A high BMI

One’s body mass index compares weight and height. It helps determine if a person’s weight is too much for his or her height.  High blood pressure, diabetes and liver disease can occur as a result of a high BMI.  First Lady Michelle Obama is raising awareness and tells you what you can do. Check out her story...

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/high-bmi-what-it-means-for-your-child-and-what-you-can-do-about-it-2467662/

15 Healthy Foods

Yogurt

·         It is filling and loaded with calcium, potassium, and vitamin B.

·         Careful, because some yogurts may have a lot of sugar. Be sure to read the labels.

Wild Salmon

·         Mercury levels are relatively low in salmon.

·         Offers protein for few calories.

·         Contains Omega-3’s which can help maintain a healthy heart.

Egg Whites

·         Contains 70-80 calories.

·         Take out the yolk because it has cholesterol.

Leafy Greens

·         May help lower the risk of cancer.

·         Leafy greens are loaded with iron and vitamin K.

Blueberries

·         Contain antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory.

·         Aim for ½ cup a day.

Almonds

·         Help reduce bad cholesterol.

Black Beans

·         They are high in fiber and contain calcium, iron and folic acid.

Apples

·         Apples are packed with fiber.

·         May help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Tomatoes

·         Contain an antioxidant lycopene that may help prevent some cancers.

Orange Juice

·         Contains potassium and vitamin C.

·         May help increase your good cholesterol.

Sweet Potatoes

·         Helps you have healthier skin because protects against the sun.

Wheat Germ

·         Contains magnesium which helps keep your bones healthy.

·         It also has iron, calcium, potassium and even zinc.

Pomegranate

·         May help blood flow and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol.

Hot peppers

·         Contain vitamin C.

·         May help you reduce weight.

Oatmeal

·         Contains fiber, which may help lower bad cholesterol.

·         Provides vitamin E, magnesium and iron.

Greek Yogurt

What can be prepared:  Yogurt can be used to make sauces, desserts, smoothies and salad dressings. 

Main ingredient:  Milk

Texture:  Although it’s main ingredient is milk, it can differ in thickness. For instance, Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt.

Nutrition:  The main difference of Greek yogurt is that it has more of a nutritional value. Because Greek yogurt has more of its whey liquid removed, it is rich in protein.  As a matter of fact, Greek yogurt has twice the amount of protein than regular yogurt. Another advantage to eating Greek yogurt is that it contains fifty percent less in sodium than regular yogurt.

Tip: Next time you buy yogurt, try Greek yogurt!

Ideas to keep yourself active during Spring Break

Head Outdoors

            Clean up the yard.

Visit the zoo.

Go to the park.

Stay Indoors

            Swim laps in an indoor pool.

Arrange an evening of bowling or roller skating with friends.

Pull out storage containers and trash bags for some Spring cleaning.

On a day you are not too busy, plan your goals for the summer!

Tips on How to Drink More Water

1. Get a purification system if you do not like the taste of tap water.
2. Add lemons or limes to your water to make it taste better.
3. Keep water cold if it tastes better for you.
4. Eat foods rich in water. Some fruits rich in water include watermelons and tomatoes.
5. On hot days, you lose fluids through sweat so remember to re-hydrate.
6. If you have a digital watch that beeps every hour, let that be your reminder to drink some water.
7. Purchase a water bottle you can carry with you all the time.
8. Drink water before, during, and after every meal.

Tips to Help You Eat More Vegetables

1.       Buy fresh vegetables.

2.       Try vegetables in season because they cost less.

3.       If  you don’t have much time to cook, stock up on frozen vegetables.

4.       If you want something easy to prepare, buy pre-washed salad greens and add baby carrots.

5.       If you prefer canned vegetables, buy vegetables labeled “no salt added.”

6.       Keep meals interesting by varying your choices of vegetables.

7.       Plan meals around a vegetable such as a vegetable soup.

8.       Shred vegetables into foods like meat loaf, casseroles or muffins.

9.       Try eating a salad as your main dish for lunch.

10.   Include a green salad with your dinner every night.

11.   If you are going to eat out, order a veggie pizza with toppings like green onions, mushrooms and onions.

12.   Dip vegetables in a low-fat dressing to make vegetables taste better.

13.   Decorate plates with vegetable slices.

14.   Keep a bowl of cut up vegetables in a see-through container in the refrigerator.

15.   Eat cut-up vegetables as part of your snacks.