Markus Andrews

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    in fitness and body

    Why Trojan Is The Perfect Fit For Cover Search

    Cover Search 2024 is officially underway and the entries are streaming in (and may we add how downright stunning each entrant is!). We’re on the hunt for that perfect blend of health, fitness and inspiration to grace the November/December 2024 cover of Women’s Health. And to make this campaign (#WHCoverStar) truly special, we’ve partnered with Trojan as our presenting sponsor.

    What makes this collaboration truly special?

    Partnering with both Men’s Health and Women’s Health on the Cover Search campaign comes as a natural fit for Trojan. Our brands aligns perfectly, especially with their mission to inspire individuals to move better, feel better and perform better.

    Cover Search Is For Every Body

    Just like Trojan’s motto suggests, the Cover Search campaign is built on the belief that health and fitness are for everyone – regardless of shape, size or background.

    “We’re inspired by individuals who want to move better, feel better and perform better. Whether you like to move fast, go far, stretch deeply or lift heavy things, we have everything you need to work out in your own space and on your own terms. The cover search winners will be at their personal best and the best, train with Trojan,” shares the Trojan team.

    READ MORE: Makin’ Gains With Trojan

    Versatility Is At The Forefront

    Much like our diverse pool of entrants and their fitness preferences, Trojan’s equipment caters to a wide array of workouts and sports. From cardio to strength training, there’s something for everybody in Trojan’s repertoire, ensuring that each individual can pursue their fitness goals with passion and purpose.

    Advanced Tools And Insights

    With their cutting-edge fitness equipment and insightful resources, Trojan provides the Cover Search entrants with the tools they need to push their limits and soar to newer fitness heights.

    READ MORE: Bring Your Run Indoors With The Trojan TR510 Treadmill

    About Trojan

    Since launching in 1981, Trojan has been a cornerstone of South African home fitness. Their mission? To create a home gym experience that’s both robust and rewarding.

    Trojan’s product line-up speaks volumes about their dedication to fitness. From morning runs on their state-of-the-art treadmills to strength training with their free weights and rowers, Trojan provides everything you need to achieve your fitness goals in the comfort of your home.

    What sets Trojan apart is their commitment to quality. They partner with top-tier manufacturers to produce not just fitness equipment, but tools that support a healthier lifestyle.

    Trojan is exclusively available in Makro and Game stores countrywide, or on their websites.Visit Trojanhealth.co.za for more product information. More

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    in diet and nutrition

    6 Delicious Winter Soup Recipes – Plus Sides!

    Temperatures are dropping, socks are getting thicker and you’re suddenly finding you need an extra blanket on your bed at night. Winter is here, and it brings with it more time snuggled up indoors, endless cups of tea and, of course, bowls of steaming soup. There’s no better side for soup than fresh bread, so here’s a round-up of six super winter soup recipes and sides to go with them.

    Note: Stick to low-GI wholewheat bread whenever possible, or leave it out completely. These soups are filling enough to go without the side!

    READ MORE: 3 Comforting Soups That’ll Boost Your Immune System

    Want More Winter Soup Recipes? We’ve Just Launched The Ultimate Soup Cookbook!

    In this book, you’ll find light broths, bold bisques and scrumptious stews so satisfying, you’ll be craving them all year long. It’s time to simmer, stir and slurp your way to better meals with:

    45 Easy, Healthy Homemade Soup Recipes

    Energy Boosting Foods

    The Best Blenders That Do It All

    Ingredients That’ll Help Curb Cravings

    6 Winter Soup Recipes That’ll Warm You Up, Stat!

    1. Cheeky Broccoli And Cheese Soup

    Broccoli and cheese are a heavenly match, and this is a good way to disguise healthy green vegetables if your family members aren’t mad about them.

    Broccoli And Cheese Soup

    Broccoli and cheese are a heavenly match, and this is a good way to disguise healthy green vegetables if your family members aren’t mad about them.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine American

    ½ OnionOlive Oil2 Cups Broccoli1 Litre Chicken or vegetable stock1 Tin Evaporated milk1 Cup Cheddar cheese, gratedFor The SideButter, softenedLemon zest, gratedLow-GI brown bread, toasted
    Fry the onion in a little oil until soft. Add broccoli, stock and evaporated milk. Boil until the broccoli is soft.Add cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth.For the side: Mix softened butter with grated lemon zest, then spread onto toasted low-GI brown bread. Serve with the broccoli soup and enjoy.

