Healthy cooking
Learning Center
Mood and food: Break the link
Do you eat when you're not hungry? You might be eating as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. Is your hunger physical or emotional? If you ate just a few hours ago and don't have a rumbling stomach, you're probably not hungry. Give the craving time to pass. Distract yourself and substitute a healthier behavior. Take a walk, listen to music or call a friend.
Does zinc work for colds?
The jury is still out on that question because many zinc studies, both those that find it beneficial and those that don't, are flawed. In studies with positive results, zinc lozenges or syrup appeared to shorten a cold by one day and seemed most effective when taken within 24 hours of the start of symptoms. Taking zinc lozenges with food may reduce side effects, such as a bad taste and nausea. Steer clear of zinc nasal spray, however, which may permanently damage your sense of smell.
Is antibacterial soap a do or a don't?
It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap.
What are legumes, anyway?
Legumes are low in fat and high in fiber. Common legumes include beans, peas and lentils. Here are some tips for adding these nutritional powerhouses to your diet: 1. Add beans, peas or lentils to soups, stews, and casseroles. 2. Use pureed beans as the basis for dips and spreads. 3. Add chickpeas or black beans to salads. 4. Snack on a handful of soy nuts rather than on chips or crackers.
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.
Weight-loss tip: Don't skip snacks
Do you feel guilty about snacking? Don't. Snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of fresh fruit or raw veggies may stop you from taking second or third helpings at your next meal, dramatically cutting the total number of calories you consume.
A new way to enjoy fresh fruit
Want a new way to enjoy fresh fruit? Make fruit kebabs. Start by placing wooden skewers in water and soaking for at least 10 minutes. Place cubed fruit, such as cantaloupe, pineapple, mango or honeydew, onto skewers. Place skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until slightly bubbly, about 2 minutes on each side.
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.
Veggie how to: Grilled vegetable kebabs
Want a new way to enjoy fresh vegetables? Make grilled vegetable kebabs. Brush cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms, zucchini slices, red onions and bell peppers with Italian dressing. Place onto skewers and grill over medium heat, turning often, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Say no, to say yes to less stress
Is your plate piled too high with deadlines and obligations? Are you trying to cram too many activities into too little time? If so, you may find stress relief by learning how to say no to others and yes to yourself. Don't make up reasons to get out of an obligation. The truth is always the best way to turn down a friend, family member or co-worker. But let them down gently. Compliment the person's or group's effort while saying that you're unable to commit at this time. It will soften the blow and keep you in good graces.