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Ever wonder why you’re required to undergo a medical exam before being approved for life insurance? When you purchase life insurance, you pay regular premiums to the company. The company then invests the money in order to earn a return. In order to make money and stay in business, you need to live long enough for the company to offset the cost of paying out your death benefit. It’s a risk equation. If you’re unhealthy and likely to die sooner – especially if you have a high face amount – you’ll be required to pay a higher premium.

In order to make a more accurate risk assessment, the life insurance provider uses a medical exam. You can’t have this exam done by your own doctor, though; in many cases a paramedical professional will come to your home in order to perform the exam. You might also be required to present yourself at a specific clinic that the life insurance company contracts with for your exam.

Most life insurance exams are not terribly intrusive. If you’re 40 or under and in reasonably good health, most life insurance exams consist of the following:

• Urine sample
• Blood sample
• Blood pressure
• Height
• Weight
• A questionnaire about lifestyle habits

Insurance companies use urine and blood samples to look for evidence of disease, including diabetes and HIV, cholesterol levels, organ disorders and the presence of drugs in your system. Your height and weight can help insurance companies calculate your body mass index and get an idea of whether you’re at risk for complications due to obesity. The questionnaire attempts to figure out whether you engage in risky behaviors, including extreme sports, binge drinking, smoking or other activities that might affect your lifespan.

In some cases, such as for those over the age of 50, treadmill tests or an in-home EKG may be ordered. The individual tests run by the insurance company may vary, and it’s a good idea to find out exactly what will be expected of you during your life insurance exam.

Preparing properly for your life insurance exam is important. You want your information to reflect as favorably on you as possible so that you can qualify for the best life insurance rates. You should also begin well before your exam date so that you’re as healthy as possible. Here are six things you can do in order to prepare for your life insurance exam:

1. Eat Healthy: Limit sweets and fatty foods at least a week before your life insurance exam. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, can help get you fit for a successful life insurance exam. What you eat shows in your blood sample, and if you’re not eating healthy, it will show in your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. You’d be surprised at what one week of healthy eating, combined with regular exercise, can do for your health.

2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is important to your health, and it can be seen in your exam. It’s best if you make regular exercise a permanent part of your lifestyle, so that you are always ready for a health exam. However, you can improve your health readings if you exercise regularly for two weeks before your exam. When combined with proper nutrition, exercise is a good part of healthy living – and a positive health exam. Do not, however, do any strenuous exercise the day before your life insurance exam, as it can raise the levels of protein in your urine.

3. Drink Water: Dehydration can lead to constricted blood vessels and higher pulse rate. Make sure you’re properly hydrated. Plenty of water is necessary for optimum health, so it should be part of your daily routine anyway. Drink sufficient water the day before your exam, and make sure you drink at least six ounces of water the hour before your exam. This will make it easier to provide your urine sample, as well as dilate your blood vessels making it easier to for the paramedical professional or phlebotomist to draw your blood.

4. Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: Do not drink alcohol or caffeine the day before your exam, up until the exam is complete. High amounts of these items in your system can be red flags. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption for 48 hours before your exam and have none 10 hours before the exam. Caffeine can induce arrhythmia, as well as contribute to higher blood pressure. Remember that caffeine isn’t just found in coffee; it’s in tea, energy drinks, soda and some over the counter medications.

5. Fast for 10 Hours Before Your Exam: The only thing you should ingest prior to your exam is water. Drink plenty of water, but avoid other food and drink. Many people like to schedule their exams before noon, making it easier to fast, since they’re sleeping for most of the hours leading up to the exam, and all they really need to do is skip breakfast. You want your system as clean as possible before the paramedical arrives for the life insurance exam.

6. Stay Away from Medication: Try to time your exam so that it falls between any need to medicate you may have. You’ll still need to take your prescriptions, so try to time your life insurance exam so that it comes just before your next dose. If possible, avoid any over the counter medications for at least 10 hours before your health exam. Stay away from illegal drugs and controlled substances well before your exam. (Of course, for your health, you should avoid these substances anyway.)

As you can see, careful thought as to the timing of your life insurance exam is important. Most of the time, the person performing the exam will call at least a week ahead in order to schedule a day and time. Consider your situation and habits, and schedule your exam for a time when you can observe the above actions. This way, you will be more likely to “pass” your life insurance exam with flying colors – and pay the lowest possible premium.

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Many people delight in choosing and eating healthy foods. They pore over organic quinoa choices at the local co-op, eye up colorful bunches of fresh kale at the farmers’ market, and whip up light meals that are perfect balances of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. More power to those people, really.

But for the rest of us—those of us who don’t mind sneaking a biscotti every now and then and salivating over Danish pastries instead of Swiss chard—it’s nice to know that there are other people out there who strive to eat healthy food as more of a challenge than a way of life. We know it’s good for us, but it’s not always easy to reach for the veggies when there are doughnut holes on the table and Twix in the vending machines.

Blogs that inspire and celebrate healthy eating offer something for everyone, whether you’re in the gung-ho-health-food camp or the semi-reluctant camp. They have great information on cooking techniques and recipe suggestions, which even experienced chefs can enjoy, and the dishes they create are almost always beautiful and delicious, which inspires all of our tables. Check out these healthy-eating blogs for a few new ideas, recipes, tips, and tricks.

1. Bitten: Mark Bittman on Food
This New York Times food blog is a classic and has helped food writer Mark Bittman become a household name all across America. Bitten reports food news, recipes, and general food-related thoughts, all of which are interesting and insightful. His recipes have a classic flair that makes them timeless—almost all are made with whole, fresh ingredients, and they have simple yet elegant tastes. Some of Mark’s thoughts may be a bit skewed (in this week’s Minimalist column, for example, he includes canned sardines in a collection of staple pantry ingredients that he expects most home cooks would have on hand), but they’re all worth reading.

2. 101 Cookbooks
Heidi Swanson is the culinary genius behind 101 Cookbooks, a blog in which she celebrates the intersections of cookbooks, cooking, traveling, and life. The beautiful photographs on her blog are what keeps me coming back to visit each week, but the recipes themselves are standouts as well. Heidi focuses on natural ingredients and vegetarian dishes that are “good for you and good for the planet,” as she puts it.

3. Orangette
Orangette has gorgeous photography, an easy-to-read layout, and a very smart lady running the show behind it: Molly Wizenberg, who has an appealing appreciation for good food and a true knack for writing. Her blog has even spawned a book, A Homemade Life. Molly’s recipes are creative (roasted rhubarb, anyone?) and make use of fresh, pure ingredients and flavors. They’re not all the healthiest of the healthy, but even the most sinful are probably better for you than those doughnut holes.

4. Simply Recipes
Simply Recipes is a family blog that’s primarily operated by Elise Bauer. She or people she knows and trusts have personally tested each recipe that’s published there, and because she has a big family, the recipes are perfectly suited for kids and for people on the go. Her food philosophy is to “believe in a varied, healthy diet, using real butter, real cream, eggs, lots of green vegetables, and protein from meat, fish, beans, and cheese.”

5. AllRecipes
Though not exclusively a healthy-eating site, AllRecipes has a slew of cooking tips and resources that make it simple for even the über-busy and weak in willpower to improve their diets. With a public, searchable database that includes thousands of recipes, you can find out how to make nearly anything you want here, and the search-by-rating feature is helpful if you want to quickly filter in the best of the best. The “Healthy Cooking” tab at the top of the site offers specific recipes and suggestions for light cooking.

6. Cooking Light
Cooking Light is a magazine that does what some believe is unthinkable—it serves the dual purpose of focusing on healthy, natural ingredients while celebrating and admiring food of all kinds for its splendid taste and ability to please. Unlike many healthy-cooking resources, the magazine doesn’t shy away from using butter, cream, cheese, or bacon; it just strives to include small amounts so that the flavors truly pop in a recipe. The Web site, which is completely open to non-subscribers, features recipes, cooking and entertainment tips, nutrition information, and ideas on how to live a healthier life.

7. Eating Well
Eating Well is a publication much like Cooking Light, with a mission to share great food and encourage good health. Their Web site is also open to non-subscribers and offers free e-mail newsletters, healthy recipes, information about seasonal ingredients, and health- and nutrition-related news. Additionally, the Eating Well blog posts bonus recipes and short articles while inviting reader feedback.

8. Wild Yeast
Want to bake more bread and put a cap on your addiction to preservative-filled grocery-store loaves? Wild Yeast can help. Its recipe index will give you dozens of step-by-steps for making sweet breads, rolls, whole-grain loaves, sourdoughs, and dishes that will use up leftover bread (watermelon gazpacho . . . mmmm). The site’s sweeter recipes, such as cinnamon sticky buns and apricot fritters, won’t do your waistline any favors, but even a healthy diet can fit in room for occasional splurges.

9. Not Eating Out in New York
Not Eating Out in New York is the product of a two-year experiment by blogger Cathy Erway to shun NYC’s restaurants and takeout establishments in favor of exploring alternative food scenes and making her meals at home. Cathy focuses on simple, whole foods in her cooking and awards each of her recipes a Health Factor rating and a Green Factor rating to indicate how good they are for you and for the environment.

10. Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef
The Gluten-Free Girl is Shauna James Ahern, and she was terribly ill with celiac disease for most of her life until she began following a completely gluten-free diet. Now that she can enjoy food again, she and her husband (”The Chef”) provide scrumptious, gluten-free recipes to the masses through this blog. Shauna and her husband are truly passionate about food and love regional delicacies, local items, and really high-quality ingredients.

11. Chews Wise
If food news and sustainability information is your cup of tea more so than recipes, you’ll get a lot out of Chews Wise, Samuel Fromartz’s blog. He’s a journalist, artisan bread-baker, and advocate for sustainable and organic foods. His writing style is simple, straightforward, and easy to read, and it’s refreshing to dig into a blog that addresses the academic and political side of food rather than just the taste.

12. The Ethicurean
Like Sam Fromartz, the Ethicurean focuses on news and information related to sustainable and organic foods. Bonnie Powell and her fellow blog founders have defined “ethicurean” as “someone who seeks out tasty things that are also sustainable, organic, local, and/or ethical—SOLE food, for short.” All of the Ethicureans care deeply about food, and their blog chronicles the reasons why they’re just as interested in where their food comes from as they are in how it tastes and whether it’s the right thing to eat.

13. Mighty Foods
One of the Mighty Foods tag lines is “real foods aren’t just for hippies anymore.” The blog’s contributors (who include Heidi Swanson, the woman behind 101 Cookbooks) tout the benefits of following a natural diet, gravitating toward organics and fair-trade products, and shying away from overly processed foods. The blog includes lots of lovely photographs and recipes as well as reviews of products and dishes and ideas for getting the most out of seasonal ingredients.

14. The Slow Cook
Ed Bruske is a former Washington Post reporter and an advocate of the slow-food movement, a believer in the idea that food should be enjoyed and grown naturally and sustainably. He has a garden near the White House and works as a personal chef for a wide variety of clients. His blog is about many things, including recipes and sustainability, but a primary point is in favor of a shift taking place in consumers that would value quality and fulfillment over convenience in food.

15. The Happy Cow
Interested in eating better when you travel—or when you dine out in your hometown? The Happy Cow is a “compassionate eating guide” that lists vegetarian and vegan restaurants and natural-foods stores in ranges from 1 to 25 miles from any zip code or location in the world. The site also publishes a bunch of vegetarian and vegan recipes and hosts forums where healthy-eating discussions take place.

16. Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen
Here’s a double whammy—a blog full of vegan recipes that are short on fat and sugar. If that isn’t enough for you, the recipes also minimize processed ingredients and look incredibly tasty. Susan V. started her blog after going vegan and losing more than 100 pounds in the process. Her site was voted a Readers’ Favorite blog in 2007 and 2009 by readers of Veg News magazine.

17. Local Harvest
It’s not a blog or a recipe directory, but Local Harvest is a truly valuable food resource that can help you find farmers’ markets, healthy restaurants, co-ops or grocery stores, and CSAs in your area. The site encourages using local, seasonal ingredients whenever possible and even posts a calendar of local-food-related events all over the nation.

Image source: adria.richards

When you’re staring at organic and conventional products side-by-side in the grocery store and you realize that you still have to pay your mortgage and health bills this month, the choice of what to buy seems easy: go for the conventional.

But not so fast. We all know that organic products are more sustainable and better for the environment than their conventional counterparts, and it’s certainly beneficial to eat foods that aren’t produced with pesticides or chemicals. If the prices were more comparable, a lot of us would go for the organics every time. But what if you’re on a tight budget?

Then rest easy! If you’re willing to do a little bit of digging, it’s more than possible to save a bundle on natural and organic foods, even to the point that they become cheaper than conventionals. Use these methods and stock up.

1. Join a co-op.
Most co-ops won’t charge non-members to shop at their stores, but even if yours doesn’t, there are great incentives to becoming part owner. You’ll get some profits back, become part of a tight community, have a definite voice in the day-to-day operations of the store, and support your local economy. Oh, yeah—and you’ll get great savings. Not all co-op items are a steal, of course, but co-ops often give out special coupon books or run sales just for members that provide significant markdowns.

2. Clip coupons.
Look through those weekly junk bundles you get in the mail every week, and comb the Sunday paper add-ons for grocery-store coupons. Plenty of manufacturers offer coupons for their organic products or general coupons that can be used on organics. You can also find store coupons ($5 off a $25 purchase, for example) that you can use to buy whatever you want at the retailer.

3. Print coupons.
Manufacturers’ Web sites and companies such as Mambo Sprouts offer downloadable and printable coupons for a wide variety of natural and organic products. Some are only a few cents off and won’t save you too much, but many will knock a dollar or more off the purchase price, which can make those organics look a lot more appealing.

4. Buy in bulk.
This is a classic rule that is never utilized often enough, even though it truly does work. Here’s a good guideline: Even if you think you’re buying a lot in bulk now, buy more. I don’t mean more in terms of quantity (although that could also save you money, especially on nonperishables); I mean more in terms of variety. At co-ops and health-food stores, particularly, there are things sold in bulk that you may have never considered buying out of a container: cinnamon, baking powder, rolled oats, molasses, and cooking oil, for example. In the vast majority of cases, the per-ounce price for a natural or organic bulk item is far cheaper than the packaged price.

5. Buy in season.
You can almost never tell what’s in season and local and what’s imported from thousands of miles away when you go to the grocery store because everything is grouped together. But Sustainable Table and similar sites aim to change that by letting you plug in your location and season and showing you a list of the freshest stuff available in your area. And when something is fresh and in season, it’s usually cheaper than it is at other times of the year. You can save a lot of money on organic, local food by buying it during peak harvest times.

6. Join a CSA.
The prices of CSA shares can seem intimidating ($400+ for one share) until you do the math, break down the weekly costs, and realize that you’re purchasing enough vegetables to sustain your family for an entire season for just the cost of a few trips to the grocery store. If it’s still too scary to dole out that much at once, try splitting a share with another family or purchasing a half-share instead of a full. Most CSAs grow their fare organically, even if they’re not certified by the USDA. Local Harvest will show you a list of CSAs in your area so you can choose what you want.

7. Shop farmers’ markets.
Farmers’ markets are a cheery relic of old times and a throwback to community values—plus, they offer great food at fantastic prices. If you want the freshest organic and natural produce available in your area, you can find it at your local farmers’ market for prices that undercut every store around. To really save, go right before closing, when merchants are more likely to cut deals on items. Markets are also a good place to pick up organic jams, jellies, and baked goods.

8. Grow your own.
You don’t have to start a full-fledged garden to save money on organic food. All you need are a few organic seed packets, some good soil, and compost, and you’re ready to go. Early spring is the perfect time to think about growing, so start now! Even if you don’t have land space to garden, start a few herbs or a tomato plant in pots. Before long, you’ll have a bumper crop that will keep you going all summer for just pennies.

9. Cook more.
This might seem like a paradox—cooking more means you have to buy more fresh produce, after all—but it’s a lot cheaper than eating out. Depending on how often you go to restaurants or pick up fast food, see if your family can cut those meals to just once a week or even once a month. That way, even if you buy organics that cost a little bit more, you’ll still be saving money.

10. Check out sales.
Think organic food never goes on sale? Think again. Many co-ops and health-food markets carry almost exclusively organic items, and they have sales just like big-box stores do. The sales aren’t always dramatic markdowns, but they do make natural foods a lot more affordable, so swing by these stores every so often and see what they have to offer. And with that said . . .

11. Shop big-box stores.
Don’t shop the big guys exclusively, because they don’t always offer the best selection of organic stuff (or even the best price points), but it’s not uncommon for them to undercut the competition, so you shouldn’t rule them out. Some big-box stores even make deals with local farmers to sell natural, local produce at prices that aren’t much more expensive than you’d find at the farmers’ market.

12. Comparison shop.
There are a lot of grocery stores in most towns. It’s a pain to go shopping at several stores each week, but if you can find the extra time to do it, you could end up saving quite a bit. Keep track of prices for natural foods at different stores as well as price differences at the same stores between organic and non-organic items. Sometimes, even though the organics seem a lot more expensive, they’re really not.

13. Make a list.
This point should really be titled, “Make a list, and stick to it.” It’s amazing how much money you can part with when you don’t follow your grocery list and you let impulse shopping be your guide. You might end up with some tasty snacks if you do, but you’re more likely to end up with a blown budget and a bagful of things that you don’t need.

14. Go vegetarian.
Meat is expensive, so cutting down on your meat-centric meals will save you money. You don’t have to take the full-out vegetarian plunge, but if you do, you’ll likely save even more, especially if you can convince everyone else for whom you buy food to eat less meat, too. Finally, if you care about sustainability issues, buying less meat is one step you can take to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.

15. Fresh isn’t always best (or cheapest).
Frozen, canned, and dried natural foods often have just as many nutrients as their fresh counterparts, and they’re almost always cheaper. If fresh organic strawberries are too expensive to buy by the pint, check out the cost of frozen, and try those instead. During the summer, when fresh organic produce is bountiful and affordable, stock up and freeze some of your supply to use during the rest of the year.

Image source: lymang

“Low fat”.

“Sugar Free”.

“No Salt Added”.

Walk down any grocery store isle and you’ll be bombarded with messages promoting the health benefits of everything from skim milk to diet soda. Marketers have taken the public’s obsession with health and weight and used it to launch “healthy” versions of just about everything. Many grocery stores don’t even offer whole milk any more.

But how good for you is all this “health food” really? You’d be surprised. Here’s the top 10 culprits that are far more likely to harm than help:

1. Yogurt — Natural, unsweetened yogurt (like the Greek variety) is good for you (good protein and calcium, boosts digestive health). It’s that “fruit on the bottom” stuff that’s terrible. Packed with corn syrup, you can easily consume well over 30 grams of sugar per six-ounce serving (not to mention the artery-clogging saturated fat in many of the richer varieties).

2. Granola — Here’s a breakfast cereal that’s a great idea in theory – lots of nuts, grains and a little dried fruit. In practice, however, most granolas are loaded with processed sugar and corn syrup, not to mention trans-fats. Just read the ingredients and see how high sugar comes up on the list. It’s usually pretty high. And forget about granola bars.

3. Fruit juice — “100% Fruit Juice”. “Natural Flavors”. “No Sugar Added”. The fact is: There’s no need to add sugar when the original product packs more than enough to rot your teeth and give you type II diabetes if you drink it on a regular basis. Believe it or not, you’re actually better off drinking diet soda than most fruit juices. Which leads us to…

4. Diet Soda — Sure, you’ve lost the sugar and some of the calories, but you’ve traded that for potentially carcinogenic artificial sweeteners. Sort of like trading a punch in the face for a kick in the groin. Try sparkling water instead. Or have some milk.

5. Tofu — Tofu is actually not that bad (and I personally love the stuff). But all soy products should be eaten in moderation, as excessive soy consumption has been shown to increase estrogen in males and has been linked to an increased breast cancer risk in females.

   It appears that infants and fetuses are particularly susceptible to the phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) in soy, raising concerns that soy has the potential to alter reproductive and hormonal development. Finally, some claim that unfermented soy contains a variety of toxic chemicals.

6. Bran Muffins — Filling and delicious (and great to get you poopin’) bran muffins are a quick and easy morning treat. But they’re also often full of refined flour and processed sugar. These should be treated as the desert they are and eaten sparingly, not scarfed regularly for breakfast.

7. Baked Beans — Beans are packed with fiber and protein and are usually a great health food. But when you start soaking them in a can of syrup that has as much sugar as many sodas, you’ve effectively wiped out most of the health benefits of nature’s musical fruit. Stick with simple kidney beans; avoid the baked variety.

8. Low-Fat Salad Dressings — Fat is what gives most food its “tasty” element. When that fat is taken out, the “tastiness” is usually replaced with lots of sugar (or those potentially cancerous artificial sweeteners we mentioned earlier). What’s more, higher-fat salad dressing might actually be better for you, as many of the fat-soluble nutrients in the salad dressing are removed when the fat is taken out.

9. Protein Bars — Loaded with protein and vitamins…and fat and sugar, protein bars are really a mixed bag. Okay for the occasional snack, they’re really only one step up from a candy bar. You want high-quality protein? Eat eggs and lean meats.

10. Fish — Health celebrities like Dr. Andrew Weil have long touted the health benefits of fish, and with good reason. Fish really does offer great protein, and the omega-3 fatty acids really do appear to offer a plethora of health benefits.

    But some fish also put you at an increased risk for methylmercury poisoning. In fact nearly all fish and shellfish contain some mercury contamination, with Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, and Tilefish sporting particularly high levels. Canned light tuna, for all the bad press it’s received, is actually one of the lower-mercury foods. Still, all fish should be eaten in moderation, and pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant), nursing mothers, and young children should be especially careful.

Ever notice how every few years the media changes its story about eggs? First they’re good for you, then they’re cholesterol-laden killers, then they’re good for you again, at least until they’re bad for you once more.

Most of the foods on the list are kind of like that. They have good and bad parts, and eaten in moderation none are going to kill you. But beware the marketing hype. Remember, whenever advertising tells you something is healthy, they’re trying to sell you something. Don’t take it at face value.

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography

While there’s something to be said for being happy with one’s body image, it can’t change the fact that being overweight can lead to quite the number of health issues. Because of this, a lot of folks find themselves needing or wanting to lose weight. However, weight loss can be a difficult endeavor, and without ample motivation, you’ll be losing time faster than you’re losing weight.

Thankfully, the Internet is a huge source of support. Weight loss bloggers all over the web are sharing their stories and their tips on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. With online peers with you on every single step of the way, you’ll find that weight loss is a goal that’s a lot easier to meet. Here are 25 of the best weight loss blogs to keep you going on your weight loss journey:

1. The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl — Shauna Reid, better known by her alter-ego Dietgirl, once weighed 351 pounds. Thanks to her newfound powers of diet and exercise, Shauna was able to lose half that weight and keep it off! Now she shares her secrets with the world through her blog. With diet tips, product reviews, and exercise guides, you too can be a weight loss superhero!

