Utah
Slimming down for spring? How the standard Utah diet has failed you
Estimated read time: 7-8
minutes
As a nation, there’s no denying that Americans are getting sicker and fatter. And according to long-time nutrition executive and the co-founder of a new science-based health and wellness company, Joel Bikman, it may not be your fault.
From the time that the U.S. government first set dietary guidelines in 1977, the food industry has completely shifted the types of foods they produce, mostly to our overall detriment. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the weight of the average adult American has skyrocketed since that time — a weight increase of nearly 30 pounds.
“For the first time in history, we had a government telling us what to eat,” said Bikman. “And our weight and health have only suffered for it.”
The problem with the Standard American Diet (SAD)
For a variety of reasons, the government had been on the search for a way to “fix” diet for some time. With the support of one dubious study, they determined that the culprit was dietary fat and later introduced the infamous “food pyramid” that vilified natural healthy fats in favor of an increase in the consumption of refined unhealthy carbs. The results on the nation’s health and weight couldn’t have been worse.
“Of the three macronutrients, carbohydrates are the least necessary for the average adult and the most problematic for those struggling with metabolic problems,” said Bikman. “The health and weight challenges we’re seeing today are mostly because of that misguided shift in diet.”

The ‘fat’ secret
In fact, Bikman says that increasing the consumption of healthy fats may be the most important change you can make, supporting metabolic health, brain health and more.
“Our ancestors knew that fats were the most nutrient-dense substances they could eat,” said Bikman. “Natural fats provide you with needed nutrition for your brain and body, they help you feel satisfied, curb your desire for sweets, and even help train your body to burn excess body fat.”
Bikman emphasizes that not all fats are created equal. Processed seed oils from soy, corn and canola are particularly harmful, while fats from olives, coconuts, cocoa butter, ghee and more are uniquely beneficial.
“It’s important to get a wide spectrum of healthy fats, from short-, medium- and long-chain sources,” said Bikman. “It’s not about taking a shot of MCT oil or a big pat of butter and calling it a day.”
Power of protein
Bikman is also surprised at the confusion over protein. Some people advocate for very little, others consume it to excess, while others simply make poor protein choices.
“You have competing mindsets on protein with very little legitimate science behind the arguments,” he said. “We’ve learned that protein is essential, especially as you age, but it needs to be consumed in conjunction with fat, just as is found in nature.”
The best types of protein, according to Bikman, are whey, egg whites and collagen. He emphasizes that those have the highest biological value, offer the most complete essential amino acid profile, and support lean and toned muscle, healthy joints, cartilage and bone health.
“People with dairy allergies or those who prefer a plant-based diet have historically been at a real nutritional disadvantage,” said Bikman. “Plant proteins have anti-nutrients that prevent absorption, but there’s hope in specially-fermented protein sources that are as bioavailable as whey protein and provide a complete amino acid profile.”

The essential boost to your diet
Even with all of the information that Bikman and others share, people around the world constantly ask what they should do for their health.
“Ideally, we all would have the knowledge, time, discipline and budget to plan, purchase and prepare perfect meals,” said Bikman. “But it simply doesn’t happen; people get busy, they get stressed and they make unhealthy choices that derail their health goals.”
It became apparent to Bikman that he and his team could be part of the solution to help people achieve their best health more quickly, and especially to assist those that don’t always have the time, knowledge or discipline to eat healthy. In response, Bikman and his co-founding team of metabolic, nutrition and industry experts created HLTH Code Complete Meal.

Bikman says these carefully formulated meal shakes are designed to promote healthy weight management, gut health, brain health, even hair, skin and nail health. HLTH Code Complete Meal features an optimized, science-backed blend of protein, collagen, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals — with no added sugar or any artificial ingredients.
“HLTH Code Complete Meal is based on research, not fads,” said Bikman. “An incredible amount of work went into making this nutritionally balanced and optimized, yet we knew that if it didn’t taste good, no one would use them consistently.”
Keeping hunger at bay (the right way)
When it comes to eating, Bikman said it’s easy to consume plenty of calories and still feel hungry. This is because the calories consumed are not the right types of calories to provide essential nutrition. He refers to this as “mis-nourishment” and he says it’s ruining many people’s health.
“Each HLTH Code Complete Meal shake is packed with optimized amounts of these ingredients to leave you feeling full and energized for hours,” said Bikman. “Yet it’s more convenient and affordable than virtually any meal you could make or buy.”
