Pick the most colorful! Listen…
Pick the most colorful! Listen…
When you go for fresh fruit, it’s usually because you want a quick and healthier snack option. But did you know there’s a fruit that can help you with your bones? Next time you’re in the produce aisle, grab some prunes.
Prunes are rich in minerals, vitamin K, phenolic compounds, and dietary fiber—all which may be able to help counter some of the effects of osteoporosis.
However, while prunes may be known for their superfruit status, they can be high in sugar. Always pay attention to serving sizes and try a combination of prunes with a fat or protein to prevent a spike in blood sugar.
Since they’re so portable it’s convenient to snack on any time of day. But you can mix them trail mix, salad, or your favorite yogurt.
You can also put them on top of pizza – they mix well with arugula and balsamic vinegar.
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It is yummy! Listen…
You want to eat healthy tonight, but don’t have time to run to the supermarket? No problem – if your shelves are stocked for quick, nutritious meals.
Canned food doesn’t have to just be full of sugars and sodium – there are some healthy ones to keep on hand that are just as healthy as non-canned counterparts – a good rule of thumb is find stuff that has the fewest number of ingredients – and, in a pinch, keep these non-perishables in your pantry:
Black beans are loaded with fiber and can be used in everything from soups to burritos – just make sure to rinse them first.
Peaches are great for topping yogurts or using instead of syrup for pancakes and ice cream – look for ones that are packed in their own juice.
Crushed tomatoes can be use in everything from soup to pasta, and are packed with nutrients – to keep healthy, look for cans with “no salt added.”
Fall is around the corner, and pumpkin is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and is great in smoothies.
Salmon in a can will last longer than more expensive fresh salmon and can be a salad topper or even formed into patties.
Artichoke hearts are loaded with good carbs, vitamins, and antioxidants, and are a fun pizza topping or appetizer.
So, if you’re looking to eat healthier, check out the can aisle!
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Know the rules! Listen…
If you like your morning coffee sweetened, instead of grabbing sugar, grab something else – maple syrup!
A new study shows that there are lot of health benefits to using syrup – you get antioxidants that boost immunity and help with inflammation that you don’t get from refined sugar.
You’ll also find better blood sugar levels, which can help avoid diabetes. Plus, the study found that when people switched from sugar to maple syrup, their blood pressure dropped, they lost weight and had less harmful bacteria, so their digestion improved.
But the only catch is that it needs to be real maple syrup – Log Cabin won’t cut it.
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That time of year! Listen…
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When it comes to our eating habits, there are some foods you know you should consume in moderation. But there’s a handful that are particularly bad for our diets that you are really doing a number on our bodies, causing damage like weight gain, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, or worse.
There are a few foods in particular that dietitians suggest avoiding:
Grilled meats are delicious, but that char on the outside could potentially give you unwanted carcinogens to ingest. Using a less fatty or marinated cut will cut back on the dripping that goes into the grill fire and there’ll be less burning and smoking from the flames.
Cold cuts are very high in sodium and they often have nitrates and nitrites that have linked with an increased risk of cancer. And washing it down with soda won’t help – it’s just empty calories and loads of sugars, that can help increase a risk of diabetes. Same goes for candy or other drinks like fruit juice, smoothies, and even sweetened iced tea.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if it’s cereal with sugar, artificial sweeteners and colorings, you’ll want to skip that – look for ones with low sugar, and high fiber and protein.
Finally, fried foods are usually done in an oil that gives the food some toxic compounds, which can lead to a host of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, and premature aging.
You don’t have to cut these totally out of your life, but if you practice moderation, a healthier lifestyle awaits!
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National Nut Day! Listen…
Let’s face it – many of us need glasses or contacts or some sort of help for our eyes as we age. For most of us, our vision deteriorates over time. Unless you’re Paul McCartney.
He’s still writing and performing, and doesn’t need any vision help because of eye yoga!
Back in 2010, he created a video that’s only recently gone viral, after he traveled to India where he learned the technique. He met a yogi who told him that your eyes are muscles, and they can be exercised just like any other muscle.
Sir Paul’s technique is to keep your head still, look up far as you can, and hold for three seconds, then down and hold. Repeat that three times, then do the same for left and right, and then diagonally.
Now does it actually prevent someone from needing glasses? Probably not – but ophthalmologists say it is good for you. It won’t cause harm, and eye exercises of any kind can help delay the need for corrective lenses. It can also help with eye fatigue – especially for those of us working with screens all day.
Most importantly, get your eyes checked regularly – regular checkups will help catch conditions like glaucoma or cataracts early.
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