Transformation Tuesday: Kylee E.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I was never the skinny or athletic girl in high school, I always ate what I wanted. I was always trying to lose weight. I have tried every diet out there. I even tried P90X with my sister a few years back, but always found an excuse to give up. I had my 2nd child in October, 2013; I tried staying active but wasn’t watching what I ate while I was pregnant. I gained 30 lbs with her.  After I had my baby I was determined to lose the weight, and get back into my jeans. I wanted to look good in a bikini for summer, and I was far from that. I had completed INSANITY before and knew I could do it again. I have never been happy with my body, and wanted to feel great about myself, so this was a must for me to get back into shape. I am now in better shape, and look better after 2 kids than I have ever looked in my life!

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My kids inspired me to get healthier; I wanted them to live a healthier lifestyle. Also, summer was coming and I wanted to look good in a bikini. I wanted to feel good on the outside as well as the inside. I had 2 kids to keep up with, and I wanted to get into shape for them.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
Changing my eating habits was hard; it was my biggest struggle. The working out came easier than I thought it would; I loved that feeling afterwards.  I started following the INSANITY food guide, reading up on clean eating, and logging everything I ate. I had a great support system to keep me going; my husband, my sister, and mom were always there for me.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I have actually completed INSANITY, P90X3, 21 Day Fix, PiYo, and am now almost finished with Body Beast. They are all incredible programs in there own way. I have actually never been to a gym in my life; I’ve always be an at home workout person! Thank you Beachbody!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I have a 6 pack; I never in my life thought I would see a six pack, especially after having kids. I have gained strength, muscle definition, flexibility and, most important,energy!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I have never been happier than with the way life is now. I am more positive, and tell people “If I can do it, so can you”. I finally feel good about myself and have self confidence.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology makes me feel energetic, lose my sweet cravings, and it helped me lose those last few pounds I needed to lose.

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.

Need a coach to help get you started?  Email me with any questions at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com

*Original article featured on teambeachbody.com - check out their blog for MORE inspirational articles!

21 Day Fix - a Christmas Journey - Week 1 Update!

21 Day Fix - A Christmas Journey

Week 1 Update

Progress Photos

So here are my week 1 progress photos. I'm down 2.6 lbs and I don't know how many inches. I didn't take measurements this week. I'll take them at the end of the three weeks. 

Something that I will be doing going forward is exercising on an empty stomach in the morning to optimize fat burn. Studies say that you burn 20% more fat when doing fasted exercise in the morning. And, I'm ALL about that FAT burn! I will also be following a carb cycling plan as closely as I can while also following the 21 Day Fix plan. I know that I will be eliminating my yellow containers two days per week and introducing them in 1 by 1 during the week until I use both on my high carb day. 

I will be sticking to around 1200 calories per day on my low carb and medium carb days and around 1900 calories on my high carb day - which also conveniently coincides with LEG DAY! 

This new part of my journey will be a struggle, but one that will prepare me for getting ready to compete in late 2015. I am looking forward to the challenge and accept it.

A sample of my meal plan and what it will look like on LOW CARB days is as follows:

Meal 1: Oatmeal & Egg Whites

Meal 2: Grilled Chicken and boiled potatoes

Meal 3: Orange Roughy and broccoli

Meal 4: Shakeology & 12 almonds

Meal 5: Fish filet and salad

Meal 6: Turkey breast and asparagus

If you are interested in learning more about the 21 Day Fix or Shakeology, shoot me a message at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com

If you would like to follow me on Facebook, you can find me here: Flabby Mom to FIT Mom

PiYO Snack Recipe: Shakeology No-Bake Cookies!

 PiYo Snack Recipe: Shakeology No-Bake Cookies

    This recipe is everywhere on the internet, but it's not on my blog - so for those that follow me, you may be completely oblivious to the healthy goodness that is waiting for you!  These are a go-to snack in my household as I can have them and enjoy 'cookies' and my three year old and five year old love them, too!  All the better that they DON'T know that they're not laden with tons of sugar and butter! 

