A few weeks back, I introduced our readers to a few of the new “Super Foods” for 2012. Though I feel I should wear a cape every time I consume a food labeled as “super,” please keep in mind that claims that these foods MAY prevent disease does not mean that they WILL.

Any of these Super Foods may help improve your overall health, but they won’t “cure” you. Continue reading →

What’s so super about the new so-called ‘super foods’

A segment on the Today Show the other day identified some of the new “super foods” for 2012.

Super foods are foods that appear to offer additional health benefits beyond simple nutrition.

Though there really isn’t a standard definition of the term super food, a food carrying that designation usually has a combination of the following attributes: low in calories, contains substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids or monounsaturated fatty acids, high in fiber,contains phytochemicals that have been found to have the potential to prevent disease in laboratory or clinical research, rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in unhealthy substances such as saturated fats, trans-fats or refined sugars.

The “new” super foods mentioned in the program that you may want to check out are: Continue reading →

Mid-January hits: How those resolutions coming along?

Well, it’s the middle of January and time to ask how your resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more are going.

For many of us (me included), eating healthier seems to be the lesser of two evils, so to speak.

Trying to find time to add more activity to our daily schedules can be very difficult.

Since we don’t have access to 24-hour gyms that make it so convenient to work out when we feel like it, we need to be more creative in our approach to exercise.

Keep in mind that being “active” isn’t restricted to the confines of a gym.

Think outside the treadmill! Continue reading →

An organized kitchen can save valuable time and money

The term Mise En Place (pronounced MEEZ ahn plahs), as translated means “to put in place.”

In cooking terms, it means to have all your ingredients prepared and ready to go before you start preparing a dish.

At the beginning of the new year we make resolutions to get ourselves in shape, but what if we make a resolution to get our kitchen in shape?

Having an organized kitchen not only saves you time and money, but it may even allow your family to eat more nutritiously.

Start with your pantry. Do you have spices and herbs older than your firstborn child? Continue reading →

Set reasonable goals to become healthier you in 2012

A new year is right around the corner—which means it’s time to take a look at our habits of the past year and think of ways to improve on them in 2012.

Our lists typically include resolutions to exercise daily, eat a healthier and lower calorie diet, reduce stress, quit smoking, consume less alcohol, etc.

But how has that approach worked for you in the past? This year, why not try a different approach? I have no doubt you can do it if you give it a try.

Here are some tips on changing current habits that can help you achieve your goals. Continue reading →

Food prices continue to rise; tips for saving at the grocery store

The price of food—like the price of everything else—continues to rise. And though there are some things we can live without, food is not one of them.

Did you ever think you’d see the day the price of pot roast at $4 a pound? I realize there are a lot of factors that contribute to the increase in prices. We can’t change that.

But as consumers we can change the ways we approach grocery shopping to get the most value for our money.

I have some tips I would like to share with you that can help you save.

First of all, take the time to get organized. Figure out your weekly meals in advance and make a list of items you will need.

Consult the store’s sale flyer and try to fashion your meals around what’s on special. When you go to the store, stay focused and stick to your list.

Use coupons. They can be found in abundance in your Sunday paper or online on manufacturers’ websites.

Two good websites to try are coupons.com, or www.couponmom.com where you can print only the coupons you are interested in.

You can shop from store to store for the best prices, but ask yourself if it’s cost effective in the long run.

What you save on an item may be less than the cost of the gas to get you there.

Also, figure in your investment in time.

Buy store brands. Most store brands are more affordable then national brands but contain the same ingredients.

Generic brands help you save money because you’re not paying for the advertising. You may even find you like the taste better!

Buy staples such as flour, sugar, cereal, cooking oils, etc. in bulk.

Check the prices before you buy however, as sometimes it’s not the best deal, particularly if the product goes bad before it’s completely used.

Less packaging means more saving. The more packaging a product has, the more it will cost.

Instead of buying a bag of individually portioned chips, buy a family size bag and portion them out yourself for lunches and snacks.

If your mission is to pick up just a few items at the grocery store, use one of those small baskets or simply carry the stuff in your arms.

Do not use a cart. If you use a cart you are more likely to want to fill it.

Purchase items to make meals from scratch. Yes, processed and pre-made items are more convenient, but you pay the price for that convenience.

Plus, with homemade meals, baked goods and snacks, you and your family won’t be consuming nearly the amount of preservatives or other virtually unpronounceable ingredients!

These are just a few ideas to help you save some money. Every bit really does help!