IS BEEF HEART HEALTHY?

Beef heart is a muscle like other cuts of steak, but more dense with a higher nutrient content and additional protein. Beef heart contains all essential amino acids, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. It has more than double the elastin and collagen than other cuts of meat and a highly concentrated source of coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10. MayoClinic.com suggests choosing grass-fed beef rather than grain-fed beef because it may have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Traditional Diets

Organ meats, such as the liver, brain, kidneys and heart, were often part of traditional diets. Scottish haggis is made of ground organ meats mixed with grains, then stuffed into the stomach lining and cooked. Pates, liverwurst, sausages and sweet breads — made from the thymus gland — have been part of different food cultures from around the world.

The X Factor

Weston A. Price, author of “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration,” hypothesized that a fat soluble vitamin acting as a catalyst for the absorption of vitamins is present in organ meats. More powerful than vitamins A or D, Price called this vitamin “Activator X.” In his study of indigenous food cultures, he found that every group had some food it considered sacred. He noted that all hunter-gatherer tribes ate the organ meat of any game killed first, and often raw.

Coenzyme Q10

Beef heart is a rich source of Coenzyme Q10, known as CoQ10. According to the university of Maryland Medical Center, CoQ10 boosts your energy level, is vital for your immune system and works as an antioxidant — fighting free radicals that damage DNA. 

CoQ10 may also prevent blood clot formation, lower blood pressure, reduce fluid in the lungs and swelling in the legs — making it an important aid in preventing heart disease and heart failure.

Collagen and Elastin

Collagen is a type of protein found in the dermis — or middle layer — of your skin. An ample amount of collagen will keep your skin youthful and supple, warding off fine lines and wrinkles. There is more collagen in your skin than any other type of protein. 
Elastin is another type of protein in your dermis, responsible for giving structure to your skin. Too little elastin causes wrinkles and sagging.

Beef heart is an excellent source of both collagen and elastin, and will help keep your skin youthful.

Nutritional Overview

Beef heart can be a healthy part of your diet. A 4-oz serving contains only 130 calories, with 80 of these calories coming its 20 g of protein and 35 calories from its 5 g of fat. Beef heart also contains several B vitamins, lycopene, iron, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, selenium and zinc.

References

• Truth About Abs.com: The “Weird” Types of Meat with the Highest Nutrient Density
• MayoClinic.com: Grass-fed beef: What are the heart-health benefits?
• Tender Grass Fed Meats: The Benefits of Organ Meat
• Nourished Magazine: Book Review: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A Price - by Sally Fallon
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
• Cleveland Clinic: An Overview of Your Skin

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Dec 17, 2010

4 Keys To A Smart Nutrition Plan

Think of the word “diet,” and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Visions of joyless eating, piles of palelettuce, bored taste buds, more pale lettuce, meals that would starve a mouse, and mounds of food labeled “Off Limits” and locked away, never to be tasted again. Oh, and lettuce. In other words:

Don’t
Imagine
Eating
This

Boooring! Deprivation diets, fad diets and taboo-food diets send the wrong message. Your body is not an enemy that needs to be beaten and starved into submission. Building healthy habits can – and should – be fun! This is apositive thing you’re doing, making yourself healthy and happy at the same time.
 
Food was created for a reason. Each food has specific benefits and potential drawbacks. Even chocolate, in certain forms, is said to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease. On the other hand, if you eat nothing but grapefruits, you’ll be loading up on certain vitamins, but missing out on a lot of other very important nutrients. The key is balance. Too much of anything can hurt. But not enough of everything can hurt even more.

How far do you think your car would go on watered down gas or without any oil? About 20 miles, probably. You’re no different. Deprive your body of what it needs and it’ll break down. The secret is to be conscious of the grades of “oil” and “gas” that you use. Some are more powerful than others, and help you run longer on less fuel.

To fuel your body for optimal performance while losing weight, SparkPeople strongly suggests 4 strategies to use when starting a weight loss program:

• Control your food portions. Who really needs “Biggie” anything? Use our easy guide to portion control.
• Make smart substitutions. Why not try mustard (11 calories) instead of mayonnaise (99 calories) on that deli sandwich? Who knows, you might even like it better. Compare calories in your favorite foods using this handy chart, and learn more ways to cut calories without deprivation.
• Focus on “power foods.” High protein, high fiber, healthy fats and good carbs give you the most punch for your lunch. Here are over 100 foods that fit the bill.
• Watch your eating habits. Mindless munching, emotional binging, and twice-a-day trough feedings are sneaky habits that steal momentum and leave pounds. Overcome emotional eating with our 10-step action plan.

Having Trouble Eating Enough? Use These Calorie-Boosting Tips

It may sound strange for us to provide tips to boost calories when many members are trying to cut back. But some people have difficulty meeting even the minimum calories in their recommended ranges, whether because of lack of hunger, loss of appetite, or just out of habit of eating too little. Eating within your calorie range is important for your body to work properly. In addition, you need to eat enough calories to meet nutritional needs, maintain a healthy metabolic rate, and stay energized. Eating too little will actually hurt your weight loss efforts.   Many people make the mistake of “the less I eat, the more I’ll lose,” but that’s not necessarily true. (Read more about how eating more will help you lose weight.)

The following tips and food suggestions can help. By applying one or two each day, you may find that you are back on track and in-control of a healthy caloric intake.

