NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Doctor Joseph Gigante is a general physician at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and said for the first 6 months babies need breast milk or formula before being introduced to solid foods.

Vegan diet leads to infant's death, parents convicted

Unfortunately, a couple in Belgium, Germany learned through tragedy that infants need lots of nutrition. This week a judge there convicted the parents of a seven-month-old boy after he died of malnutrition because he was fed a vegan diet. The parents testified he was on a diet of milk made from oats, buckwheat, rice and quinoa.

"If you can't breast feed, go with soy formula," Gigante said.

Gigante does not recommend vegan diets for infants but said it can be done safely, "I think you have to be very careful about the intake the child is getting. Especially with a vegan diet, parents who choose to go that route really need to be informed about nutrition, be informed about the nutrients that are in the diet, in the foods and also with regard to protein."

He does advise parents, however, to be weary of fad or restrictive diets for their babies and always consult with your family physician. "If a parent wanted to do some kind of alternative diet, it's something to really sit down and discuss with their pediatrician or their healthcare provider and really detail and list what the diet is and having that individual or health care provider really look at," said Gigante.

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Americans think of themselves as can-do people, but there is a battle they have been mostly losing for decades.

Today, 70 percent of Americans who have attained the age of 20 are overweight, and 38 percent are obese. A result of such flabby numbers has been widespread dieting, with mixed results.

A diet that has gotten some headlines in recent years is the ketogenic, or keto, diet. There is nothing new about its driving mechanism: the reduction of carbohydrate consumption. The Atkins diet of the 2000s also urged dieters to cut down on carbs, as does the "low carb, high fat" diet.

Atkins and LCHF can attain what the keto diet also seeks: ketosis, where the body obtains some energy from water soluble ketone bodies in the blood, as opposed to using blood glucose through glycolysis.

Health food stores are often visited by people following low-carbohydrate diets.

"People can ask for the keto bowl, but we call it the Protein Fat Bomb," said Eric McKee, who runs the kitchen at Oasis Health Foods. "We use turkey or chicken - usually turkey. It has coconut oil, which is a healthy fat. Some people have a personal preference for something like avocado."

McKee said creating a keto diet dish is difficult because carbs are ubiquitous.

"The Protein Fat Bomb is not on the menu," McKee said. "People have to ask for it, and we can tailor it. They usually want some modification. Sprouts have a few carbs, but they add a lot of flavor. Cheese is also good. I think it is also important to use ingredients that are delicious by themselves, so you can use them in other ways."

A number of Oasis customers are on the keto diet, and McKee said those who decided to follow it are taking on a serious regimen.

"The keto diet is pretty hardcore and challenging," he said. "If you absolutely have to lose weight, it is one way to do it, and we are a great place to find foods to follow the diet. Also, you need to have some carbs, and when you first go on the diet, your body has to adjust, and

a person can almost feel sick. We can help with the carb crash."

Though low-carb diets have enjoyed popularity for some time, they are not without controversy. While the diets have not been condemned outright by medical groups, there is skepticism.

The keto diet is recent, and there are few statements about its effectiveness, but commenting on low-carb diets in general, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wrote in 2005 that they are not conducive to long-term weight management.

The American Heart Association believes high-protein diets are tough on the heart, the American Dietetic Association stated in 2003 that too many calories of any kind cause weight gain, and several foreign health services have taken similar positions.

Conversely, the American Diabetic Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians, while not offering enthusiastic support for low-carb diets, have acknowledged them as a method of losing weight in the short term.

Since carbohydrates cause blood sugar to spike, most doctors advise diabetics to limit their intake.

"A lot of people want to lose weight," said Kenneth Gibson, D.O., of the NeoHealth clinic in Hulbert. "Let your doctor know if you plan to change your diet, and the diet should be monitored to adjust for any missing nutrients."

Heather Winn, family and consumer sciences educator for Oklahoma State University's Cherokee County Cooperative Extension Service, endorses a "rainbow diet" with sensible portions.

"As Extension educators, we recommend the diet on MyPlate.gov," Winn said. "It suggests a variety of lean meats, all different colors of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. You want to eat a lot of different foods, but also try to limit fat and sugar intake. They have long lists of foods for each category, and they promote a healthy diet, especially for children. We recommend these foods unless otherwise directed by your physician."

Winn also pointed to the necessity of being active. Calories ingested must be used.

