenty of fruits, legumes, whole-grain foods and any healthy sources of fat such as seafood. Celebrities who followed this diet have vouched for how much weight they were able to lose in little time, despite their diet including a delicious variety of healthy food.

Juice diet

With the name being quite self-explanatory, the juice diet allows you to consume your needed nutrients through only blended food and juices. According to recent studies, however, this diet is not recommended, especially for long periods of time. This is because the diet utilises lots of fruits, which can be very high in sugar.

The Paleo diet

Recently, this diet has gained popularity after Jessica Biel swore by how effective it was in helping her stay slim. This Paleo Nutrition Plan requires you to consume any foods that have existed for millions of years, which scratches all processed food off the list. This also means that followers of this diet cannot consume dairy, legumes or whole grains.

No matter how desperate you might be to lose weight, you should also follow a diet plan that you can stick to, rather than an unnecessarily strict one that you would eventually give up on. Your best bet is to follow a nutritious diet that does not entirely restrict your access to delicious meals but limits junk food. This will allow you to indulge in your favourite food without compromising your fitness plan. If you consistently follow these diets along with your exercise routine, you can look as stunning as your favourite celebrities in several months time.

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Top eight diets that celebrities swear by - The Upcoming

Cardiac Rehabilitation Market Size USD 1.37 billion in 2018, CAGR of 6.6%, Cardiac Rehabilitation Industry Trendsfree fall in healthy living lifestyle, multiple global initiative and government policies.

New York, March 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the current analysis of Reports and Data, thecardiac rehabilitation marketwas valued at USD 1.37 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 2.29 billion by the year 2026, at a CAGR of 6.6 %. Cardiac rehabilitation is a healthcare program that guides people who have survived a heart attack, transplant surgery, or any other heart disease to live a healthy lifestyle. They provide counseling to the patients about diet, exercises, stress management, etc. so that the person lives an optimal quality of lifestyle. Moreover, Cardiac rehabilitation also offers different programs to people with different medical histories.

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The rising number of heart surgeries due to various diseases such as cholesterol, metabolism syndrome, diabetes, and other lifestyle disorders is a critical factor for market growth. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 71 million adults have high cholesterol consisting of low-density lipoprotein, a common cause of heart disorders in the US. Patients suffering from cardiac diseases such as arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy are also expected to fuel the market widely. Atrial fibrillation, a prevalent type of arrhythmia, has widely affected the population in the US. For instance, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 2.7 million people in the US have atrial fibrillation, and this number is further expected to increase in the near future.

Furthermore, the elderly population is quite prone to heart disorders due to aging effects, becoming a critical factor for the cardiac rehabilitation market. Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to give the highest share in the market due to the presence of a vast elderly population in the area considering China and India. The exchange also provides a massive opportunity for technological advancements in the healthcare sector. New devices are generated, such as hand devices that track heart rate, blood pressure, count footsteps, etc. to improve lifestyle, which is expected to propel the market growth. However, high cost of cardiac rehabilitation devices, frequent product recalls, and high costs involved in the technology behind the products are expected to be a significant restraint for the market. Moreover, rising awareness could reduce the prevalence of such diseases leading to a decrease in market growth.

Further key findings from the report suggest

To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/cardiac-rehabilitation-market

For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the Cardiac Rehabilitation market on the basis of device type, application, end use and region:

Device type Outlook (Revenue in Million USD; 20162026)

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Regional Outlook (Revenue in Million USD; 20162026)

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THEY'RE WORKING WITH KIDS FOUR YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. THE GOAL IS TO INSTILL THESE VALUES YOUNGSO AS THEY GET OLDER, PROPERLY DEALING WITH STRESS BECOMES SECOND NATURE. "IF YOU LOOK AT THE WAY KIDS ARE GROWING UP THESE DAYS, IT'S A DIFFERENT WORLD THAN THE WORLD WE INHERITED WHEN WE GREW UP. IT'S FASTER, IT'S MORE COMPLEX, IT'S CHANGING." AND TO COMBAT THOSE CHANGESGOELITZ AND HIS TEAM AT THE HEART MATH INSTITUTE DEVELOPED THE 100 THOUSAND COHERENT KIDS INITIATIVE. TEACHING KIDS HOW TO MANAGE THEIR STRESS. "THAT INCLUDES THINGS LIKE HEART HEALTH, WHAT IS THE HEART? GOOD SLEEP, GOOD DIET, A LOT OF EXERCISE, BUT ALSO VERY IMPORTANTLY EMOTIONAL HEALTH." EMOTIONAL HEALTH TO THE WARD FAMILY IS EVERYTHING..AYDEN IS JUST NINE YEARS OLD AND HE SAYS HE FEELS A LOT OF PRESSURE DURING CLASS. "IT'S ALL THE TESTS AND BEING GOOD ENOUGH." "I THINK IF I LOOK INTO THE FUTURE, THE SCHOOL'S TEACHING THEM HOW TO DO MATH AND ENGLISH AND READING AND EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT THERE'S NOT A LOT OF TEACHING THEM HOW TO BE HAPPY AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THE STRESS THAT'S IN THE WORLD TODAY AND THE CHAOS AND THE CHANGE." CHILDREN TAKING THE COURSE WORK AT THEIR OWN PACELEARNING THROUGH FUN ACTIVITIES. ALSO PRACTICING BREATHING TECHNIQUES. "IT'S JUST ABOUT GETTING IN YOUR HEART AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, AND WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN THERE, REALIZING IT AND TRYING TO GET BACK IN. AND THE TECHNIQUES ARE AS SIMPLE AS ANY TECHNIQUE CAN BE." AYDEN SAYS IT HELPS WHEN HE'S NERVOUS ABOUT A TEST. "I ASKED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM, AND I TAKE A BREATHER AND DON'T ACTUALLY GO THE BATHROOM." "IT FEELS VERY SATISFYING BECAUSE WE KNOW WE'RE REACHING KIDS WHERE THEY NEED TO BE REACHED. WE'RE GIVING THEM SOME UNIQUE SKILLSETS AND IDEAS THAT ARE SO VITAL FOR THEIR WELLBEING." NOT ONLY HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN LAUNCHED HERE ON THE CENTRAL COAST..... IT'S ALSO BEING USED IN PLACES LIKE ENGLAND AND SOUTH AFRICA. THE BEST PART IS IT'S FREE AND AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR EVERYONE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAM, YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AT KSBW DOT COM.

