Average Joe Fitness Blog

Using Your Fitness Routine To Build Self-Esteem

2008-09-03T22:39:00.004-04:00

We all know having a regular fitness routine makes you look and feel better. Your body is firmer, you have more energy and you add years to your life. But did you know your exercise routine also builds healthy self-esteem?

The key to feeling fully fit is to exercise for the right reasons. You need to have a fitness routine that fits into your lifestyle. Crazy crash diets and ridiculously rigorous fitness programs are never the key to success.

Avoid fad diets that only make you feel worse about yourself. When it comes to overall fitness, slow and steady wins the race. Remember, you want to establish healthy eating patterns. Losing weight fast is never a permanent solution.

Steer clear of demanding exercise programs you secretly dread. Instead, make exercise enjoyable. Use the time to listen to your favorite music as you walk through the park. Take your dog for a regular walk along a scenic path. Play basketball with your children. Dance to your favorite music videos. When fitness is fun, you want to keep doing it.

Finally, remember it took time to put the weight on and it will take time to take it off. Be patient with yourself. Feel positive regardless of your current weight. If you maintain an upbeat perspective, your self image will continue to soar as the pounds slowly melt away.

Is Pole Dancing The Latest Fitness Craze?

2008-08-22T21:19:00.002-04:00

Pole dancing used to be associated with strippers and nightclubs. Since supermodel Kate Moss appeared in the “White Stripes” racy music video, pole dancing has become the latest fitness craze for woman of all ages and backgrounds.

At fitness centers, gyms and homes around the country, pole dancing is helping women get fit and feel better about themselves. There are even removable poles women can purchase and install in their own homes to show off their new found skills. However, pole dancing is more about fitness than personal sex appeal. The challenging pole positions build muscles and strength while the dancing aspect provides a great cardiovascular workout.

The popularity of pole dancing has soared, with instructional classes offered everywhere from California to the Bible Belt. Woman as young as 16 to as old as 70 are pole dancing to reach their fitness goals. Students must perform a series of stretches before pole dancing to avoid possible injury. Much like any other fitness routine, pole dancers need to warm up, cool down and exercise a reasonable amount of caution when trying out new moves.

When fitness is fun, you tend to do it more often. Many woman are reaching their fitness goals with pole dancing because they really enjoy themselves.

Summer Fitness Tips For Busy Parents

2008-07-16T07:06:00.002-04:00

Is your fitness routine disrupted now that your children are home for summer vacation? Do you find it impossible to escape to the gym for an hour now that your little ones are around?

Consider a few simple ways to add fitness to your family life:

go bicycling together as a family;
teach your little ones how to roller skate by teetering on skates again yourself;
go swimming at the local beach or pool and take swimming instructions if you don't know how...they are available for both children and adults on every level;
go on a nature hike/hunt in the park or backyard with a list of outdoor items to find;
take advantage of the summer season to visit farms and pick your own produce...you get exercise picking the produce and nutrients eating it;
schedule a walk around the block after dinner every night; or
simply play together by throwing a ball, tossing a Frisbee and running around.

Playing and enjoying casual sports together reduces stress, burns calories and gives your family a summer filled with happy memories.

Exercise and Water 101

2008-05-02T06:50:00.003-04:00

Exercise and water are outstanding fitness companions.

Exercising takes a lot of water from our bodies and we need to replenish it while we exercise. In fact, the average person perspires one quart of water during an hour of vigorous exercising.

Before you exercise, drink a cup of water so your muscles do not get dehydrated. Your muscles depend on hydration for movement and they don't work as well without water, minimizing the productivity of your fitness routine.

When you start your workout, drink water often. Try to have a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout. Carry a water bottle or take a quick break to grab a cup of water but make sure you remain hydrated while you workout.

After you exercise, continue to replenish the water in your body by drinking another 2 cups in the next 2 hours.

Drinking more water before, during and after makes your fitness routine more productive and prevents muscle cramping. Water is also a natural antioxidant that flushes toxins out of your system to maximize your feeling of fitness.

Is Eating An Emotional Experience?

2008-04-27T21:03:00.004-04:00

Do you find eating is an emotional experience for you?

If you ever woke up on the sofa with an empty bag of chips next to you and no memory of how you wound up there, you've fallen victim to emotional eating.

According to leading nutritional experts, about 75 percent of overeating is caused by emotion. In other words, we are getting far too comfortable with comfort foods.

Most emotional eating starts with the desire to relieve stress. Instead of snacking, figure out the reasons for your anxiety and find new skills to combat your issues.

