Americans may be eating more vegetables today, but a significant percent of those veggies are French fries—more than 25 pounds per person yearly! Potatoes do offer plenty of health benefits: vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Fry that same potato and calories double, vitamin C drops by half, and fat gets added. Challenge one: A serving
Have you played tag lately? Shot a few hoops? Jumped rope? Child’s play makes great physical activity for grown-ups, too. Even more important, it’s great family time and your chance to show that active living is healthful living at every age. Actually, child’s play teaches plenty! As kids climb, twist, jump, and run, their bodies
Shopping for a wedding or Mother’s Day gift? Kitchen tools that help prepare healthful meals quickly and easily might be the perfect solution. Shop for a “health-smart” cooking utensil today. Blender or food processor for blending fruit and yogurt smoothies Coffee grinder for grinding nuts, seeds, grains, dry herbs, and spices Fat-separating pitcher for pouring
Underweight? If so, you’re probably tired of hearing people say how lucky you are. Being too thin can be risky to your health. You need the fat layer just under your skin to help protect you from cold and cushion your body from injury. That fat layer is a source of stored energy if you
Bright red color, sweet, succulent flavor—do field-fresh strawberries conjure up wonderful sensations of spring? Strawberries are among nature’s best source of vitamin C, a vitamin that promotes immunity, lessens cold symptoms, and helps your body use iron. This antioxidant vitamin may offer heart-healthy and cancer-protective benefits, too. Strawberries also deliver potassium, magnesium, and some folate.
Do you take time to volunteer? As a lifelong habit, volunteering your time and effort may be worth even more than you think. In one study, just 40 hours of volunteer time yearly for retired people tended to prolong life. In another, volunteers tended to be happier, more energetic, and in better control of their
Did you know that feathery fresh carrot tops were worn to adorn hair in Shakespeare’s day? Today it’s carrots’ vibrant orange pigment, known as carotene, that’s getting attention. Beta carotene turns into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant vitamin. New research suggests that carrots’ carotenoids may also reduce cancer risk, slow aging, and reduce some diabetes-related
What are you doing for lunch today? Why not use your lunch break to do something that moves you, too? An active midday work break is not only good for your body; it’s good for your head and may even boost your productivity. Fit more active time into your workday. Walk to lunch. Pick an
Do fruit drinks have the same nourishment you expect from fruit juice? Only “100 percent juice” means full fruit nutrition. “Juice drinks” and “juice cocktails” are diluted juice, perhaps fortified, with added sweeteners that may boost calories. That said, tart juices, such as cranberry, need a little sweetener or diluting to taste good. And “fruit
You’ve heard: Eat “five to nine a day” veggies and fruits—three to five vegetable and two to four fruit servings daily. Why? Vegetables and fruits are: Low in calories and fat (unless fried or drizzled with butter, creamy sauce, or high-fat dressing). Their fats are mostly unsaturated, so healthier for your heart. Cholesterol free, like