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captionThe military diet, while strict, has nothing to do with the armed forces.sourceavid_creative/Getty Images

With every new year comes a wave of trendy, too-good-to-be-true diet promises, and 2020 is no exception. This time, its the resurgence of an old concept known as the Military Diet, a low-calorie plan that claims to help adherents lose up to 10 pounds in three days.

On Twitter, a search for the Military Diet returns equal numbers of people talking about their (often hungry) experiences on the plan, and ads promoting its weight-loss capabilities.

The meal plan ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, far lower than the typical daily intake recommended even for weight loss, since fewer than 1,500 to 1,200 calories can put you at risk of malnutrition, according to Harvard Health.

According to the Military Diet website, a typical breakfast on the plan consists of one egg, one slice of toast, and a half a piece of fruit like banana or grapefruit. Lunch is a cup of cottage cheese and five saltine crackers, while for dinner you can look forward to two hot dogs (minus the bun), 1 cup of broccoli, 1/2 cup of carrots, and 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream.

The portion sizes are nonnegotiable, no snacking is allowed on the diet, and participants are instructed to subtract calories from beverages like coffee (about five calories per cup) out of their meals.

Also known as the Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, or Kaiser diet, despite not being affiliated with any of those organizations, the crash diets origins are unclear. Online searches for the Military Diet plan appear to have spiked a few times a year since at least 2012, most recently peaking again the last few days of 2019, according to Google Trends.

Despite occasional claims that it was invented by an anonymous military officer, theres no evidence that the diet is connected to any branch of the armed forces in any way. Nutrition specialist Patricia Deuster, who developed the official Special Operations forces nutrition guide, has previously debunked the diets military connections. The actual guide recommends between 2,200 and 3,400 calories a day for operators.

In my 30 years working with the military, Ive never heard of it, Deuster told CNN. We did not develop this. We do not use it. It has absolutely no resemblance to the real military diet. Even our rations are healthier and more nutritionally sound.

In fact, the diet doesnt appear to be endorsed by any expert or professional of any kind, let alone someone qualified in nutrition. Theres no qualified expert listed on the diets webpage, and many of the sources it cites come from Wikipedia.

A message sent to the Facebook page for the Three Day Military Diet was not returned.

Its true that the diet will probably cause most people to lose weight. Any strict calorie deficit is likely to cause weight loss, especially in the short term, according to registered dietitian Rachael Hartley.

Certainly any time you restrict calories that heavily and deprive the body of needed nutrients, youre going to have rapid loss of weight, Hartley told Insider. Its a calorie-controlled crash diet, theres nothing special about the foods included.

The diet could have negative side effects, according to Hartley, including low blood sugar, dizziness, and fatigue. People with health conditions or who take medications may face additional risks.

Further, exercising, or even accomplishing daily tasks, can be difficult on a such a low-calorie eating plan, Hartley added.

A thousand calories is under the daily amount recommended for a 2 year old. So for an adult eating that and expecting to fuel their day, you might not keel over, but youre not going to have the energy to perform at your best, Hartley said.

More importantly, the quick-fix diet wont really make a difference in long-term health, since participants will regain the weight if they return to their usual eating habits.

When it comes to dietary habits, sustainability is key, registered dietitian nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick previously told Insider.

I often tell my patients that the best diet for them is one they can stay on long term, she said. So many of my patients try the Mediterranean, keto, or something else, and lose weight, only to go back to old cravings and habits.

Ideally, Hartley added, a sustainable eating pattern doesnt have to even include weight loss, and instead should prioritize good habits. This can include eating more vegetables, doing more physical activity, or even making sure to get enough sleep.

The focus on the scale really takes us away from what serves our physical and mental health she said. Instead of looking at an arbitrary number, we should look at actually taking care of ourselves with healthy behaviors that are sustainable.

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The Military Diet is a low-calorie weight-loss plan that involves eating bun-less hot dogs and vanilla ice cream - Business Insider

Dr Michael Mosley shares his four top tips on the no sugar diet

Its a familiar scene: the empty chocolate box, the litter of sweet-wrappers, the feelings of never-again, tinged with an underlying desire for more. We dont need the scientists to tell us how addictive sugar is.

But there are ways to crack the sugar habit and stick to a no sugar diet, says Dr Michael Mosley, creator of the Fast800 programme.

Here are four easy to remember tips from him and his medical team to help beat the sugar cravings and stick to a no sugar diet

It doesnt have to be difficult, just follow these quick and easy rules to help avoid the sweet stuff and keep sugar cravings at bay.

Always chose the full-fat option low fat generally means all the good stuff has been removed and has been replaced with sugar and additives. Full-fat products will keep you feeling fuller for longer and are great for a no sugar diet.