100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative teaches importance of physical, emotional and mental health

Goal is to teach kids to properly deal with stress

Updated: 10:51 PM PST Mar 1, 2020

The HeartMath Institute in Boulder Creek has launched the 100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative. An online educational program that works with children, teaching them the importance of physical, emotional and mental health. Working with kids 4 years of age and older, the goal is to instill these values young so as they get older, properly dealing with stress becomes second nature."That includes things like heart health, what is the heart? Good sleep, good diet, a lot of exercise but also, very importantly, emotional health," explained Jeff Goelitz, director of education at the HeartMath Institute. "If you look at the way kids are growing up these days, it's a different world than the world we inherited when we grew up. It's faster, it's more complex and it's changing."Emotional health to the Ward family is everything. 9-year-old Ayden Ward said he feels a lot of pressure during class."It's all the tests and (feeling) good enough," said Ayden."I think if I look into the future, the school's teaching them how to do math and English and reading and everything else, but there's not a lot of teaching them how to be happy and how to deal with the stress that's in the world today," said Ayden's father, Owen Ward. "They know some of (these ideas) already, but they're resistant to (my wife and I) trying to teach them. But you put it onto their iPad in an engaging way where there are characters and exercises, and they just seem more open to it."Children take the coursework at their own pace, learning through fun activities and breathing techniques. "It's about getting in your heart as much as you can. When you're not in there, realizing it and trying to get back in. The techniques are as simple as any technique can be," said Ward.Ayden said these techniques help him when he's nervous about a test."I ask to go to the bathroom, and I take a breather. I don't actually go the bathroom," said Ayden."It feels very satisfying because we know we're reaching kids where they need to be reached," said Goelitz. "We're giving them some unique skillsets and ideas that are so vital for their wellbeing."Not only has the program been launched on the Central Coast, it's also being used in places like England and South Africa. It's also free online and available for everyone. For more information on how to sign up, you can visit the HeartMath Institute's website.

The HeartMath Institute in Boulder Creek has launched the 100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative. An online educational program that works with children, teaching them the importance of physical, emotional and mental health. Working with kids 4 years of age and older, the goal is to instill these values young so as they get older, properly dealing with stress becomes second nature.

"That includes things like heart health, what is the heart? Good sleep, good diet, a lot of exercise but also, very importantly, emotional health," explained Jeff Goelitz, director of education at the HeartMath Institute. "If you look at the way kids are growing up these days, it's a different world than the world we inherited when we grew up. It's faster, it's more complex and it's changing."

Emotional health to the Ward family is everything. 9-year-old Ayden Ward said he feels a lot of pressure during class.

"It's all the tests and (feeling) good enough," said Ayden.

"I think if I look into the future, the school's teaching them how to do math and English and reading and everything else, but there's not a lot of teaching them how to be happy and how to deal with the stress that's in the world today," said Ayden's father, Owen Ward. "They know some of (these ideas) already, but they're resistant to (my wife and I) trying to teach them. But you put it onto their iPad in an engaging way where there are characters and exercises, and they just seem more open to it."

Children take the coursework at their own pace, learning through fun activities and breathing techniques.

"It's about getting in your heart as much as you can. When you're not in there, realizing it and trying to get back in. The techniques are as simple as any technique can be," said Ward.

Ayden said these techniques help him when he's nervous about a test.

"I ask to go to the bathroom, and I take a breather. I don't actually go the bathroom," said Ayden.

"It feels very satisfying because we know we're reaching kids where they need to be reached," said Goelitz. "We're giving them some unique skillsets and ideas that are so vital for their wellbeing."

Not only has the program been launched on the Central Coast, it's also being used in places like England and South Africa. It's also free online and available for everyone. For more information on how to sign up, you can visit the HeartMath Institute's website.

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100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative teaches importance of physical, emotional and mental health - KSBW Monterey

A new guide has been launched that can help nurses to advise female patients on reducing their risk of developing cancer through leading a healthier lifestyle.

The guide has been developed with the aim of empowering women at different stages of their lives to develop healthy habits to reduce their risk of cancer and other health conditions.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which funds research on the prevention of cancer through diet and lifestyle, has launched a new booklet titled theWomens Health Guide.