Bikman says the shakes are quick and easy to make: Just add two scoops of Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Macadamia Complete Meal Powder to 8 oz. of cold water and shake or blend. For general wellness, he recommends replacing one meal daily. To reset your health or for weight loss, replace up to two meals per day.
“[I’ve] been using HLTH Code for about 2 weeks and I feel healthier, having more energy and having less cravings – love this product!!!” said one reviewer.
Another reviewer shares, “I started losing weight quickly because I have found that I no longer eat between meals, I do not ‘crave’ carbs and I’m automatically doing intermittent fasting, not purposely but because I just don’t get hungry.”
And yet another reviewer shares, “The results have been phenomenal! Thank you HLTH Code. The shakes are yummy but the weight loss results are miraculous.”
Can HLTH Code help make weight loss easier?
According to Bikman, the best health starts with the right blend of nutrition. Increased energy; feeling more vibrant; a stronger immune system; a clearer mind; improved gut health; and an improved appearance are some of the benefits from improving one’s nutrition.
“The comprehensive benefits of HLTH Code Complete Meal are especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight,” said Bikman. “Weight loss is rarely easy. There has to be the right changes in both hormones and caloric balance to signal to the body that it’s time to start burning, not storing, fat.”
Bikman adds that based on the best available studies on human metabolism, along with exercise, HLTH Code Complete Meal helps people lose weight without the need for counting every calorie.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed
If you’re nervous about trying something new and making changes to your nutrition plan, don’t be. Bikman stands by his HLTH Code Meal Replacement products and is willing to guarantee your satisfaction.
“You have nothing to lose (except those extra pounds) and everything to gain—in terms of wellness and confidence,” said Bikman.
Indeed, if you’ve been looking for improved wellness and healthy weight management, then HLTH Code Complete Meal could well be your answer. For exclusive savings on your first order, visit getHLTH.com and enter the discount code KSL at checkout.
The opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are the sponsor’s own and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com. This Site Does Not Provide Medical Advice. Any content on this Site, such as text, graphics, images, information obtained from, or contained on this Site are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site! The owner and operator of this site do not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the site. Reliance on any information provided by the Operator, including their employees, contractors or others appearing on the Site at the invitation of the Operator, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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UDOT breaks ground on ‘transformational’ 2100 North freeway
LEHI — Constructing a freeway on 2100 North isn’t just a road project, it’s “transformational,” according to Sen. Heidi Balderree, of Saratoga Springs.
“This 2100 North freeway is not just a financial investment, it’s an investment in people,” Balderree said during a groundbreaking for the 2100 North freeway project on Wednesday.
The Utah County senator said all the hard work it took between state, county and city leaders was “work worth doing” to get this project to become a reality.
“It’s an investment in reclaiming back time with our families, traveling safer, more reliable commutes, granting greater access to opportunity and uniting ourselves as stronger, more connected communities,” she said.
The 2.8-mile freeway will connect I-15 to Mountain View Corridor with freeway-style interchanges and use the existing 2100 North lanes as frontage roads. Construction will also include 14 new bridges, two pedestrian bridges and miles of shared pathways for runners, walkers and bikers.
The freeway will reduce congestion, connect communities more efficiently, improve reliability, separate local and through traffic and reduce cut-through traffic in neighborhoods to make them safer for families, Balderee added.
Living in a time with extraordinary growth in this part of the state means elected officials have extra responsibility to plan ahead, invest wisely and “build infrastructure that serves people not just for today, but for generations,” Balderee said.
“Today, we break ground, but more importantly, we build connection. As we move this earth today, let’s remember that we aren’t just pouring concrete, we are weaving the fabric of Utah’s future,” Balderee said. “This freeway will do more than just move vehicles. We will shorten the distance between families, sync our growing economies and bridge the gap between where we are and where we are going.”
Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director Carlos Braceras said the freeway is expected to save people 12 minutes in each direction, totaling 24 minutes of “time given back to the people of this area.”
Utah Rep. Kay Christofferson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, said this project was a “perfect example” of corridor preservation and looking ahead. House Speaker Mike Schultz echoed similar sentiments, saying that projects in which groups work together to invest and think long term help Utah succeed.
“Utah continues to succeed because we are willing to invest in infrastructure and think long term, even when the benefits might not be realized today but years from now,” Schultz said. “When we work together with a long-term vision, we will build more than just roads; we will build a foundation for the next generation of Utah’s prosperity.”
Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said his family moved into Lehi, just off of 2100 North, a decade ago. He has seen the growth of the western portion of the county firsthand and said this freeway is a “very big day for us.”