To overcome your emotions at the moment, you can:

Eliminate chips and chocolate from your cabinets and stock up on healthier snacks such as applesauce, bananas and whole wheat toast.
Exercising is one of the best ways to relieve stress and stay fit. Take a walk, shoot a few hoops, jog around the block or do calisthenics and cardio to get past your emotions.
Keep a journal tracking your progress, highlighting your achievements and reinforcing your goals.
Instead of eating to relieve stress, talk to someone you trust or visit online forums for advice.

When you take control of your emotions, you are also taking care of your overall fitness and well-being.

Does Your Diet Need Anger Management?

2008-04-24T21:06:00.003-04:00

Slow traffic on overcrowded roads. Co-workers who refuse to carry their weight. Family members who won't pick up after themselves.

There are countless reasons for the rage that swells up within us, calling upon our anger management skills to squelch our impatience. Is dieting another issue that makes you frustrated?

Your anxiety about dieting may be holding you back from achieving the healthy, attractive body you really want.

Consider these easy ways to get rid of dieting rage:

Enjoy the healthy journey without constantly worrying how many pounds you lost. After all, it's a lifestyle change you are trying to achieve first, and the pounds will then melt off naturally.
Crash diets put you on the fast track to dieting frustration and failure. Slow and steady wins the race and helps you reach your dieting goals without grief.
Have someone join you for the dieting experience. Jog with a neighbor, tally calories with your best friend, walk your dog everyday or join an online forum to find a fitness friend.
Be patient with yourself and the world around you. Life constantly presents changing circumstances that may cause you to stop and restart your diet. Go with the flow and you will always return to the right path.

If dietary distress is holding you back from losing the weight you want, de-stress so you can enjoy your fitness routine instead of dreading it.

How To Bike Your Way To Fitness

2008-04-20T20:39:00.003-04:00

When you were a child, you probably spent plenty of time getting around on
your trusty bicycle.

After you got your first car, your bike fell to the wayside. Now it's collecting dust in the back of the garage, if you still have it at all.

Now that the warmer weather is here, drag out your old bike or find yourself a new one so you can return to the fun outdoor activity that kept you fit as kid.

Benefits of bicycling for fitness include:

A change of scenery rather than sitting on a stationery bike at home;
Fresh air and sunshine with beneficial vitamin D;
Aerobic activity for better heart health and circulation;
Improved overall fitness including well-toned leg muscles; and
Local transportation so you save on gas and protect the environment.

To get started, all you need is a stable bicycle, a helmet and sturdy sneakers. And do a few simple stretches before you ride to limber up your muscles.

Returning to one of your favorite childhood pastimes is an enjoyable way to achieve your fitness goals.

Find A Fitness Friend to Reach Your Goals

2008-04-17T22:21:00.002-04:00

The reason many people join an overpriced gym or fitness class is to be around others who share their goals.

But you don't need to join an expensive gym or schedule your life around a class to find like-minded people looking to get fit. People everywhere want to get in shape, creating countless opportunities to find a fitness friend.

Talk to your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members about getting in shape. Mention fitness to the local grocer, your hairdresser and the mail carrier. Participate in online fitness forums.

You are certain to find a fitness friend to keep you inspired, often in the most unlikely place.

The ideal fitness friend:

Will have similar goals;
Has a compatible schedule so you can touch base about your progress or workout together;
Will be enthused about getting fit; and
Wants to be your cheerleader and seeks inspiration from you.

When you share your fitness goals with someone else, you have another person to answer to about your progress. This type of friendship can mean a fitter, healthier future for the both of you.

Does What You Drink Jeopardize Your Fitness Efforts?

2008-04-13T22:32:00.004-04:00

If you are exercising daily and eating well-balanced meals but still not losing all the weight you want, consider your beverage choices.

What you drink could be packing on quiet pounds and jeopardizing your fitness goals.

Consider some of the unhealthy beverages you may wind up sipping at some point during the day:

Soda has empty calories and even diet soda may have caffeine that works as a diuretic, dehydrating your body;
Coffee also has caffeine and adding sugar or milk will add calories;
Whole milk contains essential nutrients but also has the highest fat content; and
Alcohol causes dehydration, possible liver damage, minimizes absorption of essential nutrients and even interferes with the way fat is metabolized in your body.

There are, however, healthy beverage choices that support your fitness efforts:

Green tea is a preferred choice over coffee because it's an antioxidant with lower caffeine;
Tomato juice is an antioxidant with vitamins and minerals with a fun spicy flavor;
Skim milk contains all the essential nutrients that whole milk has without all the fat; and
Water hydrates your body, flushes out toxins from your system and has no calories naturally.

