By Real Age

When you overdo it and down a day’s calories in one sitting, your body’s inflammatory processes go into overdrive. But here’s a way you might counter it: Drink orange juice.

In a recent study, people who had eaten a supersized fast-food breakfast experienced a much milder inflammatory response in their bodies when they drank OJ with the meal.

Read the full post on Drink This to Help Undo a Heavy Meal.

By Dr. Andrew Weil

If you are trying to reduce your intake of refined sugar, honey is one alternative – but not necessarily a healthier one. However, honey does have some health benefits over sugar, as it:

Read the full post on Is Honey Healthy?.

• Is sweeter than refined sugar, so you can use less.
• Has a higher proportion of fructose, which doesn’t stress the pancreas as much as sucrose.
• Has a slightly lower glycemic load than table sugar.
• Contains trace enzymes; minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium; amino acids; and vitamins, including a wide range of B vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin and pyridoxine.

By Stacy Goldberg

Too busy in the morning for breakfast, so you say? Look no further—here is a healthy breakfast you can take on the go. Bran, the outer layer of cereal grains, is rich in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, while dried plums contain phenols, compounds which serve as antioxidants by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Don’t miss the opportunity to start your busy day right with functional fuel, preventing cravings later in the day…

Ingredients:

Read the full post on Functional Fruit and Bran Muffin.

By Real Age

What’s your goal today? And does it fit into your life plan? If these questions leave you scratching your head, then your brain might be suffering in more ways than one.

In a recent study, older adults who had a strong sense of purpose in their lives were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairment over the long haul.

Read the full post on Life’s Little Questions Offer Big Brain Benefits.

By Dr. Andrew Weil

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a cheap sweetener chemically derived from corn. This ubiquitous ingredient of junk food has been in the news lately, in part due to a proposed name change by the Corn Refiners Association – the group wants to rename it “corn sugar.” Whatever you call it, HFCS is a marker for low-quality food and has no place in a healthy diet. But unfortunately, it is widely used: HFCS is found as a primary ingredient in soft drinks and often hidden in processed foods including salad dressings and ketchup, jams, jellies, ice cream, bread and crackers. It is one of the biggest sources of calories in the American diet.

Read the full post on Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Bad For You?.

By Stacy Goldberg

Kids love to decorate pumpkins for Halloween and savor Pumpkin Pie after a festive Holiday meal…But the pumpkin parade does not have to begin or end with the holidays! This nutrient dense, fiber filled pumpkin soup recipe is a great way to keep your entire family healthy during the winter season!

Slightly spicy and even more delicious, this uniquely flavorful soup is chock full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Slurping a bowl before dinner also reminds us to slow down and savor each bite—preventing us from overindulging at dinner.

20 Minutes to Prepare and Cook

Read the full post on Pumpkin Soup with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds.

By Dr. Joe

If you ask a group of adults the question “Who is looking forward to Christmas”? A number of hands would go up. If you then ask “Who is looking forward to Christmas being…over?” A second set of hands goes up.

Ask a group of year one school children the same questions all hands would go up the first time. The reason that some people look forward to Christmas being over is of course stress.

How does it get to this? At what point does Christmas cease to be fun and become a chore?

Read the full post on Twelve Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas.

By Dr. Andrew Weil

Nail-biting is one of the most common symptoms of stress. Some people will eventually stop of their own accord, but there are many among us who haven’t been able to break the habit. While it can be embarrassing, and thus a source of anxiety as well as a response to it, there are some ways to minimize biting the nails.

Read the full post on Biting Your Nails.

• Try hypnotherapy as well as relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, biofeedback or yoga to help reduce underlying stress.
• Use a tooth guard. This removable, molded device fits either the upper or lower teeth, is barely visible and makes it impossible to bite the nails.

By Real Age

You’ll be fitting into those skinny jeans in no time if you adopt this simple habit: pay with cash.

Yep, when you hit the grocery store, just leave your credit card — and debit card — at home. A recent study revealed that paying with cash instead of plastic seriously quells the temptation to load up the shopping cart with belly-padding junk food.

Read the full post on Boost Your Junk-Food Resistance with This Simple Plan.

By Stacy Goldberg

Red meat has a bad reputation, but lean cuts, prepared with healthy cooking methods, and eaten in sensible portions are a great source of protein, iron, and zinc. Try this lean, affordable and delicious cut of beef, marinated and served with steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Marinade:
10 cloves garlic, minced
1 t salt
1/2 t black pepper, cracked
1 t oregano
1 c orange juice
1 lime, juiced
1/4 c olive oil
1 1/2 lbs (24 oz) flank steak, trimmed of visible fat

Read the full post on Grilled Garlic Citrus Flank Steak.