The Looli News

Welcome to habit week day 5! Today we're focusing on movement. You'll learn how to overcome the most common barriers to a consistent feel-good movement routine and just how long is needed for it to "count". Join us in the Looli Community for a short workshop and worksheet on how to implement  strategies to achieve the benefits discussed in this episode. Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/looli

Welcome to habit week day 4! Today we're focusing on sleep. You'll learn how much you need, what amount is classified as "insufficient" and how the impact the body systems both mentally and physically. Join us in the Looli Community for a short workshop and worksheet on how to implement meal planning strategies to achieve the benefits discussed in this episode. Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/looli

Welcome to habit week day 3! Today we're focusing on hydration. You'll learn how much you need, what amount comes from food and how it impacts the body systems both physically and mentally. Join us in the Looli Community for a short workshop and worksheet on how to implement meal planning strategies to achieve the benefits discussed in this episode. Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/looli

Welcome to habit week day 2! Today's we're focusing on the nervous system and how it influences our habits, behaviors and feelings. Join us in the Looli Community for a short workshop and worksheet on how to implement meal planning strategies to achieve the benefits discussed in this episode. Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/looli

Welcome to habit week day 1! Today's we're focusing on the benefits of meal planning, how to do it in a diet free way and a few key pieces of nutrition to consider. Join us in the Looli Community for a short workshop and worksheet on how to implement meal planning strategies to achieve the benefits discussed in this episode.  

How To Make Your Healthy Habits Stick In 2026: https://withlooli.com/habits-2026/  Kate Strickler (Naptime Kitchen) Podcast Episode: https://withlooli.com/kate _______________________________ Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Extra Stories: Food Footprint: What we eat matters more than you think: nearly half the world already exceeds the carbon budget for food, and this food is a major culprit. Sugar Hack: A short walk after meals can lower blood sugar spikes, and pairing carbs with protein makes the effect even stronger. _______________________________ Today's Story: What Is 'Functional Freeze'? (Source) The term has been popularized on social media to describe numbness and low motivation. Experts offer ways to break out of these feelings. The New York Times article, "Psych 101: Functional Freeze," describes a state of mind driven by chronic stress in which people keep going through daily tasks—working, responding to messages, completing routines—but feel as if they're "just existing." People often describe it as being "tired and wired," anxious yet exhausted, or like they're in a fog. Even when participating in social activities, they may feel emotionally numb or disconnected. Everyday examples include scrolling endlessly on a phone, sitting still after a shower, or lying under covers, illustrating how overwhelming daily demands can trigger this low-energy survival mode. Functional freeze isn't laziness—it's the nervous system prioritizing survival over emotional engagement. Experts suggest gently re-engaging by focusing on manageable steps: keeping predictable routines, connecting with others, and addressing main concerns one at a time—like sleep, a long to-do list, or social media comparison. Over time, these small, intentional actions help the nervous system signal safety, restoring mood, energy, and motivation.  

Kate Strickler (Naptime Kitchen) Podcast Episode: https://withlooli.com/kate _______________________________ Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories In The App: Holiday Blues: Feeling a little "off" this season? Experts share why it's normal—and how small shifts can help. Free Pizza: Pizza Hut is giving away large pies this weekend—but there's a catch you'll want to know. _______________________________ Hallmark Christmas Movies Are My Self-Care—Here's How Science Backs It Up (Source) If your version of holiday self-care looks like a cozy couch and a familiar Christmas movie, science says you're doing it right. Researchers explain that when your brain knows what's coming next, it doesn't have to stay on high alert. Predictable, feel-good stories signal safety, which helps your nervous system shift out of stress mode and into a calmer, more relaxed state. This can lower stress hormones and make it easier to feel settled and at ease. Watching familiar movies can also boost mood because your brain gets small hits of feel-good chemicals linked to comfort, connection, and enjoyment—especially when the story ends well. During a busy or emotional season, that sense of "I know how this turns out" can be grounding. Sometimes choosing comfort isn't avoiding life—it's giving your brain exactly what it needs. 🎄✨

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories: Research shows that finding new activities in darker months can help with seasonal depression This is the exact age when fitness and strength begin to decline: study _______________________________ How To Make Your Habits Stick In 2026 Study links full-fat cheese to lower dementia risk (Source) A new study found that people who ate higher amounts of full-fat cheese and cream had a lower risk of developing dementia. Those consuming about 50 g of cheese per day (roughly two slices of cheddar or half a cup of shredded cheese) had a 29% lower risk of vascular dementia compared with people who ate little cheese. These associations were not observed with low-fat dairy, butter, or other fermented products, and this study shows correlation, not causation. Why this might be: Dairy fat is unique compared with other foods. It contains short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which are metabolized differently and may support gut and metabolic health. Full-fat dairy also has bioactive lipids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and phospholipids, which have been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in some studies. These components could partly explain the potential brain benefits. However, the study was conducted in Sweden, where cultural eating patterns, lifestyle, and cuisine differ from other countries, so results may not generalize worldwide. Takeaway: Don't fear fat, explore with what you enjoy but don't get too zoomed in on one thing and focus on overall dietary pattern.  

