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Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Like in ‘Lady and the Tramp’? We Asked a Vet – Decider

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Since the launch of Disney+ on Tuesday, there have been a lot of questions swirling around the internet about how to use the app, how to get your Verizon free trial, and what the heck MacClunkey means. But so far, I havent seen anyone asking the most pressing question of all: Can I feed my dog spaghetti to recreate the famous spaghetti dinner scene in The Lady and the Tramp?

Dont worry Even though you didnt ask, we here at Decider are ever vigilant, so we called up a vet to get the definitive answer. Karyn Bischoff, 50, is a licensed veterinarian and an associate professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she is also the diagnostic toxicologist at Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Basically, that means people from all over the world go to her to figure out if whatever food-substance their pet got into is going to be dangerous for them. The only person who gets weirder questions than me, I think, is probably the parasitologist, said Bischoff.

I was surprised to learn that Bischoff has never before been asked if its safe for pet-owners to feed their dog a candlelit spaghetti-and-meatball dinner, as Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham did in the 2019 live-action remake of The Lady and the Tramp, which is now streaming on Disney+. Bischoff, who is clearly an excellent vet, generously offered to test some safe spaghetti on her own doggo, a five-year-old black rescue dog named Simon Puppychan. I eagerly accepted the offer and asked Bischoff to snap some pictures to document her findings.

So if you want to know how to safely recreate The Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene on your own dog, heres the best way to do that, in Bischoffs expert opinion.

In The Lady and the Tramp, the Italian restaurant owner Tony (Abraham) and his waiter (Arturo Castro) bring our fuzzy heroes a heaping plate of the spaghetti special. Bischoff advises pet owners to stick to small portions. I only give him about a half a cup of spaghetti. Hes got a regular diet, I dont want him to get overweight, and hes not used to eating people food, so I dont want him to upset his stomach. So I gave him a puppy-sized portion.

Its impossible to know what exactly is in the sauce of Tonys specialit appears to be standard marinarabut heres where Bischoff warns pet owners to proceed with caution. The biggest concern, Bischoff stressed, is to avoid onions and garlic.

[Onions and garlic] damage blood cells in dogs. Very small amounts are alright there was probably a little bit of garlic in the tomato sauce he got, but not very much so I would stay away from the scampi sauces and pesto sauces. Stick with a tomato-vegetable sauce that doesnt have very much onions or garlicor preferably no onions or garlic in it. The other thing I would avoid would be the hot sauces, the Arrabbiata sauces, and anything too much capsaicin in themred pepper and things like that. Most animals dont like spicy food at all, and too much spicy food in someones whos not used to it can cause inflammation. I just used a little bit of canned marinara. A little bit of parmesan cheese on top is OK.

Of course, Tony decides to go heavy on the meatballs for his furry friends, butBischoff decided to skip the meatballs, and suggests meat be used sparingly. I would use moderation with any kind of meatballs or sausage or anything that might be really fatty because dogs who are on a regular diet of dog food, she said. Theyre not going to be used to the high amount of fat in people food. And be cautious about using meatballs that have a lot of garlic, just like the sauce.

What about the complimentary Italian breadsticks that come with Lady and Tramps meal? Again, be cautious with garlic bread, but just a little bit of breadsticksif its not really greasy or really spicyshouldnt be a problem.

Lady and Tramp dig into their piping hot meal right away, accompanied by an accordion and mandolin serenade. But Biscoff says you should wait to serve your guests at home. Make it cold for them, said Bischoff. They dont need really hot food. I didnt want him to eat spaghetti that was way too hot, so he got to eat his spaghetti after I was done with mine.

Im not pointing fingers at any possibly insane Italian restaurant owners, but that sounds like a much more normal way to feed a dog spaghetti.

The dogs in the new Lady and the Tramp had CGI mouths to help them slurp spaghetti, but Bischoff said thats not biologically accurate. Adult dogs cant suck up noodles the way people do, they have to use other mechanical forces. Simon Puppychan used momentum and gravity: He would grab a noodle in his mouth and then jerk his head back to get the noodle airborne and catch the noodle in his open mouth. He seemed to like the sauce more than the noodles.

