Archive for January, 2011

Popcorn is more than just a movie theatre snack. When prepared without the showering of butter and coating of salt, popcorn can actually be very nutritious! It’s rare that a snack food would get “healthy” stamp of approval. Read on to see why.

•Popcorn is a whole grain, just like oatmeal or brown rice. Because of its whole grain properties, popcorn keeps it’s vitamin and mineral content within its bran unlike that of a refined grain where its bran and germ are stripped away. 

•Because of its whole grain properties, popcorn is high in fiber. A three cup serving of popcorn contains about 4 grams of fiber. Fiber can help satisfy hunger, keep you fuller longer, and also decrease cholesterol.

•Recent studies suggest popcorn is high in antioxidants, specifically polyphenols.  The polyphenols in popcorn are similar to the disease fighting ingredients also found in red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea. These antioxidants can prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and also reduce damage from free radicals.

•Popcorn is a low-calorie snack. Three cups of air popped popcorn contains around 90 calories. Just beware in how you prepare or order it. Butter, caramel, salt, and cheese toppings can all add a hefty amount of unwanted fat, calories, and sodium.

Celebrate National Popcorn Day today by popping up some of America’s healthiest snack!

Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent. The Centers for Disease Control recommends all women get a cervical cancer screening by the age of 21, or within 3 years of having sex– whichever comes first.

There are two tests that can screen for cervical cancer, and find it early:

            -  The Pap test (pap smear)

                                         -  Human Papillomavirus test (HPV)

Risk factors for cervical cancer include having the HPV infection, smoking, Chlamydia, being overweight, oral contraceptives, and family history. If you have these risk factors, it is important to focus on lowering your risk (quit smoking), and getting tested early and often.

 Source: The American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org.

For many people, the New Year will start off with goals to get fit, lose weight, or eat healthy. Instead of failing to keep those resolutions two weeks after they were made, try making them a lifestyle change instead. Follow the tips below to begin a lifetime of vibrant health and wellness once and for all.

1)       Make your health goal something YOU want to do, not something your boss, spouse, or friend wants you to do. Keep the focus on what you want to desire from these goals such as confidence, happiness, or more energy.

 2)      Make small changes one step at a time. Instead of attempting a sweeping change with lofty goals, try making incremental steps that build on each other. For example, if you want to start exercising, don’t attempt to run a marathon if you aren’t a runner. Rather increase your workouts by 5-10 minutes each week until you have reached a desired duration.

 3)      Write it down! Keep track of your progress in a journal or a piece of paper. This serves as a visual reminder of how far you have come. Post reminders and encouragements on your refrigerator, bulletin board, and bathroom mirror. For added accountability, tell a friend.

 4)      Avoid the ‘do not’s’ and stick to the ‘do’s.’ No one wants to follow a restrictive laundry list of things they shouldn’t do; don’t drink soda, don’t smoke, don’t eat dessert.  Focus on your goals in a positive light instead; drink more water, take stretch breaks at work, eat more fruits and vegetables. These positive behaviors will cascade into healthy habits that won’t make you feel restrained.

This year, make a life-long resolution to maintain habits of health and wellness.  Eat, drink, and be healthy in 2011!