To boost your fitness routine, make sure you include healthy beverages on your everyday menu.

How To Keep The Weight Off Now That You're Fit

2008-04-07T06:47:00.002-04:00

After a lot of hard work, you finally reached your goal weight. Is it time to celebrate with a rich dessert? You may want to reconsider.

While self deprivation is never suggested, you have to change your habits to successfully lose weight.

Getting rid of old habits should be a lifestyle change, not a temporary state of mind.

Unfortunately, almost ninety percent of people who lose weight struggle with keeping it off.

You can beat those odds by maintaining your new lifestyle - remember:

there are healthy snacks that are equally tasty without all the fat;
you worked hard to achieve your goals and don't want to step back; and
if you do indulge, will that pull an emotional trigger that sends you back to unhealthy eating habits?

More ways to maintain your new weight and lifestyle include having a fitness buddy and setting new challenges for yourself.

Sometimes people feel lost after they lose weight. Having a fitness buddy keeps you active and thinking about weight loss.

Setting new challenges, such as running a marathon or learning how to play golf, makes fitness fun and rewarding.

By keeping a healthy perspective, you can stay fit and happy for the rest of your life.

Can Plastic Surgery Erase Unhealthy Habits?

2008-04-03T07:48:00.001-04:00

Plastic surgery procedures to get rid of excess fat, including gastric bypass surgery and liposuction, continue to grow in popularity.

When people realize they are carrying thirty, fifty or one hundred extra pounds, it can seem overwhelming to lose the weight.

While plastic surgery can improve your appearance and give you a major kick start if you are obese, there is no substitute for healthy eating and exercise.

In fact, once patients have healed from gastric bypass surgery or liposuction, cosmetic surgeons encourage them to eat a well-balanced diet and engage in regular exercise to maintain their new shape.

If a patient continue to overeat and fails to exercise, they will still gain weight and negate the effects of the plastic surgery procedure.

The key to looking and feeling your best is to eat plenty of healthy foods and exercise at least three times weekly.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish and dairy will give you more energy and endurance. Avoid fatty foods, sugary snacks and alcohol to stay trim. And work out regularly to relieve stress and look fit.

While plastic surgery may offer a partial solution for the obese, there is no replacement for healthy habits. Additionally, there are many risks involved with plastic surgery including infections and even death.

The bottom line is you need listen to the advice you got as a child from your parents and teachers -- eat right and exercise for good health!

Exercise To Relieve Fatigue

2008-03-25T06:18:00.002-04:00

Are you fatigued by the middle of the day? Do you grope for a cup of coffee or sweet treat to keep going?

You're not alone, but the best way to increase your energy is to engage in exercise rather than indulging in bad habits.

A University of Georgia study showed sedentary people can decrease their fatigue by 65 percent and boost their energy by 20 percent by doing low intensity exercise regularly.

Exercise works directly on the central nervous system by improving circulation and oxygen flow to your organs.

The lead author of the study, Tim Puetz, stated, "Too often we believe that a quick workout will leave us worn out – especially when we are feeling fatigued. However, we have shown that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy. Exercise traditionally has been associated with physical health, but we are quickly learning that exercise has a more holistic effect on the human body and includes effects on psychological health."

Stress can also cause us to feel exhausted, and exercise relieves tension. If you are feeling tired or anxious, you may simply need to get up and go – exercise, that is!

How To Get Rid of Neck Pain At Home

2008-03-19T06:56:00.002-04:00

Does your neck ache and feel stiff?

You're not alone because many people are propped in front of their computer screen all day causing neck pain. The answer to your neck ache may lie in strength training.

Chronic pain along the neck and shoulders usually comes from the upper trapezius muscle along the upper back and shoulders. The trapezius muscle helps to move your neck.

When you do monotonous jobs such as staring at a computer or working on an assembly line, your neck muscles may start to feel sore and tight.

A recent study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that 70 to 80 percent of women who strength trained for 10 weeks had decreased pain. For the study, the women worked out neck and shoulder muscles with hand weights for 20 minutes 3 times per week for 10 weeks.

Strength training works because it boosts the metabolism of protein in your muscles, helping to repair the aching tissue. Stronger muscles are also more capable of handling your daily activities without strain.

To relieve muscles, hold a weight in each hand with your arms extended down the sides of your body. Shrug your shoulders slowly. Simple movements such as these can relieve and prevent chronic neck pain after a long day behind the computer.

The 411 On Probiotics

2008-03-11T22:18:00.002-04:00

Everyone is talking about the benefits of probiotics and eating yogurt, but what does it all mean?

Live, beneficial bacteria are called probiotics, which literally means pro life.

