Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

It’s finally heating up in SoCal to the Chicago summer temps that I miss, making proper hydration more important than ever. That’s probably why Active.com recently featured an article with some of the most up-to-date info on managing hydration to improve your performance and maintain optimal health. And it turns out that some of the convention wisdom on hydration doesn’t hold water.

(more…)

If you loved jumping rope as a kid, so why not pick up a rope now to shake up your fitness routine? Fitness has developed a five-move routine that it says can burn 160 calories in 15 minutes.

(more…)

I read an article in Time last week about adding calorie counts to chain restaurant menus. It provided examples of some of worst belt-busting menu items currently available, including Outback’s Aussie Cheese Fries, which weigh in with an impressive 2,140 calories!

Don’t get me wrong—I love a good cheese fry, and I have it on good authority that this version includes bacon, another favorite. But guilt usually interferes with my enjoyment of such treats. Fortunately, Woman’s Health has come to the rescue with healthy makeovers of some fattening favorites, including:

• cheese fries
• potato skins
• buffalo wings
• spinach dip
• chicken fingers
• white-chocolate mocha frappuccino

Now you can indulge in semi-good conscience.

Fitness has put together a list of foods to try and to avoid for various ailments. If you suffer from any of the below, click thru for more info:

1)   Migraines

2)   Menstrual cramps

3)   Fatigue

4)   Irritability

5)   Bad breath

6)   Stress/Anxiety

7)   Joint pain

8)   Heartburn

9)   Gas

10) Constipation

Have you red wine drinkers been feeling neglected by FF40? Well, I’m back with more research indicating that moderate consumption of the grape reduces “all-cause mortality“—i.e., the annual number of deaths in a given age group. On the flip side, though, excessive drinking causes multi-organ damage.

(more…)

I posted a couple of months ago about the American Dietetic Association’s position on functional foods like enriched bread—foods that boast health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Now Time magazine has chimed in with an article on “food as pharma.”

(more…)

Last week I wrote about how some weight training can help those with lower back pain. What about ab workouts? Do they help or hinder your back?

(more…)

Summer travel season is finally upon us. Thanks to the increasing popularity of stay-cations, you might not have to battle the heavy crowds of past summers. You may, however, still face off with another hurdle to your pleasure—jet lag. Research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting this month could help you reduce the effects of jet lag.

(more…)

Kettlebells continue to be popular equipment at my gym. As I’ve noted before, though, they’re also perfect for home gyms. Try these moves from Women’s Health in the comfort of your home.

(more…)

Women’s Health has the lowdown on eight great snacks that clock in with fewer than 100 calories per serving.

(more…)