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36 www.DesertMessenger.com January 1, 2020 Simple ways a Keto-friendly diet can set you up for success Happy Valley Pharmacy 60 W. MAIN STREET, QUARTZSITE WINTER HOURS Monday - Friday 9am-4pm (closed for lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm) Call for more details! FULL SERVICE RETAIL PHARMACY Phone 928-927-5300 (during hours open) Fax 928-927-5299 928-916-9812 RV ROOF COATING FREE Estimate Very Reasonable! 1YR FREE Service w/Roof Call Bob (Not a licensed contractor) (StatePoint) Chances are you've heard of the keto diet. Its popular- ity has soared in recent years, add- ing it to the list of diets many people try, especially in the New Year. The keto diet is founded on the belief that when your body is in a state of nutritional ketosis -- a metabolic state in which fat provides most of the fuel for the body -- you will lose weight. But what if you could take a less drastic approach? In his newest book, "The Keto- Friendly South Beach Diet," world- renowned cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston explains that you can follow a low-carb, high-fat, quality-protein keto-friendly diet without having to reach and sustain a state of ketosis -- and still reap the weight loss benefi ts. Here is how this approach can set you up for weight loss success: • It Follows Proven Principles: Following the proven principles of the low-carb/good-carb, good-fat, healthy-protein approach of the original South Beach Diet, the keto- friendly version layers in science- backed elements of the keto diet's higher fat intake, ultimately allow- ing for more variety in the diet than strict keto in the form of nutrient- dense carb choices like non-starchy vegetables and beans. • It Takes You into Fat Burning Mode: "When a person eats too much sugar or quickly digestible carbs, their insulin levels increase. If this happens over time, the body responds by going into fat stor- age mode, making it very diffi cult to burn fat and lose weight," says Dr. Agatston. The keto-friendly ap- proach shifts your body from "fat storage mode" into "fat burning mode," leading to weight loss. • It's Flexible: Trying to maintain any strict diet for the long-term of- ten makes people stop dieting and regain weight. Because of the highly satisfying foods and the lack of re- quired adherence to specifi c ketone levels, the Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet allows for a variety in food choices, which may be more sustainable over time compared to stricter keto diets. • It Offers Structure: For those looking for a bit more structure, South Beach Diet offers a keto- friendly version of their meal de- livery plan that comes with fully prepped chef-inspired foods that nourish and satisfy. "Structure can make the keto-friend- ly lifestyle more approachable," says Courtney McCormick, registered dieti- tian and manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet. For more keto-friendly insights and keto-friendly recipes, visit palm.southbeachdiet.com. As you head into the new year, remember, the fi rst step to losing weight is fi nding a plan that works for you. A keto-friendly diet can set you up for success in a way that's friendly, fl exible and achievable. (StatePoint) Taxes are an unavoidable fact of life. Unfortunately, they can be somewhat overwhelming, which can cause people to put the task off and miss the deadline. Use these tips for a stress-free tax season: Get It Over With The sooner you get your taxes fi led, the sooner you can stop worrying about them. Early fi ling also means an earlier refund -- if you're due one -- or time to plan to prepare to pay any owed taxes. To ensure it all happens on time, actually block out time in your calendar to sit down and work on your taxes. Be sure not to underestimate how much time is needed. If your situation has gotten more complicated over the last year, fi gure that into the equation. Check Your Work The last thing anybody wants to hear is that they are being audited. You can avoid this anxiety by hav- ing the right tools on hand. Start by keeping your records fi led in an organized way – both digitally and on paper with a fi ling cabinet that locks. As you do your taxes, it is a good idea to take your time, and do a practice run. A printing calculator is a good way to keep records of all necessary calculations. Be sure your printing calculator is up to the task. The two-color ink printer of Casio's HR-170RC allows you to quickly see both positive and negative numbers to avoid reading errors, and its 12- digit LCD display showcases crisp, sharp numbers for easy viewing. A must-have tool for tax season, its functions include a grand total key, cost/sell/margin buttons, sign change, tax calculation, decimal se- lector and more. Maximize Your Refund While many people look forward to their tax refund and view it as a windfall, it is important to keep in mind that this money is simply your own income that you overpaid to the state and federal government throughout the year. That said, you should have a smart plan for your refund wisely so that is not wasted on an impulse purchase. A few good ideas for tax refunds is investing the money into a retirement account, using it to pay down debt or pad- ding out your rainy-day fund. This tax season, don't get over- whelmed. For stress-free fi ling, stay organized and give yourself plenty of time. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Piotrekswat / iStock via Getty Images Plus Tips for a stress-free tax season

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