"Part of what we do is teach yoga for kids and we have lots of programs in the schools," she said. "We go to the Head Starts and day cares. Not only do you need to eat healthy, but the calories in need to be equal to calories out to maintain a healthy weight."

What's next

A group of local residents has begun following the keto diet. In a few months, the Press will report on their progress.

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'Keto' diet good for quick weight loss, but caution advised - Tahlequah Daily Press

The star of This Morning always looks incredible - here are the secrets of her famous good looks

THE DARLING of daytime TV Holly Willoughby has managed to steal our hearts with her girlish giggles and friendly nature.

Since joining This Morning back in 2009 Holly has cemented her place as the nations favourite presenter.

Rex Features

Rex Features

The stunning blonde is known for her flowing locks and gorgeous curves which have been the subject of much attention in recent weeks.

Fans have followed Holly eagerly as her shape has changed with over the years.

Since 2009, Holly has given birth to three adorable children Harry, 8, Belle, 6, and Chester, 2, meaning her figure has fluctuated as her shape changed with pregnancy.

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Rex Features

No matter what size Holly is, she always manages to carry herself well, looking equally as stunning at size 12 as she does at size 8.

Holly has been consistently cautious about discussing her diet and exercise regime publicly for fear it would encourage radical diets and people to try and copy her techniques.

In an interview with the Daily Mail Holly said: A lot of women, and particularly celebrities, talk about this, and I think it is very unhelpful.

Before adding: Everyones journey is individual. I dont want to go on the record saying I did this or that, and then have other women read it and think they have to go and do the same.

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When Holly started on This Morning in 2009 after the birth of her first child, she was naturally slight larger, and her weight has continued to change as she gave birth to two more babies.

Holly has previously said: As long as Im being healthy, thats good enough for me.

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Im quite active and I try not to let the way I look be the main focus because its not the important thing.

More recently Holly has been wowing fans and showing off a slimmer frame following her incredible weight loss.

Over the past few weeks, the mum-of-three has become a talking point among fans, whove been desperate to know how Hollyachieved hernew svelte figure.

Instagram

The Sun Online exclusively revealed that size 12Hollyembarked on Pilates which has assisted her toned physique.

Following the birth of her daughter Belle, in 2011, Holly has worked on strengthening her core and sculpting a six pack in weekly Pilates sessions at her plush home, led by Lynne Robinson, director of London-based Body Control Pilates.

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Holly Willoughby's diet secrets and how her curves have come and gone over the years - The Sun

We can't control some causes of this illness, but mindful eating could help

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Dementia is one of the direst afflictions associated with modern increases in longevity, as the likelihood of developing the disease increases dramatically as the human brain ages. Some form of dementia affects an estimated 47.5 million people worldwide, and of this number, somewhere between 60 and 80 percent suffer from Alzheimers disease the rest suffering from related conditions such as vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinsons disease dementia, and several other forms. Because of its prevalence, Alzheimers has been the one most frequently studied to determine what factors and behaviors can put patients at a higher risk, and whether any strategies or therapies can prevent it.

While genetics, age, and family history all crucial in determining dementia risk are beyond our control, there are studies indicating that diet and lifestyle can contribute to the likelihood of developing dementia. Those who suffer from cardiovascular disease, for instance, are more likely to develop Alzheimers than those who dont. According to the Alzheimers Association, autopsy studies show that as many as 80 percent of individuals with Alzheimers disease also have cardiovascular disease. These statistics should be a wakeup call about the importance of heart health for all those who dont eat as carefully as they should.

Of interest to those inclined to pursue proactive dietary measures to ward off dementia, a study published in 2015 in Alzheimers & Dementia: The Journal of the American Alzheimers Associationsuggests that the so-called MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet can lower the risk of developing Alzheimers by up to 53 percent for those who follow it diligently. This regimen incorporates aspects of the more widely known DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.

The diet highlights 10 food groups that are good for your brain green leafy vegetables (as well as other vegetables), nuts, beans, berries, fish, whole grains, poultry, olive oil, and wine and five that arent butter and margarine, cheese, red meats, sweets, and fried/fast food. For the diet to work best, you should eat at least three servings of whole grains, salad, one other vegetable, and a glass of wine each day, while snacking on nuts most days. You should consume beans roughly every other day, fish at least once during the week, and poultry and berries twice a week.

