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      Knowing This Fact About Your Body Could Be the Secret to Peak Health

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      Have you ever wondered why your friend can eat dairy without any side effects while you suffer from bloating? How can one person swear by the keto diet while someone else sees no difference? According to Boston Medical Center, an estimated 45 million Americans will try a diet plan each year. Maybe you’re among the millions who have dabbled with keto, vegan, Atkins, Mediterranean, or one of the many other diets out there. You’ve spent time trying different food combinations or rearranging your eating schedule. You’ve told yourself it would all be worth it because this diet will be the one that works. Yet, now you’re six months down the road and don’t see the results you had hoped for.
      There’s a reason diet culture is overwhelming and disappointing. The truth is, our bodies are all different. While one diet may make your friend, sister, or coworker feel amazing, it might not be the right fit for you. We’re all about ditching diets and eating whatever makes your body feel good, but there may be an explanation for why different ways of eating work for different bodies.
      Enter: the Blood Type Diet. Founded by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, the Blood Type Diet provides individualized solutions for each person’s blood type. Instead of looking at one diet as a solution for everyone, the Blood Type Diet breaks down each person’s blood type and uses that information as the basis for nutrition. I’m usually turned off by anything with “diet” in the title, but this one seems different. It proves that diets are not a one-size-fits-all method. Read on for my deep dive into what the Blood Type Diet really is and whether or not it’s worth trying out.

      What is the Blood Type Diet?
      As Dr. D’Adamo explains in his book Eat Right For Your Type, there are four universal blood types: Type O, Type A, Type B, and Type AB. Each type possesses a different antigen with its own chemical structure. Your blood type plays a huge role in how you absorb nutrients. This means that your blood not only affects how you respond to infections, stress, and bacteria, but it also affects the body’s response whether you eat a croissant or eggs for breakfast.
      In his research, Dr. D’Adamo found that different foods have different lectins, and those lectins produce a chemical reaction between blood and the food you eat. Sometimes the reaction leaves us feeling satisfied and energized, while other times, the reaction causes us to feel symptoms like indigestion, bloating, or fatigue. The Blood Type Diet looks at how different lectins in foods are absorbed by different blood types. Eating based on your blood type can increase nutrient intake, improve gut health and digestion, and support overall immune function, according to Dr. D’Adamo.
      Of course, nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle. Any wellness method is incomplete without factoring in the role of stress and exercise. (We can eat all the healthy food we want, but unless we also factor in high-stress levels and a sedentary lifestyle, we won’t feel our very best.) Dr. D’Adamo agrees. So, he’s included research on how different blood types need different forms of exercise to cope with stress, as well as a stress and exercise plan for each blood type.

      Recommendations for each blood type
      If you’re Type O
      Dr. D’Adamo found that people with Type O blood respond best to a diet based on animal proteins while avoiding dairy and grain products. “Type O’s can efficiently digest and metabolize meats and seafood because they tend to have high stomach-acid content,” he explained. But it’s important to balance meat products with vegetables and fruit to avoid over-acidification. When it comes to exercise, he recommended intense physical exercise like HIIT or weight training because it “makes the muscle tissue more acidic and produces a higher rate of fat-burning activity.”

      If you’re Type A
      For Type A’s, Dr. D’Adamo recommends limiting meat and dairy products, as they are poorly digested, but moderate quantities of seafood (3-4 times a week) can have beneficial effects. Focus more on plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, etc. Type A’s can tolerate wheat products and gluten more than other blood types. But they shouldn’t eat in excess, or else their muscle tissue will become overly acidic. For exercise, Type A’s thrive by engaging in gentle and meditative movements to help manage stress, such as yoga, Tai Chi, stretching, walking, or Pilates. 

      If you’re Type B
      Type B’s can benefit from a balanced diet of all types of foods, including meat, dairy, seafood, and grains. However, Dr. D’Adamo suggests limiting corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts, and sesame seeds, as they contain a certain lectin that affects the efficiency of your metabolic process. This results in fatigue, fluid retention, and hypoglycemia. As for exercise and stress, Type B’s are able to manage stress well. They do best with moderate activities such as tennis, hiking, cycling, walking, yoga, jogging, or light weight training. 