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup Chocolate Shakeology

Preparation:
1. Combine peanut butter, honey, oats and Shakeology in medium bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll 24 balls, each the size of 1 tbsp.
3. Flatten each slightly so takes on the shape of a traditional cookie.

Nutritional Information (per serving - 2 cookies):

Calories: 112

Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 2 mg

Sodium: 13 mg

Carbohydrate: 12 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 7 g

Protein: 5 g

There you have it - super simple list of ingredients plus super simple directions to assemble equals one delicious snack! If you're interested in learning more about Shakeology and all of the health benefits that it offers, please click here to contact me for more information!

Waistline Wednesday : My P90X3 Progress

My

 

Journey so far...

Today is Day 27 and close enough to my 30 day mark that I decided to take pictures to see if I could tell any difference from Day 1 to today.

Day 1

 

 

Day 27

I feel like I look more muscular -- my measurements haven't changed much...my body fat has gone down 2% and I've lost 6 lbs.

What do you all think?  Can you see a difference??



Transformation Tuesday: Shayla R. - a Turbofire Success Story

Meet Shayla, a formerly self-proclaimed unhappy and over weight bride to be, she lost 15 lbs and went down 3 dress sizes in 3 months with Turbofire and Shakeology...but I'll let Shayla tell you about her journey in her own words below...

There are two words to describe my life before Beachbody: “unhappy” and “overweight”. I had zero self-confidence, always hid under layers of clothes (even in the summer), and would barely speak for fear of drawing attention to myself. It got so bad that I even stopped hanging out with my family and friends because I felt so uncomfortable in my own skin. I'd wear the same few outfits over and over again because those were the only things that fit and I refused to buy a size 16 (the next size up).

Then one day I was over being fat and decided it was time to find "me" again.

I used to do TurboKick (similar to TurboFire) at the gym and loved it! But apparently so did everyone else. Unfortunately, the classes were packed, and slipping on someone else's sweat is just not cool. So when I discovered that I could get Turbo Fire and do this intense, yet fun, workout in the comfort of my own home, I was hooked. No longer did I have to worry about other people being all up in my space.

Chalene's a great motivator and the music was so upbeat I often forgot I was working out—it was that fun! And the best part is, I got crazy good results. I loved the daily check-in's with my fellow Challenge members because it kept me motivated. If I didn't have to report to anyone, honestly, I wouldn't have done the workouts because no one, but me, would have known I was slacking off. But getting the messages from not only my Coach, but from other members of the Group, when I hadn't posted in a couple of days is what kept me accountable.

My Coach, Lori, was amazing. The fact that she had completed a few Beachbody programs and had incredible results is what motivated me to start my weight loss journey in the first place. She was always sharing recipes, advice, and daily motivation. She'd even send me private messages to check in, which has led to a friendship that will last a lifetime. Lori has been my biggest inspiration and I'm so thankful she's my Coach, and my friend!

I use Shakeology as a meal replacement and post workout recovery drink every single day and I love it. It has improved my regularity so much so that I went from going maybe once a week (which I thought was normal) to every day. Plus it curbs my appetite, gets rid of my mid-day cravings, and it gives me a huge boost of energy!

In three short months I lost 15 pounds and went from a size 14 to a 10. I lost 3 ½ inches in my waist, hips, and chest, an inch and a half in my arms, and half an inch in my thighs. So while I lost inches and pounds with this amazing program, I also gained a ton. First, I gained my confidence back! I'm Shayla again. I'm that girl who loves spending time with others. Now I no longer feel embarrassed about my body or that everyone's staring at me.

I also gained my life back; I truly feel that way. My weight loss with TurboFire has brightened my future and I can wear a bikini in public once again. Plus, it helped me lose some unwanted pounds, which allowed me to finally fit into my wedding dress. Today I smile more because I'm happy, healthy, and fit. Ultimately, I gained ME back!

