UN agencies warn economic impact of COVID-19 and worsening inequalities will fuel malnutrition for billions in Asia and the Pacific

Child and maternal diets particularly vulnerable

20/01/2021, Bangkok, Thailand The economic impact of COVID-19 on the worlds most populous region is threatening to further undermine efforts to improve diets and nutrition of nearly two billion people in Asia and the Pacific who were already unable to afford healthy diets prior to the pandemic, says a new report published today by four specialized agencies of the United Nations.

The report, Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2020: Maternal and Child Diets at the Heart of Improving Nutrition found that 1.9 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in this region, even before the COVID-19 outbreak and the damage it has since caused to economies and individual livelihoods. The report was published jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Childrens Fund, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization.

Due to higher prices for fruits, vegetables and dairy products, it has become nearly impossible for poor people in Asia and the Pacific to achieve healthy diets, the affordability of which is critical to ensure food security and nutrition for all and for mothers and children in particular.

Food prices and available incomes govern household decisions on food and dietary intake. But the outbreak of COVID-19 and a lack of decent work opportunities in many parts of the region, alongside significant uncertainty of food systems and markets, has led to a worsening of inequality, as poorer families with dwindling incomes further alter their diets to choose cheaper, less nutritious foods.

Making nutritious foods affordable and accessible

More than 350 million people in the Asia and the Pacific were undernourished in 2019, or roughly half of the global total. Across the region, an estimated 74.5 million children under 5 years of age were stunted (too short for their age) and 31.5 million suffered from wasting (too thin for height). The majority of these children live in Southern Asia with nearly 56 million stunted and more than 25 million wasted. At the same time, overweight and obesity has increased rapidly, especially in South-Eastern Asia and the Pacific, with an estimated 14.5 million children under 5, being overweight or obese.

Poor diets and inadequate nutritional intake is an ongoing problem. The cost of a healthy diet is significantly higher than that of a diet that provides sufficient calories but lacks in nutritional value, showing significant gaps in the food system to deliver nutritious options to all at an affordable price. These costs are even greater for women and children, given their added nutritional needs.

The report calls for a transformation of food systems in Asia and the Pacific, with an aim to increase the affordability of, and families access to, nutritious, safe, and sustainable diets. Nutritious and healthy diets need to be accessible to everyone, everywhere. To ensure that happens, the report recommends integrated approaches and policies are needed. These steps are vital to overcome unaffordability issues, and also to ensure healthy maternal and child diets.

Improving maternal and child diets requires strengthening vital systems

Nutrition is vitally important throughout a persons life. The impact of a poor diet is most severe in the first 1000 days, from pregnancy to when a child reaches the age of 2. Young children, especially when they start eating their first foods at 6 months, have high nutritional requirements to grow well and every bite counts.

Mainstreaming nutrition-focused behaviour change campaigns throughout these systems should lead to greater knowledge uptake and sustainability of behaviours helping people to achieve healthy diets.

Education on what constitutes a healthy diet and how to create hygienic environments at home, in schools and in the community, together with investment in girls education and infrastructure that underlies good water, sanitation and hygiene practices, are critical.

Therefore, providing a nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diet for all requires coordinating with partners in the Food, Water and Sanitation, Health, Social Protection and Education systems, to collectively create an enabling environment.

Greater attention is also needed to operationalize national policies and plans to improve the delivery of health services for maternal and child diets and good nutrition outcomes. Services to improve the diets of mothers and young children should be prioritized as part of the essential package of health services needed to address undernutrition, overweight and obesity and to achieve universal health coverage.

In the meantime, social protection efforts can protect and stabilize incomes and improve access to healthy diets during disasters and crises. At least nine governments in Asia and Pacific have established a targeted mother and child COVID-19 component in their social protection systems. However, more data collection and analysis are needed to document the effectiveness of social protection in improving maternal and child diets in the region.

Bringing everyone to the table

Food systems play a critical role in achieving food and nutrition security for all. A sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food system is essential to produce diverse and nutritious foods for healthy diets. Improved efficiency and productivity of value chains can reduce the costs of essential foods to make them more affordable.

These actions are needed now more than ever because the face of malnutrition is changing in Asia and the Pacific, with highly processed and inexpensive foods readily available throughout the region. These foods are often packed with sugar and unhealthy fats and lack the vitamins and minerals required for growth and development. Consumption of these foods increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Governments need to invest in nutrition and food safety in fresh and street food markets to promote healthy diets. Regulation of sales and marketing of food for consumers, especially children, is important to curb overweight, obesity and related diseases and illness.

