Weve seen it all when it comes to celebrity diets.From the Air Diet (yes, thats really a thing) to the Baby Food diet, there will never be a lack of extreme diets touted by one celebrity or another.

Heres a look at 5 healthy eating tips from famous people that actually make sense, and even better, can be easily worked into anyones daily routine, and achieve killer results.

Its not sexy, but keeping a food journal really does work, according to American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. If her toned figure is the result of tracking food, its worth giving it a serious try.

Ive kept a food journal forever, since Im a bottomless pit, the Before He Cheatssinger told Cosmpolitan in 2017. I can out-eat everyone I know its like theres no sensor between my stomach and brain that says, Hey, youre full, stop eating! Once I recognized that about myself, I started tracking my diet, which helps me make better choices and pay attention to what Im eating. I also write down which exercises Im going to do later on.

Live with Kelly and Ryan host Kelly Ripa really sticks to a very cleandiet and loves Fage Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries or pistachios. But even she says its important to make room for treats once a week.

She told Good Housekeeping in 2017,At dinner, I eat a ton of vegetables and a salad, soup, or a light piece of fish. I try not to have too much cheese or too many high-fat foods, even though I love them.I would love nothing more than to have pizza and french fries every day, but I try to limit those treats to once a week.

Black-and-white thinking with food only leads to binges and more negative patterns. Its more realistic, more sustainable to eat well 80% of the time and relax the rules the other 20% of the time. Former The Biggest Loser trainer, Jillian Michaels, told US News in 2013 why shes such a big believer in the 80/20 rule.

Everybody gets caught up in thinking that health requires an extreme philosophy or state of mind, cutting out things like carbs, or fats or protein. Ive seen every diet, from Im paleo to Im vegan, to fasting diets and cleanses.

But the reality is, to lose weight and maintain your health, youve gotta have balance and common sense. So I say: 80 percent of the time, make the better food choice. And 20 percent of the time, have the fries. Have the pizza. Thats how you achieve that balance, so its not all or nothing, and it becomes manageable and sustainable.

Cutting down on meat can improve cholesterol levels, can reduce cancer risks, and can help with weight loss. Quite a few celebrities are vegan or vegetarian including Paul McCartney, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Bell, Natalie Portman, Alicia Silverstone, and even Americas Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, who lost 20 pounds when he switched to a vegan diet. He told Extra earlier this year about it.

I went to see this guy, whos very well-known, and he said to me after doing some blood work, You cant have red meat, dairy, sugar, bread or gluten. Im thinking, what about alcohol? Thats all I care about. And he said, Maybe not quite as much as you had before.

Having a good breakfast equals weight loss success.According to the National Weight Control Registry, one of the main factors among dieters who have successfully lost and kept weight off, was eating breakfast.Cindy Crawford is a believer in breakfast.

Its really important to start the day out right, the supermodel told Elle in 2015. Its very easy to control what you eat for breakfast, for the most part, if youre home. If you start with a good foundation, it sets you up well. I start out with a protein shake. That gets me through with very even energy.

Try these tips, be consistent, and the superstar changes will happen.

Read more:Jennifer Lopez Isnt Quitting Her No Carb and Sugar Diet Anytime Soon

Read more from the original source:
5 Celebrity Diet Tips That Could Actually Work For the Rest of Us - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

For pro distance runner Emily Infeld, 2019 has been a rollercoaster of a year. After a series of injuries left her sidelined from racing for most of 2018, the 29-year-old decided to undergo hip surgery in January to repair her torn labrum, which she and her doctors suspect contributed to other injuries. Two months later, she was cleared to walk again, then was able to start a run/walk program starting in April.

It wasnt until June that Infeldwho won bronze in the 10,000 meters at the 2015 World Championships and competed in the 2016 Rio Olympicswas back training normally again, running every day and logging between 82 and 89 miles per week with her fellow Bowerman Babes in Portland, Oregon. In August, she laced up to race for the first time in over a year at the Beach to Beacon 10K, where she finished fourth overall and first American female in 32:39.

