Healthy Ezine of the Week: Issue 254

Featured Article

Insomnia -- Insomnia is an all too common problem in America today. Learn what you can do about it.

Fitness Tip

Beat Fatigue
If you're one of the millions of people tired of feeling tired, beat the effects of fatigue with these tips from the Wellness Councils of America:

  • Take full advantage of breaks at work
  • Enjoy a hobby that you can practice regularly
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue with others
  • Raise the level of fun and energy in your home by playing games and completing chores as a family

Nutrition Tip

Culture Club
When yogurt's live active cultures colonize your digestive system, they draw a line in the sand against disease. The cultures -- especially acidophilus and bifida - muscle out potentially threatening bacteria. Low-fat or fat-free yogurt has a lot of other things going for it: It's easy to digest, especially for those who are lactose-intolerant and have difficulty digesting milk and many cheeses; it's an excellent source of calcium, protein, riboflavin (a B vitamin), vitamin B-12 (which may be low in vegetarian diets) and vitamin A; and provides selenium, potassium and magnesium.

Quip or Quote of the Week

Quote:
"Food is an important part of a balanced diet." -Fran Lebowitz

Quick Recipe

Ten Minute Chili
In a large pot, combine 2-cups shredded cooked (leftover or deli) beef, two cans (15 ounces each) rinsed and drained pinto beans, 2-cups picante sauce or thick and chunky salsa and 2-teaspoons chili powder. Cook over medium heat eight to ten minutes or until hot. Stir occasionally. Garnish with sliced scallions and reduced fat sour cream. Serve with deli coleslaw and corn bread to round off a great winter meal. Lime sherbet goes well as dessert.

Tidbit(s)

Balance your vitamin A intake for bone health.
Getting too much or too little vitamin A may increase your risk of bone fractures, a recent study revealed. To reduce your risk of excess, load up on foods rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A as needed. Good foods to try include carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.

Food Fixes

For a new taste in potato salad dressing, use onion soup mix instead of fresh onions or chives. Two tablespoons are enough to season a family-sized salad. It's easy and saves the tears and fuss of chopping onions.

Placing a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar helps to soften it again.

Remove the burnt taste from scorched milk by putting the pan in cold water and adding a pinch of salt to the milk.

More Quick Cooking Tips Online!

What's New?

Curious as to just how to do a specific exercise? Or, are you just curious about different exercises? How about adding to your current exercise regime? Check out the brand new section on FitnessandFreebies.com, Exercise!

24 Essentials of Health and Well Being -- Well-being, which is another way of saying good health, can be enhanced in small, easy and pleasant ways. Well-being is a state of mind as well as body. Achieving it can be a simple, joyful experience. Try these suggestions to enhance your health and well-being.