    Keyword Healthy Recipes, soup

    READ MORE: Make This Cold-Fighting Lettuce, Fennel & Pea Soup If You’re Feeling Under The Weather

    2. Smoky Bacon And Bean Soup

    The best thing about this soup is that you can make it with items from your kitchen cupboard or freezer.

    Smoky Bacon And Bean Soup

    The best thing about this soup is that you can make it with items from your kitchen cupboard or freezer.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine Spanish

    Few Rashers Bacon, chopped 1 Tin Italian tomato and onion mix1 Tin Butter beansFor The SideSoft butter1 Clove Garlic, choppedDried herbsLow-GI white bread
    Fry a few rashers of chopped bacon until crispy. Add tomato and onion mix and butter beans.For the side: Make herbed garlic butter by mixing together butter, garlic and dried herbs. Spread this mixture onto slices of low-GI white bread then grill until crispy and golden.Dunk the garlic bread into the soup for a hearty meal that’ll warm anyone up from the inside.

    Keyword bacon, dinner, Easy Meals, soup

    3. Tummy-Filling Sweetcorn & Chicken Soup

    This soup is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken pieces.

    Cosy Chicken & Corn Chowder Soup

    Cosy up with a hearty bowl of this chicken and corn chowder. This soup is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken pieces.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine American

    2 Potatoes, chopped1 OnionButter1 Tin Creamed sweetcorn1 Tin Whole kernel corn, drained1 Can Cream of chicken soupDash MilkLeftover chicken, chopped into small piecesFor The SideLow-GI brown bread, toastedParmesan, grated
    Fry the potatoes and onion in butter, then add sweetcorn and corn. Add chicken soup, a dash of milk and leftover chicken.For the side: While the soup bubbles away, toast a few slices of low-GI brown bread, top with Parmesan and grill until the cheese has melted into the bread. Serve the soup when the potatoes are completely soft, with a healthy portion of Parmesan toast.

    Keyword chicken, Easy Meals, Healthy Recipes, soup

    READ MORE: Give Your Salad A Winter Makeover With This Butternut And Beetroot Recipe

    4. Hearty Veggie Noodle Soup

    If you have odds and ends of vegetables in your fridge, you can whip up this soup for almost nothing.

    Hearty Vegetable Noodle Soup

    If you have odds and ends of vegetables in your fridge, you can whip up this soup for almost nothing.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine Vegetarian

    1 OnionOil3 Carrots, chopped2 Stalks Celery, chopped2 Zucchinis, chopped2 Tbsp Tomato paste2 Cups Vegetable stock2 Cups Short pasta (macaroni, penne, fusilli or shells)For The SideBreadOlive oilSalt
    Fry one onion in a little oil, then add carrots, celery and zucchini.Add tomato paste and stock to the mixture. Bring to the boil, then add short pasta (macaroni, penne, fusilli or shells) and cook until the pasta is al dente.For The Side: To serve with the soup, make homemade croutons by cutting bread into cubes. Sprinkle with olive oil and salt, then roast in the oven until crispy. Sprinkle the homemade croutons into noodle soup just before serving – scrumptious.

    Keyword dinner, Easy Meals, soup, vegetarian

    5. Creamy Mushroom Soup

    This soup couldn’t be simpler and it works for a laid-back dinner party starter.

    Creamy Mushroom Soup

    This soup couldn’t be simpler and it works for a laid-back dinner party starter.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine Vegetarian

    2 Punnets Mushrooms, sliced1 Onion, chopped3 Cloves Garlic, choppedButter2 Cups Fresh cream1 Cup Vegetable or chicken stockDollop Sour cream (optional), for servingFor The SideBreadOlive oilBrown onion soup powder
    Fry mushrooms, onion and garlic in melted butter until all the mushrooms are brown and tender.Add fresh cream and stock, simmer for five minutes, then turn off the heat.For The Side: Cut slices of bread into “soldiers”, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with brown onion soup powder, then bake until completely crispy. The brown onion soup gives them a salty, savoury flavour.Serve bread with the hot mushroom soup and top with sour cream, if you have some.

    Keyword 15-Minute Recipes, dinner, Easy Meals, vegetarian

    READ MORE: 15-Minute One-Pan Chicken With Green Beans In Tomato Sauce

    6. Meaty Lasagne Soup

    If your family loves lasagne, they’ll adore this twist on the classic pasta dish.