      If you’re Type AB
      For those with the rarest of all blood types, Type ABs, their plan requires a combination of the Type A and Type B plans. Unlike Type A’s, meat in small portions can be beneficial. A balanced diet of all foods works for your system—including dairy, grain products, fruits, and vegetables. The key with Type AB is portion size and frequency, so eat smaller meals more frequently. When it comes to exercise, Type ABs have inherited a Type A stress pattern. So, Dr. D’Adamo recommends following the Type A exercise plan of gentle movement to help decrease stress. 

      The verdict
      We like that the Blood Type Diet is a personalized wellness plan that looks at a person’s genetics and bio-individuality. However, use it as a starting point or a way to experiment when finding what works best for your body. Don’t follow the plan to a T. As with every diet, some experts swear by it while others disagree. For example, Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC—a leading doctor and founder of Ancient Nutrition—believes that the Blood Type Diet may help some people, but it’s not necessarily the best for everyone. There are other factors that determine how we digest nutrients than just blood type, like hormones.
      Bottom line: The best way to determine what foods to eat and what exercise to do is to listen to your body. Period. Looking to your blood type for insight on nutrition and movement might make you feel amazing, but the same effects can be achieved in other ways too. The Blood Type Diet isn’t necessarily for everyone, but it shows that diets need to be more personalized and cater to an individual’s body type, food preferences, and biological history. Our bodies are all different, and how we eat should cater to that uniqueness. If you’re thinking of experimenting with the Blood Type Diet, talk to your doctor and know that your body is always the #1 expert about which foods and exercise are best for you.

      Is the WIEAD Trend Helpful or Harmful? More

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      These Banana Muffins Actually Alleviate PMS And Cramping

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      Banana muffins: not totally at the top of the list of items you’re grasping for when you’re in the throes of PMS. But, while chocolate is your bestie, try pairing it with this recipe.
      Here’s why: Bananas provide cramp-busting potassium and vitamin B6, a hormone regulator that may help reduce water retention, depression, and other PMS symptoms. And buy yoghurt that delivers calcium and vitamin D: the dynamic duo has been shown to slash PMS symptoms by up to 40 percent. Add magnesium-rich walnuts to the mix – the mineral, which may reduce irritability and stabilise blood sugar, can help you control PMS-fueled “I want to devour everything” urges.
      READ MORE: 4 Delicious Desk Lunches That Don’t Involve Bread
      Banana, Yoghurt And Walnut Muffins
      Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min
      Ingredients1 1/4 cups oatmeal1/2 cup rice flour1/4 cup ground flaxseed1 tsp baking powder1 tsp bicarbonate of soda2 eggs, beaten1/4 cup plain yogurt3 medium ripe bananas, mashed1/2 cup honey1/3 cup grapeseed oil1/4 cup walnut pieces
      READ MORE: 6 Milk Alternatives You Should Consider If Dairy Is No Longer Your Friend
      Method1. Preheat oven to 190°C.2. In a large bowl, whisk together oatmeal, flour, flaxseed, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.3. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, yoghurt, bananas, honey and oil. Add flour mixture and fold in the walnuts.4. Spoon the batter into paper-lined muffin trays. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.
      Makes 12. Per 83g muffin: 921kJ, 10g fat (1g sat), 160mg sodium, 31g carbs, 3g fibre, 16g sugars, 4g protein
      Here are 5 easy detox dinners that taste exactly like comfort food. Plus: 6 wintry oat recipes that’ll kick-start your day. More

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      All The Things To Braai This Public Holiday If You’re Vegan

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      Vegan braai ideas: a concept so wild that your meat-eating friend, who’s hosting the shindig, is already shvitzing thinking about it. And with all the public holidays on the SA calendar, a braai is going to be hard to skip.
      Never fear: braaiing as a vegan just takes a bit of lateral thinking. Sure, you aren’t hankering after a smokey lamb chop, but you could definitely murder a crispy potato, some mielies, a plant-based burger or two and some smokey baba ganoush.
      Here are a few vegan braai ideas for your next foray:
      Burger With All The Trimmings
      For the burger:
      1 Fry Family Food Co Chicken-Style burger
      2 slices tomato
      2 slices gherkin (sliced lengthways)
      A few rings of red onion
      2 lettuce leaves
      1 burger roll (sesame rolls are amazing here)
      For the spicy mayo:
      1 tsp B-Well Canola mayo (it’s vegan)
      1 tsp Sriracha
      1 tsp tomato sauce
      1 tbsp finely grated onion
      Salt and freshly ground pepper