The report also calls for action within the private sector, as it has an important role to play in supporting the transformation of the food system and its value chains for achieving healthy diets.

Leveraging these systems, in a coordinated fashion that expands the opportunities to address barriers to accessing and consuming healthy diets, will help countries and the people of Asia and the Pacific recover faster from the economic impact of COVID-19, and be better prepared for future crises.

The report, Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2020: Maternal and Child Diets at the Heart of Improving Nutrition launched today in Bangkok, is jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Childrens Fund, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization.

Read the report

http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/news/detail-events/en/c/1370156/

#SOFI2020

For further information, contact:

Allan Dow, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Pravaran Mahat, UNICEF South Asia Regional Office

Shima Islam, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office

Kun Li, WFP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

Ruel Serrano, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office

Shamila Sharma WHO South-East Asia Regional Office

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Asia and the Pacific regional overview of food security and nutrition 2020: Maternal and child diets at the heart of improving nutrition - World -...

Author Irene Richardson - January 20, 2021January 20, 2021Loading up on veggies and more from local businesses like Local Source Market & Grocery is never a bad idea. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

It comes as no surprise that about 45% of Americans made improving their diet a New Years resolution in 2020. Forming healthy eating habits that last can be difficult with an oversaturation of information currently out there. So, we reached out to Colleen Lovett, a Clinical Health Coach at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, for advice we can trust.

With an onslaught of celebrity influencers on social media, consumers come face-to-face with promising promotions and diets guaranteeing quick results every day. While the offer may seem tempting, its more than likely not a safe solution.

If a diet offers quick results or cuts out whole food groups, these are often red flags it might not be sustainable long term. Focus on small changes you can maintain over time and work to set small, achievable goals that are realistic for you and your lifestyle.

Get-slim-quick diets arent the only things you should keep off your radar. There are little habits and misinformation in your everyday life that might be sabotaging your goals.

For example, lower calorie diets seem like the simplest way to lose weight. But they dont always provide substantial nutrition.

If you can, focus on boosting your intake with nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, fruits, leafy green vegetables and complex sources of fiber from whole grains. Plan your plate by color and eat the rainbow by including dark leafy greens, bright-colored fruits, and whole grains.

A simple formula I encourage for meal planning is a protein (chicken, beef, pork, eggs, beans, lentils), vegetable (think anything green!), a grain or carbohydrate (think brown rice, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, pasta), and a fruit.

Another challenge standing in your way is seeing healthy eating as expensive. But, everything doesnt have to be fresh to be healthy.

Its true! Frozen and canned foods can be equally as nutritious as fresh items. Additionally, be on the lookout for canned options with reduced-sodium or no added salt.

You can also give a good rinse under the sink to reduce added sodium before cooking. Frozen fruits and vegetables offer variety and can last longer than fresh produce. Look for items without seasoning or sauce to get the most nutritional value.

Since you now know what not to do, lets dive into tips that will actually get you on your way to creating healthy eating habits.

In terms of healthy eating, find areas you may be struggling in. If you are finding it hard to get enough vegetables in your day, set a goal to add something green to your plate each meal. If you skip meals or forget meals, work on setting reminders through your phone or post-it notes to ensure youre meeting your nutrition needs.

Whats another big factor that determines how we eat? Time. If your schedule makes it difficult to prepare home-cooked meals, there are still areas to find healthy options when eating out.

This looks like swapping a fruit salad for fries and choosing baked or grilled items when available. Another tipleave off part of the bun for an easy way to reduce simple carbohydrates.

Physical activity and eating go hand-in-hand, but again time restraints come into play. Try starting small, such as 10-minute intervals throughout the day.

Maybe its a quick YouTube search for a fitness video or finding a couple of your favorite songs to get you up and dancing. Turn exercise into something you love and gradually increase the amount of time a day you commit.

Soon, youll be hitting those goals without even realizing it! Check out more activities to get you moving in Birmingham while staying socially distant.

Going back to when we talked about mistakes you could be making, hydration is another one. Its possible you could be confusing hunger for thirst.

The rule of thumb for water intake is half your body weight in ounces. If this seems daunting, start small and try to aim for 8 ounces of water at meals.