    Meaty Lasagne Soup

    If your family loves lasagne, they’ll adore this twist on the classic pasta dish.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes mins

    Course SoupCuisine Italian

    1 Onion, chopped2 Carrots, chopped500 Grams Mince2 Tins Chopped tomatoes2 Cups Beef stock1 Cup Elbow macaroni or lasagne sheets, broken upFor The Side3 Slices BreadOlive oilDried herbs
    Fry onion and carrot until golden brown, then add the mince until browned.Add tomatoes and simmer.Add beef stock and elbow macaroni (or broken lasagne sheets). Cook until the pasta is soft.For The Side: Toast bread, then whizz in a blender until a chunky crumb is formed. Fry the crumbs in olive oil with dried herbs, until crispy. Use these crunchy breadcrumbs to top the lasagne soup.

    Keyword beef, dinner, Easy Meals, Healthy Recipes, soup More

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    in diet and nutrition

    What Is The 30 Plants Per Week Challenge?

    Forget five a day, scientists have said getting 30 portions of fruit and vegetables a week is even better for your health – and that eating a large variety of plants is just as key. Yep, it looks like there’s a new mantra in town: 30 plants a week, also known as the ’30 plant challenge’ or ‘plant points’.

    What is the 30 plant challenge?

    The challenge comes from the likes of expert dietician and NHS Clinical Lead, Catherine Rabess (author of the book, The 30 Plan) who quotes a 2018 study that found people who ate a variety of plant foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, boasted better gut health. Led by the British and American Gut Project, and run by the University of California San Diego in the US alongside Dr Tim Spector of King’s College London in the UK, the study offered a new message: instead of “eat five a day”, they started saying “eat 30 plants a week.”

    The Results

    The advice to eat 30 plants a week is based on the project’s study of thousands of people (well, more specifically, their poop) and found those who ate a wider variety of plant foods – fruits and vegetables, but also seeds, nuts, whole grains and spices – had a more diverse gut microbiome. A wider variety of gut bacteria provides a basis for better overall health and well-being: greater resilience to withstand pathogens, better digestion and better brain function.

    “Don’t fall into the trap of eating the same meal every day, even though that makes life easy. At least have three different breakfasts, three different lunches and three different dinners and rotate them across the week. However ideally try the 30 plant foods per week challenge,” says Nutritionist Edwina Ekins. “Research shows that those that eat 30 different plant foods (compared to those that only eat 10) have a much more diverse and therefore healthier gut microbiota. A diverse gut microbiota is linked to a lower risk of many diseases including bowel cancer and diabetes.”

    Now, that’s not to say getting your five servings of fruit and veggies per day is a goal to discard; eating those foods still have incredible health benefits, helps to keep our bodies topped up with vital nutrients and much, much more. But the idea behind the 30 plants a week – also known as the ‘diversity diet’ – focuses more on gut health.

    How does the 30 plants challenge work?

    It works by assigning every individual plant you eat one “plant point”, even if you only eat a small amount of that plant, like a couple of carrot sticks or one strawberry. Herbs, spices and garlic also count, but only for quarter of a point.

    Then you have colours to consider: different coloured versions of plants, like red and yellow capsicums, count separately as a point each, since different coloured plants contain slightly different amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. But some items don’t count at all – like white rice and potatoes (they spike your blood sugar too much, according to Spector, and contain less fibre and nutrients than other plants).

    “Eating 30 plants a week means eating 30 different varieties of plants, but this doesn’t prescribe serving sizes,” says Rabess. “It can seem tougher to achieve this if you are cooking for one, but remember that foods do not always need to be fresh. Tinned and frozen foods are my go-to, and they are extremely cost-effective and a great way to limit waste.”

    “Each different variety of plant that you eat counts as one plant point. Even herbs and spices are a quarter of a point each,” she adds. “So, if you eat a banana, an apple and a carrot, you would have earned three plant points. If you had porridge and sprinkled on cinnamon and nutmeg, the added spices would total half a plant point.”

    The more plant points you earn = the more diverse your diet is.

    What counts as a plant point?

    Vegetables such as:

    aubergine

    broccoli

    carrot

    spinach

    cabbage

    onion

    pepper

    tomato (okay, yes it’s technically a fruit but…)

    Fruit such as:

    avocados

    berries

    bananas

    oranges

    figs

    kiwis

    Some legumes such as:

    chickpeas

    lentils

    broad beans

    pinto beans

    soybeans or edamame

    Some grains such as:

    quinoa

    barley

    brown rice

    Some nuts and seeds such as:

    cashews

    almonds

    brazil nuts

    chia seeds

    pumpkin seeds

    walnuts

    pistachios

    Herbs and spices (whether they’re fresh or dried out) such as:

    mint

    basil

    parsley

    sage

    ginger

    nutmeg

    paprika

    saffron

    turmeric

    Do supplements count?

