We are already seeing a shift from animal-based to plant-based protein. The next evolution from land-based to air-based protein will allow us to [feed] a growing population without needing to remove rainforests or natural habitats. Air Protein CEO Dr. Lisa Dyson

The challenges plaguing our current global food system are staggering. The double burden of both widespreadhunger and obesity sees one in threepeoplecurrently suffering from some form of malnutrition. Some 795 million people facehunger on a daily basis, while more than two billion people lack vitalmicronutrients in their diet, such as iron, zinc and vitamin A.

Disease, health problems and early deaths are estimated to cost world economiesroughly $2trillion,with undernutrition negatively impacting GDP by 11 percent every year.

Climate change and land usechangesare exacerbating the problem, with higher carbon dioxide levels reducing thenutritional make-up of grains and legumes, affecting key nutrients such as zincand iron.

Meanwhile, food production uses 70 percent of all fresh water and contributesaround a third of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It ispredictedthat by 2050, we will need 120 percent more water and 42 percent more croplandif were to continue feeding the planet in the same way. We will also lose 14percent more forest and produce 77 percent more GHGs.

And as our population soars over the next 35 years, we need to produce more foodthan has ever been produced since life on Earth began (and not waste 40 percentofitalong the way) with limited new land available for agriculture.

Clearly, business-as-usual is not an option; innovation in the food industry iscrucial if we are to feed 10 billion people by the middle of the century.

In fact, we are in need of radical food innovation, saysKiverdi the carbon-transformation specialists behind AirProtein, which is pioneering a new era ofsustainable food production.

Back in the 1960s, scientists atNASAspent lots of time trying to work out ways to produce food for year-longmissions in deep space. They knew astronauts had limited space and resources, sofound ways to transform carbon into nutrients.

But, as Air Protein CEO Dr. Lisa Dyson recently told Sustainable Brands, Theirideas were never completed; they just sat on the shelf for decades.

Fast-forward a few decades and Dyson and her team have built acarbon-transformation technology based on NASAs ideas that is now set to takethe world by storm making delicious, nutritious foods from elements of the airwe breathe.

With this process, we will sustainably produce protein in a way that requiresorders of magnitude less land versus alternative forms of food production. Andit will enable us to serve the mission of feeding 10 billion people by 2050without the need to remove more rainforests in search of arable land.

How does the technology work? Well, the company takes elements found in the air such as CO2, oxygen and nitrogen as well as some renewable power, and uses a(proprietary) natural probiotic production process that converts the elementsinto nutrients.

The result is Air Protein a neutral ingredient in both color and taste, butwith the same amino acid profile as animal protein. This can then be used tomake a host of different foods from burgers and cereals to meat-free meat andeven cookies. It can also be paired with spices and seasonings to make snacksand meals.

Protein is a part of meals that we each have multiple times a day. Because weare making a neutral flour, Air Protein can be a part of countless recipes toadd protein to any dish or to replace other protein sources, says Dyson, aformer Boston Consulting Group employee who describes herself as amission-driven entrepreneur.

And crucially, its rich in all of the essential amino acids needed for ahealthy diet as well as vitamins such as B12, which is traditionally lackingfrom a vegandiet.

There are plenty of environmental benefits, too. First, the production of AirProtein is completely natural, free of any pesticides or herbicides. It requires10,000 times less land and 2,000 times less water than soy protein production.It can be made in just a few hours, unlike traditional crops; and doesnt relyon rain or sunshine. The company is keen to point out that, although more andmore people are eating flexitariandietsto reduce their meat consumption, meatless meat is traditionally made using soyor pea proteins, which are still land- and water-intensive to produce.

Were pioneering a new category: air-based food production, Dyson added. Whilethe business is currently focused on using its technology to create much moresustainable protein, Dyson says it is in discussions with a number of interestedpartners to scale efforts.

We want to usher in a new era of sustainability. We are already seeing a shiftfrom animal-based protein to plant-based protein for both environmental andhealth reasons. Air Protein is the next evolution: from land-based protein toair-based protein. [This] will allow us to meet the demands of a growingpopulation without needing to remove rainforests or natural habitats.

Published Oct 17, 2019 8am EDT / 5am PDT / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST

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Could Air-Based Foods Be the Alternative Diet Trend That Saves the Planet? - Sustainable Brands

KYW Newsradios Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) If you had to pick the best diet based on scientific evidence, it would have to be the Mediterranean diet.