The guide covers a number of different health factors that can affect a womans cancer risk throughout her life

Jacqui Walker

The booklet promotes the message that women can make small changes to their health and lifestyle that can reduce their risk of developing cancer.

It contains information on cancer prevention, symptoms and screening as well as practical tips on healthy weights, keeping active, breastfeeding, eating well during pregnancy and the menopause.

The guide has simple to use interactive activities such as a quiz, a food diary and an exercise calorie calculator, noted the charity.

It suggested the concise and informative guide was helpful in encouraging behaviour change with patients by making conversations between health professionals and female patients easier.

The positive message is that women can make small changes to their health and lifestyle that can reduce their risk of developing cancer, the charity highlighted.

If we all lived healthy lifestyles, which includes not smoking, eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, around 40 of cancer cases could be prevented, it said.

Jacqui Walker, an advanced nurse practitioner and general practice nurse in Falkirk, said: Womens Health Guide has lots of useful tips and advice for health professionals to use with female patients.

I find it helpful in encouraging behaviour change with my female patients as it makes conversations between them and myself easier, she said.

The guide covers a number of different health factors that can affect a womans cancer risk throughout her life and the simple changes she can make in order to reduce that risk.

Rachel Clark, nutritionist and health promotion manager at WCRF, said: There are so many things that can affect our health on a daily basis that we might not always think about.

For example, having a poor diet, drinking alcohol and not exercising enough can all increase our risk of cancer. However, making small changes can make a huge difference to our overall health and cancer risk.

As a woman and mum, I find it important to be aware of what can affect my overall health so that I can make informed decisions about my lifestyle, said Ms Clark.

This guide has tips for everyone from breastfeeding to eating well and exercising, Id recommend it to all women who want to improve their health, she added.

This guide has tips for everyone from breastfeeding to eating well and exercising

Rachel Clark

To reduce cancer risk, the guide recommends commons sense advice such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising more, eating more fruit, veg, beans and grains and voiding junk food.

It also promotes drinking less alcohol and avoiding sugary drinks, not relying on supplements, breastfeeding babies if possible and not smoking.

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Guide aims to empower women to adopt 'habits to reduce cancer risk' - Nursing Times

Taking a siesta has been shown to improve the brains ability to learn. Photograph: Adie Bush/Getty Images/Cultura RF

Think of wellness and you may well think of Gwyneth Paltrows brand, Goop: modern, exclusive, quite possibly rubbish. But a lot of what would fall under that banner dates back centuries and has its roots in Europe, not California.

There is a unique wellness culture in Europe, says Beth McGroarty, the director of research at the Global Wellness Institute, a US nonprofit group. It dates as far back as Roman spas and the ancient Greek focus on preventing sickness, not merely treating it. Europe has its own ancient medical thinking and wellness traditions and we dont seem to pay any attention to them.

The continent is also home to some of the happiest, healthiest countries in the world, although the UK doesnt trouble the top 10. So, what can we learn from European wellness practices and traditions?

The siesta, a short afternoon nap, is believed to have evolved in Spain to allow farmers time to rest during the hottest hours of the day. The tradition persists in the country, with work hours extending later to accommodate the break.

A large study in 2007 found that heart diseases were less prevalent among people who regularly took a 30-minute nap, while research in 2010 discovered that an afternoon snooze could improve the brains ability to learn.

Even just slowing down for a short period of time allows you to disconnect from the world and subsequently boost energy, focus and creativity, says Paul Joseph, the founder of the travel company Health and Fitness Travel.

Iceland consistently ranks highly in metrics such as life expectancy and blood pressure, placing third in Bloombergs 2019 healthiest country index, behind Spain and Italy.

The Nordic diet shares some similarities with the life-extending Mediterranean diet, although it is lower in fruit and vegetables, advocating moderate consumption of fat and protein along with canola oil (a type of rapeseed oil), wild berries and root vegetables.

A diet high in fresh fish, and therefore omega-3 fatty acids, is considered key to a healthy diet in Iceland. Haddock, herring and cod including the cheeks and tongues, the most prized parts are all dietary staples. Fermented shark is a national dish.

It is also common for Icelanders to take a daily supplement of cod-liver oil during the winter months, when it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. The benefits of fish oil and omega-3 are contested, but their proponents say they relieve joint stiffness associated with arthritis and improve the condition of teeth, nails, hair and skin.

Although the use of mud as a beauty treatment was documented in ancient Egypt, with clay from the banks of the Nile being applied to the face and skin to improve appearance and texture, it was popularised in Italy during Roman times fango is Italian for mud.

From there, fangotherapy spread with the Roman empire; mud treatments and wraps remain a common spa treatment across Europe and further afield.

While different types of mud (mixed with mineral or thermal water) are said to have different properties, fangotherapy is most effective as a gentle cleansing treatment and has relaxing, anti-stress effects. These should not be sniffed at: chronic stress affects the immune system and causes high blood pressure, fatigue, poor mental health and even heart disease.

Is there anything the Mediterranean diet cant do? It draws together common food types and healthy habits from several southern European countries, including Greece, Spain, southern France, Portugal and Italy. As such, there is no single definition, but it is typically high in fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, olive oil and unsaturated fats, with moderate dairy intake.

Its benefits have been found to be remarkably wide-ranging: it has been associated with longer life expectancy, a healthier gut, better heart health, protection from disease, lower risk of depression, diabetes prevention and alleviation and even improved athletic performance.

