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A tale of two, extreme weight loss stories in Tampa Bay – ABC Action News

Mar 10th, 2017
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The CDC says 66-percent of Americans are overweight or obese and a recent study shows half of all Americans have given up even trying to lose weight.

So if youre in need of some motivation, look no further than Jenna Melancon, 40, and Clayton Smith, 43.

Jenna and Clayton have lost more than 315 pounds between the two of them and even though they have never met, they have quite a bit in common.

Im 43! So when those joints go and the knees go and the back goes and you have no mobility and youre in constant pain, your attitude will change, said Clayton.

It took him six years to drop the weight, but it started with the same struggles many people face.

I started on my own. I only went two months and kind of fizzled out [like most people], because I didnt really know what I was doing, said Clayton.

At the time, he was dealing with several medical issues and finally realized it was time to save his own life. So he went from 360 pounds to his current 184.

For Jenna, it was about the same. Her doctor told her she had to lose the weight or she was going to lose her life. But she started trying to shed her 320 pound frame in a risky way; lap-band surgery.

Surgeries give you a lot of problems, said Jenna. It was not good and my digestive system has never been the same.

She warns people its not a quick fix without consequence.

Through it all though, she says it was ultimately her will to live, and the gym, that saved her life.

When I first started working out, I wasnt training. I was just walking. I had a cane and I was embarrassed to go out with a cane, but I knew I wanted to get out of the house, she said.

Jenna is now 179 pounds and still losing the right way.

Both of them hoping their stories encourage others to just do something! They also mention, with so many fitness centers, athletic clubs and gyms in the Tampa Bay area, its kind of hard to find an excuse not to get started.

But in the event the gym is too intimidating or you just dont have the cash for a membership right now, heres Claytons advice:

Just get up and get moving. Just start, said Clayton.

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Weight Loss is Elusive. Put An End To Dieting And Find Peace. – Huffington Post

Mar 9th, 2017
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Ive tried all my life to reach a size x. But, the harder I try, the further I seem to get from my goal. I look back over the past 20 years of my life and wonder what else I couldve been doing with my time and energy... If I wasnt dieting, prioritizing the gym over all else and saying no to fun events with friends and family. Ive been waiting to be the perfect size to really start living my life. At times I regret it, but I cant figure out how to give up on my goals, Paige* recently shared as we discussed her relationship with food and her body.

This is a sentiment that is shared by women and men globally. Approximately 91% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance and the National Eating Disorder Association reports that over the past few decades, there has been substantial increases in body dissatisfaction in men.

I cant help but wonder how some women can eat what they want without regret. I get resentful that they can eat and be satisfied with their bodies, when all I can focus on is how my thighs keep growing Paige disclosed. As I count every last calorie, theyre able to just enjoy food? she questioned. I cant even wrap my mind around it she added.

Christy Harrison, Registered Dietitian and host of the popular The Food Psych Podcast, specializes in helping people find a peaceful relationship with food so they can focus on areas of their lives that really feed them.

People believe its a magic bullet, but weight loss is elusive. Were fed a promise that if you look a certain way, everything will fall into place. When people engage in weight loss strategies, what they wind up with more misery, Christy shared as I spoke with her about her work and passion for supporting people to embrace their bodies and heal their relationship with food.

Studies prove that dieting is not only an ineffective way to lose weight for the long term, but also that weight loss efforts are not inherently healthy. 95-98% of people who lose weight dieting will regain it in 1-5 years. And, dieting is the most common precipitating factor in eating disorders, is associated with high rates of depression and health concerns as a result of weight-cycling.

Intuitive Eating and the Health At Every Size movement are powerful and transformative philosophies to help people move away from buying into the 60 billion dollar per year dieting industry by learning to trust their bodys inherent wisdom and focus on true health; holistic well-being.

To discuss these philosophies further, I turned to Christy.

I help people accept their hunger. When theyre afraid of gaining weight, to acknowledge Im hungry... its a big deal. Christy explained.