Over the years, numerous studies have talked of the advantage of this diet when it comes to the prevention of heart disease and cancer.

Now, there is a new study which finds that adhering to the Mediterranean diet could be helpful in reducing the loss of bone mass after menopause.

The diet actually protects the bone and the bone mineral density and is relatively simple to understand. It's suggested that you eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grain, and fish while poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt should be eaten rarely. Red meat should be avoided.

Virgin olive oil is also a staple of the diet.

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KYW Medical Report: Benefits of the Mediterranean diet | KYW - KYW Newsradio 1060

There are many different routes slimmers can go down when they are trying to shape up. Some may focus on their diet while others will choose to ramp up their exercise regime. If trying to exercise more, not all sports are equal with some activities promising to help you burn nearly 1000 calories in just one hour, according to research by LiveRugbyTickets.co.uk. What are the top ten exercises to burn calories?

With most people willing to dedicate one hour to a gym class, the research looked at over 30 different sports and how many calories they could burn in that time.

1. Squash - 886 calories

2. Running - 738 calories

3. Rugby - 738 calories

4. Martial Arts - 738 calories

5. Skipping - 738 calories

6. Boxing - 664 calories

7. BMX or Mountain Biking - 627 calories

8. Swimming - 591 calories

9. Rock Climbing - 591 calories

10. Football - 591 calories

Comparing the various sports, playing squash came out on top with players burning around 886 calories in just one hour.

Running, martial arts and playing rugby came out as a close second with gym goers able to burn off around 738 calories from the activity.

The research also revealed the sporting activities which are less likely to burn extra calories.

1. Yoga - 185 calories

2. Surfing - 221 calories

3. Pilates - 221 calories

4. Sailing / Windsurfing - 221 calories

5. Weightlifting - 221 calories

6. Walking - 244 calories

7. Table Tennis - 295 calories

8. Gymnastics - 295 calories

9. Horse Riding - 295 calories

10. Golf - 332 calories

Those who prefer a more tame gym session will need to work harder to shift the weight with yoga burning the lowest amount of calories per hour.

Weightlifting, pilates and surfing were also among some of the lowest burners and fitness fanatics would only lose about 221 calories through the activities.

Sports including table tennis, gymnastics and golf will also leave slimmers struggling to feel the burn.

When losing weight, combining an exercise plan with a weight loss diet can give the quickest results.

Surprisingly, adding more high carb foods into the diet could be a good way to get into shape.

Original post:
The top ten exercises to help you lose weight revealed - which burns the most calories? - Express

When it comes to breast cancer risk, some things are beyond a persons control.

Women might not be able to do much in regard to their genetic makeup and family history, each of which can elevate their risk for breast cancer, but many risk factors are within womens control. A healthy diet and routine exercise may help women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, while poor lifestyle choices can increase that risk.

The physical changes that can result from breast cancer are well-known. However, breast cancer also can lead to emotional changes. In fact, tr

For example, being overweight is a strong risk factor for breast cancer for women who are 18 and older, advises Stanford Health Care. Even 10 percent weight gain (or 15 pounds on a 150-pound woman) increases breast cancer risk as well as the risk of recurrence.

Diet and exercise can play a pivotal role in reducing breast cancer risk, and its important for women to understand just how much good healthy diets and routine exercise can do for them in regard to fighting breast cancer.

Stanford Health Care says some studies suggest limiting dietary fats in the diet, particularly those that come from animals, to reduce breast cancer risk. These include butter, full-fat dairy, poultry skin, and fatty meats. Reducing intake of dietary fats, especially animal fats, may protect against diseases sensitive to hormones, like breast cancer.

Data from the Womens Healthy Eating and Living study suggests that soy consumption from whole foods and soy milk for any breast cancer type is probably safe, despite public perceptions. Avoid soy supplements and concentrated soy that comes in many soy protein powders until more about their effects is known.

The American Cancer society links alcohol consumption to a higher risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher his or her cancer risk. The ACS recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. A five-ounce glass of wine is considered one drink.

Susan G. Komen says a high body mass index has been associated with increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer. Exercise may help reduce risk by altering metabolism, hormones and breast density.

Inflammation is an immune system response to injury or illness. However, when inflammation is chronic, it can damage DNA and lead to cancer, advises the National Cancer Institute. Deep marine fish; dark, leafy green vegetables; bright, multi-colored vegetables; black teas; and spices like turmeric can help fight or prevent inflammation.