Though he didnt fall in love with any lady puppychans, Bischoff said Simon Puppychan thoroughly enjoyed his special meal with no negative side effects. He ate the whole thing, and he was fine this morning. He went up to doggy daycare and was his normal self today. He had no ill-effects from having his little cup of spaghetti last night.

There you have it, folks! Dogs can eat spaghetti, and it is very possible to safely recreate the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene, according to a licensed vet and diagnostic toxicologist. Just dont do it all the time, maybe skip the dessert, and definitely skip the wine.

Watch The Lady and the Tramp on Disney+

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Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Like in 'Lady and the Tramp'? We Asked a Vet - Decider

Type 2 diabetes: Experts agree this diet will keep blood sugar levels low – what is it? – Express

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Type 2 diabetes means a persons pancreas doesnt produce enough insulin to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Unchecked blood sugar levels can pose grave health risks such as heart disease or strokes. Type 2 diabetes may trigger symptoms such as frequent urination and increased thirst. Left untreated it could cause serious complications including kidney disease and nerve damage. Following this diet could help one to keep blood sugar levels healthy and drastically reduce serious health risks.

People with type 2 diabetes must be extra aware of the carbohydrate content of their meal so their blood sugar levels dont rise, or if they are using injectable insulin, so they can dose insulin appropriately.

In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, glycemic index foods were investigated to analyse how it affects blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetics.

The study noted that one of the best diets to follow when dealing with the condition is a low GI diet.

DONT MISS

What to eat and what to avoid?

Foods to eat for a type 2 diabetic meal plan include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils.

Foods to avoid include simple carbohydrates, which are processed, such as sugar, pasta, white bread, flour, cookies and pastries.

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Type 2 diabetes: Experts agree this diet will keep blood sugar levels low - what is it? - Express

Daycare note tells mom to put 5-year-old son on diet – NBC4 WCMH-TV

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:46 pm

HOUSTON, TX (CNN) A Texas mother is outraged after she put a sweet note in her 5-year-old sonslunchbox, only to get a nasty one from the daycare in return.

The thing that upset me the most is that this is bullying.

The childs mom says her son had been going to Rocking Horse Daycare for three years and she never had any problems.

I do everything in my power to build my son up and make him feel good about himself because he is amazing, says the childs mother, named Francesca.

She had recently made diet changes to her sons diet and wrote the note to be supportive, asking the workers to Please tell my son that his mommy loves him so much and that Im thinking about him.

That same note came back to her that night with No! Put him on a diet and go away! written on the bottom of it.

To know agrownupwho knows how hard life is and how mean people can be can say something like that especially about a child is- theyre sick. Theres something wrong.

Francesca alerted the daycare, who then investigated and told her the employee never intended for her to see what was written.

A director at the center apologized and said the employee was fired after admitting to writing the message.

The mother says she is now looking for a new daycare.

I put a lot of trust into this school to take care of him and it just really hurt me.

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Daycare note tells mom to put 5-year-old son on diet - NBC4 WCMH-TV

Diabetes Diet: Travel Healthy With These 5 Foods If You Are A Diabetic – NDTV Food

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:46 pm

Highlights

There's something inexplicably wonderful about travelling that words cannot express. However, it's not easy to maintain one's health while travelling. When travelling, it's easy to munch on something that is readily available (which a lot of times, isn't the best idea) and many of us throw caution to the wind. Or, at other times, we might not have a choice, but to have samosas, parathas or a cheese sandwich from the roadside stall that will shoot the calorie count for the day into orbit. While it's not easy to avoid the temptation of local food, or skipping your exercise routine for just a few days - a small and easy step to manage your calorie intake is keeping healthy snacks handy!

Also Read:How To Control Diabetes Naturally: 5 Remedies To Manage Your Sugar Levels

Almonds can be a great travel snack! They are loaded with good nutrients including dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and vitamin B12. They are also a convenient and healthy snack as you can easily keep a handful stored away in your bag and munch on them whenever you feel hungry while travelling.