Sauna culture exists across Europe, but it is deeply ingrained in Finland, where there is one facility for about every two people, the Finnish Sauna Society says. The traditional experience is to push yourself to your limit in a communal sauna with a very high temperature, then to immerse yourself in cold water or snow and repeat.

The cold experience is crucial, says McGroarty, with the contrast between hot and cold thought to bring health benefits. She says: It seems to have a strong impact on cardiovascular health.

This is Europe is a new stream of Guardian journalism that investigates the big challenges that transcend national boundaries, and seeks out the solutions that could benefit us all. These are testing times, and crises are not limited by national borders. But then neither are we.

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Scientific studies have found that the effectiveness of this contrast therapy (such as for treating athletes injuries) is questionable, but the physiological effects are such that it persists regardless. As no one knows better than the Finns, it feels good to be really hot, then really cold. As such, icy plunge pools and snow rooms are popular as a chaser to heated or humid experiences at spas worldwide.

Sophrology, a practice of dynamic relaxation, was developed by a Colombian neuropsychiatrist in the 60s, but it took root in France and Switzerland, where it remains wildly popular.

It combines eastern and western influences, meditation, breathing techniques, gentle movement, positive psychology and visualisation to give a sense of being calm and in control.

Although the practice is said to be more dynamic than mindfulness, it has similar benefits, and is said to be helpful in stress management, self-development, preparing for public speaking or even childbirth. French studies have recorded positive effects in helping cancer patients to manage their anxiety, stress and fear.

In the UK, sophrology is taught at clinics in London for about 100 an hour. In France and Switzerland, it is widely covered by health insurance, used by corporate high-flyers and professional athletes (including, reportedly, the French national rugby team) and taught in schools and hospitals.

It is gemtlich in German and gezelligheid in Dutch; in English, you might say smelly candles. But it was the parallel Danish concept of hygge that launched a global lifestyle phenomenon in 2016, with concerted cosiness the suggested solution to a turbulent year of Brexit and Donald Trump.

Hygge relates to a level of cosiness and conviviality that incites a feeling of wellbeing, says Joseph. The core of the practice is to live in the everyday moment and appreciate everything around you streaming the ideas of eastern mindfulness.

There is no easy English translation, but the Dutch word uitwaaien refers to spending time in wild, windy weather usually by going for a walk or a bike ride. By replacing bad air with good air, it is believed to leave you feeling clear-headed and refreshed.

It feels exhilarating wind is distracting, so its sort of meditative, in the sense you cannot think about anything else, says McGroarty.

Many northern European countries have an equivalent of the Japanese term shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), which refers to the restorative effects of spending time in woodland or parks.

Time spent outdoors in any capacity has recorded benefits, such as increasing vitamin D levels, improving mood and focus, encouraging incidental exercise and possibly reducing pain. A 2018 study found that exposure to green space can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, pre-term birth, stress and high blood pressure. Even as little as two hours a week may have an effect.

Comparable to the western coffee break, fika is another simple Scandinavian wellness philosophy that involves slowing down to prioritise social interaction. It is a meal or a meeting allowing for social interaction and stronger relationship bonds, increasing feelings of positivity, calm and creativity, says Joseph.

The meeting can happen at any time of day and preferably several times a day, advises the Swedish government. Although baked goods or sweets are often served, the key purpose is the social interaction.

This factors into other areas of life in Sweden. Herman Rutgers, a co-founder of the nonprofit organisation EuropeActive, notes that group exercise is popular in the country: They like to do things in groups, to be social and to drink coffee afterwards. The country has one of the highest rates of gym membership in the world 21% of the population are signed up to a fitness club.

Building a social component into exercise, by taking a fitness class or working out with a friend, has been shown to increase motivation and accountability and even improve performance. A University of Aberdeen study in 2016 found that people exercised more when they did so with a friend, due to the emotional support.

The concept of wellness tourism, valued by Bloomberg at $639bn, began in Europe centuries ago, says McGroarty. She points to the 200-year-old German tradition of the kur: a commitment to taking a longer break for the purpose of wellness.

From the late 18th century until the second world war, it was common to retire to a sanatorium or a spa for a weeks- or months-long programme of rest, fresh air, bathing and steam. McGroarty likens the best-known of these destinations Baden-Baden and Bad Ems in Germany, Bad Gastein and Bad Ischl in Austria, Bath in the UK to our Las Vegas of health: the places to be and to be seen. Composers and authors would go there to work, while others would go to recover from or avoid illness.

Even today, a two- or three-week-long kur can be prescribed and even paid for through the German (and Austrian) healthcare system, in recognition of the fact that healthy, rested workers are more productive.

The idea of taking a longer break just to be well is at odds with the modern fashion for shorter, high-impact holidays but the pendulum will need to swing back, says McGroarty. She predicts a trend for wellness sabbaticals, as people retreat for longer to recover from the busy world.

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From siestas to saunas: the 10 European wellbeing traditions everyone should try - The Guardian

was surprisingly nervous when I attended St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, for my first appointment with my diabetic consultant last week. I had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in mid-August of last year and although, as those of you who have read my previous columns know, I made lots of changes to my lifestyle and diet, I wasn't entirely sure it was going to be good enough.