The ACS recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week (or a combination), preferably spread throughout the week to keep body weight in check.

Stanford Health Care says consumption of high amounts of sugar can increase insulin levels and result in weight gain, each of which can lead to breast cancer. Limit intake of sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates, opting for healthy alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, dairy, and soy milk. Diet and exercise is vital to overall health and can help women reduce their risk for breast cancer.

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Using diet and exercise to prevent breast cancer - Fort Bend Herald

High blood pressure occurs when blood places an extra strain on artery walls and the heart. Over time, this additional strain damages delicate arterial tissues and can result in fatal cardiovascular conditions. Luckily, simple diet changes like eating a particular superfood can lower high blood pressure reading.

Include Flaxseed

Long used in Asian and some European dishes, flaxseed has been proven to be very effective in lowering blood pressure. The Hypertension journal published a Canadian study that revealed those who added to their daily diet around thirty grams of flaxseed enjoyed a drop in their systolic blood pressure by an average of 15mm Hg. Their diastolic blood pressure also dropped an average of eight mm Hg. Systolic is the top number, while diastolic is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Sprinkling flaxseed to meals helps lower blood pressure Photo: alexdante - Pixabay

In the study, researchers revealed that blood pressure levels decreased in persons who added flaxseed in their meals. They also said results point out the risk of such persons having strokes went down by at least 50% while the risk of heart attacks also decreased by 30%.

Similar studies also indicate that consuming flaxseeds with daily meals for over three months can lower blood pressure by at least two mmHg. Although the amount may seem only a little, evidence points out that reduction by two mmHg in blood pressure also decreases the risk of suffering a fatal stroke by at least 10% and from heart disease by at least seven percent.

On the other hand, those who take placebo supplements saw their systolic blood pressure slightly go up while their diastolic pressure remained constant. As noted by Blood Pressure UK, the drop in systolic blood pressure is very important as this is the point where the heart starts squeezing blood to various parts of the body. Systolic pressure is the best determinant of whether a person is at a heightened risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

Other Foods

Flaxseeds, according to various medical studies, are a rich source of fiber. The National Health Service says that consuming a low-calorie diet, which includes lots of food rich in fiber, can help lower blood pressure. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, at least five portions every day can also help a great deal in lowering blood pressure.

Continued here:
Lower Your Blood Pressure Reading By Adding Flaxseed To Your Daily Diet - International Business Times

Paleo diet is a diet inspired by primitiveeating habits of humans in the Palaeolithic era, which existedthousands of years ago in 8000 BC. In the Paleolithic era, human development had just started with no signs of civilization.Humans in thatera were dependent on hunting practices for food. The Paleo diet has garnereda lot of popularity in recent times due to its impeccable results aiding to weight loss.

Also Read:GM Diet Plan: The Complete 7-day Diet Plan Which Helps You Lose Weight

Paleo diet strictly prevents you from eating any canned or junk food and primarily focuses on eating non-vegetarian food items like fish, prawns, and boiled chicken. The focal point of the Paleo diet is to go back to our roots and rectifying our unhealthy eating trends in the best manner possible. The Paleo diet helps in organically losing weight without making you feel lethargic and indolent.

Also Read:Flax Seeds Benefits: Five Different Health Perks Of The Crop

Also Read:Keto Diet: Pros And Cons Of Following The Ketogenic Diet In Daily Life

From the experts perspective take a look at how your meals will be like on a Paleo diet:

Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice. In case of health advisory kindly check with your doctor before following this diet as therecould be different results for different individuals.

Also Read:Mushroom Ravioli Recipe: How To Make Mushroom Ravioli At Home

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Paleo Diet: Everything you need to know about the diet - Republic World - Republic World

It is our pleasure to give Diet Doctor our highest rating as our first-place winner among Low Carb Diets in 2019.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (PRWEB) October 17, 2019

TopConsumerReviews.com recently gave its highest rating to Diet Doctor, a popular low carb program that helps people around the world create a healthy lifestyle.

Low Carb Diets can be spotted everywhere, from ads on TV to the magazines in the grocery store checkout aisle. While many people ask whether they really work, a great number answer with a definite YES. Changing to the Low Carb lifestyle can be challenging: most individuals struggle to limit bread and pasta, high-sugar fruits, and other foods with lots of carbohydrates - and that doesnt even cover junk food like pizza and cookies. While making a big change to eating habits is rarely easy, there are a number of Low Carb Diets that can help the transition be less painful, through delicious recipes that come with ready-made shopping lists, different diet phases to help people tackle cravings and special occasions, and much more.

