Imagine you’re scooping a bowl office cream, serving a plate of pasta, or making a perfect burger. Are your portions right-sized or super-sized? Not sure? You’re not alone. Research shows many consumers underestimate their portion sizes—and their caloric intake. The causes may in part be cultural. Restaurant supersizing, larger cup holders in new cars, larger
The average heart beats about 100,000 times every day and pumps blood through nearly 60,000 miles of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your body cells. To commemorate American Heart Month, reduce your chances of heart disease. Eat smart. Enjoy many different fruits, vegetables, and grain products including whole grains; lean meat, poultry
Whatever your age, give your smile some attention. Eating cheese, yogurt, or milk helps keep teeth healthy. These foods not only contain calcium and phosphorus, which may help remineralize teeth, some cheeses also increase saliva low, which helps fight cavities. Oral health (teeth and gums) has benefits beyond appearance and speech. Proper chewing also promotes
Do you eat your broccoli and carrots, or do you push them to the side of your plate? Do you drink milk with a meal, or a soft drink instead? Do you mindlessly nibble while you watch TV? Chances are, your child will do what you do—if not now, then probably later. In mimicking you
Did you know that potatoes come in many different colors: red, blue, purple, and yellow? And nearly everyone loves them! Celebrate America’s favorite vegetable during National Potato Lovers’ Month. It’s well worth celebrating. For 100 calories, one medium 5-ounce potato (skin on, plain, not fried) provides: 45% Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C, an antioxidant
Are banana chips, chicken hot dogs, air-popped popcorn, and reduced-fat peanut butter any better for you than their traditional counterparts? Fact is, banana chips, like potato chips, are fried and high in fat and calories. Unless labeled as “reduced fat,” chicken hot dogs have as much fat and calories as those made with pork or
Accidents happen! Each year health-promoting intentions of active living lead to serious injuries. The reason? Ignoring safety guidelines. Today get more safety savvy with your physical activities. Sign up for a class. Learn how to do a new sport safely. Carry identification. This is especially important if you have a health problem, such as diabetes.
Do you eat “three squares” a day, or “graze” with five or six smaller meals? Either way is okay—if you control any temptation to overeat. Eating small, frequent meals (instead of two or three bigger ones) may help keep your energy and blood sugar levels steady. Some studies suggest a slight blood cholesterol-lowering effect when
If you reach for an energy bar as an afternoon pick-me-up, consider this: You’ll likely get a food that’s high in calories and perhaps high in fat—without an immediate energy boost. Other foods may offer more health benefits and perhaps better taste! Energy bars were first launched as a convenient, quick-energy snack for endurance athletes.
Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner. Why not make it a soup-er bowl by cooking a hearty soup, chock-full of great-tasting, good-for-you ingredients? Celebrate National Soup Month. Double up for more flavor and nutrition. Experiment. Combine two hearty convenience soups (canned or frozen) to create your own recipe, perhaps chunky minestrone plus beef