Project deadlines, airport delays, cranky kids—what gives you a tension headache? Millions of people suffer from chronic headaches—sometimes debilitating migraines—that don’t go away easily. Many blame certain foods. But the causes are more complicated and not well understood. Food’s effect is likely small. It may trigger a headache only when combined with something else, perhaps
Want an easy hand-held meal? Just wrap and roll nourishing, flavorful ingredients in a tortilla or flat bread. Start with a sturdy, pliable wheat tortilla or flat bread. Try tomato, spinach, or other flavored tortillas. Layer on well-dried greens: lettuce, spinach, watercress, other greens. Spread on cooked grains: bulgur, couscous, rice (or tabouli; see May
Surprised when the cash register totals up a grocery bill that far exceeds your budget? Maybe you’re an impulse shopper. And you may bring home foods you don’t use, need, or ultimately eat. If you grocery shop today: Plan ahead. Make a shopping list and stick to it. Snack beforehand. Or drink bottled water for
Can you identify these historical figures: Percy Spencer, Nicolas Appert, Luther Burbank, or Fanny Farmer? Maybe not, but their work likely affects what you eat nearly every day. Spencer invented the microwave oven (1946); Appert, the canning process (1770s); Bur-bank developed the Idaho potato (1871) and many popular varieties of potatoes, plums, and berries; Farmer
Do your glasses, keys, or shoes hide? Need to jot things down so you don’t forget? Short memory lapses probably aren’t a first sign of Alzheimer’s. More likely, it’s normal aging. You lose neuron-to-neuron links even in young adulthood. But if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, talk to your physician. Can nutrition help
Watching your weight? Your bathroom scale won’t tell the whole story. After all, muscle weighs more than body fat. Although body composition helps define fitness, a typical bathroom scale can’t differentiate body fat from muscle weight. Tip: If you’re trying to lose weight, be physically active to build muscle as you eat fewer calories. Then
Ever feel like you must have a bag of chips, a chocolate bar, a spoonful of peanut butter? Cravings are normal. Their causes aren’t clear— psychological, physical, or both. Perhaps your body craves foods with nutrients you need. Or maybe positive emotions, memories, and social situations reinforce your food cravings. Should you give in to
Tap water or bottled? Your choice. You might like bottled water for convenience or for what it doesn’t have: sugar, calories, caffeine, or alcohol. But it costs 240 to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water, which has the same benefits! In the United States, either bottled or tap water is safe from bacteria.
Inactivity is a big health threat, perhaps accounting for 2.5 million deaths over the next decade. Labeled as Sedentary Death Syndrome (SeDS), inactivity has health risks beyond obesity. Staying active can downsize your risks of chronic disease. Heart health. Regular aerobic exercise boosts HDL- (good) cholesterol, may slow atherosclerosis, and may help control blood pressure.
Easy kitchen tip? Cut calories when you cook today by barely changing your recipe. Just make a simple substitution or two. If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup sour cream Use 1/2 cup regular plain yogurt 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice Saved in recipe calories (rounded) 140 125 If a