Diet Doctor is the most user-friendly, affordable Low Carb Diet that weve found, according to Brian Dolezal of TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC. All of the information on their site is scientifically sound and doctor reviewed, but with none of the gimmicky sales pressure you might find on other Low Carb Diet sites. In fact, most of the tools, resources, and even menu plans offered by Diet Doctor can be accessed at no charge. Full access to all of their resources is available for just $9/month, and that includes video courses to guide you on your low carb journey, hundreds of meal plans, and so much more. The Diet Doctor site is visually appealing, making it easy to see at a glance what a typical low carb or keto meal might look like on your plate, and to find every resource you need to succeed. We cant say enough good things about this service as a resource for demystifying the low carb approach to nutrition. It is our pleasure to give Diet Doctor our highest rating as our first-place winner among Low Carb Diets in 2019.

To find out more about Diet Doctor and other Low Carb Diets, including reviews and comparison rankings, please visit the Low Carb Diets category of TopConsumerReviews.com at https://www.topconsumerreviews.com/low-carb-diets/.

About Diet DoctorDiet Doctor is on a mission to find the most trustworthy science and practical knowledge about health, make it inspiring and simple to use, and accessible and free for everyone. Their focus is on making low carb simple for people who could benefit, empowering people everywhere to dramatically improve their health. Diet Doctor aims to provide unbiased and evidence-based information, along with free and inspiring tools to help make positive changes for a lifetime. With more than 500,000 site visits per day, Diet Doctor is the largest low carb site in the world.

About TopConsumerReviews.comTopConsumerReviews.com, LLC is a leading provider of reviews and rankings for thousands of consumer products and services. Low Carb Diets to Personal Trainers and Online Fitness Programs, TopConsumerReviews.com delivers in-depth product evaluations in order to make purchasing decisions easier.

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Low Carb Diet Plan Weighs In with Top Rating from TopConsumerReviews.com - PR Web

Montgomery, AL, Oct. 17, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)

Whether youre looking to go keto, Mediterranean, vegan, calorie counting or any other diet in order to keep yourself trim this fall, theres no doubt were entering the most difficult season to stick with your diet. Given the number of festivities that take place at work, school or at home, these are all opportunities not only to consume unhealthy meals and snacks, its also a time that is traditionally known for overeating. The truth is that while many of these diets may be effective, sticking to them is where many dieters will become frustrated during this season. DietDemands team of certified weight loss doctors and coaches are encouraging dieters to not give up but to instead receive professional guidance and extra support.

DietDemand offers weight loss coaching and doctor-approved diet plans to keep customers on track, with simple plans that can be followed from the comfort of home. This means, no travel to a weight loss clinic in person. All consultations, coaching sessions, and follow ups are completed by phone or email so that you can lose weight privately and conveniently. DietDemands assigned doctor will prescribe powerful weight loss aids such as appetite suppressants, mood stabilizers, fat blockers, and a host of others to help you lose weight this fall.

These medications can range from Low Dose Naltrexone, which helps reduce appetite between meals and reduce stress levels in the body, the prescription Appetite Zap, a simple appetite suppressant designed to safely and effectively curb hunger. Want a free, no obligation consultation with DietDemand? Call or easily and effortlessly visit https: http://www.dietdemand.com/ to complete an initial comprehensive, yet simple, health questionnaire and schedule an immediate personal, no-cost consultation. DietDemands physicians all received specialized training in nutritional science and fast weight loss. DietDemand reviews each patients health history to create a personalized diet plan geared for fast weight loss, or that addresses life-long issues causing weight loss to slow down or stop. Nutritionists work personally with each patient and use their own algorithm to craft meal and snack plans that are compatible with each patients age, gender, activity level, food preferences, nutritional needs and medical conditions. They combine these state of the art diet plans with pure, prescription diet products that enable their patients to resist the temptation to reach for sugary snacks, eliminate fatigue and curb the appetite. Over 97% of DietDemand patients report incredible weight loss results with the majority losing 20 or more pounds per month.

At DietDemand, all patients gain unlimited access to the best minds in the business. Their staff of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and coaches are available six days per week to answer questions, offer suggestions, address concerns and lend their professional guidance and support. Because of this, more and more people are turning to DietDemand for their weight management needs. Diet plans are tailored to be specific to the needs of those of any age, gender, shape or size and for those who are struggling to lose that final 10-20 pounds to those who must lose 100 pounds or more. Call today to request a private, confidential, no-cost online consultation.