Leading a healthier lifestyle isn't that hard, it just takes commitment. All I did was make a small investment in a TurboFire Challenge Pack and I've completely changed my outlook on life. Lack of self-worth, depression, and social anxiety are no longer issues for me. Instead, I have a newfound passion in health and fitness.

It's hard to imagine the person I used to be a year ago, before I made the choice to get fit. I now know that I'm capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I now have the tools I need to help me stay healthy, fit, and happy. I'm an avid Shakeology drinker and have moved on to a new workout program to help me reach my weight loss goals. Thanks to you, Beachbody, I will never be that unhappy and overweight girl again. EVER!

You can change your life, too. Take The Beachbody Challenge™, for the ultimate motivation to get fit! Select any Beachbody® program and once you complete it, share your results for your chance to win cash and prizes. When you join me for the Beachbody Challenge, you also get an exclusive 21 day meal plan to help you drop up to 10 lbs in 21 days! Sign up to have me as your FREE coach here , then add me on Facebook letting me know that you are READY! Once you sign up, we will discuss which program options are BEST for you and where you are at right now to get you started in the best possible way for YOUR weight loss transformation!

My next challenge group is starting on February 3rd!  SIGN UP TODAY!

Tasty Thursday: Turkey Lasagna with Homemade

Tasty Thursday

 

 

I happened upon this recipe while thumbing through the latest Clean Eating magazine and bought the darn thing JUST for this recipe. It. Is. DELICIOUS.

 

I urge you to make it right now. Tonight. Just do it...soon. You will love it as much as my family and I did. I promise.

 

 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

1 large celery stalk, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp dried oregano

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 28-oz. BPA-free cans unsalted whole tomatoes with basil (TRY: Eden Organic Whole Tomatoes with Basil)

1 Tbsp raw honey

1/2 tsp sea salt, divided

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided, plus additional to taste

1 9 oz. package frozen chopped spinach

olive oil cooking spray

1 lb ground turkey

15 oz. reduced fat ricotta cheese, drained

1/3 cup loosely packed chopped fresh basil leaves

12 whole wheat lasagna noodles (no boil or boiled at home)

4 oz. reduced fat, grated Italian four cheese blend

 

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until soft and lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add vinegar and let bubble for 10-20 seconds, scraping any browned bits in bottom of pan. Add tomatoes and stir to combine, breaking up with a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to medium-low and maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened. Stir in honey, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

 

2. Using an immersion blender, blend sauce to slightly chunky puree. Boil noodles as directed on package at this time, if they are no boil noodles, skip this step.

 

3. Place spinach in fine mess strainer and press firmly to drain. Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with spoon until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Add spinach, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

 

4. In a second bowl, combine ricotta and basil. Season with additional black pepper.

 

5. Spread 1/4 cup sauce inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 noodles, half of ricotta, one third of cheese blend, half of turkey and one cup sauce. Repeat once more, starting with noodles and ending with sauce. Top with remaining noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining cheese blend. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, 5 to 10 minutes more. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.

 

Nutrients per serving (1/10 of lasagna):

Calories - 253, Total Fat - 9g, Sat. Fat - 4g, Monounsaturated Fat - 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat - 2g, Carbs - 30g, Fiber - 5g, Sugars - 8g, Protein - 24g, Sodium - 310mg, Cholesterol - 44mg

 

 

For more recipes, tips, motivation, and help with losing weight FROM HOME -- follow me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom ...I look forward to helping YOU reach your goals! If you would like me to be your FREE coach - please sign up here!



 

 

Waistline Wednesday : Update Postponed...

Waistline Wednesday

Update Postponed...

 

My Waistline Wednesday update is postponed until next Wednesday for the following reasons:

1. My official two week progress will be on Monday, January 27th, so I'll take update photos and measurements then.

2. My monthly visit is here and frankly, even though I've been busting my booty, I feel like a busted can of biscuits.

And, on that note, I shall share an extremely helpful and interesting article to help YOU avoid the Physique Misery Syndrome that I am currently suffering from. The article was written by Shannon Clark over at bodybuilding.com.