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for daily extended episodes with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month _______________________________  Today's Stories: Hidden Sugar Harm? A new study uncovers surprising insights about a common ingredient in sugar-free products that may affect your metabolism in ways you didn't expect. How To Kill Constipation; Researchers pinpoint a few everyday foods that could make a bigger difference for your digestive health than you might think. Kindness Counts; A long-term study suggests that dedicating just a small portion of your week to helping others might have benefits you never anticipated.  

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories: How Long It Takes To Gain 1 Lb Of Muscle Young adults are using cannabis to sleep at alarming rates Scientists found a new way to slow aging inside cells _______________________________  Chipotle's First-Ever High Protein Menu Is Here—Some Bowls Hit 80g (Source) Chipotle is rolling out its first-ever High Protein Menu, debuting December 23, 2025, across the U.S. and Canada. The highlight is the Double High Protein Bowl, which packs 81 grams of protein. This move aligns with broader trends, as about 70% of Americans say they prioritize protein in their diets, and many consumers are seeking meals that support satiety, muscle repair, and metabolic health. While these high-protein options may sound appealing, it's important to understand how the body uses protein. Research suggests that most adults can use roughly 20–40 grams of protein per meal for muscle building and repair; excess protein is either used for energy, converted to glucose, or stored as fat, and the nitrogen is excreted in urine. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient compared with carbs or fat. It slows digestion, increases release of satiety hormones, and helps control blood sugar. Moderate amounts (~20–40 g per meal) are usually enough to maximize the feeling of fullness for most adults. And there is the risk of having such a high protein intake that you crowd out other nutrients. For example, all of our dietitian crafted recipes here at Looli have at least 33g of to maximize that protein without overcrowding or getting the protein ick from huge servings. Eating 81 grams in a single meal is generally safe for healthy adults but doesn't provide extra far more benefits compared with moderate protein portions. For most people, spreading protein intake across meals is more effective and balanced, making options like the High Protein Salad or splitting protein across meals a smarter approach.

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's extra stories: 1. "This tiny protein helps control how hungry you feel"  2. The Hidden Consequence of Soaring Food Costs Is Emerging at Self-Checkout  ___________________ Skincare Podcast: http://withlooli.com/brooke Check out This Week's Recipes: https://withlooli.com/recipes/  ___________________ Menopause can send sex drives down the toilet — this treatment's helping women get their groove back and even saving marriages (Note: This review is addressing testosterone therapy for menopause treatment.) More women, especially those experiencing menopause or low libido, are exploring testosterone therapy to improve sexual desire, energy, and well-being. Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in both men and women that influences libido, energy, mood, and muscle maintenance. Men produce much higher levels, so therapy differs significantly between sexes. During menopause, ovarian testosterone production declines, contributing to low libido, fatigue, and reduced well-being in some women. While low-dose creams or gels can improve symptoms, testosterone is not FDA-approved for women, and long-term safety remains uncertain. Interest is growing, fueled by social media, virtual clinics, and public discussion, though prescriptions remain rare compared with standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is FDA-approved and common practice for managing menopause symptoms. Unlike HRT, which primarily uses estrogen ± progesterone to treat menopause symptoms, testosterone therapy targets libido and energy through central brain hormone signaling. Blood tests can measure testosterone, but normal ranges for women are unclear, and levels often don't predict response. If interested, women should discuss symptoms with a qualified provider, rule out other causes, consider baseline testing, and monitor therapy carefully. Lifestyle measures — balanced nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise — also support hormone health.

