The South Beach Diet and Jenny Craig are two popular commercial weight loss programs.

Both offer premade meals and snacks designed to support weight loss and help save you time on meal prep.

However, while the South Beach Diet and Jenny Craig are similar in many ways, several key features set them apart.

This article compares some of the main similarities and differences between the South Beach Diet and Jenny Craig to help you decide which is right for you.

Heres a basic overview of how each program works.

The South Beach Diet was developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, an American cardiologist.

It limits high carb ingredients and added sugars while promoting non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein sources.

The principles of the South Beach Diet are outlined in a book written by Dr. Agatson, which you can use to follow the diet on your own.

The South Beach Diet also offers plans that deliver a variety of premade meals and snacks to help simplify weight loss.

The three available plans are:

The South Beach Diet also sells a 1-week reboot kit, which includes a selection of meals and snacks that can supposedly help you lose up to 7 pounds (3.2 kg) in just 1 week.

Jenny Craig is a diet program that delivers fully prepared foods designed to promote weight loss.

Several plans are available, each of which varies in price and the number of meals provided.

Some plans also include in-person or virtual coaching with a Jenny Craig consultant each week.

Here are the plans that Jenny Craig offers:

In addition to the meals and snacks provided by Jenny Craig, members are encouraged to enjoy one healthy snack per day and exercise regularly.

Jenny Craig also offers a maintenance plan, which involves slowly transitioning from prepackaged foods to preparing your own meals at home.

Here are some of the menu options available for each program.

The South Beach Diets menu has a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It also offers several sweet and salty snacks, including protein shakes, nacho puffs, cookie bites, and mixed nuts.

The South Beach Diet allows you to make your own meal plan each week by choosing your favorite meals from the companys menu.

You can also filter the menu to view items that are vegetarian, diabetes-friendly, low in carbs, or free of specific ingredients.

Each item contains a detailed list of ingredients, along with preparation instructions and nutritional information.

The website also displays customer reviews for each menu item, which may be useful when selecting the items youd like to add to your meal plan.

Jenny Craig offers a variety of premade meals and snacks, with over 100 menu items.

Each week, you can customize your order by selecting your favorites from the full menu.

All items include information about their nutritional value and ingredient content.

Although Jenny Craig offers a low carb plan specifically for people with type 2 diabetes, limited options are available for other restrictive eating patterns, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.

Heres how the two programs compare in terms of price.

The cost of the South Beach Diet depends on which plan you select.

Heres the price for each South Beach Diet plan:

Free shipping is offered with all plans. You can also purchase multiple months in advance or sign up for a recurring subscription to receive additional savings.

Optional add-ons are also available, including extra snacks, protein bars, desserts, and meal bundles.

Jenny Craig has several plans to choose from, each of which differs in price.

Heres the cost of each Jenny Craig meal plan:

Both the Essential Meal Plan and Rapid Results Max Meal Plan include free delivery.

However, theres an additional charge for shipping if you order fewer than 2 weeks worth of meals at a time on the Simple Meal Plan.

You can also purchase optional extras when checking out, including snacks, shakes, and desserts.

Both programs have been shown to support short-term weight loss.

According to the companys website, members can expect to lose 12 pounds (0.51 kg) per week while following the South Beach Diet.

One older study in 20 people with metabolic syndrome showed that those who followed the South Beach Diet for 12 weeks lost an average of 11.5 pounds (5.2 kg) and experienced reductions in belly fat and total body fat (1).

Other research has also found that dietary patterns similar to the South Beach Diet may aid weight loss.

For example, one study in 331 people with obesity showed that following a low carb, low calorie, high protein diet for 9 months led to greater weight loss and fat loss than a standard low calorie diet (2).

Another study observed that decreasing your carb intake may help boost the number of calories you burn throughout the day (3).

Plus, research shows that protein and fat may have a greater effect on hunger-regulating hormones, such as ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), compared with carbs, which may help promote appetite control (4, 5).

Like the South Beach Diet, Jenny Craig claims that members typically lose an average of 12 pounds (0.51 kg) per week on the program.

Citing a study published on the Jenny Craig website, the company also claims that you can lose up to 17 pounds (7.7 kg) within your first 4 weeks on the Rapid Results Max plan (6).

However, keep in mind that this study was not published in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, neither information about its funding nor other potential sources of bias was made available.

Still, several other studies have found that Jenny Craig may aid weight loss.

For instance, one large review of 39 studies showed that people who used Jenny Craig for 1 year achieved 4.9% greater weight loss than a control group (7).

Another small study found that women who followed the program lost an average of 11.8 pounds (5.3 kg) over 12 weeks (8).

There are also a few other benefits associated with each program.

With a variety of fully prepared meals and snacks to choose from, the South Beach Diet makes it easy to follow a low carb diet.

The book also offers detailed information and guidelines on how to follow the diet, which may be beneficial if you decide to start preparing your own meals at home instead of purchasing the premade meals.

It may also help ease your transition back to a typical diet once you have reached your weight loss goals.

Whats more, some research has found that low carb diets may help improve blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes (9, 10).

Jenny Craig may be a good option for those who prefer a more structured and simple weight loss program that leaves little room for error.

Because all dishes are delivered fully prepared and ready to enjoy, Jenny Craig can also help you save time throughout the week on meal prep.

Certain plans also offer personal coaching, which may help those who benefit from having additional social support and increased accountability.

Plus, some research has found that Jenny Craig may support blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes (11, 12).

There are some drawbacks to consider with both programs as well.

While its possible to follow the South Beach Diet using the recommendations found in the book, the company promotes the use of its premade meals and snacks to speed weight loss.

Processed foods have been associated with a variety of serious health problems in the long run, including a higher risk of chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (13).

Eating only the meals and snacks provided by the South Beach Diet could also make it more difficult to transition back to a typical diet.

Additionally, the South Beach Diet may not be suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions or food allergies, as there are limited options available to fit certain needs.

Finally, with plans ranging from $12.50$16.43 per day, it can be pretty pricey, compared with similar programs.

Instead of teaching you how to prepare healthy meals at home, Jenny Craig encourages the intake of fully prepared, highly processed meals.

While this may be convenient, it can make it much more difficult to transition back to a typical diet and maintain your weight loss long term.

Furthermore, the program may not be a good fit for everyone, as it offers very few options for those with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or intolerances.

Its also very expensive, with plans ranging from $12.99$25.99 per day.

This means you could spend over $800 on the program in a single month, which may be challenging for those on a budget.

Both Jenny Craig and the South Beach Diet provide prepackaged meals and snacks designed to help simplify weight loss.

Unlike the South Beach diet, Jenny Craig offers coaching and peer support to help hold you accountable and provide personalized advice.

On the other hand, the South Beach Diet can be followed using only the recommendations described in the book.

This can not only ease your transition back to preparing healthy meals at home but also be more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run.

Jenny Craig is a commercial weight loss program that delivers a variety of fully prepared meals and snacks.

Meanwhile, the South Beach Diet is a low carb diet plan that offers prepackaged meals and snacks.

Although both programs may aid weight loss, Jenny Craig offers social support, while the South Beach Diet provides additional guidance in the book to support long-term weight loss.

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The South Beach vs. Jenny Craig: Cost, Menu, and Effectiveness - Healthline

By Wendy M. Henrichs Board Certified Chiropractic Pediatrician and Nutrition Counselor

This past year has been a challenge for many. The comfort of your daily routine has been disrupted, causing stress. The struggle of not seeing family and friends is also stressful. This has led to stress eating combined with a decrease in exercise or intensity of exercise resulting in weight gain. Not only that, but stress has a negative effect on your immune system and how it functions. It also contributes to the development of degenerative illness and disease. There are several studies published recently examining how the COVID-19 pandemic life has affected eating behaviors, physical activity and stress.

One study published in Obesity reported that about one third of the approximately 8,000 study participants had gained weight and exercised less since April 2020. Those who were already obese were affected the most. There are many things you do not have control over during the pandemic life, but you do have control of what you eat, how much you exercise, and how you view the current state of life. Regardless, 2021 is upon us, bringing an opportunity to start anew and take your health and fitness to a new level.

If your fitness and exercise routine has taken a beating in the past nine months, now is the time to make a change.

Consistent cardiovascular exercise contributes to weight control and weight loss. It also strengthens your heart, lungs and blood vessels. A sweaty cardio session will amp up your metabolism for one to two hours post-exercise. Weight and strength training builds lean muscle necessary for bone strength and bone density as you age. It also stimulates your metabolism for hours, and the more lean muscle you have, the more calories you will burn at rest. This is especially important for long term weight control. Exercise is excellent at decreasing cortisol, your stress hormone, and improving your immune system function. If you are short on time and equipment, no problem. You can do body weight HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts that only take 10-15 minutes. High intensity interval training is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, at least 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference, percent body fat, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in overweight/obese populations. BJSM 2017; 51:494-503.

Whatever type of exercise you choose, just decide to get up and move more in 2021. Whether you go to work, work at home, or are staying at home, you can set a timer to get up and move every hour. You can also schedule exercise into your daily routine. Work towards 150 minutes (about two-and-a-half hours) or more of exercise weekly, and you will be on your way to a leaner, fitter, healthier you in 2021.

Jack Lalane used to say, if man made it, I wont eat it. The centenarian Blue Zoners have figured this out as well eating a mostly plant-based diet. The standard American diet (SAD) is laden with sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, added hormones, and pesticides. Consuming added sugar leads to unwanted weight gain, type II diabetes and obesity. Additionally, it is a major cause of inflammation and lowered immune function both of which increase your risk related to COVID-19. Now that the holiday season is over, it is a great time to get rid of added sugar along with processed and packaged foods. An easy way to do this is to fill your plate with vegetables and/or fruit first. They are low in calories, high in prebiotic fiber (which is good for your gut bacteria), and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating veggies and fruit will lower your insulin response after a meal which leads to better blood sugar control along with the antioxidants which will improve your immune function. Eating veggies or fruit combined with protein and good fats from nuts, seeds, wild caught fish, grass fed beef, wild game, eggs, legumes, lentils, chia seeds, hemp hearts and quinoa will help to reduce inflammation in your body, which is a risk factor for poor outcomes from Covid-19 and will take your health to a new level 2021. Choose organic as much as you can in all your food choices. Work towards eating seven to ten half-cup servings of vegetables and fruit daily combined with (three to four) four-ounce servings or protein and two to three tablespoons of good fats. Your waistline and immune system will thank you.

The added stress of the current situation has made it even more important to exercise and eat a good diet, but sadly, for many this has not been the case. Please do not become a statistic of the pandemic. The New Year brings the possibility to change. There is also the hope of returning to some sense of normalcy with the release of the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. Make January 2021 a month filled with improved eating habits that include eating less added sugar and processed foods, eating more plant-based foods, and eating more good protein and good fats. Make a commitment to get up and move daily, every minute counts. Add weight training and body weight exercises and watch your waistline whittle away.

This will get you on a good start to improving your health and fitness in 2021. It will also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for a bad outcome if you do contract the SARS-CoV2 virus. Remember, it is never too late to make a shift in health. Dr. Wendy Henrichs is a board certified chiropractor and nutrition counselor at Timber Land Chiropractic in Rhinelander. For a complimentary chiropractic, nutrition or lifestyle counseling consultation, visit TimberlandChiropractic.com, Facebook, or call 715-362-4852.

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Shift in Health: Improve your health and fitness in 2021 - Starjournalnow

Over the last year, many guys have found themselves gaining weight due to the impact that life in lockdown has had on their diet and physical activity. When you can't leave the house, you're more likely to spend more hours sedentary, enjoying the creature comforts of the couch and your favorite snacks in front of the TV, just like your old man. Which means that once again, discussions of "dad bods" have proliferated online.

The phrase "dad bod" refers to an average guy who doesn't have a lean, shredded physique. He might instead have a paunch or visible beer belly, without being hugely overweightjust like the stereotypical suburban father of a nuclear family. And while plenty of language surrounding differing body typesespecially those considered less conventionally desirable, like "skinny fat" before itcan be laden with judgment or derision, "dad bod" originated as be a term of endearment. It evokes a relatable, warm kind of dude who kicks back with a beer and pizza after his kids have gone to bed (although it should be mentioned that a dad bod is not exclusive to men who are actually fathers).

Mackenzie Pearson, then a student at Clemson University, was one of the first people to use the term online, in her 2015 article 'Why Girls Love the Dad Bod.' Pearson did not coin the phraseshe describes in the story how the term had come to her attention through a handful of friends who happened to be into guys who had a tummy instead of a six-packbut her piece, which went viral, certainly helped to popularize it.

Plenty of men at the time responded warmly to the notion of the dad bod, feeling it to be a largely positive descriptor for their body type at a cultural moment when the swole male physique was experiencing an ascent in media, propelled by the rippling muscles of actors like the Chrises Hemsworth and Evans.

But in the half-decade since we first heard those two words, they have been used so frequently, and in so many contexts, that their definition has evolved, with some people applying highly restrictive caveats and conditions.

"The dad bod is about being fit enough, just not narcissistically 'it's all about me' uber-fit," wrote The Guardian's Barbara Ellen in 2020. "It's about having minor love handles, not letting yourself go. When women talk about dad bods, they really mean 'Hollywood-casual dad bod': the likes of Matt Damon, father of four, photographed ambling around, looking relatively normal."

By this logic, you only have a dad bod if you are fit, but not too fit; if you have some fat, but not too much. Think of the category as a fifth option left just off the edges of our "Cut, Ripped, Jacked, or Swole" continuum. Who decides this isn't clear. Nor is the answer as to whether or not it should be hailed as progress that the male body is now being subjected to a gaze almost as hyper-critical as that which has plagued women for centuries.

When Jason Momoa, one of Hollywood's fittest working actors, was photographed on vacation in 2019 taking some time off his strict Aquaman training and diet regime, he was accused of having a "dad bod" despite still being in peak condition, albeit with slightly less definition than when training every day on the set of a movie. More recently, after the internet went wild for Zac Efron's "dad bod" physique last year, Men's Health clarified in its coverage that "he still looks very fit by just about any normal person's standards," and that usage of the term was inaccurate in this instance. Apparently, at some point, people started saying "dad bod" when they simply mean "hydrated."

The blurring of definitions means that unfortunately, what began as a fairly inclusive, body-positive term for a certain type of guy is now being increasingly used either to fat-shame, or to self-flagellate. You don't need to spend too long scrolling through Instagram to find posts where the fittest, leanest, most shredded individual might describe themselves as having a "dad bod" if they happened to skip a workout or eat bread one day.

Naturally, some chubbier guys have expressed annoyance when this happens; thin, fit bodies are already centered and rewarded in media, without one of the few positive physical descriptors for fat people being appropriated by these guys too. (The slang term "thicc" is frequently misaligned in similar fashion.)

It's likely that this trend started out as an exercise in irony. But what's worrying is how, in true internet fashion, the way a word is used can end up warping how it is interpreted, and subsequently, how a person perceives their own body or the bodies of others. The relationship between social media and body image is already so fraught: what damage might it do to somebody already struggling with self-confidence if they see a swole fitness influencer complaining about their own "dad bod"?

While everyone's relationship with their own body and their approach to fitness is personal and unique, the same can't necessarily be said of language. Words have meanings, and those meanings matter.

The short answer is, you don't have to.

If you want to lose some weight or work on your fitness because it's something that will make you feel happier or healthier, go ahead. Some characteristics of the dad bod, namely belly fat, could potentially lead to risks down the line, so taking the initiative to get more active to improve your quality of life wouldn't be a bad move.

But weight and body composition are not the only indicators of health. If you like the way you look, and enjoy the dadness of your bod, then you keep on doing you.

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What Does It Even Mean to Have a 'Dad Bod' Anymore? - menshealth.com

Workout tips: Hydrate yourself throughout the workout to boost stamina and energy levels

Workout tips: Your stamina can make or break your workout. If you have a good stamina, it can up your exercise performance and help you achieve quicker and better results. In one of latest Instagram Reels, nutritionist Pooja Makhija says that stamina is something you build and are not born with. Being physically active throughout the day, eating healthy foods and pushing your limits on a daily basis are a few ways that can help in boosting your stamina. Besides, there are other ways that can help in boosting your stamina before workouts.

According to Mumbai-based Makhija, eating a good pre-workout snack can help in boosting your stamina and making you feel more energetic through the workout. You can have a fresh and seasonal fruit like a banana or orange. A handful of nuts along with one date also makes for a great pre-workout snacking option.

Nut butter on toast or a cup of yogurt with chia seeds and flaxseeds is another great pre-workout snacks, as per the nutritionist.

Also read:Weight Loss Workout: Here's A 5-Exercise Bench Workout That You Can Do At The Park Today

While some fitness trainers recommend not drinking water while exercising, Makhija says that you should in fact drink water throughout your workout. It can help in maintaining and even boosting your stamina during your workouts.

When you exercise, you sweat. In this process, there occurs a loss of electrolytes and water. To replenish your electrolyte balance, you can have drinks like coconut water, fresh sugarcane juice or even take vitamin c supplements.

Also read:Maximise The Results Of Your Workout With These Expert-Recommended Diet Tips

This stands true for both your diet and workout. You must always stick to workouts that you enjoy. Without being too hard on yourself, you should do exercises that do challenge you, but are also fun for you. You can opt for doing aerobics, Zumba, dance, tabata or HIIT. As far as the exercise is something that you naturally enjoy, you will automatically put in more effort to up your exercise performance as well as stamina.

"Stamina is something you build and are not burn with. Whatever good things we build, end up building us," says Makhija in the video.

Also read:Weight Loss: Healthy Diet, Regular Exercise And This Important Step Are The Key To Achieve Your Goals On Time

(Pooja Makhija is a nutritionist, dietitian and author)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Workout Tips For Weight Loss: Here Are Simple Yet Effective Ways To Boost Your Stamina, As Suggested By Celeb Nutritionist Pooja Makhija - NDTV

I've been essentially healthy most of my life. Like many, though, I've gone through stages of working out and eating well, followed by sedentary and gluttonous periods. I try not to give myself a hard time for these changes, but when I start to feel sluggish or unwell, I turn back to whole foods and regular exercise to improve my symptoms. At the start of 2021, tragedy struck my family when my father lost his 17-year health battle. It served as a wake-up call for me and one that has motivated me to really think critically about how I'm feeling and taking care of my body.

With the recommendation of a friend, I started macro counting (macronutrients)specifically, fat, protein, and carb intakeand committing to 30 to 45-minutes of exercise a day. When balanced correctly, macros allow you to eat the type of foods you love in the right portion sizes, without completely giving up a food group, like you would with Whole30 or the ketogenic (keto) diet.

And guess what? I'm two weeks and two pounds down. Losing a pound a week is right around the number you want for sustained weight loss. Macro counting doesn't have to be stressful, and as you can tell, it can also be effective. But it can also have a negative impact on your health if you make this big mistake, according to sports nutritionist and personal trainer Dan DeFigio: Don't get too obsessive over the numbers.

Here's why, and for more healthy tips, be sure to check out our list of 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.

To calculate your macros, you need to take into account the weight you'd like to lose, as well as how much fitness you squeeze in daily.

I asked a registered nurse, certified sports nutritionist, and founder of Eat Me Guilt Free, Cristie Besu, to consider my stats and recommend a macro breakdown. I'm female, 5'3", 32-years-old, active; I have a goal to lose twenty pounds by summer. She suggested the following:

Protein: 120g/30% of daily intake. Carbs: 200g/50% of daily intake. Fat: 35 grams/20% of daily intake.

How come? Besu says it's critical for me to have enough protein to maintain my existing muscle mass and high-fiber, low-glycemic carbs, so I remain satiated (AKA, not hangry). By using an app like MyFitnessPal, I'm able to understand the nutrients of every single food I eat and balance out my meals, so I receive the right amount.