These helpful bacteria are found in yogurt, probiotic milk beverages and kefir. Probiotics help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in your digestive system.

Including probiotics in your daily diet benefits all the systems in your body as well as your digestive tract.

Other health benefits derived from probiotics include:

increased protection against infection;
a boost to your immune system;
better digestion and less diarrhea;
increased genital and urinary health;
lower cholesterol levels;
minimizes the risk of developing certain cancers; and
soothes the symptoms of certain kinds of eczema for children.

Did you ever imagine that fermented milk could do so much good for your body?

Probiotics are an easy, effective way to improve your digestion and your overall well-being.

Keeping Your Children Fit and Healthy

2008-03-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

According to the National Center for Health Statistics at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an alarming 17 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese.

Keeping your children fit and healthy is a top priority because of the current toxicity in America through ongoing commercials for junk food that lure kids.

Dr. Leonard Wartofsky of The Endocrine Society states, "Clearly, Americans recognize the obesity epidemic facing this country and our children."

Meanwhile, Marlene Schwarts, deputy director at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University says, "They're surrounded by circumstances where the default behavior is one that encourages obesity."

In response to this epidemic of childhood obesity, parents can still turn to the food pyramid as a guideline for a balanced daily diet.

While the world has changed dramatically over the past two decades with fast food restaurants everywhere and oversized food options, children's nutritional requirements remain the same.

Estimates of these daily requirements according to the food pyramid include 6 to 9 servings of grains, 3 to 4 servings of vegetables, 2 to 3 servings of fruit, 3 servings of dairy and 2 servings of meat and beans. These estimates increase slightly for a teenage boy or girl.

In an environment that encourages instant gratification through unhealthy food choices, we need to get back to basics by following the guidelines of the food pyramid when we feed our children.

More information about the food pyramid can be found at www.mypyramid.com.

Fitness That Makes Scents

2008-02-27T07:25:00.002-05:00

We understand the basic key to fitness is cutting calories and exercising.

We also know the scent of delicious food can make us want to stray from our fitness goals. But were you aware that scents can also inspire you to exercise?

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to heal and inspire a variety of moods. From encouraging relaxation and sleep to energizing, different scents give us different thoughts.

Essential oils such as lavender encourage sleep while vanilla makes you feel more relaxed. In fact, these oils have physical effects that cause the body to produce certain neurochemicals that promote relaxation.

Energizing scents include citrus, basil and ginger but these fragrances are just a guideline because each person may be emotionally and physically influenced by scents in a different way.

The basis of aromatherapy is relating a certain scent to an activity. When you smell the scent, it will make you want to take positive action by association. For example, a citrus fragrance may give you a chemically-induced boost of energy while reminding you to engage in your favorite form of exercise.

If you want new inspiration to keep up with your fitness routine, aromatherapy may be just what you need!

Keeping Your Feet Fit

2008-02-19T19:43:00.002-05:00

I am a firm believer that you don't need fancy equipment to stay fit, but wearing the right workout shoes can protect your feet from blisters, discomfort, swelling and prevent injury.

It's tough to get the most out of your workout if your shoes are uncomfortable and your feet hurt. A high-quality shoe that fits properly will support your fitness routine so you can get the most out of it.

Consider these tips to find the right workout shoe to support your fitness program:

Choose shoes that are specific to the activity you are doing such as running, walking or cross training.
If you are flat-footed, look for stable shoes with good support so your feet don't roll inward.
If you have high-arches, get a flexible shoe to absorb shock caused when your feet roll outward.
Your workout shoes should be replaced every six months or less, depending on how often you use them.
When the outer sole is worn or the sides of the shoe lean to either side, it is time to get a new pair.
Wear workout socks when you go to try on athletic footwear so you can a realistic idea of the fit.
Your workout shoes should have a half-inch gap between the toe box and your longest toe to fit properly.

By following these simple tips for buying workout shoes, you can guard against injury and get the most out of your fitness routine.

Meal Budgeting For Weight Loss

2008-02-15T06:53:00.002-05:00

What is meal budgeting and how will it help you lose weight?

When you plan your finances, you put together a basic budget based on your income versus your expenditures. Dieting works the same way as your finances because what you take in equals calories and the energy you expend burns them.

When you want to take control of your money, you put together a spreadsheet to track your expenses and available cash. To get a handle on your weight, consider keeping a food journal so you know how many calories you are consuming daily and what you are doing to burn them.

Your food journal could include:

the number of meals you eat with the calories;
the time of day you eat;
a daily tally of calories consumed; and
the times you fit fitness into your day and the number of calories you burn.

