With the hotter weather upon us, I thought it would be a good time to dive into the sometimes-confusing topic of water consumption. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is so ingrained in our minds, and so many of us use it as one of our golden rules of health. But it is one rule you can pour down the drain. Fact: Individual needs for hydration vary. The eight-glasses-of-water-a-day … [Read more...] about Myth or Fact: Is Eight Glasses of Water a Day Really Necessary?
Food & Nutrition
Intimidated by Fish? Don’t Be.
As a freelance health journalist, I'm fortunate to be invited to many interesting events on health, beauty, fitness and other interesting subjects. Yesterday ranks as one of my favorites: Hosted by New York City's Crave Fishbar and the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, the talented Chef Todd Mitgang and his staff prepped an amazingly delicious and varied mélange of seafood that would satisfy any … [Read more...] about Intimidated by Fish? Don’t Be.
5 Easy Ways to Curb Mindless Snacking
Mindless snacking takes no effort at all. It's way too easy to reach for the leftovers on your spouse's plate...that last piece of bread in the bread basket...a piece (or two) of candy so fancifully displayed in the lovely dish on your friend's coffee table. But here's the rub: Snacking can add up to 650 extra calories a day for men and about 465 for women, according to research. And most … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Ways to Curb Mindless Snacking
What You Need to Know: “Best If Used By” Dates
It happens every time I go to clean out my fridge: Oh no! Those eggs are how old? If I use that mustard with a date of 2014 stamped on its label, will I die? The yogurt expired two weeks ago...but it seems okay. (Is it?) The next thing I know, I'm hurtling things toward the garbage, cursing under my breath the whole time about how much money I'm wasting on food. {{{{{{echoes of that … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know: “Best If Used By” Dates
20 Surprising Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
I’ve heard about apple cider vinegar for a long time. I think the first time I noticed it was not because of its uses in cooking – it can be used for things like marinades, salad dressings and homemade pickles - but for its touted weight loss benefits. One study – a clinical trial of overweight Japanese adults in 2009 – looked at the effects of drinking apple cider vinegar on weight loss. When … [Read more...] about 20 Surprising Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
7 Amazing Health & Beauty Finds
It happens a lot. I suppose it's because I write about health, beauty, nutrition and fitness, and I'm privy to so many expert opinions and so many different products. Sometimes I'll try them once, and then never use them again. But other times I'm delighted and surprised to have found something I never knew about before - and am delighted when I love it and grant it a permanent place on my … [Read more...] about 7 Amazing Health & Beauty Finds
Lose Weight With Peanuts
Huh? Did you read that right? It seems counterintuitive, yes. But according to some recent informal random comments on a post I wrote for HealthyWomen.org in 2011, people really did lose weight when they included peanuts in their diets. Here are just a few key reasons you can lose weight with peanuts: Since peanuts and peanut butter are packed with fiber and protein, they keep you satisfied … [Read more...] about Lose Weight With Peanuts
Eat Smart This Thanksgiving
STATISTIC OF THE DAY One in six Americans – that’s 48 million – gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) That’s a lot of bathroom time. Even worse: 128,000 people need to be put in the hospital and 3,000 die of these illnesses (mostly children and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable). HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR STOMACH STAYS SECURE THIS … [Read more...] about Eat Smart This Thanksgiving
Wondering About the TransFat Ban?
The word “fat” is so confusing – whether it be the type that we wear on our bodies or the type we put into our bodies. Good fats, bad fats, healthy fats, trans fats. What does it all mean? Let’s start with the one that’s been in the news lately – trans fat. A brief history: In the early 1900s a German chemist named Wilhelm Normann discovered a way to turn vegetable or fish oils from liquid … [Read more...] about Wondering About the TransFat Ban?
Oatmeal: It’s Not Just For Breakfast
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Or maybe for lunch or even dinner yesterday? Was it oatmeal? Not just a breakfast food anymore, I’m writing to tell you that oatmeal is the new… Meal you can eat any time. And since National Oatmeal Day has recently passed, it’s not too late to tell you why. While on a very informative press trip late last month (that’s when I tried paddle … [Read more...] about Oatmeal: It’s Not Just For Breakfast