About the Company:

DietDemand is the nations leader in medical, weight loss offering a full line of prescription medication, doctor, nurse and nutritional coaching support. For over a decade, DietDemand has produced a sophisticated, doctor designed weight loss program that addresses each individual specific health need to promote fast, safe and long-term weight loss.

DietDemand Contact Information:

Providing care across the USA

Headquarters:

Escondido, CA

(888) 786-9568

info@dietdemand.com

http://www.dietdemand.com/

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DietDemand Reveals The Best Weight Loss Strategy For Dieters This Fall Season - Financialbuzz.com

Veggie burgers are nothing new but the new wave of plant-based impossible burgers are said to taste like meat.

ThisWeek staffers answer the question: Are plant-based burgers the next big thing?

Scott Hummel: It's certainly taking root. Who knows how long that fad will last?

Nate Ellis: No.

Sarah Sole: I think they have been pretty popular already.

Lisa Proctor: I have a beef with this whole plant-based burger trend. Just serve the vegetables in the regular way - spoon them onto the plate. Don't turn them into patties.

Dennis Laycock: I hope not. I feel like vegetarian food is best when it relies on its own flavors and doesn't try to emulate meat.

Abby Armbruster: They've already been the "next big thing" as of a few years ago. For this vegetarian, it makes me happy to know that, by now, most restaurants have a veggie burger on the menu.

Neil Thompson: I think they absolutely are a huge trend right now. But I'll stick with the classic options of beef or bison patties.

Chris Pugh: Not in my house.

Lee Cochran: Seem to be, but I'm not interested.

====

Oct. 11, 2019: Would you drink a vegetable smoothie?

Savory smoothies have become a staple for those who try to get more vegetables in their diet. But others take pause, concerned about the flavor.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the question: Would you drink a vegetable smoothie?

Scott Hummel: Oh, yeah. I actually drink at least one a week that has spinach in it. Celery is a strong flavor, though, so keep it to a minimum.

Nate Ellis: I'd probably sip one.

Sarah Sole: Sure thing, if it came with plenty of fruit ingredients as well.

Lisa Proctor: I will stick with fruit smoothies.

Dennis Laycock: That greatly depends on what vegetables were in it.

Abby Armbruster: I have before. The "green" smoothies with spinach or kale are good when mixed with fruits like pineapple, banana and oranges.

Neil Thompson: A vegetable smoothie needs to be based on kale, or it doesn't work, in my opinion.

Chris Pugh: Depends on the vegetable.

Lee Cochran: I've drank probably every kind of smoothie possible. Veggies would be no problem, but I'll go one step further than Hummel no celery.

====

Escargots ala Bourguignonne among Frances most famous culinary preparations are rich with butter, aromatic with garlic and shallots, and earthy with snails and parsley.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the question: How do you feel about escargots ala Bourguignonne?

Lisa Proctor: Ill at ease.

Scott Hummel: I'll bet I ask myself 30 times a day: "Hummel, how do you feel about escargots ala Bourguignonne?" Still thinking about it.

Neil Thompson: Curious. I've had snail dishes a time or two, and I would try it again.

Nate Ellis: Ambivalent.

Abby Armbruster: Escargots can es-car-go someplace far away from me.

Dennis Laycock: Honestly, it's the overpowering garlic flavor of the sauce, not the snails, that puts me off of escargot.

Chris Pugh: I don't feelings about things I've never heard of.

Sarah Sole: I would escar leave it. Yes? No? I'll just see myself out.

Lee Cochran: I've never once thought about that and in 30 seconds I'll forget I ever did.

====

Coconut shrimp long has been considered one of the classic food pairings, the sweet, toasty coconut playing well with the brininess of the shrimp, and usually a sweet sauce for dipping.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the questions: How does coconut shrimp sound?

Lisa Proctor: A little too sweet, but you had me at the word shrimp.

Scott Hummel: I love shrimp, almost to an unhealthful fault. I love coconut nearly as much. I'm not crazy about coconut shrimp.

Neil Thompson: Delicious.

Nate Ellis: It sounds like shrimp with at least a dash of coconut.

Abby Armbruster: I haven't had it since college, but I remember loving it. Coconut matches well with the deep-fried breading of the shrimp.

