Vogue Williams: How to perfect your tan routine BreakingNews.ie
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Sunday, April 27, 2025
4 Ways To Avoid Meat With Added Growth Hormones
An estimated two-thirds of the cattle raised in the U.S. are given hormones, including growth hormone, testosterone and estrogen, to help boost muscle growth and production. Unfortunately, the growth may not stop at the animal and may incite certain, concerning tissue growth in humans that consume the meat. Make minimizing your consumption of meats that have added growth hormones a priority: hormone residues in food may increase the risk of breast cancer and other reproductive system cancers among women, and may promote development of prostate cancer in men.
Consider the following when shopping:
- Know which animals are likely to contain these unwanted hormones. Currently cattle and sheep are the only animals allowed to have growth hormones added. The USDA does not permit the use of hormones in hogs; chickens, turkeys and other fowl; or in venison.
- Read labels carefully. Look for the words “no hormones administered” on packaging, which indicates these chemicals were not used in raising the animals.
- It is even better to source meat from local sources that raise the animals using natural, organic methods – for example, seek out 100% grass-fed beef. It’s less likely hormones are used in small, local farms that are committed to quality. It is always a win if you can meet with the farmer and discuss raising practices. If they are currently using hormones, your interest may get them thinking otherwise.
- Use meat alternatives if hormone-free animal products are cost-prohibitive. You can substitute vegetable protein for meats (beans, legumes and mushrooms are hearty vegetarian options that work well as meat substitutes); or use faux meat, such as products made from whole, organic soy (not soy protein isolate) that duplicate the texture and appearance of meats. This goes for dairy as well, which may also contain hormones. Many great alternatives exist now from nut milks for drinking, to cashews and nutritional yeast for creating a cheese flavor and texture.
The post 4 Ways To Avoid Meat With Added Growth Hormones appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, April 25, 2025
Thursday, April 24, 2025
4 Reasons You Should Stand More
If you are concerned about heart disease and weight gain, consistently finding opportunities for movement can make a big difference: one simple action is to stand up! Even if you get regular exercise, prolonged sitting can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. When you are inactive for long periods of time, your body’s metabolism slows down; this can lead to weight gain, which raises the risk of many diseases including type 2 diabetes and many cardiovascular conditions.
Some simple ways to stand more often include:
- Getting up every hour and filling your glass with water – drink it while standing up.
- If you are in a long meeting at work, stand in the corner for a period of time. Better yet, especially when the weather is cooperative, urge the group to consider “walking meetings.”
- When you are on the phone or writing emails, try standing instead sitting – you can do this at home by writing emails at your kitchen counter. For added activity and muscle challenge, work in an air squat between emails.
- At work, look into a stand-up desk. These desks raise and lower, some via a built-in motor, offering the flexibility to stand or sit. For prolonged standing work, they are essential for making sure you are not adding strain to your back and neck.
The post 4 Reasons You Should Stand More appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Let’s Breathe Through This Together
In Buddhist and yogic traditions, some have claimed to reach an enlightened state by doing nothing more than paying attention to the rising and falling of the breath. In a time of high stress and anxiety, breathing can not only help calm your state of mind but also help you to reach a meditative state. Breathing and breathing exercises are intrinsic parts of many forms of meditation the world over. It is also free and always available to you!
By paying attention to your breath – the ebb and flow of in and out – you will rapidly change your state of consciousness, begin to relax, and slowly detach from ordinary awareness. Try to focus on the dimensionless point between your in-breath and out-breath and glimpse the elements of enlightenment in that space.
Here are a few video examples of breathing exercises that Dr. Weil uses and recommends:
A Dr. Weil favorite, this breathing exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system.
The aim of this exercise aim is to raise vital energy and increase alertness.
A deceptively simple breathing technique much used in Zen practice.
The post Let’s Breathe Through This Together appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Friday, April 18, 2025
Alternatives To White Sugar
Americans consume about 20 teaspoons of sugar daily, not including what is found naturally in foods like fruit, milk and beans. Sugar itself is considered safe, and its caloric contribution may be small when used in moderation, but it can play a role in adult-onset diabetes, obesity and dental problems if abused. Some alternatives to white sugar include:
- Stevia. This plant-derived sweetener is non-caloric and can be used in baking or cooking but needs to be diluted before using. I occasionally recommend it for diabetics and those who want something with a sweet taste, but need to avoid the blood sugar spike.
- Honey. While it has some antioxidant properties, honey is not necessarily healthier than white sugar, mainly because it can stick to teeth and contribute to cavity formation. However, honey does have more fructose than sugar, which causes less stress on the pancreas, but potentially more burden on the liver and blood triglyceride levels. Use sparingly, for flavor, and opt for 100 percent honey or raw honey rather than processed versions. Always try to use less than a recipe calls for to cut down your sugar intake.
- Splenda (sucralose). This artificial sweetener is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is not all-natural, being derived only in part from sugar, and while it is FDA approved and appears safe, it has not proven itself to be beneficial in losing weight. The reason may be tied to the tongue sensing the sweetness and triggering some of the same weight-gaining hormones, like insulin, as if it were the real thing. There is also recent data that sucralose and aspartame (below) may have a negative effect on the healthy bacteria of the microbiome compared to other options.
- Aspartame and Saccharine. These artificial sweeteners are found in some foods and are available to add to drinks and some foods. For the same concerns as Splenda, I do not recommend either of these – if you want to cut calories or are diabetic, I suggest stevia instead.
- Sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol. These have become more and more popular in foods and drinks. While large studies have not been done, the ones that have suggest these to be safe and have no impact on blood sugar. In practice, it seems some people may get digestive bloating with these sweeteners, so I recommend moderate use when needed but avoid heavy reliance on them.