Also Read:Calories In Almonds - All You Need To Know About Almonds And Their Benefits

Almonds are loaded with good nutrients including dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and vitamin B12.

Oats are one of the best available options when you crave for a portion of tasty food and don't want to compromise with your health. Oats is a reliable source of valuable dietary fibres and there are some really great oatmeal cups out there that taste good and are lower in sugar. Many of them are locally sourced, means they're promptly accessible. They're easy to pack and only need some boiling water to cook.

Oats is a reliable source of valuable dietary fibres.

Like you prep with your luggage for travelling, it might be a good idea to prep a salad a night before you travel. They are a healthy snack that can last a few hours if you are travelling a short distance, like a sightseeing trip to a city. Team up corn, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes or slices of mango with dark leafy greens to make a super energizing snack. Stay away from those indulgent dressings though - you can pack some salt/ pepper with a slice of lemon to dress your salad just before you eat.

Also Read: This High-Fibre Salad Can Be A Delicious Addition To Your Diabetic Diet

Prepare a deliciousprotein-rich salad a night before you travel.

A sound, healthy and most effortless choice are hard-boiled eggs. The humble egg has impressive health credentials as it is a rich source of protein and is a nutrient powerhouse. Also, these eggs are super portable and help you stay full for a longer period of time.

Eggis a rich source of protein and is a nutrient powerhouse.

A bowl of crispy, creamy yogurt is one of the simplest foods which is easily available. You can group a bowl of yogurt with healthy organic products like muesli or seeds like flaxseeds and sunflower seeds to make a healthy, anytime snack. In addition, yogurt is an extraordinary probiotic that aids good digestion and keeps your gut and intestinal tract protected. All of this makes it a must-have in your travel backpack.

Yogurt is an extraordinary probiotic that aids good digestion and keeps your gut and intestinal tract protected.

About Author: A trained Bariatric Nutritionist from Hermann Memorial Hospital, Houston, USA, Ritika is the master trainer for Multidisciplinary Diabetes Care Education Programme for Project HOPE. She has an extensive experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics spanning over 20 years and is presently the Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare, New Delhi.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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Diabetes Diet: Travel Healthy With These 5 Foods If You Are A Diabetic - NDTV Food

Greggs chief converted to veganism convinced of health benefits – The Guardian

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

The chief executive of bakery chain Greggs which sells thousands of meat pasties every week is trying veganism after seeing a documentary about the health benefits.

If youd asked me three weeks ago which roll I preferred I would have said the original sausage roll, but Im now attempting to live on a vegan diet, said Roger Whiteside.

Whiteside, 61, stopped eating meat and dairy three weeks ago, and told of how Greggs which has bakeries and cafes across the UK was working to develop vegan versions of some of its other products after the success of its meatless sausage roll.

I was encouraged to watch a film on Netflix called The Game Changers. I thought, this is interesting, he said.

The Game Changers charts the growing popularity of plant-based diets among current and former elite athletes such as Lewis Hamilton, Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger due to the health benefits and concerns over deforestation.

Obviously there are arguments based around animal welfare and the environment, but this was all about the health benefits and I thought I should give it a go, said Whiteside.

Speaking after receiving this years North East Business Executive of the Year award on Friday, he said: Avoiding meat is easy. The problem is avoiding dairy, avoiding milk and cheese is almost impossible. It would be OK if I had time to cook, but I dont, so I have to have things that are quick and easy.

Weve got the award-winning vegan wrap which I have quite frequently and the vegan sausage roll which Ill have about once a week, and now we have the sweet choice with the vegan sweet mince pie, he said.

More than half a million adults in the UK are believed to be vegan, and last year more vegan products were launched than in any other country after demand for meat-free food grew by almost 1,000%.

Plant-focused diets have been touted by scientists as having the capacity to transform the earths imperilled future potentially preventing millions of deaths a year and containing the climate crisis.

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Greggs chief converted to veganism convinced of health benefits - The Guardian

Five weight loss tips that work (and some that don’t) – NewsBytes

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

16 Nov 2019

Deciding to lose weight and getting into shape is always a good idea.

