In the News: 6 Things You Don't Know About Your Muscles

A round-up of the most interesting and thought-provoking stories of the week.

Advice on Practicing Yoga in Middle Age, Part 1
Dr. Loren Fishman, a back-pain and rehabilitative medicine specialist who studied yoga under B.K.S. Iyengar, answers readers questions about how to safely practice and alleviate pain in the first of three segments. A must-read for anyone who practices yoga, anyone who wants to, or anyone with back or nerve pain. NYT.com

6 Things You Don't Know About Your Muscles
Our muscles do more than most of us realize. Tip #1: Think of them like “scaffolding for your entire body.” Don't miss the rest... Shape.com

Best Road Races for Beginners
If you’re a new runner interested in road races, you’ll want to check out this list of events known for their crowd support, good swag, and non-competitive vibe. Self.com

Frank advice from Star Jones
A decade after weight-loss surgery and three years after open-heart surgery at age 44, the former View star shares her thoughts on healthy living. Philly.com
 
What 100 Calories Look Like: Frozen Treats
Craving something cool and creamy? Look before you lick. FitSugar.com


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The Best Foods for Energy

Want to know what's really zapping your zip? Don't blame your bed—or the lack of time you spend sleeping in it. The real problem may be sitting on your plate. Find out the surprising reasons behind your energy crisis and take steps to fill your tank.

Energy Buster: Sugar Substitutes

Since you can't digest them, low-calorie sugar alcohols—including mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol—can cause stomach distress like bloating and gas, which are major energy drainers.  Read More ›

6 Ways to Increase Your Energy

 Click here for more tips to increase your energy from Family Circle.
 
More from Family Circle:
 

• 14 Natural Energy Boosters
• Stress-Free in an Instant
• 7 Ways to Stay Relaxed Behind the Wheel 

What helps you stay energize throughout the day?

Join our Rise and Shine challenge this April! Read More ›

The Truth about Vision Problems

When do you know whether an over the-counter eye product is the best remedy for you? Get our smart tips on when you should go to the drugstore and when it’s time to set up a doctor’s appointment.

Eyedrops for Dryness

Head to the drugstore if... a particularly windy or dry day is to blame for your irritated eyes. The best drops are preservative-free. See a doctor if... you've been using a product regularly or aren't sure what's giving you trouble. "Some people don't produce enough tears, while others have eyelid disorders," Hawthorne says. "Sometimes only a prescription eyedrop may provide relief."  Read More ›

15 Fiber-Packed Foods

You've heard that fiber is important for just about everything, from keeping your heart healthy to promoting good digestion and even helping you lose weight. But are you getting the recommended 25 grams a day? "Most Americans are only getting half of the amount they should," says nutritionist Lyssie Lakatos, RD, cofounder of The Nutrition Twins. Fortunately, snacking on these nutritionist-approved treats can help.  Read More ›

Poll: Whom Do You Trust for Nutrition Information?

I've noticed a popular trend this year among friends who have children.  A common New Year's Resolution I heard other moms talking about was to feeding their families fewer processed foods.  This has been one of my goals for quite some time, but I know from experience that it's not very easy.  One reason it can be difficult to feed your kids healthier foods is that you get different recommendations about the "right" and "wrong" things to eat depending on where you look.  Your doctor says one thing. The doctor on TV says another. SparkPeople's dietitians recommend certain strategies. And those tips might conflict with what your best friend has tried successfully.
 
According to a new national survey, moms will be making changes to their food-buying decisions over the next year, and looking to more non-traditional sources for advice.  When it comes to food and nutrition, "Moms place higher priority on the opinions of bloggers and peers than that of experts like doctors and dietitians," according to the survey results. This stood out to me; it seems we trust one another more than the people we've been told to trust as "experts" all these years. So who do you trust more? Read More ›

10 Nutrition Rules You Never Knew

Load up on fruits and veggies. Never skip breakfast. Watch your portion sizes. While you've got a pretty good handle on the healthy eating basics, there are some lesser-known guidelines that could help you lose weight, feel fuller faster and boost the nutrients in your food. "The key is figuring out which ones translate to your lifestyle," says Stephanie Middleberg, RD, founder of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City.

