Latest news with #Haspel
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Italians aren't as obese as Americans, surprising reason has little to do with food
American columnist Tamar Haspel, after a month in Italy, highlights that Italians maintain lower obesity rates despite consuming more pasta than Americans. The key isn't the food itself, but smaller portions and infrequent snacking. Unlike the constant food availability in the US, Italy's food culture emphasizes intentional, social meals with less processed options, contributing to healthier eating habits. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Hint: It's Not What They Eat, It's How They Eat Smaller Portions, Fewer Snacks Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Different Food Culture FAQs After American columnist Tamar Haspel spent the entire month of May eating her way across Italy, she returned with finding out why there are tales of people who lose weight while vacationing in Italy and the country's relatively low obesity rate compared to the United States, as per a cookies for breakfast to multicourse lunches and dinners, with pasta, risotto, cheese, cured meats, and, of course, gelato, Italians don't exactly eat 'light,' according to the coloum written by Haspel in The Washington Post. In fact, they consume more pasta per person than anyone on Earth, averaging over 51 pounds a year, while Americans eat just 19. But they still manage to avoid the obesity crisis plaguing the United States. As per data from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, the obesity rate among Italian adults was 17% in 2022, and it was 42% in the United States, as per the reason for their lower obesity rate doesn't lie in their menu, but it lies in how they eat and how much, according to her READ: First it was alligator prisons in Florida, now Alaska wants a Bear Alcatraz for migrants Nutrition expert Marion Nestle has long said that American portion sizes could single-handedly explain the nation's weight gain, according to The Washington Post column. When portions double, people eat roughly a third more, without even realising it, as per the report. In Italy, even decadent meals are typically served in smaller portions, and when it's done, it's done, as snacking is also far less frequent, according to the typically don't graze all day or grab food on the go, and between-meal eating is rare, especially outside the home, as per Haspel's experience in Italy. It's not just a habit, it's part of the food culture, according to the report. Many towns and cities do not have the kind of convenience-food bombardment Americans are used to: no smoothie counters at pharmacies, no giant cookies at hardware stores, no drive-thru pretzels or novelty sodas around every corner, as per her READ: US Independence Day 2025: 10 fun facts about America you must know According to the report, outdoor markets offer fresh produce, bread, cheese, and meat, but no funnel cakes, no churros, no hot dogs, as Italians eat less processed food than Americans do, and they also eat less of it than almost anyone in even recommends, "If you ever wonder why Americans are fat and Italians aren't, spend a month in their shoes. Sure, there are differences in what we eat. But the bigger differences are in where, when, how and how much," as per The Washington READ: Ukraine kills Putin's pick — top Russian Navy commander dead just days after surprise promotion In Italy, food is something to be enjoyed slowly and socially. Meals are often intentional and structured—there's little mindless snacking or eating on the they're noticeably smaller. Even indulgent foods like pasta or gelato come in reasonable amounts. Overeating just isn't built into the experience.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Italians aren't as obese as Americans, surprising reason has little to do with food
After American columnist Tamar Haspel spent the entire month of May eating her way across Italy, she returned with finding out why there are tales of people who lose weight while vacationing in Italy and the country's relatively low obesity rate compared to the United States, as per a report. Hint: It's Not What They Eat, It's How They Eat From cookies for breakfast to multicourse lunches and dinners, with pasta, risotto, cheese, cured meats, and, of course, gelato, Italians don't exactly eat 'light,' according to the coloum written by Haspel in The Washington Post. In fact, they consume more pasta per person than anyone on Earth, averaging over 51 pounds a year, while Americans eat just 19. But they still manage to avoid the obesity crisis plaguing the United States. As per data from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, the obesity rate among Italian adults was 17% in 2022, and it was 42% in the United States, as per the report. The reason for their lower obesity rate doesn't lie in their menu, but it lies in how they eat and how much, according to her column. ALSO READ: First it was alligator prisons in Florida, now Alaska wants a Bear Alcatraz for migrants Smaller Portions, Fewer Snacks Nutrition expert Marion Nestle has long said that American portion sizes could single-handedly explain the nation's weight gain, according to The Washington Post column. When portions double, people eat roughly a third more, without