Ever since the outbreak of Listeria from bagged salad greens (eight times in 2012!), I've been paranoid about washing my greens. Even if they come bagged, and the bag is marked "triple washed," I pay no attention. Out comes my salad spinner (what a great invention - can't live without it) and rinse...and rinse...and rinse. I mean, who wants Listeria, which can multiply at refrigerator … [Read more...] about Something I’ve Always Wondered About: Should You Wash Bagged Greens?
Food & Nutrition
What You’re Probably Not Getting Enough of in Your Diet
Quick - what comes to mind when you hear the word "fiber?" I'll bet it's something to do with needing it to stay "regular." Well, yes, that's one thing fiber helps you do - avoid constipation. But it's important for other reasons, too. And since March is National Nutrition Month (it's also the month we change the clocks - yay!) it's a good time to think about putting more … [Read more...] about What You’re Probably Not Getting Enough of in Your Diet
Shouldn’t We Be HEALTHIER Than Our Parents Were??
I like to think that every generation learns from the prior generation and steps things up when it's their turn. This one thing is for sure: I always thought that we knew more about being healthy than our parents did. C'mon, look at us! We're the gym-goers, healthy eaters, obsessed with our input as well as our output. We're the healthy generation, the enlightened ones who know a thing or two … [Read more...] about Shouldn’t We Be HEALTHIER Than Our Parents Were??
3 Diet Myths and Other Confusions
I'm wondering why I woke up this morning with weight on my mind. Is it because we're into a new year and I'm hearing lots of people talking about hanging onto their promises to shed some pounds? Or is it because with each passing year, it's getting tougher - dammit! - to keep off those extra pounds? Or maybe it's the (ridiculous, non-age-appropriate) fashions in the magazines that make us … [Read more...] about 3 Diet Myths and Other Confusions
Midlife Minute: Think Before You Eat
It's easy to dig into food that is in front of you, especially if it's the kind that you love and crave . For me, that's anything sweet. I can easily ignore the savory, salty stuff, but cookies, pies and cakes? Not so much. To save you some unwanted pounds, too-tight pants, mindless eating and that overall awful feeling of regret (AKA "self-loathing"), here are some helpful tips, … [Read more...] about Midlife Minute: Think Before You Eat
Keeping Thanksgiving Leftovers Healthy
We usually have way too much food for Thanksgiving. But we know that in advance. One of the reasons we overcook is so we have leftovers. I don't know exactly why, but I enjoy leftovers way more than I enjoy the food the first time around. And despite the fact that I know it's nice to give departing guests a doggie bag, I get rather possessive of my leftovers... Our Thanksgiving was a small affair … [Read more...] about Keeping Thanksgiving Leftovers Healthy
It’s Never Too Late to Make Healthy Choices
After visiting Miami's Pritikin Longevity Center a while back, I'm happy to say many of the lessons I learned still resonate with me. Instead of using salad dressing, I drizzle my salad with the best balsamic glaze I can afford. I've cut my protein portions from eight ounces to about four, and find that it's just enough, since most of my plate is loaded up with salad and veggies. While some … [Read more...] about It’s Never Too Late to Make Healthy Choices