      READ MORE: 11 Things You Didn’t Know Were Totally Vegan
      Method
      1/ Place the burger patty onto the fire over a medium heat. Let it cook for a few minutes each side until the crumbing is crispy and the patty is heated through.
      2/ In the meantime, prep the burger bun. To make the spicy mayo, mix the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the sauce onto the inside top and bottom of the bun, then place the lettuce and cooked burger patty onto the bottom of the bun.
      3/ Layer the remaining ingredients and finish with a small sprinkling of salt and pepper.
      Note: you can replace the burger patty with a giant mushroom. Just cook on the braai wrapped in tinfoil with a glug of olive oil, salt and pepper and a sprinkling of thyme (or your favourite herb).
      READ MORE: “I Turned Vegan And Was Finally Able To Lose Weight”
      The Ultimate Potato Salad
      6 potatoes
      Finely chopped red onion
      8 gherkins, finely chopped
      Vegan mayo
      Salt and freshly ground black pepper
      Method
      1/ Boil the potatoes in salted water until a skewer pierces the flesh easily, but the potato still has a bit of give (you don’t want the salad to be mush).
      2/ Once cooked, remove from the pot and allow to cool completely (chopping and mixing the potato with the rest of the ingredients while hot will turn it to mush). Once cool, chop into decent-sized chunks.
      3/ Place the potato in a bowl and add the onion, gherkin and enough mayonnaise to cover the potato pieces. Mix together well, being careful not to smash the potato pieces too much, and season to taste.
      Braai-style Baba Ganoush
      2 large eggplants
      3 cloves garlic
      Olive oil
      2 tbsp tahini (get the good stuff at Faithful To Nature)
      Juice of 1 lemon
      Salt and freshly ground black pepper
      Method
      1/ Place the eggplants directly onto the braai grid, a bit to the side so they aren’t over the hottest coals. Let them cook, turning often, until they begin to collapse in on themselves. Meanwhile, wrap the garlic in some tin foil with a splash of olive oil and place on the grill. Let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until soft and sweet.
      2/ Once the eggplants have cooled down enough to handle, cut them in half lengthways and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
      3/ Add the garlic cloves, a good glug of olive oil and the rest of the ingredients before seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice, olive oil and tahini if you prefer.
      4/ Using a hand-blender, blitz the mixture to your desired consistency (if you like chunks of eggplant, only do a few blitzes. If you prefer it smooth and creamy, give it a good go with the blender).
      5/ Pour into a serving dish and serve with crudités and slices of fresh bread.
      READ MORE: 3 Common Mistakes Newbie Vegans Make That Lead To Weight Gain
      Wanita’s Braaied Hummus
      Deputy editor Wanita made this hummus for the office and it was an instant hit. The braai flavour adds an amazing dimension to this classic dip.
      1 can chickpeasPaprika1 tsp crushed garlicOlive oilLemon juice
      Method1/ Make a braai.
      2/ When the coals are ready, drain the chickpeas, keeping the aquafaba aside, and pour them into a veggie braai pan, basted with olive oil.
      3/ Liberally sprinkle paprika over the chickpeas, shake the pan once, then sprinkle on some more so the chickpeas are coated on all sides.
      4/ Add some wood chips or shavings to the coals to produce smoke and braai the chickpeas until they become darker and start smelling like bacon (about 5 to 10 minutes). You’ll need to shake the pan every now and then so they don’t burn.
      5/ Once cooked, remove from the heat, pour into a deep container and blitz together with the garlic, a dash of olive oil, four squeezes lemon juice and a little aquafaba until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      6/ Serve with crudités, veggie chips and slices of fresh bread.
      Braaied Potatoes
      An oldie, but it’s definitely a goodie – and a great side with nearly anything.
      Potatoes
      Method
      1/ Wrap the potatoes in tinfoil and place in the coals of your braai. Cook until crispy and cooked through.
      2/ That’s it.
      READ MORE: 8 Vegan Food Swaps That Are Total Game-Changers

