Nana's Good Life

09/04/2025

Don't drink diet soda. Some studies also show a link to cancer.

No, diet soda isn’t the “safe” choice many believe.

A long-term study following more than 36,000 people for nearly 14 years has revealed a surprising risk: drinking just one artificially sweetened soft drink a day was linked to a 36% higher risk of type 2 diabetes—even higher than the 23% increase tied to regular sugary sodas.

What’s striking is that this risk persisted even after accounting for age, body weight, fat levels, and lifestyle. Unlike sugary drinks, the diet soda-diabetes connection can’t be explained by weight gain alone.

Researchers suggest artificial sweeteners may interfere with the body in several ways—by disrupting the gut microbiome, confusing insulin responses, or altering how blood sugar is regulated. Popular sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin have already been shown in earlier studies to affect gut bacteria and even trigger insulin spikes.

While more research is needed to pin down the exact biological mechanisms, the takeaway is clear: switching from sugary to diet drinks may not reduce your diabetes risk—and could make it worse.

📖 Source: Diabetes and Metabolism — “The association of sweetened beverage intake with risk of type 2 diabetes in an Australian population: A longitudinal study.”

09/04/2025

Running is one of the best ways to sharpen your focus and boost productivity.

A quick run clears mental fog, improves concentration, and helps you return to tasks with renewed energy. It’s like hitting the reset button for your brain.

The increased blood flow and oxygen to your brain enhance memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Even short sessions make a difference.

Make running part of your routine, and you’ll find yourself thinking clearer, working smarter, and feeling more in control of your day.

09/03/2025

Exercise is medicine for your soul. Do whatever you can: run, bike, hike, walk, yoga, lift weights, etc.
It benefits your body and mental health. We were designed to stay active. Don't listen to the lies about age, health, or anything else. Keep moving and you will continue to be able to move.
KFG!

08/30/2025

08/26/2025

Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that target microbes responsible for decay and gum irritation. Oil pulling with a spoonful of coconut oil for several minutes daily helps freshen breath, reduce plaque, and complement brushing and flossing, making it a simple home remedy for oral care. 🥥😁

08/02/2025

Somehow, seed oils have been “normalized” for use in food, but they are anything but normal.

Processed seed oils were first manufactured in the 20th century as a farming waste product. Now, they can be found in countless ultra-processed foods, because they’re cheap and extend the shelf life of products.

Seed oil production uses petroleum-based solvents and chemicals for deodorization and processing. They oxidize (think rust) during cooking, producing harmful compounds that cause damage to DNA, proteins, and cells. And most are made from genetically modified crops and contain pesticide residues.

Not only that, but seed oils contain high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, which promote chronic inflammation and are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Ready to remove seed-oil-filled ultra-processed foods from your diet? My free mobile app lets you scan the barcodes of packaged food items to uncover hidden ultra-processed ingredients instantly.

Download it here: https://drbrg.co/3I1mj79

06/30/2025

Delicious Gravy Recipes!

Easy recipes you can make in no time! Perfect any time of the day or for special occasions.

1. White Gravy

Recipe:
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 cup white flour
1 medium onion diced
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

In a pan, add butter. Let it melts and add diced onion. Saute till tender. Then sprinkle the flour. Mix well till flour is browned. Then, slowly pour the milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a boil and simmer till the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste (optional). Serve warm. Enjoy!

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2. Easy Sausage Gravy

Ingredients:
1lb sausage
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp ground thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt or more to taste

Steps:
In a large pan, add sausage and fry till browned
Leave the grease in the skillet and reduce the heat to medium low. Add in the flour, stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in the milk, slowly. Continue stirring until gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Add ground thyme, black pepper and salt to taste. Mix and remove from heat. Serve on top of biscuits. Enjoy!

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3. Beef Brown Gravy without drippings!

Ingredients:
4 cups beef stock
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tosp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder

Steps and preparation:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
Then, add cornstarch and saute till cornstarch is brownish.
Then, add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef stock.
Whisk constantly until the cornstarch mix well into the beef stock.
Continue whisking until the gravy thickens into your desired consistency, for about 5 to 7minutes. Serve warm.
Seasoned with black pepper if needed. Enjoy!

06/10/2025

This Hawaiian fried rice is always a win at my house! It's full of juicy pineapple, ham, and veggies and the flavors are amazing. My kids prefer this over any takeout and that's a win in my book! 🍍

06/02/2025

Are you hungry for some ice cream? Here's how to make Mason Jar 🍨 Ice Cream. Make some with the ingredients in your Pantry and fridge.
How to tell if the jars are freezer-safe. Jars with tapered or straight sides are freezer-safe; shouldered jars are not. Use only Tapered Mason jars without shoulders. Jars with shoulders can break due to the expansion of the liquid when it freezes. Tapered jars allow for the pressure when food starts to expand during the freezing process.
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