Mood Boosting Tips
This has been a year of highs and lows to say the least. With holiday celebrations looking so different for many of us, it only adds another layer of stress and emotion. Now more than ever it's time to put your mental health at the top of the list. Here are some tips for how to boost your mood in the weeks ahead. Create a Routine: Having a routine creates a sense of control and calmness when you know what to expect day to day. This doesn't mean every part of your day has to be scheduled. Maybe it's as simple as waking up at the same time each day and instead of binge watching your latest series go to bed on time. It's easy to let routines slip especially this time of year with the cooler weather, the shortage of daylight, and holiday hustle but routine can help minimize stress and reduce anxiety. Exercise: We all know we should exercise but the hardest part can be getting going and sticking with it. Exercise increases serotonin which helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite along with endorphins which are mood lifters too. With restrictions getting tighter again on gyms coupled with losing some of our outdoor options due changes in weather/daylight it can be hard to exercise. If you have the ability to work from home or some flexibility in your day, get out at lunch when you can maxmize the warmth of the day along with the daylight. Look to local lists or friends and see what they've been doing over the last few months and explore new options. Many gyms and fitness programs have adapted well over the last few months with their online offerings so it might be easier than you think to find something you enjoy. Reduce Stress: This has probably been one of the toughest years for stress as we've had to adapt to so much change in our lives. Stress can fuel symptoms of anxiety, sadness, frustration and depression while wreaking havoc on our health by producing the hormone cortisol. Seek ways to minimize stress each by carving out some "you time" whether its regular breaks from your screen, time to exercise or meditate, or any activites that bring you a sense of calm and happiness. Avoid Sugar Highs: It's easy to look for the small pick me-ups during the day especially when we're stressed, out of routine, and maybe surrounded by food more than we're used to. While eating simple carbs and sugar seems rewarding in the moment, this can lead to blood sugar fluctuations which can give us an initial high but then leave us tired, fatigued, and moody. Bring some health back to your meal and snack choices by eating a combination of lean protein, healthy carbs and a small amount of heart-healthy fat. This will help to keep you full, stabilize blood sugar levels, and you'll notice the change in your mood too. Take Your Omega-3s: It's not always easy to change your diet, but we all have a minute in our day to take our supplements. Omega-3s are known for their mood lifting benefits and for boosting immunity through their anti-inflammatory properties. 90% of us fall short on our omega-3 intake and since our bodies can’t make them we have to get them through our diet and supplementation. Whether its morning, noon, or night, make this one part of your routine and stick with it. Stay Hydrated: Increased caffeine and alcohol intake not only impact our mood and sleep but also our hydration status. If you've seen your intake of these stimulants on the rise make sure you are keeping yourself fully hydrated. Even a slight decline in our hydration status can make us moody and unable to concentrate along with bringing on headaches and fatigue. Keep caffeine and alcohol to a minimum and boost your intake of water and hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. Practice Self-Care: In a time where it feels like everything is outside our control, the one thing we can control is our health. Getting the right nutrition, moving our bodies, getting rest and minimizing stress can postivitely impact our mood and immunity. Look to the positives of being home by using the time to create better habits for yourself. Find a Hobby: Now that we have a better sense of our day to day maybe its time to pick up a new hobby espescially for the winter months. Take that Master Class you've seen advertised, complete those home projects or do something with all those pictures on your computer and create some albums. Having a hobby can take your mind off things and has been shown to decrease stress and depression. Stay Positive: Be the person who spreads positivity not negativity. We all know those people who can complain about everything and maybe at times we are those people. One thing I think we all have learned this year is gratitude. Before you decide to complain about something that wasn't done right(e.g. remote learning, work, someone's post on social media) take a breath, put yourself in someone else's shoes, don't engage, and look for the positive side. Getting upset, angry or complaining is a big hit to our mental well being and undue stress. Find the balance of what works for you and don't be afraid to limit your interaction with negative people, social media, or the news. It might be just what your mental health needs. Stay Connected to Friends and Family: Probably one of the toughest parts of this pandemic has been social isolation. Feeling disconnected and not being able to see loved ones can take a toll on our mood especially around the holidays. Use Facetime and Zoom to make recipes with loved ones this holiday season, write letters, send holiday cards or pick up the phone and check in on loved ones, especially those living alone. You'll find it not only lifts their spirits but yours too.