Soft drinks and fruit juices contain a large amount of sugar. If you feel like mixing it up, try sparkling water with a wedge of lemon and some cucumber.

There are many sources of hidden sugars and its important to check the label to see just how much sugar youre consuming. You may be surprised about what you cant eat on a no sugar diet, even staples like bread often have sugar in them.

If you cook it yourself you can be 100% certain you arent consuming sugar. We recommend batch cooking and freezing so that its not tempting to cheat when your tired at the end of a day.

Visit http://www.thefast800.com and find more no sugar diet tips and sugar-free recipes to help you counter sugar addiction, lose weight, improve mood, reduce blood pressure, inflammation and improve blood sugar levels.

The key to stoping cravings and being successful on a no sugar diet is to understand how sugar addiction works. From the first bite, consuming sugary food triggers a cascade of neural events that leads to a powerful urge to keep eating.

After eating sugar, dopamine, one of the neurotransmiters responsible for feelings of happiness, is released in the midbrain. We feel good and our desire to consume more sugar kicks in.

Studies have proven that the neural chains transmitting pleasure from eating sugar are very similar to those activated by cocaine and heroin. Neuroimaging has shown structural similarities between the brains of obese people and those with established hard-drug addictions. And studies on rats have found that when rodents are denied sugar after a long period of dependency, they exhibit symptoms similar to opiate withdrawal, such as teeth-chattering, head tremor and forepaw shakes. Yikes!

Conventional diets often drive us to crave sugar. They lock you into a state of hunger, switching your attention towards, rather than away from, high-calorie, sugar loaded foods. For many breaking the diet becomes inevitable, and their sugar addiction worsens.

A growing dependency on sugary food presents an insulin overload effect.

If we consume sugar constantly, the body has to release insulin constantly, in order to transport glucose into cell walls. But our insulin receptors are not designed to work continuously. In order to remain sufficiently primed for an insulin signal, they need downtime.

Without it, they gradually become desensitized, and so cells struggle to take up glucose. This is why when youre overweight, even a normal-sized portion of sugary food fails to satisfy, driving you to eat more and more.

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4 simple ways to suceed on the no sugar diet - woman&home

Fitness guru Joe Wicks talks to Liz Connor about why so many New Year diets fail - and how we can create a healthy new mindset in 2020 instead.

January usually happens like clockwork: a slew of new self-help books, articles and slimming blogs encourage you to 'be your best self', often by adopting a radical new diet that promises to blitz those spare inches around your waist for good.

The problem is, many crash diets encourage periods of miserable fasting and cutting out sometimes entire good groups overnight, and demonise food to the point where you're whole relationship with eating can be under threat.

According to fitness guru Joe Wicks - who has successfully helped thousands of people to lose weight - staying on these restrictive diets for a long period of time is often unrealistic and unhealthy. Even if you do lose weight initially, it's not unusual to gain it again (plus even more, in some cases) before the spring comes around.

Thankfully, attitudes around diet culture are changing. A new survey commissioned by recipe box company Gousto (gousto.co.uk) has found two-thirds (68%) of UK adults believe the one-size-fits-all model just doesn't work.

So, how can you shed those excess pounds in a safe and effective way? We asked Wicks to give us some quick tips...

Why should people avoid restrictive diets in January?

"It's the time of year now where everyone wants to make changes to their life, whether that's with exercise or food, but the last thing you want to do - especially if you're someone who really loves food - is to go on a low-calorie diet," says Wicks, 33.

"Sure, it will work in the short-term and you'll probably lose weight on the scales, but emotionally it's going to absolutely ruin you. You're going to be so exhausted, you won't enjoy it and it's not going to be a sustainable approach.

"Try to think about a long-term vision, as opposed to a quick crash diet. Incorporate it with exercise and cooking with fresh ingredients at home; you're much more likely to succeed throughout the year."

Why do people fail at New Year's diets?

"Because they're awful, aren't they? Dieting is normally all about how little you can eat and how much exercise you can do. When you combine those two things, it effects your sleep, your mood and your energy levels.

"If I could give you one tip, it's to focus on getting yourself moving instead. I always tell people to start with 15-20 minutes a day of exercise at home; this will get your energy levels up and your self-esteem boosted. Exercising is going to have a massive effect on your food choices and your ability to go into the kitchen and cook yourself something healthy.

"Trying to do everything all at once is a bit much," he adds. "Focus on fitness first, and the rest will hopefully follow."

What other tips do you have for those looking to lose weight this year?

"Have a look at your portion control. I'm not saying to count calories, but to keep your plate to a healthy size. The good thing about exercise is that it elevates your mental health and your mood so much that you don't want to go and put junk food in your body afterwards.

"Meal prepping is one of the best things you can do too. If you leave the house without food, you're going to grab options on-the-go, which will likely be unhealthy convenience food.