But there's just too much talk about weight loss. And, not every piece of weight loss advice is good advice. Some of these commonly-held 'beliefs' need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Here are weight loss tips that actually work, and some others that don't.

#1

Many people believe that the same number of calories derived from any kind of food would affect the body similarly. But calories (and our health) don't work in such a manner.

For instance, consuming 500 calories from junk food and the same from home-cooked food are not the same, since the junk food is devoid of nutrition values and doesn't provide any energy.

#2

If a certain food item is naturally free from sugar, then of course it is healthy for you.

But it doesn't necessarily stand true for packaged products marketed as "sugar-free."

This label implies that the product in question has been infused with artificial sweeteners to bring the sweet effect, which can actually do more harm than a moderate amount of natural sugars.

#3

Remember how they say abs are made in the kitchen. Well, that's actually true!

Exercise only acts as a catalyst to your weight loss journey, and the major onus is on your nutrition. If you keep sweating it out, without focusing on what you're eating, you may not see desirable results.

However, this doesn't mean you should discard exercise/workout altogether.

Information

Skipping meals or starving, in order to lose weight is a disastrous thing to do, as it ultimately slows down your metabolism, and may even lead to unexpected hunger pangs, thereby inducing overeating later on.

#1

Yes, it's the same-old story, but it never really gets outdated.

To start your weight loss journey, first of all, say goodbye to junk and fast food, and start eating home-cooked food more often.

Aim for a balanced diet, filled with nutrients such as protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Go for 3-4 filling meals through the day, coupled with (healthy) snack breaks.

#2

Table sugar is loaded with calories but devoid of any nutritional value. Hence, consuming too much of it might lead to unwanted weight gain.

Thus, it is advisable to switch to healthier alternatives to sugar (and no, we're of course not talking about sugar-free products).

Some of the best, healthy sugar alternatives are jaggery, honey, rock sugar, date sugar, and coconut sugar.

#3

Watching your favorite show while having a nice meal might seem like a great idea, but not so much for your health.

Research suggests that your eating-environment plays a huge role in determining your attention to food.

Being distracted while eating prevents you from knowing when you are full, thus making you prone to overeating, and ruining your weight-loss goals.

#4,5

Hydration: Get your daily quota of 8-12 glasses of water for regulated metabolism, which is crucial for burning undesired fat. Sufficient water intake also helps in flushing out body toxins, thus promoting weight loss.

Snacking: Replace those packs of potato chips, double-cheese burgers, and fizzy drinks with healthy options- fruits, nuts, and juices, if you wish to lose weight.

Stay healthy!

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Five weight loss tips that work (and some that don't) - NewsBytes

How To Get Rid Of Pregnancy Weight Quickly? – International Business Times

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:44 pm

Whats more stressful than taking care of your newborn? That baby weight youre still carrying, even months after your baby was born. The extra fat stored for birth and breastfeeding is very common and nearly half of women gain more than the recommended amount of weight during their pregnancies. This excess weight can increase your risk of being overweight, diabetes, heart diseases, and also pose a great risk of complications in future pregnancies.

But dont worry just yet. Here are some effective ways to lose those extra pounds quickly:

Breastfeed your child- Breastfeeding has enormous health benefits for both the mother and the child. Not only does it provide nutrition and immunity to the child but it also helps contract your uterus and return to its normal size quickly. Several studies have shown that breastfeeding supports the mothers weight loss. One study precisely reports that breastfeeding women lost about 3.7 pounds more than those who didnt, by six months after giving birth.

Keep track of your calories- Counting calories can help you keep an account of how much you are consuming and can helpensure that you are getting enough calories. You can do this by maintaining a food journal, using mobile apps, or by just taking pictures of your food to remind yourself of what you have eaten. Consuming an ideal amount of calories and practicing portion control can help get aid postpartum weight loss.

Load up on fiber- Consuming foods high in fiber can aid weight loss. Fiber not only makes you feel fuller for a long duration but also slows down digestion and reduces hunger. Fiber also aids digestion and helps reduce calorie intake.

