#Converts Protein to Carbs

[bldgrelationshipwgod]

How to Fix the Adrenal Body Type - Dr. Berg

[rollercoasterwords]

what is your favorite recipe to cook? Mine is vodka sauce and pasta or chickpea coconut curry !

omg those both sound SO good….honestly idk my diet changed a lot when i moved 2 a different country + now i’ve moved back 2 the u.s. so i’m figuring out what 2 cook again!! for the past 2 years kimchi&tuna fried rice has def been a go-to i made it allllll the time but now i no longer have access 2 my fave tuna brand so i haven’t made it yet since moving back…another recent fave has been breakfast potatoes chop up a yummy golden potato & fry it in a pan w some onions + whatever other veggies i have + add salt + pepper + paprika + red pepper & then crack some eggs & scramble them in…SAUR good

[bonefall]

Warrior Bites: Dietary Needs

[ID: A fish carcass, bird carcass, and mouse carcass on a stone slab.]

Are you wondering how much prey a Clan needs a day? What they should eat to stay healthy? Why food processing is useful at all? All the answers to these questions and more, contained within a general guide to dietary needs for your Warrior Cats!

As an obligate carnivore, a cat's entire diet revolves around processing meat. More specifically, the ideal diet should be 55% protein, 45% fats, about 1% to 3% carbs, with the remainder being various micro-nutrients. You can expect the average 10-pound warrior to need 350 calories per day, about 3.5 mice on average.

I've also included a section talking about obesity, which dives into how canon's depiction of it is both harmful fatphobia and wouldn't make sense from a cat perspective. It also discusses obesity in realistic cats; and how you're free to choose the realism on that aspect.

Below the cut;

Caloric Intake

Nutrition

Food Processing

On Obesity

Caloric Intake

The general rule for how much a cat needs to eat is that an active, non-neutered tom will need about 35 calories per pound of their own body weight, per day, just to remain the weight they are.

That means that the average warrior, assuming they are 10 pounds, will need 350 calories a day.

Kittens, pregnant and nursing cats, and large warriors will need to eat more than average. Neutered cats, elders, and clerics/medcats will eat less. There are calculators online for determining how much an individual will need, but you can estimate how much an entire Clan will need just by taking 350 and multiplying it by population!

Assuming the average population is about 30 cats, that's 10,500 calories to feed a Clan for a day! To put that in perspective, that many calories would feed 7 large humans. If you felt like fighting a group of angry cats to steal their day's worth of mice, I mean.

Generally speaking, land prey will have a caloric value around 5 calories per gram. Aquatic prey is significantly lower, around 4 calories per gram. Birds will be just below 6 calories per gram. To find out how many cats a piece of prey will feed, or how many pieces a cat will need that day, take the category and multiply by the prey's weight in grams.

So for example, the average house mouse is 20 grams and it is land prey, meaning its caloric value is around 100 calories! A warrior will need 3 and a half mice a day to stay healthy, and a Clan will need 105 mice daily to support 30 cats.

105 mice may seem like a lot, but remember that a wild rabbit is 1,800 grams on average which means 9,000 calories. 2 big pieces of prey will feed the whole Clan, with leftovers.

Those estimates include every part of the animal. Cats eat organs, small bones, and even skin. Skeletal muscle, or "fillets" in reference to fish, is so low in calories that it's typically somewhere between 1 kcal to 1.5 kcal per gram. That's what you're buying in the supermarket; but wild animals don't usually cut their food into choice strips.

(unless you're writing a clan that does food processing of course!)

QUICK FACTS

Average warrior will need 35 calories per pound of weight

10 pound warrior needs 350 calories a day

350 x 30 cats = 10,500 calories to feed a Clan for a single day

Birds provide the most calories per gram, land prey the middlemost, and aquatic prey the least.

Calculate calories in prey by taking the weight, converting to grams, and multiply by 4, 5, or 6 depending on broad category.

If you're having trouble feeding a Clan on small animals, look at bigger prey like rabbits and trout.

Muscle fillets are inferior to organ meats and have a much lower caloric value.

Nutrition

Not all food is the same. The more important thing to consider about any particular meal is NOT its calorie count, but its nutritional value. This is especially important to cats because protein is not stored as fat. If the body has no immediate use for it, it's flushed out.

Since cats should not eat more than 3% carbs, ALL of their fat stores will need to come from fat.

The ideal piece of meat would be at least 55% protein and 45% fat. Every individual species will have a different ratio, and more importantly, individual cuts will have a different ratio.

Skeletal muscle has a higher ratio of protein to fat. Organ meat, also sometimes called "offal," will have a more balanced ratio. That said, nearly all meat skews towards protein. PURE fat is very hard to find on the sorts of animals Clan cats hunt, and must be carefully divided, collected, or processed to make sure all warriors are getting proper nutrition.

I'll be going more in-depth with dietary fat at some other time, as this guide is meant to just be an overview! Just know that some Clans will need to eat MORE food to stay healthy because of this.

Cats need more than the "macronutrients" to stay healthy. They can't JUST rely on the juiciest cuts of meat to keep their health intact, they also need several vitamins and minerals to support their body functions, and avoid getting a deficiency.

Here's some of the important micronutrients, where to get them, and what happens they don't get enough;

Vitamin A: Livers, mealworms, eggs This is one of the most important micronutrients in a cat's body, used for practically everything. Without this, their coats will grow dull, and their joints stiff, and they'll start to go night-blind. In a severe state, they'll start to lose the ability to heal skin lacerations and die. Pregnant cats and kittens need more of this than usual, but it IS also possible to get vitamin A poisoning from getting too concentrated of a dose.

Calcium: Bones, eggs With a calcium deficiency, the warrior will feel stiff and sore, and experience painful muscle spasms. Most cats will simply crunch the bones of small prey and never have to worry about this, but if your cats cook or scavenge, they have to be told to NEVER eat the bones of a roasted bird. Because bird bones are hollow and cooking makes them brittle, they can splinter and cause fatal internal bleeding.

