Posts by Ethan Garcia8

Joshua Jones13 said:That first sentence is a bit confusing to me. What do you mean about taking them with food? 😕 I mean, vitamins are literally in food. 😁 How else would we consume them, unless we're reaching for pills? 😉

If you're talking about that part where Starfaker mentioned eating fruit before lunch rather than after—I've heard that too. The idea is that fruit digests faster and easier, so you should eat it before something like meat so the nutrients, including vitamins, are more bioavailable. Though, I assume you don't just eat fruit and immediately dive into lunch; maybe leave a little gap, like thirty minutes to an hour? I mean, how long does meat take to digest? A few hours? Definitely longer than fruit. That seems to be the logic. But I'm not making any definitive claims here; this isn't really my field.

And why would they break down in the body if they don't break down in, say, oil or vegetables?

Enzymatic reactions? 😕

Jesus, this forum is barely even functioning anymore. 🙄

Yeah, that's exactly what I meant—that it all happens alongside the snackers and the local crew. 🙂

If you're talking about that part where the influencer mentioned eating fruit before lunch rather than after, I’ve heard the exact same thing. The idea is that fruit digests much faster, so if you eat it before something like steak, your body can absorb all those vitamins and nutrients more efficiently.

True, that logic applies to everything, even a schnitzel. But let’s be real: if we aren't talking about someone who overeats like they're trying to win an eating contest three times a day, but rather someone eating seven small, balanced meals, then the whole argument about vitamin absorption becomes pretty much irrelevant. That said, there's a big difference between how much of a vitamin your body uses and what she claimed about vitamins simply breaking down.

I assume we aren't talking about grabbing a piece of fruit and immediately diving into lunch. You really need to build in a little buffer—maybe thirty minutes to an hour. After all, how long does meat actually take to digest? A few hours? It definitely takes way longer than fruit does.

It’s the same old story: vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, so you should really be pairing them with greens. If you just eat plain meat, you're missing out on all that nutritional value—it's basically a wasted meal. 🙂
Digestion is purely a personal thing; one person might process a meal in two hours, while someone else might take twelve. 😁

How do enzyme reactions actually work? 😕

I mean, sure, but I honestly doubt they’re designed to just break vitamins down into basic factors like that. It wouldn't really make much sense. 🙂

Joshua Jones13 said:Seems logical to me. Cutting out carbs entirely is bad, but skipping bread? Not so much. Then again, I'm no rd. What do I know. 🤷

Fair point. But getting your glucose spike from junk food like bread is a whole different story. 🙂

On another note, do you think vitamins break down if you take them with food? And how long does it take from the moment you ingest them until they break down? Also, why would they break down in the body if they don't break down in things like oil or vegetables? 🙂

Anonymous said:👋
come on, give me a little support here... 😍

Why should I back you? Honestly, my advice would be to stick to the literature coming out of America instead of relying on local professors—especially in those scientific fields where we just don't have any notable track record or results. 😁

Honestly, it’s been common knowledge in the States for at least a decade now that you shouldn't go overboard with fruit consumption, yet people here still act like eating fruit is some kind of controversial scandal. 🙂
Around here, when you head to your primary care doctor with a common cold or a sore throat, they just tell you to load up on honey, tea, and lemon. It’s honestly a bit much. 😵

Anonymous said:Hey, Little Bear, look—I’m studying at UPenn, so if you’re actually planning on taking the word of some random Americans over me, go ahead... I just graduated, and honestly, I think I'll trust my professors way more than some folks on the internet.

I’d actually take my chances with those "dumb" Americans—mostly because they've been lightyears ahead of us in biochemistry and nutrition for decades. Honestly, they lead the way in almost everything. If your professors are teaching you that bread is an essential staple you can't live without because of some vague biological "processes" 🙂, then they aren't worth much. They lack basic logic, which isn't surprising given how low the bar is for becoming a professor these days. I'm not just talking about one specific school, either; it's a pattern across many universities. If I relied solely on the "expertise" I gained from certain professors at MIT (aside from the energy specialists who actually know their stuff), I'd be a terrible engineer because I would have learned absolutely nothing. Most of them haven't even contributed anything original to their fields; they just repackage old textbooks. To be honest, debating this feels pointless; it's like watching a local amateur try to debate a heavyweight champion in a serious discussion. 😁

Robin Garcia said:Every single nutritionist I have consulted insisted that bread MUST remain a staple in my diet!!!