even realising it, as per the report. In Italy, even decadent meals are typically served in smaller portions, and when it's done, it's done, as snacking is also far less frequent, according to the report. Live Events Italians typically don't graze all day or grab food on the go, and between-meal eating is rare, especially outside the home, as per Haspel's experience in Italy. It's not just a habit, it's part of the food culture, according to the report. Many towns and cities do not have the kind of convenience-food bombardment Americans are used to: no smoothie counters at pharmacies, no giant cookies at hardware stores, no drive-thru pretzels or novelty sodas around every corner, as per her column. ALSO READ: US Independence Day 2025: 10 fun facts about America you must know A Different Food Culture According to the report, outdoor markets offer fresh produce, bread, cheese, and meat, but no funnel cakes, no churros, no hot dogs, as Italians eat less processed food than Americans do, and they also eat less of it than almost anyone in Europe. Haspel even recommends, "If you ever wonder why Americans are fat and Italians aren't, spend a month in their shoes. Sure, there are differences in what we eat. But the bigger differences are in where, when, how and how much," as per The Washington Post. ALSO READ: Ukraine kills Putin's pick — top Russian Navy commander dead just days after surprise promotion FAQs How is Italian food culture different from American food culture? In Italy, food is something to be enjoyed slowly and socially. Meals are often intentional and structured—there's little mindless snacking or eating on the go. Are portion sizes in Italy really that different? Yes, they're noticeably smaller. Even indulgent foods like pasta or gelato come in reasonable amounts. Overeating just isn't built into the experience.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bestie Defense Launches A 3-In-1 Personal Safety Device Designed For Women In Mind
Sarah Haspel, founder of Bestie Defense. One in two women do not feel safe walking in alone at night, and two out of three women aged 16 to 34 years experienced one form of harassment in the previous 12 months; with 44% of women aged 16 to 34 years having experienced catcalls, whistles, unwanted sexual comments or jokes, and 29% having felt like they were being followed. Sarah Haspel is no stranger to that reality. As a second-degree black belt with decades of martial arts training, she's become hyper aware of her surroundings. One evening three years ago, as she walked from her car to a restaurant, a visibly unstable man began to aggressively approach. Instinct and training kicked in—she did everything most self-defense courses teach: set verbal boundaries, created distance, tried to de-escalate. As he kept coming towards her, out of fear for her safety, Haspel reached for her pepper spray, only to find it buried at the bottom of her bag. Luckily, she got it out just in time. This experience led Haspel to ideate and develop a personal protection tool combining multiple safety features in an easy to use device. Bestie Defense features a multi-patented, modular three-in-one design that combines pepper spray, a piercing alarm, and an improvised weapon, all in chic silhouettes and color ways that blend sophisticated style with serious protection. As its name suggests, Bestie is your "best friend" in nearly any self-defense situation. "This is a tool for empowerment, not fear," says Haspel, Founder and CEO of Bestie Defense. "I wanted to create a lifestyle product that seamlessly integrates into anyone's life, without being a burden or confusing to use. Aware that people often freeze or panic when faced with danger, using complex or multiple self-defense tools has proved to be ineffective. Seconds count when help is minutes away," Haspel explains. "In dangerous situations, you can't always count on others to intervene. You need to be equipped to protect yourself. Predators often deliberately isolate their targets before attacking their victims, and in those dangerous situations, no one may be around to help. Unless someone has dedicated real time and effort into training, a person needs simplicity under pressure," explains Haspel. The Bestie Defense is a new 3-in-1 safety device tool featuring a striker, alarm and pepper spray. Revolutionizing personal safety, Bestie's design includes three forms of protection working together with a single, intuitive button that simultaneously activates both the pepper spray and the alarm. As a last line of defense, Bestie has an improvised weapon for situations where pepper spray would be impractical, such as enclosed spaces like in cars or elevators, and can be used to strike an attacker if they come within arm's distance. Precision-engineered in the USA from lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, Besties deliver uncompromising protection with refined elegance. Both chic and discreet, they feature a signature ribbed design and slim profile, and are available in a matte black or rose gold finish. The Bestie effortlessly clips onto and fits into most going-out purses. Even law enforcement personnel are taking note of Haspel's innovation. Deputy Sheriff and founder of Women in Blue, Melanie Garcia, After a harrowing encounter on a night out with friends, Sarah Haspel, invented a 3-in-1 safety ... More device tool. sees this new invention as a potential life-saving tool. 