Beltran shared the story of a Utah County couple who can no longer attend their grandchildren’s sporting events in Eagle Mountain on weeknights because the traffic is just too bad. With this new freeway, those grandparents can spend more time with their grandchildren again.
“This is not a road project. This is a people project. This is a families project. Utah values families, and we’re going to put families together for 30 more minutes, and that is the most important thing we can do,” Beltran said.
Project manager Andrew Jordan said the “forethought and vision” in the transportation system are on display with this project, as it began being preserved years ago to allow for expansion now, when the community needs it.
“It’s exciting. I am a local resident and understand the frustrations the existing commuters are facing and the relief that this will provide,” Jordan said.
The freeway is anticipated to be completed and operational in late 2028. The approximately $600 million project is just one part of almost $2 billion of investments throughout northwest Utah County to improve transportation, Jordan added.
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
Utah
Utah lawmaker won’t seek reelection because he is moving out of his district
SALT LAKE CITY — A prominent Republican state lawmaker is ending his reelection campaign because he is moving out of his district.
Rep. Jefferson Burton announced the decision in a post on social media, calling his legislative service “one of the greatest honors of my life.” Although he had previously filed to seek another term, state lawmakers are required to live within the boundaries of the district they represent, unlike federal representatives.
“My family and I will be moving outside of my district, and because of that, I will be withdrawing from reelection to the Utah House of Representatives,” wrote Burton, R-Salem.
Prior to joining the Utah House in 2021, Burton served for 37 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He retired as adjutant general of the Utah National Guard in 2019.
“Through all of it, my mission has been the same: serve with integrity and never forget that every decision affects real people and real families,” he added. “I carry that same commitment with me as I close this chapter. I leave proud of the work we did together. Thank you for your trust. It has been a true privilege.”
The exact timing of Burton’s move is unclear. The Utah Constitution states that lawmakers “may not continue to serve in that office after ceasing to be a resident of the district from which elected.” Burton’s announcement only states that he won’t seek another term, so it won’t require a special election to replace him.
The filing deadline for legislative candidates passed in January and Burton had two Republicans sign up to challenge him: Matthew Durrant and Jackie Larson. His replacement will take office early next year.
At the Capitol, Burton is the chairman of the House Government Operations Committee and serves on the powerful House Rules Committee. In recent years, he has sponsored legislation to revamp the state’s vote-by-mail system and passed a bill this year directing the state to study possible changes.
Burton joins several other incumbent lawmakers who are not running for reelection.
Those include Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan; Rep. Stewart Barlow, R-Fruit Heights; Majority Assistant Whip Bridger Bolinder, R-Grantsville; Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo; Rep. Matthew Gwynn, R-Farr West; Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City; Rep. Mike Kohler, R-Midway; Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse; Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay; Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton; and Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price.
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
Utah
Jury acquits Utah man on same day his mom is accused of obstructing his trial
MANTI — A Utah jury recently found a Colorado man not guilty of assaulting a woman following a lengthy court process.
But now, the man’s mother is in trouble for allegedly interfering with her son’s trial.
That scenario played out earlier this month in Sanpete County’s 6th District Court. A 25-year-old man was on trial on charges of object rape, a first-degree felony; forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; and lewdness, a class B misdemeanor, and was accused of abusing a woman in 2021.
On March 10, Junstina Faapouli, 49, of Colorado Springs, was overheard talking to two people who were scheduled to testify on behalf of the defense that day, according to court documents.
“I spoke with both individuals who stated that Junstina had told them specific details about the victim’s testimony and that the victim’s testimony was false and inaccurate. I asked both individuals if Mrs. Faapouli knew they were there to testify, and they confirmed that she did,” the arresting officer wrote in a police booking affidavit.
In courtrooms across the nation, the exclusionary rule is commonly used. In a typical scenario, those who are expected to testify at a trial are generally not allowed to be in the courtroom while other witnesses are testifying. This is to prevent one person’s testimony from potentially being influenced by another witness’ testimony.
When prosecutors in Sanpete County found out about the alleged violation involving Faapouli, they called for a violation of the exclusionary rule and Faapouli was removed from the courtroom.
“Because Mr. Faapouli disclosed details of the victim’s testimony to the two individuals, they were not allowed to testify in the case,” the affidavit states.
Although the defense’s two witnesses were not allowed to take the stand, jurors found the defendant not guilty. Faapouli, however, was arrested and charged on March 10 with two counts of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.
Her next court hearing is scheduled for March 23.
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
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