If there’s ever been a time when we’ve cranked the pizza, pasta, and cookies dial way up, it’s been this past year. Carbs, carbs, carbs, how we love and hate thee.Looking beyond our love/hate relationship, we need to recognize that carbs are a crucial component of a healthy diet and a healthy body: “Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients we need to fuel the body. Carbs are actually the body’s preferred source of energy,” says Breanna Woods, MS, RD, co-creator of Blogilates 90 Day Journey Meal Plan.But as we know, not all carbs are created equal. Whether you crash and burn after a meal or feel ready to put the pedal to the metal on your spiffy new stationary bike, has a lot to do with the kind of carbs you eat. In fact, one major side effect of carbs is getting the energy your body needs—but how much energy and how long that energy lasts all depends on the type of carb you’re eating. You see, depending on the type of carb you choose to eat, the rate of your body’s energy metabolism (that’s science-speak for how your body breaks down food into fuel) will differ—either giving you lasting energy or a quick crash. (Related: 15 Carbs Myths That Are Totally Bogus)As Woods explains, carbs from a candy bar and carbs from a sweet potato all share the same fate in our digestive tract—they are converted into glucose. Once that happens, cells in your body use that glucose to give you energy. “However, carbs are processed differently on their journey to becoming glucose depending on the kind you eat,” she says. “Refined carbs like candy, white flour, and added sugar are broken down and absorbed quickly. This suddenly dumps glucose into the bloodstream all at once, which leads to a burst of energy now, but then a crash later,” she continues, noting that you’ll feel tired and hungry sooner rather than later.On the flip side of the coin are complex carbs, which include wholesome eats like legumes, starchy vegetables, and whole grains. These food groups digest slowly, which is a boon for your energy levels (for more on complex carbs, check out the 24 best healthy carbs to eat for weight loss. “This means that glucose is absorbed into the blood at a slow and steady rate over a longer period of time with no spike in blood sugar meaning you avoid a crash later. Your energy levels remain steady, and you stay satisfied for longer between meals,” says Woods.And choosing complex carbs is more important than simply helping to power up your Monday morning workday or when you’ve hit an afternoon slump between lectures: “Steady glucose control is important for long term health too. Every time glucose enters the blood, the pancreas releases insulin to help glucose get into the cells. If your glucose levels are constantly spiking, the cells can become less sensitive to insulin. This leads to issues like inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” cautions Woods, pointing to this 2018 study in Metabolism that followed 14 middle-aged adults, and found intake of whole grains (i.e., complex carbs) significantly improved post-meal glucose levels, compared with a refined grain diet.(If you’re not sure if you’re eating too much sugar in your diet, consult this handy guide.)It gets worse in the simple carbs camp: “A 2021 study published in the British Medical Journal followed over 137,000 participants from 21 countries to explore the connection between intake of refined grains and heart disease,” comments Woods, adding that this research concluded that a high intake of refined grains increases the risk for major cardiovascular events, as well as total mortality. Hmmm…we think we’ll pass and stick to complex carbs, folks.In addition to enhancing your energy, complex carbs provide nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals—all of which are stripped from refined carbs, says Woods. Fiber, in particular, is a key player in your overall health: “It’s a nutrient most Americans are lacking, and facilitates slow digestion to create a steady energy source,” says Woods. “Studies also show that fiber from complex carbs decreases risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.” We’ll replace that pizza, pasta, and cookies, with this triple win against disease any day of the week! And if you’re not sure if you should be adding fiber to your diet, check out these 9 Warning Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Fiber.For more healthy eating news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
