Latest news with #AmyDavis
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Coffee, hold the beans. The new wave of brews are made with mushrooms, date pits and more. Are they worth trying?
For people obsessed with all things coffee, an iced latte made by their favorite barista or a hot cup at home in the morning can make all the difference in their day. But while many people have a passion for coffee, some are trying to scale back, whether that's because it's affecting their sleep, upsetting their stomach or giving them the jitters. These days, you don't have to look too far for coffee alternatives: There are oodles of beverage brands, such as Atomo, that tout themselves as healthy alternatives to java, which has so-called upcycled ingredients and mimics the taste of coffee. Another popular alternative is mushroom coffee, made by brands such as Four Sigmatic and Ryze. There's also functional coffee, such as MUD\WTR's adaptogenic drink and Rasa's herbal mix with ashwagandha and chicory. Then there's Everyday Doze's functional coffee, which is infused with nootropics and superfoods in addition to Arabian coffee beans. Should you try these new beverages, or even replace your regular cup of coffee with them? Here's what to know. Do coffee alternatives contain caffeine? Many coffee alternatives are low in caffeine or don't contain caffeine at all. Instead, their claims of boosting energy come from other ingredients, such as adaptogens. This could benefit people who want to scale back on caffeine in general. The caffeine in coffee (about 95 mg per cup) may cause uncomfortable side effects, says Davis, especially for those who suffer from anxiety. Intolerance to caffeine, which varies greatly from person to person, may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, sweating and even shortness of breath. Drinking caffeine too late in the day can disrupt sleep, which, over time, can lead to poor health outcomes like high blood pressure and weight gain. Those who are especially sensitive to caffeine can also experience other side effects like jitters, headaches and gut issues — and the more caffeine you drink, the more likely you'll experience them. Some studies show a risk to drinking too much caffeine — a 2024 study found that drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (a little more than four cups of coffee) could increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, for example — but a major reason people may consider scaling back is the risk of developing a dependence. When your body gets used to a regular caffeine fix, skipping it can trigger withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability and fatigue. Are there health benefits to drinking coffee alternatives? Many coffee alternatives boast ingredients like adaptogens, which are natural substances believed to help the body manage stress, or nootropics, which are compounds thought to enhance cognitive function — things you won't get in your average cup of coffee. Dietitian Amy Davis tells Yahoo Life she's a big fan of mushroom coffee. 'With functional mushrooms, the more you take them on a daily basis, the more you feel the benefits of them,' Davis says. 'Lion's mane, for example, is the OG brain booster mushroom — it's going to support cognitive function and focus, which is one of the main reasons why people drink coffee.' Davis also points to other ingredients common in these coffees, such as chaga, a type of mushroom that she says is 'great for immunity,' while another mushroom, cordyceps, may help provide energy. However, more research is needed to assess the actual benefits of these substances. Other coffee alternatives promise similar benefits to java but promise fewer side effects. Atomo, for example, claims that their upcycled coffee is 'high in antioxidants' — similar to regular coffee, which is also rich in antioxidants — but with 'a clean caffeine experience giving consumers a superfood-based approach to your caffeine ritual that is easier on your stomach.' Davis says that date pits found in Atomo are a healthy coffee alternative because you'll get a 'really concentrated source of the nutrients that are found in dates,' such as potassium. Are coffee alternatives more environmentally friendly? One environmental problem connected to the coffee industry is deforestation: the demand for coffee, and specifically sun-grown coffee, means trees must be cleared out to build large plantations. Since this sun-grown method also leads to a loss of nutrients in the soil, coffee farmers must keep finding new land once they are unable to grow in that particular area. Plus, growing coffee requires a lot of water — around 140 liters are needed for a single cup. These issues led Atomo to create a coffee-like beverage that is not only more sustainable than coffee production, but also uses parts of plants that would otherwise become garbage. It's made from so-called upcycled ingredients like chicory root, grapeskin, date pits, sunflower and lemon and mimics the taste of coffee. The bottom line Matthew Badgett, an internal medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, doesn't think choosing a coffee alternative in lieu of a cup of joe will do much to improve your health. 'Maybe a coffee alternative provides benefits that are equally valuable, but we don't know,' Badgett tells Yahoo Life, referencing the lack of studies on these alternatives. 'But we know that coffee is good for you.' So you don't necessarily need to give up coffee if you enjoy it. Coffee is rich in polyphenols, which help fight inflammation and protect against cell damage, and several studies show people who drink coffee regularly have lower rates of cancer and chronic disease. Davis says that whether you opt for a coffee alternative comes down to how you feel about your coffee habit. 'If you're someone who is prone to feeling anxious or jittery after having coffee, this is going to be a good fit for you,' she explains. While Davis says that coffee alternatives like mushroom coffee provide energy and help improve cognitive function, so does the caffeine found in coffee. Love coffee, but are sensitive to caffeine? Badgett says you can always go for decaf, which has similar health benefits but significantly less caffeine.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
What food can you bring on the plane? The 7 best snacks to pack for your flight.