4 Ways Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Workouts

by: Shannon Clark

     PMS might as well stand for Physique Misery Syndrome. From firsthand experience, I can tell you that the appearance changes caused by your menstrual cycle can be significant. One morning I'll wake up and see clear ab definition, causing me to feel excited that my hard work in the gym and kitchen has been paying off. Then the next morning, I'll wake up only to find that my abs are as easy to find as a prim-and-proper tabloid shot of Britney Spears. I know when to expect it, so I can don't panic. And the problem vanishes after about a week, as quickly as it came. Still...
The symptoms of PMS vary by individual. They can range from feeling like a nuisance to turning your life upside down for a week. The classic PMS symptoms include water retention and bloating, irritability, strong cravings, appetite changes, fluctuations in pain tolerance, as well as differences in your energy level. Simply put, for the week or two before your period hits, the last thing on your mind is putting in a hard workout or eating healthfully. You want to eat chocolate, ice cream, and pizza while lying on the couch. If you're dedicated to the gym, PMS can leave you feeling psychologically devastated.

Click To Enlarge.PMS can also limit your performance in the gym,
but you can minimize the negative effects.

And don't think this just affects you mentally and appearance-wise, either. PMS can also limit your performance in the gym, making any effort you do put forth less than productive.
The good news? By learning what impact your menstrual cycle has on key factors influencing your workout performance and your body composition, you can minimize the negative effects.
Let's look at some of the key intersections between your cycle and your workouts:

Measuring Your Metabolic Rate

One of the most important factors that you must take into account if you're currently trying to melt off those last 10 pounds of body fat is your metabolic rate. That's a fancy term for how many calories you burn over 24 hour. It'll vary not only from person to person but also from day to day in the same person.
If you're highly stressed out, your metabolism may rev a bit. On the other hand, if you've been following a very-low-calorie diet for a couple of weeks now, you're likely finding that your metabolism has slowed down.
Your cycle also influences your metabolic rate. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle—the week or so before your period is set to begin—you'll burn up calories faster than at all other times throughout the month. Researchers measure increases in total energy expenditure of 2.5 to 11% during this time.
This may not seem like all that much, but if you're dieting, it'll make a difference.

However, most women also experience an increase in appetite during this period. They're hungrier and more prone to cravings. The net result is that they end up consuming more calories than they're expending through this increase in their metabolic rate. They're burning more, but there's more to burn.

So one important take-home message from this is that if you're currently dieting, and will continue dieting through your cycle, be extra careful about your adherence during the week before your period. You could easily undo your weight-loss efforts.

Beat The Bloat — Get On Track To A Leaner Stomach

Another of the biggest cycle-related complaints among fit women concerns bloating. It's not abnormal at all for women to take on 5 to 10 extra pounds of water during their cycle. As you can imagine, this can have an unsettling effect on the reflection in the mirror.
One morning, you may wake up impressed with the degree of definition your body is showing. The next morning, you might see what looks like a blanket of fat covering what used to be those defined muscles. That's not fat; it's just excess water retention caused by female hormones, mainly estrogen. If you're on birth control pills that have a high estrogen level, talk to your doctor about changing meds to an alternative with lower estrogen levels. In theory that should mean less bloating every month.

Other strategies you can employ to help lessen water retention:

1. Avoid salty foods
2. Drink more water than usual
3. Sip some herbal tea
4. Season your foods with oregano

Setting The Table For Success

Avoid starting on a fat-loss diet plan during the luteal phase, for the reasons mentioned above. Since you'll be at a higher risk of experiencing hunger during this time of the month—and that hunger will also likely lead to greater incidences of food cravings—beginning your diet during this phase raises the odds of backsliding. Instead, cycle your calories. Bring your calorie intake much lower during the two weeks immediately proceeding your period, when hunger levels are lower and cravings less frequent. Then increase your calorie intake back to a maintenance level during the week before and during your period.
This will help mitigate that natural increase in hunger coming your way. But it will also help reset your metabolism. So if your metabolism is slowing down at all due to the reduced calorie intake, you bring that rate back up again through this increased food intake. Once you move back to dieting after your period is over, you're burning body fat as fast as possible.
Additionally, since you'll already be dealing with increased bloating during the week before your period, staying strict with your diet may be tough anyway. If there's one time of the month you should be taking a break, well, this would be it. Since you're also burning up calories at a slightly elevated rate during this time, the extra calories will stand a lower chance of being deposited as body fat. That's yet another advantage of taking a short diet break during the early luteal period of your menstrual cycle.

