Never Say Diet
You'll never go hungry if you follow the advice of Sally Kravich, a holistic nutritionist with a bicoastal practice in New York and Los Angeles. "The proper guidelines for nutrition should be six to eight vegetables, three to four proteins, two to three fresh fruits, two healthy fats, and one to two healthy starches per day in order to promote greater health and longevity," says Kravich, author of Vibrant Living . Choose organic foods, and you'll eliminate all chances of consuming harmful chemicals and pesticides. Add a Nutritional Boost
"One should still take extra supplementation," Kravich says. She likes Nature's Sunshine Products , which carries "the best single and herbal combination formulas available anywhere," she says, due to "very expensive and extensive quality control." Products include supplements for women's health, men's health, probiotics/friendly bacteria, digestive aids/enzymes, and mental stress/well-being. Among Kravich's favorites: chlorophyll capsules to boost the immune system, Probiotic Eleven to support digestion, vitamin E with selenium for heart health and antioxidants, Ultimate Echinacea for the immune system and B complex capsules for overall health. Lighten Up the Lunchbox
According to a recent study by Boston Children's Hospital, nearly one-third of U.S. children ages 4-19 eat fast food on a daily basis, which packs on about six extra pounds each year and increases their risk of obesity. Instead, pack healthful lunches featuring organic foods-and be a good role model to your kids. "It's important to pack a safe, nutritious lunch for your children," confirms Patricia M. Bowman, an associate professor at the Johnson & Wales Center for Food and Beverage Management in Providence, Rhode Island. "It's also important to remember to pack food they will actually eat. If not, they won't have the proper nutrition to get through their busy day." Kill the Cola
It's still not clear whether America's soaring diabetes rates are due to weight gain or sugar intake, notes Cathy Nonas, director of diabetes and obesity programs at North General Hospital in New York City, but "lifestyle has so much to do with prevention," she says. Instead of gulping can after can of sugar-sweetened, highly caffeinated soft drinks to give you an energy boost during the day, switch to nutritious organic fruit and vegetable juices, which can be mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing pick-me-up. Can Do!
Too tired to fuss with dinnertime preparations? You're not alone-and that's why many manufacturers of organic foods offer fruits, vegetables, beans, soups and other staples in convenient cans to satisfy America's on-the-go lifestyle. "A practical 'can-do' approach can lead to success," says registered dietitian Roberta Larson Duyff, editor of 365 Days of Healthy Eating from the American Dietetic Association . "Small, easy steps to eat smart-and move more-ultimately can add up to long-term health benefits. ... |
