Jan 22

12 tips for healthy eating on a budget

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Is it possible to eat well for less? Our tips for healthy eating on a budget will show you how   It’s never been more important to eat healthily, but eating a variety of fruit, vegetables, and other nutritious foods has become harder for individuals and families in recent years, with food prices surging. We’ve got 12 tips for healthy eating on a budget, to ensure you and your family are eating well every day. According to the US Department of Agriculture, at least one in 10 US households was food insecure at least some time during 2020, and 5.1m households had very low food security. Experts define food insecurity as being unable to access enough affordable, nutritious food to enable normal growth and development. In this article, we aim to provide support and information on how families and individuals can access nutritious, affordable foods even on a tight budget. From advice on planning meals and shopping lists to tips on making the most of coupons, we have helpful hints to make your money stretch further. We’ve also spoken to Kimberly Snodgrass, registered nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for her expert advice on finding healthy […]
Jan 21

Dance Like Your Doctor Is Watching: It’s Great for Your Mind and Body

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Two new studies say that dancing may keep you healthy well into old age, potentially by reducing the risk of disability and dementia. One paper, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, looked at how various forms of physical activity affected about 1,000 elderly Japanese women and their risk of becoming physically disabled, as measured by their ability to complete tasks like walking, bathing and dressing. The women were asked about their general health and the types of physical activity they regularly did, and were monitored for signs of disability over eight years. During that time, 130 women met the criteria for disability. The researchers found that physical activity generally helped women remain independent as they aged, but certain types of exercise seemed to have larger effects than others — and dancing led the pack. The researchers found that women who frequently danced had a 73% lower chance of becoming disabled during the study period, compared to women who did not. None of the other exercises, including calisthenics, walking and yoga, had such a strong association after adjusting for demographic and health factors. The secret may be that dancing requires a variety of different skills, both […]
Jan 20

10 Workout Motivation Tips That Will Get You Off the Couch

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Proven Methods That Actually Work. Sometimes the hardest part of beginning a new workout routine is just getting started. To get motivated to workout (and stay that way), you need to have a solid plan, personal goals, and ways to keep your exercise routine fresh. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and two muscle-strengthening activities per week. That said, the guidelines note that even five minutes of physical activity at a time has health benefits as you ease into a routine. In order to develop a workout routine that works for you, keep these pointers handy — and don’t forget to include rest days, too! These workout motivation tips will help you get off the couch to cue up an at-home workout or head to the gym.   Where to Start Workout motivation tip: If you need the motivation to just get started, understand that by simply walking a little bit every day, you can build strength in your joints and lower your stress. Even a short 10-minute walk will do you good. After getting comfortable with your walking routine, little victories, like increasing the duration of your […]
Jan 19

6 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

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Tips for preventing and recognizing the signs of kidney disease   More than 35 million adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease, and just a fraction of them even know it. And the number of cases is growing. Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste from the blood and produce hormones. Left untreated, CKD, a form of kidney failure, allows toxins to build up in the body and can lead to other health problems, like heart disease and stroke. It also can progress to end-stage renal disease, which requires dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant to live. The key, doctors say, is to look for symptoms of CKD early. “In many instances, there is treatment available for kidney disease but in only a few instances, unfortunately, is there a cure,” says Vasil Peev, MD, a nephrologist at Rush. “That’s why it’s important to intervene early and engage in prevention efforts for the disease.” Here are six tips to follow to help keep your kidneys healthy:   1. Know the signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, the symptoms of kidney disease aren’t always noticeable, and 40% of people with severely reduced kidney function are not aware they have CKD. Therefore, it’s crucial […]
Jan 18

Tips to keep your mind sharp

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Treat your brain right if you want it to be in great working condition even when you are 80, says a new study. Here are simple steps to stay bright and active. Treat your brain right if you want it to be in great working condition even when you are 80, says a new study. Here are simple steps to stay bright and active. Here are simple lifestyle changes that will help you stay sharp as the years go by.   In the 30s Floss every day:What do loving licorice and hating the idea of flossing have in common? Both can contribute to plaque on your teeth, which is surprisingly bad for your brain. “The plaque between teeth can cause an immune reaction that attacks arteries, which then can’t deliver vital nutrients to brain cells,” says Michael Roizen, MD, co-author of YOU—The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. Solution? Floss every day. Can’t remember? Keep the floss where you store your morning makeup. Go fish: Look to the sea for healthy ways to feed your brain. DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon, trout, and some fortified foods […]
Jan 17