Thiamine: Trout, boar meat, mealworms, eggs Called a Fish Seizure because raw carp and raw bream contains thiaminase, which will destroy thiamine in the body. Lack of thiamine will cause neurological issues, such as the aforementioned seizures, general confusion, memory loss, and muscle weakness. This can be counterracted by eating trout, which is so high in thiamine that there's a theory that carp evolved it specifically to eat salmonids better.

Potassium: Trout, boar meat, mealworms, eggs As cats get older, they begin needing a lot more potassium for their bodies. It's a very common micronutrient found in most meat, but elders should get the first bite of special snacks "out of respect" which helps keep their potassium level up. Without it, they become very weak.

i feel like that evil struthiomimus from land before time with how many times i typed eggs

QUICK FACTS

The ideal ratio of a cut of meat is 55% protein 45% fat

Organ meat > Muscle meat

Micronutrients are important

But micronutrients can also cause poisoning if, somehow, they're too concentrated (very hard to come across concentrated micronutrients without the science of chemistry tho. Like if a cat swallowed a vitamin gummy.)

Food Processing

"Food Processing" is when you do something to your food before you eat it. Just a little bit of care is going to go a LONG WAY when it comes to health of the warrior.

Cats that eat raw meat the way canon warriors do are almost guaranteed to get worms. Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are all passed through the infected tissue of rodent prey, and in fish, roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes can pass through raw meat.

All parasites do something a little different, but most digestive worms aren't fatal unless the cat is sick or a kitten. However, nearly ALL of them screw around with digestion, making the cat need to eat more just to stay healthy, or causing stomach irritation. Some of them can even pass in milk, infecting a suckler's nursing kits.

The easiest way to reduce this kind of infection is simply to slice the prey open from mouth-to-butt, Tigerstar-style, and hook and lift out the GI tract before eating. There's nothing in that worth eating raw anyway. It can just be discarded, or cleaned out and used to case tiny sausages! But it's only a reduction; there's still a risk of catching worms from raw meat.

There's also always the possibility of getting salmonella poisoning.

Many believe that cats are immune to this, but that's not true! Carnivores just have a shorter GI tract than omnivores and herbivores, so salmonella spends less time in their gut and ergo has less chance of causing an infection. It still happens, ESPECIALLY when cats hunt songbirds.

Nothing can be done about salmonella in raw meat, besides eating it as quickly as possible. It's innate to the bodies of birds and reptiles, and usually found on raw eggs too.

Some animals are small enough to be dried and carried around as rations, such as minnows or grasshoppers. Others could be sliced up into strips, and marinated in spices like valerian or catmint for an extra boost of energy. It could also be worthwhile to cut the pelt off a particularly soft animal, like a mole, to dry and keep as bedding material.

All of the above examples of food processing are possible without fire, but if your cats DO have fire, they will have a DRASTIC increase to the quality of their health.

Such as;

Cooking will almost completely eliminate those foodborne parasites. Their eggs don't survive extreme heat.

No more salmonella poisoning! GONE! Cooking is the only way to eliminate this!

It can increase caloric absorption from anywhere between 20% to 50%. Our example warrior who needed 3.5 mice a day could suddenly need one less mouse; and even a meager 20% drop in how much the entire Clan needs saves 2,400 calories a day. 24 whole mice!

I HAVE TO STRESS HOW BIG THAT IS. You save anywhere from 2/10 to 5/10 successful kills.

Thiaminase is destroyed by cooking, making bream and carp healthier and reducing "fish seizures."

It allows for fats to be processed and stored as tallow, lard, and oil, so it can be added to other dishes to make them both healthier and tastier.

Most food preservation requires fire in some way; by heating, jellying, boiling, etc. The only other two ways to reliably store food is by having access to a ton of salt, which is hard for most non-coastal clans to acquire, or vinegar, which is so acidic it's a notorious cat-repellent.

While cooking can also destroy some micronutrients, its benefits FAR outweigh any potential "strengths" of raw food. Destroying micronutrients is also not always a bad thing; as TOO MANY micronutrients can cause poisoning. Fire-using Clans will be more likely to "seek" micronutrients than non-fire Clans as a result, though they probably won't recognize the science behind a hankering!

QUICK FACTS

Worms. Basically unavoidable if your cat's eating like a canon warrior.

Some parasites can spread through milk.

Slicing and lifting out the GI tract can significantly reduce the chance of catching worms.

Salmonella can only be eliminated with cooking

Cooking will drastically increase the quality of a Clan's health, if your cats are advanced enough to figure out fire.

Warriors need to hunt a LOT less prey, and can store that prey, if they have fire.

Fire-using Clans will intentionally try to put more types of food in their diets and get 'cravings.'

On Obesity

Warrior Cats is not a realistic series. The boundary that any particular writer draws between humans and warrior cats is completely arbitrary. The series itself follows no sense of realistic genetics, regularly shows the cats using herbs that would poison them, and gives the characters human-centric morals like monogamy and paternal involvement.

So when it comes to being fatness in your project, please keep that in mind. You do not need too follow realistic cat weight distribution, if that's not what your project about. That said, let me tell you about humans vs cats in this department!

Humans have a massive diversity of weight distribution, with varied genetic predispositions to gaining and losing weight. The shame, bullying, and medical discrimination that comes with fatphobia is a LOT more harmful than being fat itself, and the causes of the "obesity crisis" are ridiculously more complicated than "ppl r snorking 2 much food".

Realistic cats aren't the same way.

When REAL cats are fat, that's VERY bad. It's a sign they are being fed the wrong things by humans, or live somewhere that they are able to eat what they shouldn't. They just don't have that same diversity in fat distribution that humans do. Because of how adipose tissue secretes certain hormones, feline obesity is like a chronic inflammatory disease which can cause arthritis, bladder stones, hepatic lipidosis, and more.

But with that in mind, fatness should be perceived very differently even in the most realistic settings. In comparison to humans;

It is harder for a wild cat to put on weight. Most of what they're eating is raw protein, actively trying to fill the 45% of daily fat intake they need to stay healthy. Protein isn't stored as fat, it's immediately discarded by the body if there is no use for it. A cat would need to be taking an INSANE amount of prey to start becoming dangerously overweight. Housecats are often fed human food, which has carbohydrates. Low-quality cat food will also use carbs as filler. High carb food is VERY bad for them, since they're only supposed to have 3% carbs at most. This is one of the reasons why it's easy for pet cats to become overweight.