They should probably just go back to school. 😁

Anonymous said:Regarding carbohydrates—that's a massive topic and there's a huge difference between types... (I'm actually studying something related to this, so I won't get too deep into the weeds here)...

You shouldn't cut anything out of your diet completely because of all the different cycles happening in your body. You actually need bread and potatoes; if you cut them, you might trigger some physiological reactions that aren't great for you.

Also, you really ought to eat fruit before your main meals. Vitamins are much smaller molecules compared to other nutrients in food. If you eat fruit right after lunch, for example, while your body is busy breaking everything else down, the vitamins will just break apart, making the fruit totally useless!
Is that enough for you? 😍

The main difference is that bread has a high glycemic index, whereas vegetables don't. Besides, the University of Houston is just the University of Houston.

You shouldn't cut anything out of your diet just because of how your body cycles through different phases. You actually need things like bread and potatoes; cutting them out could trigger some pretty unpleasant physical reactions.

What kind of reactions are we talking about? 🙂 You can easily cut bread and potatoes out of your diet. Bread is basically junk food because it's loaded with additives and has such a high glycemic index. It's better to swap them for more nutrient-dense options. Honestly, there are plenty of cultures around the world that don't even rely on potatoes or bread to thrive. 🙂

You really should try to eat your fruit before your main meals. Vitamins are much smaller molecules than other nutrients, so if you wait until after something heavy like lunch, those vitamins might just get broken down during digestion before they can even do their job. At that point, you're basically eating fruit for nothing!
Is that enough? 😍

Vitamins don't just break down that quickly. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are especially resilient, especially since they’re naturally designed to thrive within our digestive juices. 🙂 Water-soluble vitamins can be a bit more sensitive, but they aren't that fragile—especially if you're eating around seven times a day and have a fast, efficient metabolism.

I'm not sure what you mean by that. Could you clarify?

Just a quick reminder: even though you've got water-soluble ones like the B complex, Vitamin C, biotin, pantothenic acid, and folate, alongside fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, your body actually handles them much better if you take them with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. It’s a lot like how certain flavors in cooking need a little bit of oil to really pop.

A little bit about me. I like to keep things simple and straightforward, using real-world examples to help make sense of complex ideas. My goal is just to share what I know in a way that feels natural and easy to follow.

Doug Kalman MS, RD, Director of Nutrition Research at Miami Research Associates, was recently honored as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To stay on top of his game, he takes a daily multivitamin twice a day. You can reach him at DKalman@miamiresearch.com. DKalman@miamiresearch.com

Here’s what else I've got:

http://www.kimkins.com/content/view/1069/135/

When to take Supplements

When to take Supplements is best timed with your meals. Your body tends to absorb them much more effectively once your digestive system has been kicked into gear by some food.
Think of time-released formulas like a slow-moving car on a highway; you want to take them with a meal to ensure they cruise through your system at just the right pace, hitting the mark exactly when and where they need to work most effectively.
Since water-soluble vitamins tend to move through your system pretty fast, you might find that taking them two or three times a day works better than just one big dose.
Think of fat-soluble vitamins like a car that needs fuel to get moving; they're much easier for your body to absorb if you take them alongside a meal that contains some healthy fats. It’s also worth remembering that most minerals don't work in a vacuum—they generally perform best when they can team up with vitamins.

And also...

Amanda Flores88 said:Sorry you had to end up reaching that conclusion, but hey, enjoy your meal and hang in there. 🙂

I went through a similar phase toward the end of my teens—started diving deep into the whole "fundamentals of healthy eating" thing. Long story short, after wading through every single diet craze, theory, study, and fact out there—most of which totally contradict each other—I landed on the exact same realization. What works for one body might be a disaster for another, and what experts call the "gold standard" of nutrition could basically be poison for someone else. In the end, I just circled back to where I started: my mom's home cooking.

