In August, a TikTok user named Dayi posted a video of himself enjoying a breakfast of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, all eaten raw and dipped in salt. The video immediately went viral, inspiring hundreds of TikTokers to post their own interpretations of a “traditional Balkan breakfast.”

For example, in a video that has already been viewed two million times, TikToker Anna Antonje eats her way through raw onions, carrots, cheese, peppers, cucumbers, salt and whatever else looks like it pindjura traditional Balkan dip made from roasted tomatoes and red peppers.

However, users were quick to note that Antonje’s take on a “Balkan breakfast” wasn’t entirely authentic. “This is not a Balkan breakfast, this is a Balkan dad breakfast,” commented one user. Another added: “We’ve come a long way from eating like this.”

Home to the Balkan Mountains, the Balkans are an area of ​​southeastern Europe that includes several countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Culinary traditions, including breakfast choices, vary from country to country.

In Bulgaria, for example, a traditional breakfast option is an egg-based pastry called banitsawhile in Greece the first meal of the day often consists of yogurt, pastries, fruit and bread. In Montenegro, Cicvaraa type of porridge made from cornstarch and cottage cheese, is a popular choice.

While TikTok’s trend is a clear generalization, it’s not entirely off base. Balkan diets typically follow a Mediterranean dietary pattern and are rich in plant-based foods, including the many fruits and vegetables seen in the trending videos.

This means that the popular “Balkan breakfast” trend does have some health benefits. However, there are a few things you should consider before you start eating raw, salt-soaked vegetables for breakfast.

Anna Antonje

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The health benefits of the “Balkan Breakfast” TikTok trend.

Of the eleven countries in the Balkans, seven – including Greece, Albania, Croatia and Slovenia – are also considered Mediterranean countries. In this region, the diet is typically rich in whole foods such as vegetables, beans and fresh fruits, which are rich in important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. For this reason, they are considered one of the most important healthiest in the world.

At the beginning of this year, for example The US News & World Report released its annual list of the healthiest diets, and the Mediterranean diet ranked number one for the seventh consecutive year.

“The Mediterranean diet focuses on the quality of nutrition rather than a single nutrient or food group,” said the publication at the time, which compiled its list with the help of more than 40 nationally recognized nutritionists. “Numerous studies have shown that it reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, while promoting longevity and improving quality of life.”

Luce Hosier

In the world’s Blue Zones, the five longevity hotspots where research shows people tend to live healthier and longer lives than many in the U.S., many also tend to follow very similar eating patterns to those in the Mediterranean. Their diet is rich in whole foods and low in foods like red meat and highly processed snacks.

However, in the US, the Standard American Diet (SAD), also known as the Western Pattern Diet, diets are typically high in saturated fat, refined sugar, red meat and packaged snacks. In 2021, the results of a study from the NYU School of Global Public Health that measured highly processed food consumption over nearly two decades were released. This shows that in 2018, most people got almost 60 percent of their calories from highly processed foods.

“The overall composition of the average U.S. diet has shifted toward a more processed diet. This is concerning because consuming more highly processed foods is associated with poor diet quality and a higher risk of several chronic diseases. “The high and increasing consumption of highly processed foods in the 21st century may be a major driver of the obesity epidemic.” – Filippa Juul, a postdoctoral researcher at the NYU School of Public Health and lead author of the study, in a statement

That’s why many dietitians are excited about the trend toward healthier choices on TikTok, including the “Balkan Breakfast” trend.

“The Balkan breakfast trend is a really great example of how cultural food traditions around the world can add variety and nutrition to our diets,” said Kelly LeBlanc, RD TODAY. “It’s a great reminder that breakfast around the world doesn’t always look the way Americans imagine.”

For example, in the United States, bacon and eggs are a popular breakfast staple. However, bacon is a processed meat and its regular consumption is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

Some of the trending “Balkan breakfast” TikTok videos also contain sausages (which are also popular in many Balkan countries) and a lot of salt, which is not that healthy, LeBlanc adds. “I would hope that people who are trying to make their own Balkan breakfasts don’t suddenly end up eating more sausages than they used to,” she said.

You can find more information about a healthy, plant-based Mediterranean diet here. Here you will find delicious recipe inspiration and instructions.

Featured image source: TiMi Studio Group/Valve

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Shortly after dark on Monday evening, I looked up into the western sky and could barely see the foggy tail of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). I wish I were in a spaceship and had an unmissable view of our unusual celestial visitor.