"That's fine to do once or twice a week, but if you're doing it a lot, you're never going to truly know exactly how much you're consuming. The simple act of making some overnight oats for breakfast, or a salad for lunch can make a huge difference over time when it comes to staying lean."

What are you favourite ingredients for healthy eating?

"I really think it's great to have chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, spices and tins of lentils, pulses, grains and beans in your cupboard. With these key ingredients, you can make really amazing veggie curries, or you could throw some chicken in there for some extra protein. Rice is also a great staple for making quick stir-fries after work.

"There's no magic fat-loss food; it's all about getting a good balance of everything and getting lots of fruits and veg in your diet.

"It's good to be a bit intuitive with it - ask yourself what foods make you feel energised and healthy? Don't think you have to jump onto a certain diet because everyone else is doing it."

Do you follow a flexitarian diet yourself?

"Yes. I eat a lot of veggie meals and with Gousto, I get four recipe boxes delivered per week that I can make at home. Three of those will be vegetarian and one will be meat-based.

"That's a massive step for me. During the process of researching and writing my veggie cookbook, Veggie Lean in 15 (16.99, Pan Macmillan), I realised that you can get really amazing food as a vegetarian. I'm still not fully committed to going hardcore vegan though."

Many people feel like they don't have time to cook healthily, do you think that's untrue?

"I really think you have to remove that time barrier from your mind. We know full well that we can smash a Netflix series in a couple of days or watch our soaps, so we can all find half an hour to exercise or cook well - if we prioritise it.

"It doesn't need to be hours in the kitchen either. My whole philosophy with my Lean in 15 series is that you can make a really healthy and nutritious meal in just 15 minutes, and have some leftover for lunch the next day.

"It's that kind of mentality of prepping in advanced and being organised that works in the long-run."

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Food: Joe Wicks on why you shouldn't try restrictive dieting this January - The National

As GQ chats to Dr Michael Greger, the very distinctive sound of a treadmill whirrs boldly in the background. He talks very, very fast but, when one considers his work, its no surprise he multitasks in such a way. He is a busy man, busting out New York Times bestsellers such as the critically acclaimed How Not To Die, speaks internationally on matters of nutrition, food safety and public health, he runs nutritionfacts.org and founded the American College Of Lifestyle Medicine. And, as if that werent enough, he has written another bumper book in between, How Not To Diet. Greger is impassioned when talking about lifestyle choices and healthcare and, with his new book now on the shelves, who better to help us recognise where we are going wrong as we head into 2020 hoping to get it right? Herewith, his top pointers on how to live a healthier, happier life...

It might sound obvious because we all know how bad smoking is for us but we still arent getting the message. In the UK, the number-one killer is still heart disease. Tobacco beats out the British diet with those statistics, so the number-one thing you need to do is to quit smoking. The results were the same in 2009 and 2019. Its number two here in America, so it looks like youve still got some work to do.

Obesity ranks as number three in the UK and the number-six killer is alcohol. And obesity is a growing problem so, in terms of diet, Id suggest legumes every day, lots of beans. And berries, fruits and a healthy set of greens. If there were three things Id encourage you to eat a lot more of it would be those things. And definitely remove anything with trans fats and processed meats such as ham and hot dogs, which we now know certainly causes cancer. We know not to smoke around our kids so why send them to school with a baloney sandwich? Treat yourself the same way. And third would be soda. Just cut out all pops and fizzy drinks.

Reduce red meatWe might be well underway with the oft-mispronounced month of Veganuary but a lot of people love their red meat and either wont or dont want to cut it out. According to Greger, steak is known to probably cause cancer rather than definitely, but Id really encourage people to embrace a plant-based diet if they can and centre it around fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and so on. Foods that grow out of the ground are our healthiest choices and would go a long way to cut out the first four killers in the UK. What you put in your mouth, be it food or cigarettes, are the things you really need to consider.

Many perceive white meat such as chicken to be a healthier, leaner option, but in fact chicken is a dozen per cent more fatty than it was a century ago. I think the reason it has had such a good reputation is that if you go back a century, it was very low in fat, but now it can have more fat than beef, so youd actually be better having a cut of beef than chicken and thats because they have been genetically manipulated to be fattier. Its what consumers want and its what theyre getting as a result, but it isnt a necessarily healthy option.

We all know its best in moderation and, rather sadly, best not at all, but what about those of us who like to indulge? Greger is pretty to the point: If you want a drink, less is better, but red wine would be the least harmful of all the alcohols and nonalcoholic wine would be better. There you have it.