Forgetting to drink? Find a water bottle you love and label it with rubber bands or tape with times of day as a reminder to get your fluids in! If you do not like water, try dropping in fresh citrus fruits or berries to add flavor without the sugar. Seltzer and sparkling water can also provide hydration with a little fizz!

Reaching for junk food when life starts to become too stressful to handle? Its a reflex a lot of people have, but there are other ways to handle the stress that wont throw you off those goals.

Sometimes stress can reduce our appetite, and sometimes stress can push us to eat for comfort. Find stress relief that works for you like journaling, walking outside, or even reading. Food journaling and noting feelings during meals can also help you focus on reasons behind eating behaviors.

Those are some pretty simple guidelines to live by and get you rocking and rolling on a healthier lifestyle. Keep in mind, however, while this is great advice to follow, theres no one-size-fits-all option.

Everyones body is different. If youre looking to make changes, reach out to your primary care physician. Blue Cross members also have access to MyBlueWellness myBlueWellness and coaching programs.

Related

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Build healthy eating habits in the New Year with advice from a registered dietician at Blue Cross - Bham Now

Food safety advice for pregnant women has been updated in New Zealand including changes to fish, certain cheeses and pasteurized dairy products.

The focus is Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, methylmercury and caffeine, as these hazards have known specific impacts on the fetus. For Salmonella and Campylobacter, associated with adverse outcomes on the pregnancy period, supporting epidemiological evidence is weaker.

New Zealand Food Safety advice on the topic during pregnancy was published in 2007. The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) helped update the guidance.

Update to adviceClaire McDonald, manager of operational research at New Zealand Food Safety, said the update provides more options and ways to reduce the chance of illness from food.

Weve looked at new foods that were not previously considered because we want pregnant women to have the most up to date food safety information so they can enjoy a diverse diet and stay healthy, she said.

Its important pregnant women know whats safe to they can avoid dangerous infections, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can affect them more severely than non-pregnant women. We know more about food safety now than we did just a few a years ago and its important people educate themselves and take simple steps such as washing produce and cooking certain foods properly.

The guidance advises thorough cooking of seed sprouts such as alfalfa or mung bean and dried herbs before eating and avoiding unpasteurized fruit juices and non-alcoholic cider. Whole melons should be washed and dried before cutting and frozen berries should be cooked thoroughly before eating.

Changes in guidanceNew Zealand Food Safety has strengthened current advice related to low acid soft pasteurized cheeses like brie, camembert, blue, ricotta, mozzarella and feta to recommend that pregnant women do not eat them unless cooked.

Current advice is to dispose of products like pasteurized milk or yoghurt two days after opening. The reviewed scientific evidence found that, if the products are refrigerated in their original packaging and care is taken not to contaminate lids when using, it is safe to follow the manufacturers on label advice.

The report suggested advice on soft serve ice cream be reconsidered. However, the expert opinion is that, given the likelihood of Listeria in the product through its processing, current instructions to avoid it during pregnancy are adequate.

Bakery products such as cakes, slices and muffins with added cream or custard should not be eaten unless the cream is newly opened and custard is homemade and fresh. Unpasteurized, raw milk should not be consumed or used and raw milk cheeses, raw fish and raw eggs should not be eaten.

Advice for any raw meat including chicken or other poultry, beef and pork or raw offal such as heart, liver and kidneys is not to eat or taste; dont touch face, mouth or eyes while preparing food; wash and dry hands after touching raw meat. Additional advice could include cleaning work surfaces and utensils and not washing raw poultry, according to the report.

Ready-made salads and coleslaws from delis should not be eaten. Pre-packaged leafy green salads are also of concern. Store-bought sushi should not be consumed while homemade can be eaten under certain conditions. Hummus and tahini are to be avoided.

There are now no restrictions on number of servings per week for gemfish, oreo dories, orange roughy, ling and smooth oreo fish species. Previous advice limited weekly servings to minimize mercury intake.

FAO and WHO analysis suggests albacore tuna, bass, hake, hapuka, skate, snapper and sprats, which are classified as three to four servings per week. could be classed as no restriction necessary.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here.)

