Train Your Body

You tell yourself, "It's Thanksgiving, I'll eat what I want and worry about nutrition later."It doesn't have to be that way.There are a few things you can do that can help keep your Thanksgiving meal nutritious without giving up flavor.For instance, using low-sodium chicken broth, reducing oil and butter wherever possible, and substituting yogurt for sour cream in those dips we all love can go a long way in making your feast healthier than ever before.Listen in as Jim White, RD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss some great ways you can make small changes toward helping make your Thanksgiving dinner not only delicious, but also more nutritious.

Recent studies shows that "a slow and steady approach to weight loss does not win the race, and the myth that rapid weight loss is associated with rapid weight regain is no more true than Aesop's fable."Over the years, rapid weight loss has been thought to be less healthy than slow, steady weight loss. Those crash diets you've been told to avoid? Perhaps they aren't as bad as you'd thought.Along with nutrition and exercise, any weight loss is a good thing.Studies show that changes in eating habits are the best way to diet and help keep the weight off over the long dieting haul.Listen in as John Higgins, MD, discusses this longtime myth: that rapid weight loss leads to regaining the weight you've worked so hard to lose.

You are what you eat.You've heard the saying again and again; and now we know just how true it is.There's a reason they call it JUNK FOOD.Researchers from Australia have come to the conclusion, after evaluating the dietary habits of young teenagers as part of a large study, that those who consume a high amount of soft drinks, fried foods and other processed garbage perform worse mentally. Listen in as John Higgins, MD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss the repercussions of filling your body with foods that dumb down your mind. 

When you set out to do your workout, do you measure in distance or time?The concept of time versus distance for the best workout has long been debated.Knowing your goals and limitations is the first step towards deciding whether time or intensity is right for you.Of course, either goal is better than none. Moving your body, however you do it, is of utmost importance. Mixing up your workout is also essential.Walking, sprinting and even hills are great ways to break up your routine to get the most out of your workout.Listen in as Neal Pire and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss which workout style is right for you.

The number one exercise for six-pack abs? Push away. As in, push away from the table.When striving to make your abs visible, your diet needs to be your first priority. Unless you shed the outer layer of fat from your middle, you'll never see the definition you desire.There are certain exercises that can focus in on the ab region, like planks and crunches for example.You want to keep your muscles fresh, so variety is also very important.Listen in as Neal Pire and Melanie Cole, MS, share great workout advice to help you get those six-pack abs.

Freestyle workouts and choreographed classes each have their own benefits; but which one is right for you?The strict regimen of choreographed classes keep you on track, but after time, they may get a bit monotonous.Freestyle workouts can offer a bigger challenge and help keep it fresh. But the thing to consider is whether or not you have the daily motivation to keep up.If a workout has a trademark name (e.g. Zumba) you can be assured it's going to be the same every class.Listen in as Grace DeSimone and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss the benefits of both styles of workout and help you decide what's best for you.

Staying motivated for your workouts all year long can be a real challenge.At some time or another, everyone falls into "workout burnout."The key is to determine what are important or salient motivators for YOU.The health benefits -- including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, colon cancer and all-cause mortality, as well as increased energy, improved fitness and better quality of life -- can be a huge motivator.Ways to keep yourself on the workout path: Make it convenient; exercise at home to fitness DVDs if you don’t have time to drive to the gym. Treat yourself to something that is compatible with your health and fitness goals (e.g., not a piece of chocolate cake, but something else you enjoy, like a movie, flowers or new exercise clothing). Have fun. Find an activity that you enjoy and will stick with, along with an environment that is supportive, safe and comfortable for you. Listen in as fitness expert, Grace DeSimone, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss how to keep motivated.

There are so many fun and useful kitchen gadgets on the market today, but which ones are the best to use for healthier eating?Kitchen tools that are easy to keep handy are the best.For instance, easy-to-clean cutting boards, a good timer and all variations of measuring devices are great to have on hand.Preparing vegetables can be challenging, but a good peeler and a food processor sure go a long way towards getting those healthy foods into your diet.Listen in as Felicia Stoler, PhD, and Melanie Cole, MS, share what they like to keep on hand as they prepare all those healthy meals for themselves and their families.

Have you ever gone to the grocery store without a list and found yourself buying all the wrong foods?Meal planning is a great way to help ensure your meals are healthier.Planning your meals ahead of time and following your shopping list to a "T" will greatly reduce the urge to buy those foods which aren't part of your weekly meals.Felicia Stoler, PhD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss your meal planning so that your food shopping experience will benefit your diet and your health.

Positive thinking always goes a long way towards a positive, happy attitude.Feeling good physically and mentally is very important to your overall health.There are ways to help your mental game, like setting goals and knowing some of your vitals at the beginning so you can keep track of your positive progression.As for the physical aspects, good nutrition is so important for your energy levels; but equally important is knowing what and when to eat.Listen in as Brenda C. Buffington, EdD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss how a positive attitude and goals go a long way towards a positive and healthy lifestyle.