Tips to Meet Your Calorie Recommendations

• Eat small, frequent meals 5-6 times daily.
• Drink high-calorie, nutritious liquids if you are not hungry for food.
• Limit diet, low calorie, low-fat products.
• Have ready-to-eat snacks available to munch on when you feel hungry. Easy snacks include trail mix, pretzels with dip, nuts, dried fruit, crackers with cheese, frozen yogurt or ice cream, pudding, and fruitsmoothies.
• When you drink beverages, make certain they are nutrient-rich. Limit diet drinks, tea and coffee.
• Enjoy Super-Strength Milk for extra calories and protein. Simply mix together 1 quart of milk and 1 cup of instant non-fat dry milk powder. Stir for about 5 minutes or until the dry milk is dissolved. Store this beverage in your refrigerator and use it just as you would regular milk. (Makes 1 quart)

To Increase Calories…

• Mix dry powdered milk to mashed potatoes, ground meats, cream soups, pudding, casseroles, hot cereal, and milk.
• Add an additional egg (or egg white) to casseroles and ground meat before cooking.
• Top vegetables, potatoes, casseroles, soups, sandwiches and salads with cheese.
• Using milk instead of water when preparing hot cereals, cream soups, hot chocolate, and gravy.
• Spread peanut butter on crackers, apples, bananas, pears, and celery.
• Snack on eggs, meat salads, cheese, nuts, nut butters, and cottage cheese.
• Add extra butter, margarine, oil, regular salad dressing, or mayonnaise to foods such as potatoes, vegetables, bread & rolls, hot cereal, salad, pasta, rice, noodles, and sandwiches.
• Top vegetables and meats with sauce, gravy, or cheese.
• Add extra sugar or honey to cereals and beverages.
• Add sour cream, cream cheese or whipped cream to your favorite recipes, potatoes, and bagels.
• Toss nuts and seeds into vegetables, salad, trail mix and cereal.
• Snack on a piece of fruit.

Good Things Come in Small Packages
These foods are small in size but big on calories and nutrients. Adding these to your diet can help you boost your caloric intake even when you don’t have a big appetite:

• Eggs: deviled, hardboiled
• Nuts: peanut & nut butters on crackers, mixed nuts, trail mix, seeds
• Dairy: yogurt, pudding, custard, frozen yogurt, cheese cubes, string cheese
• Grains: cereal with milk, whole grain bagel with cream cheese, granola bars
• Fruit: Add fruit to your meals and snacks to boost your calories.

Drink Up
These beverages are high in both protein and calories:

• Dairy-based drinks: yogurt smoothies, milkshakes, whole chocolate milk, commercial eggnog
• Drink mixes: hot chocolate, instant breakfast drinks
• Nutritional supplement drinks: Check with your physician to determine if you need a supplement drink to meet your needs.

10 Surprisingly Healthy Packaged Foods

Every active woman, regardless of her breast size, should have a sports bra as a part of her fitness wardrobe. Not only do these specially designed bras offer better support and more comfort than a regular bra, they also help minimize movement during your workout. Exercising in the wrong bra can lead to more than discomfort. A number of issues, including tension in the arms and shoulders and restricted breathing, can occur if the band is too tight.

A woman’s breasts are composed primarily of adipose (fatty) tissue, mammary glands, connective tissue, and the Cooper’s ligament, which keeps the breast firm and prevents sagging. Because the underlying chest muscles do not support breast tissue, exercising in anything other than a well-fitted sports bra can stretch the Cooper’s ligament, leading to greater sagging and even pain during exercise.

Finding the right sports bra for you can be a daunting task when there are hundreds of styles from which to choose! Don’t worry—we’ve done the homework for you.

Believe it or not, just any old sports bra won’t supply the support you need to prevent sagging, stretching or pain related to exercise. One size certainly doesn’t fit all.

Studies have shown that between 70% and 80% of women are wearing the wrong size sports bra, and therefore, they may not be getting the benefits of support and comfort from their fitness wardrobe. Many department stores, including Nordstrom or Macy’s, offer free fitting services for customers. But if modesty is a concern, you can take your own measurements before leaving home. Measuring can save you lots of time and aggravation when choosing the right bra.

Below are the steps to take your own measurements.

1. Use a tailor’s tape or cloth measuring tape when taking your measurements.
2. Stand up straight, preferably in front of a mirror.
3. Wear a normal (non-padded) bra, not a sports bra, when taking your measurements.
4. Find your bust measurement. Measure the fullest part of your chest by loosely wrapping the tape measure around your chest, making sure the tape is straight in the back and front. Once you get a number, round to the nearest whole number to get your bust measurement. (For example, if your bust measured 38.5 inches, round that up to 39 inches.)
5. Find your band measurement. Measure your ribcage just under your breasts, making sure the tape is snug (not tight) and not lower in the back than in the front. To get obtain your band measurement, take the actual number of your ribcage measurement and add 3 inches. If this number is odd, you need to add 1 inch to make it an even number. (For example, if your band measured 32 inches, you’d add 3 to get 35 inches; because it’s an odd number, you’d add a 1 to get 36 inches.)
6. Find your cup size. Subtract your band measurement (step 5) from your bust measurement (step 4). Use the chart below to determine which letter is your cup size. (Using the same example above, you’d subtract 39-36 to get 3 inches, which is a C cup, according to the chart.)
   
   
    
   Bust – Band differenceCup Size1/2”AA1”A2”B3”C4”D5”DD or E6”F7”G
7. Put your band size with your cup size and you have your bra size. (In this example, the bra size is 36C.)