2. The Tippy Toe Diet — If you’re anything like Cammy, the creator of the Tippy Toe Diet, then you’re probably fed up with those drastic diets you can’t seem to stick with. Luckily, Cammy’s discovered a way to stay through a diet and lose those pounds for good — by following those diets one teeny tiny tiptoe at a time. Follow her as she shares her experiences on her journey to weight loss, one very small step at a time.

3. Lynn’s Weigh — Being a loser isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when what you’ve lost was 168 pounds. Writer, grandmother, and self-professed loser Lynn Haraldson-Bering successfully lost that weight and dropped from a size 32 to a size 6 in the process! She now uses her blog to inspire individuals who want to lose weight, and to help them meet their goals through some handy diet tips.

4. Livin’ La Vida Low Carb — Jimmy Moore is no stranger to diets; the man who once weighed over 400 pounds tried a few of them, and even lost over 100 pounds in the process. Unfortunately, he always seemed to gain the weight back. Determined to get rid of the excess weight, Jimmy then tried the Atkins diet, and it worked wonders! He lost an astonishing 180 pounds in a single year! Now Jimmy hopes to share his inspirational story and his secrets to weight loss success via his blog.

5. Mr. Low Body Fat’s Blog — With a name like Mr. Low Body Fat, you wouldn’t expect Muata Kamdibe’s physique to have once been 44% body fat. This English professor from southern California made it his personal mission to change his body for the better, and has now brought his body fat percentage to less than ten percent. Join him as he shares every secret to his amazing transformation through his blog. Pick up exercise and motivational tips from his very helpful entries, and work your way to becoming the next Mr./Ms. Low Body Fat!

6. Fixing Myself Thinner — For an in-depth, personal account of a woman’s war on her weight, give this blog a read. Dawn once weighed an alarming 378 pounds, and has lost 200 pounds over 3 years. Follow her as she tracks her weight every month to see which of her weight loss techniques are effective. Check out Dawn’s triumphs and makes them your own.

7. PastaQueen — For a weight loss blog with a humorous bite to it, look no further than PastaQueen. You may know author Jennette Fulda for her pants #&151 they graced the cover of her book Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir. Her witty observations and hilarious way of looking at things extends into her blog, touching on topics like life, love, and losing weight.

8. Prior Fat Girl — Follow Jen as she shares her successes, failures, struggles and thoughts in this very personal blog. What started out as your average weight loss blog has evolved into a person’s journey after a life-changing event. As Jen discovers new ways to rediscover health and wellness, you’ll be finding ways to rediscover yourself as well.

9. Roni’s Weigh — Roni, founder of the weight loss blogging community BlogToLose, keeps you posted through her personal blog, Roni’s Weigh. This inspiring professional blogger shares her thoughts and dreams over the Internet, along with some tasty recipes and handy tips for losing weight. She also gives advice on how to stay healthy while losing weight, just so you don’t end up starving yourself to death.

10. Fat Daddy Rants — For a candid look at an overweight father’s struggles with weight loss, check this blog out. The self-proclaimed Fat Daddy is no stranger to weight loss plans; in fact, he’s gone through a great number of them rather successfully. Unfortunately, the weight has always managed to come back. Determined to shed those pounds permanently, the Fat Daddy now embarks on a mission to lose weight for good. Read about his insights and weight loss techniques, and find the inspiration trim down alongside the Fat Daddy.

11. Fit Bottomed Girls — Freddy Mercury, vocalist to the legendary Queen, once sang about his love for curvier ladies in the song “Fat Bottomed Girls”. While his sentiments are all well and good, the writers behind this blog prefer to live healthy lives as Fit Bottomed Girls. Fitness advocate duo Jenn and Erin will help you find ways to lose that extra weight once and for all, and to improve the quality of your life through fitness. Best of all, the two are real girls with real solutions; not some hoity-toity “fitness guru” with a miracle solution that’ll promise results but never deliver. For weight loss tips that work, and for advice on how to maintain your newfound fitness, follow this blog.

12. From Fat to Fab — Tammy, a self-professed food addict, doesn’t believe in diets. She thinks that the only healthy way to achieve weight loss is through permanent changes to eating habits. Although it might take a little bit slower than crash and fad diets, a lifestyle change will definitely take you from fat to fab without causing you or your body any harm. Follow Tammy and join her on her journey to get rid of those extra pounds once and for all.

13. Deliciously Healthy — Twentysomething Brittany has more reasons than simple vanity to lose weight (although looking great in skinny jeans is a goal, too!). She’s got quite the number of health problems, and for all her dreams to come true, she’s got to lose some weight. However, she doesn’t want to give up her love for food while she’s at it. Now she shares her trials, tribulations, and triumphs in her pursuit to better health and a happier life. With her tips and recipes, you can be :deliciously healthy, too!

14. Escape from Obesity — Life as an obese mom can be harder than it seems; in fact, some just want to escape it altogether. That’s exactly what Lyn, the author of Escape from Obesity, has set out to do. By following a few guidelines such as cutting out sodas, controlling portions, and exercising, Lyn has found a healthy way to free herself form the bonds of obesity. She shares those tips and her personal thoughts on weight loss through this very well-written and engaging blog.

15. Journey to the Healthier Side of Life — Every couple has their own little thing they do together. While some opt for more traditional things like picnics and dancing, Pam and Randall have added a rather unique item to their list — weight loss! Join the two lovebirds on the road to better health and slimmer bodies. With their weekly weigh-ins and monthly photo updates, you can lose weight alongside them and compare your results!

16. 282.5 — A lot of people choose to lose weight for a bunch of reasons — for health purposes, for vanity, to fit in that gorgeous new dress — but Jo of 282.5 adds another quirky item to the list: to be able to bend over and tie her shoes. Tired of struggling to do so, and of just plain feeling unhealthy, Jo decided to cut the slack and start working her way to fitness. Join her on her journey to shed her extra pounds and start a healthier lifestyle, a half a pound at a time.

17. Second Journey — Sometimes, the road to weight loss can lead you to a brand new life. This is exactly how Debi feels about her quest for weight loss and self-discovery. After years of being a mother, a grandmother, and so many other things to many other people, Debi is ready to embark on the second half of her life, one that includes a healthier, more fit lifestyle.

18. Weigh to Go: Diary of a Fat Chick — Debbie’s been a self-proclaimed “Fat Chick” all her life. Hoping to put the hardships of being overweight behind her, Debbie made it her personal goal to lose more than 200 pounds. While many individuals would share their experiences as an inspiring struggle, Debbie takes a rather light-hearted approach to weight loss. Inspiration, after all, should come more out of joy than anything else. Check out her blog for a humorous look at her road to fitness.

19. Something Brilliant is Brewing — Blogger Leslie has found herself in that odd middle-of-the-road stage of life, in which she’s “too young to be this old, too seasoned to be this young”. Her hunt for a place to put her musings led her to creating this blog. While she originally began the blog to chronicle her personal weight loss journey, she’s once again found herself in the middle of the road, as her weight loss has hit a plateau. Now she writes about how she got to her current fitness level, and on how she plans to maintain it.

20. Who Ate My Blog — Stephen Vinson was fed up with being morbidly obese his entire life. When his weight hit 632 pounds, he knew that it was time to lose those pounds. After starting whoatemyblog.com to keep track of and share his progress in this grand effort, Stephen now maintains an incredibly inspiring memoir of a man’s desire to finally find physical fitness.

21. Off the Couch — Loving life and ready to take it by the hand, Kristina is determined to get off the couch and shake off some weight. This loving mother’s energy shines through her words, and her zeal for life is infectious. Follow her daily exploits as she works towards her goal of losing 200 pounds and enjoy doing it. Just how much fun is Kristina having? She just bought a Wii for exercise! For a light-hearted look at her path to a healthier body, follow her blog.

22. The Chubby Girl Diaries — Kellie wasn’t always a chubby girl. After years of torment from numerous people, she actually dropped from 235 pounds to 165 back in 2001. However, as life would have it, she eventually gained 130 pounds and didn’t have the time to lose it. Now that she feels she can fully commit herself to weight loss once again and pursue a healthier lifestyle. She’s putting her thoughts on these matters and more in her online diary. Go on and take a peek!

23. Scale Junkie — Diana is a reformed scale junkie. Why? Because she’s learned that the weighing scale measures only one part of physical fitness and good health. Now that she’s enlightened about healthy weight loss, Diana hopes to shed her extra weight with a holistic approach. Follow her as she strengthens her mind, body, and spirit with a clean diet, proper exercise, and healthy living.

24. Memoirs of a Fat Kid — It’s funny how life can sometimes pull a 180 on you. Take Jordana, for example: as a kid, she was underweight. Later on, however, she would eventually gain weight. Unfortunately, the weight gain wouldn’t stop, and she now finds herself overweight. Now she’s trying to pull another 180 as she attempts to lose enough weight to get back to the healthy side. With her recipes, fitness tips, and her memoirs as an inspiration, you’ll be waving goodbye to the fat kid in the mirror, too.

25. The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans — This inspiring community blog brings together a group of women (and one man) together for a single purpose: to inspire and motivate each other towards their personal weight loss goals. You’ll find alongside their personal accounts a bevy of helpful information, from tested recipes to product reviews to exercise tips. The community itself also acts like an online support group, helping you overcome your own weight problems with sensitivity and respect. Check out this dynamic group blog, and see how you can join the Sisterhood (men are also most welcome!).

There are quite a few reasons to skip out on a gym membership — it’s expensive, you don’t have the time for it, there isn’t one in your area, or you might just feel uncomfortable working out in front of all those people. Whatever it is, you don’t necessarily have to settle for being unfit just because you can’t go to the gym. Here are 40 ways you can stay fit without having to be a member of your local gym:

1. One of the most important keys to fitness is getting good cardio. The great part is, the only equipment you really need to get your blood pumping is attached to the ends of your legs. Jogging is the simplest way to get some cardio exercise done, and all you need is your feet, some comfortable shoes, and some space to jog in.

2. Invest in a good pair of dumbbells, ideally one with adjustable weight. They’re extremely flexible, as you can do a great variety of exercises with them and target almost every muscle group in your body. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, considering how expensive home gym equipment can be. Visit this site for a helpful set of instructions for dumbbell exercises.

3. You might think push-ups were invented by army drill sergeants as a way to torture new recruits, but they really are a fantastic exercise for your upper body, strengthening your chest, arm, and shoulder muscles. The proper way to do basic push-ups is to keep your palms shoulder-width apart, and your legs and torso as stiff as a board. Lower yourself until your face is about a couple of inches away from the floor, and then push yourself back up until your arms are straight.

4. Crunches are another standby exercise, replacing conventional sit-ups which may be harmful to your back. Simply lie down with your knees bent and your feet planted firmly on the floor. Using nothing but your abdominal muscles, raise your chest off the floor a few inches, and then bring yourself back down. Repetition is the key when it comes to crunches, so try to do at least 25 reps per set. Once things start getting easier, increase the number of reps until you start feeling the burn again.

5. Want to tone your legs and buttocks? Find a flight of stairs to run on. Go up as fast as you can, then walk back down. Doing this repeatedly will give your lower body a good workout. Just make sure no one catches you if you try this at the office.

6. Squats are a great way to work your thighs and buttocks. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and then bend at the knees until your thighs are just about parallel to the floor. Hold the squat position for a couple of seconds before bringing yourself back up.

7. Although bears are typically seen as heavy, lumbering animals, bear crawls are an exercise that actually helps improve your agility. Check out this video for instructions on how to do this workout.

