Marla Ahlgrimm says that women are known to try diets of all kinds. One of these is the plant-based diet. But, is it healthy? Keep reading for more information.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a plant-based (also called plant-forward) diet focuses specifically on foods derived from plants. This includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and oils. Although most foods on this diet are grown from the earth, people on a plant-based diet are not always vegetarians but, rather, limit their meat intake significantly. People on plant-based diets may also eat dairy products from time to time.

One of the most popular plant-based diets focuses on Mediterranean foods. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there is quite a bit of merit to having a Mediterranean diet, and research finds that this may reduce heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. People eating a Mediterranean diet also enjoy poultry, fish, and other meats throughout the week, but the majority of the foods they eat are plants.

Vegetarianism is a more extreme plant-based diet. However, there are several subcategories, including flexitarian, Pescatarian, and vegan. A Flexitarian has the widest variety of food options, a pescetarian eats vegetables plus seafood, and a vegetarian abstains completely from animal products, including meat, cheese, and eggs.

If you are looking to get started on a plant-based diet, Marla Ahlgrimm says to talk with your doctor first. Then, evaluate your plate. The vast majority of what you eat should be vegetables, fruits, or grains. She says it is also helpful to center your foods around vegetables and fruits rather than to base your meal on the meat you’re having. A crucial aspect of a plant-based diet is variety. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests eating foods of all different colors. For example, green spinach, orange carrots, and yellow peppers. Each color of vegetable or fruit offers a unique blend of vitamins and nutrients so balancing what you eat will ensure you get a variety of the things your body needs.

If you work in an office job, you already know that you probably sit too much. But, do you know the problems associated with living a sedentary lifestyle? According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many. Keep reading as the women’s health expert, medical company founder, and self-help author answers a few quick questions about the risks of sitting too much.

Q: What type of jobs involve sitting the most?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Office jobs and on-the-road driving jobs are the two that come to mind. When you work in an administrative, creative, or knowledge-based position, you likely use a computer most of the time. Similarly, when you drive a truck or operate a train, you may be sitting for 10 hours at a time.

Q: What is the most significant risk involved in having a sedentary job?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A recent analysis of more than a dozen research studies found that people who sit for eight hours or more each day without physical activity during these hours were just as unhealthy is people that smoked and were obese. However, working out just 60 minutes each week can almost entirely offset these risks. 

Q: How can I be more active when I have a desk job?

Marla Ahlgrimm: One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take breaks about every half hour. If possible, use a standing desk. You might even be able to convince some colleagues to go for a walk around your office instead of sitting for a small meeting.

Q: Are there other benefits to walking more even if I have an active job?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely. Walking is a great cardiovascular exercise that can help you burn fat and tone muscles. Just as importantly, walking around the neighborhood or your local shopping mall with friends is an excellent way to socialize.

Hormones are tiny chemical messengers that tell your body what to do. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, your hormones can hit roadblocks. One of these is when you do not get enough sleep. Not getting enough (or getting too much) can change the way your body produces hormones. This can affect everything.

Q: What do hormones control?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Your hormones play a major role in the vast majority of your bodily functions. They regulate your circadian rhythm, blood pressure, and heart rate. Hormones also drive your sexual function and even your appetite.

Q: What hormones does sleep deprivation affect?

Marla Ahlgrimm: When you sleep, your body regulates many hormones. If you do not get at least seven hours each night, you may experience issues with cortisol, progesterone, ghrelin, thyroid and growth hormones, and melatonin. Virtually every hormone in your body is signaled by your circadian rhythm.

Q: What are the potential side-effects of hormone deficiency caused by sleep deprivation?

Marla Ahlgrimm: People who do not get enough sleep may experience weight gain and frequent infections. They are also at a higher risk of illnesses and may consume more calories than necessary at one sitting.

Q: How can I make up for my sleep deficit?

Marla Ahlgrimm: If you’re getting at least six hours each night during the week, you may be able to give yourself up to 10 additional hours on the weekend. However, if you’re only sleeping four hours each night, the chances of being able to “make it up” are little to none. Your best bet is to go to bed on time each night so that you wake refreshed and ready to tackle the day every day. Your hormones will thank you for it.

It’s not always easy being a woman, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The changes that affect our body as we age can throw us into a physical and emotional tizzy. But, if you know what to expect, you can take steps to mitigate changes that might make life uncomfortable in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. Keep reading for a few bits of insight into what might be coming down the road (when you’re still in your 20s).

Weight gain

It is not uncommon for women – and men, too – to experience weight gain starting sometime around their mid-30s. Fortunately, this tends to taper off around the age of 55. Women tend to gain the most weight around their stomach and thighs, but there are ways to offset unnecessary pounds. Marla Ahlgrimm says that eating a healthy diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and exercising can all help women watch their weight, no matter their age.

The heart

Estrogen is thought to increase arterial wall flexibility. Marla Ahlgrimm says that healthy estrogen levels during the woman’s childbearing years may also reduce bad cholesterol. However, at around the age of menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen, and that can put their hearts at risk. She says that women should keep a close watch on their family history and consult with their healthcare provider if things don’t feel “right.”

Breasts

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, breasts change throughout a woman’s lifetime, from the moment they appear until well after menopause. Women in their 40s and 50s can expect some volume loss, but, more importantly, the chances of developing breast cancer increase with each year. Marla Ahlgrimm says that you cannot always prevent breast cancer, but smoking reduces your risk by 80% or more.

Skin

Our skin changes at around the age of 50. Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormones are to blame here, and reduction in female sex hormones can lead to thinner and less elastic skin. She explains that retinol creams and staying out of the sun can help skin stay healthy for as long as possible.

In July 2021, TikTok user Dave Ramirez started a new trend. What was it? Eating frozen honey. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, while Ramirez said the sweet treat was refreshing, others have experienced something much different.

Q:  What are the side-effects of eating frozen honey?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In a very small quantity, less than 4 tablespoons, most people will experience zero side-effects from eating frozen honey. But, much over that, the sugar content in the honey can cause a sugar spike. This can quickly result in a crash, which can leave you feeling weak, hungry, and with heart palpitations.

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We have all experienced acne at some point in our lives, says women’s health expert, author, and hormone Specialist Marla Ahlgrimm. However, while a break out every now and then typically doesn’t do more than inconvenience date night, some women experience acne to the point where it affects their mental health. Read more below.

Q: What causes acne?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many different reasons why a person may experience an acne outbreak. Typically, hair follicles become clogged and a rise in certain hormones, such as androgen, are the main causes. Pores can become filled with dead skin, oil, and even dirt, which can cause the face, neck, chest, arms, and back to be covered in red, swollen acne.

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