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories Available In The App: 1. Toxic Social Illusion: The internet seems awful… but a new study shows it's mostly in your head. 2. Can We Get Some Kimchi? Just a tiny serving of kimchi may secretly boost your immune system. ________________________________  TODAY'S HEADLINE: Arkansas Man Eats Sugar-Free Double-Stuffed Oreos. He Didn't Expect It To Turn Into A Traumatizing Event. Now He's Warning Others A man recently tried sugar-free Oreos and quickly discovered that, while they reduce sugar intake, they can cause unexpected digestive effects like bloating and gas. These cookies are sweetened with maltitol, polydextrose (a type of fiber), sucralose, and acesulfame potassium instead of regular sugar . Because they have no added sugar, they may produce a smaller blood sugar spike, helping avoid the typical "sugar buzz" and crash. The fiber from polydextrose can give a modest sense of fullness, though it's far less than what whole foods provide. However, as his experience shows, sugar alcohols like maltitol can cause digestive discomfort in some people, especially if eaten in larger amounts.A single serving of sugar-free Oreos (2 cookies) contains about 6 grams of sugar alcohols, mostly maltitol, which is moderate compared with other sugar-free candies that can have 10–20 g per serving. While sugar-free Oreos can be a helpful option for those looking to cut sugar, they are still snacks with calories and carbs. The takeaway is that these cookies are fine in moderation, but individual tolerance varies, so it's best to enjoy them based on how your body responds.

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories Available In The App: 1. Plant-Based Pitfalls: A massive study found plant-based diets can lower heart risk — but only when the foods aren't ultra-processed. We also noted one other big flaw. 2. Turn Back Your Brain's Age: Researchers found simple habits like better sleep, stress management, and social connection may make your brain look up to 8 years younger — here's what you can do today. _______________________________ TODAY'S HEADLINE P.U. IQ! Sniffing your own farts could boost brain power, fend off Alzheimer's: new study  A recent study out of Johns Hopkins investigated whether hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gas naturally produced in the body and a major component of flatulence, could protect the brain. In the experiments, researchers injected mice engineered to mimic Alzheimer's disease with a compound (NaGYY) that releases H₂S gradually into the bloodstream. After 12 weeks, these mice showed about 50% better performance on memory and movement tests compared to untreated mice. The results suggest that H₂S may help prevent harmful interactions in the brain associated with Alzheimer's, at least in animal models. However, the leap from mice to humans is much bigger than the headlines suggest. The mice received high, controlled doses directly into their bloodstream, while the tiny amounts of H₂S in human flatulence are mostly inhaled and stay in the nose and lungs. In other words, smelling your own farts does not significantly raise H₂S in your blood, so you wouldn't get the same brain benefits. The doses used in the mouse study were hundreds or thousands of times higher than what you'd get from smelling a fart. In short, while the research is interesting for understanding H₂S's potential role in brain health, the idea that sniffing your own gas could boost your brain power is misleading and scientifically unsupported.

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories In The Available In The App: Genz Is Tanning Again: Spared by a surge in TikTok videos, research shows tanning beds can cause far more DNA damage than we realized. Black Currant Buzz: McCormick picked black currant as its 2026 Flavor of the Year based on three interesting selection criteria. _______________________________ Today's Headline: Harvard gut discovery could change how we treat obesity and diabetes  Researchers at Harvard have identified specific metabolites produced by gut bacteria that appear to influence liver metabolism and insulin signaling in mice. These small molecules, like mesaconate, travel from the gut to the liver and can affect how the body processes fat and sugar.  The study showed that both genetics and diet shape which metabolites are produced, with some mouse strains naturally producing more of the potentially beneficial compounds and high-fat diets altering their levels. While this is an exciting step for understanding the gut-liver connection, it's important to note that this research is mostly in mice and lab cells, and scientists do not yet know how to reliably increase these metabolites in humans.  In other words, it's a promising mechanism, but there are no immediate diet or supplement strategies to leverage this yet. For now, it's more about advancing our understanding of metabolism than offering actionable advice.  

Sign up for the Looli News Emails to get more tips & resources sent to you every morning:  https://withlooli.com/news/  _______________________________ Join us daily in the Looli app for an extended episode with 3 daily stories Start your 7 day free trial here: https://socieaty.app.link/Looli_News Memberships as low as $5/month Today's Additional Stories Available In The App: Stressed rats keep returning to cannabis and scientists know why If the holidays are stressing you out, remember: everything is optional _______________________________ Today's Headline: Daily multivitamins quietly lower blood pressure in some older adults  A recent study of older adults found that taking a daily multivitamin didn't significantly lower blood pressure for the group as a whole. However, among participants with poorer diets or normal baseline blood pressure, there were small benefits, suggesting that multivitamins might help fill nutrient gaps for those who need them most. Overall, the effect is modest and not a replacement for a healthy diet, but it highlights that baseline nutrition matters when considering whether supplements are useful. For most people, daily multivitamins are generally safe and can provide peace of mind, which may even indirectly benefit health by reducing stress or worry about nutrient intake. So while multivitamins aren't a magic solution for preventing chronic disease or lowering blood pressure in everyone, they can be a helpful "nutrient insurance policy," especially for those whose diets are lacking in key vitamins and minerals.