Posts from ediets.com
February 6
Health and Diet
High-fiber diets reduce health risks, including the incidence of certain cancers, obesity and possibly high blood cholesterol. The American Dietetic Association recommends a daily dose of 20 to 35 grams of fiber. Most Americans are eating only 12 to 17 grams of fiber each day. Choose high-fiber whole grains, whole grain breads and legumes, and whole fruit and vegetables.
Fitness
Are you effectively hydrating yourself after a workout? You retain 100% of the water you drink from fruit juice, herbal tea and decaffeinated coffee or tea. You retain 50% of the water from caffeinated drinks like coffee and sodas. But 0% of water is retained from alcohol. So forget the post-game beer.
February 5
Health and Diet
All carbohydrates aren’t created equal.
Simple carbohydrates or simple sugars are absorbed into your blood quickly and provide instant energy. They usually contain little fiber or important nutrients. Making simple sugars a regular part of your diet can have health consequences, including weight gain. Go for complex carbs in whole fruit, whole grains and legumes, vegetables and salads.
Fitness
Wash it down with water. 8 glasses each day will help prevent urinary track infections, kidney stones, reduce your risk of bladder and colon cancer by 50%, and help prevent constipation. And if all that weren’t enough, it may even help you pass up on snacks because it gives you a full feeling.
February 4
Health and Diet
The best advice for air travel is to pack your lunch. Airport food is unreliable, and you may not be able to find food that fits into your plan. By bringing your own grab bag of goodies, you’ll have a healthy and nutritious meal to tide you over until you get to your destination. Pack a sandwich for starters. Whole fruit and baggies of nuts also travel well.
Fitness
If you have arthritis, here are some tips for relief. Maintain good posture to equally distribute stress throughout the joints. Don’t overdo it. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition and overuse can cause flare-ups. Use proper muscle groups when lifting, store things at a comfortable level and exercise frequently to prevent muscles and joints from getting stiff. But don’t forget to rest too.
February 3
Health and Diet
Enjoy fresh or frozen vegetables, depending on your preferences, lifestyle and budget. The nutrient content of raw and cooked veggies is similar, but cooking some vegetables increases the nutrient content over raw. When vegetables are cooked, the body uses minute phytochemicals called antioxidants to repair cell damage caused by “free radicals,” toxic byproducts of normal metabolism and the environment.
Fitness
Persist at a steady pace and be patient. If you are trying a new activity and are unfamiliar with the skill, take some time to practice. Your body isn’t used to the new movement patterns and needs to adapt neurologically, physiologically and mentally. Getting a good night's sleep and reviewing the new skills in your mind will help the coordination between your mind and body.
February 2
Health and Diet
The American Heart Association says you can take steps to lower your risk for heart disease. Reduce high blood cholesterol levels. Follow a healthy diet, especially one that is low in total fat, saturated fat and calories. Quit smoking. Lose excess weight, especially around the abdomen. Increase physical activity. Control high blood pressure.
Fitness
Stop heartburn before it stops you. To avoid heartburn (also known as acid reflux) make sure you workout before dinner and try to eat light meals throughout the day. Don’t eat within 3 hours of bedtime and avoid fatty greasy foods. Well, to be honest, you shouldn’t be eating that junk at ANY time of the day.
February 1
Health and Diet
Fiber wins favor when it comes to healthful eating.
Fiber has no calories and is abundant in foods that are low in fat, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain foods. A high-fiber diet is usually low in fat. By eating foods high in fiber, you'll feel full without consuming unnecessary calories. Fiber also helps lower your risk for heart disease.
Fitness
Catch some zzzz’s. Getting in your 8 hours of sleep each night supports your immune system, helps you solve problems more creatively and keeps your spirits up. As long as you’re not tossing and turning. Try to keep to a regular schedule, unwind before you hit the sack, and keep the temperature in the bedroom cool. When you’re SLEEPING, that is.