8. Why not learn a new skill while getting a good cardio and abdominal workout? The art of belly dancing will help you tone that tummy of yours and improve your overall fitness. Follow these links toPart 1 and Part 2 of a helpful instructional video. It works for both men and women, but the guys should be warned – a lot people find belly dancing men a little awkward to look at.

9. Yoga has long been considered an excellent, low-impact way of improving one’s fitness. However, chances are that if you can’t get to a gym, you probably can’t attend a yoga class. It’s a good thing that you can practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, thanks to online instructional videos. Follow this link to a YouTube playlist of beginners’ yoga exercises.

10. Strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings, and buttocks with wall squats. Start by standing with your back against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly bring your rear end closer to the ground, with your back still pressed against the wall, until your thighs are just about parallel to the floor. Hold this position for as long as you can, then lower yourself slowly down to the floor. Try to beat your time with each rep.

11. If you can, go for bike rides in the park. It’s a fantastic way of getting some fresh air while working on your cardio and lower body. As an added bonus, you get to people-watch too.

12. Break out the old baseball or football, grab a friend, and play a little catch. You’ll find yourself huffing and puffing after while thanks to the great cardio.

13. If you’ve got one of those large exercise balls at home, you can give your core a good workout by sitting on one. As you try to keep your balance, your core muscles will natural tense and relax. This is one workout you can do while killing time in front of the TV.

14. It’s no surprise that Michael Phelps has an amazing body — swimming is an excellent full-body workout. The water provides natural resistance to your movements, and swimming lets you exercise in your full range of motion. You can beat the heat and get an awesome workout at the same time just by hopping into the pool and doing a few laps.

15. If you have a dog, taking it out for more walks is a fun way of increasing your aerobic activity. Don’t own a pooch? Offer to walk your neighbor’s or friend’s.

16. Simply walking is a good enough cardio workout, especially for those looking to get some cardio in. However, walking itself doesn’t have to be simple. Here are seven ways to enhance your walking, so you can make the most out of your stroll.

17. Those looking for more challenging workouts can check out these two programs. The exercises here can be done with minimal (if any) equipment, meaning you don’t need to head to the gym for a demanding exercise session.

18. Got kids? Take them out to the park for a friendly game of tag. Not only is it fun, but you’ll be getting plenty of exercise at the same time. Plus, it gets your kids to work out, too!

19. For another good core exercise, try doing planks. Position your forearms flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Keep your body rigid, with only your toes and forearms touching the floor. The idea is to support your body solely with your core muscles. Just like in wall squats, hold the position for as long as you can, and then try to beat your previous time with each new rep.

20. While it doesn’t happen often enough to become regular exercise, you can always be to your friends’ go-to person if furniture needs to be moved around. The tables, TVs and other pieces can be your weights, as you lift and push and rearrange the home. If you don’t have anyone to help out, you can always work on your own home — if you don’t mind an ever-changing layout, that is!

21. Crank up the music and just dance around. Move with the music — the faster and wilder, the better. Just make sure nobody sees you and thinks you’re possessed, okay?

22. For an incredibly high-impact leg and core workout, you can try doing tuck jumps. Many professional athletes do this to increase the height of their jumps, and the explosive power of their movements. Beginners, however, should take it easy on this exercise to avoid doing any damage to the body.

23. Go on a good, long hike up a hill or mountain. The higher you climb, the better your workout. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view.

24. Indulge your Rocky fantasies and do a bit of shadow boxing. It’s surprisingly good exercise, helping you tone most major muscle groups in your body.

25. Here’s something you can do to get some amazing abs: lie flat on the ground, head propped up on a pillow, and raise your legs a few inches off the ground while watching television. See how long you can make it, and then try to go longer the next time. You can even make a game of it by seeing how many commercial breaks you can get through in a single rep.

26. The lower back is often ignored during exercises, and yet it’s one of the most vital muscle areas, providing support to your upper body. Follow the tips in this video for some easy lower back exercises you can do at home.

27. Who needs expensive gym equipment when your body weight gives you all the resistance you need? Check out this video for a complete body weight exercise routine from a professional trainer.

28. Whether you’re looking for some quality time with your family, or for a place to take your special date to, the skating rink offers a lot of fun and physical activity. Roller- or ice-skating provides oodles of aerobic exercise, and gives your legs a decent workout.

29. Surprisingly enough, working on your garden makes for some good exercise. Think about it — all that bending and pulling and pushing and lifting can get pretty tiring! Regular gardening will help you tone your body, while at the same time making your garden look great. You’ll probably get a decent tan, too!

30. Remember how, in Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi would train Daniel by making him do household chores? Giving your house and furniture a good cleaning can be quite a workout. Not only will you be getting some exercise done, but you’ll also get the benefits of a very clean home the more often you do this.

31. Pick up a basketball and shoot some hoops. Whether you’re playing with some buddies or by yourself, the constant running, jumping, and shooting will add up for an excellent workout.

32. Can’t get to the gym because work takes up all your time? That’s no excuse for not getting any exercise done. Take a look through this list of exercises you can do right in front of your desk. It’s pretty handy for those dull days at the office, or for taking quick breaks from work.

33. They have rowing machines in the gym, so why not do the real thing? Rowing is a fun way to get a good workout, no matter what sort you’re doing. You can try it as a leisurely activity, such as rowing on a date; or you can go for the hardcore team-oriented sport known as dragonboat rowing. Whichever you choose, the activity will work a lot of major muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, and upper back.

34. Whenever you’ve got errands to do away from home, try walking or biking your way there instead of taking the car. Your lungs, heart, and lower body will thank you for it.

35. Pilates advocates will tell you it changed their lives. That just might be true, since the exercise trend is a fantastic way of burning fat and improving your general fitness. If you can’t attend a class, this video will put you up to speed on the basics.

36. Many people attribute their well-toned physiques to a healthy sex life. They’re probably not kidding, as sexual intercourse is a well-documented means of effectively burning calories. Sex is apparently such good exercise that Fitness Magazine has provided a list of sex positions that can double as exercise. The article can be found here, but keep in mind that some people might find the illustrations NSFW.

37. Grab a chair and do some dips. Turn your back to the chair and place your palms on the seat. Your elbows should be shoulder-width apart, straight, and your fingers should be facing forward. Stretch your legs out a few feet in front of you, and then bend your elbows to about a 90-degree angle. This will lower your body and make your butt hover just a few inches off the floor. Straighten your arms again (but don’t lock your elbows!), using your triceps to lift your body weight. Start this exercise with three sets of ten reps, and increase the reps once things get easier.

38. Kill two birds with one stone — find a new hobby and get some rigorous cardiovascular training by taking up marathon running. It’ll build your stamina, tone your body, and provide more than enough aerobic exercise. You may just find that pushing the limits of your endurance to be an ecstatic feeling as well.

39. A lot of people have used the Nintendo Wii as an exercise aid, since many of its games involve a lot of physical movement. In fact, you can get a Wii Fit system designed specifically for this purpose. Who said video games kept you from exercising?

40. Total fitness involves working out your entire body. You can do that without ever having to go to the gym, so long as you know the right exercises. This helpful video series teaches you how to get a full body workout, as designed by a professional fitness trainer.

There are a lot of very healthy foods out there, and nutritionists have been kind enough to let you know which ones to eat. After a while, though, their advice seems to all sound the same, and you start hearing the same foods over and over again. However, there are loads of foods that aren’t as popular as some, but are just as good (or even better). Here are 19 of the best, yet lesser-known, foods that are excellent for your health:

1. Beets — Red, juicy, and irresistibly sweet, beets are reportedly among the 150 healthiest foods on Earth. The veggies used most commonly in borscht are incredibly rich in folate and betaine, which reduce your risk of developing heart disease by controlling the level of homocysteine in your blood. Beets also have high levels of iodine, bioflavonoids, and Vitamins B1, B2, and C. What’s more, the compounds that give beets their characteristic crimson color, betacyanins, may have cancer-fighting properties.

   While broths and grilled beets are simply delicious to some, the best way to eat beets is raw. Heating beets usually reduces the amount of antioxidants in them, which means canned beets (which are often heated during processing) are out of the picture, too. Instead, try using fresh beets in salads and other dishes that allow you to eat them raw.

2. Cabbage — Cabbage gets a bad rap, often used in describing awkward smells and ultimately losing out to lettuce as the preferred leafy ball of goodness in most American diets. It’s a shame, though, since the vegetable is rich in sulforaphane, which enhances the production of certain enzymes that fight free radicals and help prevent cancer. In fact, research has found that sulforaphane is increases the levels of these enzymes more than all the other plant chemicals. It’s a great diet food, too, since a cup of chopped cabbage contains a paltry 22 calories.

   You can pretty much enjoy cabbage as you would lettuce. It makes for great Asian-style salads, and it makes for a great sandwich topping. If all else fails, you can use it for coleslaw, but that would put its low calorie count to waste.

3. Canned Pumpkin — You might usually see this brought out when mom’s getting the Thanksgiving dinner ready, but you should ideally see it a lot more often. For one thing, it’s great diet food — not only is it low in calories, but it’s also really filling. Canned pumpkin will help you stay clean on the inside, too, thanks to its high fiber count. As if that wasn’t enough, the orange marvel is rich in Vitamin A, which bolsters your immune system.

   Pumpkin is tasty on its own, but it’s heavenly when combined with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also blend it with a little sour cream for a delicious soup. If calories aren’t a problem, then you can always go with the crowd-pleasing favorite, pumpkin pie.

4. Cinnamon — Speaking of cinnamon, did you know that this good old dessert spice can actually lower your blood sugar? Researchers have found that diabetes patients who consume at least a gram of cinnamon a day (on its own, not on buns or cakes) have their blood sugar levels drop by a significant amount. That’s because the methylhydroxychalcone polymers found in the spice boost your body’s ability to metabolize sugar. This also has the extremely beneficial effect of reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your system.

   As long as it’s in your spice rack, you can sprinkle cinnamon onto just about anything for and added kick. Some foods that go well with the spice are grilled lamb, coffee, oatmeal, and apples. Health food stores also often have powerful cinnamon extracts and oils you can use to get its nutritional benefits.

5. Dark Meat — Dark meat is usually passed over in favor of white meat, which has less fat. Those who prefer the thighs and drumsticks will be glad to know that dark meat only has 20 calories per ounce more than white meat. In addition to that, only one-third of the fat in dark meat is saturated fat, 86% of which doesn’t even have a significant effect on your cholesterol levels. Even better, that same percentage of saturated fat is composed of HDL cholesterol, the good kind that might actually lower your chances of developing heart disease.

6. Dried Plums — Known popularly by their more common name, “prunes”, these fruits are usually used in bathroom jokes more than in people’s diets. What most people don’t know is that dried plums are valued for more than just the amount of fiber they pack. The and neochlorogenic acids found in them fights off a free radical believe to be a major cause of cancer. They’re also quite rich in Vitamin K, and low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

   The dried fruits make for good snacking on their own. If that makes you feel too old, though, you can always try combining them with roasted or grilled meat. They can be used in cakes, too.

7. Flaxseed — What nutrients doesn’t flaxseed have? Aside from most B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, they’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight against heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and even cancer. They also contain lignans, which can help prevent breast cancer and type 2 diabetes as well. To top it all off, flaxseed is high in fiber.

   The trick to getting all these benefits out of flaxseed is to grind it first. The nutrients just won’t be absorbed into the body unless it’s ground. After that, you can mix it in with your morning cereal for a really healthy breakfast.

8. Frozen Blueberries — Many people might be surprised to find frozen fruits in this list, since freezing has been known to reduce the amount of nutrients in fruits and vegetables. However, you can’t beat the fact that frozen blueberries don’t spoil and that they’re available year-round. The tiny fruits are packed with antioxidants, manganese, Vitamin K, and fiber. They’re also a good low-sodium, low-cholesterol, and low-saturated fat snack.

