What Spring Produce Are You Most Looking Forward To?

I went out to dinner the other night and was saddened to see my favorite Brussels sprout dish had been taken off the menu. The waiter explained they are no longer in season. My spirits lifted the next day at the produce market - affordable and good-looking asparagus was prominently displayed. I bought a bunch and roasted it for dinner. The delights of Spring will all soon be here. So tell me . . . What Spring Produce Are You Most Looking Forward To? Apricots Artichokes Asparagus Fava beans Mangoes Peas Strawberries

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What Spring Produce Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road

With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to turn off that treadmill and hit the open road. But keep in mind that running indoors is pretty different than pounding the sidewalk. When you run outside you lose the assistance of the treadmill pulling your legs backward , which means your body has to work harder and strike surfaces with more energy. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother for you. Start gradually . Ease into outdoor runs by only running outside once a week when starting out - stick to the treadmill for the rest of the week. Add one new outdoor run to your regimen each week and decrease the number of treadmill runs you do. Be patient with your body and realize that this transition period can take up to two months. Go slowly . Run at a slower pace than you’re used to running on the treadmill. This will help your body get used to unpredictable road surfaces, wind resistance, and the challenge of propelling yourself forward off of solid ground. To see the rest of our tips, read more. Shorter is better . When starting out, reduce the distance of your runs. I know the fresh air will inspire you to get out there in full force but you don’t want to risk injuring yourself. Keep those kicks . Don’t head out in a new pair of Spring running shoes just yet. Since breaking in a set of new sneaks takes time, let your feet get accustomed to road running before having to adjust to a new pair of shoes. Go for a soft landing . If you can, start off on a dirt trail or a spongy outdoor track; these surfaces offer more cushioning than pavement and are gentler on the joints. For the same reasons, stick to flat surfaces in the beginning, then gradually add in hills . Better safe than sorry . Practice caution and start off by running when it’s light out. If you’re venturing far from home, run with a buddy, an ID, and a cellphone for safety. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen and any other protective gear you’ll need in the elements. If running at night is unavoidable, be sure to follow our night running tips . Stretch out . Just like you do after a run on the treadmill, stretch after your outdoor run .

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Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road

New Antioxidant on the Block: Mangosteen

Blueberries, green tea , and dark chocolate are well-known antioxidant powerhouses, which are believed to support your immune system and help prevent or slow down damage to cells in your body. If you’re all about antioxidants , you may have already added mangosteen to your list of superfoods about to make it big . It’s a gorgeous purple-colored tropical fruit grown in hot, humid climates. It’s not big at all, only about two or three inches in diameter, which is about the size of a tangerine. The hard, thick rind is removed to reveal a soft, whitish fruit that’s sweet and tart. Mangosteen is rich in xanthones , which lab studies have shown to have anti-cancer effects. Aside from that, mangosteen also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Fresh mangosteens can be found in Canada and Hawaii, but you’d be hard-pressed to find the actual fruit in the US because of concerns that infectious insects would be transported with them into the country. You can, however, find mangosteen beverages, like the one made by XanGo , freeze-dried mangosteens, and supplements. People take them for the antioxidant properties, for energy, to reduce inflammation, for cleansing, and also because the juice and freeze-dried mangosteen has a wonderful flavor. Tell me, are you into mangosteen products?

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New Antioxidant on the Block: Mangosteen

How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Fitting in a lunchtime workout is always nice, but honestly, I like a longer workout. An hour just isn’t enough. I prefer to do at least 45 minutes of cardio, and follow it up with 30 minutes or more of strength training mixed with stretching. Then I like to treat myself to a little sauna time. What about you? How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym? Less than 30 minutes. 30 to 60 minutes. 60 to 90 minutes. Two hours. Over two hours. I don’t go to the gym.

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How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Check It Out: Downloadable Yoga Videos

We can’t always get to a yoga class because of our busy schedules, plus hitting up a studio every week can get pricey, so Yoga Journal has a new solution. The company known for its amazing magazine, calendar , and yoga conferences just launched the Yoga Journal Download Center . You can choose from hundreds of yoga videos, download them to your computer or MP3 player, and practice anywhere your yogic heart desires. These aren’t dinky little five minute videos we’re talking about. The site offers 20- to 60-minute videos designed by Yoga Journal, as well as mainstream yoga DVDs led by well-known yoga instructors. Here’s a list of a few I think you’d like: Shiva Rea: Creative Core + Upper Body Jivamukti Yoga Vinyasa Yoga With Seane Corn - Live Class #1 Baron Baptiste: Foundations of Power Vinyasa Yoga Yoga For Restful Sleep These videos are reasonably priced at about $6 to $20 a download. You can bring your iPod to the gym or on a trip, or follow along on your computer at home. It’s a simple way to ensure that yoga is a part of your life without breaking the bank. To see a video clip of the Shiva Rea video mentioned above, read more.