After the 10K, she told Runners World, It was good to have positive momentum and just really hurt again. I was just texting Shalane [Flanagan], and I said, I havent worked that hard in forever.

Since that rust-buster race, Infelds been on a roll. At the Reebok Womens 10K in Boston on October 14, she placed third in 32:15 behind Molly Huddle and Iveen Chepkemoi of Kenya. She also flew to New York City to race the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K on November 2, which doubles as the USATF 5K Championships, where she placed third behind former American 5K record holder Shannon Rowbury and unsponsored runner Jessica Tonn.

I havent raced a 5K in a long time, so Im a little nervous, Infeld said before the race. We took out the Boston 10K really hard, and that pace felt faster than I thought it would, so I let a gap open up between me and the leaders. But I wish I hadnt let that gap open, because we ended up running the same pace for the rest of the race. For the 5K, I am going to try to hang with the lead pack from the start and see what happens. Its a good race to hurt.

Infeld said that while her workouts were inconsistent earlier this year, shes finally hit a steady groove. When I was just getting back into running, Id have an amazing workout one day, and then a terrible one the next, she said. But lately Ive been feeling good and my training has been consistent, which hasnt happened in a while. Its been steady progress with less really bad days.

[Smash your goals with a Runners World Training Plan, designed for any speed and any distance.]

One key component of staying healthy and energized throughout workouts and races has been practicing good nutrition habits. For Infeld, who now runs close to 100 miles per week, that means eating a variety of grains, produce, protein, fats, and the occasional sweet to stay fueled throughout the day. Here, she describes what she typically eats and drinks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

I usually wake up between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. to get ready for our 9-a.m. workout. I live about 30 minutes from the Nike campus, so oftentimes, Ill make my breakfast and coffee and eat it in the car on the way to the track.

Lately, Ive been obsessed with Shalanes sweet potato waffles [from Flanagans cookbook Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow], which are made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, whole wheat flour, and lots of spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. I make a big batch of them on Sunday and freeze them, then I toast one each morning and spread a little peanut butter on top for breakfast. Ill also have coffee with a little milk and a scoop of collagen powder, plus a banana.

Before I head to the track, I always pack a snack, such as a bag of trail mix, pretzels, or nuts. Im always craving salt. I also bring a Clif Bar for after the runmy favorite is the Caramel Cashew Whey Protein bar, which has 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of sugar.

For lunch, I love making a big scramble with eggs, veggies, and parmesan cheese. I like to make my eggs as colorful as possible, so Ill usually throw in red bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and Ill have that with some sourdough toast on the side. If I need a little more afterward, Ill have yogurt with granola and fruit, or hummus and carrots.

Lunch usually holds me over until our second workout of the day, but if I get hungry in the afternoon, Ill have pretzels with hummus, peanut butter and jelly on toast, or a bit of leftover pasta from the night before. Since it gets dark so early this time of year, I crave dinner earlier in the day, so I usually need a good-sized snack to tide me over until dinner.

My boyfriend Max and I love to cook dinner together at night. I like one-bowl meals, so our dinners are usually big bowls of veggies, proteins, and carbs, with a hearty sauce and sourdough toast on the side. Ive been obsessed with pumpkin lately, so the other night I made a pumpkin sauce with olive oil, salt and pepper, and crushed cashews to go on top of rigatoni pasta with chicken, sauted spinach, and mushrooms.

If I want something a little less carb-heavy, Ill have a bowl with roasted veggies, rice, protein, and avocado. I like to alternate my proteinsIll have fish two nights a week, red meat once a week, and chicken on the other nights. During the summer, well grill steaks or burgers, but the grills mostly put up for the season.

Clif Whey Protein Salted Caramel Cashew Bars

Justins Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Vital Proteins Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder

Tonys Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Bundle

I have a big sweet tooth, but I know I cant always eat a big bowl of ice cream, so I make do with dark chocolate every night. If Im still craving something sweet after the chocolate, Ill have chia pudding or yogurt with granola. On special occasions, Ill bake something like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, which Max and I devour in like four days.