I was also conscious that the blood test which would be central to this visit measures your blood sugar levels over the previous three months; three months that included Christmas and my birthday. On both occasions, while not going entirely mad, I did break some rules. There was some chocolate and some pudding and some custard and some cake. Oh, and some of the most delicious dessert on the planet - the chocolate bombe. My weight loss of just over a stone-and-half had stalled over the festive season and so I was bracing myself to be told that although I had done well, I would need to go back on medication to ensure my blood sugars were kept in line.

Before being ushered into the audience with his holiness the consultant, I saw the archangel Anne, the diabetes nurse who has been so helpful and supportive. Before she even took my weight or blood pressure, she congratulated me, telling me that I had "knocked it out of the park". My blood-sugar levels were excellent. And I cried, just a little bit.

The relief of knowing, definitively, that my hard work had paid off was enormous. And so, I more or less floated into the consulting room where his holiness was flanked by two trainee doctors, one on each side. It was like arriving before a very serious interview panel, when you already had it on good authority that you had the job. But then he told me something that I really didn't expect to hear. I have successfully put my diabetes into remission and all that's needed from now on, is a six-monthly visit to my GP for a blood test to ensure that I am keeping up the good work.

My cholesterol has gone up, however, so I need to take statins, as with my weight loss and healthy diet, it is assumed that this is genetic and not something I can manage alone. But this fact didn't overshadow my great joy and relief. It was a good day.

Unfortunately, putting my diabetes into remission doesn't mean that I can return to being the dessert-diva-cum-couch-potato that I was. My new lifestyle is for keeps, something I realised right from the start.

Looking back over the last five months, I realise that my 'journey' wasn't about a diet or exercise plan. It wasn't about wearing a yoke that told me to move, or counted my steps. It wasn't about signing up for a boot camp or any other punishing-sounding activity. It wasn't even about following any particular diet plan, be it fasting or keto or whatever and yes, I did research them all. No, the secret was finding what worked for me and what I felt I could do forever. The advice of the dietician and archangel Anne was all I needed.

Cutting 'obvious sugar' was straightforward. No more scones, cakes, desserts, sweets and chocolate. But learning that carbohydrates were also a source of sugar was a revelation. I love pasta, rice and potato and my portion sizes were mental, the blame for which I lay at the feet of my brothers who, when we were growing up, never seemed to have enough on their plates.

Too much carbohydrate combined with my allergy to exercise was disastrous. So, from the get-go, I halved the amount of pasta, rice and so on that I was consuming.

Changing my eating habits wasn't easy. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was my attitude to food, which more accurately could be described as my food obsession. I thought about food a lot. I comforted and rewarded myself with it. It is no longer high up on my list of life priorities.

I also had to recognise the difference between being hungry and experiencing a craving. For example, old me rarely had a lonely coffee. Coffee was always accompanied by little sugary something, which sometimes weren't so little. I have learned to appreciate the taste of good coffee, which up to now had been masked by the luscious delight that accompanied it.

I had been living in total denial about my weight, my fitness and my clearly unhappy body. I had gotten away with it for decades, but I was becoming increasingly unhealthy. Some of the symptoms of my body's unhappiness, such as my sore knees and ankles, were due to my weight and not, as I thought, my age. I was beginning to avoid doing certain things because I couldn't and that bothered me. I nearly got stuck in a bath in Copenhagen two years ago but still I didn't take steps to get fitter. I had great intentions but I never followed through. And now I look back and realise that while some of that was due to laziness, it was also due to fear. Fear of failure. It's much easier to say "I am not bothered" than do the hard work involved in getting healthier.

Diabetes delivered me the kick in the ass I needed and I am determined to keep it at bay. But since sharing my story I have been baffled by a number of people who have been in touch because of a loved one who won't take the disease seriously. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease. Perhaps because it doesn't have any really obvious symptoms that we don't give it the respect it deserves. I think many of us think that sure it's grand, you take some medication and you will be fine.

But unmanaged diabetes leads to too much sugar in your blood which impacts organs. And that damage is irreversible. By the time you have problems with your eyes or kidneys or heart, it's too late.

I mentioned before that I was a 'happy fatty' but now I wonder. I wasn't too bothered about how I looked because I have always relied more on my 'big' personality. But I wasn't happy when my weight caused me to be breathless when walking, or meant that I avoided stairs and low chairs that I couldn't heave myself out of easily.

But the magical thing is that as soon as I made real, lasting changes towards a healthier lifestyle my body reacted positively and the benefits become apparent.

We went away to a spa for my birthday and for the first time I didn't request an extra-large robe. And getting off the low beds in the relaxation room was not something I had to make a few attempts at. I like this new me. This new life.

I met an old friend last week who I haven't seen in months who said, "I can see old Barbara again" and he was referring to the 1980s version. That will do me just fine.

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'Diabetes gave me the kick in the ass I needed' - Independent.ie

Try something new each week preferably based on a healthy lifestyle such as hiking, visiting a new farmers market, watching a live music performance

As a part of my series about 5 Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Dramatically Improve Ones Wellbeing, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stella Metsovas.Stella Metsovas is a former competitive athlete, clinical nutritionist, speaker, author, and specialist in food science and human nutrition, with over fifteen years of experience in the health and fitness industries. Stella is the founder of Love Live Wild, a lifestyle brand that helps people elevate their everyday with soul-nourishing rituals.www.lovelivewild.com/press

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share with us the story about how you first got involved in fitness and wellness?