The European Space Agency on Tuesday shared a video from its Sun-observing spacecraft SOHO that shows comet A3 like a glowing streak of light. You may even see an unusual “anti-tail” optical illusion.

The video covers the period October 7th to 13th and shows the sun obscured in the center. Comet A3 – a cosmic snowball made of dust, gases and ice – hovers over the upper right side of the image.

“The comet’s nucleus is clearly visible, surrounded by a dusty coma and trailing an impressively long tail,” ESA said. “SOHO sees the large dust tail from the edge, curving in on itself as it is pushed outward by the solar wind.” The bright dot on the left is the planet Mercury.

Read more: Aurora viewers share stunning photos of the Northern Lights

Watch the video to the end and pay attention to the thin light line that extends to the sun. ESA says the “anti-tail” phenomenon is a rare phenomenon.

“This tail is an optical illusion originating from SOHO that provides a side view of the larger cometary dust particles accumulating in the comet’s orbital plane,” the space agency said. It resembles a laser beam shooting through space.

The sun is incredibly active right now, emitting flares and solar material. These eruptions can be seen in the video. The sun’s cheerful mood has triggered impressive northern lights on Earth. Stay up to date on all the celestial events in October.

Read more: Watch ‘Insane’ Aurora Views from Space Captured by a NASA Astronaut

SOHO stands for Solar & Heliospheric Observatory. The spacecraft that explores the sun is a joint project between ESA and NASA. It launched in 1995. Comet A3 is the second brightest SOHO has ever seen. The highest award in 2007 goes to Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught).

Comet A3 is becoming increasingly difficult to see from Earth, but Northern Hemisphere skywatchers can look west after sunset (try binoculars). Even if you miss it, you can enjoy the views from the International Space Station and the SOHO spacecraft. Comets are a rare sight, so be sure to say hello to A3 before continuing.

Topline

Funds from the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program have been depleted after two consecutive hurricanes, the government announced Tuesday, likely slowing recovery efforts – although people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have been encouraged to continue applying for loans.

Important facts

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Big number

37,000. The SBA received that many applications for aid from people affected by Hurricane Helene alone. The SBA has granted Helene victims more than 700 loans totaling about $48 million. The administration said it received an additional 12,000 applications for people affected by Hurricane Milton.

Important background

SBA loans are long-term and have low interest rates. They are often used for things like clearing debris, replacing or repairing damaged property, or for businesses to cover economic losses from natural disasters. Federal agencies such as the SBA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have warned that they could run out of funding shortly after Hurricane Helene devastated six southeastern states in late September. Helene, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on September 26 and moved through Georgia before hitting Tennessee and North Carolina, which sustained much of the damage. North Carolina continued to suffer for weeks after the storm, with several major highways still closed, about 120 people dead in the state and 92 people still missing, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday. Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Florida, causing damage in parts of the state.

What you should pay attention to

If Congress reconvenes early to fund more disaster relief. Biden wrote to congressional leaders in early October, urging them to ensure disaster loan programs do not run out of funding during Congress’ recess, which runs through Nov. 12.

Further reading

ForbesNearly 100 people are still missing in North Carolina after Hurricane HeleneFrom Mary Whitfill Roeloffs
ForbesNorth Carolina governor slams Trump over baseless claim about blocked hurricane aidFrom Antonio Pequeno IVForbesMore than 2 million people without power as Hurricane Helene hits Georgia as a Category 1 storm (Photos)From Siladitya Ray

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to defend their run so far in 2024, and they addressed that issue on Monday by completing a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris.

The Seahawks are trading a veteran defensive lineman to the Jaguars

The move, which was the first trade of the regular season, was the start of a busy few days for the NFL transaction executive as the Nov. 5 trade deadline is just three weeks away.

What will the Hawks get in Robertson-Harris? Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy met with JP Shadrick, a Jaguars reporter and NFL broadcaster, on Tuesday to get the news.

“Big, strong guy,” Shadrick said of the 31-year-old Robertson-Harris. “He’s a defensive tackle by profession. This year he’s played a lot more inside, in the last few weeks they’ve kind of pushed him out. He started (his NFL career) in Chicago, they liked him enough to keep him around a few more years, and then the Jaguars liked him enough to give him another contract. He was a big part of what they tried to do on defense, but there were some changes here.”