The night before a race, I try to eat something similar to what I usually eat for dinner, like pasta, bread, protein, and veggies. The next morning, I wake up at least two hours before the race. My typical race-day breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal with a banana, a packet of peanut butter, and coffee. I always have pretzels on hand to snack on, because they sit really well with me. If my race is later in the morning, Ill have a Clif Kid Z bar, which is smaller than other bars and doesnt feel heavy in my stomach.

After the race, I love to try something I dont usually order at restaurants. After my 10K in Boston, I had a lobster roll with chips. I love a good postrace burger, too.

Originally posted here:
Pasta, Pretzels, and Pumpkin Everything Help Emily Infeld Power Through Training - Runner's World

Assistant professor Feng added: "Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks that can measure various aspects of a person's cognitive abilities. In fact, some of the tests we used in this study are adopted from commonly used IQ test battery, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)."

The researchers conducted extensive interviews and tests with the senior citizens to determine an accurate diagnosis. "The interview takes into account demographic information, medical history, psychological factors, and dietary habits. A nurse will measure blood pressure, weight, height, handgrip, and walking speed. They will also do a simple screen test on cognition, depression, anxiety," said Feng.

After this, a two-hour standard neuropsychological assessment was performed, along with a dementia rating. The overall results of these tests were discussed in depth with expert psychiatrists involved in the study to get a diagnostic consensus.

The researchers believe the boost to brain health may down to a specific compound found in mushrooms called ergothioneine (ET), according to Dr Irwin Cheah, Senior Research Fellow at the NUS Department of Biochemistry: "ET is a unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which humans are unable to synthesise on their own. But it can be obtained from dietary sources, one of the main ones being mushrooms."

Go here to see the original:
Dementia: Add this popular ingredient to your meals to reduce your risk - Express

The connection between inflammation and mental illness has recently become more clear. This has led researchers to wonder about the role of autoimmune disorders in anxiety and depression. But does autoimmunity cause problems in the absence of obvious inflammation? A new study in Pediatrics looks at whether the antibodies that lead to celiac disease can be tied to emotional problems in children.

We already know that kids with diagnosed celiac disease may have several emotional and behavioral problems. But the role of the immune response without obvious clinical disease has remained obscure. To sort this out, researchers looked at 3,715 children with a median age of 6 years. They measured their tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TTG). These are antibodies the body turns against itself because of a reaction to the gluten protein.

When they looked at behavioral rating scales, the researchers found a connection. Kids who were positive for celiac autoimmunity, without actual symptoms of celiac disease, had a higher rate of anxiety problems. They were also more likely to have oppositional and defiant behaviors.

Kids with the marker for celiac had a higher rate of anxiety.

Source: Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash

Celiac disease, a chronic immune disease triggered by a response to the protein gluten, is estimated to affect1% of the population. However, about 80% of those with celiac disease are not diagnosed. This is because the disease presentation is diverse. It can range from severe diarrhea and abdominal painto growth failure andvague fatigue.

In a disease like celiac, one can have the gene for the condition but thatgene can remain inactive throughout life. Or it can be triggered to create the autoimmune reaction. In those with the autoimmune reaction (a TTG >= 7), only some will show the kind of symptoms that lead to a diagnosis.

True celiac disease hurts. When you treat it with a gluten-free diet,people feel better physically. It makes sense that their emotional symptoms also get better.

What about the kids in the study? Could these kids be anxious or acting out because they were in pain? The study team said no. The gastrointestinal symptomsdid not explain the behaviors. They also pointed out that body mass index was not linked to the mental health symptoms. Since the children had not been diagnosed with a disease, knowledge of "having a disease" didn't explain their anxiety either.

