Farewell to 2010: Magazine Bites

12 Dec 2010

Farewell to 2010: Magazine Bites

“There are still nearly three weeks left in the year, Karla,” you might be saying. True! But the last issues of the year’s magazines are hitting stands (and the first ones of 2011 will hit stands hot on their tails!), so let’s get to the last speed round of fascinating magazine facts of 2010.

Feel better about indulging. You don’t want to eat a whole pie, tin of cookies or cheesy casserole yourself this holiday season, but taking a portion (or a few) won’t cause too much damage, and FITNESS tells you why! Some of the ingredients in seasonal foods are a boon to health:

Pecans. They have the most antioxidants of any nut and lower cholesterol, since they’re filled with plant sterols.
Pumpkin. Boost your immune system: just one half cup of this canned squash packs in 350 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin A!
Gingerbread. Ginger can decrease muscle pain—such as exercise-related DOMS—and may promote digestion as well. (FITNESS, November/December 2010)

(Image from MyShimmer)

Take a stretch break before hitting the sheets. Muscles loosen up throughout the day, and are most flexible 10 to 12 hours after you wake up, says research from the University of Louisville. To stay in top stretching form, pop in a quick yoga DVD or simply hit your major muscle groups before you let your head hit the pillow. (SELF, November 2010)
Turn down the volume. Your holiday dinner parties may be filled with blasting carols, but it may be wise to ask the host to turn down the volume (and for more reasons than to save your hearing)! Loud noise makes women eat about twice as much as they would in a more peaceful environment, Penn State researchers found. A soft background soundtrack is OK, however, if you still dig some tunes with dinner! (Shape, December 2010)
Workout on weekdays to wisen up. Sweating twice each week (or more often) makes employees feel that they are more in control and feel that their work is less demanding, compared to their sedentary peers. And you don’t have to wait for the payoff: It comes immediately, according to an International Journal of Workplace Health Management survey. Among the most notable office improvements from exercising? Gains in motivation, time management, concentration and stress management. (Women’s Health, December 2010)

(Image from Outdoor Urbanite)

Knock out your workout on a weekday by commuting actively!

Brush up on portion sizes. You’ve likely heard of using visual cues of everyday items to estimate proper portions of food. But in case you forgot (or want to learn a few new ones), Health magazine has you covered, with helpful calorie approximations included!