Instead, people commonly dismiss their hunger for something else, most times in effort to avoid and suppress it because of a deeply ingrained fear of weight gain, or in effort to cope with distressing emotions.

I work hand in hand with a therapist to help people improve their relationship to themselves and we work together to help them dismantle their misconceptions and limiting beliefs around body size.

Christy advised, across the board, it makes things easier for people to give up the dieting mentality. As theyre able to step outside of the dieting mentality, the internal pressure to look a certain way will lessen. Eventually, theyre able to put that down and put that away.

Because mainstream media does not advertise a diverse range of body size, it makes it hard to believe that someone can be content, even happy, living in a larger or plus sized body. To remedy this, Christy recommends, follow people of your own size, or larger, doing great things. Dressing fabulously. Engaging in loving relationships. Proving that they can be happy in the body that theyre in.

I encourage people to consider how they can go after what they want with the body theyre in, while beginning to understand the power they attribute to their weight and size.

When asked how she would respond to someone who is putting their life on hold until they achieve a certain size, Christy passionately stated, I would tell them that they deserve to do whatever they want in the body theyre in.

Like Paige, men and women around the country want to give up the dieting cycle and find a sense of peace with their mind and body. And, like Paige, theyre just not sure how. Here are some suggestions to get started.

To learn more about Christy Harrison, MPH, RDN, CDN and The Food Psych Podcast, visit her website here.

Sarah Herstich is a therapist who specializes in working with women and teens struggling with body image and disordered eating. You can learn more about Sarah and her work at http://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com.

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9 Things That Make It Harder To Lose Weight In Your 20s, 30s, And 40s – Women’s Health

Mar 9th, 2017
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Women's Health
9 Things That Make It Harder To Lose Weight In Your 20s, 30s, And 40s
Women's Health
We don't have to tell you that trying to lose weight in your twenties is not the same as it is in your forties. But the reason why isn't as simple as a slowing metabolism. "There are so many reasons we gain weight throughout our lives," says Karen ...

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Keto Diet: Weight Loss Success or Health Failure? – PA home page

Mar 9th, 2017
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WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A lot of fad diets promise to help you lose weight quickly. One that's been around for nearly a century called the keto diet has grown in popularity in recent decades and makes that same promise.

The Keto Diet is short for ketogenic and forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. A lot of dieters swear by it because of the quick results. But is it all that it's cracked up to be?

Maria Ramos of Ashley wants to lose some weight. Besides working out several times a week at Odyssey Fitness in Wilkes-Barre she's also watching what she eats. "Trying to cut out the carbs. That seems to be working for me," she said. Carb cutting is one of the keys to the Keto Diet. "I'm not actually good at diets but I heard somewhat of it," said Ms. Ramos.

Besides limiting carbohydrates, the Keto Diet requires high fat, moderate protein intake. By restricting carbs, your body is forced to seek energy by breaking down stored fats for its fuel source. People who've tried the Keto Diet often report losing an average of ten or more pounds in the first couple of weeks. "Keto Diet sounds like a good thing at first," said Odyssey Fitness Nutrition Coach and Lead Personal Trainer Marissa Udzella but she added there's a price to pay on this restrictive diet. "You could be the term 'skinny fat' and be losing weight but you might be losing mostly your lean tissue."

Another danger of the Keto Diet is while you will be losing pounds you'll be depriving your body of essential nutrients. The diet long-term can deprive your bones of calcium and lead to osteoporosis. Also, raised cholesterol levels from a fat-rich diet can harm your cardiovascular health. "There's things that are going to go wrong whether it's in your bones, whether it's your hormones, your muscle tissue, whatever. You need to have that balance," said Ms. Udzella.

It's why Ms. Ramos says to reach her personal goals, dieting alone won't get the results she wants. "I'm trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in my diet and trying to come here like after I get out of work."