Holiday Tips for Healthy Eating
The holidays will look different for the majority of us this year. Besides not having the same size gatherings this might be the first year you forego the traditional foods for takeout or decide to roll your sleeves up and make the meals yourself from soup to nuts. No matter where this season finds you, here are few tips to get you to the New Year feeling like you have more control and a greater ability to navigate whatever the holiday season throws your way. Simple Tips To Navigate Holiday Eating Make What You Enjoy: Since this year doesn’t entail larger affairs maybe scale back a bit on the menu and decide to make or bring the things you truly enjoy most and skip the rest. It’s also okay to taste things without finishing them so you feel like you enjoyed without going overboard. Remember not to skip meals throughout the day in order to “save up” for calories later. That usually is a recipe for eating in excess. Balance Your Macros: When plating your meal make sure you have a combination of lean protein, healthy carbs, and good fat so you keep hunger and your hormones under control. Think about dividing your plate in 3rds with 1/3 lean protein, 2/3rds carbohydrates and a dash of fat. Remember to keep starchy carbs to small/condiment sized portions. Control Your Portions: It’s easy to say you won’t eat sweets or have an alcoholic beverage, but then when you’re confronted with it lose all willpower. You can still eat and keep the pounds off with the simple strategy of portion control. Eat reasonably small portions, limit the foods you know you should limit, and don't stuff yourself. Know Your Triggers: Each of us has our "trigger" foods, those foods we just can't seem to control our intake of. They taste so good but make us feel guilty, tired, low energy, and wanting more. Keeping their intake to one or two events versus repeatedly throughout the season allows for a balance between moderation and overindulgence. Get Your Rest and Stay Hydrated: Not getting enough sleep and letting the stress and anxiety of our worlds get the best of us can leave us tired and fatigued. Often times we replace water with caffeine to stay awake but this makes us mildly dehydrated and thinking we want food when in actuality we're just tired and thirsty. Make sure to get your rest and if you can’t do what you can to stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated especially before meals can significantly curb how much food we consume at that meal! A slice of orange, lemon or lime will seem refreshing and flavorful; flavored non-caloric seltzers accomplish the same thing while keeping cravings in check. Get Moving: No matter what activity looks like for you these days, get it in. It could be a simple walk or logging into your gym online to keep up with your healthy routines. Exercise can be just the thing to increase your energy, reduce stress, and get your blood flowing. By being active in the morning, you'll improve your insulin sensitivity, making your body more ready to handle the calories during the day and also eliminate some of the holiday stress. Be Present: Since our get togethers will be small, take the time to really enjoy those you are able to be with. Enjoy the conversations, be present, and savor not only the company but the food you eat. Eat slow, put your fork down between bites, and taste each mouthful. This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food without going back for more. Choosing fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fermentable fiber can add to that feeling of fullness too. You may also like: 6 Things That Lead to a Fluctuating Scale During the Holidays
Weight Loss: The Real Reason You Should Want to Lose Weight
We continually hear about the health reasons why you should lose weight. But what are the molecular reasons? Now we have a clue; increased production of resolvins. Resolvins are a group of molecules derived from omega-3 fatty acids that help resolve inflammation. In a recent paper, it was demonstrated that losing a moderate amount of weight (about 11 pounds in 12 weeks) resulted in a dramatic increase in certain resolvins (1). As I discuss in my newest book, The Resolution Zone, resolvins are among the key players in the body’s internal Resolution Response that allows you to heal from inflammatory damage, especially diet-induced inflammation (2). Not all resolvins increased in that study. The only resolvin that increased was RvE1, which increased by 600 percent! This increase is critical since RvE1 promotes increased bone formation, decreased atherosclerosis, decreased diabetes, decreased neurological problems, and improved tumor clearance in animal models (3-9). The same benefits are also observed in humans who lose weight, suggesting that increased production of RvE1 may be a primary reason for the clinical benefits of weight loss. What is the best way to lose weight and keep it off to gain all of these benefits of increased RvE1 production? It remains the Zone diet (10). Here are the basic rules for permanent weight loss by following the Zone diet. Zone Diet Rules #1. You have to reduce calories The only way to lose weight by the diet is to reduce calories. There is no mystical new way. Ketogenic diets have no “metabolic advantage” compared to the Zone diet (11), and intermittent fasting is no better than continuous calorie restriction (12,13). A calorie is a calorie. That is why calorie restriction is the foundation of the Zone diet. However, the secret is to reduce calories without hunger or fatigue, which leads to the next rules for following the Zone diet. #2 Consume adequate protein at each meal You will need at least 25 grams of protein at every meal to induce hormonal signals (such as PYY and GLP-1) that come from the gut and go directly to your brain to stop hunger. #3 Hormonal control in the blood is key The level of protein at each meal must be balanced by the appropriate glycemic load. This achieves a stable balance of insulin and glucagon in the blood after each meal to stabilize blood sugar levels. The balance of these opposing hormones stabilizes blood glucose levels to prevent hunger and mental fatigue for the next four to five hours. Consistent blood sugar control comes from maintaining the appropriate protein-to-glycemic-load at each meal, which is another critical feature of the Zone diet. #4 Reduce the glycemic load by eating primarily non-starchy vegetables as your carbohydrates The easiest way to reduce the glycemic load is to increase your intake of non-starchy vegetables while moderating fruits and significantly reducing your consumption of grains and starches. The reason is that non-starchy vegetables have the highest amount of fermentable fiber with the least amount of carbohydrates. Fermentable fiber is used by the microbes in your gut to generate the formation of short-chain fatty acids that enhance the satiety effects of PYY and GLP-1. #5 Dramatically reduce your intake of saturated and omega-6 fatty acids The Zone diet is a diet that is low in total fat. However, the fat it contains is rich in monounsaturated fats (which are non-inflammatory) and highly restricted in saturated fats and omega-6 fats (which are pro-inflammatory). Zone Diet Tips Here are some simple dietary tricks to get started and make compliance easier. #1. Eat your protein first before you consume your carbohydrates It takes more time for protein to enter the blood than does carbohydrates. By eating your protein at a meal first you will achieve a better hormonal balance (14,15). #2 Calorie density per meal is important Consuming too many calories, even if they are perfectly balanced, can cause inflammation in the hypothalamus, which disrupts the appetite control center in the brain (16). The Zone diet recommends about 400 calories per meal to prevent such hypothalamic inflammation caused by consuming too many calories in a meal. #3 Time restriction for eating should be based on your circadian rhythms, not your watch. A recent study indicates that the more calories consumed at night induced more fat accumulation compared to the same number of calories consumed during daylight hours (17). Furthermore, the same study demonstrated the importance of eating breakfast to be in alignment with the circadian regulation of your metabolic pathways. This spreading of your calorie intake to be in alignment with circadian rhythms also relates to calorie density. The more you restrict your feeding duration, the higher the calorie density during that shortened eating period, and thus the higher likelihood of hypothalamic inflammation (16). A good rule to follow is to eat within one hour after waking up and stop eating no later than 12 hours after waking up. This timing might be considered to be a “12-12” feeding cycle to minimize fat accumulation and prevent hypothalamic inflammation since you are reducing the calorie density through your eating window. Summary Many of the clinical benefits of weight loss may be attributed to increased resolvin production. The most clinically-validated way to achieve and maintain weight loss is the Zone diet as long as you follow the rules. Of course, if you follow the Zone diet to reduce inflammation, you also want to take omega-3 fatty acids to resolve inflammation and add adequate levels of polyphenols to repair the damage caused by inflammation. The combination of the Zone Diet coupled with high-purity omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenol supplementation is what I term Pro-Resolution Nutrition. Pro-Resolution Nutrition is also the best way to optimize your healthspan (2). References Barden A et al. “Effect of weight loss on neutrophil resolvins in the metabolic syndrome.” Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 148 25-29- (2019) Sears B. The Resolution Zone. Zone Press. Palm City, FL (2019) El Kholy K et al. “Resolvin E1 promotes bone preservation under inflammatory conditions.” Front Immunol 9: 1300 (2018) Sima C et al. “Function of pro-resolving lipid mediator resolvin E1 in type 2 diabetes. Crit Rev Immunol 38: 343-365 (2018) Sulciner ML et al. “Resolvins suppress tumor growth and enhance cancer therapy. J Exp Med 215: 115-140 (2018) Carracedo M et al. “The resolution of inflammation through omega-3 fatty acids in atherosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia, and vascular calcification.” Semin Immunopathol 41: 757-766 (2019) Siddiquee A et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on resolvin (RvE1)-mediated suppression of inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 41: 250-257 (2019) Freire MO et al. “Neutrophil resolvin E1 receptor expression and function in type 2 diabetes.” J Immunol 198: 718-728 (2017) Hasturk H et al. “Resolvin E1 (RvE1) attenuates atherosclerotic plaque formation in diet and inflammation-induced atherogenesis.” Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 35: 1123-33 (2015) Sears B. The Zone. Regan Books. New York, NY (1995) Johnston CS et al. “Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage over nonketogenic low-carbohydrate diets.” Am J Clin Nutr 83: 1055-61 (2006) Trepanowski JF et al. “Effect of alternate-day fasting on weight loss, weight maintenance, and cardioprotection among metabolically healthy obese adults.” JAMA Intern Med 177: 930-938 (2017) Schubel R et al. “Effects of intermittent and continuous calorie restriction on body weight and metabolism over 50 wk: a randomized controlled trial.” Am J Clin Nutr 108: 933-945 (2018) Shukla AP et al. “Food order has a significant impact on postprandial glucose and insulin levels.” Diabetes Care 38: e98–e99 (2015) Shukla AP et al. “Carbohydrate-last meal pattern lowers postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in type 2 diabetes.” BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 5: e000440 (2017) Cai D. “Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in overnutrition-induced diseases.”Trends Endocrinol Metab 24: 40–47 (2013) Kelly KP et al. “Eating breakfast and avoiding late-evening snacking sustains lipid oxidation.” PLoS Biol 18: e3000622 (2020)
Zone Pesto Recipe
Basil is an herb that is in abundance in the summer months as it thrives in warm weather. It is easy to grow in containers, raised beds or even on your windowsill. Basil is a delicious addition to tomato and mozzarella, pasta, salads or even its occasional debut in ice cream. It is also one of the main ingredients in pesto sauce. Pesto consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, hard cheese and olive oil blended together. It is easy to make, rich in polyphenols and a great accompaniment to Zone PastaRx. Check out our recipe below. Recipe Yield: Approximately 1 1/3 cups. Serving Serving 1 teaspoon. Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ingredients 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup pine nuts (walnuts can be used too) 2 cloves garlic or 1 tsp chopped 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese 2/3 cup Zone Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions In a food processor or mini food processor pulse the basil leaves and pine nuts several times. Add garlic and cheese and pulse a few times making sure to scrape the sides. With the food processor still going, slowly add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil through the hole in the top of the lid in a steady stream. Blend until EVOO is fully incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! Makes a great addition to Zone PastaRx Fusilli Notes: To avoid turning brown, cover pesto tightly with plastic wrap and make sure the plastic sits on top to avoid air getting in. Refrigerate up to 5 days. If you want to make bigger batches you can freeze pesto in ice cube trays. Once the cubes are frozen store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Variations: If you don't have all the ingredients for pesto use what you have on hand. Here are some suggestions for substitutions. Basil: Other leafy greens can work in place of basil like spinach, arugula, or I've even seen recipes with parsley, cilantro, and rosemary. Nuts: Pine nuts can be pretty pricy and since you don't need many in this recipe you can substitute other nuts you might have on hand like walnuts, pistacchios or cashews. Cheese: Other hard cheeses can be used in place of the Pecorino Romano. If using parmesan cheese avoid the shaker style parmesan cheese and go with shredded parmesan instead. Nutrition Facts: 1 tsp = 25 calories, 2.5g Fat, 0g Carbohydrate, 0g Protein.