What then is the biological pathway that leads from asymptomatic immune markers to anxiety? The study authors do not yet know how precisely the CDA leads to anxiety or behavioral problems. Suggested pathways have included micronutrient deficiencies and disruption of the gut microbiome.

But one finding was clear: it was not the gene that caused the behavioral symptoms. Kids who had the gene for celiac, but no evidence of the autoimmune response, had no increase in mental health problems. So there is something important about the immune disruption.

Does this mean we should start screening anxious or defiant kids for celiac disease? There is not enough evidence to start testing across the board. Nevertheless, evidence for the biological roots of some behavioral problems is growing. A good medical exam with a pediatrician who knows your family's medical history makes sense. Pediatricians can add a great deal to the care of children'smental health.

It's popular for parents to tinker with their children's diets, and there is always a new fad. But restrictive diets in children come with their own problems, such as nutritional and growth difficulties. In fact, the gluten-free diet may be tied to its own health problems. At least in the case of celiac autoimmunity, there is a test we can run. Parents would be wise to consult with their doctor before making dietary changes.

See the rest here:
An Autoimmune Reaction to Gluten May Cause Childhood Anxiety - Psychology Today

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Also called forbidden or purple rice, black rice is a type of rice that belongs to the Oryza sativa L. species (1).

Black rice gets its signature black-purple color from a pigment called anthocyanin, which has potent antioxidant properties (2).

In ancient China, its said that black rice was considered so unique and nutritious that it was forbidden for all but royalty (1).

Today, thanks to its mild, nutty flavor, chewy texture, and many nutritional benefits, black rice can be found in numerous cuisines around the world.

Here are 11 benefits and uses of black rice.

Compared with other types of rice, black rice is one of the highest in protein (3, 4, 5, 6).

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), black rice contains 9 grams of protein, compared with 7 grams for brown rice (3, 5).

Its also a good source of iron a mineral thats essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body (7)

A 1/4 cup (45 grams) of uncooked black rice provides (3):

Black rice is a good source of several nutrients, particularly protein, fiber, and iron.

In addition to being a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, black rice is especially high in several antioxidants (8).

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells against oxidative stress caused by molecules known as free radicals (9).

Theyre important, as oxidative stress has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimers, and certain forms of cancer (9).

Despite being less popular than other rice varieties, research shows that black rice has the highest overall antioxidant capacity and activity (10).

In fact, in addition to anthocyanin, black rice has been found to contain over 23 plant compounds with antioxidant properties, including several types of flavonoids and carotenoids (8).

Therefore, adding black rice to your diet can be an easy way to incorporate more disease-protecting antioxidants into your diet.

Research shows that black rice contains over 23 types of antioxidants and has the highest antioxidant activity of all rice varieties.

Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoid plant pigments that are responsible for the purple color of black rice, as well as several other plant based foods like blueberries and purple sweet potatoes (2, 11).

Research shows that anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects (2, 12).

Furthermore, animal, test-tube, and population studies have shown that eating foods high in anthocyanins may help protect against several chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and some forms of cancer (13, 14, 15, 16).

Anthocyanin is a pigment thats responsible for the black-purple color of forbidden rice. Its also been found to have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.

Research on black rices effects on heart health is limited. However, many of its antioxidants have been shown to help protect against heart disease.

Flavonoids like those found in black rice have been associated with a decreased risk of developing and dying from heart disease (17, 18).

Additionally, early research in animals and humans suggests that anthocyanins may help improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels (13).

One study in 120 adults with high cholesterol levels found that taking two 80-mg anthocyanin capsules per day for 12 weeks resulted in significantly improved HDL (good) cholesterol levels and significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (19).

Another study analyzing the effects of a high cholesterol diet on plaque accumulation in rabbits found that adding black rice to the high cholesterol diet resulted in 50% less plaque buildup, compared with diets containing white rice (20).

While this study suggests that eating black rice may protect against heart disease, these results have not been observed in humans.

Black rice contains antioxidants that have been shown to help protect against heart disease. However, more research is needed to understand black rices effects on heart disease.

