Health and Fitness Tip of the Day! January 19th, 2009

Are you burning as many calories as you think?

Physical activity is very important to maintaining good health and also helps to burn calories. Many people don’t realize how easy it is to burn calories by adding physical activity to their daily routine.

Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week, with a goal of 60 minutes a day. These guidelines are intended to promote health and cardiovascular fitness but may not yield much weight loss if you choose a slower calorie-burning activity. 

If you’re looking for physical activity to help burn calories, consider the following facts for a 170-pound person:

• An hour of jogging burns 540 calories
• An hour of aerobic dance burns 460 calories
• An hour of brisk walking burns 310 calories
• An hour of weight training burns 230 calories
• An hour of reading burns 100 calories.

Remember that 3,500 calories equals one pound. You can make small, maintainable dietary changes coupled with physical activity and improve your health.

Tip courtesy of the American Dietetic Association.  www.EatRight.org

Health and Fitness Tip of the Day! January 18th, 2009

Are You a Good Role Model?

Did you eat your fruits and vegetables today? Did you go for a bike ride, walk or go to the gym? Did you drink low-fat milk?

Do you think your children noticed?

Along with everything else, children learn their eating and physical activity habits from role models: their parents, older siblings or other caregivers. Whether you intend it or not, role modeling may be the most powerful, effective way for you to help your child eat smart and be physically active.

The next time you super-size a fast-food meal, eat because you’re stressed or bored, or decide to spend the afternoon in front of the TV, think about the message you are sending your children.

The best way to help your child live a healthy lifestyle is for you to do so!

Tip courtesy of the American Dietetic Association.  www.EatRight.org

Health and Fitness Tip of the Day! January 17th, 2009

Antioxidants: an Answer to Aging?

Like rust on a car, oxidation can cause damage to cells and may contribute to aging.

Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, may help increase immune function and possibly decrease risk of infection and cancer. Antioxidants exist as vitamins, minerals and other compounds in foods.

A few of the better known antioxidants include carotenoids (a form of vitamin A) — the substance that gives fruits and vegetables their deep rich colors. Apricots, broccoli, pumpkin, cantaloupes, spinach and sweet potatoes are good choices. Foods containing vitamins C and E are also good sources of antioxidants, as well as selenium and zinc.

Contact a registered dietitian for advice on increasing the antioxidant content of the foods you eat.

Tip courtesy of the American Dietetic Association  www.EatRight.org