This last part opens the door to examining the possible reason Robertson-Harris was available on the trade market for a late-round 2026 NFL Draft pick. The Jaguars switched from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 formation this year, which may have made Robertson-Harris a less good fit for Jacksonville than before when he signed a three-year, $21.6 million contract extension -Dollar signed for the 2023 season.

Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports compared the acquisition to when the Seahawks made a trade with Cincinnati for pass rusher Carlos Dunlap during the 2020 season, as Dunlap’s role with the Bengals had shrunk in a rotation but a big one after his arrival in Seattle had influence.

“They’re still trying to figure out the personnel,” Shadrick said, “and in the long run it might not be a great fit for the Jags. So why not go ahead and get a draft pick?”

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Robertson-Harris has started all 17 games for the Jags over the last two seasons and has two sacks, seven combined tackles, four QB hits and three tackles in four games this year for a defeat.

Cultural change

Shadrick wonders if going from a 1-5 Jaguars team to the 3-3 Seahawks will be a positive move for Robertson-Harris.

“Roy is an interesting personality. I think he will be good for the locker room. He always kind of felt like that guy,” he said. “I have to say there were a few games last week… (and it’s) not just a Roy Robertson-Harris problem, but there were some people who liked to run off the field late and it hasn’t been going lately well, and he could do it I was a little involved in it, whatever – that’s not the reason for this move. I think this is a bigger Jaguar problem than a Roy Robertson-Harris problem. I think he’ll be fine.

“The new environment will probably be good for him and an opportunity with a team that’s hopefully kind of headed in the right direction.” He had some really good years in Chicago in his earlier years and wasn’t able to repeat that week-to-week in Jacksonville. But like I said, if you change all those plans from year to year, (the Jaguars) have a new defensive coordinator this year and everything changes, then maybe it’s just not what they had in mind when they originally signed him .”

Listen to Bump and Stacy’s full conversation with Jaguars broadcaster JP Shadrick on the podcast at this link or in the player at the top of this post. Catch Bump and Stacy live weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seattle Sports and find podcasts for each show here or by subscribing on your favorite podcast app.

More about the Seattle Seahawks

• Huard: What should worry the Seahawks coaching staff most?
• Why Bump believes the Seahawks can improve their lackluster running game
• Seahawks special teams standout as they return to practice
• Rust: We can now see the gap the Seahawks are trying to fill
• Which Seattle Seahawks will benefit most from the extra rest this week?

Follow @BrentStecker

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) – Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Ocean Springs was a hive of activity Tuesday.

Church volunteers prepared and served hot meals consisting of baked chicken, fried chicken and fish to first responders.

Theresa Dantzler, president of the church’s senior mission, said the festival is a way to honor first responders’ service to the community.

“Our first responders are the first on the street. They have to leave their families and come out and serve the people,” Dantzler said. “Then they have to go out in the middle of a hurricane or whatever. So we just think it’s appropriate to show them a little bit of our appreciation.”

About 50 meals were prepared in the first 20 minutes of serving.

“The way to serve God is to serve His people, and that’s what we do,” Dantzler said. “We give, we give and we give and we give.”

“This is to show you all how much we care about you all. If you need us as a church or individual group, please call us,” she said.

Do you see a spelling or grammatical error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.

Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.

The new Chick-fil-A will officially open at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at 3795 E. Main St. on the east side of St. Charles.

The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery services Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drive-thru ordering remains open until 10 p.m. The restaurant also features Mobile Thru, a drive-thru service. Walk-through lane for orders placed in advance through the Chick-fil-A app.

Chicago-based owner and operator Julian Good of Good Brothers Franchisees will serve as sole operator of the restaurant.

“I am thrilled to bring the first Chick-fil-A to St. Charles, a community I am proud to call home,” Good said in a press release. “My personal journey from team member to local owner-operator has made me most excited to invest in my team members. I look forward to giving them the tools they need to pursue their passions and be successful, in the restaurant and beyond. Together we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish.”

The owners expect the new restaurant to create approximately 100 new jobs in the community.

For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the brand’s food, people and customers across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.

The Miami Dolphins are preparing for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Tyler Huntley is one of the players they hope will benefit significantly from the recent week of release.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains on injured reserve following a concussion he suffered on September 12 against the Buffalo Bills. Still, he is eligible to begin practice on Oct. 23 and play in the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium four days later.

In the meantime, Miami hopes Huntley used this opportunity and the team’s bye week to deepen his understanding of the Dolphins’ offense, a crucial step for a player who joined the team weeks ago.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed confidence in Huntley’s progress.