Now that you have your size, there are a few points to consider when choosing the right sports bra for you:

• For what types of activity are you going to wear this sports bra? High-impact exercises, such as running, step aerobics or hiking require a different style and support construction than you’d need for low-impact workouts like cycling, yoga or Pilates.
   
• Will you wear your sports bra for outdoor or indoor exercise? While this may be a strange detail to consider, some women prefer to wear a sports bra without a shirt when exercising indoors. In doing so, look for a bra made of wicking, breathable materials as well as nice detailing.
   
• Does this sports bra fit your individual body structure? Choose a bra that fits your body size and shape. Wearing a bra that doesn’t fit for your breast size and/or ribcage measurements may lead to discomfort and chafing.

Next comes style. There are three basic sports bra construction styles:

1. Compression Sports Bras (the one piece style that you pull on over your head) are by far the most popular sports bra construction. This bra compresses both breasts against your chest allowing for minimal or no-bounce movement. These bras are generally a pullover style without fasteners. This style is most suited for women with small to medium sized breasts (A-B cups). These tend to come in general sizes, such as small, medium and large vs. band/cup sizes. Most major manufacturers, including Champion, Moving Comfort, Under Armour, Reebok and Nike, carry a wide variety of compression sports bras from which to choose.
    
2. Encapsulated or Natural-Shaping Sports Bras are best suited for larger breasted women, usually a C-cup or larger. These bras look more like a normal bra with fasteners in the front or back, and may come with or without the underwire. This style encapsulates each breast in an individual cup instead of compressing both breasts together as in the previous example. The encapsulated sports bra is the best choice for larger-breasted women (C-cup and up) or plus sized women. One of the most popular manufacturers of this style is Enell. Their bras have received rave reviews from women who require greater support and control. But other manufacturers, including Moving Comfort and CW-X, also provide a nice selection in these sizes.
    
3. Compression/Encapsulation Sports Bras are a combination of the previous two bras. They encapsulate each breast and compress the breast tissue against the chest. They can be pulled over the head or closed with fasteners. This style is ideal for women with medium to large breasts, usually C through DD cups.

Now you probably have a good idea about the construction style that is best for you. Now comes the fun part—considering the individual features (including colors, styles and design details) of your sports bra. While fit should always trump style, here are some construction details to look for:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics, such as Dri-FIT and CoolMax, pull sweat away from your skin to help keep you cool and dry (and minimize chafing). Avoid all-cotton bras—especially if you sweat heavily or exercise in hot, humid conditions—because this fabric tends to remain wet and saturated even after your workout is over.
   
• Minimal seams or covered seams, especially in the cups, to prevent chafing and irritation. Every seam on a sports bra could rub against your skin, so the fewer seams the better.
   
• Wide straps that do not dig into your shoulders. Many women, especially runners, prefer the popular razorback style since this design allows for greater arm movement and provides greater support. However, a traditional scoop style is a readily available alternative for women who find the razorback style uncomfortable.
   
• A snug fit around the rib cage allows for minimal movement, but the band should not be so snug as to keep you from getting good lung expansion during your activity. Your sports bra should feel snug—not tight.
   
• Deep armholes to minimize chafing yet allow for good range of motion.

Finding the Right Fit
It is very important to try on a sports bra before you buy it. Most experts recommend that you take a minimum of three sports bras with you when heading to the fitting room. You should bring the size you measured, along with the next size up and the next size down. Because sizes can vary between manufacturers, it is important to try on many different brands and styles in order to find the optimal fit. You know you’ve got the right size, style and fit when:

• The straps fit snug against the skin, but aren’t so tight that they dig in to your shoulders. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath the straps—from the front to the back of the straps with ease.
   
• The band lies snug and flat against around the front, sides, and back of your ribcage. It should not ride up. You should be able to slide one finger easily under the band.
   
• Your breasts fit within the cups. In other words, any bulging from the top or sides is an indication that the cup size is too small.
   
• The fabric does not “gather” in the cup, especially on top. Excess fabric bunches are usually an indication that the cup is too big and will not provide adequate support and comfort. This can also cause chafing during activity.

Once you’ve tried on a bra that fits your requirements, test it out in the fitting room! Do some movement drills such as jumping jacks, running in place, and raising your arms overhead to make certain the bra provides the control, support, and comfort you are looking for without rubbing you the wrong way. But remember, a good sports bra will fit more snugly than a regular bra—just not so snug that you cannot get one finger under the band and slide it easily.

While most experts suggest trying a sports bra on for the first time, some women may have a difficult time finding their true size on the store rack. Luckily, there are a few Websites to guide you along. Many of the sites provide instructions for how to find the right bra for you as well as customer service phone numbers you can call for assistance. The following sites provide a wide variety of sport bra apparel for women of all shapes and sizes:

• HerRoom - www.herroom.com
• Just My Size - www.JMS.com
• title nine - www.titlenine.com
• Road Runner Sports - RoadRunnerSports.com

Taking Care of Your Investment
A high-quality sports bra can easily set you back between $25 and $70, but for most women, it’s a well-made investment. Depending on the frequency of wear and the care you give to your garments, a single sports bra can last between 6 and 12 months—maybe longer. Therefore, you will want to use extreme care when it comes to laundering your undergarments. Most experts recommend hand washing a sports bra with a mild detergent after every wear. New sports detergents, such as Penguin Sport-Wash or Win High Performance Sport Detergent are good options, too. Not only do these specially designed detergents help to eliminate embedded odors, but they also help retain the wicking properties of your sports apparel. And while it may be tempting, never place your sports bras in the dryer since the heat can break down the elastic, thereby shortening the useful life of your bra.