Dennis Laycock: It's pretty much the best way to eat shrimp, in my opinion.

Chris Pugh: Good, but only if you hold the shrimp.

Sarah Sole: I'm good with just the coconut part.

Lee Cochran: I like coconut and I like shrimp. Not together. As Offspring sang, You gotta keep em separated."

====

ThisWeek staffers answer the question: Is it becoming more acceptable to put corn in desserts?

Lisa Proctor: Don't you put corn in my desserts.

Scott Hummel: High-fructose corn syrup has been in desserts for decades. Might as well step it up a skosh.

Neil Thompson:Why would you even do that?

Nate Ellis: Not to me.

Abby Armbruster: Absolutely. I make an amazing cobbler that is topped with a cornmeal-cookie crust. I also make a mean corn-and-blueberry souffle.

Dennis Laycock: If the delicious sweet-corn cookie at (now closed) Acre is any indication, yes.

Chris Pugh: Corn and desserts don't belong together.

Sarah Sole: I certainly hope not.

Lee Cochran: I don't eat many desserts and I'm sure as heck not going to put corn on them when I do.

====

Sriracha has become the new ketchup for people who like spicy food. People use it for everything, from soups to dip for chicken wings.

ThisWeek staffers answer the question: Sriracha is best on what dish?

Lisa Proctor: I'm going with tacos.

Scott Hummel: Sriracha is right in my Scoville wheelhouse at 1,000-2,500 heat units, and I think I like it on Mexican dishes. Maybe not so much on Asian cuisine.

Neil Thompson: This might be strange, but I like to mix it in ketchup. It's an excellent combination.

Nate Ellis: Maybe a couple drops in pho would be alright but I cant seem to think of anything else Id put it in.

Abby Armbruster: I'm not saying this is the best application for Sriracha, but usually in my household it's drizzled on top of pizza.

Dennis Laycock: A steaming hot bowl of pho only reaches perfection once the sriracha is stirred in.

Chris Pugh: Only on dishes you don't plan to eat.

Sarah Sole: All of the dishes.

Lee Cochran: Ive used it on many foods - chicken, hamburgers, fries, Mexican foods but probably my favorite use is on eggs and potatoes or in an omelet.

====

Savory muffins come in many forms: bacon and cheddar, goat cheese and rosemary, and gruyere with apple and sage.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the question: Are savory muffins underrated?

Lisa Proctor: All muffins are underrated.

Scott Hummel: I absolutely think they're underrated.

Neil Thompson: I enjoy most types of muffins, but I think they are rated properly.

Nate Ellis: Compared to what?

Abby Armbruster: How often do you have the option to try savory muffins? Can't say they're underrated if they're not out in the world.

Dennis Laycock: Muffins are not really a part of my life, let alone savory ones.

Chris Pugh: I would rather have savory muffins than unsavory muffins.

Sarah Sole: Probably. I don't think I've had them.

Lee Cochran: Can they be underrated if they're "savory?"

====

Described as having a firm some even say chewy texture and mild flavor, fried alligator meat is growing in popularity across the United States.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the question: Would you ever eat deep-fried alligator meat?

Lisa Proctor: I would never eat anything that could potentially have eaten me or a loved one.

Scott Hummel: I once lived near Okeechobee, Florida, and somehow never managed to try alligator. At some point, I really want to. Might as well start with deep-fried gator.

Neil Thompson: Yes. I think that would be the best way to enjoy alligator, which I find a bit too chewy and dense.

Nate Ellis: Yep.

Abby Armbruster: I'll leave that for my husband to try on my behalf.

Dennis Laycock: I would and have, in the Florida Keys. I wouldn't order it again.

Chris Pugh: Only as revenge for the people that the alligator ate.

Sarah Sole: That's a hard pass for me.

====

It's the peak of the season for fresh tomatoes, often enjoyed simply in a salad with a few other ingredients.

ThisWeek News staffers answer the question: Whens the last time you had cucumber-and-tomato salad?

Lisa Proctor: Never. My cucumber salad is cucumber, onion and vinegar.

Scott Hummel: Less than a week ago. It's one of my favorites.

Neil Thompson: I have no idea. It's not a popular side on most restaurant menus.

