Friday, October 4, 2013

How to Slim Down at Any Age

A more beautiful body after 30? Believe it! Here’s how to get toned and knock off pounds in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.


14 Health Products You Probably Don't Need

The messages can be seducing: Lose weight without trying. Build muscle without lifting a finger. Wake up flawless. Check out these 14 products that promise, but probably won’t deliver, a healthier you.


19 Signs Your Thyroid Isn’t Working Right

Crabby, gaining weight, and unable to concentrate? It could be a problem with that little gland in your neck.


The Reason Why Sweets Lift Your Spirits

There's a reason some of us crave gooey desserts when we're feeling low: They're rooted in happy associations, explains Susan Bowerman, RD, assistant director of UCLA's Center for Human Nutrition. "These kinds of cravings come from long-established patterns," she says, "like memories from when we were kids and were soothed with cookies or rewarded for doing well with ice cream." Tastes, textures and aromas that summon these positive personal memories all have the ability to make us smile, and sweet treats—especially chocolate—are top happiness triggers.



The downside



Going too far in indulging nostalgic cravings can backfire: A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that eating high-glycemic foods that spike your blood sugar can cause strong cravings for more just hours later. And it isn't a mild kind of hankering, either: Researchers at Yale University demonstrated with MRI scans that the same reward circuits were activated in the brains of women shown pictures of milk shakes as those seen in addicts craving drugs or alcohol.



The solution



To get your sweet fix without getting trapped in this cycle, opt for fragrant treats with lots of flavor but less sugar, plus fiber or protein to slow digestion for maximum staying power, Bowerman says. Try a bowl of strawberries dipped in two squares of melted dark chocolate, a cup of low-fat yogurt with a tablespoon of honey or cinnamon-spiced tea with skim milk.



Eat your way happy the healthy way with these mood-boosting foods.


8 Easy Ways to Get Healthy Today

If you're wondering 'How do I get healthy,' then it's time to make some lifestyle changes! Lose weight, get fit, and feel better with these easy expert tips.


Secrets to a Healthy, Stress-Free Family

Our simple do-it-today steps will help you build a strong, happy, healthier family.


How to Become an Exercise Addict

Twenty tips and tricks to make your workout a healthy (and fun!) everyday habit.