Peer pressure can be a positive force, especially when you’re talking about fitness and healthy eating. The positive influence of having a diet buddy or attending fitness classes with others has been proven to increase weight-loss success. There are probably plenty of people around you who will take notice as…
Leaf it to this veggie to get you healthy. Tis the season for kale. From the middle of winter to the beginning of spring, there’s a bounty of this leafy green vegetable that has a sweet taste. Kale is part of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, collards and…
It seems like mission impossible, but you can survive the steakhouse without contributing to your bottom line. Although you may hear the call of coconut fried shrimp and fried onions, don’t respond. Coconut shrimp are swimming in the bad stuff with 521 calories and 19 grams of fat. Meanwhile, a…
By now, we’re all aware of the health benefits of red wine. It offers beneficial antioxidants that work to prevent cancers and heart disease while lowering cholesterol. White wine doesn’t seem to offer as many benefits, but its bubbly cousin, champagne, seems to. Researchers have found that sparkling wines, such…
Fancy creams, half-and-half and sugar are quick ways to run up a high-calorie tally. Two tablespoons of Coffee-Mate Half and Half will cost you 40 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. Three teaspoons of sugar have 42 calories and 12.6 grams of sugar. And how about those extras at your…
When you attend a theme park or a ball game, it’s easy to fall prey to concession stands offering hot dogs, sodas, cheese nachos and other high-calorie favorites. Instead of buying into fattening fare, pack your own cooler. Bring along bottled water, cold cuts, fresh fruit, pretzels and other convenient…
They say laughter is the best medicine when it comes to your health. So it goes without saying that it also must benefit your weight-loss efforts in one way or another. Research indicates that feelings of joy and happiness contribute to changes in the body. Having a good chuckle strengthens…
Don’t go nuts for nuts. Although many variations of nuts are rich in good fats — monounsaturated fats – and protein, they can still pack on the pounds when consumed in excess. It’s important to observe proper portion control. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overindulge on these high-fat treats. A reasonable…
Don’t like to sweat it out? Struggle with even the most basic group class? Why not water down your workout by enrolling in a water aerobics class? For the person who has trouble with strength training, step or other high-impact classes, a water aerobics class might be just the exercise…
If you’ve been trying to get your family to adopt healthier habits, whether it’s eating better or moving more, then stop nagging. Trying a more positive approach could benefit everyone more. And being sneaky about it doesn’t hurt, either. If you’re not comfortable even broaching the subject of weight loss…