   Before you break out the cheesecake, remember that blueberries are really tasty on their own to begin with. You can also mix them in with yogurt and cereal to add color and flavor.

9. Goji Berries — Goji berries have long been used as a medicinal food — for over 1,700 years, in fact. They have proportionally the highest antioxidant content of any fruit, bringing countless benefits to those who eat them. Interestingly enough, the sugars found in goji berries might even reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

   Like most berries, goji berries are great on their own. Their sweet cherry-cranberry taste makes them a wonderful treat at any time. Fortify your breakfast by mixing them in with your cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt.

10. Guava — A lot of folks may not have heard of guavas, which are most commonly found in the tropics. The fruit contains an abundant amount of Vitamin C; the rind alone has more of the stuff than an entire orange. It’s also got more than 63% potassium than the average banana, and a great big deal of fiber. You’ll also find it a good source of folate, manganese, and Vitamin A.

    The guava can be enjoyed in its entirety — everything from the rind to the seed can be eaten. The fruit has a slight tang to it, but it gets sweeter the closer you get to the center. The tricky part is finding one; you’ll have a better chance picking up a few at Latin groceries or in high-end supermarkets.

11. Hemp Seeds — While they’re usually connected with either new-age lifestyle enthusiasts and smokers of questionable substances, hemp seeds have a lot to offer the average person. For instance, they contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which pushes away the risk of heart disease. They also contain a lot of protein, in the form comparable to meat and eggs.

    The seeds go great in oatmeal, or blended together with shakes for an added protein boost. They also add a great touch to stir-fries.

12. Pomegranate Juice — Pomegranate juice is very rich in Vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. It’s also been found to help lower the blood pressure of those who drank it regularly. While it’s been very popular in the Middle East for years, the juice can now be found in groceries around the country. You can probably find a bottle in a nearby supermarket. Since the juice is packed with nutrients, a small glassful a day should be more than adequate.

13. Pumpkin Seeds — While the flesh of the pumpkin is very healthful on its own, the seeds are known to have the highest concentration of nutrients in the vegetable. The seeds contain oodles on magnesium, which is correlated with a reduced risk of early death.

    The seeds are best eaten as a whole. An ounce of roasted pumpkin seeds contains roughly 150mg of magnesium, making it really easy to reach your RDA of 420mg.

14. Purslane — While it’s considered an herb internationally, most Americans classify purslane as a weed. This is most likely the reason why many people don’t even consider eating this highly-nutritious plant. Purslane contains the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids among all fruits and vegetables. In addition to this, it has the largest amount of the antioxidant melatonin, an important antioxidant, of any edible plant.

    Purslane can be eaten as a viable substitute for lettuce, and is recommended for use in the same way. Purslane salads are a favorite among the health-conscious.

15. Sardines — Sardines are more than just fish crammed into a can; they’re a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, among others. They’re also rich in protein, Vitamin D, and a wide range of Vitamin Bs.

    While sardines are good straight out of the can, they can also make for pretty tasty ingredients in a wide variety of dishes. Pastas are a good way to start, before you start experimenting with sandwiches and salads.

16. Scallops — A lot of people might think that these juicy mollusks are high in cholesterol, but that’s usually more an effect of the dishes they’re in. In fact, they’re very low in saturated fat. They’ve got an abundance of protein, selenium, and Vitamin B12, and contain a good amount of potassium and manganese.

    There is a wide variety of dishes that contain scallops, so it’s relatively easy to find the way you can best enjoy them. Pastas, soups, and seafood dishes are among the most popular ways of serving them.

17. Seaweed — Whatever variety of seaweed you enjoy, you can be sure they’re packed with nutrients. Besides being low in cholesterol, they contain a high amount of Vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and riboflavin, among others. They’re also rich in potassium, which can help normalize blood pressure.

    The most well-known source of seaweed is in Japanese food, but there are other ways to grab a hold of the plant. Try looking for dried seaweed in your local supermarket to enjoy it and all its benefits at home.

18. Sweet Potatoes — This sweet, starchy crop is probably one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. They’ve got a lot of carotenoids, potassium Vitamin C and fiber in them. They also contain good amounts of Vitamins A and B6, and manganese.

    You can enjoy them as you do regular potatoes — baked, french fried, chipped, and roasted are good ways. The main difference is that their sweet flavor allows them to be served in desserts, such as in puddings or pastries.

19. Swiss Chard — This leafy green vegetable may be slightly bitter, but their health benefits make for some good eats. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in Swiss chard help protect your vision by preventing damage from aging. It’s also an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. It’s also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, among many other nutrients.

    Swiss chard, being both salty and bitter, can be a little hard to use in cooking. However, they’re actually pretty good when chopped and sautéed in olive oil. After this, they’re a perfect complement to grilled meats and seared fish.

20. Bonus Food: Turmeric — This flavorful spice is rich in Vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, fiber, and potassium. In addition to this, it is believed that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as cancer-fighting agents. The spice is an excellent addition to any vegetable dish, and to good old scrambled eggs as well.

Health, to many of us, seems like a concept that always escapes us. Whether we just realized the need to shift to a healthier lifestyle, or we’ve always wanted to but never have, odds are that we’re pretty clueless about how to go about it. Thankfully, the Internet is a gigantic, easy-to-access resource brimming with helpful health blogs waiting to be read. Whatever your goals are, health blogs are always a good place to get started on your quest for health and fitness. Here are 40 of the best ones:

General Health News and Information

1. MrHealthy.com — MrHealthy.com covers every aspect of health, from nutrition to exercise and everything in between. While you’re designing your workout regimen based on the tips provided by the blog, you’re learning about how to de-stress and find emotional health. Health is more than what goes on with your body; complete health includes spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, too. MrHealthy.com covers all those aspects and more, making it an excellent resource for those who want to live healthier lifestyles.

2. FitSugar — As part of the popular Sugar network, FitSugar is a reliable source of health- and fitness-related information. Offering diet advice, exercise tips, product reviews, health news and more, the blog gives its followers complete and comprehensive coverage of everything that’s going on in the health world. Everything, from personal care to exercise inspiration is discussed, along with many avenues in which you can express your insights and opinions. Health, after all, is a multifaceted concept; it’s only right that FitSugar is, too.

3. Healthy Fellow — When it comes to health, many folks choose to go the natural way, rather than depend on chemicals that may end up doing more long-term harm to your body than good. JP the Healthy Fellow is just one of those folks, looking to promote a healthy, natural lifestyle. Wanting to discuss health as a whole, the blog’s posts cover a wide variety of topics, including exercise, nutrition, general health, and even alternative therapies to health problems. If you want to tips on how to stay healthy the way Mother Nature intended it, look no further than Healthy Fellow.

4. Vitals Spotlight — The medical industry is a busy, dynamic field, and things tend to happen rather quickly. Whatever happens in the medical world may have some serious consequences on your health, so you might want to keep tabs on what’s going on. Enter Vitals Spotlight, a blog with all the latest updates on medical care, research, and world health issues. Find out which doctors will change your life and which scientific breakthroughs will help you live better all through one convenient blog.

5. My Family Health Blog — A subject such as health brings about countless opinions, some directly conflicting with others. It just so happens that these conflicting opinions can both be effective. This is the case with folk healer Edwin Casemiro, who’s taken it upon himself to share his opinions on health with the world. These days, he fuses traditional folk medicine with state-of-the-art research findings to develop a multilevel perspective on health. Follow his blog for an unconventional, yet scientifically sound look at health and improving one’s quality of life.

6. Balanced Health and Nutrition — Registered Dietician (RD) Rebecca Scritchfield knows that it can get pretty hard making sense of the vast amount of health-related information out there. In fact, it can be downright frustrating. That’s exactly why she decided to start a blog on general health and wellness. As it is her lifelong calling to help people live healthier lives, she does her absolute best in sharing health news, advice, nutrition facts, and product reviews with everyone who visits her blog. Those of you who are naturals in the kitchen may even find a favorite recipe or two while browsing through the posts.

7. The Health Care Blog — Every person, no matter how good their genes are, will eventually need to rely on the health care system. However, to most of us, the system remains a mystery. This blog sheds a light on it, bringing you the latest news and updates from the health care industry. This blog specializes in covering the issues that may one day save your life. When it comes to health, prevention is key; and only knowledge can lead to prevention. Do your health a huge favor and find out how laws, research findings, and other issues will have a profound influence on your quality of life.

8. Cheryl Forberg, RD — The nutritionist of the popular television show The Biggest Loser brings her expertise to the Internet through her personal blog. Although her area of expertise is nutrition, you’ll find some excellent articles on self-care and exercise in her blog, as well as reviews for new health products. Following her advice will put you on the right track towards health, fitness, and happiness.

9. MizFitOnline.com — Award-winning author and fitness enthusiast Carla Brinberg offers her expert opinions on living a healthy lifestyle through her blog. Not only does she espouse fitness and wellness, but she’s also an advocate for being proud of one’s individuality and tries to share this message alongside her health advice. Follow her as she helps you become a better you — in all aspects of the word — through her excellently-written posts and her entertaining videos.

10. Living Healthy in the Real World — This informative blog covers every single aspect of health, from eating right to proper exercise to developing a positive body image, and more. In it you’ll find the tricks to living a healthy lifestyle, alongside the author’s personal insights. What’s more, the blog’s creator loves to approach health and fitness with a sense of adventure, and so it isn’t uncommon that the writer takes on certain health challenges on a regular basis. Challenges like the 60 Sit-Ups in a Minute Challenge and the Raw Food Challenge provide some interesting reading interlaced with the valuable information you can get from each blog post.

Diet and Nutrition

11. Integrative Nutrition Blog — The biggest nutrition school in the world, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, has made a mission of providing means for people to practicing healthier eating habits. With that in mind, the school created this informative blog as a platform for sharing ideas on health and happiness. You’ll love the many different healthful recipes available on the blog, as well as the fascinating facts shared about the food we eat. Throw in tips on living a healthier lifestyle in mind and in body, and you’ve got a blog that’ll definitely do you good.

12. The Nutrition Data Blog — A leading online authority on nutrition news and advice, NutritionData.com is full of useful information for those looking to eat healthier. Their blog is a step towards making that information easy to share and easy to read. Alongside providing tips on how to maintain a healthy diet, the blog also answers readers’ nutrition-related questions in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner. Your goals of eating healthier will now be a lot easier to reach, all thanks to the great articles provided by this blog.

13. IAteAPie.net — With more and more people opting to live healthier lifestyles, more and more”health products” are being made and sold on the market. How is the common consumer supposed to pick from all these choices? Enter IAteAPie.net. This extremely helpful blog, maintained by founder Tanya Taylor and four friendly contributors, offers reviews of the many products out there. Each item’s nutritional information is included in its write-up, making choosing a health food a simple matter of just firing up your computer and reading through this blog. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite in the process.

14. Dietriffic — Melanie has a passion for nutrition, and an even greater passion for helping people get the most out of the food they eat. By making sense out of all the confusing nutritional information out there, Melanie’s blog helps you find ways to enjoy a healthy diet. Those of us who want to lose weight can take special notice, as Melanie’s an advocate of trimming down not by going on crazy starvation diets, but by simply eating the right foods in the right way.

15. The Silly Nutrition Undergrad — Get your nutrition information straight from school as Stephanie, the Silly Nutrition Undergrad, shares everything she learns on her way to becoming a full-fledged dietician. Join her as she relates her personal experiences to eating healthy, and get a tip or two on how you can eat better. As she’s currently crazy about cooking, she’ll be writing about her culinary experiments as well; you can try out her recipes or use them as inspiration for your own adventures in healthy cooking.