Realistic cats don't look start looking overweight until they are significantly obese. Most of their fat is stored around their ribs and internally, unlike humans with our thick hips and round bellies, and they are covered in a naturally sagging pelt of fur. It's not as obvious with them. Visually, weight will be noticed best from a bird's eye perspective, unlike humans where it's apparent at every angle.

Putting on the fat that CAN be acquired is ridiculously important 3.5 raw, whole mice a day, per cat, are needed to fill their basic dietary requirements. There are going to be days or months especially during winter where they might be below that number, and that stored fat is going to be lifesaving. Bulking up is actually a big deal!

So not only is how canon treats overweight characters full of malice, it's full of lazy malice. It makes no sense from a realistic standpoint for wild cats to develop an association between fatness and greed or laziness. It's important, hard work for them to acquire it!

Though the Clans are notoriously xenophobic and kittypets are more likely to be overweight, it still doesn't make sense from a realistic cat perspective to be fatphobic in the same way as canon. It's more likely they'd see fat housecats as having "unearned" weight given to them by humans, like they're cheating, or they might be disdainful of how much junk food they eat, or pitiable because it's a sign of a bad twoleg... or just "sour grapes" variety jealousy ☕.

Bottom line is that there's a LOT you can do here which is better than canon's vicious bullying. The writers just lifted British cultural disdain for fat people and put it into the books. They simply did not think it through.

So please do what they didn't, and just put a little extra thought into how your project is going to view fatness! Consider if fatphobia is even a theme you need in your text.

As stated, you do not even have to write weight in your cats as being realistic in this way! I encourage you to pick and choose what's most fun and fitting for your own work. I personally give my characters a more human weight distribution, simply because I want to spite canon and be more body-positive. I am a fat people and you can take Bumble's big chunky bod from my cold, dead hands.

You can choose to make your work however you'd like, and now with this guide, you can have an easy reference for what your cats should eat! Thank you, StarClan, for this prey <3

[fullofseoul]

Fasting Zones

Whilst fasting I decided to do some research into fasting and the different zones so that I could understand how to lose more weight whilst on a fast and wanted to share it with everyone. 

I’m not promoting fasting in any way but I realise a lot of us do it and I want people to be informed and stay safe. Remember to keep yourself hydrated on a fast, drink some water or 0 cal drinks and please take a break if you start to feel sick or dizzy. You come first. 

Anabolic - 0-4hrs

This zone lasts 4 hours on average and is usually spent processing the last meal you ate. After your body breaks down the carbs, protein and fat into glucose, amino acids and fatty acids your body converts this into energy for later use. People who snack a lot or have frequent meals usually spend most hours of the day in this state. 

Depending on your diet and activity levels you can decrease this time, moving into the next zone faster, such as the fat burning zone. 

Catabolic - 4-16hrs

This zone lasts 12 hours on average where the body’s blood glucose and insulin levels drop and you’ll start to use up the stored glycogen and fat for energy, this is called the breakdown state. Glucose is still the primary fuel source in this state, however when your glycogen reserves are nearing empty, you’ll start using fat. 

Depending on how active you are during the day, doing exercise during this time will use up the glycogen stores quicker, moving you into the next zone.

Fat Burning - 16-24hrs

Whilst your body may always be burning fat, this zone is where it accelerates. Your body will now be in fat burning mode. Your body will always use some amount of glucose however it is now more dependant on fatty acids for fuel. Your brain still needs glucose to function, any glucose still being produced within the body will primarily be used by the brain whilst the rest of the body relies on fat for fuel. 

Ketosis - 24-72hrs

Your fast is now a multi-day fast. Exercise can accelerate the transition into this zone. Your primary fuel source is fatty acids and ketone bodies plus glucose. The body now relies more and more on fat and ketone bodies in this state and will prioritise burning fatty acids with ketone bodies being spared for the brain. 

Ketone bodies: this refers to 3 molecule types acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Acetoacetate and BHB can be used for energy production. 

It is suggested that a healthy fast end after 3 days due to health risks. Take a break, eat a meal, drink lots of water and rest. You did well to reach three days, don’t risk your health. 

Deep Ketosis - 3+ Days

The body is now in a prolonged fasting zone. After day 3, glucose and insulin levels stay low and hunger will stay suppressed. You’ll see a decrease in IGF-1 a hormone involved in growth and development. Insulin and Glucose production will fall around 30% or more. 

[tamamita]

Does your digestive system ever work really hard when you’re working out? It happens to me sometimes and I’m wondering if it happens to anyone else.

That's absolutely normal, your body is using up your glycogen (basically your stored energy). Glycogen in your muscles are converted into the nucleotide ATP, which is required for muscle contraction. When your body uses up that energy, your body is gonna tell you that it's low on power through the state of hunger. In order to compensate for the wasted energy, your body requires the necessary minerals to refuel in the form of carbs, fat and protein. This is why it's recommended to drink a shake of whey protein and to eat shortly after your workout session as your body needs to recover. Taking too much time will result in your metabolism entering a catabolic state, which means your body will break down molecules or body tissues into simpler ones in order to compensate, this will eventually lead to muscle atrophy and fatigue. In other words, starvation. So remember to drink your shake once you're done!

[blubushie]

Since there's a lot of talk about weight loss right now, how do you gain weight? Asking because I've been underweight/almost underweight most of my life and want to get strong (please help bush dad)

Eat foods high in carbs and high in fat. This of course (like weight loss) depends on your metabolism. If you have a fast metabolism you will need to eat more calories as your body will burn more calories. I'd recommend eating at least 2000 calories a day and see how that gets you, but your mileage is gonna vary depending on your activity level and height. You might have to push for 2500 or 3000 cal a day to see a noticeable difference, but I'd note that just like weight loss this should be done gradually and not rushed—it's better to gain weight slowly than too fast, otherwise you might shock your system (and cause some intestinal upset)!