Anthocyanins from black rice may also have potent anticancer properties.

A review of population based studies found that higher intake of anthocyanin-rich foods was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (16).

Furthermore, a test-tube study found that anthocyanins from black rice reduced the number of human breast cancer cells, as well as slowed their growth and ability to spread (21).

While promising, more research in humans is needed to fully understand the ability of the anthocyanins in black rice to reduce the risk and spread of certain types of cancer.

Early research suggests that the anthocyanins in black rice may have strong anticancer properties, but more studies are needed.

Research shows that black rice contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin two types of carotenoids that are associated with eye health (8).

These compounds work as antioxidants to help protect your eyes from potentially damaging free radicals (22).

In particular, lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to help protect the retina by filtering out harmful blue light waves (22).

Research suggests that these antioxidants may play an important role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They may also decrease your risk of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy (23, 24, 25, 26).

Finally, a 1-week study in mice found that consuming anthocyanin extract from black rice resulted in significantly less retinal damage when animals were exposed to fluorescent lights. Still, these findings have not been replicated in humans (27).

Black rice contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which have been shown to protect your retina from potentially damaging free radicals. While anthocyanins may also protect eye health, research in humans is currently lacking.

Gluten is a type of protein found in cereal grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye.

People with celiac disease need to avoid gluten, as it triggers an immune response in the body that damages the small intestine (28).

Gluten can also cause negative gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating and abdominal pain, in individuals with gluten sensitivity (28).

While many whole grains contain gluten, black rice is a nutritious, naturally gluten-free option that can be enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet.

Black rice is naturally gluten-free and can be a good option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Black rice is a good source of protein and fiber, both of which can help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness (29, 30).

Furthermore, early animal research suggests that anthocyanins like those found in black rice may help reduce body weight and body fat percentage (14, 15, 21).

One 12-week study found that giving mice with obesity on a high fat diet anthocyanins from black rice resulted in a 9.6% reduction in body weight. However, these results have not been replicated in humans (21).

While research on black rices role in weight loss in humans is limited, it has been found to help reduce weight when combined with brown rice.

In a 6-week study in 40 women with excess weight, those who ate a mix of brown and black rice up to 3 times per day on a calorie-restricted diet lost significantly more body weight and body fat than those eating white rice (31).

Given that black rice is a good source of protein and fiber, it may aid weight loss. Also, while animal studies have suggested that anthocyanins may have benefits for weight loss, more research in humans is needed.

Black rice may also offer other potential benefits, including:

While more research is needed, black rice may help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of NAFLD.

Cooking black rice is easy and similar to cooking other forms of rice.

To prepare it, simply combine rice and water or stock in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover it and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the rice for 3035 minutes, or until its tender, chewy, and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes before removing the lid. Use a fork to help fluff the rice before serving.

Unless specified otherwise on the package, for every 1 cup (180 grams) of uncooked black rice, use 2 1/4 cups (295 ml) of water or stock.

To keep the rice from becoming gummy when cooking, its recommended to rinse the rice under cool water before cooking to remove some of the extra starch on the surface.

Once the rice is ready, you can use it in any dish in which you would use brown rice, such as in a grain bowl, stir-fry, salad, or rice pudding.

Black rice is prepared similarly to other types of rice and can be added to a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

While not as common as other types of rice, black rice is the highest in antioxidant activity and contains more protein than brown rice.

As such, eating it may offer several health benefits, including boosting eye and heart health, protecting against certain forms of cancer, and aiding weight loss.

Black rice is more than just a nutritious grain. When cooked, its deep purple color can turn even the most basic meal into a visually stunning dish.

If you want to try black rice and cant find it locally, shop for it online.

See the original post here:
11 Surprising Benefits and Uses of Black Rice - Healthline

Working out while sick may not sound enjoyable, although a popular urban myth argues that a person can "sweat out" an illness through exercise. While this is not true in the strictest sense, working out while sick may be helpful in some cases.