      Grilled Falafel Pita Breads
      4 Fry’s Family Food Co falafels
      1 pita bread
      2 tbsp hummus
      Grated carrot
      Cucumber slices
      Tomato slices
      Thinly sliced red onion
      2 tbsp tahini (get the good stuff at Faithful To Nature)
      Salt and freshly ground black pepper
      Method
      1/ Place the falafels onto the braai over coals that aren’t too hot. Let them cook, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy. Remove and set aside.
      2/ Meanwhile, place the pita bread onto the braai over coals that aren’t too hot. Cook a few minutes each side until lightly crispy – watch them carefully in case they begin to burn. Remove from the braai and cut in half lengthways.
      3/ To assemble, spread the hummus inside of the pita halves. Next, layer the carrot, cucumber, tomato and onion along one side of the pita (so you have space for the falafels and get a bit of everything with each bite). Place the falafels inside the pita.
      4/ Finish with a generous drizzle of tahini over the top and a sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper. More

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      How Strong Are You, Really?

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      Fact: your skeleton renews itself every seven to ten years, modelling and remodelling to increase bone mass, remove damaged bone and reshape itself. By upping your body’s supply of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium, you can create a top-notch structure that’ll support you through pregnancy, Ironmans and heavy grocery bag runs.
      Avoid Injury
      If you’re not taking in the right nutrients, you might find yourself struggling with decreasing bone density – a one-way street to osteoporosis and Injury Town. A little self-care now will go a long way towards helping stay strong, right down to the bone. 
       Meet The Heroes

      Ca: Calcium strengthens bones and teeth and gives them structure.
      Vitamin K2: regulates bone remodelling, assists with calcium absorption and prevents the accumulation of calcium in blood vessels.
      Vitamin D3: inhibits bone resorption, increases the effect of vitamin K and helps with the absorption and urinary loss of calcium.
      Get Them In
      While you can get K Vitamins in cheese, egg yolk and dark, leafy greens, our efficient bodies use them quite quickly and we run low when not taking them in regularly. Our calcium supply is often lacking, too. Menacal’s got all these in one simple supplement that maintains your body’s optimal levels, so you’re good to go in CrossFit class and beyond. 
      To invest in stronger bones, click HERE
      *In Partnership With MenaCal7 More

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      We Hear A Lot About Antioxidants – But What Are They, Really?

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      Very simply put, antioxidants are substances or nutrients found in our food and drinks, which can prevent or slow oxidative damage to our bodies. Say what, now? First, let’s look at the role of oxygen on our bodies.
      What is Oxidative Damage?
      When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce by-products called free radicals, which are able to cause damage to cells and tissues in our bodies. Antioxidants act like “free radical scavengers” and so are able to prevent and repair the damage done by these free radicals.
      Research has shown that oxidative damage contributes to the development of many common health problems, like heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer. Studies have shown that loading up on vegetables and fruit, the main sources of antioxidants, lower our risk of developing disease.
      Antioxidants may also improve immune defences and therefore may lower the risk of cancer, infection and even dementia. Research even shows it could play a role in minimising ‘chemo-brain’ (brain fog after receiving chemotherapy).
      READ MORE: “I Tried A Vitamin IV Drip For A Health Boost — Here’s What Happened”
      What Are the Commonly Known Antioxidants?
      Obviously, we should be aiming to load up our plates with antioxidant-rich foods to combat exposure of oxidative stress. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious and nutritious sources.
      Vitamin A and Carotenoids in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spanspek, peaches and apricots (bright-coloured fruits and vegetables).
      Vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc., green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes.
      READ MORE: 4 Things To Look Out For, If You Really Want To Live Sustainably
      Vitamin E In nuts and seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and liver oil.
      Selenium in fish and shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. (Paella, anyone?)
      Here’s How To Make The Viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad

      Make getting enough vegetables and fruit part of your healthy daily eating plan, to get preventative power of the antioxidants in these foods – it’s vital for your health. Combining this with active living, a healthy body weight and regular health screening will drop your disease risk even further. More

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      Instagram Finally Got Me—Here’s What I Learned From a Week on Athletic Greens