High Fiber Foods
Fiber is a word we often hear and see called out on food packaging. Commercials make you think it’s a nutrient for older adults to help with irregularity, lowering blood cholesterol, or even heart health, but it’s actually a nutrient for all ages. Here we’ll tell you what it is, how it fits within the Zone Diet, how much you need, and why Dr. Sears thinks it's beneficial. What is Fiber? Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that can’t be digested by the body. This is beneficial because it helps slow down how quickly carbohydrates are broken down into sugar and absorbed. It is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. It is found naturally in foods but can be included as a food additive during manufacturing, like inulin and oligosaccharides, to help boost the fiber content. Benefits of Eating Fiber Lowers Cholesterol Blood Sugar Control Weight Management Heart Health Gut Health Regularity Types of Fiber Fiber can either be soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber tends to slow digestion by attracting water and helping foods swell (think oatmeal). Insoluble fiber tends to pass more quickly through the body aiding digestion (think non-starchy vegetables). Dr. Sears writes extensively about the benefits of fermentable fiber. This can either be soluble or insoluble fiber that reaches the colon where it is fermented by the bacteria in our gut. The result of this fermentation is that it produces beneficial changes in the composition or activity of the bacteria in our gut helping to improve our overall health and well-being. The Health Benefits of Fermentable Fiber Intake of fermentable fiber found in foods like non-starchy vegetables plays a critical role in helping to reduce gut-derived inflammation. We now know that the gut and the bacteria that live there have a significant impact on keeping inflammation in our body under control. The higher your intake of fermentable fiber the less risk you have for developing gut inflammation which has been linked to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease as well as neurological conditions. How Much Fiber Do You Need Each Day? Fiber is nutrient for all ages. It is recommended that individuals consume about 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories consumed. On average this about 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men per day. *Amounts based on 14grams/1000 calories Fiber and the Zone Diet Individuals following the Zone Diet should meet their recommended intake of fiber per day. Since the diet recommends consuming primarily non-starchy vegetables, limited amounts of fruits, and small amounts of legumes it is naturally a high fiber diet. In general, individuals should aim to consume about 35 grams of net carbs (total carbohydrates minus fiber) at each meal. To learn more about how many carbohydrates you should consume each day and what carbohydrate choices fit within the Zone check out our Body Fat Calculator and Food Block Guide. Why We Recommend Carbohydrates be Consumed with Protein Now that you know the ideal carbohydrates to choose it’s important to couple them with low-fat protein and small amounts of heart-healthy fat. The rate at which carbohydrates raise blood glucose varies depending on the type of carbohydrates you eat and whether there is fat and protein in the meal too. Even though vegetables and fruit are the best carbohydrates choices, they still raise blood glucose levels when consumed alone. To further stabilize blood glucose and control inflammation in the diet you want to balance your carbohydrate intake with lean protein found in low-fat dairy, eggs, and lean meats and a small amount of heart-healthy fat. This is the foundation of the Zone Diet. When making a Zone meal we recommend aiming for one that is under 400 calories, has less than 12 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein and about 35 grams of net carbs (total carbohydrates minus fiber). If you have the right balance of protein to the carbohydrate at a meal, you help control hunger and fatigue while minimizing inflammation. High Fiber Food List Each of these foods is a good source of dietary fiber and a very healthy choice but it’s important to also take into account the total amount carbohydrates it supplies as well as the protein. Based on this list and the Protein/Carbohydrate ratio you can see why Dr. Sears recommends non-starchy vegetables be the primary source of carbohydrates (and fiber) in the diet as they will have the least impact on spiking blood sugar levels. Those foods with a Protein to Carbohydrate ratio greater than 1 Dr. Sears considers the best.
Weekly Self Care Journal
Amid the stress and anxiety of what is going on in the world there are signs of hope and beauty around us. This can be found in the kindness and generosity of others from making masks, celebrating birthdays with car parades while practicing social distancing, donating money for relief efforts or Mother Nature beginning to show her beauty with flowers and trees springing to life. When the fog has begun to lift from our current situation how do you see yourself emerging on the other side? Will you come out stronger, more rested and energized, will you have more gratitude for the things we take for granted, or will the stress and anxiety have taken its toll. While we know there is so much of this situation that is out of our control, when it comes to our mental and physical health that is one area we can control. We want to help you get to the other side of this both mentally and physically. We’ve decided to create this journal you can do each day where you jot down how you are feeling, what you are grateful for and how you're going to do something for your health through movement and good nutrition. This will help to make you mindful of the things you can control and give you something to look back on in the months ahead of how you made the most of a difficult situation and came out stronger, grateful, and healthier on the other side.
8 Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
There’s nothing better on a fresh salad than a flavorful dressing. Homemade dressings enhance any dish you add them to and can be made in minimal time. The best part is that by controlling the ingredients you use, they are much healthier too. Store bought dressings tend to be high in sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives. Since these are also produced in bulk, the use of cheaper oils makes them higher in saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids known to be inflammatory. Elevate the health benefits of your dressings with these 8 simple recipe ideas. Instructions:1. Mash the garlic cloves on a cutting board with a couple pinches salt, with the side of your knife to a paste.2. In a small bowl mix garlic paste with mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar. Whisk together, drizzle in olive oil whisking to emulsify. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper and whisk again. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 132; Protein 0g (0%); Total Fat 13.5g (21%)(Sat. 2g (9%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 1g (0%); Fiber 0g (0%); Sugars 0g Instructions:1. In a small bowl, whisk the minced shallot, ginger root, orange juice, sherry vinegar, white wine vinegar, water, and soy sauce to combine. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until emulsified.2. Switch up the orange with lime or lemon for a different flavor. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 127; Protein 0g (1%); Total Fat 13.5g (21%)(Sat. 2g (9%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 1g (0%); Fiber 0g (0%); Sugars 0g Instructions:Whisk together the mustard, vinegar, salt, and stevia. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking to emulsify. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 129kcal; Protein 0g (0%); Total Fat 13.5g (21%)(Sat. 2g (9%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 0g (0%); Fiber 0g (0%); Sugars 0g Try These Dressings with Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil Since Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in heart healthy fats and polyphenols, we recommend using it as a base to your salad dressings to boost their health benefits.{{cta('82acc023-83e3-4f7e-89be-48441b27537c')}} Instructions: Blend all ingredients together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more liquid if you want a thinner consistency. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 84kcal; Protein 1g (2%); Total Fat 7.5g (11%)(Sat. 1g (5%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 5g (2%); Fiber 4g (14%); Sugars 0g Instructions:1. Whisk all the ingredients together and pour onto your salad. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 30kcal; Protein 0g (0%); Total Fat 0g (0%)(Sat. 0g (0%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 5g (2%); Fiber 1g (3%); Sugars 4g Instructions:1. Whisk all of the ingredients except salt and pepper. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 15 kcal; Protein 2g (4%); Total Fat 0g (0%)(Sat. 0g (0%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 2g (1%); Fiber 0g (0%); Sugars 1g Instructions: 1. Mix stock and almond meal together in a small saucepan.2. Cook, stirring constantly, over high heat until thickened. Set aside to cool. Squeeze the grapefruit into a bowl. Whisk in the vinegar and mustard. When well incorporated whisk in the thickener that has been set aside. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 16kcal; Protein 0g (0%); Total Fat 0g (0%)(Sat. 0g (0%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 3g (1%); Fiber 0g (0%); Sugars 3g Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Nutritional facts per serving (daily value): Calories 93kcal; Protein 2g (4%); Total Fat 9g (14%)(Sat. 1g (6%)); Chol. 0mg (0%); Carb. 3g (1%); Fiber 1g (4%); Sugars 0g There’s more to our olive oil than great taste. Dr. Sears’ Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil is incredibly rich in hydrophobic antioxidants and polyphenols.