16. Carrots n’ Cake — Everybody loves to eat; most of the time, though, we love to eat the bad. Tina, the founder of this blog, aims to show you that a balanced diet is one that lets you spoil yourself once in a while with things that are sinful, yet satisfying. After all, what’s the point of eating healthier when you’re not happy with the food you eat? Follow Tina as she shows you that anyone can have their carrot sticks, and eat their cake, too!

17. Kath Eats Real Food — When is food not real? When it’s chock-full of artificial flavorings, preservatives, and anything else that comes from a factory. Dietician-to-be Kath espouses the merits of eating real, good food instead of junk food, and lets that passion soar in her blog. She’s all too happy to share her foodie experiences with you as she continues to eat healthy and happy. Alongside from all her tantalizing recipes, Kath’s got an entire section of her blog dedicated to the food she calls”The World’s Greatest Breakfast” — oatmeal!

18. A Better Bag of Groceries — Melissa, creator of Nutrition by the Numbers, has moved her blog to this location. For those of us who aren’t familiar with her yet, Melissa works for NuVal, a company that helps rate foods on a scale of 1 to 100 based on their nutritional value. The higher a food’s NuVal score is, the healthier it is. Melissa takes advantage of this helpful scoring system by shopping for foods that have excellent NuVal scores, alowing her to bring home a better bag of groceries each time she goes to the market. She likes to share her adventures in nutrition, and so you can pick up a thing or two about which foods have good NuVal scores, and which ones are better off left on the shelf.

19. VeggieGirl — VeggieGirl found herself in a most unusual position — in order to manage her many food allergies and Crohn’s Disease, she needed to resort to a vegan lifestyle. Despite the limitations imposed on her diet, however, she’s found ways to enjoy life to the fullest. She hasn’t let her health problems affect her love of food; both cooking and eating. Join her as she shows that a life of vegan eating can be just as good and tasty as any, both through her blog posts and her VeggieGirl TV videos. She offers food reviews, recipes and more, bringing both color and flavor to a lifestyle most people assume to be”boring”.

20. Nutrition Unplugged — If you love food, you’re bound to love this deliciously different nutrition blog. Author Janet Helm believes that food and nutrition are meant to be enjoyed, not buried in myth and mystery. Her blog brings you the fad-free facts about proper nutrition and eating right. With enlightening articles on diet and nutrition trends, products, and healthy eating, you’ll find ways to make your meals better for your body.

21. American Society for Nutrition — As one of the country’s preeminent nutrition organizations, the American Society for Nutrition advocates healthier eating habits for each and every individual. The Society invites students and teachers alike to share their thoughts and findings in the world of nutrition, as well as a few tasty (and healthy!) recipes. Almost anything you can imagine about nutrition, from personal health experiences to scholarly research articles, can be found in this blog.

22. Doses of Nourishment — Nutritionist Amanda brings you tasty ways to eat healthy, shared through some fantastic recipes. One look at the dishes she teaches you to prepare will make you salivate for something good for a change. In addition, Amanda does a few reviews for the products that’ll actually help you cook her creations.

23. Whole Food and More — Real whole foods, according to the author of this fine blog, help you beat fat without really giving up any essential nutrients. The blog teaches you exactly how to use these healthier foods not only to shed the pounds, but to improve the quality of your life as a whole. Rounding out all the tasty tidbits of nutrition information are news updates on the world of healthy eating, and on alternative means of promoting a healthy movie.

24. Fresh Food 4 Thought — This relatively new entry to the world of nutrition blogging brings with it a lot of interesting news on food, dieting, and health in general. The content ranges from in-depth looks at certain healthy foods like ginger, to reviews on books that examine society’s obsession with being skinny. As if that weren’t enough, the author provides practical tips on how to eat better in a predominantly-unhealthy world. With all the positive things going for it, this blog has a bright, fruitful future.

25. Hungry Girl — If you prefer your blog entries from”real” people (not nutritionists), then the Hungry Girl is one of you best bets. Take it from a fellow food-lover — you don’t have to skip out on the tasty stuff to eat healthy. There is a world of options for the nutrition- and weight-conscious, and Hungry Girl is here to point you in the right direction. Along with giving you advice on the best foods to eat, the blog also gives you general advice on living a healthy lifestyle, with articles on how to avoid bad fad diets, among other things.

Fitness and Exercise

26. ExerciseProper — ExerciseProper is chock-full of articles that’ll help promote a more fit lifestyle, with topics ranging from exercise tips to product reviews on books, equipment, and other exercise-related items. You’ll find posts about the secrets to physical fitness, and you’ll be surprised to found out how simple they can be. Exercise is a lifestyle, and this blog can serve as your very own life manual.

27. Hot Exercise — It’s no secret — exercise makes people hot (and we’re not just talking about temperature). This blog is loaded with information to help you get the physique you’ve always wanted. Everything you’ve wanted to know about how exercise can give you a smoking-hot, healthier body can be found here. There is a multitude of ways you can exercise, from deep breathing techniques to participating in extreme sports, and the blog covers them all. Give the tips in the blog’s posts a shot, and you’ll eventually start feeling and looking a lot better.

28. Beeble’s Fitness Blog — Beeble’s mission is simple: to get as much information on fitness and living healthy to as many people as they can. How do they intend to pull this off? By offering incredibly helpful articles on the two most important aspects of a physically-fit lifestyle — diet and exercise. Drop by the blog and find posts on the different nutrients found in the food that you eat, and how they relate to your exercise regimen. You can improve your exercise program with all the handy tips and in-depth info available to you with just a few clicks. Want a better body? Beeble’s got your back.

29. Home Fitness Body — A tragedy involving an overweight coworker helped Tom Rooney wake up and snap out of his unhealthy lifestyle. Not wanting to become another middle-aged statistic, Tom decided then and there to pursue a healthier, more physically-fit lifestyle. As he went on his journey towards fitness, he realized that there were probably others out there just like him — hoping to improve the quality of their lives before their health threatened it. He then founded Home Fitness Body, an avenue where he could share his learnings and progress in his quest for fitness with everyone else. Fitness has now become one of Tom’s greater passions, and if you follow his information-rich blog, it might just become one of yours, too.

30. Cranky Fitness — Are you one of those people who think that staying fit is a gigantic pain in the butt? Then you’ll love this blog, which shrinks that huge pain with generous helpings of humor. As your personal guide to”Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Personal Development, and Whining”, the blog and its writers tell you it’s perfectly fine to think that exercise is a hassle, mostly because they agree with you. However, with their support and inspiration (things seem a lot better when you’re not the only one complaining), the advice given in this blog will help you achieve your fitness goals, despite your crankiness. At the very least, you’ll lose the crankiness.

31. My Yoga Online Blog — Anyone who tells you that they’re a yoga fanatic because it’s a great form of exercise isn’t a real fan — true yoga lovers would attest that it’s a lifestyle. While one of yoga’s main focuses is indeed the exercise, those who practice it will find that yoga affects more than just their bodies; it greatly improves their mental and spiritual health as well. Ask any of the members of My Yoga Online, a friendly community of yoga lovers, and they’ll agree that it’s life-changing. Better yet, try out the tips provided by the site’s official blog and see for yourself how fitness is merely physical; it’s holistic.

32. The Great Fitness Experiment — So you’ve read all the tips and the advice and all the other exercise commandments fitness blogs and magazines tell you to follow. The question is, do they work? That’s what creator Charlotte Hilton Anderson aims to find out by giving them all a personal try. When she’s not busting her body to appease your curiosity, Charlotte shares some very insightful opinions on society, love, and living healthy. Even if you don’t have the same passion for fitness as she does, you’ll nonetheless find yourself heading over to her blog whenever your funny bone needs a bit of tickling.

33. Home Gym Exercise Equipment — There comes a time where we realize that physical fitness requires a full-time commitment, and that those of us with incredibly hectic schedules just don’t have the time to drop by the gym on a regular basis. That’s where having a home gym enters the picture. However, gym equipment is pretty expensive stuff, and you probably don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on something you won’t need. Luckily, this blog offers advice on what kinds of exercise equipment to buy according to your fitness needs. It also provides tips on how to maximize your equipment with optimal exercises.

34. Mama Sweat — Mothers certainly have a lot on their plate; juggling your career and your family life doesn’t really leave a lot of space for physical fitness. However, as blog creator Kara shows you, fitness can fit into a mother’s lifestyle. It’s all a matter of knowing all the right tricks, which Kara is all too eager to share. At the same time, you’ll be getting a glimpse of how she personally lives her life to the fullest — with oodles of fitness, family, and fun.

35. Running Diva Mom — Another fitness-loving mother, the Running Diva Mom has a passion for cardio and general fitness. Join her as she shares her love for running and exercise on her personal blog, and get to know how she finds the time to balance her me-time (exercise) and her family time for a very fulfilling life.

36. Kathie’s Fitness Stuff — While getting in shape does entail some work, Kathie wants to show you that it doesn’t necessarily have to be hard. Follow her as she shares her personal tips on getting the most out of your workouts, and work your way towards easy fitness. She also provides fitness-friendly recipes to make sure that you get the proper balance of diet and exercise. Take Kathie’s word for it, and you’ll find that a physically-fit lifestyle is easier than it seems.

37. Exercise and Beyond — Laura insists the everyday exercise can be pretty fun. She does a pretty good job of proving her point on her blog, Exercise and Beyond. She give you tips on optimizing your workouts and finding ways to actually enjoy them for a change. While she’s doing that, the Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant will also teach you a thing or two about eating right to maintain your healthy, happy body.

38. Exercise News — If you want to stay updated on the latest fitness and exercise news, you’ll be glad that this blog exists. Bringing you up-to-date findings on fitness research, Exercise News will help you make sure that you’re always on the pulse. The blog also has a handy workout generator, just in case the news inspires you to get up, get out, and sweat.

39. Trying Fitness — You’ve tried the fad diets, and the questionable pills, and the strange foods, all in an effort to lose weight and stay healthy. Why not try fitness for a change? Blogger Eartha used to hate exercise, but after many failed”easy outs” to fitness, she finally decided to get bitten by the workout bug. She started her blog as a self-motivation tool, but as she kept it going, so too, did her interest in exercise and all things fitness. She now runs the blog to share all that she’s learned in her quest for a healthier body, from workout tips to the equipment involved.

40. Bill’s Training Blog — Tired of seeing how all those ultra-fit trainers make exercise seem like there’s nothing to it? Sometimes, you get the feeling that all those tips they give are for those who were already in peak physical condition to begin with. Bill knows exactly how that feels, and so he started his Training Blog. Written by an average Joe and for the average Joe, Bill’s Training Blog provides inspiration for those who want to be fit, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. Bill chronicles every step of his journey from average to athlete, sharing his insights on the experiences along the way. If you want a deeply personal account of getting in shape from someone who’s pretty much just like you, then you’ll definitely enjoy reading this blog.

]]> http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/top-health-blogs/feed/ 14 http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/healthy-twitter-feeds/ http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/healthy-twitter-feeds/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:32:54 +0000 Kyle Tuttle http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/?p=103

General Health Information

1. WellWire — A friendly team of healthcare professionals provide great information on health and wellness via their Twitter feed.

2. WSJ Health Blog — The Wall Street Journal’s Health Blog brings its Twitter followers news on health and the business of health.

3. Breast Cancer News — This helpful Twitter feed is one of the fastest, most convenient ways of getting the latest information on breast cancer and breast cancer research.