Honestly, I'd tell anyone to just experiment and see what sticks, but at the end of the day, we’re the ones in charge, not some authority figure. Your own body is the best guide you've got—you just have to listen to it.

Spot on.

Hannah Nelson4 said:It actually matters. If we're following the rules, fruit is a snack... which means you should have it two or three hours before hitting the meat.

True, but whose rules are we talking about? For me, a 2-3 hour gap is just the standard time between regular meals.😬

silentridge543 said:I’ve heard this from several different people. I did a little digging online, and here is what came up.

Some sources claim you should eat fruit as your very first meal of the day, or either an hour before a meal or three hours after—because if you eat it right after a meal, it supposedly ferments. You can find that here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/

A similar claim shows up here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/fruit-tips

Over at AllRecipes, they’re more skeptical; they say there's no actual proof regarding the specific order of consumption:
http://www.allrecipes.com/article/nutrition-basics/

Still, almost everyone seems to agree that fruit is most beneficial when eaten on its own as a standalone snack. So, I suppose that part is at least somewhat logical. 🙂 There are probably more substantial sources out there, but I really don't have the energy to keep hunting for them right now...

Most of these links aren't really solid references; they don't explain the "why" behind the claims, and some are just full of nonsense.

I tried searching for this in English, but I couldn't find a single actual scientific paper on it. Honestly, I'm skeptical about these glucose spikes because I can't think of a logical reason for them, other than poor absorption; but then again, nutrient absorption changes depending on whether you're eating a massive feast or a small snack if you have a fast metabolism. To me, that falls into the same category as the debate over mixing UH and protein.

No, pretty much everyone agrees that fruit is most bioavailable when eaten on its own as a standalone snack. So, I guess that part at least makes sense and seems logical. 🙂

Sure, and a burger patty is too. Besides, fruit is generally inferior to vegetables—with exceptions like blueberries—so there's no need to act like fruit is some kind of miracle food. 🙂

silentridge543 said:Really? I've heard it actually does matter—that you should eat fruit before something heavy like meat to avoid some kind of unpleasant reaction. 😕The idea is that if you wait, the fruit might ferment or something, and you won't get the full nutritional value. 😕Right?

That's the first time I've heard that. And honestly, it doesn't sound logical at all. If you happen to find anything actually relevant on this topic, let me know.

Sophia Bishop33 said:I recently came across some information suggesting that one should avoid eating fruit in close proximity to heavy meals.

Furthermore, it is vital to consume your water BEFORE you eat, rather than after. Aiming for two liters is the magic number; just this summer—specifically during August, over a three-week span—I managed to lose 5 pounds and haven't regained a single ounce, simply by exercising a bit of self-restraint...

During August, I was drinking TONIDR (you can find it at CVS, $40, but it’s truly an excellent product!) I drink about a liter and a half every day to stimulate my system.

And naturally, I made sure to exercise. Oh, yes, ladies, it is absolutely necessary. 🙂

Does it matter if you have the fruit before or after the snack? It's all the same. Also, you don't really need to drink water right before eating because it can dilute the stomach acid. You should just stay hydrated throughout the day instead of drinking it specifically before or immediately after a meal.

Anonymous said:For starters, just cut out all the sweets, junk food, and other mindless snacking...
Some nutritionists actually swear you shouldn't mix proteins (like meat) with carbs (bread, potatoes, etc.) at the same meal.

Try pairing your meat with veggies instead... ideally, keep everything cooked—both the protein and the vegetables—though salads are obviously fine.🙂

It’s usually recommended to go with some whole grains in the morning rather than hitting the bread, pâté, or deli meats... though honestly, I think you can treat yourself to that once a week instead of sticking strictly to grains.

It's also a good idea to eat fruit before those heavier main courses (and I really don't feel like typing out the whole "why" and "how" behind that right now).
I hope this helps a little bit! 🙂

There's a contradiction there. Veggies are carbs too.

