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Mood Work Out You probably spend more time thinking about going to the gym than actually doing so. Skip this common mental battle and recall how great you feel after you workout. Moving may be one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to improve your overall mood. Exercise plays a huge role in your mood because it "stimulates the production of endorphins," says Damon Roxas, national director of personal training at Crunch Fitness. When endorphins are released into your body, they naturally create feelings of well-being and relaxation. In addition, regular exercise jumpstarts your energy levels during the day and helps you sleep better at night, says Roxas. Use your mood to help motivate you to exercise. Roxas says that if you are angry you should try a kickboxing class or if you have high anxiety, relax your mind with yoga. Try new classes, machines or workout routines because "the more you know, the better the results, and the better your results, the better your mood," says Roxas. So, next time you hit that mental slump, don't drag it out by sitting on the couch--an endorphin boost maybe just a quick walk away.
HEALTH TIP When you eat, the hormone insulin is released into your bloodstream, signaling glucose to either be used for immediate energy needs or stored for later use. Therefore, eating smaller, more frequent meals replenishes your body's immediate energy needs. The secret is not to add more snacks to your current dietary intake, but rather divide your current calorie intake into five or six smaller meals. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP According to a recent report released by the US Surgeon General, all Americans need to get moving! The report confirms that regular physical activity plays a vital role in preventing health problems and in increasing our overall well-being. Include moderate activity in your daily schedule, such as walking, bicycling and gardening. Exercise is positive for your overall health, and your mental health as well. Read More |
HEALTH TIP When you eat, the hormone insulin is released into your bloodstream, signaling glucose to either be used for immediate energy needs or stored for later use. Therefore, eating smaller, more frequent meals replenishes your body's immediate energy needs. The secret is not to add more snacks to your current dietary intake, but rather divide your current calorie intake into five or six smaller meals. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP According to a recent report released by the US Surgeon General, all Americans need to get moving! The report confirms that regular physical activity plays a vital role in preventing health problems and in increasing our overall well-being. Include moderate activity in your daily schedule, such as walking, bicycling and gardening. Exercise is positive for your overall health, and your mental health as well. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Are you getting enough food? A diet should take your height, weight and activity level into account to get an appropriate calorie range for you – one size does not fit all. Contrary to popular belief, you don't – and shouldn't – feel starved on a diet. Eat small frequent meals and enjoy healthy snacks throughout the day to prevent bingeing. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Shin splints can usually be treated with caring for yourself at home. Healing time can take 3 to 6 weeks. Apply ice for 20 minutes twice a day. Reduce your walking, jogging or any impact activities, then gradually increase your time each week. Cross train with non– and low–impact exercises like swimming, rowing and cycling. If your symptoms don't go away, consult your doctor as it could be something more serious. Read More |
HEALTH TIP In addition to water, milk, juice and soup also count toward your daily fluid intake. Don't include alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine because they have a mild diuretic effect. Caffeine can hold water back from the tissues that need it. Since your body is nearly two-thirds water, it is important to avoid fluids that may cause dehydration! Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Here are a some good reasons to take up road cycling. You burn about 475 calories per hour. It tones your butt and leg muscles, you can enjoy the scenery, it always sounds impressive when you say you did "20" this morning, you can still have fun flying down hills. Read More |
HEALTH TIP According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off have four things in common: they follow a low fat carbohydrate rich diet, eat breakfast almost every day, exercise regularly, and monitor their weight loss closely. Take one step at a time and work to incorporate all four strategies into your lifestyle. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP The five components of fitness are: muscle strength, muscle endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition. It is important that your exercise program has a combination of components for you to have a balanced, athletic body. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Start your day with an orange! Oranges are packed with nutrients and fiber. Oranges are rich in potassium, folate, thiamin, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin and magnesium. Plus, they're low in sodium. They're portable and make a great on-the-go snack. You can also get calcium-fortified orange juice which helps build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP The best piece of exercise equipment to buy is the one you are going to use. Consider renting one for a month from a store that sells reconditioned equipment. This way you can try before you buy. When you are ready to buy, check out our company store for some specially priced items for eDiets members. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Dine out daringly. Grilled chicken or salmon is a sensible choice, but wouldn't you rather sup on sea bass or a buffalo burger for a change? As long as you're choosing a lean, low-calorie alternative from the menu and the preparation method keeps the fat down, it's OK to veer from the usual. Dare to be different. Just avoid dishes that are prepared in fattening sauces. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Take up race walking to burn calories, trim your waistline, strengthen your legs and torso, shape your calves and stimulate circulation. There is considerably less impact to your ankles, knees, lower back, shoulders and neck when race walking as compared to running. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Eating raw seafood? High-quality, fresh seafood is important. At a restaurant, it must be sushi grade or high quality, and prepared by highly-trained chefs who know how to buy and prepare raw seafood for safety and sanitation. Individuals with impaired immune systems, liver and gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, pregnant woman, etc. should not eat raw or partly-cooked fish. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Oxygen is the gift of life! Take a few moments out of your hectic schedule to take several deep breaths through your nostrils and fill your lungs to capacity. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Remember to breathe naturally during exercise to enhance your aerobic benefit. Never hold your breath! Read More |
HEALTH TIP There's nothing fishy about it - certain foods can directly affect mood. Evidence suggests that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, the class of fats found in seafood, can benefit a depressed mood. These fats help our arteries and hearts operate smoothly, and help to bolster the immune system. Studies now indicate they play a significant role in brain function... something to think about. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP For sustained energy release during a long cardio workout, go for an energy bar that has a complex source of carbs such as rolled oats or puffed rice. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Tantalize your taste buds and make dinner a sight for sore eyes. Contrast color and texture in your meals. Add something red, green, yellow, and orange on your plate. Experiment with flavor combinations and contrasting food temperatures. Add to the visual appeal of the meal with various shapes? sliced carrots, pepper strips, shredded cheese, brown rice, and diced chicken. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP If you are on a long road trip, take the time to stop and stretch. Walk around at rest stops and other places. Set aside some time for a healthy break. Use that time to jump rope or kick around a soccer ball. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Folate, or folic acid, is used by the body to regulate cell growth. Research shows folate may prevent birth defects, reduce the risks of cervical or colon cancer, and may decrease the incidence of heart disease. Dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, orange juice, wheat germ, fortified grains and cereals are excellent sources. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Relieving stress and neck pain: Here is a simple stretch. Bring your chin to chest and then your ear to your sternum. Repeat the series on the other side. Also try stretching the muscles of the upper back and neck. Gently roll your head from shoulder to shoulder in the front, but do not make a complete circle to the back. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Go veg. If you're looking for variety, perk up your palate with plenty of vegetables -- they won't break the fat and calorie bank and they'll make your meals more interesting. Not to mention the many health benefits that vegetables bring. Layer some on your sandwich, sprinkle them in soups, pile them on pizza -- there are no rules when it comes to that garden variety. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP If you are on a cruise, explore the ship to see what types of facilities are there. These days there are walking tracks, gyms fully equipped with balls, bands, weight machines, body bars and everything else you can imagine. They even offer group classes like aerobics, yoga, or Pilates. Read More |
HEALTH TIP Love ice cream? You can still enjoy a scrumptious frozen treat. Enjoy a ½ cup low fat frozen yogurt and top with crushed pineapple for vitamin A and C, or incorporate texture with Grape Nuts or shredded wheat. Drizzle with a teaspoon of melted peanut butter for protein. You'll have all the flavor without the sugar and fat. Read More |  |  |  | FITNESS TIP Who should NOT exercise? Anyone with an unstable medical condition should get their doctor's OK first. Injuries may require waiting for healing -- listen to your body and your doctor. If you have cardiac, pulmonary or metabolic disease, you may exercise, but only after seeing your doctor and then starting in a supervised environment. Read More |
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