Nils Scherer

FDA Says Kind Bars Aren't Healthy

The Reason the FDA Says Kind Bars Aren't Healthy Enough Will Surprise You

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to Kind in March because at least four of the company's bars do not meet FDA regulations to include the "healthy" label on their packaging.
The FDA specifically notes that it reviewed the labels for four Kind bars — Fruit & Nut Almond & Apricot, Fruit & Nut Almond & Coconut, Kind Plus Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein, and Kind Plus Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidants — and noted that they "do not meet the requirements for use of the nutrient content claim 'healthy' on a food label."

The reason the FDA says Kind bars aren't healthy enough for the label? Fat content. In order to label a food as healthy, the FDA says the food must contain 1 gram or less saturated fat and no more than 3 grams total fat. The four Kind bars listed contain between 2.5 and 5 grams of saturated fat and between 9 and 13 grams of total fat.

If you're a fan of Kind products, you know that nuts are primary ingredients in the bars. Nuts, like other naturally fatty foods like olive oil and avocado, contain healthy fats that can lower your BMI and even prolong your life.

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Besides reviewing the "healthy" claim, the FDA also requested other changes to the bars' label and ingredients lists, such as defining the type of nuts used and calling out saturated fat content. Kind has released a direct response to the FDA's letter saying the company will fully comply with the FDA's request to change the packaging of the four listed bar variations, but it also wants customers to know that they shouldn't question the nutritional value of Kind bars.

"The FDA pointed out a number of items that we're correcting, and there's one that we feel is particularly important to discuss as it cuts to the core of who we are. We've built a brand centered around creating wholesome and great tasting snacks," the Kind team wrote. "We couldn't be more proud of our snack foods and their nutritional benefits. While we make these updates to our packaging and our website, please know that our recipes will stay the same. Our entire line of delicious snacks made with high quality ingredients like whole grains, nuts, and seeds will continue to be available wherever KIND is sold."

While you don't want to go overboard on healthy fats like nuts and avocados, it's important to know that a high number of fat grams does not always mean something is unhealthy. The American Heart Association currently recommends a daily intake of about 13 grams of fat (about two tablespoons of butter) if you're eating a 2,000-calorie diet, and healthy fats are always the better choice over greasy, fried foods. No matter what, eating all types of foods in moderation is the key to a healthy diet.Find out more: Lose weight naturally

workouts

BY Unknown 2:08 AM 0

3 Ways to Help Reduce Belly Fat

Eating 80/20 and hitting the gym have helped you reach your weight-loss goal, but you're still trying to get rid of that little extra pooch around your midsection. Here are three things you can do every week to help you achieve a trimmer belly.

When Eating

Take an honest look at your diet and your bathroom schedule. Try our 9 days diet program which is help you to get flat belly! Your belly might not be caused by fat but by air trapped in your digestive system. If you're not getting enough fiber (you need 25 to 30 grams a day), constipation can cause bloating. On the other hand, overdoing it on fiber or eating too many gas-producing foods like broccoli, apples, or beans can also make your belly pooch a bit. Thankfully, there are also foods you can eat, like blueberries, that are proven to diminish belly fat, so sip on high fiber smoothie or crunch on salad to keep you regular and help you debloat.

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When Doing Cardio

Studies show that including interval training in your cardio sessions is proven to diminish belly fat. If you find that you normally stick to a consistent pace when running, biking, or swimming, mix it up by adding 10- to 60-second fast-paced or sprinting intervals — here's a 60-minute treadmill workout that does just that. High Intensity Interval Training (aka HIIT) works on the same principle as intervals, where you push to your maximum training for a period of time and follow up with a shorter rest period.

When Strength Training

Basic crunches can help tone your abs, but they only target certain abdominal muscles. Incorporate full-body exercises like variations of plank or core moves using a ball. Also try using different types of equipment

Vegan

BY Unknown 1:38 AM 0

The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The growing popularity of oil pulling may be undeniable, but the actual benefits of coconut oil continue to be a topic of debate. Some experts like Dr. Oz swear by its superpower properties, but others like Dr. Weil feel that the research isn't ready to make these claims. With that said, there are a number of studies and promised benefits worth considering.

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It soothes persistent skin conditions: Instead of relying on heavily medicated creams, coconut oil can do wonders for dry and irritated skin. Many tout regular use of coconut oil for helping improve symptoms of both eczema and psoriasis. Lauric acid, one of the saturated fats in coconut oil, has also been shown to fight off fungal infections.
It raises HDL: Coconut oil got a bad rap over the years, but previous studies were performed on partially hydrogenated coconut oil, rather than raw, virgin coconut oil. While many hydrogenated saturated fats raise bad cholesterol levels, raw coconut oil has been shown to increase levels of good cholesterol. As long as you buy virgin coconut oil, you'll be able to reap this healthy benefit.
It combats tooth decay: A recent study out of Ireland showed that coconut oil can even prevent tooth decay. The research revealed that coconut oil stopped the growth of most strains of S. mutans bacteria — the strain responsible for tooth decay. While many mouthwashes wipe out all the bacteria in your mouth, coconut oil could be the key to creating a mouthwash that only targets the bad bacteria.
It can improve your complexion: One of the most touted beauty benefits of oil pulling is the detoxifying effects it can have on your complexion. Some doctors believe that when you remove the bacteria and toxins from your mouth, which can affect the rest of your body, it can have profound effects on your complexion, namely improving brightness or acne issues.

weight control

BY Unknown 2:07 AM 0

How to Feel More Energized All Week Long

Tired of waking up without energy day after day? You're not alone. Your responsibilities and obligations might not be letting up any time soon, but there's good news: developing healthy habits has a huge impact on your energy levels.