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Research shows need to update food safety guidance for pregnant women - Food Safety News

Does microwaving chicken kill bird flu virus? Heres how to safely handle and cook poultry  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: The outbreak of bird flu, or avian influenza, in several states has not only increased fears among the public, but also created confusion about eating poultry. While experts and health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), said that individuals cannot get the bird flu from consuming properly cooked chickens and eggs, you may still have a lot of questions - whether its really safe to eat poultry, whats the safest method to cook, if the virus can be eliminated by microwaving, what precautions should you take while buying or handling raw meat, etc.

Bird flu infections in humans are rare but possible. In most reported cases, the infection in people occurred through unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. But experts worry the virus could mutate into a form that transmits more easily from person to person and may lead to a global outbreak. Perhaps, so many of us are right now concerned about bird flu and will poultry be safe to eat. So, we spoke with Dr SN Aravinda, consultant, internal medicine, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, to help clear all your doubts regarding the matter, from handling poultry properly to cooking it to the right temperature. Read on.

How safe is it to eat chicken and eggs during a bird flu outbreak?

Dr SN Aravinda: It is safe to eat as long as the meat is cooked properly and provided by a poultry supplier, which is being managed and handled hygienically. The virus cannot survive at the normal cooking temperature, so properly cooked meat does not have any risks. In case people are concerned about their meat sources or would prefer to be on the safer side, they can avoid eating chicken until the bird flu virus subsides and opt for other sources of protein are soya bean, tofu, chickpeas, etc.

Do microwaves kill viruses and bacteria such as the bird flu virus?

Dr SN Aravinda: Microwave will not be able to kill all viruses and bacteria, it depends on the temperature at which the bacteria or virus can survive and for how long. For the bird flu virus, microwave can kill it, as it typically heats up to 100C and the bird flu virus cannot survive beyond 70C. However, microwaves are mostly used for re-heating food rather than cooking. In the normal cooking stage on the stove-top or in the oven, the bird flu virus would be eliminated.

What is the safest way to handle and cook poultry during bird flu?

Dr SN Aravinda: Ensure that the poultry is coming from a trusted and hygienic source. Wash meat and eggs thoroughly before handling and cook well. Check the meat properly to ensure it is cooked properly, it should not be transparent, should look white and should be fibrous. Also, avoid eating raw eggs.

What are some precautionary measures that people can take to prevent contracting bird flu virus?

Dr SN Aravinda: This virus usually travels from bird to bird and it is rare for it to travel to humans. Only certain strains of the virus can get transmitted to humans, and so far, these have not been identified here. People who come into contact with birds - like the poultry farmers - must maintain hygiene. The farm should be disinfected properly, diseased birds must be identified and handled properly.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

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Does microwaving chicken kill bird flu virus? Heres how to safely handle and cook poultry - Times Now

It's been almost a year since we've been able to safely travel, and so many are missing exploring new places, meeting up with friends, and eating a ton of new food. And while it's not time to go exploring again just yet, the next best thing is watching a pair of pals living out your traveling dreams, which is what makes Bobby and Giada In Italy SO much fun.

The show, which is available for streaming on discovery+ now, shows Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis traveling around Italy pre-pandemic, cooking and eating amazing food, and just generally enjoying each other's company. And when Delish spoke with Bobby recently, he told us that it was all exactly as fun as it looked.

"It's almost like we were on some sort of extended vacation, but we're also working at the same time," he explained. "We were just in a great mood the entire time. We got along great. We always have a great time together."

In fact, Bobby said something about Italy makes both him and Giada (who was born in Rome) happy and relaxed, so it was fun to explore everything the country had to offer together and to bring viewers along for the ride.

"I love Giada in Italylike the person, not just the showbecause she's so relaxed there. And I feel the same way," he explained.

Once you watch the show, it's easy to see why. You'll see the pair tasting mountains of gelato (Bobby calls himself a "freak" for the stuff!), munching on porchetta sandwiches, and even making fettuccine with wild boar ragu, just to name a few activities. The show follows them visiting Rome and Tuscany, so you'll get a little bit of the city as well as a little bit of the countryside.

It's not lost on Bobby that watching the show during the COVID-19 pandemic is sure to make us all get the itch to travel. But he also said watching it back has given him hope that we'll all be back to traveling safely soon.

"It's been really hard for everyone. So it was actually a really nice moment to kind of take your mind away from what was going on, and just sort of [see] some...normalcy, in the world," he explained: "Rome has been there for some time, it's not going anywhere anytime soon. And to be able to experience that, what it did for me personally was that it gave me hope for the futurethat we're going to be back to that at some point."