By the way, those theories about not mixing protein and low-carb foods are pretty controversial, and hardly anyone actually follows them. Plus, you really should just cut bread and potatoes out entirely.

it's good to eat fruit before those, you know, main meals (I don't feel like typing out why or how right now)

Why? Come on, type it out. 🙂

Gary Johnson31 said:You can only burn fat through aerobic workouts,

Actually, you can lose fat just by eating right without even stepping foot in a gym. Plus, lifting weights helps too, whether directly or indirectly.

Samuel Morales said:I’m also looking for any advice you guys might have regarding this—like what kind of equipment would be best to own, or where the best places are to buy stuff here in the States...
Thanks in advance 👍

Here’s my gym setup: free weights (barbells and dumbbells), a power rack, a bench, a pull-up/dip station, and a stability ball. Honestly, that's all I need at a commercial gym, and it's really all you need for a home setup too. The only catch is that a solid power rack and an Olympic barbell can get pretty pricey.

briskjackal5 said:That’s a typical outcome when you start posting things that people on more specialized forums would just label as "trash."😁

One thing that might help you stay more grounded is to stop obsessing over the scale—those numbers don't really matter.
Some women are just naturally built better at certain weights. There is no such thing as an "ideal" weight, not even as a concept. Not only are the numbers misleading, but the idea itself is a myth. They can be rough guideposts, sure, but they aren't nearly as important as how you actually look and feel.
Think about it this way: you could lose a pound of fat, drop a pound of water, and gain a pound of muscle. Even though it’s "just one pound," the change in your physique will be obvious. On the flip side, you could lose three pounds of water weight and look exactly the same, except maybe a little more washed out.

The mirror tells the real story, so try to ignore some of those random comments you hear. 😁
And the real progress is found in the healthy habits you're building.

-Stipe

Exactly. I couldn't agree more.

Christian Green37 said:😂 👍I mean, who else are we going to turn to for shopping advice if not this group of experts?😂

Sure, I won't bother asking those idiots about their nonsense. What do they know? 😎 😁

Hey, what are some actually good denim options for guys? It’s been a while since I picked up a pair of jeans because I usually just stick to cargos, but I'm looking to switch things up a bit. I really want to avoid buying some cheap junk that falls apart after a few washes.

copperwolf112 said:They've got plenty of protein too, but if you're a guy, I'd stay away from soy.

There’s actually zero evidence showing that phytoestrogens mess with your hormone balance. None. You won't find a single relevant study backing that up. Now, there is plenty of research on xenoestrogens, but soy doesn't contain those. Look, I'm not out here defending soy—it's actually pretty bad for other reasons—but it isn't because of the phytoestrogens. Even flax contains them.

I’ve come across plenty of discussions about vaccine safety and concerns over high mercury levels before, specifically regarding flu shots. Based on what I've read from some pretty reputable sources, it seems like there's some truth to those concerns—it's not like these people have any reason to lie or any conflict of interest to gain from it. So, at the end of the day, it's really up to the individual if they want to take that risk.

Elizabeth Palmer2 said:OP, you should probably go see a primary care doctor first. They’ll likely start by ordering some blood work to check if your thyroid levels are where they need to be.
It’s essentially like having a low battery on your phone; when you're short on T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, everything just starts running slow.

Are you sure it's a shortage? :-) Hyperthyroidism can really drive up libido, and for men, those symptoms tend to be pretty obvious. It’s basically like having a thyroid that's running a marathon while everyone else is just walking.

Just a heads-up: don't go confusing protein with steroids or creatine. They're completely different things.

There’s really no need to mess around with protein supplements. Since they're highly processed, they can never quite measure up to the real deal—like getting your protein from fish, meat, or dairy.

Creatine is actually being used to help patients dealing with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It shows some really positive effects on memory and overall brain health, so it’s probably worth considering if you aren't eating much meat or dairy—kind of like how vegans might need to look for other ways to get those nutrients.