Store healthy snacks at home- The kind of foods you have around you can influence your food choices. One study has shown that the homes of obese people tend to be stocked with unhealthy foods. Storing a lot of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and nuts alongside regular physical activity within the home might help you get rid of your postpartum weight quickly.

Say no to alcohol- Although consuming small amounts of alcohol like red wine has been reported to offer health benefits, it can be best to avoid it, especially while breastfeeding. Not only is alcohol harmful to your baby, but it also provides extra calories without nutrition. It can lead to excess fat storage, especially your belly fat and excessive weight gain.

postpartum weight loss Photo: Clker-Free-Vector-Images, PIxabay

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How To Get Rid Of Pregnancy Weight Quickly? - International Business Times

7 healthy ways to break through a weight-loss plateau – Now To Love

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:44 pm

Feel like you've been working hard, eating well but all of a sudden the weight doesn't seem to be budging anymore? Here are seven expert tips to help you break through that weight loss plateau.

By Anya Truong-George

Our bodies are very good at adapting, so while during the first few weeks of change if you've suddenly introduced regular exercise and a healthier diet you likely saw weight drop easily off as your body adapted, however, once your body got used to the new normal, it started to get comfortable, resulting in a weight loss plateau.

So how do you get unstuck?

Here, Mandi shares her top seven tips to help you work through your plateau and it could be as simple as drinking more water.

The study also showed the body prioritises metabolising alcohol before any food you've consumed, "which means that until the alcohol has burned, no other food will be," Mandi explains.

Adding, "Because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and alters decision-making, we tend to overeat when drinking. All these things are working against your weight loss and contributing to your plateau."

Mandi suggests cutting back on your carb intake and instead loading up on fibre-rich veggies, making them around 75 to 80 per cent of your daily food intake.

Then, add in some protein, healthy fats such as coconut and olive oil and avocado, and round it out with smaller servings of grains like brown rice and quinoa.

As mentioned above, your body is incredibly adaptable and can quickly adjust to new forms of exercise or a new diet if you repeat it for long enough, so the trick is to change things up, in particular, your fitness routine.

Mandi suggests a combination of strength training and cardio to "maximise your time and optimise your fat burning and muscle building."

She says you want each workout to be just as challenging as the first workout was even as you become stronger.

While you may think you're keeping to your healthy eating regime, there may be a few extra spoonful's of things that slip through the cracks, Mandi says.

She suggests keeping a food journal of everything you eat, but most importantly, what you're thinking or how you're feeling at that moment.

"I have my clients write down what they were thinking or feeling when they went to reach for the chips or the chocolates," Mandi explains.

"It doesn't need to be a lot of writing, just a one-word feeling. The most typical answers I hear are: bored, stressed, frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, and felt obligated socially."

For example, going out to eat and everyone else is eating dessert, or that they felt obligated to prepare unhealthy food because of an obligation to family.

"Lack of sleep causes your body to release extra cortisol (stress hormone), and has been proven to slow your metabolism and leave you at an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome," Mandi says.

In turn, a spike in cortisol signals to your body to conserve more energy in your waking hours therefore, your body will hang on to fat instead of using energy to burn it.

Mandi adds, "A lot of times we'll think we're hungry when actually we're sleepy. This is often the culprit in the evening."

Mandi says when working with clients she's found that as they stop snacking at night and stick to earlier bedtimes, weight loss naturally kicks back into action.

Not only does water help us feel fuller for longer, but it is also a natural weight loss aid, Mandi says.

"Additionally, your body is made up of 75 per cent water," explains Mandi.

"When you are even slightly dehydrated, your body will pull water from nonessential functions, like digestion, to utilise it for essential functions like lung, liver, heart and muscle function.

"So if you're dehydrated, you're not losing weight."

Just as a lack of sleep spikes your cortisol levels, so too does high stress, fast-paced lifestyles, which also affects your body's ability to respond to insulin, a hormone which helps keep your body's blood sugar levels from getting too low or too high, and uses sugar from carbohydrates (glucose) to use as energy or store for future use (as fat).