Around 15 years old while training at the elite level for USA Swimming. I realized nutrition would make or break my performance in the pool after having indulged in a donut party before a big swim meet. I recall feeling tired and bloated all day, not knowing what caused this since the day before I turned one of my best time splits in the 100-meter breaststroke. Through trial and error, we realized the high carbohydrate swimmers diet from mostly processed foods was the culprit to performance issues.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

I have worked as a consultant to food brands and commodity groups whove invited me to travel to their locations and learn more about the product. The Norwegian Seafood Council welcomed me to explore their fisheries in beautiful Tromso, Norway. I enjoyed the food and culture very much so!

Can you share a story with us about the most humorous mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson or take-away did you learn from that?

Sitting in my first office, circa 2006, fresh out of college, wondering how do I market my business I was fortunate to have thrived from referrals early on, but the first few years were tough. Resilience and networking are the formulas to success in any industry. Also, finding a mentor is key.

Can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority in the fitness and wellness field? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to the world of wellness?

The combination of my athletic background, and advocating the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle especially for optimal gut health and wellness. Ive lived the ancestral Mediterranean way every summer in the villages of Greece since I was a little girl. Ive been able to provide my clients and followers an effortless approach on how to integrate these practices no matter your geographic location.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

First and foremost my swim coaches. They instilled a strong work ethic that has helped me professionally in more ways than one. Also, my literary agent, Chris Tomasino, for believing in the authentic Mediterranean way as championed through my book, Wild Mediterranean (Penguin Random House, 2017) that promotes a blueprint of wellness, backed by research.

Ok thank you for all that. Now lets move to the main focus of our interview. We all know that its important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, exercise more, and get better sleep etc. But while we know it intellectually, its often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the 3 main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?

Firstly, our modern living environment has made the convenience of food both good or the absolute worst attribute to health. You can never replace whole unprocessed foods to easily packaged varieties that make bogus health claims. Also, processed foods change the way you taste the food, making unadulterated meals quite bland on the palette.

Can you please share your 5 Non-Intuitive Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Dramatically Improve Ones Wellbeing? (Please share a story or an example for each, and feel free to share ideas for mental, emotional and physical health.)

Know your water. The consumption of quality water is essential to your health, including our gut microbiome. Unfortunately, a reverse osmosis system can do very little if your tap water is treated with various chemicals. See more here:https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/cmp130704chap8.pdf?ua=1

Take adaptogens for both the body and mind. My top recommendation is to include Lions Mane and Siberian Ginseng.

Try to rise and sleep with the circadian rhythm of the sun and moon. Our hormones depend on quality sleep.

Vary your workouts and try to get outside as often as possible if weather permits.

Try something new each week preferably based on a healthy lifestyle such as hiking, visiting a new farmers market, watching a live music performance

As an expert, this might be obvious to you, but I think it would be instructive to articulate this for the public. Aside from weight loss, what are 3 benefits of daily exercise? Can you explain?

Natural detoxification through breath and sweat that occurs while exercising. Also, depending on the form of exercise, youll feel a sense of stress relief and most likely better sleeping habits throughout the night. Lastly, maintaining leanness throughout the body helps promote a healthy gut microbiome. Since the gut and brain are considered connected, its important to have a balance between the two.

For someone who is looking to add exercise to their daily routine, which 3 exercises would you recommend that are absolutely critical?

Daily sit-ups and pushups. No matter your fitness level, both forms of exercise are imperative to body conditioning. Im also a fan of early morning sun for vitamin D absorption; try to get outside for a hike or jog.

In my experience, many people begin an exercise regimen but stop because they get too sore afterwards. What ideas would you recommend to someone who plays sports or does heavy exercise to shorten the recovery time, and to prevent short term or long term injury?

Soreness after a workout could be an indication of a circulatory deficit. This is why I like to promote movement throughout the day. Training in a gym for 45 minutes and then sitting for the rest of the day and night is not a good preventative formula if you wish to lead a long, healthy life. You might have heard that sitting is hazardous to health since other lifestyle habits come along with sedentary behaviors, such as type 2 diabetes.

There are so many different diets today. Can you share what kind of diet you follow? Which diet do you recommend to most of your clients?

The ancestral Mediterranean diet as presented in Wild Mediterranean. I encourage the value of intermittent fasting for gut health and a diet that is heavy on plant-based fibers, combined with quality meats and fats, with prebiotic fibers mainly from ancestral grains.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story?

The Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears. One of the most influential nutritional concepts of the 21st century. Dr. Sears is a prolific researcher when it comes to hormones especially insulin and dietary attributes that trigger inflammation. He pioneered the basic formula 40:30:30, which is still respected in dietetic research today. This book sparked my curiosity 15+ years ago to think beyond a calorie is just a calorie, and to realize that our bodily systems are far more complex than basing a diet off of heat units (i.e., caloric measurements in food).

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Elevate your every day through body and mind rituals harvested by Mother Nature. The idea here is to support your internal ecosystem the best way you can.

Can you please give us your favorite Life Lesson Quote? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

My sports medicine professor: Live long die long; live long die short. You choose. Live long, die long means that you are living longer, but the quality of your life or dying long is not the goal.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them

Gary Vaynerchuk. I love his enthusiasm that spreads far beyond a digital media company.

What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?

Instagram: love.livewild

Twitter: /stellametsovas

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

Thank you!