Ms. Udzella says aim to drop one to two pounds per week so that you protect lean muscle mass. If you plan to diet, she recommends small changes over time because it's easier to make it part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Dr. Nishant Rao Examines the Weight Loss Merits of the Recent ‘Egg Diet’ Craze – Marketwired (press release)

Mar 9th, 2017
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JACKSON, MS--(Marketwired - March 09, 2017) - The Egg Diet is gaining steam as a way to lose weight fast. Diets that rely heavily on protein do normally provide weight loss benefits due to the fact that consuming added protein does greatly reduce appetite and assists with portion control since protein helps one to feel full quicker and for a longer period of time. High protein diets also contribute to muscle repair and growth which leads to a higher metabolism and higher fat burning (even at rest). However, with protein as the basis of any diet, individuals must be careful as not to overconsume or neglect nutritional balance. Higher protein can also mean elevated cholesterol and in some cases, it can have damaging effects on the kidneys.

Dr. Nishant Rao of Diet Doc Medical Weight Loss believes that the Egg Diet is simply a ketogenic diet which uses egg protein and egg fat rather than a more diverse set of options. "Diets which focus on any one ingredient exclusively tend to be very short lived with minimal long term compliance," states Dr. Rao. Sustainable weight loss strategies that do not impede on nutrition are always the better way to go for long-term success. Dr. Rao continues, "A more structured approach of calculating required macros for diet goals and an understanding of the varied foods one can use to hit those macros in a healthy fashion is the only way to allow for flexible long term and enjoyable dieting."

Most experts view individualized, nutrient-rich diets as the best way to lose fat or maintain a healthy weight. Diet Doc Medical Weight Loss has a range of dietary options to suit every weight loss need. Whether an individual needs to lose 20 lbs or 100 lbs, Diet Doc's weight loss coaches assess each patient's health profile and creates personalized solutions rather than the one-size-fits-all, fad dieting method. Their nutritionists can provide meal planning, guidance and fat burning medications that will prevent hunger pangs, stabilize mood and increase energy so that losing weight quickly is a breeze.

Patients can get started immediately, with materials shipped directly to their home or office. They can also maintain weight loss in the long-term through weekly consultations, customized diet plans, motivational coaches and a powerful prescription program. With Diet Doc, the doctor is only a short phone call away and a fully dedicated team of qualified professionals is available 6 days per week to answer questions, address concerns and support patients.

Getting started with Diet Doc is very simple and affordable. New patients can easily visit https://www.dietdoc.com to quickly complete a health questionnaire and schedule an immediate, free online consultation.

About the Company:

Diet Doc Weight Loss is the nation's leader in medical, weight loss offering a full line of prescription medication, doctor, nurse and nutritional coaching support. For over a decade, Diet Doc has produced a sophisticated, doctor designed weight loss program that addresses each individual specific health need to promote fast, safe and long term weight loss.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DietDocMedicalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DietDocMedicalWeightLoss/LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/company/diet-doc-weight-loss?trk=biz-brand-tree-co-logo

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Pearl the morbidly obese pooch has lost nearly three stone thanks to a strict diet and an underwater treadmill – Metro

Mar 9th, 2017
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Metro
Pearl the morbidly obese pooch has lost nearly three stone thanks to a strict diet and an underwater treadmill
Metro
Pearl went through acupuncture to help her lose weight. ... Pet rescuer Hayley Zielinski quickly put Pearl on a special diet and exercise plan, setting her up on an underwater treadmill so she could work out without putting too much pressure on her body.

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Yes, You Can Snack at Night and Still Lose Weight – LifeZette

Mar 9th, 2017
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One of the toughest times to manage the urge to snack is late in the evening before bed, but long after your dinner has settled.

If youre among those who have heard or been told that eating late at night will destroy any weight loss youre aiming for, somegood news alight late-night snack wont completely derail your dreams.

"What matters most is the amount of calories you eat for the day and how many calories you burned at the end of the day to create a balance or a deficit," said Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, a registered dietician and founder of Hispanic Food Communications. She'salso a scientific advisory board member to the Grain Foods Foundation.