'Bestie stands in a league of its own. Unlike any other safety device or spray I've seen, its design strategically targets the critical elements needed for real-world protection. Based on what I've experienced in the field, this isn't just a product — it's a potential lifesaver. In the moments that matter most, Bestie could be the difference that protects and empowers the user,' shared Garcia. 'As a proud patriot and officer with one of the largest police agencies in the U.S., I trust the Bestie Defense tool for its power to protect, alert with high-frequency, and empower. Through Women in Blue, I stand to equip fierce American women with the mindset, tools, and confidence to be unstoppable, because protection isn't just a duty, it's who we are.' What sets Bestie apart is its modular design, allowing users to customize their protection based on comfort level, circumstances & environment. Traveling somewhere you can't use pepper spray? Simply remove the canister while still utilizing the alarm and improvised weapon features. Prefer silent operation? Remove the battery to disable the alarm while maintaining the other defensive capabilities. To ensure effectiveness (as pepper spray expires), Bestie Defense offers a first-of-its-kind subscription service, providing automatic refills of their signature defense formulas tailored to different needs. Holy Grail combines military-grade tear gas, OC (pepper spray), and ultraviolet marking dye for maximum stopping power. Hero delivers the highest concentration of OC with UV marking dye for those wanting pure, potent protection. Nationally Notorious offers OC-only protection, complying with the strictest state regulations. Each formula is designed with the understanding that self-defense isn't one-size-fits-all—customers can select options aligning with local laws and personal confidence level. The brand also offers Practice Spray and will soon be launching complimentary online instructional videos, so users can train and practice deploying their Bestie. "I chatted with countless women about what they wanted in a personal safety device," says Haspel. "The consistent feedback was they didn't want to carry multiple safety devices and appear paranoid, and they didn't want anything ugly or bulky. They were also tired of devices accidentally activating when dropped, and they wanted to know their tools were effective. Bestie Defense addresses all of these concerns in one device." The innovative design is a result of countless hours of painstaking research and numerous prototypes, in collaboration with Chief Engineer Norm Tolentino, a former SpaceX aerospace engineer and girl-dad, who completely understood the vital importance of Bestie's mission. Sarah Haspel, founder of Bestie Defense. While Bestie comes at a higher price point than typical self-defense products, it represents exceptional value when considering its comprehensive protection. Purchasing separate high-quality items—a reliable pepper spray, alarm, and impact tool made from durable materials—would likely cost the same or more. 'Quality matters tremendously in self-defense. The market offers cheaper pepper spray options, but many lack the potency and consistency to effectively stop an assailant. This is why we've partnered with John McCann, former CEO of Mace and a veteran in the pepper spray industry with decades of experience. McCann ensures our formulas are not only top-quality but also third-party tested for reliability. Our pepper spray features law enforcement strength formula—the same potency trusted by police officers nationwide,' she added. Haspel also explained that, unlike competitors using cheap plastic, Bestie features a premium metal body with replaceable canisters and batteries, ensuring longevity and reliability made in the USA. 'When a product could potentially save someone's life, we refuse to compromise on. Bestie Defense is currently available for pre-order at a special introductory price of $105 through April, after which the price will remain at $149.95. The product can be purchased exclusively at with plans to be in major retailers later this year.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Perspective: The challenges confronting the ‘kinless' are more than semantics
America is losing the links that bind communities together. As Alysse ElHage and Brad Wilcox previously highlighted, prime-age adults are becoming more atomized. Over the past decade, for the first time, the share of adults ages 18-55 who are neither married nor have children exceeds the number of adults in the same range who are married with kids. ElHage and Wilcox called the adults with neither spouses nor children 'kinless adults.' Even though many young Americans hope for marriage and children, the number of these adults is projected to keep rising. The 'kinless' coinage sparked a good-faith critique from Elliot Haspel, who raised two concerns, one about accuracy, the other about charity. Many of the so-called 'kinless' are, of course, not completely bereft of family. A person who is 'never married and [has] no children in the home' may live with her aging mother. He could live in an apartment a short train ride from his nieces and