The 10 Best Strength-Training Exercises to Feel Strong and Confident

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Boost your confidence and self-esteem by including these exercises in your workout routine.   It’s estimated that up to 85% of people struggle with self-confidence issues at some point in their lives, according to a 2023 Gitnux report. While most everyone can relate to occasional self-doubt or a dip in confidence, it is important to find practices to boost confidence to avoid bigger issues like anxiety and depression that can occur if self-esteem issues aren’t addressed. A 2023 review in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research states that there is evidence that suggests that a lack of self-esteem predicts depression—meaning, people who lack self-esteem tend to also have depression. Studies indicate that resistance training is associated with an improvement in mental health and self-esteem. For example, a 2024 review in Psychiatry Research suggests that resistance training is associated with an improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults. And a 2019 review in Sports Medicine Open suggests there is evidence that resistance training has a positive effect on self-efficacy, body image and self-worth in youth. I see this research in action in my personal training clients. Regardless of weight loss, clients tell me, “I am getting so much […]
Jan 16

10 tips for healthy eating out

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Whether it’s lunch with work colleagues or an evening celebrating with friends, most of us tend to eat less healthily when we eat in restaurants, pubs and cafes. Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor offers her tips for eating out without overdoing it. Believe it or not, it is possible to eat, drink and be merry without overdoing it. Here are my tips for having a good time while keeping an eye on your waistline and good health.   1. How often are you eating out? A one-off meal out probably won’t make any difference to your health in the grand scheme of things, so enjoy it. However, if it’s one of many, consider carefully how it fits into your overall diet. This could mean having a lighter meal in the evening, like soup or a sandwich, if you had a big meal earlier in the day. Or you could choose the healthiest menu options to make the meal fit into your normal diet, rather than just going for your favourites.   2. Check what’s on the menu One of the best ways to ensure you make healthy choices when eating out is to check the menu before you arrive, whether online […]
Jan 15

Daily exercises, healthy diet and other expert tips to keep your mind sharp as you age

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Tips to keep mind sharp with age: By focusing on regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and strong social connections, you can maintain and even improve cognitive function well into your later years. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine to age without health complications. It’s normal to experience occasional memory lapses, like forgetting where you placed your keys or misremembering details. This forgetfulness is often linked to natural changes in the brain, such as a decrease in neuron density and a shrinking hippocampus, the region responsible for memory formation. Age-related conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, along with certain medications, can further impact cognitive health. Dr Nisha Kumar, a neurologist at LifeCare Clinic, explains that while these changes are a natural part of ageing, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress can speed up cognitive decline. Thankfully, there are proactive steps you can take to slow this process and keep your mind sharp. By focusing on regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and strong social connections, you can maintain and even improve cognitive function well into your later years.   Here are some strategies to help maintain your mental acuity:   Regular […]
Jan 14

Ankle Weights Are the Key to Firing Up Your Abs—These Are the 8 Best Exercises to Do

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If you’re looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try adding ankle weights to your next ab routine. Strapping on a light pair of ankle weights adds extra resistance and forces your core to work harder while stabilizing your body, explains Taylor Phillips, CPT, a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Equinox in New York City. The result? Stronger abs. Having a stronger core helps improve your posture, balance, and stability, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Working on your core strength can also make daily activities, like bending down to tie your shoes or sitting in your desk chair, that much easier. Below, you’ll find the best ankle weight exercises that’ll isolate your abs and help build a solid core. Think of these moves as the cherry on top of your strength routine.   But first, the benefits of using ankle weights for ab exercises   1. It adds an extra challenge to your core “Light ankle weights challenge the core by adding extra weight for the muscles of your core to brace against,” Phillips says. With more weight on your legs, you’ll have added resistance on your core muscles, which increases the demand on both […]
Jan 13

Simple changes for a healthy new year

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9 ideas to help you eat healthier and be kind to yourself   For many people, a new year is inspirational. It’s a time to set goals and think about what you want to accomplish in the year ahead. Where to focus? We’re going to look at ideas for making positive changes to your eating habits. Eating well is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, along with staying active, getting enough sleep and reducing screen time. Before the tips, a word about goal setting: It takes planning. You need to figure out what you want to do, how you will make it happen and why this goal is important to you. Will it make you happier, healthier or improve things in some way? It’s vital to have a clear sense of purpose to help you focus on what you want. Keeping your goals small and manageable will give you a better chance of success. And remember to treat yourself with kindness. Here are some small changes that could help you eat healthier in the year ahead.   Think about your plate: The key to healthy eating includes eating more whole, nutrient-dense foods, while cutting back on ultra-processed options. That means choosing vegetables, […]
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