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      My grandfather always said a few words that have guided and haunted me throughout my life: “You have to try something 12 times before you can be sure you don’t like it.” Though the exact numbers vary, there’s some science to back up the adage. I expected this to apply to seafood, wine, and anything else considered an acquired taste. But, I was surprised to discover that it also described my experiment with the wellness supplement du jour: AG1, by Athletic Greens. 
      While I’m not one to fall prey to influencer marketing, I have to say Athletic Greens’ partnering with all my favorite social media personalities worked its strategic magic. If they were hooked, I’d have to imagine that I might also benefit from the stuff.
      So, with one too many aesthetically pleasing Reels of pretty people prepping the green stuff, a few five-star recommendations from friends, and a podcast promo code, Athletic Greens had broken me down. I, too, was curious whether this seemingly miraculous, science-backed blend of 75 vitamins and minerals could do my mind and body some much-needed good.
      I placed my order and dove in, prepared to be amazed—or potentially disappointed. This is my honest review.

      In this article

      What is Athletic Greens?
      To start, let’s break down Athletic Greens’ history. Founded in 2010, Athletic Greens is most known for its flagship product, AG1. The greens powder combines vitamins, minerals, and nutrients designed to promote gut health, support immunity, boost energy, and help you recover faster from workouts and physical activity.
      According to CEO Chris Ashenden, the brand’s focus is on “foundational nutrition.” I assume this speaks to the product’s role in supplementing a healthy lifestyle, helping to fill the nutritional needs our everyday diet might not satisfy. 
      Anecdotally, I began to take note of the brand a couple of years back, when it seemed like every health site and wellness influencer was taking AG1 daily. I can pinpoint the exact moment my interest was fully piqued, and I gave the brand a follow on social media. I was deep into one of my favorite podcasts, The Blonde Files, when host Arielle Lorre (whom I can thank for my promo code) called AG1 one of her “wellness non-negotiables.” And though I felt the power of influence at play, I held onto the memory of that minute-long ad. If all I had to do was buy, mix, and drink liquefied powder for enviable energy, then maybe I was being naive, but I wanted in.

      How is AG1 different from other greens powders?
      While I’m referring to the supplement as a greens powder throughout this article, Athletic Greens is adamant about being much more than simply a substitute for your dark leafy greens. The recommended daily serving—a single scoop—supplies: 
      vitamins and minerals to support immune health and strengthen your nervous system
      prebiotics and probiotics to provide digestive support
      superfood-derived phytonutrients that support the microbiome
      immune-supporting mushrooms 
      adaptogenic herbs and antioxidants to relieve stress and provide metabolic and energy support

      My AG1 ritual
      AG1 is pricey. I purchased the single, 30-day subscription for $79. With your order, you get a month’s supply of AG1, a storage jar and shaker, and five “free” travel packs. On top of that, my shipping cost was $9. While it might not seem like much, I had to grit my teeth in this heyday of free shipping. Thankfully, you can cancel your subscription anytime, so the commitment was relatively minimal.
      I set out to see how AG1 would fare with my already-established wellness routine. That meant working out on the same schedule as I always do, aiming for the same amount of sleep, and not making any major changes to my diet. While my week on AG1 was by no means a deeply scientific study, I wanted to know if I would feel any different by simply adding the supplement to my everyday habits.

      Day 1
      As suggested, AG1 was the first thing I consumed in the morning. Before my coffee and avocado toast, I mixed a scoop of AG1 with eight ounces of water. My package came with a branded wide-mouth water bottle exclusively designed for getting my greens in liquid form. After securing and shaking the bottle, I undid the lid to uncover a frothy, mossy green beverage. 
      Hesitant but curious to consume the vanilla flavor reviews claimed, I took a sip. My first thought? There’s no way I’m finishing this. IMO, the taste was far too sweet. Though it had a slightly fruity, tropical tang, the dominant taste was unmistakably artificial and, frankly, gave me a headache. All in all, it took me about two hours to finish the whole thing (baby sips, folks).
      I carried on with my workout as planned. Because this was my first day, I didn’t notice any shift in my energy or how I felt overall. My main takeaway from the kick-off of my experiment was: How the heck am I going to make it through this week?

      Day 2
      I woke up feeling a little more determined to discover the crave-worthy flavor of AG1 that everyone’s been touting. Adopting a different approach, I shook up my scoop with water and ice. That drop in temperature made a significant difference. When I drank the AG1 this time, it had a clearer, crisper flavor and mouthfeel. It was less sludgy than the day before. (Though I swear, I shook it as hard as I could.)
      Feeling like a wellness girly, I plopped my AG1 down next to my laptop as I started my day sifting through my inbox. Though the placebo effect was obviously at play, something about having that green bottle next to me made me feel a bit more productive. There are worse things.