If you want to get STRONG, then you're gonna need to eat a lot of protein. If you wanna gain weight and get strong, you're gonna want to eat fatty protein. So eat the gristle on your steaks, avoid only eating lean meats like chicken/venison/roo/lamb and, while you can 100% eat those, you also need to be supplementing with high-fat proteins like well-marbled beef and pork. Drink full fat milk, make foods with heavy cream, eat a lot of carbs like bread and pasta, eat foods with a lot of butter, etc. Protein will let you build muscle (as long as you're working out to BUILD that muscle) and the fat will be converted to fat stores. This is my go-to diet for putting on weight before summer.

I will say that it's much easier to put on weight FIRST and then get to work on beefing up. Otherwise, if you're working out, you're just going to be burning all the fat stores you take in. Get heavier first, then work on beefing. For beefing you'll want lean meats, but if you've been underweight your whole life you'll probably want to just continue the high-carb and high-fat diet while just including more lean protein for muscle building. Eat a lot of eggs.

Of course this should all be brought up with your doctor. They can give you tips and might even have your thyroid checked to rule out issues that might be causing you issues with gaining weight.

You can also calculate your ideal weight, your activity level, your height, age, and how many calories you'd need to take in to maintain your ideal weight. I'd recommend that first as I have no clue how tall you are.

You'll make it! I'm cheering you on :]

[ovaruling]

@thebloodiestmary its idea is that fat should make up the largest percentage of your dietary intake, with as few carbs as possible. carbs are demonized to an extreme that has made them synonymous with “weight gain” and they’re treated like toxins or contaminants. there is an obsession to have as close to zero carbs as possible in your daily intake, although the general starting point tends to be “under 100g” as the novice and then graduates to “under 50g” as the intermediate.

most of the diet is, of course, animal products. high fat, slightly less high protein (excess protein is converted to glucose and thus evil), and minimal carbohydrates.

fiber, however, cancels out “bad” carbohydrates in this theory. if a food has 10g carbs, but 4g of those are fiber, then in the keto world that food contains 6g of “net carbs.” it is a crazy-making algebraic way of calculating your intake. and even though fiber is a focus, it is de-prioritized completely in this diet which is so full of animal protein and animal fat that i am not surprised to see many keto fanatics come out with bowel cancers or leaky gut or heart disease or high liver enzymes/fatty liver disease or gallbladder disease/gallstones.

the idea is no sugar, no carbs. as little glucose activity as possible.

people tend to lose weight on it usually because they are actually eating fewer calories than they usually would, but not realizing it. keto usually counts by macros, not by calories. in fact, it often discourages calorie tracking. this sounds promising, but it also means most people who lose so much weight with it don’t tend to realize that it’s because they’re in a large caloric deficit. it’s a scam! if you tracked your calories you’d probably realize you were in a deficit all along, and that THAT’S why you’re losing weight, not bc of some magical keto spell.

only eating meat and dairy and eggs will do that. meat and dairy and eggs are PRIMARY weight loss foods and always have been. keto fanatics feel smug because they’re eating bacon and steak and fried eggs and full-fat cheese, but they don’t realize how few calories they’re taking in by eliminating all other foods.

keto has a bad reputation for making its dieters paranoid about fruit, beans, whole grains, and even vegetables.

hardcore keto dieters barely get any of those in their diet. but they lose weight, so it must be healthy!

their boasting of “lower cholesterol” and “lower blood sugar” is almost certainly bc they are losing weight IN A CALORIC DEFICIT.

it is not possible to lose weight if you are not in a caloric deficit.

there is the famous “keto flu” onboarding stage where you feel sick and tired for about a week or sometimes more as you “wean” off of carbs. that is your body starving for nutrients lol. it’s starving. you feel sick and exhausted bc you have almost nothing going in.

and i can say this with confidence bc i fell for this diet hardcore when i was 20. i lost tons of weight eating “fatty” foods. what was actually happening was rabbit starvation—i was getting so much protein and so few other nutrients that i was actually starving myself.

it’s a poisonous diet, nothing more than a weight loss fad, wholly unsustainable, and wildly expensive btw.

any “benefit” that anyone claims comes from it is usually simply from the process of weight loss in a deficit if one’s original health problems (usually heart or diabetes related) were due to being overweight.

and yeah again i won’t even bother to get into what happens to one’s colon and bowels in general eating that many animal products and hormones and that much fat with little to no fiber. with all its parading of red meat and bacon and sausage and other cured meats, it’s a recipe for colon cancer, that’s all i’ll say.

it’s done so much damage to our understanding of food and balanced nutrition and it’s sneaky and dishonest in its ~famed results. it’s a fancy way of getting yourself into a caloric deficit, that’s all.

if all you ate in one day was a McDonald’s value meal at 1200 calories or whatever, you’d lose weight. you’d be in a deficit. keto makes you think it will be possible to consume 5000 calories of fatty fried foods and lose weight—but that literally is not what happens. you usually remain in a deficit because you’re starving trying to keep your carbs as low as possible. and you don’t notice it bc you’re not keeping track of calories, only grams of carbohydrates vs grams of fat.

so many topics exist on keto forums like “why am i not losing weight with keto?!” and answers will urge the user to eat less lmfao. or go on a “fat fast” to “get your body to prioritize burning fat as its primary source of energy” which is eating mostly like 90% fat as your intake majority with 0g of carbs. aka starvation.

you cannot train your body to “prioritize” fat as its primary source of energy. it will ALWAYS prefer carbohydrates as the most efficient and easily digestible source of fuel. the only way you can sustain “ketosis” (which is a dangerous medical condition btw) is by never feeding yourself enough carbs so that your body literally thinks it’s starving—BECAUSE IT IS!!!! you’re “burning fat” bc you are STARVING!!!!

and yeah. just. terrible for your gallbladder, your liver, your digestion, your heart, your inflammatory system, everything. horrific diet.

tl;dr—snake oil, low energy starvation recipe for bowel cancer!

[cassandrasimplex]

Care and Feeding of the Hyperfocusing Brain

Friendly reminder that the brain needs glucose to function. it makes up only about 2% of your body mass on average, but accounts for about 20% of your body's energy use -- and that's even at rest, not when you're doing something especially resource-intensive. If you're planning, organizing, or creating something it's using even more.