When I first considered 'macro' counting, I was anxious about computing math on the spot and having to stick to a very-specific numberforever. As he explains, those that are the most successful look at the big picture rather than the day-to-day excruciating minutia, and they use the data they learn from tracking their foods and macros to inform their choices for years to come. Plus, as we know, fat levels and fitness activities are averages of what we do most of the time. Another way to tackle macros is to examine how the process works for five to six weeks.

"Food does not contain exactly the number of calories or grams of macronutrients that is on the label, or that is in your tracking database," he continues. "Your body does not process nutrients in exactly the same way as someone else's. Heck, your own body does not process nutrients in exactly the same way on a day-in and day-out basis anyway."

Plus, there are lots of variables, like hydration, sleep, hormones, stress levels, temperature, and so on. The last thing you want to do is drive yourself crazy and end up giving up.

Instead, find a starting point, like mine above, and see how 'easily' you can keep within these bounds. When something feels hard, take note of it. And then, you can consult with your doctor or nutritionist to find a solution. Remember: your wellness is a life-long investment, not a gimmick to squeeze into a size or a dress. It's worthwhile investing the mental energy into making it a well-rounded effort, from mind to bodyand far beyond the scale.

Intrigued? Here's How Counting Macros Is Different From Calorie Counting, According to Experts.

Read more:
Doing This One Thing Won't Actually Help You Lose Weight | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Smart scales are electronic devices that can measure more than just weight. They can also track additional information about body composition such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass to help provide more details about health.

This article will discuss what smart scales are, their benefits, how to choose one, some scales available to buy, and some alternative options.

Smart scales are electronic scales that have a variety of extra functions. These features may help people achieve their fitness and wellness goals easier than using traditional bathroom scales.

Smart scales are capable of tracking and storing data and communicating with other smart devices, such as fitness trackers or smartphones. This also allows users to set goals, chart progress, and share statistics.

Smart scales can record biometric information such as body fat, bone density, resting heart rate, and water percentage through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

BIA is a small electrical current that the scales pass through the body. As different bodily tissues such as muscle, fat, and bone have varying levels of water content, they also differ in electrical conductivity. The BIA uses this information to calculate a persons body composition.

People can turn off the electrical impulse feature on most smart scales. Pregnant people and anyone with a medical device implant such as a pacemaker should turn this feature off before using a smart scale.

There have been several studies into the benefits of self-weighing. A 2015 systematic review found that frequent self-weighing had a positive correlation with weight loss.

Studies in 2013 and 2016 using smart scales also came to the conclusion that self-weighing is associated with weight loss and a reduction in body mass index (BMI).

A 2013 study notes that digital scales are more accurate than traditional dial scales. Smart scales may also have a clinical use; one 2016 study indicates that in-home smart scale measurements are comparable with in-person weight measurements carried out by trained assessment staff.

Studies from 2017 and 2020 also suggest that smart scales may be useful for weight management in a healthcare setting.

Digital tools such as smart scales may also have benefits over traditional methods, such as availability and flexibility. In addition, smart scales can connect to smartphone applications, which also show promise for weight management strategies.

However, it is worth noting that a 2015 systematic review suggests that weighing scales may have a negative impact when females and younger people use them. This may be particularly true for those with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

When considering a set of smart scales, people should think about their budget, the body biometrics they want to measure, and whether or not they want the scales to connect with other smart devices or apps.

The cheaper smart scales tend to have fewer features, whereas the more expensive ones tend to have better connectivity to other devices and apps. It is best for a person to decide which type of smart scale they require so that they buy one that meets their needs.

Many smart scales are available to buy online. Below are five products that people may wish to try.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

The Wyze Scale tracks 12 body composition metrics:

This scale also syncs data with other fitness apps, such as Apple Health and Google Fit. This allows people to view their progress at any time via Bluetooth connectivity. The scale turns on when a person stands on it, and it can measure biometrics when they stand on the glass surface.

The manufacturers state that the scale automatically recognizes up to eight users, with unlimited guest modes.

The Wyze Scale is available to buy online.

The Withings Body+ Scale measures weight, body fat and water percentage, and muscle and bone mass. The manufacturers state that measurements are accurate to 100 grams. The scale syncs with more than 100 fitness apps, such as Apple Health, Fitbit, and Google Fit.

This smart scale automatically syncs information via Wi-Fi with Health Mate, which is a free health app. The scale also features position control technology, which gives people suggestions as to how to stand so that the scale gets a more accurate measurement.

The manufacturers state that up to eight users can weigh themselves and track their personal histories, with the scale automatically recognizing which user is standing on the scale.

This smart scale also has a pregnancy tracker, allowing those who are pregnant to see their healthy weight gain range and receive obstetrician-reviewed advice. The scale also has a baby mode to track the infants health.

As well as these features, the Withings Body+ Scale allows people to set their weight goals and track the number of calories they consume each day.

The Withings Body+ Scale is available to buy online.