Smart Structuring Of Your Workout Plan

As for your workouts, there are some additional considerations to take into account as they relate to your menstrual cycle.

• First, keep in mind that your body temperature will rise during the luteal phase of your cycle. So if you're performing intense workouts—which also raise body temp—you may become uncomfortable, and hence unable to sustain very high intensities.
• A second thing to bear in mind is that your tolerance for pain will be higher during the follicular phase of the cycle, after menstruation takes place. So it makes sense to place your harder workouts, the ones where you really plan to push yourself, during this time. You'll find that you have a higher level of tenacity. Time to push through and hit some new personal bests!
• Carrying excess water weight throughout the luteal phase will also affect workout performance, especially if the workout includes running. That added weight will make you feel like you're working harder than usual.

Keep Making Progress

So keep these factors in the back of your mind as you go about your workout and diet routine during your cycle. By more clearly understanding the changes taking place within your body, you can help reduce the chances of them affecting you negatively. Until you hit menopause, you can't change the fact that your period will arrive each and every month. But you can keep it from disturbing your workouts and body progress!
References:

1. Davidsen, L. et al. (2007). Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Determinants of Energy Balance: A putative role in weight loss attempts. International Journal of Obesity. 31, 887-890.
2. Price, D. et al. (1998). A meta-analytic review of pain perception across the menstrual cycle. Journal of the International Association for the Study Of Pain. Vol. 81, Issue 3. Pp. 225-235.
3. X.A.K.J., De Jonge. (2003). Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance. Sports Medicine. Vol. 33, No. 11.

 

Waistline Wednesday: The beginning of my P90X3 journey

Waistline Wednesday

The beginning of my P90X3 journey...

So, as you all can see by reading, I didn't finish my third round of Chalean Extreme...not that I didn't want to, but my husband gifted us with P90X3 for Christmas. For us to work out together...

First, let's just say, he's not a big fitness person, he used to be -- but grad school and the trials of marriage and two kids in 5 years, he has lost his love for it...so, I was thrilled when he surprised me with the program! And, decided that whenever he was ready, we would start the program.  He chose the start date of January 9, 20134- then got sick, haha. So, we officially began the program on Monday, January 13, 2014 together.

Here are MY before pictures taken on January 12, 2014. (He asked that I not share his with the world...YET.)

 

 

 

My measurements are as follows:

 

Weight: 140

Chest: 34.5"

Waist: 28"

Love Handles: 35.25"

Hips: 39"

R Thigh: 22.5"

L Thigh: 22.75"

R Bicep: 11"

L Bicep: 11"

R Calf: 14"

L Calf: 14"

 

 

I pretty well maintained my weight through the holidays, my measurements went up though, so I will be working to get THOSE numbers down.

 

Who wants to join me?? Find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom, then message me asking about the February 3rd challenge group. :)  #Iwannahelpyou

Transformation Thursday: Kati C - A Focus T25 Success Story

Transformation Thursday:

Kati C. - A Focus T25 Success Story

 

Before I started Focus T25 I was 30 pounds overweight and had just given birth to a baby boy.  I was so depressed and would cry when I looked in the mirror.  I couldn't believe how out of shape I was.  It broke my heart that I had no energy to play with my babies.  I just wanted to hide from life and sleep all day long.  I would make excuses why I couldn't see friends and family.