      Day 3
      At the tail-end of my period today, I woke up and noticed that my skin was significantly clearer than it had been the day prior. It was brighter than it usually is at this point in my cycle. I went to the kitchen, shook up my AG1, and found that I was already beginning to get used to the flavor. My initial impression was that of a slightly thinner green juice. It felt like the flavor had been engineered to mask something particularly unsavory. But I was coming around to it. At this point, I may have even liked it.
      That morning, I texted a few friends who had tried Athletic Greens. They confirmed that the taste takes a little getting used to. For most, they began to look forward to their daily dose of AG1 between their third and seventh day—props to me for being on the early end.

      Day 4
      Athletic Greens’ Instagram is full of ideas for consuming their product beyond the ol’ H20 standby. So, I tried their ultimate summer smoothie bowl recipe to mix things up halfway through my trial. I found that the previously offending flavor was completely masked by adding almond butter, banana, apple, dates, and oat milk. I could see this becoming a go-to breakfast. And while the blood-sugar-balancing enthusiasts might protest this smoothie’s glucose overload, pairing your fruits with the almond butter’s healthy fats is a solid way to mitigate the spike.
      This was the first day I noticed a subtle physiological change. I had more energy during my afternoon barre workout and—day five spoiler—wasn’t at all sore when I woke up the next day. 

      Day 5
      The wake-up this morning was one of the best I can recount in recent history. With little effort, I got up immediately to my 6:30 a.m. alarm and went straight into a few morning stretches and a brief meditation. While I would consider myself a morning person, this level of alertness was out of the ordinary. Mentally, I felt sharp, aligned, and motivated to transition to my to-do list.
      I made the same AG1-infused smoothie as I did the day before and discovered an additional burst of energy after finishing my glass. I made it through my morning to-dos while staying on-task and focused. Thanks, AG1.

      Day 6
      While my wake-up call wasn’t as miraculous as yesterday’s, I did sleep soundly and awoke feeling rested. Craving my usual savory breakfast (a slice of avocado toast with a poached egg), I opted for AG1 and ice water. Interestingly, it took until today to notice that my craving for a second mid-morning coffee had disappeared entirely. Instead, my single cup sufficed in terms of both my energy levels and feeling satiated post-breakfast.
      I often fall victim to the dreaded 3 p.m. slump, but today, I managed to push through all my end-of-day tasks and even enjoyed a 45-minute workout. To say that my energy levels stayed steady throughout the day would be an understatement. I’m not an evangelist of wellness (meditation aside), but when something solves my dwindling energy, I have to shout it from the rooftops. I noticed an easy wind-down after dinner and was able to fall asleep quickly and soundly. That’s a lot to be said for someone who deals with occasional bouts of insomnia.

      Day 7
      I started this journey unsure of how I’d make it to this point. In hindsight, however, things turned out for the better on day three. By now, my daily rhythms came to expect the AG1 before all else, and I have to admit: There is something comforting and ritualistic about sipping on it first thing. 
      While I said I wouldn’t make any significant changes to my diet, I did notice that the supplement naturally inspired me to make nutrient-dense choices. I kept up a consistent pattern of greens throughout the day: a protein-packed salad for lunch, a green smoothie for a snack, and a tall pile of roasted broccoli to accompany that night’s meal. Something about doing good things for my body in the morning inspired me to keep up the momentum all day long. Can AG1 inspire a mindset shift? The correlation likely isn’t strong enough to call it fact, but after a week on the greens powder, I can confirm with confidence: The results I saw this week were enough to keep me going.

      The takeaway
      I still have about 20 servings left in my first shipment of AG1, and I will see it through to the end. Admittedly, a week isn’t enough time to feel the long-term benefits build up. Of course, the price point marks a steep barrier to entry, and as many nutritionists will confirm, you don’t need a fancy supplement to meet your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. But with the positive results I experienced, I can confirm that it’s worth the hype. 
      Ultimately, this is a convenient product that played into my brain’s positive reward centers—and that’s not a bad thing! The routine of prepping AG1 each morning before breakfast (or as a part of my morning meal) signaled that I was doing something good for my body. It helped set the foundation for those habits to continue throughout the day. A transformed perspective and more energy? That’s what we like to call a win-win.