So, if you're stressed for long periods, your body will be more likely to hold onto fat, resulting in that weight loss plateau.

Cortisol also prohibits the release of oxytocin, explains Mandi, which is the feel-good hormone that helps us shift into the 'rest and digest' parasympathetic nervous system.

While there are plenty of tips to help you push through a plateau, Mandi stresses that "it's always important to remember that the best way to lose weight naturally and keep it off permanently is to inspire your body to shift metabolically by getting yourself very healthy through foods, activities, thoughts and lifestyle choices.

"Weight loss then becomes a natural result," Mandi says.

That's why it's always important to remember that as long as you're getting plenty of movement in and eating a fresh, balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep, you're likely already on track to a happier, healthier you.

The Ministry of Health recommends talking to your GP before undertaking any major changes to your diet.

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7 healthy ways to break through a weight-loss plateau - Now To Love

3 Tips to Snacking Smart – The East County Californian

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:44 pm

Very few people snack right and this results in frustrating weight gain.

An important part of eating for fitness and/or fat loss is to keep your metabolism strong all day long with small, sensible meals and snacks. While it sounds simple to eat a little something every 2-3 hours throughout the day, when you choose the wrong food it actually does more damage than good.What are you eating for your snacks and small meals? This is super important!

If youre eating the wrong thing every 2-3 hours then its easy to gain weight quickly, rather than the result that you want which is to drop fat and clothes sizes.

Here are three smart snacking tips for you to keep you on track and burning fat all day long.

Smart Snacking Tip #1: Dont Snack on Sugar.

Sugar is a huge problem! Snack on sugar and you will gain weight. When it comes to snacks, this needs to be the number one nutrient that you check. Your frequent snacks should contain very little, or zero, added sugars.

WARNING: Many health foods have massive amounts of added sugars, which will destroy your results. Items like protein bars, jerky, dried fruit, green juice and trail mix often have added sugars and preservatives that you need to watch out for and avoid.

Instead of added sugars, your snacks should be a nice blend of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Smart Snacking Tip #2: Dont Eat Too Much.

What is the size of your snack? It needs to be petite in order to stoke your metabolism without adding too many calories.

A sneaky thing about packaged foods is that often it gives the nutritional facts for two or even 2.5 servings on a package that you will likely polish off.

If the servings are more than one, then youll need to do some quick math. Calculate the total calories, sugar, carbs, fat and protein.

Make sure that the numbers line up with your target nutrition sums.Always be aware of how many servings you are eating in a single sitting. Do the math if youre eating more than one serving be honest with yourself!

Smart Snacking Tip #3: Choose Natural and Homemade.

Yes, packaged snacks are convenient. But know that you will always see better results by eating whole foods found in nature, or snacks that youve made with real food ingredients.

Even the healthiest packaged protein bar from the store is going to contain preservatives and additives that are completely avoided in homemade foods.

A handful of raw nuts, a piece of fruit with fresh nut butter, a hard-boiled egg, a homemade fitness muffin, some chicken breast on veggies or chopped flank steak on a salad are all better options than any packaged snack.

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3 Tips to Snacking Smart - The East County Californian

Elite Athletes Are Going Vegan. Will It Help You? – Healthline

Posted: November 16, 2019 at 11:44 pm

Share on PinterestKendrick James Farris at the weightlifting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Getty Images

Packed with record-setting athletes displaying cut physiques and explosive power, The Game Changers, a new documentary on Netflix, has a clear message: Vegan is best.

The film aims to make the case that a vegan diet isnt only the most advantageous diet for long-term health, but for an athletic edge as well.

From Olympic weightlifter Kendrick Farris and cycling champion Dotsie Bausch to top distance runner Scott Jurek and Arnold Schwarzenegger (a producer of the film), the documentary chronicles several professional athletes who attribute getting faster and stronger, and recovering from injury more quickly, to adopting a plant-based diet specifically vegan.

Vegans dont eat meat or products derived from animals, like eggs or milk.