“For a guy like Tyler, the copy-paste norm of what a bye week would look like was a little different,” he said. “It was essential that he had more time to work to study some of our core concepts and fundamentals and review the fundamentals, which he did an excellent job of going through.”

Huntley’s journey was challenging.

In his second start, he completed 18 of 31 passes for 194 yards, more than doubling the 96 yards he recorded in Week 4, although he did throw an interception without a touchdown in Miami’s 15-10 win over the New England Patriots.

In his last two games, Huntley threw for 290 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Miami ranks 21st in yards allowed through five games this season and is averaging a league-worst 12.3 points per game.

According to NextGen Stats, Dolphins receivers have managed to get open and create three or more yards of separation on 54.5% of their routes this season. However, the team produced 151 fewer receiving yards than expected, fourth-worst in the NFL.

This suggests a lack of chemistry with the quarterback, which is understandable given Huntley’s limited time on offense.

McDaniel noted that the bye week was an opportunity for Huntley to really get into the intricacies of the offense, stating, “I promise you, you have to be a very, very well-oiled professional to run the offense like that.” command as he does.”

“Five days felt like an eternity for him given the way he had to catch up,” McDaniel added. “So much goes into an NFL game for a player to have confidence and belief in what’s happening.”

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle also praised Huntley’s adaptability and noted his rapid progress.

“Because he was only here for a short time, he really started learning the offense and getting to know new receivers and other players,” Waddle said. “So it’s tough coming in and then we played some really good teams while he was here. He’s doing a good job, man, he’s doing a great job.”

Huntley reached out to Waddle during the break week and asked him to come back early for additional throwing sessions.

“He told me to come back a little early so we could throw earlier,” Waddle said. “So “Snoop” I’ll try to get this work in.

As the Dolphins prepare to play the Colts, McDaniel’s confidence in Huntley is evident, as last week McDaniel announced that he would remain his starting quarterback for now even if Skylar Thompson fully recovered from his rib injury.

“He’s improved every week of work we’ve had,” he said. “I’m happy for him because so much is lost in an NFL game for a player to have confidence and conviction in what’s happening.”

The Colts defense has struggled this season, ranking 30th in total yards allowed, which could give Huntley a golden opportunity to showcase his growth.

McDaniel acknowledged the unique challenges of preparing for an opponent with quarterback uncertainties of their own, especially given the resurgence of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who led the Colts to a 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.

“It makes it difficult to make decisions that you absolutely believe are the best things for this player or players in this game,” McDaniel said. “But we’re quick studies here, and I’ve been going through the process to expedite that.”

Huntley’s progress during the bye week could be the difference for the Dolphins against the Colts in what could be his final start as the Dolphins look to maintain their momentum in the AFC playoff race.

At some point, the Kansas City Royals bullpen was bound to collapse, and it happened for all to see in the American League Division Series.

Twice in the first three games, the Royals allowed the Yankees to lead off in the seventh inning or later. Both competed against converted starting players – the first against Michael Lorenzen and the other against Kris Bubic.

If the Royals want to establish themselves as a true World Series threat in 2025, they will need to seriously upgrade the bullpen. Trading Lucas Erceg at the deadline this year was a start, but now they need more powerful weapons to deploy.

The top name on the Royals’ roster is probably Tanner Scott of the San Diego Padres, and that’s true for many teams this winter. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell recently wrote that the Royals need to prioritize Scott this winter to solidify their chance at a World Series title.

“In a dream world, the Royals would sign three quality backup players this offseason,” Pressnell said. “The crown jewel would be Tanner Scott, the outstanding closer who spent half the season with the Marlins before being traded to the Padres at the deadline for a king’s ransom.”

Scott, 30, may be the most sought-after reliever to hit the open market this winter. He had a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves and an incredible 4.0 wins above replacement in 2024. And going back to the start of 2023, he has a 2.04 ERA and 188 strikeouts in his last 150 innings pitched.

Signing Scott could be the move that will elevate the Royals’ bullpen and make them the early favorite in the AL Central next season. But it would also be expensive, as Scott is currently expected to receive a $65 million contract from Spotrac.

It’s still too early to tell whether Kansas City will be willing or able to make such a big deal for a relief pitcher. But if they do, it will be a clear signal that they intend to dominate the Central region in the coming years.

More MLB: The Royals could land an All-Star and former batting champion in a blockbuster trade with the Rays