Keto and paleo are the opposite of plant-based, Gregor points out. The weight drop can be dramatic, so on the scale it looks great but what people dont realise is they are slowing the rate at which they are losing body fat. Thank God these diets arent sustainable because of the impact of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The goal of weight loss is not to fit in a skinnier casket, its about your long-term health. Again, the single best diet is that which is centred around plants. The traditional approach to weight loss is calorie control, which is the key difference from a plant-based direction. Calorie control is the old way, and with the old way you normally regain the weight. With a plant-based diet, you can eat what you want, so you dont get hungry, and you feel better, so youre much more likely to stick with it and keep the weight off. Because what youre eating is very healthy you can eat as much of it as you want, keep things flavoursome and not get hungry. Allowing hunger can cause temptation and thats where problems start.

Ninety minutes of moderate exercise a day would be an excellent choice, Gregor exudes. And brisk walking absolutely counts, so no need for expensive gym memberships. And any amount is better than none. Ninety minutes has been shown time and again to be better than any other duration of exercise. It sounds a lot but we were built to move. Sitting is unnatural. Right now, Im on my treadmill desk talking to you.

Stress and anxiety are, apparently, at all-time highs the world over, so surely that cant help with longevity, no matter how healthy we are in other areas of our lives? Not so, he says. Stress is certainly hard on our cortisol, which can cause us to pack on the pounds, but in terms of its hierarchy, I often point to data from the Second World War when Nazi-occupied Europe saw the Nazis taking all the cattle and forcing people to live on garden vegetables. Its hard to imagine a more stressful situation than that. But heart disease plummeted because everyone was eating well, despite living in such terrifying circumstances. So, a healthy diet trumps stress but the psychological benefits of less stress are very key.

Get more sleepDoes Gregor have any bad habits? I dont sleep enough. There is a steep body of evidence showing those who dont get at least seven hours really suffer. I really need to work on that, but Im so unproductive when Im unconscious?! We all need to switch off and sleep a lot more, though.

If you have a propensity for obesity in your DNA, dont resign yourself to an unhealthy life, because genes may load the gun, but diet pulls the trigger, so says Gregor. One of the most dramatic examples of the power of DNA over diet comes from the Pima Indians of Arizona, who have among the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world, ascribed to their relatively fuel-efficient make-up. When the area in which they lived became settled, their source of water, the Gila River, was diverted upstream. Those who survived the ensuing famine had to abandon their traditional diet to live off government food programmes and chronic disease rates skyrocketed. Same genes but a different diet, leading to a different result. The Pima living across the Mexican border maintained more of their traditional lifestyle and displayed five times less diabetes and obesity, thanks to a diet centred around corn, beans and squash. Again, same genes but different diet and different results.

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Winter season, with its less light and colder temperatures, is here through February, but you can boost your mood and energy by embracing Healthy Duke resources.

The Healthy Duke campus initiative addresses five core themes: Physical Activity and Movement, Food and Nutrition, Environment and Culture, Fulfillment and Purpose and Mental and Emotional Well-Being.

Health is more than an ideal goal weight or following through a diet, said Julie Joyner, program coordinator for Healthy Duke. Its about the total picture of how you feel physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Feel your best this winter by making positive changes in your life with resources targeting each Healthy Duke theme.

Physical Activity and Movement

Working out is a mental game for Felicia Tittle, who prefers to do strength and cardio exercises outside.

Tittle, executive director of Recreation & Physical Education and physical activity and movement co-convener for Healthy Duke, visualizes how shell feel after a workout to muster up energy to workout.

Its hard to find motivation when its raining, overcast and cold, Tittle said. You should try to focus on how good itll be to finish the workout. Remember that feeling.

Physical activity and movement involves exercise and mobility activities like walking, biking, lifting weights and playing sports.

Tittle said physical activity isnt about setting big goals. Pick small challenges and find a friend for accountability and support. At your desk, stand up every hour and stretch for 10 minutes. Find a path near your office or pick a large indoor space like the Bryan Center or Duke South to take a walk break.

Any sort of movement can uplift your mood and help sort out your thoughts, Tittle said.

Join the Get Moving Challenge, Dukes annual fitness contest for employees and students.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

On most winter days, Jonathan Bae arrives at work before sunrise and leaves after sunset.

He steps outside his office in Duke South for 15 to 30 minutes each day to soak up fresh air and sunshine. By taking care of his mental and emotional well-being, Bae feels more resilient.

From a psychological standpoint, going outside for a couple of minutes to see natural light can make a positive difference on your outlook, said Bae, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Patient Safety & Clinical Quality and mental and emotional well-being co-convener for Healthy Duke.

Sunlight increases serotonin, a hormone in the brain associated with boosting moods and helping people calm down, according to Psychology Today.

Duke employees are lucky because we have access to many beautiful places, said Bae, who likes to walk or enjoy lunch on Abele Quad. Take advantage of it.

Take a break on the path around East Campus or Al Buehler Trail.

