By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Resolved:  I will lose weight, save money and be healthier in the new year. Sound familiar? If you made even just one of these resolutions this year, I have a tip for how to get started…use your slow cooker. Sound wacky? Find out how this one handy piece of kitchen equipment can help you meet your new year’s resolutions (and if your resolution is to revive 1970s cooking methods, even better!). If your resolution is to:  Lose weight How the slow cooker can help:  Cooking at home is a great first step in trying to get your diet under control. Since slow–cooked food relies on long, moisture-rich cooking, you can use less oil than if … MORE→

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D. The much-dreaded cold and flu season is upon us. And if you’re like me, there isn’t any spare time built into the schedule to be sick. So how can I bolster my defenses against the germs lurking in the common areas in my office, the mall where I do my holiday shopping and the rest stops I encounter in my holiday travels? Related:  Delicious Recipes to Help Boost Your Immune System Try It:  Vitamin D In a study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children who took daily vitamin D supplements (1,200 IU) were 40 percent less likely to get a common flu virus than kids who took a placebo. Laboratory studies indicate that … MORE→

Potatoes and pasta may have been atop your do-not-eat list in the past, but now that the low-carb craze is over, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your favorite starchy carbs actually may not be particularly bad for you or your diet. There is a caveat: watch what you eat with pasta and potatoes, as their healthfulness is predicated on what else in on your plate. Why They Get a Bad Rap The standard serving of cooked pasta or mashed potato is ½ cup which is equivalent to the size of a tennis ball or a computer mouse. The calorie count for one portion is a mere 110 and 57 calories respectively; hardly a calorie-laden, diet-breaking indulgence. So why … MORE→

By carolyn_r The thought of satisfying your sweet tooth and junk food cravings probably conjures up images of chocolate chip cookies, salty fries, and Cherry Garcia ice cream. These delectable treats wouldn’t be a daily doable if you’re aiming for a healthy calorie-controlled menu, but there are ways to satisfy cravings with foods that can be a part of your daily diet. These fixes will help you enjoy the healthiest “junk food” in your own kitchen. Pie Pushers If pies are your calorie nemesis, a few fruity swaps and sweet spices can save you hundreds of calories and offer the same texture and taste that you expect from a dessert. Bake apples with cinnamon and instant oatmeal for acrispy apple pie … MORE→

Core training is becoming a more popular fitness trend in recent years because of its ability to strengthen muscles that move and stabilize the trunk including the abdominals and back muscles. It’s common for doctors and therapists to recommend core exercises for patients with low back problems, but now core training is becoming a priority for regular exercisers who want to relieve back pain, tone their core, and improve posture and sports performance. A weak core can lead to a number of muscular imbalances and injuries. Fortunately, a number of exercises thatstrengthen the core can correct these problems. You may think crunches and other floor exercises are the most effective abdominal exercise, but it’s now time to take a stand. The following … MORE→

Gym memberships and activity climb sharply in January as thousands of people renew their commitment to exercise more regularly. However, recent research released January 28, 2013 by Oregon State University suggests that even short periods of activity equaling 30 minutes daily provides health benefits similar to longer workouts at the gym. It is well-known that regular physical activityenhances overall health and decreases the risk of a range of health conditions, includingdiabetes, heart disease and cancer. Currently, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly to achieve the greatest health benefits. Lead author of the study, Paul Loprinzi, evaluated the physical activity … MORE→