September 2011
Exercises to Target 6 Areas of the Body
Getting in shape can be as easy as focusing on one body part at a time. To tone and shape your body, try breaking your workout into these targeted exercises from SparkPeople®.
Remember to consult with your health care provider before starting or making significant changes to an exercise program.
September 2011
Enjoying Whole Grains
There's something to be said for whole-grain foods. With their exceptional fiber, mineral, and vitamin content, whole grains outperform their white flour, rice, and pasta counterparts. Best of all, with practice and familiarity, whole grains are easy to incorporate into a weekly meal plan — and the health benefits are significant.
One popular approach is to cook large batches of whole-grain dishes once per month and then freeze them in 1-cup or 1/2-cup portions. Cooked grains store well for up to three months without losing flavor, provided they are tightly sealed.
When you're ready to enjoy one of the frozen portions, defrost it in the refrigerator and enjoy it cold on top of salads, or heat and use for a side dish.
September 2011
How to Cut Cholesterol When You Have Diabetes
Did you know that people with diabetes are at a greater risk of heart disease? According to a survey by the American Diabetes Association®, many people don't.1 The survey showed that more than two-thirds (68%) of people with diabetes don't consider heart disease to be a serious complication of diabetes. But in fact, heart attacks occur at an earlier age for people with diabetes, and often have more severe outcomes. Because high cholesterol can be a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, now is the time to cut it down to healthy levels.
Pinpoint the Problem
Research shows that the majority of people with diabetes have one or more cholesterol problems, including high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and increased triglycerides (fat stored in body cells). The only way to tell if your cholesterol is out of the normal range is to have a blood test...
September 2011
Understanding the Food Pyramid
How to Read the Food Pyramid
- Grains: Make half of your grains whole.
- Vegetables: Vary your veggies.
- Fruits: Focus on fruits.
- Oils: Know the limits on fats, as well as sugars and salt (sodium).
- Milk: Get plenty of calcium-rich foods.
- Meat and Beans: Go lean with protein...
