Need motivation to stay active? Perhaps you savor solitary workouts. Or maybe social interaction with a fitness partner is a better success strategy. Interestingly, companionship often increases the odds of sticking with a fitness program. After all, someone’s waiting for you—and moving with you. A partner can support your fitness efforts; you’re there to reciprocate.
Ever think of olives as a fruit? Not sweet, but rich in healthful fats, olives are more than a savory ingredient and finger food. Why so healthful? Compared with vegetable oils, olive oil has far more monounsaturated fat (the good kind). And it has little saturated fat. That’s the key—”monos” may lower total and LDL-
It’s a fact of adult aging that more years mean less bone. Keeping bones dense and out of the “fracture zone” depends on three things: (1) your starting bone mass; (2) your habits that slow bone loss; and (3) osteoporosis risks you can’t control. Anyone past age 65 is at risk for osteoporosis. Your risk
You’ve seen restaurant menus featuring deluxe burgers with 8-ounce patties, hefty 12-ounce steaks, half a roasted chicken. That’s more food than you need. Five to 7 ounces of meat a day is enough for most people. You might enjoy it in two to three servings or in one bigger portion. How much meat, poultry, or
More energy, less stress: we all want it, but what really works and what doesn’t? First, what doesn’t. Supplements might purport to help you cope with stress or boost your energy. But emotional stress doesn’t increase nutrient needs. And vitamin pills won’t cause your body cells to produce extra energy or more brain power. Only
Thirsty? Do you reach for a soft drink? If so, how big are your gulps? Fifty years ago, a 6-ounce bottle (75 calories) was the norm. Today 20-ounce (250 calories) plastic bottles often tumble from vending machines. And convenience stores pour up to 64 ounces (800 calories) per big cup! Now add ’em up: how
Penny for penny, drinking milk’s the most cost-effective way to consume bone-building calcium—more so than calcium-fortified juice, soy milk, breakfast bars, and other calcium-fortified foods. (See August 8 for more about calcium.) And milk offers you more: for just one cup of fat-free, low-fat, or whole milk you not only get 30% Daily Value (DV)
Have you planned your summer getaways yet? Relaxing on the beach with a good book is great, but this year put plenty of active leisure fun in your vacation plans, too. Gather active beach or water gear. Get out the Frisbees, beach tennis or badminton equipment, beach balls, a kite, masks and snorkels—whatever gets you
When fruits and vegetables are summer fresh, do you need to wash them, even if you peel away the skin and only eat the insides? Yes! Washing removes debris and residues from the outside surfaces and crevices of produce. Cutting through unwashed produce can carry dirt or bacteria to the inside flesh. To clean your
Care for a refreshing glass of cold iced tea? Hot tea with your breakfast? Green tea to go with sushi or dim sum? Besides flavor and relaxation, tea drinking may offer health benefits. Although the research isn’t definitive, tea’s catechins and other polyphenols may help reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke by