Commonplace Probiotics, Weight-Loss Success, and Lowering Cholesterol

Nutrition Corner

Researchers have provided evidence linking maternal undernutrition, specifically low fiber intake during pregnancy, to neurodevelopmental delays in children.

Over the last few years, the term “probiotics” has become commonplace when talking about one’s diet. A global industry survey found 80% of consumers take a probiotic every day.

Recipe for The Day

Turkey Chili - This thick, robust, hearty, and flavorful healthy Turkey Chili Recipe brings ground turkey, kidney beans, onions, and garlic together with the perfect blend of seasonings. This is one of our favorite chili recipes and one the whole family enjoys.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

Type 2 Diabetes: 8 Steps to Weight-Loss Success

• Set Small and Realistic Goals - Losing the weight is one thing; keeping it off is another. While everyone wants to see the pounds fall off in the first days of a diet, drastic diets and extreme exercise plans aren’t sustainable. Try to focus on changes you can maintain for the long haul.

• Get Active - Studies suggest that diet is hands-down the most important factor for losing weight, but exercise is key to successfully keeping the pounds off over time. Research shows that people who increase physical activity along with reducing calorie intake will lose more body fat than people who only diet.

• Schedule Your Meals, Including Breakfast - A common characteristic among the weight control registry participants is that most of them reported that they ate breakfast. Skipping breakfast is thought to possibly lead to overeating later in the day, which can sabotage weight loss plans and cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate.

• Cut Calories - Eating too many calories and too much fat can raise blood glucose levels. Cutting back on calories is key to losing weight.

• Feast on Fiber - Cutting calories isn’t always easy, especially if you’re hungry shortly after you finish your meal. Enter fiber: Your body can’t break down this plant-based carbohydrate, so it slows the digestion process as it moves through your system, which helps control blood sugar levels.

• Keep Track of Your Goals and Progress - Writing down the details of your weight loss journey helps you set healthy targets and notice patterns. You’ll be able to appreciate your progress over time, as well as notice when your diet might have gotten a bit off track.

• Get Support - Staying motivated to stick with a weight loss plan can be difficult when you’re going it alone. Connecting with others can provide the emotional support you need to avoid giving up.

• Use Tricks to Prevent Overeating - Fill up on low-calorie foods first. Change your salad dressing system. Take up a busy-hands hobby. Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste. Arrive fashionably late to parties.

7 tips to live a happier life

• Eat nourishing food - A well-balanced, healthy diet is at the core of well-being. But it's common to regard healthy eating primarily as a tool for weight loss.

• Sleep seven to eight hours per night - Prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a successful, energized day. Sleep deprivation can perpetuate serious health conditions, as well as negatively affect your mood, motivation and energy levels.

• Keep company with good people - Maximize the amount of time that you spend with people you enjoy being around. Connecting with others who radiate positivity and have similar interests will excite and energize you.

• Avoid news overdose - Consuming news is an important way to stay connected to what's happening in the world. It can be educational, entertaining and even uplifting.

• Get regular exercise - The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week.

• Do something meaningful every day - Putting effort into the things that matter most to you will help you use and reserve your energy in ways that will bring out the best in you.

• Think good thoughts for others - Maintaining a compassionate mindset is another way to conserve energy. One example of practicing this way of thinking is called kind attention.

Four ways you can hit your step count even when it’s raining

• Indoor Walking - Walk briskly or jog in place while listening to music, podcasts, or watching TV. Set a timer and aim for intervals of 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

• Go to a mall - If you have access to a nearby shopping mall, Agrawal recommended taking advantage of the covered space and walking briskly while window shopping. Many malls also have designated walking areas where you can do this.

• Climb all the staircases you see - Find a building or location with a staircase and climb up and down several times. This provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and helps you achieve your step goal.

• Dance it out - Follow along with dance or exercise videos available online or through fitness apps. These activities are not only fun but also help you clock in steps while staying indoors.

5 Challenging Workouts To Increase Your Gains

• Workout #1: Lower-Body Focus - Barbell Back Squats. Walking lunges. Glute bridges.

• Workout #2: Upper-Body Focus - Pull-ups. Pushups. Barbell Bent-Over Rows.

• Workout #3: Full-Body Blast - Burpees. Kettlebell Swings. Mountain climbers.

• Workout #4: Core Crusher - Planks. Russian twists. Bicycle Crunches.

• Workout #5: Cardio Burn - Jumping Jacks. High Knees. Squats Jumps.

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