"For example, if you consume about 2,000 calories per day which is not a lot of food you will need to decrease 500 calories to lose weight safely. So you will need to consume only 1,500 calories or try to burn some of the extra calories with exercise," she told LifeZette.

Related: The Biggest Cause of Our Kids' Weight Gain

Melendez-Klinger recommends keeping any eveningsnacks to between 100 and 200 calories. Portions and serving sizes are more important than deprivation. Also, try to avoid heavily caffeinated beverages and snacks that are high in calories before bedtime.

Some great snacks that might curb your cravings and satisfy the grumbling in your stomach:

1.) Crackers andhummus.Stick to just a couple tablespoons of hummus and you'll be good. The snack is a great source of proteinand fiber.

2.) Acup of yogurt with berries.This great snack is low in calories and high in nutrients. It's always a great option, but watch the sugar in the yogurt.

3.)A glass of milk and a little cookie.You can "never go wrong" here, saidMelendez-Klinger.

4.) Air-popped popcorn.Skip the butter and instead add some parmesan cheese.

5.) Apple with peanut butter.High in fiber and protein, this will leave you feeling satisfied but not overly full and it will get you through the night.

6.) Fruit smoothie.A small glass of plain kefir mixed with fresh or frozen blueberries or strawberries is filling and satisfies a sweet tooth.

7.) Whole grain cereal.Quite afewcereals containa lot of sugar so be careful what you choose here. But whole grain cereals can be rich in fiber and low in calories, making for a great late-night snack.

8.) Applesauce.A cup of this will give you a healthy dose of fiber and promote good digestive health.

You may want to fast, said Melendez-Klinger, if you're experiencing gas, bloating or any intestinal problems or if you need any medical procedures or blood work.

"However, we don't recommend fasting for long periods of time just to try to lose weight rapidly. It can be counterproductive. You are basically dehydrating your body and depriving your body of daily essential nutrients, and you will be devouring anything in front of you by the time you start eating again," she said.

Related: Why Our Kids Crave Connectedness

A few hours of fasting with plenty of water can help you get your digestive system back on track, if needed; but a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber and water along with exercise can keep your weight under control.

Something else to keep in mind, she added, is that the body needs time to digest the last meal of the day. It's recommended that if you eat a larger meal at night, give yourself at least two to threehours before bedtime. Walking after dinner or doing some other activity will help you digest your food better.

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Medical Mystery: Why Are Some Obese People ‘Metabolically Healthy’? – Live Science

Mar 9th, 2017
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Obesity often brings with it a host of health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and risky cholesterol levels. But a lucky few appear to buck the trend: They are obese, and yet don't have any of these typical risk factors for heart disease or diabetes, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed information from about 1.3 million U.S. adults who were either overweight or obese. None had previously been diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers looked to see whether these participants had any of four common risk factors for heart disease and diabetes: High blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, low levels of "good" cholesterol or elevated blood sugar levels.

Among those who were obese, 10 percent did not have any of these four risk factors.

It's not clear why some people with obesity are able to avoid these problems. In the past, researchers have dubbed this group the "metabolically healthy obese."

However, people who fall into this group may still not be totally healthy, said study researcher Gregory Nichols, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland. Obesity also increases the risk of other conditions, such as cancer, joint problems and kidney disease, he said.

"They might be metabolically healthy, but that does not necessarily mean they are healthy overall," Nichols told Live Science. What's more, although these participants were free of metabolic risk factors at the time of the study, they could soon develop them in the coming years, he said. Some previous studies have found that even "metabolically healthy" obese people are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared with people of normal weight.

Thus, people who are obese should still aim to lose weight, even if they appear otherwise healthy, Nichols said. "Weight loss could improve other types of health [problems], and might reduce the likelihood of developing cardiometabolic risk factors," he said. [The Best Way to Lose Weight Safely]

For the study, the researchers analyzed electronic health care records from members of four health care systems that together serve 12 million people in 11 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. They defined being overweight as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9. Obesity was defined as having a BMI of 30 or more, while morbid obesity was a BMI of 40 or more.