If all of this has made you as hungry as it has made us, you're going to binge the whole show. It is available on discovery+ right now, and Verizons partnership with the streaming service allows Verizon customers with Unlimited plans to enjoy up to 12 months of discovery+ for free. New customers who sign-up for Fios Gigabit Connection can also receive 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. Once you have that, all that's left to do is pop some focaccia in the oven and enjoy!

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Bobby Flay Said He And Giada De Laurentiis Were In The Best Moods While They Filmed In Italy - Delish.com

Winter fat bike Tennessee Pass Nordic Center in Leadville, Colorado. Photo credits - Tim Gormley, Jr.

Leadville will continue with its outdoor sporting events this winter with two of their upcoming races being held virtually in order to keep the community and participants safe and healthy.

This year the annual cross-country ski race Leadville Loppet will allow participants to complete the race for the entire month of February, ending on Sunday, February 28. Those competing in the race can complete it either in Leadville or wherever they please.

Kilometers skied can be logged by participants via skate ski for the entire month, earning Leadville-themed digital badges by email when they reach a milestone distance of anywhere from 5K to 200K. The race will be held on Mineral Belt Trail and costs $15 to register.

The Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series is another race that will be held as a self-timed race open to fat bikers, skiers, snowshoers and snowbladers to encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors and bike trails. The series will consist of five bike races which will benefit Cloud City Wheelers which built over 20 miles of trails within Lake County.

Leadville racers are required to bring their own water and nutrition and be prepared for repairs.Those interested in participating in the bike series but cannot travel to Leadville can join the race on their local trails at home while still supporting the cause.

Participants who achieve the fastest times earn a prize while everyone who registered will be entered into a prize drawing. Each race costs $20 to register or $75 to register for all five.

Races and their dates in theLeadville Winter Mountain Bike Series are as follows:

For more information regarding the 2021 Leadville Loppet or the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series, includingregistration for each race, visit:www.cloudcitywheelers.com/race

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Leadville's Winter Race Season Continues Virtually to Keep People Safe and Moving Outdoors - North Forty News

FN Media Group Presents Microsmallcap.com Market Commentary

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --While the food industry has seen a steady shift towards offering more plant-based options to their product lines, 2020 was indeed a mega-year for plant-based investment. In just the first three months of 2020 alone, US plant-based protein investment took in US$741 million. The global plant-based protein market is expected to continue a large growth trend, as it's projected by Emergen Research to grow to over US$16.6 billion by 2027. On the road to get there, several innovative companies are offering the market a wide variety of vegan-friendly options in both home delivery and other options, including from PlantX Life Inc. (CSE: VEGA) (OTCQB: PLTXF), Eat Beyond Global (CSE: EATS) (OTCPK: EATBF), NEXE Innovations (CSE: NEXE), good natured Products Inc. (TSXV: GDNP) (OTCPK: SLGBF) and Plant & Co Brands (CSE: VEGN).

Serving a growing number of customers with a straight-to-home delivery convenience option, PlantX Life Inc. (CSE:VEGA) (OTCQB:PLTXF) recently announced the addition of meal programs to its already-operating meal delivery services platform. The company's current offerings include chef-designed meals, and a selection of more than 10,000 plant-based products right to the customers' doors.

Between April and October 2020 alone, PlantX already sold and delivered more than 10,000 mealsof which includes menus from a variety of celebrity chefs.

By cultivating a subscription-based "set and forget" option, PlantX has now enhanced their home-meal delivery service for consumers to have as many as 5 full days' worth of nutritionally-balanced meals delivered to their door.

These new meal programs are provided in partnership with "Upmeals" and delivered from their HACCP-certified production facility. Meals for the programs will be curated by Ms. Amy Gensel RD, CSNC and will be positioned as a simple way to incorporate healthy and nutritious meals for the PlantX community. As per the agreement, Gensel joins the PlantX Medical Advisory Board.

"We couldn't be happier to have Amy on the Medical Advisory Board and helping us curate the meal programs. We're committed to educating the public about healthy living, and this is another step in the journey," said PlantX CEO, Julia Frank. "PlantX is focused on creating the ultimate customer experience that provides customers with flexibility for their food delivery options. PlantX meals will still be able to be ordered la carte, but customers will now have the option to pre-order in 3 or 5-day quantities. This enhanced meal delivery service provides freedom from the hassle of cooking and meal-preparation."