    According to Nutritionist, Edwina Ekins: not really. She says that many of the marketing claims around these products are exaggerated and that most supplements are best suited to people with deficiencies – not as part of an overall diet.

    “Greens powders are a hot topic at the moment: There are several on the market all claiming to have benefits for immune, energy, gut health and blood pressure, but the research is in its infancy, and we cannot support these claims yet,” explains Ekins. “In saying that, greens powders are packed with approximately 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotic fibres, probiotics and digestive enzymes. A greens powder may act as a “stop gap” when our diets are insufficient.”

    “These powders are certainly no substitute for real foods and we should continue to strive for two serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables per day, however, they make sense if someone doesn’t like vegetables, is travelling with limited access to fruit and vegetables and is suffering from energy issues despite having good sleep, drinking enough water and doing exercise,” she adds.

    “There is huge cost range in greens powders, and this is not necessarily reflected in the content so read the back of the pack of at least two and makes a comparison before you purchase. Again, greens powders are not suitable for everyone, especially those on medication or pregnant or breastfeeding. Many also contain inulin or other prebiotic fibres which for some people can upset your gut. So, in summary, you don’t need a greens powder but there may be certain times when taking a greens powder would improve energy levels.”

    More:

    The article by Nikolina Ilic appeared first on Women’s Health Australia. More

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    5 Hacks To Boost Your Running Performance With Reebok’s FloatZig 1

    Running isn’t just about endurance and speed. It’s about joy, creativity, and sometimes, a little bit of mischief. In celebration of the joy of the run, Reebok launched its Running Hacks global campaign for the new FloatZig 1.

    “The FloatZig 1 running shoes offer industry-leading performance and energy return, suited for even the most elite runners, but built to be accessible and enjoyable for all runners. With both our product and within our irreverent Running Hacks global marketing campaign, we focused on the joy and excitement running can bring to all.”
    Todd Krinsky, Reebok President and CEO

    Reebok dares you to lace up and embrace running like you never have before. Forget those tired old tips your marathon-obsessed uncle swears by. Reebok’s Running Hacks are about tossing the rulebook out the window and making every run an adventure.

    So strap in, lace up, and prepare to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

    Running Hack #1: Make it Home Before Load Shedding

    It’s almost like racing against the sunset. Except instead of a romantic sky, you’re dodging sitting in the dark, unable to charge your phone, boil water, or see the end of that episode. Consider this the ultimate interval training—sprint in bursts whenever you think of the food defrosting in your freezer. And hey, if you get home after the lights have gone out, just keep running to your nearest bar. After all, you didn’t run all this way not to get a reward.

    READ MORE: Beginners 5K Running Training Plan And How To Crush It In Just 6 Weeks

    Running Hack #2: Tell Everyone You’re Training for the Comrades

    Short of actually winning it, telling everyone you’re training for this epic ultramarathon is the next best thing. Start casually dropping it into conversations, social media posts and even put it in your LinkedIn bio. The key here is confidence. A lot of it. And if by some miracle you actually find yourself at the starting line, that’s a problem for Future You.

    Running Hack #3: Run Past Your Ex’s House

    Ah, the sweet, sweet revenge run. There’s no fuel quite like a broken heart, and no audience quite like the one that thought they’d seen the last of you. Bonus points if you manage a nonchalant wave to their neighbours, just to prove how utterly unaffected you are by the breakup. This isn’t about them, though (okay, it’s a little about them)—it’s about you, looking and feeling your absolute best, powered by a blend of spite, endorphins, and the sheer joy of moving on.

    Running Hack #4: The FloatZig 1

    Forget about the conventional running hacks you know (and the ones you wish you didn’t).

    The FloatZig 1 is here to revolutionise your run with features designed to push the boundaries of what a running shoe can be.

    Highlights of the FloatZig 1 include:

    Floatride Energy Foam & Zig Tech Technology: Offers a lightweight, responsive energy return, transforming every step into a leap towards your personal best.

    Engineered Mesh Upper with Reflective Overlays: Maximises breathability and ensures visibility, keeping you safe and comfortable, day or night.

    Targeted Foam Panels: Strategically placed for added comfort and a secure fit, enabling you to focus on the joy of the run.

    READ MORE: The Ultimate Accessory To Your Active Lifestyle —Reebok Cool Your Body

    Running Hack #5: If You Look Awesome, You Run Awesome!