Morning

Don't hit snooze: Before you're even out of bed, this culprit sucks away energy for the rest of the day. Hitting the snooze button makes it harder to wake up and ends up affecting your energy levels all day long. A more consistent wake-up time will help you skip the snooze button and wake up naturally with more energy. If waking up on your own feels like a long way off, simply get up when your alarm goes off.
Start hydrating ASAP: Drinking water helps your body perform at it's top potential all day long, but first thing in the morning, it gives your digestive system a kick in the right direction and starts energizing your whole body. Keeping water at your bedside will help you start sipping as soon as you wake up. Find out more: how much water you really need to drink
Choose the right breakfast: Eating a satisfying breakfast offers your body the energy and nutrients it needs to feel great all morning long. Eat foods which a mix of complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. This will help balance [your] blood sugar for the day, which keeps your energy up and crashes away. Find out more: Oatmeal is the best breakfast for weight loss
Fit in a workout: Starting your day with exercise is one of the best ways to feel energized before you head to the office. Even better, during morning workouts, exercisers are more likely to burn more calories and work out harder — an added bonus! If you're not an early riser, don't fret; the most important thing is to make time for exercise at some point during your day.

Afternoon

Get fresh air: Feeling stuck at your desk leaves you feeling drained and disconnected. Step away from work, go outside for some fresh air and sunny rays, and take a walk during your break. It may seem like a luxury to leave, but you'll come back to whatever you were working on with a fresh perspective and much more energy.
Drink green tea: You might be tempted to reach for that second cup of coffee in the afternoon, but opt for green tea instead. It will keep give your body a boost — with a ton of extra benefits — and is less likely to affect with your sleep later that night.
Declutter your workspace: When your desk (or inbox) looks like a war zone, it's setting you up to feel stressed out and wiped out. Take a few minutes every day to clean up and get organized, so it doesn't feel so overwhelming later. A calmer, more zen work environment keeps you feeling "on," connected, and productive.
Eat an energizing snack: As tempting as those goods from the vending machine can be, they won't offer your body the sustainable energy it needs. Keep these healthy snacks on hand at work to stave off unhealthy cravings and support your needs.

Evening

Skip the nightcap: After a long day, a few glasses or wine or a nice cocktail might seem like the perfect way to unwind, but alcohol can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted the following morning. If you're dealing with energy issues, it's best to just say no to alcohol before bed.
Turn off electronics: If you keep your electronics on all night, it is affecting your sleep patterns and your demeanor the following morning. Before bed, skip the tube or your laptop, and wind down with an article or book instead. This change seems small but makes an enormous difference.
Get to bed: Quality sleep is one of the best ways to ensure energy the next day. Those Netflix binges and extra chapters add up! Listen to your body, hit the hay earlier, and make sure you're getting at least seven hours of sleep every night so you wake up feeling fabulous, energized, and ready to take on your day.

weight loss

BY Unknown 12:23 AM 0

Fix These Habits, Lose Weight Faster

You never miss a workout, so are you still wondering why you're not seeing results? One of these eating habits may be to blame.

Skipping breakfast: If you're trying to save calories, skipping your morning meal won't help as much as you think. Not only will you be more apt to overeat later in the day, but also, a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to tackle your day. In fact, many trainers and nutritionists recommend eating carbs as early in the day as possible in order to have time to burn them off during the day. So fuel up in the morning with a healthy breakfast of protein, fiber, and complex carbs, and then tackle your jam-packed day with ease.Find out more: Why you should load up on protein in the morning
Not drinking enough water: Be sure to sip water frequently throughout the day — not only will switching juice and soda for water save you calories, but also, making sure you're not dehydrated will help you perform better during your workouts. Water is your weight-loss friend, so be sure to always have your bottle handy.
Predinner snacking: Snacking can be a powerful weight-loss tool if you do it right — but not if you grab a whole bag of chips after work. Keep the snacks healthy and low-calorie by taking those bagged processed foods out of your kitchen and replacing them with cut veggies and hummus or Greek yogurt in your fridge or a bowl of fruit on your table. If you only have healthy snacks at the ready when you're ravenous, you won't need to eat a nutrient-empty, high-calorie snack.
Eating a big dinner: Skimping out on lunch in order to gorge at dinner? That may not be the best idea if you want to slim down. Studies have shown that those who eat their biggest meals earlier in the day lose the most weight. While you should be sure you're eating an adequate amount of calories throughout the day, following a strategy of tapering meal size throughout the day can help you see results. Find out more: 3 evening habits for weight loss
Going for seconds: When you're trying to lose weight, portions count. Be sure you're eating enough to feel satisfied while still paying attention to those portion sizes (this portion size guide can help). And once you've filled that plate, enjoy your meal slowly and mindfully so you don't feel the need to go back for more.