Air travel can be a slog — not to mention expensive. By the time you get through security, you might only have time to grab a subpar, premade sandwich that sets you back $20. Eating what's available on the plane isn't much better: Either you're getting a meal that leaves a lot to be desired, paying extra for a paltry snack box or settling for a can of Pringles. One solution is packing your own snacks for your travel days. Not only will it save you money — who wants to blow their vacation budget at the airport Chili's? — but it'll also guarantee that you're eating something you actually enjoy. And while you could always grab a bag of potato chips to munch on at 30,000 feet, these dietitian-approved bites will keep you feeling satiated and energized until you reach your destination. Of course, you can't just bring anything on a plane. Here's what to bear in mind. Anyone who has had to toss an $8 latte or brand-new bottle of sunscreen at the security checkpoint knows all too well that the TSA is strict about its 3-1-1 liquid rule, which also applies to aerosols, gels, creams, pastes and — you guessed it — any food that's considered creamy. 'That includes things like yogurts and cottage cheese,' adds dietitian Amy Davis. Nut and seed butters are also subject to this 3.4 oz rule, so if you're going to bring them on a plane, it should be in a small sealed individual packet, like the sachets from Justin's or SunButter's on-the-go cups. Other foods that are subject to TSA's 3.4 oz limit include: Jam or jelly Honey Oils Cream cheese Soup Smoothies And a word of warning to wellness junkies looking to sip a health shake on your flight: Powdered supplements — protein, collagen peptides, fiber or greens — will raise red flags if they're packed loose in a container (such as a ziplock bag). 'Powders can also be disruptive at security, as TSA is going to need to swab it,' Davis notes. Instead, she recommends packing sealed and clearly labeled individual packets, which are not subject to security line inspections. But just because you can bring something onto a plane doesn't mean you necessarily should. If being a good seat neighbor is important to you, consider snacks that won't be a nuisance to those sitting near you. Is it messy? Smelly? Potentially dangerous? While peanuts have long been associated with airline snacks, that's no longer the case, given concerns about allergies. Experts say that it's low-risk for someone who is allergic to nuts to be on the same plane as another passenger eating them rows away, but it is possible that your flight crew will ask you to not open up any items that contain nuts as a matter of caution. (It happened to me after I purchased peanut butter crackers for a flight to London.) You can also ask your seatmate if they have a nut allergy or are uncomfortable with you breaking out, say, trail mix or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Pungent snacks may also earn you the ire of your neighbors. While there's no hard-and-fast rule, consider skipping things like stinky cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, strong-smelling spices or fish items like tuna packets, which could make those around you uncomfortable. For example, a flight attendant previously told Delish that flavored corn nuts are particularly hated among the crew due to their intense scent. Lastly, consider how long it will take before you actually get to eat your desired dish — which includes travel time to the airport, the time you spend in the terminal and when you're actually ready to chow down. Perishable foods should stay out of the fridge only for two hours, before they run the risk of hitting the temperature 'danger zone' of between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where food can potentially grow bacteria that can make us sick. You can extend the life of the snacks in your carry-on by bringing gel ice packs along to keep them cool. That said, TSA requires that these must be frozen solid (not melted or slushy) when they go through security. Dietitians agree that your plane snacks should be energizing and filling but not super-heavy. A balanced mix of protein, carbs and fats is ideal. You'll also want snacks that are portable, simple to prep in advance and easy to eat in your seat or on your tray table. (Consider wiping that down first with sanitizing spray to avoid germs.) What fits the bill? Consider these options: Pick up a yogurt pouch: Dietitian Amanda