Would You Buy Healthy Snacks at the Movies If They Were Available?

Popcorn, Jubees, and Icees may soon be sharing space with fruit, veggies, and whole grains at your local movie theater. An article at MSNBC reports that the head of Sony Pictures wants movie theaters to address America’s obesity problem by selling healthier snacks. “I don’t mean close the window for popcorn, soda and candy,” said Sony CEO Michael Lynton at the annual ShoWest convention for theater owners. “Audiences love them and should always be able to buy them at your theaters.” Lynton shared that in a Sony-conducted survey of 26 movie theaters, two-thirds of respondents would buy healthy snacks over junk food if they had the option. Some foods respondents would like to see are fruit cups, vegetables with dip, yogurt, granola bars, baked chips, and unbuttered, air-popped popcorn. How about you . . . Would You Buy Healthy Snacks at the Movies If They Were Available? Yes. Bring on the peaches, kale chips, and nuts. No. Movies are meant for buttered popcorn and Milk Duds. Neither. I don’t snack at the movies.

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Would You Buy Healthy Snacks at the Movies If They Were Available?

Checklist For Your Early Morning Run

Even though the daylight has shifted one hour , many of you may still be in the habit of running in the morning before work. If you’re having a hard time motivating because it’s a bit darker, here are some things you can do to prep for that run the night before. Eat a dinner that contains whole grains. These carbs will break down much slower than say white rice, pizza, or sugary dessert. This type of hearty dinner will give you the get-up-and go you need in the morning to feel energized for your run. Get your outfit ready and everything you need for your run, so you’re not racing around in the morning for 20 minutes trying to find the lost mate to your favorite wicking socks. Set out your running clothes, sneakers, sunglasses, tissues, iPod case, and headphones, charge your iPod, and finalize plans with your running buddy. Get the ingredients for your breakfast ready as well, making sure it’s low in fiber (to avoid digestive issues), and a good combination of protein and easily digested carbs. Nut butter on toast, granola with yogurt, and eggs are great choices. Get to bed early enough so that you can get a solid night’s sleep, at least seven or eight hours. Make sure your alarm clock is set. Tell me, do you prefer running in the morning even if it’s dark outside?

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Checklist For Your Early Morning Run

Stats on the Health of the Union

The National Center For Health Statistics , a branch of the Centers For Disease Control, released its latest batch of numbers on the behavior of American adults, and in my opinion, the numbers don’t paint a pretty picture. After surveying over 79,000 Americans age 18 or older, the center compiled some interesting stats on the state of our healthy and not-so-healthy habits. Six out of 10 adults drink alcohol, while nearly 25 percent responded that they were lifetime abstainers. Men are more likely to list themselves as current drinkers than women. Around 20 percent of US adults answered that they smoke, and 42 percent of them tried to quit unsuccessfully in the past year. Under 20 percent of the current smokers average 17 cigarettes a day. Only around 30 percent of adults responded that they exercise regularly, but close to 60 percent say they engage in at least some physical activity during their leisure time. Forty percent of adults maintain a healthy weight, but 60 percent are considered overweight or obese. The information for this report was gathered between 2005 and 2007. Do any of the numbers surprise you?

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Stats on the Health of the Union

Do You Chew Gum While Exercising?

My running partner loves to chew gum when we exercise together. She always pops a piece in her mouth before we head out, and of course will offer me one too. So I got in the habit of chewing gum while running, even though it was drilled in my head in my youth that chewing gum and exercising can be dangerous. I have to say, there’s something nice about having minty fresh breath while you’re out for a jog. What about you? Do You Chew Gum While Exercising? Yes, I always chew gum when I work out. Sometimes, it depends on the type of exercise or my mood. Never. I’m not a gum person/I don’t think it’s safe.

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Do You Chew Gum While Exercising?

How Do You Pass Time on Cardio Machines?

One benefit of gym membership is the wide variety of cardio machines. Treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, stepmills . . . but while I find these machines a convenient way to get my hear rate up, I get bored easily when doing an aerobic workout indoors. I have created some strategies to fight cardio machine ennui, like mixing it up with interval workouts and rocking out to new playlists. What about you? How Do You Pass Time on Cardio Machines? I listen to music. I watch TV. I read a book or magazine. I use the time to think. I do intervals. I do something else, and I will tell you below. I don’t use cardio machines.

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How Do You Pass Time on Cardio Machines?

Do You Take Birth Control Pills?

Some good news just came in for women on the pill. In a new study, British researchers discovered that those who took birth control pills lived longer than those who didn’t. The study followed 46,000 women for nearly 40 years, most of whom were on the pill for about four years. Experts found that the pill reduced women’s risk for bowel cancer by 38 percent and other diseases by 12 percent. Being on the pill may also cut a woman’s risk for ovarian and endometrial cancers. Researchers aren’t sure why the pill would increase longevity in women. It may have to do with suppressing ovulation or the fact that women on the pill generally live healthier lifestyles. What they do know is that the benefits of taking the pill definitely outweigh the risks. So tell me . . . Do You Take Birth Control Pills? Yes, and I’ve been on them for more than 20 years. Yes, and I’ve taken the pill for 10 to 20 years. Yes, and I’ve taken BC pills for five to 10 years. Yes, and I’ve taken birth control pills less than five years. I have taken them in the past but am not currently on the pill. I’ve never been on the pill.

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Do You Take Birth Control Pills?

Relax Already: Get Juvenile

Now that I’m an adult, I often think back to the days when I was a carefree little girl and the only things I had to worry about were which color dress to wear to school and where to get enough blankets to make a fort. When life’s stresses get me down now, I take a cue from my girls and play like a kid. It really helps take my mind off frustrating grownup problems and calms me down so I can better deal with those adult issues. Here are some ideas: Color, draw, paint, or knit. Do something crafty with your hands. Play with your pet. If it’s nice out, enjoy the sunshine and the wind in your face with a bike ride. Don’t forget your helmet! Swing or play in a park. If there’s still snow where you live, go sledding or make a snowman. Join a kickball team. Read a kids’ book or other easy read. Play with a child - a good game of foursquare relieves a lot of stress. Turn up some music and dance around the house. Bake something scrumptious.

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Relax Already: Get Juvenile

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

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