Food and Nutrition

Esther Granville, manager of health coaching and nutrition programs forLIVE FOR LIFE, Dukes employee wellness program, and a Healthy Duke committee member, combats winter lethargy with a diet high in fiber. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar and fat after eating, which lengthens the amount of time we feel satisfied following a meal.

Granville said fiber-rich foods like collard greens, sweet potatoes, chickpeas and broccoli are perfect for a wintertime diet because they are in season and common ingredients in stews and chilis.

Fiber is great in the winter because its a common ingredient in foods that are very filling, Granville said. We all crave heavy stews and crockpot dishes that heat is up when its cold.

Developing a nutrition plan can increase energy, protect against chronic diseases and help you maintain a healthy weight. See a list of nutrition resources here.

Environment and Culture

Tom Szigethy embraces the coziness of winter.

On cold nights, he lights a fire, buries under blankets with a hot cup of tea and enjoys a book. Hes currently reading The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath.

We treat winter as this time to push through difficult conditions, said Szigethy, associate dean of students and director of Dukes Student Wellness Center and environment and culture co-convener for Healthy Duke. Instead, use the season to relax and indulge in the comforts of home and Duke.

Environment and cultural well-being consider how natural spaces, buildings and a sense of place contribute to quality of life. Duke has plenty of spaces to promote well-being.

Oasis West, in the Student Wellness Center, has a massage chair, materials to make aromatherapy sprays and coloring books. Oasis Perkins, located on the fourth floor of Perkins Library in Room 418, contains a small couch, lounge chair, coffee table and space to do yoga while basking in a steady stream of sunlight and views of Abele Quad.The Duke Cancer Centers Quiet Room provides a quiet haven to reflect and relax.

Fulfillment and Purpose

Najla McClain is jumping into fulfillment this winter literally.

McClain, who has Bachelor of Arts in dance, is taking modern dance classes for the first time in nearly three years.

Dance fulfills me as I do it with all my heart, said McClain, a program director for Dukes School of Nursing and fulfillment and purpose co-convener for Healthy Duke. I feel nothing but love when I dance.

Fulfillment and purpose help individuals develop a sense of purpose and long-lasting satisfaction. Fulfillment can come from work, the arts, worship, service or connection with others.

Since it comes at the start of the year, winter is the perfect time to be reflective and find fulfillment, McClain said. Challenge yourself to find resources or activities that interest you in 2020.

Fufillment and purpose resources on campus include Duke Performances shows, Arts & Health at Duke and the Nasher Museum of Art.

Have a story idea or news to share?Shareit with Working@Duke.

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How to Beat the Winter Doldrums - Duke Today

A team of scientists in the United States has successfully used a drug, which blocks AHR receptors, to prevent and treat obesity in mice. Their findings have spurred further research into the receptors association with diet and the gut microbiome.

As a known contributor to several cancers, including breast, colon and pancreatic, the ability to halt the obesity epidemic could prove crucial in preventing these diseases. Working to this goal, researchers in the laboratory of Craig Tomlinson PhDat Dartmouths and Dartmouth-Hitchcocks Norris Cotton Cancer Center have identified a critical target. The team discovered that a receptor found in almost all cells, called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which is known primarily to combat exposures to environmental chemicals, also plays a key role in the bodys metabolism. In the course of their research the team found that blocking AHR not only prevented, but reversed obesity in laboratory mice.

We carried out experiments showing that when a drug named NF and known to block the AHR was added to a high-fat diet, mice did not become any fatter than mice on a low-fat control diet, says Tomlinson. Mice on the high-fat diet with no NF became very obese within the same time span. No ill effects were observed from the drug.

With this insight, the researchers then assessed whether blocking the AHR with NF could not only prevent obesity but reverse it. In these experiments, we allowed the mice to become obese on a high-fat diet, and then half the mice were switched to the high-fat diet containing the AHR blocker NF. Over the next few weeks, the mice switched to the high-fat diet containing NF dropped to the same body weight as those mice on the low-fat diet. The remaining mice on the high-fat diet became obese. Again, no ill effects were observed, explains Tomlinson.

Finally, Tomlinsons team investigated the mechanisms behind how the AHR, when blocked by NF, prevented and reversed obesity. Using previous knowledge that the AHR regulates key genes in fat metabolism, the team discovered that in liver cells and in fat cells, the AHR, when blocked by NF, fails to induce several key genes required for fat storage and synthesis. They concluded that the prevention and reversal of obesity from blocking the activity of the AHR is due to key genes regulated by the AHR that are involved in fat metabolism. Few to no studies have shown that obesity can be reversed by a drug treatment; it is even rarer to know the underlying cellular mechanism, notes Tomlinson.