In general, a person with symptoms in their head and nose, such as those of a head cold, may benefit from working out.

A person with symptoms in their chest or stomach or someone with a fever should avoid exercising, however. If symptoms get worse or working out causes pain, people are best to avoid working out while sick.

In this article, learn more about the benefits and risks of working out while sick.

Typically, it is okay to exercise with the typical symptoms of a head cold. These include symptoms such as:

In some cases, these symptoms may actually improve with exercise. Exercise increases the heart rate and stimulates circulation, which might help the body release fluids.

It is vital to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water when working out, especially if a person is sick.

It is also necessary to consider that different exercises will cause different reactions in the body. In general, it is best to avoid extremely strenuous workouts while sick. Instead, an individual should focus on lighter, movement based exercises that get the blood flowing without pushing the body too hard.

These activities might include:

The idea that a person can literally sweat out their illnesses through exercise is a myth. It may have stuck around for so long because regular exercise keeps the body healthy, and may boost the immune system.

However, as the authors of a 2018 study note, moderate exercise can reduce the risk of common respiratory illnesses, reduce their severity, and even shorten how long the person has symptoms.

These effects appear to have more to do with empowering the immune system to handle the illness better, and not how much people sweat out the illness while sick.

Mild exercise may also temporarily help with some symptoms, such as a runny nose or headache.

It is essential to take certain precautions when it comes to working out while sick. For instance, a fever is a definite sign a person should not work out.

As a clinical review in the journal Sports Health notes, fever increases fluid loss in the body, decreases muscle strength, and makes a person feel more exhausted.

A fever also means the body is increasing its internal temperature to fight off an infection. Exercise raises body temperature, making a person feel even worse.

Symptoms in the ear are another factor to consider. These signs of illness may cause a person to feel dizzy or off balance, which could also pose risks if they are working out.

People experiencing dizziness may want to avoid working out until they are better.

Also, anyone with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea should avoid working out.

Exercise can cause the body to lose water through sweat. Since someone with diarrhea or vomiting is losing a lot of water already, working out may put them at risk for dehydration.

Chest symptoms are another sign that it is best to avoid working out. These symptoms may include:

Finally, even if a person only has mild symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sneezing, but they feel weak or unable to work out, it is important to rest.

Some activities may not be right for the body while a person is sick. The body is trying to recover, and pushing it too hard may make symptoms worse or the recovery time longer.

Workouts to avoid while sick include:

Anyone who chooses to work out while sick can keep the following tips in mind:

Hydration is always important but is vital while the body recovers from sickness. The body is likely already using extra fluid to move toxins. It may also be losing fluid from extra sweating and a runny nose.

Staying hydrated while working out and throughout the course of the sickness may help avoid the effects of dehydration.

Along with hydration, it is essential to find ways to replenish electrolyte salts while exercising.

Even a simple runny nose can use up electrolytes. Adding a sweaty workout to the mix means the person should take extra precautions.

Drinking liquids, such as coconut water, broth, miso soup, or sports drinks, may help restore these electrolytes and keep the body working as it should.

Along with regular exercise, eating a healthful diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to boost the immune system and prevent infection.

The body also needs these healthful nutrients while it is recovering from an infection.

When someone is sick, their body is trying to fight off and recover from an illness. As such, it is crucial to keep exercise light. It may not be the best idea to push the body to its limits, such as doing sprints or heavy weightlifting.

A brisk walk or bike ride may be enough to get the blood flowing without pushing the body too hard.

As a consideration to other people, it may be a good idea to avoid exercising in an enclosed space with shared equipment, such as the gym.

Some gyms even have rules that prohibit people from exercising while sick. Instead, they can choose to exercise at home or outdoors.

Most importantly, listen to the body. If a person feels exhausted just a few minutes into working out, it is probably time to stop.

It may be inconvenient, but it is much better to give the body a chance to recover and then go back to the usual exercise routine.

Choosing to work out while sick or not is an individual matter in most cases.