Among the millions of people suffering from Alzheimers is famed cookbook writer Paula Wolfert, a member of The Daily Meal Council. At the age of 72 she sensed something was wrong when she realized that shed forgotten how to make an omelette, but she wasnt diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimers disease until several years later. Following her diagnosis, she began working with the Alzheimers Association to raise awareness of the disease and develop superfood smoothie recipes, using vegetables as recommended in the MIND-DASH diet, to help others stave off memory loss.

While there are other studies that suggest that various beverages such as beer (due to its hops content)or coffee (if you drink at least three cups a day) can help prevent Alzheimers, if you're serious about minimizing your chances of suffering from dementia later in life, you'll want to follow the well-studied MIND diet. Dont hesitate to try the diet just because youre afraid you wont be able to stick to it rigorously youll still be lowering your risk by 35 percent just by following the guidelines moderately well.

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Women's Health

7 Sneaky Ways You Can Add Fat To Your Diet To Lose Weight Women's Health Fat phobia drove dieting for a long time. Raise your hand if you used to nom on fat-free Snack Wells or Cheezits back in the day. And it makes sense that we'd see this nutrient as the bad guy since fat has more calories per serving than other nutrients ...

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7 Sneaky Ways You Can Add Fat To Your Diet To Lose Weight - Women's Health

Tis the season of beaches, ballgames and BBQs! But just because summer is here, you shouldnt take a vacation from healthy eating. Use these slimming strategies to avoid summers worst diet saboteurs:

Summer Saboteur #1: Beaches and Ballparks

Days spent at the beach or in the bleachers can be some of the best ways to savor the summer but they can also lead to diet disasters. Corn dogs, fried dough, nachos and cheese, burgers and fries at the ballpark may fill you up, but theyll also add on pounds if theyre more than just an occasional indulgence.

Smart Solutions: Save money, time, and your waistline by packing your own meals and snacks. For a lunch that satisfies, pack a hummus and veggie wrap. TRY: Pump up the protein by using a protein-rich wrap like Flatout Light (9 grams protein, 8 grams fiber for just 90 calories).

Summer Saboteur #2: Ice Cream

Nothing feels like summer more than a cold dish of creamy ice cream on a sweltering day. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the average American consumes more than 23 pounds of ice cream per year! But the sweet delight of one of summers best treats comes with a high calorie price: a cup of premium ice cream has a whopping 500 calories 25 grams of sugar (about 6 teaspoons).

The good news is you dont have to give up ice cream to keep your hard-earned swimsuit body. New, creamier lower calorie options can help you enjoy your favorite frozen treat -- guilt-free. TRY: Halo Tops Vanilla Bean ice cream has just 120 calories per cup thats a fraction of typical premium brands. Whats more, a one-cup serving has 10 grams of filling protein to keep you satisfied. Another option is portion-controlled novelties like 100 percent fruit pops, light ice cream sandwiches and fudge bars that have about 100-150 calories each.

Summer Saboteur #3: Cookouts

For most people, BBQ season means burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Navigating a summer cookout without blowing your calorie budget may seem impossible, but with a few smart swaps you can cut calories and boost nutrition, without sacrificing taste.

Smart Solutions: If its burgers youre craving, use the leanest ground beef possible (ground sirloin is leaner) or ground turkey breast. Add moisture and nutrition by mixing meat with an egg, chopped onion and other veggies. If youre like me, you may want to skip the meat altogether and grill up delicious Portabello mushroom burgers. TRY: One of my favorite summer meals is a rich Portabello mushroom burger topped with greens, avocado, tomato, grilled onion and a slice of Swiss cheese.

For hot dogs, you can slash saturated fat by choosing chicken or turkey based varieties over beef. There are also some great tasting vegetarian dogs on the market that are low in both calories and saturated fat. TRY: Applegates turkey hot dogs have just 50 calories, 7 grams of protein and 1gram of saturated fat compared to 150 calories and five grams of saturated fat in most beef hot dogs.

Summer Saboteur #4: High Calorie Sips

Remember that hydration needs are greater in the summer time heat, but shakes and smoothies, energy drinks, sweet iced coffee concoctions topped with whipped cream, and even sweetened iced tea and lemonade can add hundreds of calories a day to your diet not to mention calorie-laden alcoholic beverages like frozen daiquiris, pia coladas, and margaritas.

Smart Solutions: If you want a quick and (relatively) painless way to slash calories from your daily diet, opt for low and no calorie drinks like water. (Hint: Make it fun and fizzy by using sparkling water, fresh berries, and a twist of lemon or lime.) Also try unsweetened iced tea, and remember to keep alcohol to 1 drink or less per day.

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