      How To Recreate the Viral Hailey Bieber Smoothie on a Budget More

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      Exactly How To Include Fibre In Your Diet To Reduce Bloating

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      If you’re turning your nose up at beans and broccoli for fear of that universally-hated bloat, we’ve got bad news for ya. Eating fibre to reduce bloating is a winning strategy and keeping regular by eating a balance of fibre-rich foods is going to be a much better strategy than chomping on prunes after a week of nothing but pasta and pizza.
      In fact, on average we take in 60 per cent or less of what’s recommended. A high-fibre diet has many essential benefits including improving your digestive system and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases in the long term.
      One of the barriers to increasing intake may be the lurking myths which discourage people from focusing on high-fibre foods. Kellogg’s Nutrition and Public Affairs Manager as well as Registered Dietitian, Linda Drummond, shares the facts to clear up some common misconceptions…
      Fact: It’s best to eat your fibre
      The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of at least 25g per day for adults*. This requirement can be met by taking small steps to increase food sources each day. Fibre-rich foods offer additional intrinsic nutrient benefits such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
      The naturally occurring combination of these nutrients can never be perfectly replicated or manufactured. Despite supplements being available on the market, experts agree that when looking for particular nutrients, food sources are the best choice.
      To meet the daily recommendation, choose a high-fibre breakfast every morning, eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day and replace animal protein sources with a vegetable source such as beans or legumes regularly.
      READ MORE: 24 High-Fibre Foods That Should Be On Your Plate Every Day, According To Nutritionists
      Fact: Not all fibres are created equal
      Skipping this essential part of your diet? Read these facts and you may consider adding a few apples and bran flakes to your breakfast…
      There are many different types of fibre from different food sources, which play unique roles in the body, contributing to overall well-being. Wheat bran, composed mostly of insoluble fibre, is the most effective cereal to promote regularity. Apples, barley, carrots, legumes and oats are rich in soluble fibre, which has a cholesterol-lowering effect.
      Other benefits of a high-fibre diet include helping to achieve normal blood sugar levels and to assist in the maintenance of a healthy body weight. By including a variety of different sources and types of it in your diet, it’s possible to improve several functions of the body.
      READ MORE: Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle
      Fact: It isn’t just for constipation
      The benefits of regular and adequate intake, nutrition experts all over the world agree that most carbohydrate-based foods eaten on a daily basis should be a source. In fact, the South African Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which provide nutrition messages to the general public, recommend that everyone should have an intake of at least 25g per day to ensure healthy functioning of the gut, as well as decreased risk for lifestyle-associated chronic diseases.
      Increasing the intake (particularly wheat bran) prevents food from lingering in the digestive system, which can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable. By absorbing water and creating bulk, it speeds up the passage of food through your system, helping to prevent constipation.
      Fibre helps food move through the digestive system and plays a bulking role so that undigested food can be more easily eliminated. Fibre plays a vital role in helping keep the walls of the digestive tract healthy. A high-fibre diet can help to reduce that bloated feeling.
      When beginning to increase your intake, do so slowly to allow your body to become accustomed to the change. This will help to ensure that you do not experience bloating with a sudden increase in fibre intake.
      READ MORE: Here’s What Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar, According To Nutritionists
      Fact: There are risks associated with following a low-carb diet
      One of the risks of following a low-carb diet is that it would be even more difficult to meet one’s requirements, as the major sources of fibre are also sources of carbohydrate. By not meeting your requirement, there is a risk that you may experience digestive discomfort and constipation, as well as an increased chance of developing chronic diseases in the long-term. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      What This Viral Hormone Expert Eats in a Day to Balance Hormones

      by

      I don’t have to tell you that hormones can be a bee-och: Whether we’re on our period or not, it can feel like we’re at their beck and call. They affect everything from our emotions and mood to sexual function and sleep, after all! The good news is we can keep our hormones in check naturally (music to my ears) and live our best lives PMS-free with some simple tweaks in the kitchen. Thanks to functional nutrition and women’s hormone expert and creator of The Cycle SyncingⓇ Method, Alisa Vitti, I’ve got the holy grail of balancing hormones down to each phase of our cycles, and I’m letting you in on it. Ahead, the foods to hack your way to hormonal bliss, proving once and for all that food is medicine.