Light to moderate exercise may help boost the immune system to avoid sickness, and when someone is already sick, it may also help increase circulation to reduce some symptoms of a head cold.

It is important to avoid heavy or very strenuous exercise. People with more severe symptoms, such as those with a fever or a heavy cough, should also avoid exercise.

Overall, it is important to listen to the body and to stop working out if a person feels exhausted or too ill.

See more here:
Working out while sick: Should you rest or sweat it out? - Medical News Today

Simon Cowell, 60, is a busy man being a successful talent manager and television producer, so much so, its surprise if he has any time to even sleep. But the arrival of his son Eric in 2014 led to the music mogul making some changes in his life.

In an interview with Terri Seymour on ITVs Lorraine, Simon revealed his lifestyle had led to him having an irregular sleep pattern.

He explained: I was like a vampire. I realised I was going to sleep between 5 and 7 in the morning, and then the trouble with that is no matter if you get six hours or eight hours you always wake up tired.

Thats the problem, because youre not supposed to do that.

But the star revealed hes now in a better sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at reasonable times.

READ MORE:Liam Payne health: I definitely wasnt ok Singer on his past health struggles [INSIGHT]

He said: I now go to sleep at 10, I now have breakfast at 8:30. Its almost like a complete reversal.

When asked about the impact his irregularly sleep pattern was having on Eric, he answered: That was a big part of it - it just didnt feel right.

I couldnt explain to someone his age Id been working all night and Im tired in the afternoon.

It bothered me, so I thought, Im just gonna do it, and once I did it, it was simple.

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Alongside overhauling his sleep pattern, Simon said he decided to start eating better and to lose weight.

He said: You just know when youve got to make a change.

I just suddenly realised my hours, what I was eating had to change.

Also I got confused because theres so many different diets - Im never going to understand what all these things are.

Then I met this guy and he made it very basic, and I tried it, and importantly I really felt better.

Once I knew I felt better then it was just easy to stick to.

Everyone thought I had one of those gastric band things, but no, it really was just cutting out certain things.

As part of his diet overhaul, Simon has cut out many foods.

But the food he misses the most is pizza. He revealed: Of all the things I miss, I miss pizza.

Like when Erics eating a pizza Im staring at it like, I really want to eat that pizza.

Many effects of lack of sleep include feeling grump and not being able to work as well.

But the NHS warns regular sleep puts people at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It also shortens life expectancy.

The health body advises: Most of us need around 8 hours of good-quality sleep a night to function properly but some need more and some less. What matters is that you find out how much sleep you need and then try to achieve it.

See more here:
Simon Cowell health: Why the X Factor star overhauled his sleep and eating habits - Express.co.uk

Tolga Akmen/Pool/Getty Images For my first duchess-themed breakfast, I kicked things off with a bowl of oatmeal with sliced pear.

I have to be honest and say that I'm not the type of person who usually puts effort into their breakfast. Usually, I'll grab a bowl of whatever cereal we have in the office kitchen, and scroll through my morning emails between bites.

The duchess, however, enjoys a bowl of oatmeal to kick start her day, according to Self. The breakfast meal is even said to have helped combat morning sickness while she was pregnant with all three of her children.

The royal family carries out 2,000 engagements each year. Since Middleton is a full-time senior royal, it's likely that she takes part in a great deal of these - and will need a boost of energy to do so.

Although my schedule isn't as jam-packed as Middleton's, as a royals reporter it sometimes feels like it. I found that changing up my breakfast routine and staying consistent with it really boosted my own energy levels throughout the week.

I managed to stick to oatmeal every day, and kept things interesting by adding different fruits each time.

Middleton's diet contains plenty of raw foods, so I made it my mission to eat a bowl of fresh fruit or vegetables every day.

Mango, kiwi, pomegranate seeds, and blueberries made for a refreshing post-breakfast snack, and I changed this up by adding strawberries, grapes, and oranges to the mix later in the week.

