Category — Tuesday Tidbits

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always been into the post-workout stretch. I used to run and lift and step-aerobicize myself to pieces and never took the time to stretch myself out . . . and then I got older, and well, I need to work out those kinks if I want to maintain my flexibility. [Read more →]

Print This!

66 days. About 2 months – that’s how long it takes for a new behavior to become a habit . . . that is, something that’s automatic.  So says a University college of London study. Make it easier on yourself by picking a set time each day to practice your habit – whatever time you think it’ll be the easiest for you to stick with and tolerate.

So what’s it going to be? A big salad for lunch? Making a shopping list/meal plan every weekend? A new exercise plan? The last time I did this in earnest was when I was 20 and learning how to exercise for the first time.  I capitalized on my trait as a morning person by getting up at 6:00 every morning and going for a walk/run . . . which turned into a run . . . which turned into a years-long jogging habit and a 40-pound weight loss.

If you start now, you’ll have a new habit firmly in place by the time the weather turns! What’re you gonna do?

Image: zirconicusso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Print This!

Did you know that physically fit people are 40% less likely to catch a cold? True, according to a recent study. Why? Exercise motivates your infection-fighting cells to do their job – this study, from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found benefits from 20 minutes of exercise five days a week, but a little more wouldn’t hurt you! Just be careful – extreme exercise does suppress your immune system . . . “happy medium” is the name of this game.

Image: Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Print This!

It’s still winter. We’ve been brutalized this year, and there are no signs of letup. We’re all still stuck inside, sharing the germy love.

[Read more →]

Print This!

You’ve probably heard the news – tea’s great for your health.  But are all teas created equally healthful? Nope. [Read more →]

Print This!

Did you hear?  A recent study found a 30% increase in heart attack risk for older people taking calcium supplements of 500 mg. or more a day.  That means that at that amount, the supplements are likely to cause more heart-related problems than the number of bone fractures they prevent.  Yikes!

What to do?  Talk to your doctor, but it might be prudent to limit your high-dose supplementation for now – try getting your 1,000 mg./day from dietary sources, and if you need to make up a bit, ask your doc about taking a low dose in supplement form (300 to 500 mg.).  That’s my plan.  We’ll watch this one!

Print This!

Want more reasons to exercise?  Studies have shown that exercise can:

1. Give you better craving control: New research shoes that the brain chemicals that signal the body to stop eating rise after exercise, so you eat less.
2. Raise your IQ: All exercise helps your brain’s ability to absorb new info. more quickly.  One study showed that people who memorized vocabulary while riding a stationary bike had greater retention.
3. Better organizational skills:  Inactive adults who walked for 2 hours/week improved the connections in their brains that help with strategizing.

Stronger . . . faster . . . smarter?  Could be you!  Find something active you like to do (Wii Just Dance, anyone?) and get your body moving today.

Print This!

So it’s the new year . . . and maybe you’re sportin’ a few extra lbs. from all that holiday hoopla . . . muffin tops are great for eating, not so much for wearing.  Time to get serious and get back on the health bandwagon, folks.  And we know that small changes can equal big results over time.  Try these quick ‘n’ easy tips for shaving 100 calories off your eats and start watching the needle move left on the scale.  Slow but steady wins this race – enjoy your food, just stop stuffing your face!

Print This!