The Runcobo Digital Scale measures 14 body composition metrics, including weight, body fat and water percentage, muscle and bone mass, BMI, BMR, and protein levels.

The scale automatically switches between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure that people can check their fitness and wellness goals wherever they are.

Although the manufacturers do have a companion health app, the smart scale is also compatible with most smartphone fitness apps and fitness trackers, such as Fitbit.

This smart scale can identify up to eight users, automatically sending the users measurements to their corresponding profile.

The Runcobo Digital Scale is available to buy online.

This smart scale measures weights of up to 396 pounds (lb), BMI, and changes in body composition. It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and people can easily set up the scale through the free Qardio companion app. The manufacturers claim that the scale accurately measures weight on any surface, including carpet.

This scale syncs with most apps including Apple Health, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, and Cronometer allowing people to keep all their fitness and wellness information in one place.

The QardioBase 2 does not require any batteries. Initially, people will need to charge the scale with a USB cable that comes with the product, and then the power lasts for up to 12 months. People can recharge the scale at any point using the USB cable.

The manufacturers state that the smart scale can automatically recognize up to eight unique users and comes with a guest mode. The scale also includes a pregnancy mode that lets people track their progress through each trimester.

The QardioBase 2 Scale is available to buy online.

The RolliBot Rollifit Scale measures eight biometrics, including weight, BMI, fat and water percentage, bone and muscle mass, BMR, and visceral fat. It accurately weighs people who weigh up to 400 lb. It comes with three AAA batteries and has auto-on and -off technology to save battery life.

The manufacturers recommend that people use the scale with bare feet to allow the product to measure correctly. The free companion app syncs data with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.

This scale allows people to create unlimited member profiles to enable the whole family to track their fitness and wellness goals.

The RolliBot Rollifit Scale is available to buy online.

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What are some of the best smart scales? - Medical News Today

Previous studies using questionnaires have found therisk of heart diseasedecreases with self-reported increased physical activity. But the study authors say uncertainty remains around the range of this association, particularly where higher levels of physical activity are concerned.

There is evidence to show that while questionnaires provide a reasonable estimate of physical activity, objective measurement would provide more accurate information, says the lead study author,Terry Dwyer, a professor of epidemiology in the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health. We therefore examined the relationship between physical activity when measured with a very accurate object measure, using an accelerometer, and cardiovascular disease to see whether the association was stronger or not than what had been found using questionnaires.

After an average of a five-year follow-up, there were 3,617 cases of cardiovascular disease diagnosed in study participants. The researchers found that as the amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity among participants increased, incidence of heart disease decreased. Whats more, there was no point where the effects of increased physical activity stoppedimproving heart health.

Specifically, those in the top 25 percent of all physical activity (both moderate and vigorous-intensity), had an average reduction inrisk of heart diseasebetween 48 and 57 percent. Those who were most active in the top quarter ofvigorous-intensity exercisehad an average reduction between 54 and 63 percent.

RELATED:Why Exercise May Protect Against COVID-19 Complications

The results of our study should give people greater confidence that physical activity protects against risk of cardiovascular disease, Dwyer says. It also suggests that those who take quite high amounts of physical activity receive even greater benefit.

Study participants in the lowest category of physical activity were more likely to smoke, havehigher body mass indexes, and have a diagnosis ofhypertension. While this could have accounted for the association seen in the study, Dwyer noted that he and his team looked carefully at that possibility and found it was highly unlikely that these other lifestyle factors could account for the protective association we found for physical activity.

The study findings contrast with the results of a 2015 study, which found that moderate physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, but there was no elevated reduction in risk with increasing the frequency of activity.

The most likely explanation for this is that we were able to measure moderate and vigorous activity levels more accurately in this study, and our findings are more reliable than previous questionnaire-based studies, Dwyer said.

Dr. Singh, who was not involved in the study, notes that while for the average person, more physical activity is better, this study did not look at the potential harms of too much exercise on the heart, which may include increased risk ofatrial fibrillationand sudden death. But this is a concern only for extreme athletes.

This study isnt looking at people who are lifelong endurance athletes, Singh says. The researchers here are looking at the average Joe over a seven-day period who has some level of physical activity that can be measured. So in the population this study is looking at, in terms of intensity and duration, the more you exercise the better, and the greater the reduction in cardiovascular risk."

The researchers say their study supportsnew guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO)that recommend getting at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorousaerobicphysical activity per week.

TheAmerican Heart Association (AHA) recommendsat least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical exercise per week, or a combination of both.

For her part, Singh advises her patients to get in 45 minutes to an hour of what she calls intentional physical activity most days of the week. This study took into account general physical activity, not exercise alone, she says. I usually define exercise to my patients as intentional physical activity so they can differentiate between an active lifestyle and dedicating a specific amount of time to intentional activity.

In addition to regular exercise, healthy weight, ahealthy diet,stress reduction, and smoking cessation are all factors that reduce the risk of heart disease.

RELATED:Eating Tofu Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease, Study Says

Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand, Singh says. The more you move your body intentionally and the more intentional you are about how you fuel your body, the more youll reduce your cardiovascular risk.

