Cannabidiol and delta 8 or 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD and THC have been around for several years. In recent years, however, their medical benefits have been discovered and legalized across many states and countries. Many people have been wondering about their options with cannabis since there are over 100 different chemical components that come out of it. CBD and THC are the most popular of these options due to their medical benefits. They’re both chemicals that come from marijuana and although they might seem similar, they are different in many ways.

Differences 

Both CBD and THC share the same chemical formula, but they are different in chemical structure. This means that they bond to different receptors in the body even despite sharing the same chemical formula. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which is found in the eyes, brains, skin, bones, and muscles.

THC affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found in the brain receptors and central nervous system. When it binds with the receptors in the brain, THC produces a euphoric feeling that makes you feel high. However, because CBD doesn’t connect with CB1 and CB2 receptors it doesn’t produce a high.

Cannabidiol can come from either hemp or marijuana while tetrahydrocannabinol only comes from marijuana.

Benefits 

All studies that are done on CBD or THC are still in their early stages. However, many professionals are now using both chemical components either to treat or reduce the symptoms of several diseases. CBD and THC can be consumed through delta8 vapes, gummies, gels, and supplements, catering to different needs and preferences. They are mainly used to treat inflammatory bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, sleep difficulties, movement disorders, opioid addiction, and symptoms of HIV/AIDS.

Other people use CBD as a treatment for many mental disorders. They are proven to reduce anxiety, stress, PTSD, and depression.

Preclinical studies claim that cannabidiol can protect against neurological diseases as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. Other studies claim that consuming moderate amounts of CBD can protect against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and brain ischemia.

THC can be used to reduce the pain that comes from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. It can also be helpful for those struggling with insomnia, nausea, glaucoma, and poor appetite.

Side Effects 

When used unsupervised, THC can be more intoxicating than CBD. If THC is consumed in amounts more than prescribed, it can cause psychosis and panic attacks. There are some side effects to CBD as well. It can cause fatigue, diarrhea, extreme weight loss or gain,  nausea, and vomiting. While THC’s primary side effects include dry mouth, paranoia, dizziness, or disorientation. Both chemical components might cause severe mood swings, anxiety, and tiredness.

Although CBD and THC come from the same cannabis plant, they have different structures, functions, and side effects. Each one of them has its own benefits that can treat or reduce the symptoms of a certain condition or illness. If you’re not sure which one you should consume, it’s better to consult a doctor. Someone who has a better understanding of your disease or disorder will be able to identify which one is better for you. They will also be able to prescribe the right dosage for you.

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Ree Drummond, AKA The Pioneer Woman, has undergone a massive weight loss transformation in the past six months, shedding a staggering 43 pounds since January. However, the star says it’s not a trendy diet or expensive exercise routine that helped her lose the weight. Read on to discover Drummond’s 10 essential habits for dropping the pounds and keeping them off.

For more insight into how stars really slim down, Raven-Symoné Says This Exact Diet Helped Her Lose 30 Pounds.

In a new post on her website, Drummond says that she didn’t do keto, intermittent fasting, or any type of weight loss program to shed the pounds, nor did she buy diet foods. Instead, she relied on the tried-and-true “calories in, calories out” method.

“I tried to achieve a calorie deficit most days, which means I expended more calories (through exercise and just basic daily activity) than my body required to maintain my then-weight,” she said, explaining that she used online tools to help her find out the calories in her food.

“Counting my calories was nothing short of eye opening, and for me it was essential.”

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In addition to tracking her daily caloric intake and shooting to eat fewer calories than she was burning, Drummond used a digital food scale to make sure she was consuming the right portion sizes.

“It really woke me up to the portions I had grown accustomed to eating! As with calories, I had completely lost sight of the volume I was eating—so it was an education in those first few weeks,” says Drummond, who says that she no longer weighs her portions for every meal now that she has a better idea of how to eyeball things.

Drummond says that she didn’t use a trainer to help her slim down, relying on what she had on hand instead to help her get more exercise.

“I walked 2 to 3 miles, or did the rowing machine, or did Pilates,” using a floor-based Pilates routine, she explained. “I exercised 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day (morning walk, evening rowing machine), sometimes just once.”

After finding her weight loss plateauing after just over a month on her journey, Drummond began incorporating weight-bearing exercises into her routine.

When she started, Drummond says, “I had zero strength in my lower body and my legs trembled and gave out. But I still did it, about four days a week to start, and laughed at my uncoordinated clumsiness every time.” She now does a routine of squats, lunges, and other muscle-toning exercises on a regular basis.

While Drummond says she didn’t stick to any particular diet plan to lose weight, she does admit that ramping up her protein intake was essential in terms of her weight loss.

“On a typical day, I had been landing at around 15% to 20% of my calories from protein…so I pivoted and steered my eating so that I was around 30% to 40% protein. It worked!” In doing so, Drummond says she got past her weight loss plateau and experienced greater satiety on a daily basis.

For more insight into how your favorite celebs work out, Country Star Jana Kramer Reveals the Exact Exercise Routine That Keeps Her Fit.

As a means of cutting calories while staying satisfied, Drummond cut down her sugar intake dramatically, opting instead for more filling foods. However, she says that the occasional treat is still on the menu.