nephews in the suburbs. But, more than that, Haspel worried that 'kinless' was a way of devaluing the people it described. Describing a group by what they lack ignored the way that they 'live richly meaningful lives and contribute immensely to a healthy society.' I certainly agree with Haspel that the so-called 'kinless' live in relationships with others that C.S. Lewis described as 'need and gift.' When my father entered hospice, it was my then-'kinless' brother who could do the most for him and my mother, while I was limited in my ability to help. I had responsibilities to my toddler and was hampered by the needs of her little sister growing in my belly. The 'kinless' can step in with extraordinary generosity. My Catholic faith has always prized those who are willing to lay aside the blessings of marriage and family in order to consecrate themselves to a life of prayer and service to others. But I still find it helpful to have a way to talk about the group of people without the particular kin found in marriage and childbearing, and I expect there will never be a word that feels entirely comfortable. People without marriage and children can and do form long-lasting relationships of love, but their lives are, in the aggregate, more precarious, and no delicacies of language can disguise this fact. This group of adults, whatever term we use for them, will grow old with fewer ties to the rising generation. Even when they give generously to their own parents and siblings, they may find that, when it is their turn to descend into infirmity, they rely on the care of paid strangers or struggle to afford even that. 'Kinless' can sound off-putting when it echoes snide comments about 'childless cat ladies' but it also is unsettling if it points to an undesired, fearful future. When we have a societal discomfort with a certain state in life, stigma follows whatever new, 'neutral' word we coin to refer to it. Linguist Stephen Pinker called this the 'euphemism treadmill,' where each new word coined to replace a slur eventually becomes contaminated by the culture and becomes impossible to use kindly. Any word for the people who have no direct biological tie to the next generation is likely to be subject to this euphemism treadmill effect. The word cannot be comfortable while it points to precarity. This care gap is worth talking about while we can still do something about it. The decreasing rates of marriage and childbearing are hollowing out the fiscal and social support structures that most people depend on to grow old and die well. There is rightfully a good deal of attention paid to the shrinking balances of the Social Security Trust Fund. When it is exhausted in 2037, Social Security payments won't stop, but there will no longer be a cushion of funds to bridge the gap between funds coming in and funds going out. There already aren't enough workers paying in to support the seniors receiving benefits, and when the trust fund is exhausted, the government will need to rematch the inflows and outflows by cutting benefits, raising payroll taxes or some combination of both. The social trust fund isn't so literal, but it depends on there being enough people to go around. As families shrink, there aren't just fewer kids to take care of parents, there are also fewer nieces and nephews to lend a hand with an aunt or uncle, and fewer cousins to look in on each other. Just as each worker is called to support more seniors, each member of the rising generation may need to shoulder a greater range of care responsibilities. A 30-something may not be able to live close to everyone who needs her or have space to let more than one aging relative move in. The time to work out a firmer footing for the Social Security Trust Fund is before the balance goes to zero. The moment to begin experimenting with new strategies for housing, home care and friendship is before this generation of 'kinless' adults hits retirement. Evocative language helps us treat the societal problem with appropriate urgency and attention, but it can do some good for the individual as well. Clinical, neutral descriptive language ('never married and [has] no children in the home') can fall short of the decidedly un-neutral way members of the class feel about their future and its precarity. Whatever the right word is, I think it will always feel a little unsettling and uncomfortable to contemplate. Aging without any clear person who is responsible for you can be a frightening prospect. More and more Americans will age into this particular form of isolation. There's a tendency on the left to attempt to reduce stigma by finding more baroque terms of art (for example, 'person experiencing houselessness' and 'justice-impacted individual' instead of 'homeless' and 'ex-con'). Draining vividness from language may reduce negative associations, but it also removes the invitation to consider the starkness of the person's need. Specific, colorful language is better at awakening both our cruelty and our charity. The rise of kinlessness is both a symptom and an accelerant of the crumbling social structure that previously helped men and women meet and marry. Private disappointments make our polity more fragile as, on average, people's circles of support get smaller. The first step of looking for a solution is naming the problem.
