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
What foods bring you comfort? Meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Pizza with the “works”? Mom’s lasagna? Likely some foods enjoyed during your youth conjure up warm, soothing feelings. There’s no specific list of comfort foods. We each have our own. So, is indulging in comfort foods okay? Sure – if it doesn’t lead to emotional overeating
Your resources count! This Earth Day celebrate your health and the planet’s health by properly storing and creatively using leftovers. Refrigerate leftovers: within two hours if they’re at room temperature; one hour if the temperature is 90°F or more. Put leftovers in shallow pans so they chill faster. Use refrigerated leftovers within a safe time.
In a nutshell, just a single ounce of almonds (20 to 25 almonds) is flavor-packed, convenient, and good for you. (See March 8.) Here’s what’s inside: Vitamin E: protection from cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. (Tip: You get one-third of a day’s vitamin E from an ounce of almonds.) Folate: heart-health benefits, too, and it
Ever hear your inner voice say, “I always gain weight back, so what’s the use of dieting?” Thinking you’ll fail—even before you try—breeds nearly surefire failure. Instead, put a positive mental spin on the past. If you tried and failed, and perhaps tried and failed again, you’ve already taken the first step toward change. That
With pollen in the spring air, thoughts often turn to allergies. Now’s as good a time as any to address food allergies, too. Though only about 2 to 2.5 percent of American adults have any type of food allergy, many more think they do. One reason for the discrepancy: self-diagnosis. Most symptoms of food allergies