The thing is, if you start running low blood sugar (like if your brain is using up all the damn calories in the room) some parts of the brain go into a sort of energy-saving mode, and the frontal lobe is a firstline candidate for this. So you'll start to lose things like time management and awareness, decision-making and problem-solving, emotional self-management, willpower, and good judgment. If you're a hyperfocuser, this is even more important to know -- neurotypical people can't just hammer their brains for constant energy usage for 8 hours nonstop, but we can. It's very easy for us to make ourselves hypoglycemic without even noticing it -- both because hyperfocus lets us keep up that kind of energy burn for so very much longer nonstop and because hyperfocus keeps us from noticing that we're hungry or sleepy. Remember to schedule as many breaks as you can convince yourself to take mid-task, and even if you can't bring yourself to take breaks (hi) you should definitely have a few bites of carbs every hour or so to restock that energy you're burning through. Yes, carbs. While the brain can run on ketones, it doesn't like to and it takes it a while to switch over. To keep it running right this very now, you want carbs that can be converted to glucose quickly (taking into account any other dietary restrictions). Things you should make sure to partake of while you're hyperfocusing: * water * carby snacks Things you should add to those after you quit for a while: * protein snacks or a meal * a nap Your hyperfocusing brain is a delicate animal that requires regular maintenance to keep it doing its best for you.

[sidewalkchemistry]

Why are Caffeine & Energy Stimulants So Common? {or How to Stop Being Stuck in Cycles of Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Insatiable Hunger/Cravings for Sweets}

Relying on energy stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated tea, protein supplements/bars/snacks/shakes, candies, chocolates, etc) to get through a day or workout is a sign that your cells are lacking energy. Don't let your cells suffer like that 😥 (these stimulants also hamper nutrient absorption and harm organ tissue). Fuel yourself with fruit*.

Every cell in the body generates energy from simple sugars. It's most efficient to consume fruit for energy - they are nutrient dense, fast digesting, and packed with simple sugars. When we don't, that's when the depleted feelings and/or sugar-y or starch-y cravings set in. The body tries to get accessible sugar in some way. High-fat and high-protein require a lot of energy to create a good amount of cellular energy. Intuitive eating protocols neglect to realize that cravings for high-carb foods & sweets is the body's message for more energy (preferable via fruit).

••••••••• 🍓🥝🥭🍇🍉🍐🍊 ••••••••••

Ripe** fruit is the best option especially for breakfast & snacks. Have it in abundance***. Cells quickly convert them to useable energy. And they don't cause the withdrawals, sudden energy drops, or harm to your organs that stimulants do. Those who eat adequate amounts of fruit do not consider these stimulants (as shown above).

For the best energy: eat until thoroughly satisfied & don't mix fruit meals with anything but fruit (especially if you have digestive issues, but also because it slows the digestion process & time until the cells receive the glucose molecules for cellular respiration/ATP production)

Some Recommendations: smoothies/smoothie bowl, homemade popsicles, dates, baked fruit (like baked apples or pears sprinkled with cinnamon + nutmeg), frozen or fresh grapes, melons, raisins, berries, cold-pressed fruit juice, dried figs, applesauce, or whatever your current seasonal favorite is**** (luscious persimmons, pomegranates, and oranges in winter; mangoes, pineapples, and papayas in spring; watermelons, peaches, and blueberries in summer; figs, grapes, and apples in fall)

---

*if you are on prescription medication, check first if there are any fruit that are contraindicated. Choose other options. There are thousands of fruit in the world to choose from.

**this channel has a lot of good guidance for selecting properly ripe & tasty fruit (she overviews a bunch at once - from apples to mangoes to tomatoes to dragonfruit - in this video)

***if you have blood sugar issues, a lower fat whole food plant based diet can resolve those issues long term. I recommend working with an experienced & trusted health practitioner to be sure you safely make the adjustment. I definitely recommend it because fruits are the cell's best & most nutritious fuel and it doesn't serve the body to restrict them.

****seasonal fruit may vary depending on location. seasonal fruit tend to have the best flavor profiles & price points

[aisuru-skinny]

Things from recovery that have made my relapse less miserable

✨I AM IN NO WAY PROMOTING 3D OR ENCOURAGING RELAPSE. I AM VERY MUCH PRO RECOVERY AND WOULD NEVER WISH THIS ON ANYONE✨

But considering I'm currently in relapse and it's a mental disorder and I can't stop any of you, let alone myself, remember to take care of yourselves

🍒 Intuitive Eating - This is probably 85% responsible for my relapse because practicing intuitive eating, I ate every time I was hungry BUT I didn't allow myself to overeat either and I didn't keep eating if I felt like I had too much. I just wanted till I got hungry again. This was like some crazy proof that you can have self control and don't have to binge. If you felt like you messed up with one meal, don't just keep wrecking yourself. Choose that moment to reset IMMEDIATELY instead of telling yourself you'll do it later or if you can have 1 more binge. I used to go in cycles of ⭐vation and then binge for a day to a point where I knew I couldn't fill myself up more but kept going anyway. I haven't had what I would consider a full blown binge in almost 5 months because I know I have control (granted I have overeaten a few times but I don't let myself continue to spiral)

🍒Keto Diet - When we were trying to figure out why everything I eat makes me sick, a keto diet was also test trialed to see if I had a carbohydrate intolerance and the take away from this is that guYS FRUIT HAS SO MANY CARBS it's literally natural sugar that gets converted to carbs and you're weight can just pack back on. I'm not saying don't eat fruit, please do!!! But you have GOT to balance it out with protein and veggies. Having a more savory breakfast, if I eat that morning, makes me last through the day longer than something with fruit or just letting all my meals be fruit. If I do eat fruit, it's a small portion snack or like a little apple sauce pouch situation (there are these things I get called Gutzys and they're just fruit and greens purees with probiotics and 1 pouch is less than 100 cals and they're super filling. I also find if I eat them super quick it helps fill me up and feel a little sick so I don't keep eating after having one.)