    Let’s face it, when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you run like a champion! Snag these essentials for your next run:

    Reebok Floatzig 1 Shoes

    Running Quarter-Zip Jacket

    Running Vector Leggings

    ID Train High-Support Bra

    RBK-FRESH Athlete T-Shirt 2.0

    Reebok Running Shorts

    Ready to outrun your shadows, outlast the gossip and outpace the past? The FloatZig 1 is your ticket to discovering the New Shape of Running. Shop the FloatZig 1 on Reebok.co.za.

    **WH Partnership More

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    Get A Full-Body Workout In Just 15 Minutes With Only 2 Household Items

    Looking to squeeze in a workout but feeling like you’re running low on time? We know the feeling all too well. Meet Angelique van den Linde – Fitfluencer, Legallyfit trainer, lawyer and mom of two. She’s got the ultimate routine for those jam-packed days. In just 15 minutes, she’s about to whip you into shape using nothing more than an office chair and a resistant band (heck, even tights could do the trick!). Yup, no need for fancy equipment and marathon gym sessions – with Angelique’s knack for transforming everyday items into workout tools, you’ll feel like you just stepped out of a gym class without ever leaving home (or the office for that matter).

    Equipment: Chair and resistant band/tightsTime: 15 Minutes

    How It Works

    Start with a warm-up which consists of butt kicks, hamstring curls, toe taps, mountain climbers and a few stretches to get you going for the full workout. Trainer tip: remember to keep those knees soft throughout the workout. The routine consists of 3 different workouts of 3 sets each.

    [embedded content]

    Resistance Band Workout  

    3 Sets | 10 Reps Each

    Bicep Curls 

    To start, stand with knees slightly bent, feet staggered, right foot forward and flat on the floor, left back (heel high), with the middle of a resistance band looped underneath the arch of right foot, hands grasping it by the ends and arms at sides. Bend elbows, bringing hands up in front of shoulders slowly and with control. (Upper arm and wrist should stay still; only forearm should move.) Pause, and lower down slowly all the way to the bottom.

    Tip: if it’s too easy, the band is too light or too long, make it a bit shorter to really feel the burn. 

    Lateral Raise Into Tricep Kickback

    To start, stand with knees slightly bent, feet staggered, right foot forward and flat on the floor, left back (heel high), with the middle of a resistance band looped underneath the arch of right foot, hands grasping it by the ends, and arms at sides. Raise arms outward to the sides until parallel to the floor. From here, take your arms back and pulse upwards, engage core and straighten elbows so hands push back until arms are fully extended behind body. Try and get your arms as high as possible. 

    READ MORE: This 10-Move Resistance Band Arm Workout Is No Joke

    Chair Workout 

    3 Sets | 10 Reps Each

    Chair Runs 

    Place a chair in front of you and position your hands on the chair in a mountain climber position, with your body in a straight line and avoiding arching your back. Drive your knees up toward your chest in a running motion while maintaining a steady pace according to your fitness level.

    Tip: Ensure the chair remains stationary; if it moves, readjust your body position to maintain stability. 

    Chair Jumps

    With a chair in front of you, place both hands on the chair and perform consecutive jumps in and out, maintaining a consistent rhythm. Focus on landing softly to reduce impact on your joints while maximising muscle engagement.

    Narrow Squat

    Start with your feet hip-distance apart and hold onto the chair. Lower your body into a squat position while keeping your chest upright and knees aligned with your toes. Focus on engaging your leg muscles as you lower and rise back up to the starting position.

    Wide Leg Squat 

    Begin by placing one foot on the chair and stepping to the side with a wide step. Slowly lower your body into a squat position, ensuring your knees are aligned with your toes. Touch the floor and hold briefly before lifting your heel to engage your calf muscles. Alternate sides.

    Cardio Workout 

    3 Sets | 10 Reps Each

    Mountain Climbers

    Assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight. Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise right knee toward your elbow, lower and then raise your left knee to your elbow. That’s one rep.

    Burpees

    Start in a standing position, squat down and place your hands on the floor. Jump your feet back into a plank position, perform a pushup, jump your feet forward toward your hands. Finally, jump into the air with your arms raised overhead.

    Squat Jumps 

    Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat position, then explosively jump upward while extending your arms overhead. Land softly back into the squat position and immediately transition into the next repetition. Focus on maintaining proper form and control throughout the movement. That’s one rep.  More

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    in diet and nutrition

    Give Your Salad A Winter Makeover With This Butternut And Beetroot Recipe

    Who says salads are only for summer? Loaded with roasted butternut and beetroot, toasted almonds, basil and a sprinkling of feta (optional), this salad will keep you happy and warm throughout the chilly months — and when summer swings around again, you can simply let the roasted veggies and nuts cool down before serving the salad.