Whats more, exercise has a number of mental health benefits, especially during the ongoingCOVID-19 pandemic. Exercise is an incredible way to keep your heart healthy, but its also fantastic for mental health, Singh says. Its incredibly helpful tocontrol anxiety, manage depression, and especially in this time of COVID with the lack of socialization and community, exercise can help when people are locked inside their homes and have no place to go.

Continue reading here:
No limit to benefits of exercise for heart health, study finds - KTBS

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Meal delivery services with vegan options allow people following a plant-based diet to eat the way they want without spending hours on meal preparation.

This article reviews some of the top vegan meal delivery services after providing a brief overview of the health benefits and possible risks of a vegan diet.

People on a vegan diet completely avoid eating any animal products or byproducts. While vegetarians may still eat dairy and eggs, vegans avoid these products.

Learn more about the difference between vegans and vegetarians here.

Many people eat a vegan diet because they have concerns about animal welfare or the environment. Others believe that a plant-based diet has certain health benefits.

Some of the potential health benefits of a vegan diet include:

Some research suggests a link between a history of disordered eating and the decision to adopt a plant-based diet. Anyone with concerns about eating disorders should seek a diagnosis so that they can get support.

Learn about getting help for eating disorders here.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have stated that an adequately planned plant-based diet can be nutritionally adequate. However, without planning, it is possible to become deficient in specific vitamins and minerals when eating a restrictive diet. People eating a vegan diet may wish to be conscious of the risk of deficiency.

Some possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies include:

Learn about important supplements for vegans here.

People who want to follow a vegan diet can try meal delivery services that are either fully vegan or plant-based. Fully vegan refers to the exclusion of animal products from nonfood items and lifestyle decisions, in addition to the diet, whereas plant-based just describes a diet consisting mostly or entirely of plant foods.

Many companies offer plant-based meal delivery services, with some offering only vegan options and no meat, fish, or dairy choices. We look at some of the top options below.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based.

This completely vegan meal kit delivery service provides users with all the ingredients they need to prepare a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal at home.

The Purple Carrot service is available for purchase online.

Learn more about Purple Carrot here.

Veestro is an entirely organic and vegan meal delivery service, offering preprepared meals that only require heating.

The Veestro service is available for purchase online.

Sakara deliver premium ready-to-eat meals on a customizable schedule. All meals are vegan and organic.

The Sakara service is available for purchase online.

MamaSezz offer fully vegan ready-to-eat meals. They operate a zero waste facility, and their meals are free from a range of allergens and additives.

The MamaSezz service is available for purchase online.

Learn more about MamaSezz here.

The following are some alternative plant-based meal delivery brands to consider:

Daily Harvest offer plant-based snacks and drinks, including smoothies, soups, fruit bowls, and lattes. A person chooses how many items they want to receive and specifies whether they want weekly or monthly delivery.

Learn more about Daily Harvest here.

Splendid Spoon offer smoothies, soups, and grain bowls. People can choose from more than 50 ready-made meals.

Learn more about Splendid Spoon here.

Some companies offer vegan options alongside meat-based meals, which may suit people who are also selecting meals for nonvegans.

However, these brands will not be right for people who disagree with buying from a nonvegan company.

This meal delivery service provides ready-to-eat meals that just require heating. The company also provide nonvegan meals that include meat and fish.

The Fresh nLean service is available for purchase online.

People first need to decide whether they want to receive meal kits or ready-made meals. Meal kits allow customers to prepare and cook their meals, while preprepared meals usually only require heating.

Meal kits can help people who are new to cooking in general or just starting out on a plant-based diet to learn some of the basics. Some people may also prefer cooking their own meals.

One benefit of choosing a meal kit service is that they often come with reusable recipe cards. Once a person learns a recipe, they can cook it again using the printed card. However, most meal kits require a person to have a well-stocked pantry.

Meal delivery can save people time and effort because they do not need to buy and prepare ingredients. For people with limited time or cooking experience, meal delivery can be helpful.

People should also select a service that offers dietary accommodations if they need to avoid certain ingredients because of an allergy or another health condition.

Those with strong moral reasons for following a vegan diet may prefer to choose a company that only offers plant-based meals and no meat options. People who also need to accommodate meat eaters in the household may prefer a company that offers both vegan and nonvegan options.

Signing up for a vegan meal kit or meal delivery service can help people ensure that they eat a nutritious and balanced diet without worrying about time and planning.

Many vegan meal delivery companies are available, offering a range of meal options. Individuals can compare different menus and services to identify the one most suited to their tastes and needs.

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5 of the best vegan meal delivery services - Medical News Today

Well this is the final instalment for Guardian Australias burn-out recovery journey, but the hope is that you are set up for whatever 2021 throws at us.

We may not know where this year will take us. We may lockdown again. We may be homeschooling again, we may repopulate our cities (and our gyms). Or maybe a combination of all of the above.

The experts consulted by Guardian Australia were asked to provide tips and advice that were pandemic proof. They all advised that modest changes approached consistently can be more effective than big, sweeping resolutions.