Tomlinsons team has begun investigating several key questions surrounding what factors influence AHR activity. These include assessing the dietary compounds in the food we eat and their ability to activate AHR to cause obesity, and investigating the role that gut bacteria play in AHR and obesity. Most importantly, they have initiated a clinical trial to determine whether the AHR may serve as a therapeutic target to reduce obesity in humans. We are beginning to understand how the blockage of the AHR prevents and reverses obesity, which may lead to a therapeutic treatment of obesity in humans, says Tomlinson.

The teams findings, Reversal of obesity and liver steatosis in mice via inhibition of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and altered gene expression of CYP1B1, PPAR, SCD1, and osteopontin, have been published in theInternational Journal of Obesity.

Read more:
Scientists block AHR receptors to treat obesity in mice - Drug Target Review

Debra B. Johnson, Guest columnist Published 9:43 a.m. ET Jan. 15, 2020

Deb Johnson

Every year between Christmas and New Years Day about half of all Americans take a few moments to reflect on the past year and make plans for the coming year. Usually, this takes the form of making New Years resolutions about the changes we want to make in our lives.

Unfortunately, despite desire and best efforts, fewer than 10 percentof resolution makers are successful in achieving a single goal. Why is this the case? There is no one reason so many of us fail to achieve our New Years resolutions. Rather, there is a combination of reasons acting in concert.

The first reason many of us fail is that by focusing on change only once during the entire year we end up compiling a long list of daunting goals that we try to achieve at the same time. For most people this is simply overwhelming. A better approach is to make one or two resolutions at a time throughout the year and focus on these resolutions.

Once we have some measure of success with these resolutions, we can move on to additional goals. This provides us momentum in achieving our goals, as even marginal success with one delivers the fuel and fortitude to continue working on our goals as the year progresses.

The second reason many of us fail to achieve our resolutions is that we fall victim to perfectionist thinking. This is when a person confuses an initial or partial failure with complete failure and thus gives up. For example, have you or someone you know started a diet, done well for a couple of weeks, only to succumb to the temptation of a favorite food or cake at an office party or a quick dash through a drive through on a particularly busy day? These are typical experiences for anyone dieting.

The person in thrall to perfectionist thinking immediately berates themselves, their internal critic disparaging them. Just give up. You know you dont have the strength to stick with your diet. This person then gives up dieting until the end of the year, when they once again make a resolution that they will finally lose weight in the next year.However, the reality is that all meaningful long-term change involves occasional failures along the way. Instead of using a temporary setback as an excuse to quit advancing toward their goal, a person needs to figure out what specifically made them fail and then make corrections.

Another reason we may fail is that our goal is too vague. This usually takes the form of an ill-defined time frame or having no reliable way to measure success along the way. For example, the resolution Im going to lose weight, doesnt say how long the person plans to diet, the type of diet, or how they will measure success.

A better resolution would be something like I am going to lose 1 pound a week for 25 weeks beginning next week by restricting myself to 1800 calories a day and walking a half hour every morning. This goal is immediate, specific, and measurable. A resolution like this turns an intimidating challenge, losing 25 pounds, into a manageable challenge, losing one pound a week. It also allows a person to immediately adjust his or her behavior based on their success or failure each week.

A fourth way a person can increase their odds of achieving their goals is to make some resolutions that, while still challenging, are still clearly attainable. These less challenging resolutions give a person a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that helps steel them against the difficulties encountered when pursuing goals that are more difficult. For example, a person might resolve to get an extra half hour sleep every night or drink one fewer cup of coffee during the day. Not every resolution has to address a profound change.

Finally, having the right mindset about resolutions increases the likelihood of success. We need to remember that our bad habits took years to develop and it will likely take real effort over time to undo them. Researchers who study change tell us that it can take anywhere from 21 to 66 days before a new behavior becomes automatic and that for most people meaningful change requires multiple attempts! However, if we keep at it our new habits will take hold.

Remember, we all have the strength inside of ourselves to achieve remarkable things if we work hard, maintain a positive attitude, and constantly challenge ourselves with new goals. As American writer Elbert Hubbard reminds us, There is no failure except in no longer trying.

Debra B. Johnson is the executive director of St. Clair County Community Mental Health.

Read or Share this story: https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/opinion/2020/01/15/johnson-you-can-achieve-your-new-years-resolutions/4476502002/

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Johnson: You can achieve your New Years resolutions - The Times Herald

Archaeological work at the Border Cave site has revealed the earliest evidence for cooked root vegetables. Border Cave lies between South Africa and eSwatini and has a remarkable record of human habitation.

Hot, roasted root vegetables are comfort food, and a plateful of carbohydrate is both satisfying and nutritious. Archaeologists have found that our ancestors thought so, too. A team working at the site has discovered and documented the remains of starchy underground plant stems (called rhizomes) cooked 170,000 years ago.

