Praising the Pear
Apples have gotten such a good rap (“an apple a day keeps the doctor away”) that the closely-related pear, equally nutritious, should have its own aphorism: “A pear a day keeps sickness at bay.” But pears are often overlooked as a handy snack. Both apples and pears are nutrient-dense, low-calorie alternatives to a bag of […]
P.M. Yoga
Back at the computer after lunch, and starting to feel sleepy? Are your neck and shoulders stiffening up? Does sitting hunched over feel uncomfortable? Instead of reaching for coffee or M&Ms for a little pick-me-up, this is the time of day for releasing your upper back while opening your chest to let in more oxygen. The […]
Water Fitness
Swimming laps is fantastic exercise because it is both cardiovascular and strengthening. It uses all the body’s muscle groups and therefore gives a whole-body workout. It is also low impact, which benefits those with joint or weight limitations (or advanced pregnancy), yet a vigorous swim burns as many calories as running a 10-minute mile or […]
Every Nutrition School has a Pyramid, Which One is Yours?
Nutrition pyramids are supposed to be graphical representations of a healthy diet. But whose? The latest guidelines issued by the U.S. government emphasize eating more fruits and vegetables and less fat, salt, and sugar, as we reported back in February. But there are as many food pyramids out there as there are food philosophies, […]
Sitting Pretty
For me, the word ergonomics has always called to mind carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain. But what does it mean exactly? The science of ergonomics finds the best fit between a person and the equipment she or he uses to maintain health and promote productivity. When it comes to our desks and computers, ergonomics tells us […]
Food Grade Plastic Guide: Keep Your Kitchen Safe & Healthy
In our last blog about kitchen plastics, we discussed the health risks of chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in kitchen items. It’s clear we need to be careful when choosing our kitchen plastics—but how can you spot what’s safe? In this kitchen grade plastics guide, we’re giving you the information and tools you […]
Yoga for Aching Backs
Sitting at a desk all day? Driving a long commute, or maybe simply rolled out of bed a little funny? Backache afflicts 90 percent of all U.S. adults at some point in their lives, and 50 percent report having back pain at least once a year. For the regular, non-chronic type of back pain that can result […]
Rebecca’s Winning Seafood Paella
This recipe won the 2nd-place ribbon at the Fallas festival in Valencia described here. Ingredients ½ lb monkfish or other white fish, cubed into 1″ pieces 1/2 lb calamari, chopped into rings 1/2 lb shrimp, preferably with shells intact 4-6 shrimp, with heads and shells intact 1 lb fresh mussels, with scrubbed shells 1 large […]
Paella, or Spanish BBQ: A Classic Spanish Family Holiday Dish
Paella originates from my mother’s hometown of Valencia, Spain, and harkens back to the 13th century when the Moors brought rice to the Iberian Peninsula. Cooked in a shallow round metal pan first introduced by the Romans, paella is still traditionally reserved for family gatherings and special occasions. I think of Paella Valenciana as Spain’s […]
Plastics in the Kitchen: Are They Safe?
Plastics are widely used in the kitchen, from containers for leftovers to dishware, cutlery, baby bottles, even the coating inside canned foods. But recent research has shown that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates commonly found in many plastics, can leach into food and pose potential health risks. In January 2010, the Food and […]
Why Turkey is Good For You (Gravy Recipe Included!)
Holidays and food often evoke memories of overeating and sleepiness, perhaps brought on by Uncle Ed or Aunt Bertha’s long-winded story at the other end of the table. Holiday menus provide comfort, but does the turkey and mashed potatoes offer anything special nutritionally? Can stuffing ourselves on traditional food possibly be healthy? Let’s look at […]
Got Fiber? Dietary Fiber Helps Weight Loss, Lowers Cholesterol
Looking for a miracle food that helps you lose weight, feel full, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and keeps you regular? Fiber is the answer. Most of us know very little about fiber, beyond the vague notion that it prevents constipation, yet it plays many critical roles in our body. If your grandmother ever […]
Calcium: A Bone’s Best Friend – Needs Change as We Age
Calcium and phosphorus are critical minerals that form the basic building block of bones and teeth, giving them both strength and density. Calcium is also essential to nerve and muscle function, blood clotting, enzyme and hormone regulation, and cell membrane function. When we don’t consume adequate amounts of calcium through food or supplements, our bodies […]
Stairway to Heaven
Looking for ways to burn a few extra calories, build your strength, or tone your rear end? Stair climbing is a great way to get an excellent aerobic workout, no matter where you are or what your fitness level. You can take the stairs in any building that has them, in your workplace, your house, […]
Vitamin D – What’s all the fuss?
Vitamin D has been getting a lot of attention lately for several reasons. It appears that vitamin D deficiency may affect many more people than previously thought who reside at mid-northern latitudes, including most of the United States. This is true even at the current recommended daily intake of 400 International Units (IU). The National […]