🍒 Supplements - PLEASE. FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. I take hair, skin, and nails to maintain biotin levels as well as probiotics because my digestive system is clinically wrecked. And as much as y'all are gonna hate this one, I also drink fiber. It really helps keep things moving and can debloat you too by keeping movement. I've also heard magnesium can help with sleep and bloating but I personally didn't have a difference taking it. Every body reacts differently.

🍒Cycle Syncing - For those of us still on a menstrual cycle, there's something to be said about cycle syncing and remembering that our bodies do go through change every month (ugh). The closer I get to my period, the more bloating I deal with and also find my digestive system is more sensitive. Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat pills actually really help with the hormonal bloating and I also find this time in my cycle is typically a good excuse for liquid fasting. Bone broths, miso, and diuretic/digestive teas (Dandelion Root/Ginger/Tumeric) are great. Magnesium levels can also drop a lot around this time and make us more susceptible to hunger and cravings, I find that making a low cal hot chocolate using ultra dark cocoa powder is the way to go. It can be slightly bitter to drink but babe get over it, you don't need added sugars. It helps replenish levels, can satisfy chocolate cravings, and the warm drink can help keep the digestive moving and reduce bloating.

🍒Spices - All I'll say, I got back into cooking and please guys. Use spices. Use salt, it has healthy minerals. I know we're not eating a lot but it doesn't have to taste like freaking cardboard. I never count calories in spices because it's slim to none anyways. If I didn't season my food, I'd probably be more wanting to cave and binge because the food is so bland I'm looking for something more tasteful to eat. Season your food, eat what little of it you want, you're satisfied and won't go looking for less boring food.

Remember to take care of yourselves 🩷

[rockbottomwithashovel]

What is Nutrition: Part 1: Carbs

First up, some quick notes: there are 2 main things spoken about in nutrition: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Micronutrients are minerals and vitamins (plant colours are linked to what micros are in them, like green = vitamin K and iron, orange = vitamin a, purpler = antioxidants, red = vitamin c). The kind of stuff you get in little gummy pills, but are way better naturally (still, take what you can get my dudes).

Macros are called this because while they're just as important as micros, they're needed in much higher doses. While there's heaps of micros, there are only 3 macros: carbs, fats and proteins.

What Are Carbohydrates:

Greatest energy source

Gives us glucose for energy, or stores as glycogen

Glucose is used for “strenuous exercise”and aids in concentration

Tryptophan (amino acid found in protein) gets turned into serotonin (mood stabilizing hormone) by carbs converting them. That’s why bread and carbs make you feel good

No research to say extra carbs and tryptophan gives higher than average/better mood, but there is research saying lower levels equals lower mood??

Serotonin then gets converted to melatonin (circadian rhythm)

If you're not eating carbs, and you feel like shit, this is why (bad sleep and lack of serotonin)

SIDE NOTE: if you feel too scared to have carbs like bread and potatoes, because of the calories, rasperberries are really low calorie, and high in carbs and fibre (15g carbs in 125g punnet, for only 66 calories)

Types of carbs and breakdown:

There are 2 types of carbs: complex or simple. Simple can be stuff like lollies--not the best, simple sugars. Complex is more fibre and nutrients, it takes longer to digest

Monosaccharides are single molecule sugars

Disaccharides are 2 monosaccharides put together. Both mono. and dis. are simple carbs

Polysaccharides are complex carbs (3x mono. or more)

There the starchy carbs (simple) and less starchy (complex).

Quick notes of digestion:

Complex carbs get broken into simple ones in the small intestine

Most carbs are full of fibre, which is any complex that can’t be broken down in the small intestines. It goes to the large intestine and makes “highly useful” short-chain fatty acids and lines/looks after the gut. (So, detoxing this shit can be bad. You need the lining)

Basically, yah need fibre. High fibre carbs are the most nutritious ones, and if you're constipated, chances are you need more fibre (still do not over-do it, look after yourselves <3)

Back to types of carbs:

Refined carbs (stuff like flour and white bread) are good for short term energy but less nutritious. Complex carbs like fruit and veg release energy more slowly but have more vitamins?

Simple carbs go to the bloodstream faster than complex (giving a fast boost in energy)

GI and GL:

GI = Glycaemic Index

GI is a measure of how fast the carbs make your blood sugar (glucose) rise

Higher GI, faster impact

GL = glycaemic load

GL is a measure of GI AND carbs in the food

So watermelon has a higher GI than pasta, but pasta has more carbs, so it has a higher GL.

Last but not least

✨it's graph time✨

taglist: @r41n7h1n @idkpleasekillme

[abdi9]

How ccan I get into ketosis quickly?

Ready to Jumpstart your weight loss journey with a keto diet? Download our free keto ebook here

To achieve ketosis quickly, you can follow these guidelines:1. Restrict Carbohydrate Intake: The key to entering ketosis is to limit your carbohydrate consumption. Reduce your carb intake to around 20-50 grams per day. This forces your body to start using stored fat for energy.2. Increase Healthy Fat Intake: Replace the calories from carbohydrates with healthy fats. Focus on sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, and fatty fish. These fats will provide energy and support ketone production.3. Moderate Protein Intake: While protein is essential, excessive intake can hinder ketosis. Consume a moderate amount of protein, typically around 0.6-1 gram per pound of lean body mass. This helps prevent the body from converting protein into glucose.4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It supports overall health and helps prevent potential side effects such as constipation, which can occur during the transition to ketosis.5. Incorporate Exercise: Regular physical activity can help deplete glycogen stores and speed up the process of entering ketosis. Engage in aerobic exercises or resistance training to enhance fat burning.6. Intermittent Fasting: Consider incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine. Fasting for a specific window of time, such as 16-18 hours, can deplete glycogen stores and promote ketone production.7. Be Patient: Achieving ketosis is a metabolic process that takes time. It typically takes a few days to a week for your body to adapt and enter ketosis. Be consistent with your low-carb, high-fat diet and lifestyle changes to increase your chances of success.Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making any drastic changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can provide personalized guidance and monitor your progress.