So how do you know when it is time to say good-bye to your sports bra? While the useful, supportive life of your sports bra depends on many factors, you know it’s time to upgrade when:

• The fabric is losing its shape
• The bra is no longer offering the support it once did
• The fabric is pilling, especially under the arms
• The elastic is stretched out
• You have lost or gained a significant amount of weight

We’ve come a very long way since the first sports bras, created by three women who each sewed together two jock straps to give them the support they needed, made its debut in 1977! Today, the sports bra is an integral part of every woman’s workout wardrobe. While finding the right sports bra can take time, once you find one that is perfect for you, you will be amazed how much better you will feel while exercising!

10 Easy Ways to Lighten Up Any Recipe

Choosing healthy foods is an important part of eating right, but cooking them in a healthful way is another huge part. For example, zucchini can take on two completely different forms when it’s quickly sautéed in olive oil versus battered and deep fried. What we add to foods makes all the difference when it comes to home cooking.

The first step to healthier cooking is to take recipes as suggestions. Before you start chopping and mixing, scan the recipe to see if there are any unnecessary calories. Look for excess cheese, butter and oils, as well as sugars.

Here are some tasty, healthy ideas to help you become a professional recipe overhauler!

1. Sauté—the skinny way! A couple of tablespoons of  low-sodium vegetable broth can be used instead of oil or butter in your stir fry or as the basis for a sauce. This method will add a nice flavor to your dish as well as a little moisture—and you’ll save calories to use elsewhere. To get a dose of unsaturated fats, serve your broth-sautéed veggies with a side salad, and pour an olive oil-based dressing over the top.
    
2. Say no to skin. Three ounces of chicken breast meat with skin has almost 150 calories; three ounces of chicken without the skin has 50 fewer calories. Tasty as it might be, the skin contains mostly heart-unhealthy saturated fat. You can cook with the skin on to retain moisture  (add fresh herbs or citrus zest underneath it to really bake in some flavor), but be sure to remove the skin before you enjoy your meal to save on calories and saturated fat.
    
3. Squeeze on the citrus. To add a powerful flavor punch with minimal added calories, use citrus on steamed veggies instead of butter or over a salad instead of a dressing. It’s even great on fruit salad in place of sugar and adds some zip when squeezed onto a pasta salad. Don’t forget to use the flavorful zest of citrus fruits as well! Wash a lemon, orange or lime, then use a zester or grater to add the zest to dishes such as baked seafood.
    
4. Be choosy about cheese. When using a mildly flavored cheese, such as Monterey Jack, you need more cheese to taste it. But when you choose a cheese with intense flavor, you can use less and still get the desired effect. Try a reduced-sodium feta, sharp Cheddar or aged Parmesan next time. Light cheese wedges such as The Laughing Cow brand are useful when you’re watching fat and calories, too. Try mixing one of these soft cheeses into your scrambled eggs or noodle dishes instead of loading on the shredded mozzarella.
    
5. Go Greek. Tangy, fat-free Greek yogurt is a healthful replacement for sour cream. Try this switch in herbed and spiced dips, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, or throw it in a cooked dish as a thickening agent. You’ll save 45 calories for each 2-tablespoon serving.
    
6. Puree your produce. Add body to soups and sauces with pureed vegetables instead of heavy cream, evaporated milk, butter or cheese. This move will also add fiber and nutrients to your dish for very few calories. A puree of carrots will add texture to meatless spaghetti sauce, and mixing a blend of beans into a chili or soup will add flavor and thicken it—all with very few added calories. In this recipe, Chef Meg thickens a taco soup with chickpeas!
    
7. Get cozy with cottage cheese. When a recipe calls for a significant amount of a crumbled cheese, such as feta or ricotta, substitute half the amount with reduced-fat cottage cheese. This will retain taste, texture, protein, and calcium while ditching some of the fat and calories. This works well for stuffed peppers and most baked pasta dishes.
    
8. Pump up the veggies! You can easily reach the recommended five servings of fruits and veggies when you’re cooking at home. Veggies can compliment any dish on your menu, adding nutrient-packed bulk to the meal for few calories. Add chopped asparagus and mushrooms to your next omelet, red peppers (or a frozen stir fry mix) to baked casseroles, or any kind of beans to a pasta salad. Include fresh or frozen spinach in pasta sauces and soups, and broccoli in your casseroles. The opportunities for adding veggies are endless for almost any dish!
    
9. Cut the cream. When making cream-based soups, sub fat-free half-and-half for any heavy cream. The switch gives the soups a creamy taste and velvety texture without all the saturated fat of heavy cream. This works great in pasta sauces as well.
    
10. Make your own marinade. Marinate lean meats in vinegar and citrus combos (with a bit of oil added) rather than a pre-made oil-based dressing. You can also try a fruit juice or wine. These agents will still tenderize and flavor the meat, and a mix of herbs and spices will bring out the flavor! (You’ll also save sodium by not using the store-bought varieties!) Try cutting the meat in strips before dousing it to really let the marinade take effect.

As you can see, there are endless ways you can boost the nutrition and reduce the calories of almost any recipe. Get creative and experiment in the kitchen. You may just find that you like these new ways of cooking just as much—or even better!