4. UGWellness — The mind behind and host of the Underground Wellness Channel on YouTube spreads his enthusiasm for health on his Twitter feed.

5. Daily Me Health — This Twitter feed brings you all the top news on everything related to health in one, convenient package.

6. Daily Health Tips — Bringing followers tips towards healthier living on a regular basis, this Twitter feed should be an automatic follow for any health-conscious individual.

7. drugscom — The Twitter feed of Drugs.com delivers the best information and advice on pharmaceutical drugs.

8. DiseaseADay — The official Twitter feed of the popular website Diseaseaday.com aims to make medicine easy for its followers by providing oodles of links to highly-informative articles.

9. RL Health — RemedyLife Health gives you exactly what you need if you’re looking for basic advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle, along with some interesting facts to boot!

10. BuzzHealthy — BuzzHealthy delivers tips on staying healthy and avoiding aging before your time through some handy tips and links in this Twitter feed’s tweets.

11. IntiMed — Sex advice and reproductive health news are sent straight to your Twitter feed when you follow the always-helpful IntiMed.

12. Men’s Health Network — Men and their families can benefit greatly from the valuable health information shared through this Twitter feed.

News and Updates

13. MSNBC Health — Follow the official Twitter feed of MSNBC health, and get the latest health-related updates from the news agency ‘s website sent directly to you.

14. CBS Health — CBS Health brings you health news from around the world, all at the convenience of your Twitter feed.

15. NYTimes Health — Those who get their health news updates from the NYTimes website can now have the latest information sent to their Twitter feeds by following this one.

16. BBC Health — One of the world’s largest news agencies now updates followers with health news via the BBC Health Twitter feed.

17. CNN Health — CNN Health delivers news straight to their follower’s feeds via their official Twitter account.

18. LA Times Health — The LA Times also updates their readers through Twitter, sending out tweets with links to their articles.

19. WHO News — The World Health Organization, the official health authority of the United Nations, keeps the globe posted on the latest updates through its Twitter feed.

20. theheartorg — Shelley Wood, the managing editor of Heartwire, brings you updates from the world’s online authority on cardiovascular health.

21. Health — Updates from Health News Blog, a comprehensive blog about all things health-related, come straight to your Twitter feed when you follow this account.

22. HealthHive — HealthHive is a Twitter feed that brings you live health news from all over the world at its most convenient.

23. NIH for Health — The National Institute of Health brings you news on the latest medical breakthroughs directly to your Twitter feed.

24. PulseonHealth — Stay in the loop on everything related to health by following this great health news aggregator.

25. Medscape — If you’d like to stay on the pulse in health and medical news, as well as in medical conventions, this Twitter feed has what you need.

26. MedCodes — For a steady stream of the latest news in and around the medical industry, follow this regularly-updated Twitter feed.

27. BeWellBuzz — For free information on cutting-edge health technology and the latest news in general wellness, give BeWellBuzz a follow.

Diet and Nutrition

28. PureGenesisPure — GenesisPURE health products complement their fine nutritional supplements with interesting health-related finds from around the World Wide Web.

29. Linda Miner — This practicing nutritionist offers to be your personal wellness guide by bringing you helpful information via her personal tweets.

30. Joyce Schneider — The Cook half of the Cook and Cardiologist Team provides health info and tasty cooking tips that help you make the most out of the nutrition your food can provide.

31. Eat This, Not That! — This engaging Twitter feeds brings you links to articles on healthy eating habits, as well as great trivia tidbits on food and its nutritional value.

32. Whole Foods Market — One of the country’s biggest suppliers of highly-nutritional whole foods keeps in touch with its customers and offers a lot of friendly advice through its own Twitter feed.

33. FitMenu — The incredibly useful guide to eating healthy at restaurants is now on Twitter, offering excellent tips on getting proper nutrition at minimal effort.

34. NutritiousFeast — Now you can have your personal Twitter dietician simply by following this feed and the great advice it gives on eating healthy.

35. Vtrim — Backed by over 17 years of research at the University of Vermont, Vtrim’s Twitter feed brings you handy tips and useful facts on getting optimal nutrition.

36. LetGoHealthy — This Thailand-based Twitter shows you how a healthy lifestyle can be achieved simply by learning more about the food you eat.

37. NutritionHelper — If you’re clueless on how to start eating healthier, following this information-packed Twitter feed is a great first step.

38. Fooducate — Fooducate wants to help everyone eat a little better by giving them the lowdown on diet and proper nutrition.

39. Nutrition News — For all the latest facts and finds on anything and everything related to health, follow the Nutrition News Twitter feed.

40. DietitianJanel — Dietitian Janel Ovrut shares her love for a healthy lifestyle and teaches you how to eat well through her helpful tweets.

41. NaturallySavvy — As your personal guides to natural and organic lifestyles, the team behind NaturallySavvy provide oodles of tips that’ll improve the overall quality of your health.

42. Cooking Light — Those of us watching our weight will no doubt find the advice from this healthy cooking Twitter feed extremely welcome.

Fitness and Exercise

43. Health Habits — A Canadian personal trainer shares his obsession with health and fitness through tweets that contain links to some very informative articles.

44. Dai Manuel — Fitness enthusiast and self-professed Twitterholic’s love for a fit lifestyle spills over to his Twitter feed for all his followers to enjoy.

45. Fitness PT — Get expert advice from a professional personal trainer via this Twitter feed.

46. MyTrainerBob — Get up close and personal with The Biggest Loser’s Bob Harper as he shares his life and love for fitness to Twitter users everywhere.

47. Fitness4Her — Personal trainer and sports nutritionist Karen Ficarelli hopes to inspire and motivate women into living healthier and fitter lifestyles through her work, website, and Twitter feed.

48. GirlGetStrong — The cheeky fitness website for women delivers convenient updates and helpful tips through its own Twitter feed.

49. IDEA Fit — The world’s largest organization of health and fitness professionals brings its Twitter followers fantastic updates on keeping fit and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

50. DailyFitnessTip — For daily advice on how to stay fit, follow this very useful Twitter feed.

51. LiftItBuddy — Getting your fitness and exercise questions answered is now as simple as tweeting, thanks to LiftItBuddy.

52. ActiveLife4U — With all the tips and info this Twitter feed sends its followers, an active, physically-fit life is a lot easier to achieve.

Healthy Lifestyle

53. GHC Health — The Global Healing Center delivers tips and updates on living a healthy lifestyle through natural and organic means.

54. OrganicJar — A health advocate brings his passion for healthy living to Twitter with his friendly, personal updates.

55. LifeScript — A friendly team of seven health-loving individuals show you that a healthy lifestyle can be a practical one, too!

56. UT Medical Center — Advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a lot easier to come by these days, thanks to the great tweets courtesy of the UT Medical Center.

57. PureChef — For some valuable tips on living and maintaining a healthy vegan lifestyle, give This Twitter feed a follow.

58. Ways2GoGreen — Because a healthy lifestyle isn’t really that healthy when the planet itself is sick, Ways2GoGreen helps you be the best you can be by offering tips and information on making the Earth green again.

59. WellnessLiving — Giving you the latest news on health, nutrition, and lifestyle, WellnessLiving’s tweets are full of valuable information.

Natural Health and Holistic Wellness

60. Health_Coach — Dr. Steven Shuel’s Twitter feed is all about natural healing, without the need for pharmaceutical medications.

61. Natural Health Ed — Ed is a natural health advocate eager to share the latest tidbits and helpful information on natural health strategies.

62. ihealthtube — The official Twitter feed of the ihealthtube website sends the site’s latest updates directly to its readers.

63. Kevin Gianni — The host of The Renegade Health Show brings you tips and the latest news on natural healthcare.

64. MBHolistic — The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance sends its followers links to articles on holistic health news and healthy living via its Twitter feed.

65. Naturalhi — Natural Health International bridges the gap between natural supplements and pharmaceuticals, and shares related news via its very own Twitter feed.

66. Andrew Johnson — This licensed therapist, self-development expert, and iPhone app developer will help you achieve a healthier, more fulfilled lifestyle through his tweets.

67. MiraclesGoddess — Do your spiritual health a favor and open your heart to the advice and inspiration JoAnn SkyWatcher offers through her personal Twitter feed.

Health Publications

68. Health Magazine — Health Magazine’s friendly staff provide handy health tips and links to interesting health-related articles.

69. CMIO Magazine — Healthcare IT physicians and executives can now get Twitter updates from one of their favorite weeklies.

70. Fitness Magazine — Fitness Magazine’s editors keep in touch with their readers through tweets chock-full of tips and links to their many helpful articles.

71. Men’s Health — The premiere guide for men’s health and wisdom, Men’s Health engages its readers in a more personal level through Twitter.

72. Women’s Health — The sister magazine of Men’s Health, Women’s Health keeps its readers in the loop via its own Twitter feed.

73. SELF Magazine — With tips on health and wellness, SELF Magazine helps its readers realize their full potentials through their official Twitter account.

74. SHAPE Magazine — The Twitter feed of SHAPE Magazine brings you links to the same health, fitness, beauty and fashion news that its readers know and love.

75. Organic Lifestyle Magazine — The official Twitter feed of the digital publication Organic Lifestyle offers links to helpful information on organic living and alternative health.

76. Runner’s World — The premiere publication for running enthusiasts keep you up to date on the most exhilarating form of aerobic exercise through its very own Twitter feed.

77. Muscle & Fitness — Those of you looking to get buff or sculpt their bodies to the height of physical fitness can get a lot of good tips by following the magazine’s official Twitter feed.

78. Jillian Michaels — Get in touch with Television’s Toughest Trainer through her Twitter account and get some of the best fitness advice you can possibly get for free!

Experts

79. Sanjay Gupta — Get to know CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent as he mixes in a little bit of his personal life with some valuable health news and updates.

80. Kevin Pho, M.D. — Social media’s leading voice in health brings you his personal commentary on the latest breakthroughs in medicine and healthcare.

81. Joseph Mercola — The founder of the top-ranked natural health site, Mercola.com, offers a lot of valuable news and advice on dietary and lifestyle approaches to health.

82. Kim Duess — The founder of You Be Healthy is a passionate health guru eager to share her own tidbits of wisdom, among other handy things to know, through her personal Twitter feed.

83. Dr. Joseph Kim — Dr. Kim is an active and influential medical blogger bringing you all his latest updates via links in his tweets.

84. Dr. Val — A highly-successful physician, blogger, CEO and cartoonist brings you links to extremely interesting health articles.

85. Bertalan Meskó — This Hungary-based M.D. is an expert on Health 2.0 and shares breaking news on health- and wellness-related items.

86. Dr. Jefferson Boggs — The charismatic Dr. Boggs offers tips on living healthy, along with tidbits of inspiration and laughter to go around.

87. Dr. Michael Bermant — Follow Dr. Bermant for updated news and advice on all things plastic surgery.

88. Dr. Oz — The physician of Oprah fame has his own Twitter account, and keeps in touch with his followers through some handy advice and personal messages.

Mental Health

89. Brain Line — Links to all the latest news and discoveries on Traumatic Brain Injury can be found in this fascinating Twitter feed.

90. Louis Rothschild, Ph.D. — A practicing psychologist, Dr. Rothschild provides enlightenment and links to interesting articles on the many different areas of mental health.

91. Pete Quily — Adults looking for help with ADHD can get in touch with this expert coach through his personal Twitter feed.

92. Rethink — This England-based Twitter feed hopes to help people with mental illnesses improve the quality of their lives through its helpful, personable tweets.

93. PsyDir News — If you want the latest updates on the world of Psychology and all it encompasses, follow this extremely-informative Twitter feed.