They found that 18.6 percent of the people who were overweight did not have any of the four metabolic risk factors, and 9.6 percent of those who were obese did not have any of the four. Looking at only those who were morbidly obese, they found that 5.8 percent did not have any of the four risk factors.

Being "metabolically" healthy was more common among those who were younger about 30 percent of all adults ages 20 to 34 in the study did not have any of the four metabolic risk factors, compared with just 6.3 percent of those ages 65 to 79.

Several factors could explain why some overweight people and some obese people remain metabolically healthy. "Diet and exercise almost certainly play a role," Nichols said. However, the new study did not assess these factors.

In addition, the distribution of a person's fat can also affect their risk of cardiovascular disease, with fat stores in the belly area (visceral fat) posing a greater risk to health than fat found just beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) in other parts of the body. Some previous studies have found that obese people who are metabolically healthy have less visceral fat than obese people who aren't metabolically healthy. However, a person's BMI measurement, used in this new study, cannot distinguish between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat.

Ultimately, future studies are needed to follow metabolically healthy obese people forward in time, to see if they remain metabolically healthy over a long period, or even a lifetime, Nichols said. Such studies could determine whether metabolically healthy obesity "is even a real thing, or merely a matter of timing," Nichols said.

In addition, studies should look at the order in which people develop metabolic risk factors, and whether this order affects their risk of developing subsequent heart disease and diabetes, he said.

The study was published March 9 in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

Original article on Live Science.

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New York Islanders Playoff Chances Jump Significantly – Eyes on Isles

Mar 9th, 2017
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Mar 5, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders head coach Doug Weight on his bench against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders Prospect Report Around The World by Andrew Tessler

New York Islanders Joshua Ho-Sangs Number Controversy Lunacy by Billy Lewis

With that win over Edmonton last night the New York Islanders took their tally on this franchise record nine-game road trip to 4-2-1. Outstanding considering they were one ofthe worst road teams in the league before hand.

Before being kicked out of the Barclays for the Ringling Brothers Circus, the Isles were 7-13-4 on the road.

That dramatic change in form on the road has helped the Islanders move from playoff maybes to playoff likelysit sounded better in my head.

Just look at how the Isles playoff chances nosedived and then rebounded just as quickly. By mid-December, you could have safely assumed that the Isles were well out of the race. Destined to be one of the few bonafide sellers at the trade deadline.

But then a coaching change was made and everything got much much better.

Where once the Isles were in the single digits when it came to odds of making the post-season, they now sit just below 60%. Its remarkable the turnaround thatstaken place.

I certainly wasnt on team Weight when it was announced he was going to take over for Jack Capuano. I didnt think his new voice would have been enough to get this team to gel and work.

Ive had to eat those words over the weeks. Since being appointed Weight hasnt done anything but win. (And sometimes lose in terribly humiliating fashion). Its hard not say that coaching is whats turned this team around.

After Wednesdays three games, the Isles chances fell by 2.6%, because both Ottawa and Boston won, putting pressure on the Isles should either of those teams fall into a wild-card spot. However, unlikely of a scenario that might be.

But, with a game tonight against the hobblingVancouver Canucks, who are 3-5-2 in their last ten, a win could put them above the 60% mark.

Every day things seem to get better for the Isles chances. Their form is still a bit patchy, trading two wins for a loss on average recently. But at this point, just getting to the playoffs is all that matters. Once you get there, theres always a chance to win it. Even though ClubStats give the Isles a 0.2% chance of winning the cup.

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MU Extension: Go wild, go green with wildcrafting this spring – Hannibal.net

Mar 9th, 2017
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March begins wildcrafting season, when greens from natures salad bowl are tender and tasty, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

Spring greens from the woods can add nutrition and flavor to your diet.