The PlantX business model extends beyond meals, and now includes pet foods and plant-based baby formula products, as well as the highly profitable industry of indoor plants.

So, as per the investment trend going into the plant-based market, PlantX secured an oversubscribed CA$11.5 million financing at the tail-end of 2020giving the company a better financial position moving into 2021.

Enhancing their investment portfolio focused on the global plant-based and alternative food sector, Eat Beyond Global (CSE:EATS) (OTC:EATBF) recently announced it had completed an investment in Above Food Inc.which currently serves over 300 customers in 35 countries, including many leading brands with its established business-to-business (B2B) plant-ingredient and plant-protein platform, and will also be launching its own business-to-consumer (B2C) product line that includes plant-based meats, plant-based dairy, plant-based baby food, and plant-based bakery, beginning in 2021.

Even the Government of Canada is getting into the action, having recently awarded CA$1 million to NEXE Innovations (CSE:NEXE), which produces fully compostable, plant-based materials for beverage pods and other everyday consumer products.

Shortly after that positive gesture, NEXE announced the significant expansion of its research, development and manufacturing facility in Surrey, BCa move said to double the company's footprint from ~10,000 sq ft to ~20,000 sq ft.

Texas-based producer of plant-based treats Better Bites Bakery recently made the switch to producers and distributors good natured Products Inc. (TSXV:GDNP) (OTC:SLGBF) for packaging and national retail distribution. Because good natured packaging is made from annually renewable materials, the Better Bites Bakery saw the move as beneficial to the offering of its plant-based treats that are already free from the top 8 allergens.

Specializing in a variety of plant-based meats and other vegan foods, Plant & Co Brands (CSE:VEGN) recently finalized the acquisition of various Canadian corporations doing business as YamChopsTM.

Using the slogan "Grown not raised", YamChopsTM specializes in the preparation, distribution, and retail sales of over 17 proprietary plant-based meats, chicken, pork, fish, and various other vegan style food products in both a B2B and B2C revenue models, and is said to be Canada's "first plant-based butcher".

Clearly, opportunities abound in the plant-based market for investors and companies alike. Companies like PlantX Life are no stranger to innovation, making them ripe for a growing market such as the plant-based industry.

To get more information on PlantX Life, click here.

Disclaimer: Microsmallcap.com (MSC) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. References to any issuer other than the profiled issuer are intended solely to identify industry participants and do not constitute an endorsement of any issuer and do not constitute a comparison to the profiled issuer. FN Media Group (FNM) is a third-party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated with MSC or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this release by MSC are solely those of MSC and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or opinions of FNM. Readers of this Article and content agree that they cannot and will not seek to hold liable MSC and FNM for any investment decisions by their readers or subscribers. MSC and FNM and their respective affiliated companies are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT registered broker-dealers/analysts/investment advisers, hold no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.

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Investors Are Eating Up Plant-Based Investment Opportunities By the Truck Load - PRNewswire

Nurture Life is a healthy meal delivery service for all ages, offering dietitian-designed meals that are nutritious and likely appealing to picky eaters.

The company offers finger foods for baby-led weaning, meals for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults, as well as meals that the whole family can share.

The meals are precooked and ready to heat and eat upon arrival.

This article reviews Nurture Life, the types of food it offers, its pricing and delivery, and pros and cons.

Nurture Life is a meal delivery service that offers foods for the whole family, from infants to adults.

The meals are designed by registered dietitians and include organic produce, whole grains, and healthy protein sources.

Theyre fully cooked, so you only need to reheat them prior to eating.

Nurture Life is a weekly subscription service. However, its easy to skip weeks or pause your subscription.

Nurture Life offers several menus with a variety of meal choices for all ages:

Nurture Life uses organic ingredients when available. According to the companys website, the service sources animal proteins from trusted purveyors who meet Nurture Lifes quality and food safety standards.

For example, the company uses antibiotic-free chicken, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-certified salmon.

Complete nutrition information and ingredient lists for all meals are available on the Nurture Life website.

To some degree, Nurture Life can accommodate special dietary needs or food allergies.

The company offers several gluten-free meals, but the facility itself uses gluten-containing ingredients, so theres a risk of cross contamination. Therefore, this service may not be right for people with celiac disease.