And after one month of trialling their advice, I have to say I feel better than I have in years. This is due to three relatively small but also kind of big adjustments that have been gamechangers.

These three things all built on one another (habit stacking) as our experts suggested in week one.

Burntout resolutions: a feel-better guide for the already tired

The first habit was the hardest to embed but has made a profound difference and that is quitting the booze for January, which Ill continue into February. This change has had a big impact on the quality of my sleep, and this in turn has given me more energy to exercise.

As a result I have started exercising four times a week. I have enough energy and motivation to turn up to the gym, rather than make excuses.

These three shifts in habit (alcohol, sleep, exercise) have not happened overnight. Its taken around three weeks for me to see benefits of increased energy from better sleep, and parlay that extra energy into exercise.

It would have been great to make shifts in nutrition too and that was the original plan. But its been a lot just to get to this point so far sticking with booting the booze and starting regular exercise.

This slowly does it approach is good practice, apparently. All the experts I consulted for this series say its unwise to try to make too many changes too soon. Instead you have cut yourself some slack; give yourself the room and permission to screw up occasionally. Expecting perfection then stopping all the good habits because of one bad day or night is apparently a common mistake.

Dr Breanna Wright, a behavioural change expert from Monash University, says, Its really important to be under ambitious or realistic. If we aim too high, and then miss a session at the gym for example we feel like weve failed at our goals and were less likely to carry on with our resolutions.

Right now, as a lot of us return to work or the office, our routines (which may have included home-based exercise) are being shaken up again.

Wright advises that its about building in contingency time because life happens. Say we plan to go to the gym at lunchtime but dont get there. Realise meetings go over, our time will naturally blow out. We have to build in that buffer time so that were not disappointed in ourselves because we dont do the activities each day.

This might be allowing half an hour extra either side of meetings in order to protect that time at the gym.

She suggests at the start of each week (or on a Sunday) we plot out a schedule for the week that includes exercise. The most important thing is to plan. Some people are very calendar based, some people are reminder based. The most important thing is to write down your plan but allow this contingency.

Personally on a Sunday, I plan out my week. I try not to do too many things in one day. I wont go to the gym or do a class if Im meeting my friends that same day as Ill be rushing and cutting things too fine. We can get over-ambitious when we are planning thinking we can get more done in a day or a week.

In many respects, nutrition is the trickiest thing of all to get right. There are so many mixed messages out there. For every person spruiking a high fat, low-carb diet, there is someone else advocating the opposite.

Likewise meal times: should we fast and eat once or twice a day or have five or six small meals a day?

Burnt-out resolutions: retaking control of yourself when the world is chaotic

I ask personal trainer Tania Drahonchuk from Vision Personal Training Bondi Junction what nutrition regimen is best. There are no easy answers here. We dont prescribe diets at all, says Drahonchuk. Instead she recommends tracking my food to get an idea of macros that is, what portion of protein, fats and carbohydrates I consume each day.

We advise people to limit refined foods (including refined sugar and processed foods), track portions and balance food by looking at the macros. The average person consumes quite a high amount of carbs and fat. By making small changes you can see results.

Vision Personal Training has an app to track macros but you can also do it through free apps such as My Fitness Pal.

Drahonchuk is keen that I dont feel like Im on a diet but rather improving the food I eat. I should ideally steer away from oily, fatty, carb-y, processed foods and towards more whole foods.

OK so bring on February. Ill be tracking my food and conscious of what I eat but I wont be dieting or denying myself. Ill be trying to exercise four times a week but not beating myself if I miss a session at the gym. As all the experts say this stuff should be for life, not just for January.

See more here:
Burn-out resolutions: 'After one month of small changes, I feel better than I have in years' - The Guardian

Take to the outdoors during all times of year as part of a fitness routine that can help lift your body, mind and spirit, says yoga instructor Steve Procknal, striking a Warrior 2 pose at Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo.

Addressing stress that comes with the coronavirus pandemic can help you better adapt in such uncertain times.

It starts with structure. Get up, eat and go to bed at roughly the same times each day, even on weekends.

Focus the best you can on one thing at a time, one day at a time.

Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and take time throughout the day to safely do what you enjoy.

Socialize: Stay in contact with loved ones, including family and friends, even if you can only do so safely online or by phone. Connecting with others can increase happiness and reduce stress.

+4

Working in the mental health field is stressful for all the reasons that you can imagine what you get exposed to, burnout. But this has been exceedingly different.

Choose comfort wisely: Try to avoid increased use of foods heavy in salt, sugar or fat, as well as alcohol and other drugs. These give a false, fleeting sense of happiness. Instead, practice other coping skills to improve your mood and decrease your stress.

Move: Stress often becomes stored in our muscles, causing tension. Yoga, tai chi and simple stretching can focus attention on your muscles, easing tension and clearing your mind. A brisk walk can help, too.

Laugh: It will boost your mood and health. Find time to let your guard down and get a good laugh in every day.

Continue reading here:
Tips to better cope with pandemic stress, and where to find extra support - Buffalo News