Slice into a tangy grapefruit. Peel a tangerine. Squeeze lemon in your tea. Citrus fruit, now in its peak season, offers you an ample supply of good nutrition! For most people, oranges mean vitamin C. But did you know that citrus also supplies an ample amount of folate, potassium, and dietary fiber (soluble), all potentially
At any age, most Americans aren’t active enough—although they may think they are! In fact, only about 26 percent get enough exercise; about 46 percent come up short; and about 28 percent are inactive. Studies show that adults tend to overestimate how active they really are. Do you? What’s the downside of inactive living? The
Do you know your BMI (Body Mass Index)? Do you know what your number means? BMI is meant to screen for, not diagnose, overweight or obesity. It’s a tool to evaluate your weight in relation to your height. A higher-than-healthy number (above 25) suggests a higher risk for weight-related health problems such as heart disease
Looking for a personal fitness trainer? With so much interest today in fitness, many people seek a personal trainer to help customize their physical activity regimen. That said, being certified doesn’t mean qualified. No state or federal laws regulate the many certification programs of personal trainers. Some states require a health-related university degree (perhaps in
Ever hear your inner voice say: “You should order a salad,” or “No fried food!” Chances are, these mental commands are hard to stick to, at least for the long term. And they take pleasure away from eating to stay it. Truth is, healthful is full of positives: a variety of flavorful, eye-appealing food combinations
Broccoli, bok choy, brussels sprouts: what do they have in common? They’re all cruciferous vegetables that begin with the letter b! Cruciferous vegetables (named for their tiny cross-forming flower petals) belong to the cabbage family. The family portrait includes everything from arugula to watercress—with cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, Swiss chard, and
Do you wash your raw meat, poultry, or fish to remove bacteria that cause food-borne illness? Wrong approach! The only way to kill bacteria in meat, poultry, and seafood is through proper cooking to a safe inside temperature. That includes hamburgers and meatloaf; surface bacteria can get mixed inside ground meat dishes. As you cook
Prunes have a new name: dried plums! With it comes new data. Great-tasting dried plums offer more health benefits than just keeping your body regular. Dried plums score high in antioxidants, plant substances that may help protect you from heart disease and some cancers. They’re also good sources of fiber (soluble and insoluble)—3 grams in
Pressed for supermarket time? Still want to shop healthy? Here’s how to quickly decipher the Nutrition Facts on food labels, using the “5-20 guide”: Nutrient Facts are listed as percentages of Daily Values (DV), in amounts per serving. For a single nutrient, 20% or more is a lot, and 5% or less is a little.
Cold weather is no excuse to skip fitness routines and nestle in by the TV. A shift of seasons simply gives you different options. In any weather, the same guideline applies: get 60 minutes of moderate activity every day if you can. In cold weather, try these outdoor activities: Winter sports: cross-country or downhill skiing