Blechman, director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Danone North America, recommends packing TSA-friendly smoothies and yogurts that are under 3.4 oz. Oikos Pro Shots, for example, come in 3.1-oz containers and are packed with 10 grams of protein and B vitamins. Freezing these before tossing them into your bag (or, better yet, the quart-sized zip-top bag you'll need to take through security) can keep them cool for longer. Create your own charcuterie box: Blechman also loves making a charcuterie box before heading to the airport, because it's a 'good way to get a mix of nutrients together, which can really help make your snack feel more satisfying and more satiating.' She recommends cutting up vegetables and fruit for vitamins and minerals, cheese for protein and calcium, pitted olives for healthy fat and whole grain crackers for a fiber boost. Go for hummus or guacamole: Individual hummus and guacamole packs (under 3.4 oz) are a great way to get extra fiber into your plane snack, says Blechman. You can pair them with crackers, chips or veggies. Get your veggies in: Davis loves Bolthouse Fresh's carrot shakers: baby carrots that come with seasoning packets in flavors like dill and zesty ranch. You can also cut up cucumbers, celery or bell peppers, which help you stay hydrated in the air. Try a meat stick: Need a quick source of protein that's also shelf-stable for long flights? 'My go-to protein is Chomps meat sticks,' Davis says of the jerky brand, which packs 10 to 12 grams of protein per stick. 'They're so easy to travel with.' Bring along roasted beans: Blechman recommends roasted beans or edamame, which have both fiber and protein. She recommends roasting chickpeas with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite flavoring, such as chili pepper or everything bagel seasoning. Rethink your peanut butter: While individual packs of nut butters can be a good choice as they have healthy fat and protein, an allergy could prohibit you from opening up one on the plane. Instead, consider individual packets of sunflower seed butter, Davis suggests, which are allergen-friendly and contain protein and fat. (Pre-shelled sunflower seeds are also a great option!)
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
What food can you bring on the plane? The 7 best snacks to pack for your flight.
Air travel can be a slog — not to mention expensive. By the time you get through security, you might only have time to grab a subpar, premade sandwich that sets you back $20. Eating what's available on the plane isn't much better: Either you're getting a meal that leaves a lot to be desired, paying extra for a paltry snack box or settling for a can of Pringles. One solution is packing your own snacks for your travel days. Not only will it save you money — who wants to blow their vacation budget at the airport Chili's? — but it'll also guarantee that you're eating something you actually enjoy. And while you could always grab a bag of potato chips to munch on at 30,000 feet, these dietitian-approved bites will keep you feeling satiated and energized until you reach your destination. Of course, you can't just bring anything on a plane. Here's what to bear in mind. Anyone who has had to toss an $8 latte or brand-new bottle of sunscreen at the security checkpoint knows all too well that the TSA is strict about its 3-1-1 liquid rule, which also applies to aerosols, gels, creams, pastes and — you guessed it — any food that's considered creamy. 'That includes things like yogurts and cottage cheese,' adds dietitian Amy Davis. Nut and seed butters are also subject to this 3.4 oz rule, so if you're going to bring them on a plane, it should be in a small sealed individual packet, like the sachets from Justin's or SunButter's on-the-go cups. Other foods that are subject to TSA's 3.4 oz limit include: Jam or jelly Honey Oils Cream cheese Soup Smoothies And a word of warning to wellness junkies looking to sip a health shake on your flight: Powdered supplements — protein, collagen peptides, fiber or greens — will raise red flags if they're packed loose in a container (such as a ziplock bag). 'Powders can also be disruptive at security, as TSA is going to need to swab it,' Davis notes. Instead, she recommends packing sealed and clearly labeled individual packets, which are not subject to security line inspections. But just because you can bring something onto a plane doesn't mean you necessarily should. If being a good seat neighbor is important to you, consider snacks that won't be a nuisance to those sitting near you. Is it messy? Smelly? Potentially dangerous? While peanuts have long been associated with airline snacks, that's no longer the case, given concerns about allergies. Experts say that it's low-risk for someone who is allergic to nuts to be on the same plane as another passenger eating them rows away, but it is possible that your flight crew will ask you to not open up any items that contain nuts as a matter of caution. (It happened to me after I purchased peanut butter crackers for a flight to London.) You can also ask your seatmate if they have a nut allergy or are uncomfortable with you breaking out, say, trail mix or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Pungent snacks may also earn you the ire of your neighbors. While there's no hard-and-fast rule, consider skipping things like stinky cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, strong-smelling spices or fish items like tuna packets, which could make those around you uncomfortable. For example, a flight attendant previously told Delish that flavored corn nuts are particularly hated among the crew due to their intense scent. Lastly, consider how long it will take before you actually get to eat your desired dish — which includes travel time to the airport, the time you spend in the terminal and when you're actually ready to chow down. Perishable foods should stay out of the fridge only for two hours, before they run the risk of hitting the temperature 'danger zone' of between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where food can potentially grow bacteria that can make us sick. You can extend the life of the snacks in your carry-on by bringing gel ice packs along to keep them cool. That said, TSA requires that these must be frozen solid (not melted or slushy) when they go through security. Dietitians agree that your plane snacks should be energizing and filling but not super-heavy. A balanced mix of protein, carbs and fats is ideal. You'll also want snacks that are portable, simple to prep in advance and easy to eat in your seat or on your tray table. (Consider wiping that down first with sanitizing spray to avoid germs.) What fits the bill? Consider these options: Pick up a yogurt pouch: Dietitian Amanda Blechman, director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Danone North America, recommends packing TSA-friendly smoothies and yogurts that are under 3.4 oz. Oikos Pro Shots, for example, come in 3.1-oz containers and are packed with 10 grams of protein and B vitamins. Freezing these before tossing them into your bag (or, better yet, the quart-sized zip-top bag you'll need to take through security) can keep them cool for longer. Create your own charcuterie box: Blechman also loves making a charcuterie box before heading to the airport, because it's a 'good way to get a mix of nutrients together, which can really help make your snack feel more satisfying and more satiating.' She recommends cutting up vegetables and fruit for vitamins and minerals, cheese for protein and calcium, pitted olives for healthy fat and whole grain crackers for a fiber boost. Go for hummus or guacamole: Individual hummus and guacamole packs (under 3.4 oz) are a great way to get extra fiber into your plane snack, says Blechman. You can pair them with crackers, chips or veggies. Get your veggies in: Davis loves Bolthouse Fresh's carrot shakers: baby carrots that come with seasoning packets in flavors like dill and zesty ranch. You can also cut up cucumbers, celery or bell peppers, which help you stay hydrated in the air. Try a meat stick: Need a quick source of protein that's also shelf-stable for long flights? 'My go-to protein is Chomps meat sticks,' Davis says of the jerky brand, which packs 10 to 12 grams of protein per stick. 'They're so easy to travel with.' Bring along roasted beans: Blechman recommends roasted beans or edamame, which have both fiber and protein. She recommends roasting chickpeas with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite flavoring, such as chili pepper or everything bagel seasoning. Rethink your peanut butter: While individual packs of nut butters can be a good choice as they have healthy fat and protein, an allergy could prohibit you from opening up one on the plane. Instead, consider individual packets of sunflower seed butter, Davis suggests, which are allergen-friendly and contain protein and fat. (Pre-shelled sunflower seeds are also a great option!)