Eat to Beat PMS

PMS. Three little letters that spell dread and discomfort for millions of women every month. It is reported that more than half and perhaps as many as 85 percent of all women experience discomfort related to menstruation, common referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome. In this article we’ll explore how your diet (and some nutritional changes) can help you eat to beat monthly PMS symptoms.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome? 
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the name for a group of symptoms that begin 7-14 days before your period (menstruation). The symptoms include a variety of physical and psychological symptoms and usually stop soon after your period starts.

While the exact cause of PMS is unknown, it seems to be closely related to the fluctuating levels of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress and emotional problems do not seem to cause PMS, but they may make it worse.

Signs and symptoms of PMS
Symptoms vary from one woman to another, but the most common physical and emotional symptoms include:

Anger
Anxiety
Appetite changes
Acne
Backache
Bloating
Breast swelling

Breast tenderness
Constipation
Crying spells
Depression
Diarrhea
Difficulty sleeping 
Fatigue

Fluid retention
Food cravings
Headache
Insomnia
Irritability
Joint and muscle pain
Memory problems

Mood swings
Overeating
Swollen hands or feet
Tension
Trouble concentrating
Upset stomach
Weight gain

While 85 percent of menstruating women experience some of these symptoms, only 3 percent to 8 percent experience a severe form of PMS called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD symptoms are severe enough to either disrupt women’s personal relationships or interfere with their normal work and home responsibilities.

Eat to Beat PMS
There is no cure for PMS, but healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce symptoms. Here are 9 eating tips that I recommend for women who want to prevent or reduce their PMS symptoms:

1. Enjoy 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day to reduce bloating and feelings of fullness.
2. Limit your consumption of salty foods and sodium to reduce fluid retention and bloating. Use yourNutrition Tracker to monitor sodium intake, aiming for 2,400 milligrams or less each day.
3. Select foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, such as whole grains, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and lentils. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these foods may improve mood and reduce cravings.
4. Limit your intake of highly refined and processed carbohydrates such as chips, crackers, and snack foods. These foods can trigger overeating and upset your digestive system.
5. Limit the amount of sweets (candy, cake, cookies, breakfast pastries, pie, jams, jellies, and soda) in your diet. These can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar that contribute to moodiness and irritability.
6. Choose calcium rich foods and get at least 1,000-1,200 milligrams daily. Calcium is a key nutrient for women anyway, but it has also been shown to ease depression, moodiness, water retention and PMS pain. For more ways to boost calcium intake check out these dairy-free sources.
7. Avoid or limit caffeine consumption to decrease feelings of tension, anxiety, and irritability prevent breast tenderness.
8. Avoid alcohol to help with feelings of depression and moodiness. One study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology also found that regular alcohol consumption increased length of and severity of cramps in women who experience cramps during PMS.
9. Discuss with your doctor the benefits of taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement.

In addition to dietary changes, the following lifestyle habits can also help women who experience PMS.

• Exercise can help improve your overall health and alleviate symptoms like fatigue and depression. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day (or most days of the week). Learn more aboutexercise and your period.
• Get enough sleep. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like talking to friends, writing in a journal, or practicing yoga.
• Schedule stressful events for the week after your period.
• Don’t smoke. PMS symptoms appear to be worse in women who smoke.
• Stick to a routine so that you eat, wake up, go to bed and exercise at the same time each day.

If dietary and lifestyle changes don’t help control your symptoms within two to three cycles, or if PMS seriously affects your health and daily activities, visit your health care provider. There are no unique physical or laboratory tests to diagnose premenstrual syndrome, but your doctor can examine you and perform test to rule out other problems. He or she may ask you to keep track of your symptoms for several cycles, too. Your health care provider may suggest various treatment options, including medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, diuretics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or oral contraceptives (birth control pills). You may need to try more than one medicine to find the treatment that works best for you.

Why suffer through PMS every month if you don’t have to? Try to incorporate these habits to improve your overall health and well-being and feel your best all month long.

11 Healthy Party Appetizers

Did you know that overindulging on the weekends can lead to a weight gain of nine pounds a year? To stay on track and still have fun with friends and family, serve some of these healthier party foods. (Click on each appetizer for a wide selection of healthy recipe options.)

Bruschetta (45 calories; 2 g fat per piece): Traditionally, this starter is made with thin slices of toasted breadrubbed with garlic and topped with tomato and basil. Get whole wheat or multigrain baguettes from the bakery. Have them slice the bread for you—they’ll be thinner and more uniform.

Smoked salmon mousse (75 calories; 3 g fat per serving): In a food processor, mix 6 ounces smoked salmon with light cream cheese, some dill, lemon zest and juice, and a handful of capers. Mix until creamy, then spread on sliced baguettes and top with a thin slice of English cucumber.

Salsa (50-75 calories a cup): Jarred or homemade, spicy or mild, this is a no-fail appetizer. Serve it with baked or whole-grain chips, vegetables or pita chips.

Guacamole (75-80 calories;, 7 g fat per 1/4 cup serving): These dips are full of filling and heart-healthy fats! Increase your vegetable intake by adding extra chopped tomato, onion and bell pepper, plus cucumber.

Shrimp cocktail (10 calories; 0 g fat per shrimp with a tsp of cocktail sauce): Shrimp is lean, and each one has 1 gram of filling protein. Protein takes longer to digest and keeps you fuller, longer.