[braintexs]

Today, we're diving into the world of health and nutrition to explore a trending diet that's been gaining a lot of attention lately. Keto! We are unraveling the Mystery of the ketogenic diet and why its popularity is growing so rapidly around the globe. So, without further ado, let's jump right in!

Keto is a low-carb, high-fat way of eating that has been shown to have numerous health benefits. 

The primary goal of the ketogenic diet is to put your body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when your body switches from using glucose for energy to burning fat instead. By doing this, your body becomes a fat-burning machine, helping you lose weight and improve your overall health. 

So, how exactly does the ketogenic diet work? Well, it's all about macronutrient balance. On a standard diet, our bodies rely on carbohydrates as the main source of fuel. However, when you restrict carbs and increase your fat intake, your body enters this state of ketosis and starts producing ketones. These ketones are then used as fuel for the brain and body.

Let's break it down into three key elements: low-carb, moderate protein, and high fat.

The low-carb aspect of Keto involves limiting your carbohydrate intake to around 20–50 grams per day, depending on your personal goals and health factors. This means cutting out sugary foods, grains, and starchy vegetables, while focusing on healthier options like leafy greens, avocados, and berries.

Moderate protein – it's important to consume a moderate amount while on Keto. This is because excess protein can actually be converted into glucose, which can potentially hinder ketosis. Prioritizing lean meats, fish, and plant-based protein sources will help you maintain the right balance.

Lastly, the high-fat aspect of Keto. Healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil become your new best friends. These fats not only provide energy but also keep you feeling satisfied and full. It's important to emphasize good fats and avoid unhealthy sources like processed oils.

Now that we understand the basics, let's talk about the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet.

1. Weight loss – The ketogenic diet has been shown to be highly effective for weight loss due to its ability to control hunger hormones and encourage fat metabolism.

2. Improved mental focus – Ketones are a great source of fuel for the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function and mental clarity.

3. Increased energy levels – By relying on fat instead of carbs for energy, many Keto followers report feeling more energized throughout the day.

4. Better blood sugar control – Since carbohydrates significantly impact blood sugar levels, reducing carb intake can help maintain a stable blood sugar level and potentially benefit those with diabetes.

5. Decreased inflammation – Studies have shown that the ketogenic diet reduces inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health conditions.

As with any diet, though, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks or challenges of going Keto.

While the ketogenic diet can be highly effective for weight loss and offer numerous benefits, it requires careful planning to ensure nutrient adequacy and avoid deficiencies. That's why a personalized keto meal plan have been proven to make all the difference. But which meal plan is the right one for you? To find the answer to that question can be quite overwhelming, and  unfortunately, many Keto programs do not deliver what they promise.

However, In preparation to this article, our team has done a lot of research, and we have listed just below what we think are the 3 best and effective personalized keto programs on the market right now. Just click on the links to check them out. 

We hope you find this information helpful, Also, if you have any questions or personal experiences with the ketogenic diet, feel free to contact us or leave a comment down below – we'd love to hear from you!

[living-our-best-life]

The Truth Behind Keto Coffee: Does It Really Help You Lose Weight?

Are you a coffee lover who's been hearing about the wonders of keto coffee? Maybe you're curious about whether it can actually help you shed those extra pounds. Keto coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, has gained popularity among those following low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet. It's a unique blend of black coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. But does this concoction live up to the hype? In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of keto coffee and explore its potential effects on weight loss.

Embark on a Life-Changing Voyage with the Ultimate Keto Meal Plan!

Understanding Keto Coffee

What Sets Keto Coffee Apart?

Keto coffee is not your average cup of joe. Unlike regular coffee, which is often consumed with milk, sugar, or creamers, keto coffee is packed with healthy fats and protein that can help keep you feeling full and energized. While black coffee is naturally low in carbs and suitable for a ketogenic diet, traditional coffee additions like sugar and creamers can quickly add up in terms of carbohydrates. On the other hand, keto coffee contains only around 1 net gram of carbs per cup and is rich in keto-friendly fats like MCT oil and grass-fed butter.

The Science Behind Keto Coffee

To understand how keto coffee may impact weight loss, it's essential to grasp the underlying principles of the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan that aims to shift the body's primary fuel source from carbohydrates to fats. By limiting carb intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, in which it starts to burn stored fat for energy. Keto coffee aligns with this philosophy by providing the body with a source of healthy fats that can be converted into ketones, the energy molecules produced during ketosis.

The Potential Benefits of Keto Coffee

Feeling Fuller for Longer

One of the claimed benefits of keto coffee is its ability to keep you satiated for extended periods. The combination of butter and MCT oil, both rich in calories and healthy fats, can help curb hunger pangs and prevent overeating throughout the day. Unlike a carb-heavy breakfast that may leave you hungry shortly after, keto coffee's high-fat content can provide a sense of fullness, making it an attractive option for those looking to control their calorie intake.

Promoting Weight Loss

When incorporated as part of a balanced diet, keto coffee may contribute to weight loss efforts. The ketogenic diet's core principle of using fat as the primary fuel source aligns with the potential benefits of keto coffee. By supplying the body with healthy fats, keto coffee can support the process of burning stored fat for energy. Additionally, the feeling of fullness it provides can help reduce overall calorie consumption, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit, a crucial factor in weight loss.

Embark on a Life-Changing Voyage with the Ultimate Keto Meal Plan!

Supporting Overall Health

Keto coffee's ingredients also offer potential health benefits beyond weight loss. Grass-fed butter, a key component of keto coffee, contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been associated with weight loss and potential reductions in the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes. MCT oil, another essential ingredient, has been linked to improved brain function, increased focus, and decreased cravings. These added health benefits make keto coffee an enticing option for those seeking a well-rounded approach to their overall well-being.

Boosting Energy Levels

While coffee alone is known for its energy-boosting effects, keto coffee takes it a step further. MCT oil, a primary ingredient in keto coffee, is quickly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a readily available source of fuel. This can result in sustained energy levels throughout the day, reducing the need for mid-morning or afternoon slumps. The combination of caffeine from coffee and the metabolism-boosting properties of MCT oil can provide a powerful pick-me-up to help you stay focused and productive.