My newborn baby and my 3 year old daughter needed a happy healthy mom. I knew I had to get my butt in gear and get moving for them. I started drinking Shakeology and working out with Focus T25. I am convinced that the combination cured my post-partum depression.

My biggest challenge was to face my fear of failure. I had tried so many things in the past I didn't want to fail again. I also could not afford it. I decided to put myself first for a change and paid my electricity 6 days late to buy T25!  I am now a better mom and wife because of my health.

25 minutes was all I could give with 2 kids. I am so glad I did! Focus T25 is so fun and short and sweet!

I love the time and the energy. I also love that Tania is there to modify. I followed her the first week to get my strength back after baby.  I would go to the posts when my husband ate bad food in front of me. It was also so nice to have encouragement and support. Like having 40 work out buddies holding me accountable posting motivational things every day.  I am so proud of the abs I have never had before. I also had legs covered with cellulite...NOT ANYMORE! I lost 28 lbs in the 10 weeks that it takes to complete Focus T25.
I felt so healthy drinking Shakeology. Yes I saw benefits in my mood. I was new to clean eating and it was so nice for me to grab on the go instead of me bringing my Tupperware of chicken, veggies, and sweet potato. I love it. I felt like I was on top of the world. It was like a natural high getting all that processed food out of my diet and getting the whole foods in! I have conquered my post-partum depression! I am myself again. In fact, I am better than ever. I am the mom I have always wanted to be. I am a strong example to my children and to moms everywhere that don't believe they can get back in shape.

If you need a coach or are looking to join a challenge group to help keep you on track, email me at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom!

Be sure to submit your Focus T25 results by entering The Beachbody Challenge!

 

Workout Wednesday: What IS ChaLEAN Extreme??

Workout Wednesday: What IS ChaLEAN Extreme??

 

     I know, you've read about me re-starting my journey with this program ChaLEAN Extreme.  And, I know that you've probably been wondering exactly what ChaLEAN Extreme involves...well, check out this quick video to see what I'm doing everyday and to learn more about what's included in the program.

 

 

 

I personally know the results that this program can produce because I used it exclusively, along with Shakeology, to lose nearly 60 pounds in 6 months. After 30 days, the phase is switched and you're body is left guessing -- revving your metabolism and burning off fat!  My first two rounds, I only had 5, 8, and 10 lb dumbbells to get me through all three phases, so I didn't really BUILD the muscle that I wanted, but I did burn a TON of fat!  This time around, I'm using the selecttech weights that Chalene uses in the videos. (Thanks to my sweet hubby, who bought them for us as a valentine's day gift!) So, I'm looking forward to really PUSHING myself throughout the Push phase of the program.

 

If you have any questions about the program, the nutrition plan included, or Shakeology, feel free to shoot me a message at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com !

 

 

Keep following along with me on my journey!  I hope to help inspire and motivate other moms to go from flabby to FIT! Find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!

Wonder Wednesday: Pasta and Depression in Women?

Wonder Wednesday: Pasta and Depression in Women??

 

     Pasta and depression?  WHAT?  In a new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, that is exactly what medical professionals have discovered. Over the course of 12 years, the Harvard school of Public Health followed the diets of 43,000 women and discovered a link to a diet high in refined grains, such as pasta, and fatty, red meats and a 29-41% likelihood that those women would be treated for depression. Blood tests revealed that women who consumed this type of diet tested significantly higher for three biomarkers of inflammation.This new study isn’t the first to link certain diet choices to inflammation and depression, but it is one of the most complete to date. 

 

 

Dr. Michel Lucas, co-author of the study, says that the link between inflammation and depression is not clear, but evidence is accumulating that relates certain foods to an increased risk of inflammation and depression, while others seem to have the opposite effect.

 

Dr. Lucas' research shows that foods such as coffee, olive oil, wine, and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens - if consumed daiy - can actually reduce inflammation and depression. A Mediterranean style diet is recommended, heavy in olive oil and fish,  has been linked to lower rates of mood disorder.

 

 

What are YOUR thoughts on this new study and do you agree with what has been found throughout the conducted study?