Additionally, the companys facility is completely free of peanuts and tree nuts, but other common allergens may be used in some dishes.

You can filter meal options by picky eater fav, vegetarian, and soy-, gluten-, egg-, coconut-, fish-, pork-, milk-, and sesame-free.

Note that the vegetarian options are lacto-ovo-vegetarian, so they may contain dairy and eggs.

This table breaks down the pricing for Nurture Life meals:

The minimum order size is $39 with an $8 shipping fee. However, if you spend at least $59, you get free shipping. If you spend at least $79, you get free shipping and 5% off your total. Finally, if you spend at least $99, you receive free shipping and 10% off your total.

If you dont pause, cancel, skip, or change your order by the order cut-off date, you will receive the same shipment you last ordered.

Nurture Life delivers anywhere in the contiguous United States, but it currently doesnt serve Alaska or Hawaii.

The company uses the United Parcel Service (UPS) and United Delivery Service (UDS) for shipping. The meals are not frozen but packaged to stay at or below refrigerated temperatures for at least 48 hours until they arrive at your residence.

To ensure maximum freshness, refrigerate them as soon as you get them. If you dont plan to eat them within 1 week, they can be frozen for up to 90 days.

For orders under $59, shipping costs $8.

For busy families, Nurture Life provides convenient meal options for family members of all ages. The meals are also healthy and packed with fresh, organic produce.

The prices are comparable to those of a restaurant, but the food is likely much more nutritious.

Additionally, the companys pricing structure incentivizes larger orders with free shipping and discounts, so Nurture Life could be a good option for small families and large households alike.

Nurture Life meals can be expensive much more so than comparable infant or toddler meals you may find at the grocery store.

However, the service offers discounts and free shipping for large orders. Plus, if youre regularly spending money dining out, investing in Nurture Life may be worth the expense to give your family some healthier options.

Nurture Life may also not be a good fit for your household if anyone in your family has severe food allergies or needs to follow a strict gluten-free diet for medical reasons like celiac disease.

Overall, Nurture Life is a great choice for families looking for convenient, healthy meals that appeal to children.

Although Nurture Life is more expensive than some alternatives, its meals are designed by registered dietitians, nutritionally balanced, and easy to reheat and eat.

To minimize the cost of each order and since the meals can be frozen for up to 90 days you can easily skip weeks until you can place an order thats $99 or more, which would qualify for free shipping and a 10% discount.

Nurture Life is a meal delivery service that provides heat-and-eat meals for people of all ages. The meals contain healthy ingredients and are designed to appeal to kids and picky eaters.

Although its more expensive than other convenient options like fast food or frozen meals from the grocery store, it may be worth using this service if youre looking for healthier options to feed your family.

Get started with Nurture Life here.

Follow this link:
Nurture Life: Review, Menu, Options, and More - Healthline

Youve seen them: the man perched on the hood of his car in Carmel, eating a burger. The couple (and a seagull, naturally) sitting on a bus stop bench in Pacific Grove, dipping into a plate of fish and chips. The friends snacking on fries out of a paper to-go box in the garden behind Alta Bakery in Monterey. The Dec. 13 shelter-in-place order shut down outdoor dining at tables serviced by restaurants, but people are still eating takeout outdoors and in public.

Theyre just doing it on the curb, at the bench and in the park.

Janine Chicourrat, chair of the Monterey County Hospitality Association, thinks this situation is silly. It just isnt right, she said, during public comment at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 5. Im appealing today to be a little creative.

Chicourrats concept? Formal picnicking infrastructure. Theres opportunity there, she says, to create designated spaces for people to eat that comply with social distancing guidelines and meet sanitation needs as well. Chicourrat imagines this idea being tackled on a city-by-city basis.

In one little town, it might be best just to block off a street, and strategically put tables socially distanced, and have sanitizing stations and garbage cans. That might be what one city chooses to do, Chicourrat says. It could also be an opportunity for restaurants to get some use out of the outdoor dining infrastructure that they poured time and money into over the summer. Another city might say you can fill back up your parklets, but you cant service them like youre running your restaurant. And you cant limit them to just your restaurant to-go food, you have to allow other people to come randomly sit and enjoy it like theyre picnicking.

Asked if she has approached any local mayors with this concept, Chicourrat laughs. Just my husband [Carmel-by-the-Sea Mayor Dave Potter], she says.