So here are, 10 quirky tips you've likely never heard before—test them out and determine which work best for you.  Read More ›

6 Reasons Why You Feel Exhausted

Some days you know exactly why you feel worn out: maybe a curfew-breaking teen kept you up past your bedtime or your coughing kid has you coming down with something. Other days it's a mystery. "So many of my patients come to me saying they're tired and they don't know why," says endocrinologist and metabolic specialist Eva Cwynar, M.D., author of The Fatigue Solution. The reason may be one (or more) of these six energy suckers. If they have you dragging your heels, we've got easy fixes for putting pep back in your step.
 
Drain #1: Skipping Sex
When patients go to Dr. Cwynar complaining of burnout, she always tells them: Have good sex. "Making love boosts your body's production of adrenaline and endorphins -- hormones that increase alertness and energy," says Dr. Cwynar. For a rarin' start to your day, set aside some time in the morning. "I know you're thinking that you have to prepare for work, make your kids their lunches, and it doesn't seem like you can find the time," says Dr. Cwynar. But a quickie before the children wake up can be just as satisfying as a longer session on date night, plus it'll give you the get-up-and-go you're seeking.  Read More ›

The Surprising Benefits of Nut Butter

Nut butters have become popular in the health world in recent years—and for good reason! Nut butter is a great source of healthy fats, which are important for regulating your energy, mood, and even your weight. However, some nut butters also deliver a more unexpected benefit: They're great for your bones! Let's take a look at two of the most popular nut butters--almond butter and peanut butter. Between the two, which one should you choose for better bone health?  Read More ›

How to Burn Calories Without Exercise

Slim-Down Ideas

Splurging on a gym membership isn't the only way to weight loss. What you eat is obviously important, but how you eat can also help you reach your goal weight. Click through for nutrition tips that could help boost your metabolism. Try these pointers for yourself and you could drop 10 pounds—no sweat!  Read More ›

Shocking Restaurant Meals to Avoid This Year

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has recently released their Xtreme Eating 2013 report. This yearly publication highlights the most shocking levels of calories, saturated fat, sugar and sodium in restaurant dishes across the country.

We've seen some noteworthy diet-friendly dining choices over the past several years, but restaurants still have a lot of work to do in the nutrition department—and this list is proof of that! Check out some of these outrageous meals from CSPI's ''no-no'' list, plus smarter alternatives. Have you tried any on the list?
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A Better Way to Get Vitamin C (Besides Orange Juice!)

With cold and flu season in full swing, most of us are trying to do all we can to avoid catching one of the nasty viruses floating around. Some swear by vitamin C-rich orange juice for warding off disease. Although the evidence about vitamin C's illness-fighting powers is conflicting, there's no doubt that it's still a good nutrient to consume. Since the body does not produce vitamin C, you must obtain it from outside sources to create and repair skin cells and fight off the effects of damaging free radicals. If you eat your veggies, though, it's not hard to reach your daily quota, since all fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C to some degree. That's right; orange juice isn't your only option for getting this important nutrient! Which type of produce will deliver the highest amount of vitamin C per serving: Red bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi, or oranges? Read More ›

13 Recipes High In Protein, Low In Fat

Are you tired of eating plain, boring chicken breast every night for dinner, or are you having a hard time eating enough protein to meet you daily needs? Studies suggest that eating protein helps you feel fuller for longer and keeps your body's systems function properly. At the same time, many high protein recipes are also loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol that work against your efforts to stay healthy. A health and balanced diet requires 10-35% protein. That's an average of 50-175 grams daily. To find the right balance of protein and fat follow these suggestions:

• Grill, bake, poach or broil your food to limit fat.
• Select nonfat or low fat dairy options.
• Use egg whites in place of the whole egg.
• Select lean meats and trim the fat and skin before cooking. 

Prepare these high protein, low fat recipes to help you stay on track and satisfied.

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Which Super Seed Packs the Most Nutrition?

If you've ever been to a health food store, you've probably seen the dozens of bulk bins filled with tiny seeds. Though they may look like bird food, don't turn your nose up at these little kernels of nutrition! Two of the most talked-about seeds are chia seeds and flax seeds. Both have been prominently featured in the media in recent years for their health benefits. If you had to choose, which seed will give you the most nutrition per ounce? Read More ›

Ask the Experts: Myth Busters!

Dietitians are always trying to dispel the obscene amount of nutrition myths floating out in the world. We asked nutrition experts around the country about their favorite (or rather, least favorite!) nutrition myths and how they set the record straight.  Read More ›