March begins wildcrafting season, when greens from natures salad bowl are tender and tasty, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

Wildcrafting, the gathering of plants from the natural or wild habitat, is a throwback to our early ancestors who were hunters and gatherers. Their winter diets lacked the diversity of fresh produce enjoyed today. Therefore, when spring arrived, they combed the woods for wild edibles to add flavor and nutrition to their meals.

Trinklein cautions new wildcrafters to study plant identities before they begin.

The cardinal rule to remember when hunting wild greens is to be certain to know what you are gathering, he said. If in doubt about the identity of a plant, definitely pass it by.

Trinklein recommends the Missouri Department of Conservations book Missouri Wildflowers by Edgar Dennison as a reference to identify plants. He added that beginners benefit from going with seasoned wildcrafters until they learn what plants can be eaten safely.

Avoid roadside hunting, Trinklein said. Roadside plants may contain residue from vehicle exhaust or pesticides from adjoining cropland. Wash all plants at least twice after gathering, changing the water each time. Check for insects and debris. Eat small amounts when trying a new plant, he suggests, to avoid possible allergic reactions.

Prepare wildcrafted greens by putting them in a saucepan with a little water and salt. Cook until tender, but do not overcook. Mix bitter plants with sweeter ones. Add pan drippings, vinegar or lemon juice to taste. Drain water before serving. A common working mans diet in the past included soup beans, fried potatoes, cornbread, raw onions and wild greens.

Trinklein recommends the following common Missouri plants for wildcrafting:

Cutleaf toothwort (also known as crows foot). This low-growing plant is found in woodlands and on wooded slopes. It bears five narrow, deeply lobed leaves that look like the toes on the foot of a crow. The leaves are edible, but cutleaf toothwort is prized for its rhizomes. Their spicy, radish-like flavor livens up salads. Some ferment toothwort to sweeten it; others boil it.

Dandelion. Gardeners hate them; wildcrafters love them. Dandelions are rich in vitamin A and iron. Their flavor peaks during March and April. To gather, cut off the whole crown close to the soil, pluck out the flower stem and sort out any trash or debris.

Lambsquarter. This later-producing green, also known as wild spinach, is high in vitamins and minerals. Its oval- to lance-shaped light green leaves fare well throughout the summer. Pinch off young plants just above the ground and use the entire plant, or harvest just the leaves.

Nettle. Known for its unsocial behavior, stinging nettle is a popular source of springtime fare. It bears egg to oblong-shaped leaves with a heart-like base and toothed, bristly margins. Wear gloves to gather this green. Nettle tastes best in the early spring. It loses its bristly margins when boiled and tastes like spinach.

Shepherds purse. Named because of the shape of its seed pods, it springs to life from a prostrate rosette of deeply cut, lance-shaped leaves. It has long been used to pep up the taste of less savory greens like lambsquarter. Use it raw in tossed salads. Legend has it that old-time raftsmen floated downstream in great flotillas of logs to gather shepherds purse from riverbanks because of its pepper-like taste, Trinklein said.

Watercress. Related to mustard and radish, watercress floats on the surface of ponds, pasture creeks and cold springs. Its bright green leaves taste best April to June. Its pungent taste works well as a salad or meat garnish. Its high ascorbic acid content, along with other vitamins and minerals, made it a favorite with early pioneers to prevent scurvy.

Wild lettuce. This plant grows in lowland pastures and along stream banks. It becomes bitter after early April, so enjoy it in March and early April. Its smooth, deeply lobed, light-green leaves set it apart. When broken, the leaves produce a sticky, milk-like sap. Eat it raw or as wilted lettuce salad.

Winter cress. Called creasies in days gone by, it grows in fields, gardens and waste places. It is a superb potherb picked and enjoyed by generations, Trinklein said. Mature winter cress becomes bitter, so gather early in spring.

Trinklein also reminds wildcrafters that pokeweed is not on the list of recommended plants. Relished as poke salid in the past, its toxic compounds make it unsafe for consumption.

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