Women have been taking oral contraceptives, aka The Pill, for almost 50 years to prevent pregnancy. But there are a lot of misconceptions about taking the pill, particularly those about weight gain. Most side effects of taking oral contraceptives are mild and include breast tenderness, nausea, headache and breakthrough bleeding….
It’s that time of year again when we create lofty goals for ourselves that are virtually impossible to meet. Avoid the self-recrimination that you’ll undoubtedly feel in a few months, and resolve just to do the best you can. Whether your goal is health-oriented, altruistic or family-oriented, you’ll feel better…
It’s not officially a diet, but there are plenty of reasons to follow the rainbow, especially when picking out fruits and vegetables. The secret to ensuring that your body gets the necessary nutrients lies in following an eating regimen that’s rich in color. There’s a wealth of health benefits associated…
By now, it’s common knowledge that consuming five a day – vegetables and fruit, that is – can have some major bennies on your overall health and wellness. Fresh produce is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber that prevents deadly conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer….
It can be easy to fall into a stale routine of plodding along on the treadmill or plopping down on the same stationary bike day after day. If you find yourself sick of the same old cardio, then it’s time to shake it up. First, ask yourself if you might…
Resting on your laurels – aka your butt – can kill you, experts say. Sitting for long periods of time, even if you exercise regularly, can harm your health. Whether it’s at the office, in the car, in front of the TV, on the phone, reading or at school, the…
Everyone can benefit from and enjoy exercise, but what if weather, transportation or time restrictions keep you away from your favorite workout? Novice exercisers may feel uncomfortable at a gym or exercising in public, so what is there to do when embarking on a fitness plan? You might want to…
When it comes to the obesity crisis, it’s hard to deny that a lack of portion control is a huge part of the problem. In this super-sized society, we wrongly believe that bigger is better and the more, the merrier. But most experts agree it’s portion distortion that’s making Americans…
The benefits of putting on a happy face will give you plenty of reasons to smile. Maintaining a positive attitude about your efforts – weight loss related or not — helps you stay motivated, but it goes far beyond that. By turning that frown upside, you’ll reap actual physical benefits….
Like a fish in water — not oil. Fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce total blood fats, lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. Although fresh tuna is the best way to go, canned tuna is often most affordable and convenient. Be…