Hummus (50 calories; 3 g fat per 2 tablespoons): Chickpeas are filling, thanks to the protein and fiber in them. Make a simple dip at home with a couple of cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Add juice from a lemon, a couple of roasted red peppers and a clove of garlic. Mix in a food processor until creamy.

Baba Ghanoush (70 calories; 2 g fat per serving): Halve an eggplant and spritz with olive oil, then roast at 425 degrees until the flesh is charred and tender, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool, then scrape flesh into a bowl, mix with lemon juice and a couple of cloves of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil.

Chicken kabobs (30 calories; 0 g fat; 6.5 g protein per ounce of chicken): This is a great alternative to meatballs! Toss chicken chunks in a light marinade, then broil until crispy and cooked through. Serve on toothpicks. Thread 1 ounce strips of chicken onto skewers cut in half. Serve with peanut sauce, low-sodium teriyaki or even light ranch dressing.

Air-popped Popcorn (just 30 calories per serving): Popcorn is a whole grain, and 1 cup of is low in calories for such a large volume of food. Spritz with nonstick spray, then sprinkle on oregano, black pepper and parmesan cheese.

Fruit and cheese (115 calories; 7 g fat in one ounce of cheddar cheese): Skip the crackers and serve cheese with fruit instead. Cheese is full of calcium and protein, and the fruit helps bring out its flavor. Swap low-fat for full-fat cheese and remember that one serving of cheese is about as big as a pair of dice.

Deviled eggs (65 calories; 3 g fat per half-egg serving): Halve the mayo in the recipe to save calories and fat. These are another filling, healthy treat. Instead of your typical filling, try hummus, salsa, or even that smoked salmon mousse. It sounds strange, but it will look gourmet!

A Healthy Diet for Dealing with Depression

Although the foods you eat cannot treat depression, your diet does have significant effects on your mood, energy levels, mental health, and your ability to cope with stress. If you suffer from depression or seasonal affectivedisorder (SAD), certain dietary changes can help you get well when combined with a treatment program outlined by your health care provider.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Be open and honest when discussing your symptoms and feelings. Because depression can have many underlying causes, your doctor should perform a complete physical and also check the following:

• Thyroid. The thyroid gland controls yours metabolism but indirectly affects your mood. An overactive thyroid can make you feel anxious and irritable, while an under-active thyroid can cause sluggishness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, weight gain, and hair loss.
• Iron levels. Low iron stores can alter your mood, cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating, and decrease mental alertness.
• Use of oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can also shift hormone levels and alter mood swings,depression, and fatigue.
• Sleeping habits. Changes in your sleeping patterns and the quality of your sleep can be closely related to your mood. A lack of sleep can cause many symptoms similar to those of depression.

If your doctor diagnoses you with clinical depression, work with her to develop a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and discuss what role nutrition might play, especially if you receive prescription medications. The following guidelines are not cures for depression, but they are things to consider along with your treatment program.

Dietary Tips for People with Depression

DO structure your meals. Eat at approximately the same times each day and don’t skip meals. Enjoy three well-balanced meals and plan snacks between meals. This will help insure that your body is getting the right nutrients throughout the course of the day.

DO eat quality nutrients. Dieting itself is a stress on the body. Individuals who are trying to lose weight and have a history of depression must work to eat foods that are good for the body and the brain. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits and veggies, and healthy fats by starting with this list of super foods.

DO eat plenty of calories, even if you are trying to lose weight. Extremely low-calorie diets alter your metabolismand increase your risk of malnutrition. Eating less than 1,000 calories per day reduces the amount of tryptophan (an essential amino acid that is needed to produce serotonin) in your body. As a result, serotonin levels drop, which increases symptoms of depression and its chances of recurring. If you have trouble meeting your calorie needs, read Calorie-Boosting Tips.

DO consume plenty of Omega-3s. While some studies have failed to show a connection between omega-3 fatty acid intake and depression symptoms, others suggest that consuming more of these heart-healthy fats may help with depression-especially when taken along with conventional antidepressants. Epidemiological research also shows that populations who eat more fish have lower rates of depression. Foods rich in omega-3s include cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel), soybeans, walnuts, eggs fortified with omega-3s, and ground flaxseed.

DO cut back on caffeine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, making you feel anxious and interfering with sleep patterns. Consume no more than 200- 300 milligrams of caffeine daily.

DO avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and illicit drugs can interact with antidepressant medications and other over-the-counter medications. For many, depression and substance abuse are already closely connected. If you think you have a problem, seek help. Addictive or abusive behaviors can prevent you from a full recovery.

DO eat plenty of “good” carbohydrates, which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. High serotonin levels can improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression. At minimum, aim for at least 130 grams of carbohydrates each day. And try to forgo the processed, “white” carbs (white rice, white bread, white flour, etc.) in favor of less processed foods like whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals), fruits and veggies.

Losing Weight While Dealing with Depression
If you are trying to balance weight loss with depression treatment, the following tips will help you do it safely without making your condition worse:

• Inform your health care provider before beginning a diet for weight loss.
• With your doctor’s approval, proceed with a slow-paced weight loss plan, aiming to lose no more than 0.5 pounds each week.
• Follow a balanced diet that meets all of your nutritional needs for protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. A registered dietitian in your area can provide an individualized plan to meet your nutritional needs based on your medical history and treatment therapy.
• Carefully evaluate your mood changes while dieting and seek immediate treatment if you notice any changes.