94. Mental Health Social — The mental health social network gets even more interactive thanks to this Twitter feed that helps bring updates on the latest in mental health to all interested individuals.

95. onetosix — This progressive Twitter feed aims to put an end to all the stigma surrounding people with mental health problems inspirational messages and links to articles and videos that shed light on mental illnesses.

96. NIMH — The National Institute for Mental Health is at the forefront of research on all things psychology, and updates the public through its official Twitter feed.

97. Dr. Carl Hindy — This practicing clinical psychologist loves to share fascinating finds regarding psychology through his personal Twitter account.

Stress-Busting and Humor

98. Stressless Jill — Stress can do a lot of damage to your health; this ingenious Twitter feed helps you beat it and live a healthier, happier life.

99. Funny or Die — It’s long been said that laughter is the best medicine; Funny or Die’s official Twitter feed gives you all the medication you need with its hilarious tweets.

100. Cracked.com — Lighten up your mood and live a longer, happier life thanks to the laughs provided by this humorous Twitter feed.

101. FMyLife — Sometimes, the healthiest way to deal with life’s trouble is to let it all out and laugh about it which, incidentally, is exactly is what this Twitter feed is all about.

]]> http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/healthy-twitter-feeds/feed/ 7 http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/healthy-iphone-apps/ http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/healthy-iphone-apps/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:06:40 +0000 Kyle Tuttle http://www.budgetlife.com/blog/?p=89

Photo by Mike Baird



Who said technology makes people soft? Thanks to the miracles of modern science, the path to health and wellness is as vast as the information superhighway. There are countless resources for information, guides, and even aids to improving the quality of your life available, and a pretty good number of them can be found right inside your iPhone. Apps that help you achieve a healthier lifestyle are being made and updated every day, giving you a wealth of choices for ways to live better and longer. In fact, deciding which ones to use can get pretty overwhelming without a little help to guide you. Here are 25 of the best health and wellness iPhone apps available for download:

Nutrition and Dieting

1. Nutrition Menu — Need to know more about the food you eat? Nutrition Menu’s enormous database of nutritional information gives you a convenient resource for the facts on over 81,000 foods, including grocery and restaurant items. Even better, the database is completely offline, allowing you to proteins, and sugars your meal contains, as well as how much sodium, fiber, and cholesterol you’ll be taking in. As if that wasn’t enough, the app comes with numerous exercise and weight tracking features to help you keep yourself in tip-top condition.
2. 5 A Day — We’ve all heard of the food pyramid, and how it tells us that a balanced diet involves roughly 5 servings of nutritious fruits and vegetables a day. Remembering that information is one thing, but following the advice is something else entirely. This handy tool teaches you tasty ways to get that goodness into your system, with delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even for snacking. With this app, you won’t have any trouble getting your “five a day” at all.
3. Restaurant Nutrition — If you’re the type that likes to eat out, but watch what they’re eating at the same time, then this app is just for you. Restaurant Nutrition allows you to access the menus of countless restaurants and learn the nutritional value of each item. You can then track what you’ve eaten to keep count of the carbs, calories, proteins and fats you’ve been putting into your system. With constant updates and an option to operate online, you’ll know exactly what you’ll be getting the next time you have a meal out.
4. Portion Control — Learning about the proper portions of the food you eat can be a drag. Fortunately, this app throws a little bit of fun into the mix by turning things into a quirky little pop quiz! By helping you figure out your portions by comparing sizes to real-world objects rather than hard-to-picture measurements, portion control becomes a lot easier. At the end of the quiz, you’ll be graded on your eating style and rated accordingly; what you do to improve your score is all up to you and how you use the valuable information this app can give you.

Fitness and Exercise

5. iMapMyRun — The great thing about iPhone apps is that they provide features that help you cut down on the number of gadgets you need. iMapMyRun, for example, almost obsoletes the need for a pedometer. This helpful little app uses the iPhone’s GPS technology to the distance you jog, how long you do it for, and the pace at which you do it. Feeling proud about your latest fitness accomplishment? The app also allows you to Tweet for fitness regime and achievements to your followers.
6. iSpinning — Sometimes, the most helpful thing you’ll ever see during a workout is a bunch of numbers. The ability to keep track of your progress as you exercise adds that final bit of motivation, that last push you need to accomplish your goals. This app shows you the speed, distance, and power of your workout, as well as your heart rate and calories burned.
7. 4 Minute Workout — Exercise isn’t always about quantity; in fact, it’s possible to work out too much. This app provides you with an incredibly efficient 4-minute routine designed to a day’s worth of exercise in a tiny fraction of that length. Focusing more on working your full range of motion rather than isolated routines, the 4 Minute Workout provides a new exercise every thirty seconds, keeping the workout fun and dynamic.
8. Tai Chi for Enlighteners — Tai Chi has long been known to improve one’s flexibility, balance, strength, and overall well-being. It’s a great low-impact way to stay in shape for anyone of any size. This app contains 45 minutes worth of video on the ancient Chinese art, including guidelines on how to do the many poses. As anyone who’s ever done Tai Chi before will tell you — the slow movements might not look like much, but Tai Chi is really quite a workout!
9. Traveller Workout — An app co-written by an actual fitness trainer, the Traveller Workout is designed specifically for people who can’t make it to the gym. Exercises for the on-the-go fitness buff included in the app require only a chair to keep you in shape. The full-video demonstrations are contained in the app itself, so you don’t need to worry about going online to see them. In addition to the exercises, you’ll receive motivational messages to keep you going. The regimen requires only 20-30 minutes of your time per session, at only 2-3 sessions per week, making physical fitness much easier to achieve.
10. Shake It Double Time! — Sure, it’d be nice to be able to exercise whenever and wherever you want to, but lugging around your gym equipment isn’t really a good idea. This app gets around that by transforming your iPhone into an exercise aid! By adapting several exercises to involve the use of your iPhone, you can easily sneak in a few extra minutes of exercise during your lull moments of the day. Although the workouts aren’t enough to account for your daily exercise requirement, they certainly ad up, nonetheless!
11. iWorkout — Who needs a personal trainer when you’ve got this app in your iPhone? Watch over 100 different exercise videos for toning and strengthening your body, including cardio, core, and free weights workouts. Each video also contains helpful tips from professional fitness trainers. With metronomes to properly time your workout, as well as an exercise diary to help you keep track of your process, you’ve got all the fitness coaching you’ll need, all in your pocket.

General Information

12. WebMD Mobile — This handy app contains information on many common diseases. Get an idea of what could be wrong by going through the app’s symptoms checklist. Learn what your next mode of action could be with the information provided for the different treatments for many conditions. In an emergency situation? The app also comes with a list of first aid techniques to help prevent any major health problems from occurring. Please note, however, that the app should not be used as a source for recommendations; it only purpose is to provide the health information you want.
13. Epocrates — Taking medications can be scary business. After all, how sure are you about the chemicals entering your body? Epocrates gives you information thousands of drugs regularly being sold in the market. In addition to this, the app shows you drug interactions for up to 30 different drugs at a time, helping you find out just how that pill cocktail will be affecting your system. The app also comes with several health calculators, such as a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator and a Glomerular Filtration Rate computer for monitoring your kidneys’ health.
14. SymptomMD — A doctor won’t always be around when you need some answers. If you feel like something’s wrong, or some unfortunate accident happened, you can never be sure that a trained medical professional will be there to give you advice. In these times of uncertainty, you can always refer to this app. Based on actual protocols used by nurses and physicians, SymptomMD serves as a guide on what to do regarding certain symptoms. Hit your head? Perhaps an ice pack is all you need. Did things go black for a bit after the hit? Then you’ll need something else entirely. Whatever your concern is, the app will walk you through the appropriate course of action.
15. Remedies and Prevention — Feeling under the weather, and too weak to venture outside for medication? You won’t be needing a drugstore with the hundreds of home remedies accessible through this app. Solve problems like acidity, hemorrhoids, food poisoning, and even urinary tract infection with items found in your own kitchen. The app also comes with a guide on wellness and the prevention of major illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Other

16. Heartbeat — Tracking your heartbeat just got a lot simpler. Instead of trying to count the number of beats in ten seconds, all you need to do is tap your screen in synch with your pulse, and the app will compute everything for you and give you your beats per minute with ease. This is great for those who are starting out with a healthy lifestyle and aren’t used to simultaneously counting their heartbeats and keeping track of the time just yet.
17. 101 Power Thoughts — Wellness isn’t all about physical health. Words of wisdom can often brighten up a person’s day, or provide that little bit of motivation to get him through a rough patch. 101 Power Thoughts is a collection of thought-provoking sayings narrated over music. With words to affirm who you are and what you’re doing, you’ll feel empowered to make the most of your life and improve its quality.
18. Pest Control — Household pests like mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance; they can turn into serious health risks, too! These creepy crawlies can bring disease into your home and spread it like wildfire. This unique app helps you get rid of those pests by emitting hypersonic noise that repels them. Additional tones for additional pests, such as dogs, are also included in the app.
19. Posture Coach — Remember how mom always used to tell you to “mind your posture”? Turns out that her advice was actually pretty sound. Not only does proper posture improve what other people think of you, making your social and professional life a lot better, but it also eases any strain on your back, relieving and preventing any back pains you might have. This simple app works just like mom, too — by nagging! All you have to do is keep your iPhone in your shirt pocket, and the app will vibrate or sound off every time you slouch. It might be a real pain in the neck while you’re still getting used to it, but at least it’ll take away the pain in your back.
20. 101 Stress Busters — With the daily grind of making a living, we all need a reminder once in a while to tell us to relax. This simple app does that in 101 ways, providing tips on what you can do to sit back and take a break from all the stress. You may have never realized it, but being told to “watch a movie” or “listen to your favourite song” makes a world of difference in this hectic world. A little me-time and some R&R, and you’ll find that your life becomes a whole lot better.
21. Actually Quit Smoking — It’s been said before that, for every cigarette you smoke, you shave off an hour from your life. Few things do more for a smoker’s health than quitting the habit. Unfortunately, it can be really hard to stick with quitting when there’s no real motivation to do so. This app will give you all the motivation you need by providing you with daily reminders on why quitting will improve the quality of your life. It’ll also help you keep track of the days you’ve been going without cigarettes, urging you to keep that healthy streak running.
22. Social Gym — Motivation can spell the success or failure of your workout regimen. Exercises take time and effort, and a bit of friendly encouragement can go a long way towards keeping you on track. This innovative app allows you to track your gym progress, and then relay the information to your friends and family via Facebook. Not only will the sight of your improvement keep you going, but your loved ones will be piping in with some encouraging words as well!
23. Japanese Massage — Stress can get you down, both emotionally and physically. One good way to relieve both burdens is to pamper yourself with a nice, good massage. This helpful app teaches you the basics of self-massage, as well as the fundamentals of Shiatsu. With its handy guides on self-massaging and soothing music playing in the background, you can turn any given time and place into a relaxing personal massage session.
24. myBiorhythm — According to biorhythm theory, a person’s quality of life is affected by three distinct rhythmic cycles — physical, emotive, and intellective. These cycles each have periodic ups and downs, and the interaction between all three will dictate the state of your overall well-being. This app will help you calculate your biorhythm and predict your three cycles. With this information in hand, you’ll be ready for any bad day that might come and deal with it perfectly.
25. Live Happy — Living healthier and longer can all be a matter of your disposition. It’s been found that happier people tend to enjoy an overall better quality of life, as well as live longer. This app helps you boost your own happiness levels by engaging in simple activities psychologically-proven to be effective in improving a person’s psychological well-being. With a sunny outlook towards life, you’ll not only feel better, but have the energy to do better, too!
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