Olive Oil Q&A with Dr. Sears
Today Dr. Sears is answering your questions about oils and which ones to use. Q: With so many oils in the consumer marketplace, why do you consider olive oil the best of the best? A: Olive oil has been used for almost 4000 years and has the most clinical studies to validate its benefits. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), not refined olive oil, is the richest of all oils in terms of polyphenols. Most oils come from seeds, but olive oil comes from fruit. This gives olive oil a higher polyphenol content than most other oils. Also, the polyphenols in extra virgin olive are unique as they are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can’t be found fruits and vegetables. Q: What are your thoughts on some of the newer oils that have hit the market over the past few years like coconut oil, avocado oil, and nut oils? A: Only avocado oil has any polyphenols since it comes from a fruit. That said, the amount of polyphenols are significantly less than EVOO and lack the unique structure which gives olive oil its anti-inflammatory properties. Q: How does someone know what to look for in an olive oil product? A: It should taste like melted butter on the tip of your tongue but generate a very bitter taste when you flip the oil to the back of your tongue. Clarity and color are important too. If there is very little color it means the oil is refined and many of the polyphenols have been removed. Q: Are all olive oils the same? A: No. Authentic olive oil is very expensive to produce. What you’ll find is that some manufacturers will take olive oil and blend them with cheaper vegetable oils to dilute the olive oil and then label it as olive oil. This is why it is estimated that 70% of all olive oil in the U.S. is considered adulterated. Q: How do you know if olive oil is adulterated? A: It’s not always easy to tell. You have color and clarity, but this is where choosing a high-quality brand is your best guarantee of quality. When I set out to create Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I sought out a few organic cooperatives in Italy known for their high quality extra-virgin olive oil. The olives were harvested in late fall, followed by processing over the winter. Then the various processed lots were tested for polyphenol content. Those lots that met our polyphenol requirements were bottled and brought to the U.S. under the Zone brand. Q: Is there a benefit to using organic olive oil? A: It takes a lot of energy for plants to produce polyphenols. Once you start using pesticides to increase the production of olives, the plants generally decrease the amount of polyphenols they produce as they don't have to work as hard. This effect is more profound in fruits than vegetables. This is one benefit of using an organic oil because the polyphenol content and benefits are generally higher. Q: What makes Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil unique? A: We use an organic olive oil cooperative in Umbria, Italy where the oil is bottled on site and sent directly to us. It’s my guarantee that you are getting the best quality oil that Italy can produce that year. Q: You mention cooking with olive oil destroys the polyphenols. Are there other oils you recommend cooking with instead since olive oil has a low smoke point? A: Since heat destroys polyphenols the best oil to use for cooking is high-oleic safflower oil which is rich in monounsaturated fat and has a high smoke point. You could also use refined olive oil which has minimal polyphenols but good temperature characteristics. If you want to use EVOO and maximize the polyphenols it contains I recommend drizzling on top of food after its been cooked. Q: If EVOO has polyphenols do I still need to take my polys? A: Yes. I recommend consuming 1000-1500mg of polyphenols per day. The polyphenols in EVOO are unique anti-inflammatory agents which can be one source, but it’s almost impossible to get that many polyphenols in olive oil alone. This is why I recommend consuming about 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day in addition to getting polyphenols from sources like cocoa, which is good for gut health, and berries such as maqui, which activate key enzymes (AMPK) important for health.
The Zone and Heart Health
Approximately 18.2 million adults age 20 and older have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for men and women. While these statistics are startling, the good news is that diet and lifestyle changes can minimize your risk. Here's how the Zone works to protect your heart at any age. Zone Diet The Zone Diet is calorie-restricted eating plan that is adequate in protein, moderate in carbohydrate, low in fat and rich in fiber. It's been clinically validated to help with fat loss, appetite control, and hormonal control. How It Protects Your Heart: Loaded with colorful vegetables and limited amounts of fruits which are rich in dietary fiber and contain polyphenols which have numerous heart health benefits. Low in total fat, with the majority of fat coming from heart healthy monounsaturated fat. Macronutrient balanced to help control blood sugar and reduce hunger. Anti-inflammatory diet. Naturally low in sodium. Omega-3 Fish Oil Omega-3s are the building blocks for hormones that help combat or resolve inflammation. When we have too much inflammation it is one of the main reasons we gain weight, develop chronic disease, and age at a faster pace. A diet rich in omega-3s (e.g. fish and fish oil) can help minimize inflammation. How It Protects Your Heart: Promotes a healthy heart by reducing triglyceride levels, supporting healthy blood pressure levels and increasing the formation of hormones that resolve inflammation. Polyphenols Polyphenols are nutrients found in plants that are responsible for their health-promoting properties. The more colorful the plant, generally the higher the polyphenol content. This is why fruits, especially berries, and vegetables are good sources of polyphenols. How It Protects Your Heart: Maqui Rich in polyphenols that activate genes to help reduce the levels of oxidized LDL Helps reduce oxidative stress through its antioxidants properties Supports healthy blood pressure levels Supports healthy blood sugar Cocoa Supports healthy blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels Helps relax and dilate blood vessels to help improve blood flow
Is Your Kitchen Making You Gain Weight? Tips for Equipping Your Space for Weight Loss