Depression is difficult for anyone who lives with it. It can sap your motivation to care for yourself, eat well, and exercise—the very things that can help you feel better. While dietary changes alone aren’t a surefire way to prevent or treat depression, they can help you feel better when combined with the treatment options that your health care provider recommends.

7 Key Nutrients Vegetarians Need to Watch

There are many benefits to being vegetarian and vegan. Regardless of why you chose such a lifestyle, it’s not enough to simply cut the meat, poultry, and seafood from your daily menu. Animal products do offer nutrients that support growth, body functions and a healthy immune system, and it’s important that these nutrients are acquired from another food source after you stop eating meat.

Every committed vegetarian should pay special attention to seven key nutrients to ensure that a plant-based diet is also a healthful one.

1. Protein
When you tell people you don’t eat meat, a question about protein usually follows. Although many people associate meat with protein, you can meet your protein needs with plenty of plant-based sources. Unfortunately, new and seasoned vegetarians are often guilty of removing meat, poultry and fish from their diets without a reliable plan to replace those animal proteins with vegetarian proteins. To eat the same foods—pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes and stir fries—minus the meat –can leave you feeling hungry and your meals unbalanced (high in carbs and fat, low in protein). So how much protein do you need?

An easy rule of thumb is that your daily protein requirement is the same as your weight in kilograms. (Simple divide your weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you weigh 68.2 kilograms and should consume about 68.2 grams of protein daily.) You can also refer to the customized nutrition plan on yourSparkPeople Nutrition Tracker to find your daily protein needs.

Now take a look at your diet. Are you getting protein from beans, legumes, nuts, soy, and (if you consume them)milk, eggs and cheese? Are you enjoying these protein-rich foods at every meal and snack? If not, pump up thevegetarian protein for a balanced diet!

2. Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is responsible for red blood cell growth and nervous system maintenance, but when the only unfortified, natural sources of this vitamin are meat, dairy and eggs, vegetarians—and especially vegans—often lose out. Go too long without adequate B-12 and you may find yourself at risk for macrocytic anemia, a type of abnormality in red blood cell development, as well as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, memory loss, dizziness, mood changes, loss of vision and irreversible nerve damage. To ensure you get enough B-12, select eggs and dairy products daily. For those who don’t eat eggs or dairy, look for vitamin B-12 in fortified vegan cheese, yogurt, and non-dairy drinks; fortified cereals; fortified veggie burgers and faux meats; and nutritional yeast. Based on personal choice, one of these recommended plans should be used to ensure adequate vitamin B-12 intake:

• Daily Intake: Healthy adult males and females need 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 daily based on the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This RDA assumes that one’s intake is spread over the course of a day for improved absorption, using foods high in vitamin B-12 as listed above.
• Daily Supplement: If supplementation is necessary, choose a multivitamin-mineral supplement that provides at least 10 mcg of B-12.
• Weekly Supplement: If a larger dose supplement is used weekly, then the supplement should contain 2,000 mcg of B-12 and be taken once a week.

3. Calcium
Most of us know that the mineral calcium is important for bone and overall health, but many people don’t consume enough. Adults 18 to 50 years old need 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day, while those 51 and older need 1,200 mg daily. Calcium can be a concern for vegans and vegetarians who do not eat any milk or dairy products. Similar to the advice that you must replace what you take out (meat) with something nutritionally similar (plant-based proteins), the same holds true for calcium. If you do eat dairy, aim for about three low-fat servings per day. If you consume less than that (or none at all), keep your body’s blood-clotting and bone-building abilities up to par by including non-dairy calcium foods like chickpeas, broccoli, dried figs, enriched whole-wheat bread, calcium-set tofu, and calcium-fortified soy cheese, orange juice, or cereal in your daily diet.

4. Vitamin D
Our bodies produce the bone-forming vitamin D when we expose our skin to the sun, but cloud cover, long winters, indoor jobs, and the widespread use of sunscreen mean we’re not hitting our daily targets. There aren’t many food sources for vitamin D—especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Vitamin D is added to commercially bought milk and many yogurt products, and it occurs naturally in salmon and egg yolks. As vitamin D continues making headlines, we’re starting to see it added to additional food products, including non-dairy milks, fortified cereals, and other packaged foods. The current recommended intake for vitamin D is 600 International Units (IU) for adults up to age 70 years, and for adults 71 or older the recommendation is 800 IU. Talk to your doctor about your exact vitamin D need, if a supplementation is right for you, the type of supplement and the amount to take daily. 

There are two forms of supplemental vitamin D: vitamin D2 (generally made from yeast) and vitamin D3 (made from the skins of sheep, cows, pigs and sheep’s wool). Researchers have found vitamin D2 is only about 60 percent as effective as vitamin D3 in raising serum vitamin D levels. However, it makes sense that vegetarians prefer the D2 form, which is not of animal origin. Because it isn’t utilized as effectively, many experts suggest that vegetarians who rely on vitamin D2 consume 1.7 times the RDI. This means the intake for up to 70 years of age should be 1,020 IU of D2 daily (25.5 mcg); and after the age of 70 it should be 1,360 IU (34 mcg) of D2. Learn more about vitamin D, where to find it, and how to pick a high-quality supplement here.