More:
5 Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Dramatically Improve One's Wellbeing, with Dr. William Seeds & Stella Metsovas - Thrive Global

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Every year thousands of us make the pledge to be healthier.

With Lent just around the corner as well, theres another opportunity to ditch the chocolate and snacks, and make healthier food decisions if you want to. But what about a dog diet plan for our furry friends?

If youve never put your dog on a diet plan, now might be the time.

It turns out that as were snacking, our dogs are snacking too. Research conducted by Natural Instinct, the premium pet food brand, revealed that a staggering 90 per cent of us feed our dog food scraps and leftovers. And its not just occasionally, apparently we pass nibbles down from our plates an average of 11 times a month!

As much as this happens because of their big brown eyes and expectant faces, the research reveals another reason. A third of us dont really know what our dogs can and cant eat, and 1 in 3 of us have little understanding of what size meals to feed their dog.

MORE:Is your dog depressed? These are the subtle signs to look out for

This means that without even knowing why, our dogs are piling on the pounds leading to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

A spokesperson for Natural Instinct says, The last five years has seen a concerning increase in pet obesity, with an astonishing 51 per cent of dogs overweight. It has never been more important to look after our canine friends.

So if youre one of the hundreds of people who want to improve the health and wellbeing of your dog, youre in luck weve got the perfect doggy diet plan.

MORE:What do these different dog sounds mean? Heres what your pooch is really trying to tell you when they make these noises

Just like humans, if your dog needs to lose some weight for the good of their health, its going to be a calories in versus calories out situation. That means lowering their calorie intake and upping the exercise.

Heres what Natural Instincts Doggy Diet Plan advises

Kate Bendix is the author of The Dog Diet. She says, Feed them roughly 2 to 3% of their bodyweight per day making sure the food they get is what they need, not what those begging eyes want.

This means that if your dog weighs 70lbs (roughly the size of a retriever), then you should only be feeding them a maximum of 1.95lbs of food every day.

And that food needs to be healthy. Put away the sausages and bacon, as these types of food are high in fat and salt the two things that will lead to weight gain and health problems for your dog.

Instead, opt for a whole food diet. But importantly, check with your vet for advice on how to safely transition your dog to a whole food diet before making any changes.

If possible, feed your dog raw meals rather than cooked. Raw meals, including meats, are better as they contain plenty of whole proteins, good fats and carbohydrates.

Or if you want to buy whole food for your dog and kick-start their diet plan, why not try store-bought whole food like this Beef and Chicken?

Every dog needs a boneand a treat once in a while!

Credit: Getty

Bones are great for dogs. They help to relieve stress and prevent boredom, as well as help maintain healthy teeth and gums. But remember to choose the right size bone for your dog, always supervise them when feeding and separate any rowdy dogs to prevent them squabbling.

There are some foods that dogs should never eat. While some will just give them an upset stomach and you give you the subsequent clean up, others contain toxins will can be fatal.

When it comes to fitness, going out for a 20-minute walk around the block and letting your dog meander and sniff every lamppost is the best thing, especially if youre strapped for time. Our expert Kate Bendix says, Sniffing is extremely for good mental health, as is the physical exercise and fresh air. Go at their pace and take a moment for yourself too.

Other easy ways to get your dog exercising include:

At the end of the day, as long as there are less calories being consumed by your dog and more calories being burnt off, theyll lose weight!

Continued here:
Has your dog piled on the pounds? Heres how they can lose weight - goodtoknow

Amber Coster was working as an executive for a tech start-up when burnout hit. I literally felt sick and tired, but I thought I was superhuman, the 30-year-old says, explaining how she ignored the warning signs as she focused on helping to take the company from a $100m valuation to a $3.7bn acquisition.

Eventually my entire body and mind shut down. One Wednesday, I got so out-of-breath walking up one flight of stairs. On the Thursday, I opened up a simple spreadsheet, but had absolutely no idea how to change the figures. By the Friday, I felt tense and went for a body massage my back muscles were so locked that the therapist told me my body was in extreme trauma, and I just burst into tears.

Initially, Coster told her boss shed take a couple of weeks off work. In fact her recovery took six months. My burnout escalated really quickly I felt like I was constantly being hit by all-consuming exhaustion, she remembers.

Id sit at the dinner table and get all my words mixed up; I couldnt walk for more than 10 minutes at a time and I couldnt concentrate on anything for long.

In the UK, 602,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, anxiety or depression in 2018/19, according to the Health and Safety Executive accounting for 54 per cent of all working days lost due to ill health in this period.

AI is now being used in cognitive behavioural therapy

Psychotherapist Hilda Burke, author of The Phone Addiction Workbook, describes burnout as a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

She compares its ongoing nature to ignoring the red warning light on your car when youre running low on fuel. You can keep driving but your time is limited, she says.

When we override those red flags, we run the risk of that final crash, when your engine stops altogether.

For some people, burnout acts as a real wake-up call, she argues, noting that: Sometimes you need a breakdown to have a breakthrough.

It can often be high-achieving individuals who experience burnout, she says.

Its humbling to ask for support, thats hard, and sometimes its easier for people to risk the burnout. So they may need to lose their job or go on sick leave for a period, and that crash might be the start of a profound transformation in their lives.