Border Caves roasted rhizomes were identified as Hypoxis angustifolia (yellow stars). This was done by comparing their shape and internal anatomy to those of modern rhizomes which today grow in countries along the eastern flank of Africa. The distribution extends much further too, for example into Yemen.

If, as seems likely, Hypoxis had a similar distribution in the past, it would have provided a secure staple food for people travelling within and out of Africa.

Our findings suggest that the food was transported to the cave and then cooked. The food could easily have been consumed directly in the field by the collectors, but our findings suggest this wasnt the case, adding extra information about social behaviour and sharing and a glimpse into ancient communal behaviour 170,000 years ago. Food was the focus for satisfying physical and social hunger.

Hypoxis angustifolia plants are gregarious so many can be harvested at once. Wooden digging sticks or sharpened bones may have been used to dig rhizomes from the ground.

The food was carried home to the cave, perhaps as a hide-wrapped parcel or a simple bunch tied with leaves.

Wood was also collected for the cooking fire that probably burned to small coals and hot ash before the rhizomes were added directly to the ashes for roasting. Some South Africans are familiar with this cooking technique: as children we made askoek (ash cakes) directly on coals and tapped them on rocks to dislodge the ash before garnishing our culinary treasures with apricot jam.

Some of the thumb-sized Border Cave rhizomes were lost in the ashes where they were burned and thus preserved for archaeologists. We know that they were burned while still fresh and green because the charred rhizomes have split surfaces. This was caused by shrinkage when moisture was rapidly expelled. Many starchy root vegetables can be eaten raw, but their nutritional content is much greater when cooked (the human gut can then access the glucose better and absorb much more of it).

Cooking made Hypoxis rhizomes easy to peel, and rendered them digestible by releasing glucose and breaking down the fibre. Such treatment was particularly important for the aged members of the group and small children that might otherwise have had difficulty chewing the rhizomes.

The Border Cave occupants were modern humans (Homo sapiens) with the same nutritional needs as people today. To enable our large brains to function we need to consume about 100g of carbohydrate per day. Hypoxis rhizomes may have fulfilled that need in the past.

We know, too, that Border Cave dwellers also ate meat because we have recovered the cooked bones of wild animals that were eaten in the cave. In Africa, game meat is lean, especially in the dry season when animals lose weight. Lean meat protein cannot be metabolised by humans in the absence of either carbohydrates or fat.

The addition of some carbohydrate to their diet would then have enabled early humans to process protein effectively. A balanced, healthy diet with a combination of cooked carbohydrate and protein the real palaeo-diet - increased human fitness and longevity.

We discovered the first of the rhizomes in 2016 while digging in Border Caves ashy sediments. The sediments date between 170,000 and 100,000 years ago.

In total, 55 whole charred rhizomes were recovered, all from the same species. We worked together in the field over a period of four years, collecting modern plants with rhizomes so that we could compare these with the Border Cave ones in order to identify them.

With a permit from local wildlife authorities, we surveyed the Lebombo Mountain hillside near the cave for interesting plants with appropriate rhizomes. When a plant could not immediately be identified it was planted in a vegetable garden to await flowering. When each plant was securely identified, its rhizome was charred, examined microscopically, and compared with Border Cave specimens.

Eventually patience was rewarded, and a combination of morphological and anatomical evidence showed that the Border Cave rhizome was a Hypoxis.

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How we deduced that our ancestors liked roast vegetables too - The Conversation Africa

LYNDHURST, Ohio New year, new you? You may be working toward a healthier lifestyle this new year and theres a specific style of weight loss gaining popularity.

I definitely think it could be the new thing and the thing I like about it is that its not just a fad diet, explains Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Anna Kippen.

I consider to be a fad diet anything that cuts out entire food groups, is unrealistic and promises unlimited eating and incredible amounts of rapid weight loss, and that is not this.

Kippen is referring to intermittent fasting. What she calls an umbrella term for various diets that cycle between fasting and non-fasting over defined sets of time.

Two very popular types are 16:8 and 5:2.

16:8 is sixteen hours a day of fasting and eight hours a day eating, done seven days a week.

Were better off eating the majority of our calories during the time of day were most active, she says.

7am to 3pm is really a good time frame and really no later than 10am-6pm ideally.

During fasting hours you still have water, black coffee or plain tea.

This is something that works for a lot of people because its not necessarily limiting our portions, changing our diet drastically. It works within what you already do but it is important that you eat a healthy balanced diet during your feeding hours, Kippen explains.

5:2 is another popular option. Youre eating a healthy balanced diet five days out of the week. The other two youre eating 25-percent of your calories which Kippen says is about 600 calories a day for men and 500 for women.

This is just a method that a lot of patients love because its not really necessarily something that requires them to follow through every single day, they get to choose which days they do it, she says.

Try not to chose fasting days the same as exercise days, we tend to get hungrier when we exercise, youre less likely to be successful.