5. Iron
Iron serves as an essential part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood from your lungs to every body cell. Iron comes in two forms: heme, which is better absorbed, and non-heme, which is not absorbed as readily. According to the Institutes of Medicine and The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), 40% of the iron found in meat, poultry and fish is heme, while the other 60% is non-heme. All plant-based sources of iron are non-heme, which is why the RDA for iron is higher for vegetarians than it is for meat eaters. According to the Institutes of Medicine, vegetarian men and post-menopausal women need 14 mg daily and pre-menopause vegetarian women should aim for 33 mg each day. While non-heme iron isn’t as readily absorbed as heme iron, a few simple steps can influence the absorption of iron:

• Select a variety of plant-based iron-rich foods daily, such as legumes, fortified veggie meats, nuts and seeds, prunes, raisins, blackstrap molasses, fortified cereals and grains, kale, and broccoli.
• Do not rely on spinach, beet greens, rhubarb, and Swiss chard for your iron. An acid in these veggies called “oxalates” binds with the iron, making it unavailable for the body.
• Eat iron-rich plant foods along with fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin C during the same meal or snack to increase absorption.
• Use cast-iron pots and pans to cook your food, especially acidic foods such as tomato sauce. This will increase the amount of iron in your food.
• Do not drink tea or coffee with your iron-rich foods. The tannins in the tea and coffee can decrease the absorption of the iron. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, lime flower, and pennyroyal, can also decrease absorption.

If you are in doubt about your iron intake, talk to your doctor. A simple test can determine your iron level.

6. Zinc
Zinc is crucial for metabolism, immunity and healing. Meat, seafood and animal products are high in zinc, and according to the National Institutes of Health, some vegetarians need 50% more than the recommended 40 mg for adults over 18. Why? Because zinc found in plant foods has a lower absorption level. To maximize your zinc intake:

• Include a variety of zinc-rich foods throughout the day, such as whole grains, wheat germ, tofu, tempeh, miso, legumes, nuts, seeds, and, if applicable, eggs and dairy products. Zinc-fortified cereals and vegetarian “meats” are also available.
• To increase the amount of zinc absorbed from plant foods, soak nuts, beans, and legumes overnight. The yeasting of bread can also increase zinc absorption, as well as the sprouting of brown, green and French lentils.
• If you choose to use a supplement, select a multivitamin-mineral supplement with a zinc level near the recommended intake amount (see above). Do not buy an individual zinc supplement, unless prescribed by your doctor. Large amounts of zinc can interfere with the utilization of other minerals.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There is a substantial amount of research showing that omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits. These healthful fats help with inflammatory diseases, decreasing the risk for coronary heart disease, lowering blood pressure, lessening the joint pain of arthritis, and protecting against dementia and depression. However, it can be a challenge for the vegetarian to get an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids when he or she is no longer eating fatty fish. Incorporating a sufficient amount of plant-based foods high in the omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can optimize your omega-3 intake. While ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil are probably the best choices for vegetarians, other foods to include in your diet are walnuts, soybeans, soybean oil, olive oil, andhemp oil.


There are many benefits to eating a vegetarian or vegan diet—and this article is not meant to scare you away from it! However, making smart food choices is essential. Next time you’re deciding between the veggie burger and the faux turkey slices, consider more than calories. Zero in on these nutrients to help you make the best decision for optimal health. And remember that you can easily track each of these nutrients on your free SparkPeople Nutrition Tracker to see how you’re doing day to day and then make adjustments as necessary.

Here’s to a healthy and balanced plant-based diet!

11 Ways to Achieve a Healthier Life (Abridged)

[1] If nature provides it, eat it. If man made it, don’t go near it. Real food is what we evolved to eat. Man-made food is the major cause of man-made illness (obesity, heart disease and more).. Base your meals on: meat, eggs and dairy foods from grass living animals; fish; quality (non-GM, non-pesticide) vegetables & salads; nuts & seeds and local fruits in season. Treats can include at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate (ideally 85-90%+), red wine and cream, but what are steak and pork crackling if not treats?! If active and slim, brown rice, cous cous and other non-wheat whole grains can be an enjoyable part of one’s diet.

…

[2] Achieving your fitness goals and the getting the body you want doesn’t have anything to do with the latest fancy gadgets or today’s most popular workout routine - it all depends on YOU. Our daily lives are filled with negativity from going to a job we don’t like, allowing negative people into our circle of friends and from trying to escape our past. These roadblocks and self-imposed self-doubt can many times prevent us from achieving any goal we set for ourselves in and out of the gym – and from living the life of our dreams.

If you ever want to achieve great things in your life, you must first start with belief in yourself. This small spark can turn into a raging fire that can burn down the bridges to your past and help you eliminate the obstacles that you face every day. Once you have this belief, you will become unstoppable if you also take action. Focus on small progress every day and live every moment - and don’t fear failure. You don’t have to be perfect, just persistent. Realize that every second that you are not taking action is another day living the life you so desperately want to change.

…

[3] I’ve designed thousands of diets in my life, and here’s something I know that works: Flexibility. I give myself anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of my calories to come from whatever foods I want. This can be daily or weekly, depending on my preference at the time. This accomplishes 3 main things. First off, it reminds me to predominate my diet (80-90%) with whole and minimally processed foods. Secondly, it allows for indulgence foods such as sugary desserts or fried dishes to be consumed in a controlled manner; in moderation. Thirdly, it allows me to feel free and more experimental with the foods I bring into dietary rotation. Trying new things – regardless of their supposed “junkiness” – can end up contributing to the spectrum of nutrients consumed. Collectively, this “discretionary” calorie allotment allows me to enjoy eating in all situations (social & other), while maintaining a healthy diet overall.

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