The environment in which we work and live is a key piece to our weight loss success. When we hit bouts of stress in our lives often our health is the priority that falls to the bottom of the list. This chaos can translate into where we live and be visible in piles of mail and papers, dishes in the sink, take out boxes and overall poorer food choices. What you may not realize is that the external cues we get from our environment can influence our behavior leading us to consume more. Feeling out of control or overly stressed coupled with a cluttered environment can make us prone to overeat. One study showed women who were stressed and put in a cluttered kitchen ate twice as many calories from sweets compared to those who were stressed and put in a tidy kitchen (1). Studies have shown that individuals eat less when they are in an environment that is less cluttered, less chaotic and with minimal distractions. Stressed or not, each of us has a different organization style whether it’s neat and orderly to organized chaos. Knowing this may prove beneficial when trying to equip our kitchen for weight loss. For some of us if it’s not easily seen it’s not a temptation, but for others even when hidden we’re better off not having it there to begin with. Here are some tips on how to optimize your kitchen for weight loss while making it Zone® friendly too.Take a look around your kitchen and see where you might be able to free up some space. Remember the more cluttered things appear, the more likely you’ll be to reach for the higher calorie treats. Consolidate papers or mail to one section rather than having it spread all over. Move appliances you rarely use to free up space for healthy meal prep. Designate a cabinet or shelf to tempting foods rather than keeping them on the counter in plain sight.Keep a bowl of fruit on the counter or replace whatever you have in the cookie jar with healthier snacks like ZoneRx bars instead. Make healthy foods like cut-up vegetables, yogurt, or hummus the first things you see when you open the fridge. Then when the urge to snack strikes you’ll have plenty of healthy options on hand to grab.Consider tossing or designating a cabinet for unfavorable carbohydrates like pasta, rice, dry cereal, crackers, cookies and pastries. Replace these with barley, slow-cooked oats, and Zone PastaRx.Replace vegetable oils, shortening, butter and whole fat dairy with those low in both saturated and omega-6 fats. Substitute olive oil or nut butters rich in monounsaturated fats in place of vegetable oils. To keep portions in check, consider an oil mister which allows you to spray oil on to veggies for easy roasting. Keep nuts like almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews and pistachios on hand for snack choices. Use low-fat or part-skim dairy products and keep items like cottage cheese and yogurt on the top shelf of the fridge for an easy to grab breakfast or snack option.Frozen fruits and vegetables make for great smoothies, stir-fries, or additions to yogurt and oatmeal. Since these are picked at their ripest and then quickly frozen they’ll have a higher vitamin and mineral content than fresh fruits and vegetables that sit in the refrigerator for days. The freezer is also great for storing lean protein like chicken and fish that can easily be taken out ahead of time for weeknight meals.Spices are a great way to add flavor (and polyphenols!) to your meals. Since they are calorie free, go to town! Add cinnamon to your oatmeal, fresh spices like mint or basil to salads, or rosemary and oregano to your protein choices.Although canned foods get a bad rap for being high in sodium, don’t completely rule them out. Beans are a great way to add protein and soluble fiber to your salads and meals. Canned sardines and salmon make for a portable protein option and vegetable soups make for an easy meal that couples well with Zone PastaRx™. Do be mindful of the sodium content of canned goods and be sure to rinse the excess sodium off when possible before using.An easy way to cut empty calories is to eliminate sodas, fruit juices, and sugary beverages from the house. Add berries, lemons, limes and cucumber to water to add some flavor or choose calorie-free beverages like caffeine free coffee, tea, or seltzer to add in some variety.Having TVs in our kitchen and having tablets and phones by our side makes it hard to disconnect during meal time. Being distracted when eating can lead us to consume larger portions, eat faster, and feel less satisfied with the meal we have. Take a break from your device and bring some mindfulness to meal time. When it comes to weight loss most of us know what to do. It’s a matter of actually doing it. Make staying in the Zone easy by optimizing your kitchen for success. References 1. Vartanian, Lenny R., Kristin M. Kernan, and Brian Wansink. “Clutter, Chaos, and Overconsumption: The Role of Mind-Set in Stressful and Chaotic Food Environments,” Environment and Behavior.
Inflammation and the Zone Diet
Inflammation is something all of us have experienced whether big or small. The papercut you got opening the mail, the soreness from your workout, the swelling in your fingers and joints…all inflammation. Classical inflammation is the easiest to spot since it’s usually in the form of redness, heat, swelling or pain. It’s the inflammation we can’t feel that becomes problematic for our health. The Downside of Inflammation Inflammation is common and we need some level of it to fight off infection and disease. Every day we are exposed to things in our environment that promote inflammation (e.g. UV rays, chemicals, germs). When our body views something as foreign, it activates our immune system to protect us and triggers an inflammatory response. Most of the time this inflammation is followed by healing, but if healing doesn’t take place, inflammation persists, becoming our greatest enemy. Chronic inflammation has been linked to weight gain, accelerated aging, and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The Biggest Culprit of Inflammation What many of us don’t realize is that one of the biggest culprits of inflammation is our diet. Every eating decision we make can either heal our bodies through good nutrition or hinder it through promoting inflammation. Think about how many times you eat throughout the day and that can seem a bit daunting! The good news is that Dr. Sears has researched the role of diet and inflammation for decades. As a result of his work he created the Zone Diet. The Zone Diet and Inflammation The Zone Diet is an anti-inflammatory eating plan that focuses on eating the right combination of carbohydrate, protein, and fat at every meal and snack. Unlike traditional anti-inflammatory diets that focus on specific foods, the Zone Diet focuses on food choices and macronutrient balance to maximize the diets anti-inflammatory benefits. Calorie-wise the Zone Diet is approximately 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat. The Short-Term Benefits of the Zone Diet Long-term we know that controlling inflammation helps delay or prevent weight gain, aging, and and the onset of certain diseases, but there are also short-term benefits to be gained. Within the first few days of following the Zone Diet here are some of the benefits you can expect. Less Hunger Less Fatigue Lose of Weight/Body Fat Decreased Cravings for Carbohydrates Greater Mental and Physical Energy Improved Overall Health and Wellness What Foods Can You Eat on the Zone Diet? The Zone Diet focuses on food choice and macronutrient balance. Below are some of the main foods you can eat in each of the macronutrient categories. Get Started Now If you want to learn more about the Zone Diet and how to get started, download our complete Zone food block guide now.
