Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
Intermittent Fasting: A Simple and Effective Way to Improve Your Health
Intermittent fasting is a popular eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can have various benefits for your body and brain, such as weight loss, reduced inflammation, improved cell repair, and enhanced cognitive function.
There are different ways to practice intermittent fasting, such as:
1 Alternate-day fasting: Eat a normal diet one day and either completely fast or have one small meal (less than 500 calories) the next day.
2. 5:2 fasting: Eat a normal diet five days a week and fast two days a week.
3. Daily time-restricted fasting: Eat normally but only within an eight-hour window each day. For example, skip breakfast but eat lunch around noon and dinner by 8 p.m.
According to several studies, intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and visceral fat, which is the harmful fat that accumulates around your organs. This is because intermittent fasting lowers your insulin levels, increases your human growth hormone (HGH) levels, and boosts your metabolism, all of which facilitate fat burning.
Intermittent fasting can also improve your heart health by lowering your blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Moreover, intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your body, which are linked to various chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Intermittent fasting may also enhance your brain function by improving your memory, learning, and mood. This is because intermittent fasting stimulates the growth of new brain cells, increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and protects your brain from damage and aging.
Intermittent fasting is generally safe and effective for most people, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or have any medical condition, you should consult your doctor before trying intermittent fasting. You may also experience some side effects such as hunger, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, or headaches when you start intermittent fasting, but they usually go away within a month.
Intermittent fasting is a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being. By following an eating pattern that suits your lifestyle and preferences, you can enjoy the benefits of intermittent fasting without feeling deprived or stressed.
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