Potential Reduction of Diabetes Risk

In addition to its potential weight loss benefits, keto coffee might also assist in reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes. Research suggests that MCT oil consumption, alongside caffeine, can contribute to weight control, which is a critical factor in preventing type-2 diabetes. By helping regulate weight and fat stores, keto coffee may have a positive impact on overall metabolic health and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Considerations and Drawbacks of Keto Coffee

While keto coffee offers potential benefits, it's important to consider some of the drawbacks and potential concerns associated with its consumption.

Caloric Content and Weight Gain

Keto coffee, with its high fat content, can be calorie-dense. This means that if you add it to your regular breakfast routine without adjusting your overall calorie intake, it could lead to weight gain. It's crucial to be mindful of the total calories you consume throughout the day and ensure that keto coffee is incorporated as part of a well-balanced diet.

Saturated Fat Intake

One aspect of keto coffee that warrants caution is its saturated fat content. While the ketogenic diet allows for higher fat intake, excessive consumption of saturated fats has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It's essential to choose high-quality sources of fats, such as grass-fed butter, and to moderate your saturated fat intake overall.

Cholesterol Levels

The consumption of butter in keto coffee has the potential to impact cholesterol levels. Butter, particularly when compared to other fat sources, has been found to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It's important to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your cardiovascular health.

The Bottom Line

Keto coffee, with its unique blend of coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil, has gained popularity for its potential weight loss benefits and additional health advantages. While it can help keep you feeling full, support weight loss efforts, and provide sustained energy, it's essential to approach keto coffee with caution. Be mindful of the caloric content and saturated fat intake, and consider the overall balance of your diet. As with any dietary change, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating keto coffee or making significant modifications to your eating habits.

Embark on a Life-Changing Voyage with the Ultimate Keto Meal Plan!

Check out this Keto Start Here Video

[crazyrtcrafts]

Hormones and Weight Gain: How to Regulate the Hormones that Influence Your Weight

Introduction:-

Hormones are one of the most important participants in this delicate dance, which involves many different aspects in maintaining a healthy weight. Hormones are endocrine system-produced chemical messengers that control a number of body processes, such as metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. Unbalanced hormones can lead to weight gain and make it difficult to lose the additional pounds. In this post, we'll examine the relationship between hormones and weight gain and look at methods for rebalancing these hormonal regulators.

Insulin: Master of Blood Sugar

The pancreas produces insulin, a crucial hormone that controls blood sugar levels. When we eat carbs, our bodies convert them to glucose, which raises blood sugar levels. Insulin aids in the movement of circulation glucose into or into the storage of glucose in cells. However, regular use of sugary meals and refined carbs can cause insulin resistance, in which cells lose their receptivity to insulin. Higher insulin levels are the result, and this might promote the storage of fat, particularly around the abdomen.

Fix: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that have a gentler impact on blood sugar levels. Include protein and healthy fats in your meals to slow down the absorption of glucose. Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.

Leptin: The Satiety Signal

Leptin, often called the "satiety hormone," is produced by fat cells and helps regulate appetite and metabolism. It signals the brain when you've had enough to eat, reducing hunger. However, in cases of obesity, the body can develop leptin resistance, leading to a lack of proper appetite regulation.

Fix: Focus on whole foods that are nutrient-dense to support healthy leptin levels. Prioritize sleep, as inadequate sleep can disrupt leptin production. Manage stress, as chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including

leptin resistance.

Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

Ghrelin, produced in the stomach, is known as the "hunger hormone" because it stimulates appetite. It increases before meals and decreases after eating. Sleep deprivation and irregular eating patterns can lead to elevated ghrelin levels, causing overeating and weight gain.

Fix: Establish regular mealtimes to help regulate ghrelin secretion. Get sufficient sleep, as sleep deprivation can lead to higher ghrelin levels and increased hunger. Stay hydrated, as dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, plays a vital role in metabolism and fat storage. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which, over time, can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

Fix: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature. Engage in regular physical activity, which can help lower cortisol levels. Ensure adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can further elevate cortisol levels.

Thyroid Hormones: Metabolic Regulators

Thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4, play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to weight gain, as it slows down metabolic processes.

Fix: Consume iodine-rich foods like seafood and seaweed to support thyroid function. Ensure you're getting enough selenium, zinc, and other nutrients that are essential for thyroid health. Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect thyroid issues. Weight Loss Solutions

Conclusion:-

In summary, hormones are important for controlling weight. You can aim to achieve a healthy weight and restore hormonal balance by adopting a holistic strategy that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, enough sleep, and seeing a specialist when necessary. Be patient and consistent as you implement these lifestyle modifications because every person's body is different.

[bunnyboymoobs]

my high-calorie food replacement smoothie

1.5 cups whole milk- fat and protein content

1/2 cup ice cream - fat and carb content.

1 banana - fibre, other carbs, and nutrients

1/2 cup quick oats - powder, soak, or cook prior to use, to allow them to incorporate better. used for fibre content.

1 tbsp Oil - i use canola, bc it's low in saturated fat and not very expensive. used to up fat content.

3 tbsp peanut butter - primarily used for fat. also contains protein.

17g of optimum nutrition's serious mass protein powder - i'm using about 1/20th the recommended volume of this, bc it's designed to be used in large amounts, this protein is very cheap per weight, but won't help much in muscle gain bc of the low protein content. it's a lower protein by volume powder, which is great for me, because i'm trying to gain more fat than muscle. this powder has a lot of vitamins and minerals added to it, which helps me keep a good balance of them when i'm using it for meal replacement. used to slightly up protein content as well as for nutrients.

i just add everything to a blender (making sure to do the protein and peanut butter last), blend, and drink.

this is almost 1,000 calories with the ingredients i use. this plus 1 or 2 meals allows me to break the calories i need easily. sometimes i double it to be almost 2,000 calories.

the proportions used are to prioritise fat (which converts to body fat the easiest), then carbs, then protein (i want to stay around 10-15% of my calories per protein a day, as lower amounts of protein promote fat gain).

i have two primary uses for this smoothie- meal replacement, as i struggle to eat often bc of my chronic pain and adhd, and weight gain. i was using this smoothie for about a month and gained like 2 or 3 lbs.