      Meet the expert
      Alisa Vitti, HHC, AADP
      HORMONE EXPERT AND FOUNDER OF FLO LIVING
      Alisa Vitti is a functional nutritionist and womens hormone expert, the founder of modern hormone health care company FLO Living, bestselling author of WomanCode, and creator of MyFLO, the #1 paid period app on iTunes. She has made expert appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, Women’s Health, MindBodyGreen, and The Huffington Post.

      How does diet affect hormonal balance?
      Let’s face it: What we eat can make the difference between optimal health and not functioning at our best (and who doesn’t want to be their happiest and healthiest self?). When it comes to balancing those pesky hormones, your eating habits make the call. “Diet is one of the main drivers of hormonal balance—what you eat affects your insulin, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone levels—and so any issues you are having with your hormones, skin, weight, moods, cycle are all tied to your diet and can all be improved dramatically by using food strategically to support and optimize endocrine function,” Vitti explained. 
      Vitti revealed that women have an unknown second biological clock called the Infradian Rhythm, which we experience over the course of our monthly cycles, and it affects everything from your metabolism, brain, and immune and stress response to your libido, fertility, and cycle. And, yes, your diet plays a major role in supporting the Infradian Rhythm. The moral of the story? “Change the foods you eat and caloric levels to match the four phases of your cycle to optimize blood sugar stability and hormonal balance.” Read on to learn how to do just that. 

      What to eat in each of the four phases of the cycle 

      Follicular phase
      During the follicular phase, the metabolism is slower, so focus on fresh, vibrant, and light foods that will make you feel more energized. Prioritize healthy fats that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and cruciferous vegetables that can help flush out excess estrogen. As for fresh produce, opt for artichokes, broccoli, carrots, parsley, green peas, string beans, and zucchini, which have a lot of the nutrients needed during this phase. Vitti recommends trying these easy, yet tasty, meals: 

      Overnight oats with cashews, goji berries, and cinnamon
      Lentil tomato quinoa pilaf
      Chicken veggie buddha bowl

      Ovulatory phase
      Fill up on raw veggies for fiber and fruit for high levels of glutathione to ensure your body easily metabolizes and eliminates any estrogen surplus. If you experience any cramping or acne during this time, you may have issues breaking down estrogen in your liver and gut. Eating fiber-rich and cruciferous vegetables during this time helps flush excess estrogen from the body. Load up on asparagus, brussels sprouts, chard, escarole, scallions, and spinach during this phase. Channel your inner Ina Garten and try out these recipes: 

      Sweet green protein smoothie
      Hearty greens salad with salmon toasts
      Zucchini noodles with pumpkin seed basil pesto and grilled chicken

      Luteal phase
      During the luteal phase, your metabolism speeds up, so you should eat more nutrient-rich calories daily to maintain stable blood sugar, which helps balance insulin (a critical hormone that greatly affects the degree of PMS). Emphasize foods rich in B vitamins to stave off sugar cravings, eat leafy greens to boost your calcium and magnesium, and add roasted or baked root vegetables to help your liver and large intestine flush out estrogen. Think: 

      Avocado sweet potato toast with eggs
      Turkey tacos with corn, cassava, or cauliflower tortillas
      Chickpea pasta with garlic kale

      Menstrual phase
      Your hormone levels are at their lowest, so it’s important to eat adequate calories and get plenty of protein and healthy fat during your bleed. Protein, fats, as well as low glycemic veggies and fruits, will keep your blood sugar steady while adding fiber and antioxidants. Add in foods high in iron, like red meat and kidney beans, and some seafood or mineral-rich seaweed that helps replenish mineral levels in your body. Whip up the following eats that are sure to get a chef’s kiss: 

      Cream of buckwheat with almond butter and raisins
      Salmon soba miso bento
      Bunless bison burgers with mushrooms, baby spinach, and avocado

      Alisa Vitti
      In The Flo
      For details on the aforementioned recipes and more of Vitti’s go-to meals

      Why (And How) You Should Plan Your Workouts Around Your Cycle More