13 Holiday Diet Tips to Keep You In The Zone
People tend to throw in the towel on healthy eating around the holidays. For some it may start as early as Halloween with all the tempting candy, but for many the feasting often starts around Thanksgiving and just carries through to the New Year. We understand that leftovers, comfort foods, holiday parties and last-minute gift buying doesn't leave much time for healthy eating and exercise. That said there are ways to start off the New Year without having to resolve to lose the weight gained during November and December. Here are some simple tips to navigate your holiday season successfully. Plan Ahead Determine what events are likely to trip you up and plan your strategy in advance. This might include avoiding alcohol, sticking to lower-calorie appetizers, bringing a dish you know you can eat or just keeping portions small. This will prevent you from going overboard. Don't be afraid to taste things without finishing them. Consider having a Zone snack just before a party to reduce your appetite later on. Portion ControlVowing to eliminate sweets or avoid tempting carbs may sound good in theory but can be brutally hard once you're at an event. Many people lose weight and keep it off with the simple strategy of portion control. Eat reasonably small portions, limit the foods you know you should limit, and don't stuff yourself. Find the Balance Between Good and BadMost of us know our "trigger" foods, those foods we just can't seem to control our intake of. They are so yummy yet lead us to feel guilty, tired, low energy, and wanting more. Abstaining from them all holiday season is unlikely, but keeping their intake to one or two events versus repeatedly throughout the season allows for a balance between moderation and overindulgence. Move Away From the "Off Diet" MentalityThe "on"/"off" diet mentality can get us in a lot of trouble. Why? As soon as you go off diet, you give yourself permission to go from a taste of the pie to eating the whole thing. Don't set yourself up for disaster. Try to eliminate the all-or-nothing mentality by keeping portions small and indulgences in check. Don't Skip MealsHaving small meals throughout the day helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Skipping meals in an effort to bank calories for later sounds good in theory, but this leads to greater consumption and overeating. By keeping your blood sugar steady throughout the day, you'll be surprised at the willpower you have to avoid tempting foods later. No time for meal prep? Substitute a meal with a ZoneRx shake to help reduce calorie overload later or eat a ZoneRx bar before going to a party so you are better able to control hunger and temptation. Use Small Plates A full salad-size plate looks like a lot of food and psychologically "feels" the same way. You can always go back for seconds or even thirds but doing so slows down the eating process, giving you more time to feel full. Or, if you do use a large plate, fill 2/3rds with vegetables. Add Some SpiceIf you pop something pickled or spicy in your mouth, you may find your cravings for sweets diminish. It's okay to indulge in the occasional sweet craving, but eat something spicy or pickled first, and you may find you no longer want to. Rule Out ThirstOften times water is replaced by caffeine around the holidays, leaving us mildly dehydrated and thinking we want food when in actuality we're just thirsty. Drinking water before a meal significantly curbs how much food we consume at the meal, so drink up! A slice of orange, lemon or lime will flavor the water and cut your cravings; flavored non-caloric seltzers accomplish the same thing. Go For A WalkA simple walk can be just the thing to increase your energy, reduce stress, and get your blood flowing. By being active in the morning, you'll improve your insulin sensitivity, making your body more ready to handle the calorie onslaught later that day and also eliminate some of the holiday stress. Keep Your RoutineWhile the holidays get crazy, try and keep as close to your usual eating routine as possible. Grocery shop on the weekends so you have meals for the week, pack your lunch for work, and have your usual breakfast and snacks with you for when you're on the go. This will allow you to have energy to keep up with the holiday excitement, while keeping your waistline in check by limiting the amount you have to eat out. Be Choosy with DessertsWe understand that it may be difficult to avoid dessert altogether, so pick one and keep the portion small. One slice of pecan pie can be as much as 500 calories whereas pumpkin is around 300. Want to save some calories and carbs? Skip the crust. For example, if you like pumpkin pie eat the custard portion and skip the crust and whipped cream topping. Slowly SavorEating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food. Choosing fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fermentable fiber add to the feeling of fullness. Spread out the food and fun all day long. After a big holiday dinner, consider serving dessert after a post-dinner group walk. Eat Your VeggiesWhen you sit down at your holiday meals and events reach for the green vegetables first. These vegetables are rich in fermentable fiber so they help slow down digestion filling you up sooner. They are also low in calories and good for your gut too! Try broccoli, spinach, green beans, or any other non-starchy vegetable. Be careful of cream and/or fattening sauces with your veggies or substitute a heart healthy fat instead like Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil. {{cta('e0e76e0b-4de8-4afa-b148-9c1c9dee0180','justifycenter')}}
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