Potter, it turns out, is on it. He is bringing issue before Carmel City Council on Jan. 20 (after theWeeklys print deadline), looking to formally OK the opening of parklet seating to picnickers. The current situation really doesnt make any sense, Potter says.

One compelling reason for the move is better waste management the city has seen an immense amount of litter from people picnicking on to-go food, he says. The parklets, in contrast to curbs, could be equipped with trashcans and recycling bins.

Over in Monterey, Mayor Clyde Roberson has other things front of mind. Currently, the city is working diligently to stop the spread of the virus and following state and county guidelines by encouraging people to wear masks, wash hands and maintain social distance, he says via email. With our current decimated budget, we arent in the position to start new programs or infrastructure. In Pacific Grove, Mayor Bill Peake said hes not aware of any efforts to create new outdoor dining structures.

Ric Encarnacion, acting bureau chief of the county Environmental Health Bureau, says local law enforcement may have rules against outdoor picnicking, but it isnt something his office would deal with. We dont regulate private citizens, he says. He does, however, want to encourage people to stay home as much as possible and avoid gathering with people from outside their households controlling Covid-19 is all about prevention, he says.

Rules on outdoor dining across the country differ widely, reflecting different risk management approaches. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, outdoor, spaced dining is safer than indoor, spaced dining but not as safe as takeout. Because eating involves taking off ones mask, it necessarily comes with added risk of transmission of Covid-19, especially if people are dining with others outside their bubble.

Potter and Chicourrat are also thinking about health in their quest for easier picnicking, but approaching it from a different angle. People are still going to socialize, thats our nature, Chicourrat says. By taking this away, youre actually forcing people to go indoors. If people are going to eat outdoors anyway, why not give them safe and clean places to do so?

Lets have a humane place for people to go and sit outside, she adds.

Read the original:
Outdoor dining has been shut down, but people are still eating takeout food outdoors and in public. - Monterey County Weekly

There are many things you can do to prepare for your weight loss journey: stock your pantry with healthy foods, meal prep, and write down your intentions. But there's one additional, oft-overlooked thing to consider before you start losing fat: analyzing your nutrient intake. In particular, it's important to find out if you're suffering from any vitamin or mineral deficiencies that may hinder your weight loss progress. If you want to lose weight, you should check to see if you have a vitamin D deficiency.

There has been much talk recently about vitamin D's connection to immune healthand COVID, in particularbut there's another little-known benefit of vitamin D: weight regulation. The only problem? Anywhere between 40% to 70% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for bone and immune health, mood regulation, and it may help with muscle strength, protecting against cancer and type 2 diabetes, and weight maintenance.

As it relates to weight loss, a recent meta-analysis found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency can be 35% higher in obese subjects and 24% higher in those who are overweight compared to those with "normal" body mass index (BMI). (Related: 5 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency You Should Never Ignore.)

Another meta-analysis supports this, finding that those with lower vitamin D levels had a higher likelihood of an increased BMI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. And aDiabetes study found that participants with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to have larger waist circumferences and higher levels of fateven in lean individuals with healthy BMIs.

There isn't enough evidence to discern whether lower vitamin D is a consequence of weight gain or a cause of weight gain. Experts have several theories about the connection between vitamin D and weight.

One is that excess body fat may store vitamin D, so those with a higher content may have more space to store this vitamin D, resulting in a deficiency. Another is that vitamin D may help to prevent cells from turning into fat cells; thus, without the fat-stopping vitamin D, it may cause more fat cells to form.

Researchers are looking to design clinical trials to find whether providing vitamin D supplementation to overweight and obese individuals can lower BMI.

If you believe you have a vitamin D deficiency (and even if you don't), it's best to consult your doctor or registered dietitian to run some tests.

In the meantime, there are some things you can do to increase your vitamin D levels in a safe way:

Ultraviolet light from the sun helps people form vitamin D in the skin (this is where 80-90% of your vitamin D comes from), so spending time outdoors can improve your vitamin D levels. You can also get the nutrient naturally from foods like fatty fishes, mushrooms, egg yolks, and liver. There are also some foods that are fortified with vitamin D, like milk and yogurt.

For more on ways to lose weight, don't miss theseSimple Ways to Start Losing Weight Immediately, According to Science.

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Most Americans Are Deficient In A Weight-Loss Vitamin | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That