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Fitness takes more than huffing and puffing
When it comes to fitness, huffing and puffing your way through such aerobic exercises as running, biking or swimming isn't the only thing that matters. A good, balanced exercise program includes five key components: aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, balance training, and flexibility and stretching. If you're not getting all five, it's time to mix up your routine.
Fitness barriers: Bust 'em
Sticking to a regular exercise schedule isn't easy. But you can do it. No time? Break exercise into short chunks, or count daily activities, such as walking the stairs, as part of your fitness program. Worried about getting injured? Take it slowly. Start by walking. Too expensive? Work out at home rather than at a health club. Discouraged? Recall your past successes. Bored? Work out with friends or family.
Fit more fruit into your diet
Getting in at least three servings of fruit a day is easier than you think. But if you're tired of the same old fruit options, try these two variations. 1. Blend it. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth. 2. Grill it. Cut apples, pears or peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place on skewers or wrap in foil. Grill on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Fit in more fruit with a smoothie
Want a new way to enjoy fruit? Make your own blueberry-banana smoothie. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth.
Fiber: Soluble or insoluble?
You need both types of fiber in your diet. Soluble, which dissolves in water, can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots and barley. Insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve in water, promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and can help with constipation or irregular stools. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables.
Fast food tip: Watch what you drink
You can eat healthy away from home, even at fast-food restaurants. Be smart about what you get to drink. Many beverages are high in calories. A large (32-ounce) soda can have close to 400 calories. A large shake can have more than 650 calories. Choose water or unsweetened iced tea instead.
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
Have you ever tripped down the stairs? Slipped on a rug? It may seem silly, but falls are nothing to take lightly. Here are tips to fall-proof your home: 1. Keep electrical cords out of walking paths. 2. Securely fasten carpet, rugs and carpet runners to the floor. 3. Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. 4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
Exercising? Take it up a notch
Want to get the most out of your workouts? Try interval training! This simply means alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Take walking. If you're in good shape, try incorporating short bursts of jogging into your regular power walks. If you're less fit, alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. (For example, if you typically walk outdoors, walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or city blocks.) The more vigorously you exercise the more calories you'll burn, even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time.
Exercising regularly? Track your progress!
If you're working out regularly, good for you. Keep it up! It may help to keep an exercise diary. Record what you did during each exercise session, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. Keeping track of your efforts can be a good reminder that you're making steady progress toward your fitness goals.
Eggs: Bad for cholesterol?
Chicken eggs are high in cholesterol, but the effect of egg consumption on blood cholesterol is minimal when compared with the effect of trans fats and saturated fats. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week with no increase in their risk of heart disease. But the story may be different for people who have diabetes. Study results have been conflicting, so more research is needed to prove the association between egg consumption and developing heart disease in people with diabetes. If you like eggs but don't want the extra cholesterol, use only the egg whites.
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