While a healthy diet, exercise and creating time to get some headspace are all essential to mental wellbeing, ultimately change needs to come from within, says Burke. To push through everything your body is telling you and just keep going even when youre exhausted is such a high internal driver, she says.

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That persons core belief system needs to be unrooted before those foundations need to be put back in.

Sophie Medlin, a 33-year-old dietitian living in north London, went freelance after experiencing burnout. Things are much more straightforward for me now, she says.

At my worst, I couldnt concentrate. I was exhausted, but my sleep was disturbed, and Id wake up anxious at 4am and start working to try and keep on top of things, she says.

Medlin had been working in situations she found stressful for years: first in the NHS, which she describes as a constant marathon, and then in academia, where she found presenteeism was a problem. She explains that she felt there was an expectation that she would be constantly available, and checking her mail late into the evening and working at weekends.

But I couldnt be 100% functional all the time, she says. She found that work was having an impact on her mental and physical health. Cortisol [the stress hormone] massively increases your appetite but your body uses up nutrients rapidly during times of stress so I often felt poorly because my immune system was much less resilient as a result.

When she decided to leave her job, Medlin had counselling, and describes feeling a massive weight lift. She started to work as a consultant dietitian with businesses and private clients, and realised there was a different, more balanced way of working.

She is now based at wellbeing hub Nimaya, Londons first dedicated gym for the mind, as an in-house, specialist dietitian. Her experience of chronic stress and anxiety has changed her perspective on the damage it can do. So many people live in a state of chronic stress, but its so poisonous for people and it has long-term effects on our health, she says.

A negative experience of burnout also prompted Cate Murden to reconsider her career in advertising, and found Push Mind and Body, a corporate well-being company. She spent three months signed off with stress in her previous role. I was suffering from imposter syndrome in a new role, constantly slightly in fear and fight or flight mode, Murden says.

Id wake up at 3am and start firing out emails. It was crazy. Now she tries to ensure that nobody dreads going to work. Resilience is born out of physiology and mindset the most important thing is to talk to someone, and talking therapy with counsellor, or coach can start getting you out of that cycle, she says.

When Coster was struggling with burnout, researching chronic burnout and adrenal fatigue from her west London home, she also turned to familiar voices to find hope. Podcasts were her saviour relatable advocates such as Bryony Gordon, who shared her experience of anxiety and breakdown.

Gradually, Coster learnt to listen to her own body. At first she started gently swimming a couple of lengths, then walking for a few minutes, before she eventually began to run. The following year she ran her first London marathon, and once back at work she passionately introduced more awareness about mental health into the company.

These are the best meditation apps to reduce stress and anxiety

Returning to the office was a terrifying prospect, Coster admits. By practising kindness and patience and by focusing on small wins, it gradually became easier. I needed to prove that it was possible to find a healthier way to exist while also doing an excellent job.

She left her employer last June to start her own consultancy, Balpro, which helps businesses to balance aggressive revenue goals with employee wellbeing. But in the year before resigning she launched mental health initiatives across the company and also ran mental health workshops leaving with the knowledge that she had done something positive.

Reflecting on that journey, Coster says: Things need to change and I want to help transform the lives of other people now thats my silver lining.

Self-care is now an integral part of her daily routine. I run regularly to boost my energy levels and clear my headspace, and I have a really open dialogue with my friends were always checking in with each other.

Talking to others about your stress is crucial, agrees Medlin: Tell people that youre struggling and theyll be more open to supporting you. I do believe you have to stop to be able to have the headspace to imagine how things could work out differently. And thats quite liberating.

She is now much more conscious of her mental health and stress. Ive learnt to prioritise things that help me feel better in particular yoga has been important, having more time to invest in my support network of friends and family and just having headspace to reflect.

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Work burnout: 'My entire body and mind shut down' - 3 women on how they recovered - Evening Standard

When trying to get into shape, dieters can pick up tips from those who have already lost an impressive amount of weight. One slimmer recently shared the diet and exercise plan she used to shed 1st 12lb.

Jean McNamara, 40, noticed the weight creep on over the years but fitness had never been a priority.

It wasnt until poor health struck her family that she started to consider getting into shape.

The dieter became aware of a history of heart problems in her family and started to look into ways she could get fitter.

With her 40th birthday approaching, Jean gave herself the challenge to get into shape before then.

READ MORE: Weight loss diet plan: The one food you should eat more of to help burn belly fat fast

Tipping the scales at 11st 4lb, she signed up for her local gym but quickly lost motivation.

After one friend suggested High Intensity Interval Training plan, F45, Jean made the switch to the programme.

The slimmer signed up for an eight week challenge programme which focused on weight loss.

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Describe the plan, the F45 website said: The F45 Challenge is a nutrition and training program focused on holistic well-being.

The combination of F45s style of training and the challenge meal plans are designed to help members transform their lives over the 8-week period.

When following the plan, Jean upped her training to five days a week.

Although she found the training regime a challenge to begin with, the dieter started to enjoy the workouts.

She paired the intense workouts with the accompanying diet plan and focused on eating high protein healthy meals.

By following the plan, her weight soon dropped from 11st 4lb to a much healthier 9st 6lb.

Jean also revealed she slimmed down from a UK size 14 to a svelte size 10 in the eight week period.

Not only did she shed an impressive amount of weight, the dieter noticed a change in her general health.

Original post:
Weight loss shock transformation: Woman shed two stone in eight weeks with diet plan - Express