So is it safe long term?

Kippen says the jury is still out.

We do have a lot of studies that show it is effective for weight loss, she explains.

Kippen says, studies have shown improvements in insulin resistance, decreased blood sugars, decreased cholesterol and decreased blood pressure.

Theres a lot of benefit that were seeing but ultimately its very, very limited especially in humans. The majority of our studies are actually in animals which dont always apply humans.

She says the biggest thing to know is that those with chronic conditions, like diabetes or eating disorders, should not be trying intermittent fasting. She suggests anyone interested in this change reach out to a doctor and dietitian.

Diet and nutrition is very personalized and I think its a lot more individualized than people realize. What works for one person would not work for someone else, she explains.

If youre someone who likes to get drinks and dinner a couple of times a week with your friends this is going to significantly alter your lifestyle and it may not be worth the weight loss for you.

No matter what she recommends vegetables calling them a weight loss miracle. They are high in fiber, low in calories and carbs.

"Going on diets just simply does not work, that's what we know," Kippen explains.

"Any changes we make if we don't feel they're sustainable they're likely not going to be successful in terms of keeping the weight off."

Read more:
New year, new you: Could intermittent fasting be the key to weight loss? - WKYC.com

By Laraib Hashmi, Staff writer

Vikki LeBeau, owner and clinic director of Texas Last Diet, discusses her journey into working in the industry of weight loss, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Texas Last Diet will be celebrating their fifth year operating in the Woodlands in 2020.

Vikki LeBeau, owner and clinic director of Texas Last Diet, discusses her journey into working in the industry of weight loss, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Texas Last Diet will be celebrating their fifth year

Photo: Gustavo Huerta, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Vikki LeBeau, owner and clinic director of Texas Last Diet, discusses her journey into working in the industry of weight loss, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Texas Last Diet will be celebrating their fifth year operating in the Woodlands in 2020.

Vikki LeBeau, owner and clinic director of Texas Last Diet, discusses her journey into working in the industry of weight loss, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. Texas Last Diet will be celebrating their fifth year

Woodlands business owner aims to teach proper dieting for weight loss

Laurie Ash can fit into a pair of pants she wasnt able to wear for years. She learned something simple: watch what you eat and keep track of what you eat.

It really works, Ash said.

Ash and her husband, Fred, lost more than 10 pounds within six weeks. This didnt happen magically. Or rather, it happened because they had a goal and the rest followed. The Ashs were determined to get into a better, healthier, and one that works with their busy lifestyle.

Thats when they met Vikki LeBeau.

The owner and clinic director of Texas Last Diet in The Woodlands, LeBeau is determined to not only help her clients lose unwanted fat but to also educate them about foods and how eating healthy, the right way, helps in the long run. She wants to explain the science of it all so people have a better understanding.

Most people know more about their vehicles than their bodies, LeBeau said. Thats my goal, is to educate.

LeBeau began her own weight loss journey and tried various companies but she didnt find success.

Desperate to lose the unwanted fat she had, she considered bariatric surgery.

LeBeau had a consultation for her surgery and three weeks before that happened she was introduced to a program called Ideal Protein. Skeptical at first, she gave it one last try before the planned surgery.

The consultant at Ideal Protein sat down with LeBeau and step-by-step went through what she was currently eating and what she needed to do to lose weight. LeBeau started seeing results.

Now, for about five years, LeBeau does the same thing for her clients at Texas Last Diet in The Woodlands area.

Each person is different, and the program may not be for everyone, she said. Thats why I think were so successful is that we teach you how your body works.

She guides her clients through a break down process on what foods they need to eat, how much and how often. Her program allows not only weight loss but also helps clients feel better health-wise.

Texas Last Diet

Where: 26107 Interstate 45 North, The Woodlands

Phone: 832-791-3438

Website: https://texaslastdiet.com/

Its really great just seeing the numbers going down (weight scale), Ash said. Its a whole lot better than me trying to do it by myself.

Ashs husband, Fred, is just as enthusiastic about what LeBeau has done for him.

Im still having a good experience with Vikki. Shes been very informative, very educational, she knows what I'm looking for, Fred said.

Hes not only losing weight but feels better health wise as well.

Im feeling a whole lot better, Im getting my weight down and this is what I want and Im thinking all my numbers, my sugar is going to be in line next time I go see the doctor, he said.

Ash says she really believes in this program because it has been working for her and fits her schedule.

I saw that she (LeBeau) was successful with a lot of other people and I thought if it works for them then itll work for me, Ash said.

What sets us apart is our coaching abilities to teach people whats going on with their body because most wont, LeBeau said.

laraib.hashmi@chron.com

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Woodlands business owner aims to teach proper dieting for weight loss - mySanAntonio.com

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