Break for Healthy Mood!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Did you know magnesium is an essential mineral that activates more than 300
enzymes in your body? Some of these enzymes are responsible for releasing energy from food sources, preventing muscle cramping, promoting growth, and protecting against heart disease, stroke, kidney stones and hypertension. Include food sources such as green leafy vegetables, fortified breads, cereals, beans, nuts, oysters and scallops.
Dancing raises your pulse -- a key to a healthy heart. Running and biking will do the same. Regular physical activity has many other disease-fighting benefits. It reduces your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, lowers your risk of developing cancer, and helps you prevent bone loss (osteoporosis), and maintain mobility and independence in later years.
Don't forget the raisins...People who eat fruit frequently have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and several cancers. Three servings a day -- a half-cup of sliced fruit, 3/4 cup of juice (6 oz.) and/or a 1/4 cup of dried fruit -- keeps you on a healthy path. Some easy ideas: Bulk up chicken salad by tossing in grapes and sliced apples; add citrus segments to green salads for a refreshing twist; have a fresh fruit slushie or smoothie instead of a soda with lunch.
It's possible to eat out and still keep a healthy diet -- if you master a few key strategies. Start by getting the food you want in the amounts you need. If restaurants insist on serving gigantic portions, take advantage of appetizers, soups, salads, a la carte items and side dishes. Split oversized menu items with a dining partner. When eating in a group, order one or two fewer dishes than the number of people at the table, and eat family style.
Blogged on 8:16 AM
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