    Serve the salad as a main or as a side depending on your mood — it’s the perfect salad for a braai or Sunday roast, but you can just as easily serve it as a main meal.

    Health Benefits:

    Immune Support: The vitamins and antioxidants in butternut squash and beetroot help support a healthy immune system, especially during the winter months when colds and flu are more common.

    Heart Health: The fibre, healthy fats and antioxidants in almonds, beetroot and olive oil contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation and improving blood vessel function.

    Let’s make this warm hearty winter salad:

    Warm Winter Salad

    Loaded with roasted butternut and beetroot, toasted almonds and a sprinkling of feta, this salad will keep you happy and warm throughout the chilly months.

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr

    Course Salad, Side DishCuisine Vegetarian

    Servings 4 servingsCalories 342 kcal

    500g butternut, chopped400g beetroot, choppedGood-quality olive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper100g almonds, choppedLettuce, roughly tornBalsamic vinegar1 wheel feta optionalA few basil leaves, roughly chopped
    Preheat the oven to 200˚C. Place the butternut and beetroot on an oven tray, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place in the oven and roast until tender and very slightly charred on the edges.While the veggies are roasting, add the chopped almonds to a dry pan on a medium-high heat and toast until warmed through and browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Remove the veggies from the oven and scatter them over the lettuce leaves. Sprinkle over the toasted almonds and dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. If you are using feta, crumble it over the salad. To finish, sprinkle over the chopped basil leaves.

    Keyword salad

    Looking for more easy winter meals? Try this One-Pan Chicken With Green Beans In Tomato Sauce recipe, this Lettuce, Fennel & Pea Soup recipe or these Quick Air Fryer Delights. More

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    What’s Up With The Carnivore Diet Everyone’s Talking About?

    For meat lovers, typical diets can seem like such a drag (load up on veggies, opt for healthy fats, limit big juicy steaks and bacon, etc.).

    So when a diet actually encourages you to eat as much meat as possible, it might seem too good to be true. That’s the case with the carnivore diet, the newest eating trend that claims to help you lose weight and get healthier in the process.

    But before you toss out your leafy greens and stock your fridge with cuts of meat, there are a few things you should know about the carnivore diet.

    What does the carnivore diet entail?

    Get a load of this, bacon lovers: People on the carnivore diet eat only meat and animal products, and avoid all plant foods.

    “I call this a mono diet, which means you’re basically eating one food,” says Abby Langer, a dietitian and writer. “It’s meat, eggs and coffee. Some people will eat dairy, but most believe that the lactose in milk makes it off-limits, because that’s sugar. No plant foods are allowed, which means you can’t eat any grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits, or vegetables.”

    Although there don’t seem to be any official guidelines in terms of macronutrients, most proponents of the diet seem to recommend getting the majority of kilojoules from fat, not protein, which means choosing fattier cuts of meat.

    What do studies on the carnivore diet say?

    Studies are thin and in the medical community, conversations around the diet are fresh. Overall, experts feel that the diet is thin in nutrition and therefore, not the best.

    Surprisingly, a 2021 study of over 2000 people found health benefits when on the carnivore diet. All diabetics studied came off their medication and inflammatory markers (called CRP) decreased significantly. Added to that, participants lost an average of nine kilograms. It’s important to note that these findings were self-reported by the participants, meaning medical opinion was not necessarily sought.

    READ MORE: What To Eat To Avoid Colds And Boost Your Immune System, According To A Dietician

    So should I stock up on bacon and hot dogs?

    Nope, nope, nope.

    “There’s a reason [health experts] say to eat the rainbow,” says Amy Gorin, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition. “You need a variety of foods for optimal health. These include fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like avocado and olives, and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. You get so many important nutrients from these foods—from vitamins and minerals to antioxidants—that are important for good health.”

    Langer agrees, as does, well, science. “You’re essentially cutting out foods that have been proven to be good for you and that have never proven to be harmful.”

    She also points out that, in addition to important vitamins and minerals, plant food contains fibre, which has been proven to promote weight loss, weight maintenance, improved cholesterol, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

    Plus, “fibre from plant foods are digested in the bowel by good bacteria… It improves gut health,” says Langer. On the carnivore diet, you’re missing out on all of these potential health benefits—and not only that, but you might start feeling pretty damn constipated from that lack of fibre.

    Is the carnivore diet low in fats?

    It’s also worth pointing out that the USDA and the American Heart Association say the best diets are composed of mostly plant foods and limited amounts of saturated fat—a.k.a. the opposite of the carnivore diet.