- Allulose. Allulose is a newer sweetener just starting to be available. It is naturally derived, often from dates or figs. It has a similar mouth feel and baking quality as white sugar with only 10 percent of the blood sugar effect.
You may also want to try a moderate amount of fruit juice or unsweetened applesauce as a sweetener, especially when cooking or baking. Keep in mind, however, that if you’ve been using sugar appropriately, there is no reason to reach for artificial substitutes.
My daughter Diana and I will be covering more topics such as this in our new Weil Nutrition Corner newsletter – sign up for it today.
The post Alternatives To White Sugar appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Monday, April 14, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025
4 Foods That Can Help With Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, avoid the frozen, prepared, and often expensive “diet” meals and instead hit up the real, whole foods sections of the grocery store. These foods are not just filling and can help you manage your weight – but they offer numerous health benefits as well.
- Kale. This dark, leafy green vegetable provides fiber, iron and calcium – and at about 35 calories per cup (raw and chopped), it is a low-calorie way to fill up. Choose organic when possible. You can also place a bunch in a large, sealable bag and freeze. Once frozen, crush the bag and use the kale with eggs, or in soups or smoothies. See Dr. Weil prepare Tuscan Kale Salad – a tasty way to get more of this vegetable.
- Lentils. High in protein, lentils can help prevent spikes in insulin levels that can cause your body to store excess fat and can satisfy your hunger for much longer than most other options like rice or potatoes. Just like kale, add to eggs, soups or salads.
- Blueberries. A good source of antioxidants, blueberries have over 3.5 grams of fiber per cup, which can help to fill you up and keep your digestive system running smoothly. If finding fresh seasonable berries is hard, opt for frozen organic berries, they can be the perfect addition to a morning or midday smoothie.
- Wild Alaskan Salmon. An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help improve insulin sensitivity, which helps build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns. Sardines are another omega-3 and protein-rich fish option that can be quick and convenient.
The post 4 Foods That Can Help With Weight Loss appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Want More Antioxidants? Try These 15 Foods!
Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress and may boost your immune system and decrease your risk or length and severity of infection. The best source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals is a wholesome, colorful, varied diet that includes plenty of fresh (preferably organic) fruits, vegetables and nuts.
The following list, originally published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ranked the top food sources of antioxidants based on serving size. Add them to your grocery list!
- Blackberries
- Walnuts
- Strawberries
- Artichokes (prepared)
- Cranberries
- Coffee
- Raspberries
- Pecans
- Blueberries
- Ground cloves
- Grape juice
- Chocolate, baking, unsweetened
- Cranberry juice
- Sour cherries
- Red wine
Other antioxidant-rich choices include prunes, dark unsweetened chocolate, cooked red cabbage and spinach. Many of these foods will also be found on the Dirty Dozen foods that contain a higher amount of pesticides when not grown organically. Always opt for organic, but if on a budget prioritize this list with the Environmental Working Group’s list of preferred organic produce. Since coffee is not considered produce, you will not find it on their list, but it should always be organic to avoid pesticides which are common in conventional coffee production. If you are a decaf coffee drinker, look for versions that use the Swiss water method and not a chemical to remove caffeine.
The post Want More Antioxidants? Try These 15 Foods! appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, April 11, 2025
What Is Better For Your Body – Walking Or Running?
On the face of it, you might figure that when covering the same distance – say, a mile – you would burn the same number of calories whether you walk or run. After all, while walking is less strenuous, it takes longer for a walker to cover the distance.
But running requires much more effort than walking – you’re actually jumping from one foot to the other as you propel yourself forward, a major muscular undertaking. Bottom line: running burns 50 percent more calories than walking over any given distance, even though running takes less time.
Still, I think walking is the best exercise choice for most of us, particularly as we get older. Walking may not burn as many calories as running, but it offers the great advantage of being a practical substitute to driving for short trips, since you can do it in street clothes, and you don’t typically arrive in need of a shower. Further, it requires no skill or practice. Everyone knows how to do it, and the only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes. You can walk outdoors or indoors (in shopping malls, for example). It is the safest exercise option of all, with the least chance of injury.
The key to making walking pay off is to do it briskly. Aerobic walking cannot be casual or intermittent. Keep at it until you can walk about three miles in forty-five minutes and aim for an exertion level that elevates heart rate, but still allows you to speak full sentences. Doing this at least five times a week is one of the best moves you can make for a lifetime of health.
The post What Is Better For Your Body – Walking Or Running? appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Monday, April 7, 2025
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Friday, April 4, 2025
Choosing Healthy Soymilk
Soymilk is made by soaking dried soybeans in water, then grinding, heating and pressing them. The fluid is strained and packaged as “milk.” Among its many benefits, soymilk:
- Can substitute for cow’s milk in many culinary applications.
- Does not contain the milk protein (casein), which can increase mucus production and irritate the digestive or immune system in some people.
- Does not contain milk sugar (lactose), which can cause digestive distress in those who are lactose intolerant.
- Is a good source of protein – one cup contains 4 to 10 grams of soy protein.
When choosing soymilk, opt for a brand that is:
- Fortified with calcium – while soymilk is naturally a good source of calcium, it doesn’t have as much as cow’s milk.
- Organic – often non-organic soy crops are heavily treated with pesticides.
- Free of the thickening agent carrageenan, a seaweed derivative, which Dr. Weil has concluded may be harmful and irritating, especially to the intestinal tract in those with a history of IBS.
- Does not contain added sugar, or at least opt for a version with the lowest sugar content you can find, as long as it meets the other criteria above.
Dr. Weil recommends 1-2 one cup servings daily. It works well as the liquid base for a berry-full smoothie.
The post Choosing Healthy Soymilk appeared first on DrWeil.com.
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
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