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Staff Q&A: Are plant-based burgers the next big thing? - ThisWeek Community News

You're well aware that taking the time to pack your gifts before sending them to loved ones is importantbut even good intentions can lead to fragile items ending up broken in transit. And since the average American sends upwards of six packages in November and December, according to a 2018 FedEx survey, discovering the best way to protect your gifts while in transit is time well spent. Speaking with representatives from leading mail carriers, including the United States Postal Service and FedEx, we asked them for the answer to the question that's on everyone's mind during the holidays: What's the best way to pack and ship the items you've so painstakingly crafted as holiday gifts this year?

Related: When to Mail All of Your Holiday Gifts So They Arrive on Time, According to Officials

As anyone will tell you, shipping items on time doesn't always mean that things will go smoothly. Maybe you're shipping a hand-knit sweater that's made of angora wool yarn, an edible treat that is sensitive to high temperatures, or a delicate liquid that requires extra shipping time. All of these items are examples of things that must be packaged carefully to reach its destination without suffering a tragic end while in transit.

According to Kim Frum, a senior public relations representative for USPS, the most important tip is to pack your fragile item appropriatelyand that starts with the box. While reusing a shipping box is perfectly acceptable for softer, non-breakable items like clothing, you want to use a durable box to protect handmade items. Start by layering the bottom of your box with soft, absorbent tissue paper or shredded materials; then, if possible, bubble-wrap your item before wrapping it in a layer of tissue paper. If the gift is hollow (like a vase or bowl), then you'll want to stuff extra packing material inside the box to keep the item supported. Be sure to place the item inside the right-sized box; you don't want the box to be too small as it could rip open during transit, but too-large boxes may also collapse or continually shift the contents inside.

Believe it or not, asking for a simple "fragile" stamp on your package will help postage handlers quickly identify that it may need an extra set of hands, or be packed delicately into a truck or air cargo hold. If you're sending an item through a nearby post office, the USPS has published a collection of useful how-to videos, including best practices on packing fragile items.

FedEx Office professionals often pack fragile office trinkets and awards, which can be oddly shaped; they recommend padding these kinds of nonlinear items with at least 1-inch of bubble wrap around its base, according to Rae Lyn Rushing, a communications advisor for FedEx. In addition to the tips above, you should also reinforce the lid of your box by sealing all flaps and seams with packing tape in the shape of an "H" on the box's lid. You'll want to make sure to print out a typed label for your package that has been covered with tape; handwritten labels can smudge in bad weather, especially if it's not covered. While postage officers will often place a "fragile" tag on your package (and in the system's tracking for workers' insight), you can also use a black magic marker to cover every side of your box with the warning. Lastly, both FedEx and UPS offer packing services for customers who may need the assistanceand in some cases, they guarantee the package will arrive safely with extra complimentary insurance.

Related: DIY Holiday Food Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Believe it or not, you can send most anything in the mail domestically. But there are special rules and regulations for many of these special items, including perishable items. If you've baked a holiday pie and wish to mail it off as a Christmas gift, you can do so, but postal officials expect you to select a speed of delivery that will ensure it doesn't spoil (and disrupt mail flow) while it's in transit. It seems that perishable items, including any non-shelf-stable food items, are sent at the owner's risk, too, meaning forms of postal insurance associated with Priority and First-Class mail may not apply.

Try to pack food items as tightly as possible. If you're sending a shareable treat like fudge, brownies, or cookies, try wrapping individual servings in wax paper, then inside plastic sleeves. This gives you more opportunities to surround the goods with packing materials to keep them as stationary as possible. If you sent a dozen cookies inside a sealed plastic container, for example, they would probably end up a pile of crumbs and bits due to the movement of transportation. Homemade food of any kind cannot be sent internationally, but if you're sending a dish from one end of the country to the next, then you may wish to use dry ice to keep it cool. The USPS permits you to use dry ice as long as you place it in a box that allows the gas to slowly release (otherwise, that package may turn combustible). Rushing tells us that perishable and heat-sensitive gifts should be sent overnight, as this ensures minimal risk of spoilage overall.

Many forms of liquidfrom soaps to perfume and nail polishcan be shipped via ground transportation. However, anything flammable won't be allowed in postal cargo on planes and can't be shipped internationally. FedEx officials say that liquids should be stored in plastic containers, if possible, as this prevents breakage; using three inches of bubble wrap around the item should provide enough cushion and support. Both UPS and FedEx officials will help you pack a liquid properly and complete any special paperwork if the gift has certain restrictions; the same applies to perishable food items.

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How to Ship Holiday Gifts of All Shapes and Sizes, According to Postal Experts - Yahoo Lifestyle