While theres not much data to back a trend of professional athletes going vegan or vegetarian, Barbara Lewin, RDN, CSSD, LDN, a sports nutritionist who works with professional athletes, including Olympic athletes and members of the NHL and NBA, certainly sees her pro-athlete clients embracing a plant-based diet.

My clients see so many benefits to eating a plant-based diet that postseason, they dont go back to eating as an omnivore or a carnivore, Lewin noted.

Healthline asked that question to David C. Nieman, DrPH, FACSM, a professor of health and exercise science and director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, where he studies athletes and diet.

Nieman is a vegetarian and marathon runner who sees many reasons someone would want to become vegan. Still, he had a clear answer: No.

The only possible way it [a vegan diet] may help some people is if theyre involved in a sport that takes more than an hour, Nieman stated.

And thats only if they were on a low carb, high fat diet and switched to a vegan diet, which would mean theyd be taking in more carbs. Those people would see improvement in endurance not sports skill, he said.

Studies on the correlation between performance and vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eating diets are rather limited.

One recent study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition tracked the maximum exercise capacity of 76 recreational runners, 18 to 35 years old, for 6 months. Of the group, 26 followed a diet that included meat and plants, 26 ate a vegetarian diet, and 24 ate a vegan diet.

The results suggest that there are no differences in exercise capacity between vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarians and omnivorous recreational runners, the studys authors wrote.

The bottom line: All kinds of diets are compatible with performance, Nieman said.

Thats if you make healthy choices compatible with whatever diet you want to follow.

Lewin agrees that any diet needs to include wise choices if youre eating for health or performance.

If youre living on crackers, vegan cheese, and other processed foods, its not a good choice. For a vegan diet to be healthy and to work for the elite athlete, it has to have a strong foundation in vegetables and fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, she told Healthline.

The Game Changers shares stories of both long-term health on a vegan diet and immediate improvements in performance. Bouncing back quickly between workouts is also important for professional athletes and many more casual athletes too.

According to Nieman, youve got to look at nutritions effect on three areas to get an overall sense of how diets affect athletes: long-term, acute, and post-workout recovery.

Long-term health is important for athletes. Plant-based dietary choices are at the heart of all healthy eating patterns, Nieman explained, whether your diet of choice be vegetarian, Mediterranean, or DASH, for example.

The 3-day period before a sports event matters a lot. Athletes should eat a high carb diet, with most carbs coming from grains and dried fruit.

What you eat every day counts towards your health and overall performance. However, the pre-workout or prerace meal is extremely important, Lewin said.

A high fat meal can leave you feeling sluggish and is not a good fuel for the muscles, whereas a meal with the right balance of carbohydrate and protein will digest efficiently and provide good energy, she said.

Finally, Nieman points to an area of study called metabolic recovery, or bouncing back to normal after a race or workout.

This area of study has discovered what you eat can improve your return to homeostasis. The simplest snack? Fruit. Niemans research has found bananas, pears, and blueberries all support your bodys recovery after exercise.

Fans of the vegan diet claim that if you eat vegan, its easier to bounce back between workouts with plant protein since its less inflammatory.

Nieman, whos currently studying athletic recovery after 90 minutes of hard exercise when someone eats pea vs. whey (dairy) protein post-workout, strongly disagrees.

Its nonsense that plant protein will help you recover any differently, he said.

But Lewin believes the anti-inflammatory effect of plant foods help with recovery.

With higher levels of exercise intensity you produce more free radicals and byproducts that can cause inflammation in the body. A vegan, plant-based diet rich in antioxidants can have an enormous impact on reducing inflammation, she said.

Lewin and Nieman agree on one point, though: Its not at all necessary to consume animal products to excel in pro sports.

Whether youre biking or training for a Tough Mudder, weekend warriors can experiment with vegan meals thatll fuel your body.

The prerace meal needs to be high in carbohydrate, low in fat and fiber (which both slow down the digestive process), and can contain moderate amounts of protein, according to Lewin.

Try:

A game-changing takeaway from the film? Its not at all necessary to consume animal products to excel in pro sports.

Read the original:
Elite Athletes Are Going Vegan. Will It Help You? - Healthline


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