Feeling down? Maybe you’re nervous or angry about something. What you eat may have an impact on your mood and help you get happy. To release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the pleasure centers of the brain, try eating bananas or leafy greens or drink a glass of milk. Make…
Who says you can’t get physically fit without a gym membership? There’s no denying that belonging to a gym definitely has its perks. There are countless classes – from spinning to step to Pilates – available at no additional cost. You have access to every machine under the sun, some…
To work out or not to work out — that’s the question. Many people don’t know the facts when it comes to exercising while ill. Some experts maintain there is some truth to the notion that working out when sick will make you feel better. However, they recommend activities that…
If you’ve made the resolution to snuff out smoking this year, then one of your best allies in the fight can be exercise. It’s great if you’re already committed to a workout plan – after you quit, you’ll see even better results because smoking and exercise have opposite effects on…
There’s a reason health experts go nuts over this superfood. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which offer a host of health benefits. Research shows that walnuts reduce the risk for heart disease and lower bad cholesterol while providing the body with fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and…
Emotional eating can wreak havoc on even the most determined dieter. It’s a way to suppress or soothe negative feelings like boredom, grief, fear and anger. Triggers may include unemployment, financial stressors, relationship strain, health problems or simply fatigue. Our first reaction when anxiety rears its ugly head is to…
Cook in bulk. Life is hectic, and the last thing you want to do after a long day of work is slave over a hot stove. Designate Sunday as the day you prepare a week’s worth of food. Cook stews, soups and casseroles in batch. Then during the week simply…
What’s 4th of July without a BBQ? Of course, you want to celebrate your independence, but should it come at the price of your diet? It’s easy to engage in mindless eating in the heat of the moment. However, you won’t believe how quickly you can derail your weight loss…
Most people don’t use their freezer enough. However, the freezer can be a dieter’s best friend. If you’re cooking for one, buy produce and meats in bulk and individually package your purchases by serving size. When you plan your menu for the week, you can defrost the pre-packaged staples. If…
Don’t like to sweat it out? Struggle with even the most basic group class? Why not water down your workout by enrolling in a water aerobics class? For the person who has trouble with strength training, step or other high-impact classes, a water aerobics class might be just the exercise…