Nutrition Corner

Can ‘Oatzempic’ Really Help You Lose Weight? TikTok users are promoting a drink named "Oatzempic" that promises rapid weight loss, likened to losing up to 40 pounds in two months, but experts caution against unsustainable weight loss practices. The drink's recipe includes oats and lime juice blended with water, inspired by the weight loss effects of Ozempic, a medication related to treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Should you take daily vitamins? "Dietary supplements" encompass a wide range of products, including vitamins (such as A, B, C, D, E, and K), minerals like calcium, multivitamins, and specialized formulas tailored for seniors or specific genders. While popular, there is limited evidence suggesting supplements offer significant health benefits or disease protection for most healthy adults, who can typically obtain necessary nutrients from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, supplements may be necessary for individuals with confirmed vitamin deficiencies, difficulty acquiring certain nutrients from food, or specific medical conditions requiring additional vitamins or minerals.

Recipe for The Day

Braised Pork Ragu Recipe: This braised pork ragu recipe involves browning seasoned pork shoulder, then cooking it slowly with onion, garlic, carrot, celery, red wine, crushed tomatoes, and broth until tender. Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

Can My VR Game Be a Good Workout?

Virtual reality (VR) technology is transforming exercise into an immersive experience that engages both body and mind.

Aaron Stanton, founder of the Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise, explains that VR workouts are akin to traditional aerobic exercises, raising heart rates and burning calories, but with the added benefit of being more enjoyable and less repetitive.

VR fitness involves using a headset and specially designed games that require physical movement to interact within virtual environments.

Mathias Sorensen, a certified personal trainer, notes that activities range from simulated sports like boxing and skiing to dynamic challenges where players dodge, squat, and lunge to achieve game objectives.

Research supports the effectiveness of VR games as workouts.

Studies, including one published in Games for Health Journal, indicate that games like Thrill of the Fight and Holopoint can meet energy expenditure benchmarks for moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise.

Participants in these studies reported high engagement and underestimated their exertion levels, likely due to the immersive nature of the gameplay.

Liteboxer VR exemplifies a fitness-focused approach in VR, combining music and structured workouts that monitor performance metrics like punch accuracy and speed.

This type of interactive training not only facilitates physical fitness improvements but also enhances enjoyment and motivation through gamification.

VR fitness appeals to diverse demographics, from gamers seeking new challenges to individuals looking to make exercise more engaging.

However, potential users should consider factors like initial investment costs for VR equipment and games, as well as precautions for those prone to motion sickness or physical limitations.

Starting with games suited to personal fitness levels and preferences is recommended to maximize benefits and enjoyment while minimizing risks.

Getting started with VR fitness involves selecting a compatible headset, choosing games aligned with fitness goals, and easing into routines to avoid overexertion.

As VR continues to evolve, its potential to blend exercise with entertainment offers promising avenues for improving physical health and wellness.

Why Decluttering Is Important for Self-Care (and When It Isn’t)

In our modern era of heightened stress, many overlook how personal habits contribute to feelings of anxiety. For instance, clutter and disorganization can significantly impact our well-being, prompting movements like Marie Kondo's tidying method and minimalism to gain popularity.

Catherine Roster, a professor at the University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management, explains that decluttering not only simplifies finding items but also restores a sense of control over one's environment, fostering feelings of efficiency and competence.

Research underscores the negative effects of clutter on both mental and physical health. Studies indicate that cluttered environments impair concentration and productivity, whether at home or in the workplace.

Moreover, clutter can lead to procrastination and a sense of overwhelm, exacerbating stress levels and reducing overall well-being. Joseph Ferrari, a psychologist at DePaul University, notes that clutter often stems from an emotional attachment to possessions, complicating efforts to declutter and streamline living spaces.

Despite these challenges, decluttering offers tangible benefits for mental health. Beyond enhancing productivity and reducing stress, organizing one's surroundings can improve mood and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Darby Saxbe from the University of Southern California points out that decluttering can vary widely in its impact, depending on individual tolerance for disorder.

Ultimately, finding a balance that promotes a sense of order without becoming obsessive is key to harnessing the therapeutic benefits of decluttering as a form of self-care.

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