“Were there days I gave in and had a piece of cake? Yes! I’m The Pioneer Woman and I love food! Ha. But the piece of cake was the size of Rhode Island instead of Texas, and it wasn’t an everyday thing,” she says.

As a means of both cutting calories and adopting healthier habits in terms of her exercise and eating, Drummond drank no alcohol during the first four months of her weight loss journey.

While Drummond says she’s “back to having an occasional grown-up beverage again,” she now opts for tequila with Topo Chico sparkling mineral water and fresh lime juice instead of more caloric drinks.

To stay on track with her weight loss, Drummond relied on the Happy Scale app, which helps illustrate how many pounds you’ve lost and the rate at which you’re losing.

“Let me tell you that it was a GAME CHANGER in terms of motivating me to keep going,’ she says.

“It was the magic bullet for me because it takes away the occasional frustration of natural ebbs and flows of weight loss by giving you your moving average weight along with your literal weight.”

Since Drummond was writing a cookbook while trying to lose weight, she opted for a standing desk to ensure she didn’t spend the whole day sitting.

“I found more than anything was that when you are working in a standing position, you are a lot more mobile and prone to step away and take breaks…If I’d been standing and working awhile and I felt like moving around, I’d just leave my desk and go outside, go get water, go take a short walk.”

Instead of declaring her weight loss journey over after shedding significant weight, Drummond says she’s looking at her transformation as an ongoing lifestyle change that keeps her feeling healthier.

“I’ll keep weighing in every day to have all the information I need going forward, but the number isn’t what I’m paying attention to now…My experiences over the past few months have equipped me with real, doable tools that I feel like I’ll be able to whip out whenever things get off track in the coming months and years.” And for more on how celebs have stayed healthy during the pandemic, Brooke Burke Is Thrilled She Doesn’t Have to Track Calories With This Diet and Exercise Routine.

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Whether you’re adding more meatless meals to your weekly rotation or considering going vegan or vegetarian, plant-based eating is super popular right now.

But what are your options when it comes to meat substitutes?

There are many great vegetarian protein sources out there these days that giving up meat (for a meal or a lifetime) is easier than it used to be.

Online and at grocery stores, your options for buying meat substitutes are more plentiful than ever before, from next-gen fake beef to staples people have been eating since ancient times, like eggs and beans.

(Fun fact: According to archaeologists, Roman gladiators were likely vegetarian.)

Here are five types of popular meat substitutes you can weave into your weekly meal plans.

While the brand names may vary at your local supermarket, most of the products you’ll spy in the meat substitutes section (usually near the produce section) will fall into one of these categories.

1. Legumes and Beans

“I highly recommend legumes as the best meat alternative,” says Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D.N. That’s because they’re the least processed option, she says.

You can swap black beans for ground taco meat, lentils for sausage in soup, or white beans for chicken in your favorite casserole.

You can also easily make your own vegetable-based burgers from lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans, soybeans, and more.

2. Tofu, Tempeh, and Other Soy Products

Soy-based foods are a common base for meat alternatives, since they are a complete protein.

Similar to the way you make cheese, tofu starts with soy milk turned into curds and comes in varying textures, from soft to firm.

Think of it like a clean slate, ready to take on the flavor of any spice, sauce, or seasoning.

Tempeh is made from fermented, cooked soybeans and has a firm texture and nutty flavor.

One great way to use tempeh is as a swap for ground meat in chili. It’s also wonderful marinated, sliced, and baked, in place of deli meats and as a bacon substitute.

3. Seitan and “Wheat Meat”

Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten, which provides the protein in wheat.

It has a similar texture and color to cooked meat and is a popular base for meat substitutes for bacon and deli slices.

Some of these products might contain more salt or oils than you want to consume, so read the labels.

“When you are looking at faux meat products, look for those that are lower in saturated fat and sodium,” says Sharon Palmer, M.S.F.S., R.D.N.

Upton’s Naturals is a cult fave for hot dogs, bacon, and sausages made with seitan, but check your local market for a variety of brands.

No Evil Foods is another brand of “wheat meat” that’s gaining fans for their tasty “chicken” and “chorizo” meat substitutes.

4. Pea and Soy Protein “Meat Substitutes”

“There are new vegan meat substitutes made from pea protein, soy isolate, and combination proteins,” says Nussinow.

Some are also made from soy protein concentrates.

These products replace everything from gyro strips to chicken nuggets in a convincing way.

While they are more processed than tofu, tempeh, or seitan (and can be high in sodium), they are tasty ways to satisfy a craving without meat on occasion.

“For some meat-eaters, the more processed meat substitutes help them include more plant-based foods,” says Nussinow. “My husband, a former meat-eater, likes Boca burgers.”

5. High-tech “Burgers” and “Ground Meat”

Both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat sell “raw” plant-based meats that look like uncooked ground beef.

Beyond Meat also sells sausages; they taste so much like the “real deal” though that opinions tend to be mixed.

“Some people like the new modern faux meats that ‘bleed’ and look and taste like real meat,” says Palmer. “Others don’t like the taste of meat and prefer beans, peas, and grains.”

The Impossible Burger is touted as tasting just like real beef, due to heme — which is what makes meat taste like meat — extracted from soybeans.

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