Middleton favors raw foods "to achieve radiant skin," a friend of the duchess told the Mail Online - and according to a dermatologist, it actually works.

"It's a no brainer that fresh fruits are good for your skin," dermatologist Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce MD, MS previously said.

"I try to have a little fruit with every meal. Fruits like oranges, strawberries, mangoes and papayas have high amounts of vitamin C," she added. "Vitamin C is essential to forming tight collagen fibers. It also works as an antioxidant protecting your skin from damage from UV radiation and pollution.

"And while many skin care products contain vitamin C, not all of them are formulated in a way that guarantees the vitamin C will remain stable and penetrate to the target areas."

The royal is said to favor watermelon salads for the same reason, according to Delish.

My version of watermelon salad, which consists simply of watermelon (of course), cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, goat's cheese, and lettuce, quickly became my go-to lunch.

Bear in mind, I wasn't eating just raw foods for the week, so this is difficult to have an opinion on.

However, I did notice that my skin stayed clear and bright for the entire week that I was on the Kate Middleton diet. Whether this was actually down to the watermelon salads and fresh bowls of fruit, I don't know - but I'll certainly be incorporating more of these into my diet in future.

However, things quickly went downhill after I tried green juice.

Like her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, Middleton is a fan of the green juice trend, according to the Mail Online.

Half-way through the week, I paid a visit to my local Pret for a 3.99 ($5) Super Greens juice, which included a blend of cucumber, avocado, baby spinach, ginger, and apple juice.

Unlike the royals, who often favor the drink as a breakfast option, I chose to have mine after my oatmeal - and let me tell you, I'm certainly glad this wasn't my only breakfast.

Look, I know green juice is supposed to come with a multitude of health benefits - but I couldn't even finish half of the drink I had in my hand, never mind one every day for half of the week.

The duchess loves spicy chicken curry - but like Prince William, I couldn't handle the heat.

I had originally planned to put my cooking skills to the test for my first Kate Middleton dinner, but after some (okay, a little) convincing from friends I ended up in Rosa's Thai Cafe in east London instead.

The restaurant's green curry, made with chicken, aubergines, bamboo shots, basil leaves, and chilies, was pretty tasty.

However, after eating light and mild food all day, it was a bit of a shock to the system to taste something so hot and spicy. I know they say the key to good health is a balanced diet, but this was a little too much of a contrast for me.

Like the green juice, I only ended up consuming half of the portion.

I didn't feel too bad, though, as Prince William has previously said he struggles keeping up with his wife's dining habits.

While Middleton said she likes her curry hot, William said: "Me and heat, not so good."

"I love spice but not the heat," he added.

With my taste buds still burning, I only dared to eat another curry (a much milder, homemade recipe this time) once later in the week. For the majority of the time, however, I stuck to chicken-based dinners - mostly chicken and rice, so I would feel like I was at least half-way eating like the duchess.

I redeemed myself with my final duchess-themed meal, which was sushi.

I may not have dined exactly like a duchess - but the results were still pretty great.

Now this is something I could easily keep up.

Sushi is one of the duchess' favorites, according to her husband. However, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have tried the dish over the years, so this was still a relatively new experience for me.

On a first glance at the supermarket-bought sushi I had taken back to my flat, I didn't think it would be filling enough for my final duchess dinner.

Surprisingly, though, it was an ideal portion. It obviously wasn't as heavy (or spicy) as a curry, or the chicken-based meals I had consumed previously in the week, but it also wasn't as light as the watermelon salads - a happy medium.

All in all, by the end of the week I was slightly disappointed in myself for not being able to stay consistent with some of Middleton's favorite meals, such as the green juice or the curry.

However, the meals I did eat were super easy to prepare, and left me feeling energized and revitalized throughout the working week.

Related video: You Should Probably Avoid 'Celebrity Diets' (Provided by Buzz60)

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I tried to eat like Kate Middleton for a week, but I couldn't get through it without cheating - msnNOW