Nutrition Corner

Weight Loss Drugs Go Hand-in-Hand With Junk Food Industry: Manufacturers of the new weight-loss drugs that have taken the nation by storm are salivating at the prospect of how best to extract profits from people.

7 "Bad" High-Calorie Foods to Eat, Shared by Dietitians: Calories aren’t the only thing you should consider when making nutritious choices, dietitians say.

Recipe for The Day

Vegan Blueberry Muffins (No Oil): These vegan blueberry muffins are low-fat and oil free, but still perfectly moist, tender and really easy to make. This post is sponsored by Kroger.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

The Health Benefits Of Carrot Juice

• It may improve skin and hair health: Carrot juice is high in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body to support the production of collagen—a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity. One of the more well-known benefits of beta-carotene is promoting skin health and retarding age-related change. Plus, the vitamin C content in carrot juice can further aid collagen synthesis, supporting hair strength and contributing to a vibrant, youthful complexion.

• It may support hormone health, especially during pregnancy: Since it's a rich source of vitamin A, carrot juice can benefit hormone health by supporting the proper development and functioning of various reproductive hormones. Carrots also contain folate, a critical nutrient for pregnant women that supports fetal development and helps prevent birth defects. Antioxidants like beta-carotene found in carrot juice can protect against oxidative stress and affect hormone balance.

• It may boost eye health: Beta-carotene also plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal eye health. Researchers have found beta-carotene can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The rich vitamin A content in carrot juice may also help protect the eye's surface and play a crucial role in night vision. Carrots are good for your eyes because they supply beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which can prevent night blindness.

• It can benefit respiratory health: The presence of vitamin A and antioxidants in carrot juice may help protect the lungs against oxidative stress and damage. A study involving 21,148 participants found that those with the highest intake of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C had better lung health than those consuming fewer of these powerful nutrients. Phytonutrients like beta-carotene found in carrot juice have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the airways to promote easier breathing.

The most effective vitamins for boosting energy

• Ashwagandha Stress and anxiety can contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy. They can also make people feel less able to cope with daily demands. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that could help boost energy levels. Adaptogens are plant derived substances that help the body better manage stress. The researchers behind a 2012 study found that ashwagandha root extract helped ease stress and anxiety. After 60 days, participants who took ashwagandha had a reduction in stress and cortisol levels compared with those in the placebo group.

• Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an enzyme that exists naturally in the body, particularly in the heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It is an antioxidant that improves energy and strengthens the immune system. In a 2014 review, researchers found a consistent link between low levels of CoQ10 and fatigue.

• Vitamin D Muscle fatigue is a common symptom in people who do not get enough vitamin D. More than 50% of people across the world are deficient in vitamin D. Certain people are more at risk of being deficient than others, including: older adults people with darker skin people who get less sun exposure, such as those in colder climates people with obesity The researchers behind a 2013 study found that people with low vitamin D levels had improved muscle efficiency after they received treatment for the vitamin deficiency.

What experts say will help you get the most out of your meditation practice

• Early bird vs. night owl meditation: Meditating at a certain time, like right when you wake up, can also ensure people stick with the practice and feel the long-term benefits. Meditating on a schedule might help you do it more regularly. If you have time set aside to do it every day, you will notice the beneficial effects sooner. However, as conventional wisdom suggests, regularity is more important than missing something because the timing is too strict. Individual schedules and preferences play into the optimal meditation time. Reflecting on when you’re less motivated or have a break in your day, for example, can help you set the right time.

• Carving out the time: Any meditation is better than no meditation. If that means closing your eyes and breathing deeply for five minutes during your lunch hour or coffee break or when the baby is napping, you will still benefit, especially if you do it on a regular basis. The benefits of meditation are cumulative.

• How long should I meditate? Research suggests meditating for 13 minutes each day for eight weeks improves memory, emotional regulation, and mood; however, experts say there’s no golden number. As few as 10 minutes a day can do the trick.

• Set an intention for the practice and understand your goals: Ask yourself the following questions to find the ideal meditation time. What is your motivation and intention for deciding to incorporate meditation into your everyday life? What is a feasible time in your day that you can incorporate meditation into your routine? How much time would you like to meditate for everyday that is sustainable, achievable, and practical? Three minutes? Five minutes? 10 minutes? Are there any possible barriers to incorporating a time for meditation in your day? How can you work around these barriers?

The 4 Best Inner-Thigh Exercises For Toned Legs, From A Trainer

• Lateral Lunge: Many moves train in the frontal plane—this one is a great way to train lateral stabilizers. In addition to inner thighs, it strengthens your glutes, which in turn helps to stabilize the knees.

• Supported Single-Leg Deadlift: This deadlift variation allows you to load the working glutes and create stability with the other leg. That helps create more tension and isolates what you want to target.

• Reverse Lunge: This move tends to get your heart pumping, so consider it a leg strengthener and cardio in one.

• Lateral Lunge With Glute Pull: This super complex movement challenges full-body coordination, strength, and balance.

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