    “The Dietary Guidelines advise limiting saturated fat to no more than 10 percent of total daily kilojoules,” explains Gorin. “Too much saturated fat can increase your cholesterol levels. So for a 8,368-kilojoule daily diet, you should get no more than 836 kilojoules, or about 22 grams, of saturated fat.”

    Gorin also points out that if you were following the carnivore diet—say, by having a few eggs and a few slices of bacon—you’d get more than half of that amount for breakfast alone.

    Technically, it’s possible to eat meats lower in saturated fat, like skinless poultry, lean cuts of pork and fish. But the carnivore diet recommends fattier cuts of meat (a.k.a. cuts high in saturated fat) because most of your kilojoules on the diet should come from fat.

    “The claims of this diet are just so crazy,” says Langer. “Its supporters are saying that vegetables are horrible and that carbohydrates are toxic. None of this has ever been proven by science, and any studies they’re citing are not credible.”

    READ MORE: Are Wellness Shots With Turmeric, Ginger, Or ACV Actually Good For You? A Dietician Weighs In

    But what about those people who have lost weight on the carnivore diet?

    Here’s the deal: Any time you eliminate major food groups from your diet (or in this case, pretty much all foods except meat), you’re likely going to be eating less. Less food equals fewer kilojoules consumed, and eating fewer kilojoules than you need is how weight loss happens. Period.

    So, sure, you’ll probably lose weight on the carnivore diet in the short term. You’ll have to say no to office snacks, birthday cake and convenient on-the-go options like granola bars and trail mix.

    That said, the diet is pretty unsustainable and any weight you lose will probably come back as soon as you start eating a variety of foods again. “There are much healthier ways to lose weight that include making lasting lifestyle changes,” says Gorin. “It would be very difficult—and wouldn’t be healthy—to maintain an all-meat diet.”

    READ MORE: Your Ultimate Protein Pancake Recipe

    What about all of these claims that the carnivore diet cures chronic health problems?

    Bloggers and Instagrammers claim that, in addition to weight loss, the carnivore diet can cure a variety of ailments, from sinus and skin issues, to arthritis and depression (there are even #meatheals and #meatismedicine hashtags on Instagram).

    But again, those are all anecdotal claims—there are no actual studies on the carnivore diet, so it’s impossible to say for sure what the health effects are, good or bad.

    “It could be the placebo effect, but it also could just be the result of weight loss,” says Langer. “It literally has no logical explanation—it’s not based in science at all.”

    Langer also stresses that just because one person goes on the carnivore diet and has healthy blood vitals and reduced symptoms of a chronic condition, doesn’t mean that this will be true for everyone.

    “Some people can eat more saturated fats and be okay, so that could be a reason their blood pressure and cholesterol are within the healthy range,” she says. “They also may have neglected to mention that they’ve lost weight, which in itself will make your pressure and cholesterol go down. They also may just be lying.”

    READ MORE: 12 Of The Best Vegan Protein Powders You Can Buy Right Now

    So all of this means I probably shouldn’t try the carnivore diet, right?

    Correct. “Humans cannot subsist off of only meat and experience optimal health,” says Gorin.

    Langer also emphasizes the fact that the carnivore diet could really take a toll on your mental and emotional health.

    “You’re going to be isolating yourself from social situations and that’s just not okay,’” she says. “Mental and physical health go hand-in-hand in terms of their impact on your health and your life.”

    Bottom line: If want to lose weight or improve your health, it’s best to do it through sustainable lifestyle changes. Going HAM (literally) on meat or animal products is not recommended.

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com  More

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    8 Ways To Build Stronger Thighs

    The power of being able to build strong thighs lies in the ability to move better. Think about how much you walk around, trek up and down stairs, and go from sitting to standing all day. Every single one of those movements will become easier the more you work out your legs, particularly your thighs, or what would include your quads (the muscles on the front of the upper leg), abductors (outer thighs), adductors (inner thighs) and even your hamstrings (back of the upper leg).

    “If you want to live for a long time, you have to be strength training. There is no substitute for strength,” says Danielle Barry, a certified personal trainer. Plus, the more you move and the smarter you train, the better your movement patterns, making everything from running, walking and jumping smoother too.

    To get you to peak performance in and out of the gym, check out the best types of exercises that build strong thighs.

    1. Combine strength and cardio

    “People get fearful of putting on too much muscle and having big legs, so they turn to cardio for the solution to that issue,” says Barry. “But I like to make it known that if you’re looking to change the composition of your legs—more muscle and less fat—you have to do a combo of both strength and endurance training.”

    In other words, while you can run around town as much as you want, or hit the elliptical too, you still have to pick up some weights if you want to build strong thighs.