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Check It Out: Downloadable Yoga Videos

If You Don’t Exercise, Does It Affect Your Mood?

When I go a few days without exercising, whether because of family, work, or other obligations, I can totally feel it. I get crabby, irritable, tired, and just don’t feel like my happy, energetic self. My husband has, on occasion, handed me my sneakers with an imploring look. What about you? If You Don't Exercise, Does It Affect Your Mood? Yes, I get cranky and irritable if I don’t exercise regularly. Nah, I don’t feel any different. It depends on how long I go without exercise.

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If You Don’t Exercise, Does It Affect Your Mood?

Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Albert “Dick” Whittamore started smoking when he was young, and before he died from battling cigarette-induced emphysema at age 85, he had one dying wish . He asked that the words “Smoking Killed Me” be placed on his grave and his hearse. This was his last-ditch effort to warn others of the dangers of cigarettes, so they could avoid the unnecessary suffering he went through from the illness that was caused by this unhealthy habit. I was a little shocked to read about this at first, so tell me what do you think? Is Albert’s request morbid or heroic? Smoker's Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic? Morbid. It’s sad to think about why he died. Heroic. It’s great that he wants to help other people. Neither. I’ll tell you what I think below.

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Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

The Pilates instructor in me knows that we can all use a little help remembering to keep our abs engaged. I was intrigued by the technology behind the new Perfect Core Racerback ($64) by Lucy, so I asked them to send me one to test out. First off, I know that $64 is a bit steep for a workout shirt. However, this is the only top with a built in bra that I have tried in recent history that actually provided enough support for all my cardio action minus running. I like a lot of support for those long runs. The built in bra is made with separate molded cups, adding a little extra oomph to the chest and keeping all things nipple from showing. The front of the shirt is lined with supportive mesh material Lucy calls xBAR technology (eXtreme Body Reforming & Alignment). It is certainly flattering; it pulls the tummy in just a bit. It’s also supportive, partially because it is tight in an oddly pleasant compressive way, and it did remind me to keep core engaged. I was worried it might feel a bit like a corset when working out, but it didn’t. Although the Perfect Core Tank will definitely make it into my rotation of fave fitness wear, I do have a couple of problems with the top. To learn them, read more. One problem I have with the top is that although the shirt fit well in my ribs, the cut didn’t accommodate the curve of my hips. Meaning I had to pull it down often. However, this happened more when I was sitting around in the shirt (I put on my workout clothes as a means of motivation - I am dressed for working out, so I might as well go to the gym). The shirt works better in action and during my 45 minute cardio / strength training sessions, I only had to pull it down once. The second problem is taking the shirt off. It is fitted and snug, which is great support, but this shirt is difficult to take off especially when sweaty. Possibly, I need a larger size, but in Lucy gear I tend to wear a small, although in most workout gear I consider myself a classic size medium. The tank comes in a cobalt blue. Check out photos below for images of the inside of the shirt, since the internal construction is where the support comes from. View 3 Photos ›

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Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

Do You Use Websites and Apps to Get Fit?

Owning an iPhone is pretty cool - in large part because there really is an “app for that,” especially in the health and fitness category. There are apps that count calories , motivate you to do push-ups , map your runs , and provide yoga sequences . I dare you to think of anything fitness related and not find an app for it. Personally, using the fitness apps on the iPhone is sort of like having a scaled down personal trainer. I can develop personalized workouts and meal plans while also tracking my progress, but I don’t have to shell out a bunch of money to do so. (That is, if you factor out the initial cost of the phone . . .) Besides iPhone apps, websites are becoming another great way to monitor and track fitness goals. Sites like the DailyBurn , FitDay , and SparkPeople help you track weight loss, manage your diet, and also provide a community of support amongst their users. Technology has really changed the way people approach and reach their fitness goals. Do You Use Websites and Apps to Get Fit? Yes. I love having these tools at my disposal. No. I do it the old-fashioned way.

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Do You Use Websites and Apps to Get Fit?

What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

I have at least five subscriptions to different health and fitness magazines. They’re chock full of so many great features: fitness tips, reviews of gear, nutritional info about food, and healthy recipes. My favorite feature, though, has to be all the strength training exercises and workout routines. It’s great to be able to try out new moves the next time I work out, which not only makes me stronger, but also keeps me motivated to exercise. What about you? What's Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines? Healthy recipes. Health and fitness tips. Strength training exercises and workout routines. Real-life stores about people trying to lose weight. Reviews of gear. Nutritional info about food. Latest studies on health and fitness. Interviews with celebs about how they stay in shape. Other - I’ll tell you below.

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What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

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