    READ MORE: Use These 5 Resistance Band Moves To Ease Knee Pain

    2. Squat, squat and squat again

    Focusing on functional movement patterns — think: squat, lunge, push, pull — is the smartest way to train your legs. And squats are a top-notch way to specifically target your thighs, working 360-degrees of your upper leg. Even better, squats mimic that stand-up and sit-down pattern you move through during the day. Plus, you can easily scale them to your fitness level, says Barry.

    Begin with bodyweight squats: Start standing with feet hip-width apart. Send the hips down and back and bend the knees, keeping weight in your heels. When you’ve mastered that, move up to a goblet squat, holding a kettlebell or dumbbell at your chest.

    Next up, graduate to squatting with a barbell or dumbbells held in a racked position (weights at the shoulders). The key is to keep your torso vertical and spine neutral—the more upright you are, the more quad-dominant the exercise.

    3. Learn to love lunges

    Lunges copy the movement pattern you take when you go for a walk, shifting weight from one foot to the other. And they seriously tone your thighs, while strengthening most leg muscles. Start this exercise out bodyweight style, just like a squat, until you’ve built up the confidence and form to take it up a notch.

    Begin standing with feet together and then step one foot back about 60cm (depending on how tall you are) and lower down so both knees bend 90 degrees. Then press back up to the top. Aim for 10 reps on each leg for three rounds, Barry suggests.

    To up the ante on your lunge, add weights, holding a dumbbell or kettlebell at your chest, or one on each side, with arms straight down by your sides. You can also place the back foot on a box or bench behind you to turn your lunge into a Bulgarian split squat, which ups the stability challenge. (See above for example.)

    4. Do more single-side moves

    Speaking of lunges — along with moves like pistol squats, staggered deadlifts, or split squats — these types of single-side exercises help you pay better attention to the differences in strength between your left and right sides.

    “I tell people: Our limbs are sisters; they are not twins,” says Barry. “You have a dominant and non-dominant side, so when you’re running or biking or lifting or doing Pilates, you’re going to find one side works harder than the other… Your goal should be to try your best to get your non-dominant side as strong as your dominant side, or as close as possible.”

    Next time you do any single-side exercise, focus on how each side feels and spend a little more time on that weaker side to help fix the imbalance. This will make you less injury-prone and can increase overall health and body composition, Barry says.

    READ MORE: Tone-Up From Head To Toe With This Killer 15-Minute Workout

    5 Step on a machine

    Almost any cardio machine — the treadmill, elliptical, stair climber and rower — will help you build stronger thighs. Your legs do a lot of the work after all. (Yes, even on the rower — push off that board!)

    Barry recommends opting for intervals on any of this equipment, working at an all-out effort for 30 seconds, then resting for another 30. Try to hit 10 rounds.

    “If you’re constantly working then resting, your body will burn fat to keep up with the work put into each interval,” she says. To really make your legs feel like Jell-O, she suggests opting for the bike or Stairmaster.

    6. HIIT it big

    Of course, you don’t have to do interval training only on a machine. You can take your HIIT workout anywhere. If you’re running outside, simply add sprints into your typical jogging pace. “Running is a fantastic way to develop those thigh muscles,” Barry says.

    Or if you’re in your living room, add plyometrics to your routine. Squat jumps and jumping lunges, along with burpees or skaters require powerful legs to propel you to the top.

    READ MORE: 30 Plank Variations That Will Transform Your Core From A Trainer

    7. Grab a booty band

    Follow almost any trainer on IG and you’ll probably see a band wrapped around her thighs at some point, especially if she’s a runner. And that’s because that band strengthens the abductors of the hip, or your glutes and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) — a muscle of the thigh that helps to move the leg away from your midline (aka abduction).

    With the band placed around your thighs, you can easily turn moves like squats and leg lifts into a serious leg-burning sequence.

    Barry’s favourite move to do with the band to target the thighs and glutes is a lateral step: Holding a shallow squat position and keeping your legs hip-width apart and feet parallel, take 10 to 15 steps to one side and then back in the other direction. Embrace the burn on your backside.

    8. Squeeze something soft

    Don’t forget about those inner thighs! Your adductor muscles pull your legs in toward each other and to strengthen all of them, you should grab a squishy ball or a foam yoga block, Barry says.

    Take the block between your legs and squeeze, holding for a second, then release. Do 10 to 15 reps.

    You can do this standing, while holding a wall sit, as you maintain a plank position, or in a glute bridge exercise (seen above). The harder you squeeze, the more you burn out those inner thighs.

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com by Mallory Creveling More