Just like getting your finances in order, you can get a handle on your weight loss goals by keeping track of your daily habits.

Once you know the total calories you consume and the total calories you burn, you can determine the bottom line to minimize your daily calories, monitor times during the day when you eat the most and make sure you include fitness in your everyday routine.

Can Foods Help You Get Rid of Belly Fat?

2008-02-07T07:53:00.000-05:00

If you have belly fat, did you know certain foods can help you get rid of it?

According to a study published in the Diabetes Care journal, eating a diet that is high in MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) can actually reduce that unwanted belly fat from building up.

Foods that contain MUFAs include:

Peanut butter - satisfying and offers magnesium, potassium and Vitamin E;
Sunflower seeds - portable snacks with Vitamins B and E;
Macadamia nuts - contains antioxidant selenium and is a source of fiber;
Avocado - helps reduce cholesterol with beta stosterol;
Semi-sweet and dark chocolate - irresistible and contains antioxidants;
Almonds - adds flavor, protein, fiber and Vitamin E;
Flaxseed oil - gives you Omega-3s like fish to boost brain and heart health; and
Olive oil - fights bad cholesterol and contains antioxidants.

All these great foods actually help minimize body fat over time. Coupled with a simple daily fitness routine and you will look and feel better in just a few months.

Do Little Fitness Goals Go a Long Way?

2008-02-05T06:52:00.000-05:00

Are your New Year's fitness resolutions falling short now that Valentine's day is approaching?

It could be time to reconsider your approach because little fitness goals can go a long way.

Consistently establishing new healthy habits will help you realize the goal of losing weight and getting fit.

Instead of wanting instant gratification that may wind up disappointing you, small lifestyle changes can add up to big fitness gains.

Consider some of these simple ways to achieve your goals throughout 2008:

Add a 10 minute workout routine to your mornings everyday before work - set your clock 10 minutes ahead to get fit and boost your energy level and calorie burning all morning long.
Replace your afternoon snacks with fruits or vegetables to avoid empty calories, keep your energy going and get essential vitamins.
Take 10 minutes after work or your daily routine to have quiet time – meditate, do stretching or simply close your eyes in the dark to rejuvenate.

Try to make these healthy habits become a part of your everyday life over the next few months to help you lose weight and get more fit.

Over time, you will naturally get stronger, more fit and boost your overall well-being.

Exercise Your Way To Better Sleep

2008-01-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average American sleeps only 6.9 hours every night, with a third getting less sleep than that.

The good news is that a simple regimen of regular exercise can help you to sleep better...and you'll enjoy improved overall fitness at the same time.

Half the adults in America sleep less so they can work or play more. However, without the required 7 to 8 hours sleep, people are becoming sleep deprived and unable to enjoy these activities.

Also, sleep-deprived people have higher sugar concentrations in their blood that could contribute to pre-diabetes and a lack of deep sleep inhibits your body's ability to fight disease.

For most people, working out regularly reduces insomnia and improves sleep quality by producing smoother transitions between the cycles of sleep.

Getting moderate exercise for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times weekly will give you better sleep and increased energy. You will be able to fall asleep and stay asleep more easily and remain in the deep sleep phase for a longer period of time for maximum benefit.

Additional benefits of regular exercise and sleep include reduced stress, ease of muscular tension, sharper brain power and increased production of endorphins, the substance that gives you a feeling of well-being.

Having an ongoing exercise routine will help you sleep better and feel better everyday.

Five Ways to Get Better Sleep For Total Fitness

2008-01-25T06:22:00.000-05:00

An essential part of your total fitness routine is getting enough sleep. While we sleep, our bodies rejuvenate cells and replenish essential energy.

Without at least six to eight hours of shut-eye every night, you are depriving your body of essential rest that can inhibit your efforts to lose weight, cause depression, impair concentration, impair glucose tolerance and just make you feel generally tired and irritable.

Consider these five ways to get better sleep and boost your fitness efforts:

use your bedroom for sleeping and avoid watching television, paying bills or other activities in this room so the environment is relaxing and invites rest;
regardless of your hectic schedule, develop a sleep routine so your body knows when to settle down for bed;
avoid spicy snacks, heavy food, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bedtime and choose herbal tea and a light snack such as toast instead;
minimize stress in your life and meditate or take a hot bath before bed to unwind; and
enjoy a 20 minute nap during the day when your energy levels drop but avoid long naps that could interfere with sleeping through the night.

By taking control of your sleep patterns, you will be healthier, have more energy and enjoy a greater level of fitness.

How To Make the Most of Your Workout

2008-01-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

We spend so much time considering the best way to get fit that we sometimes overlook the relevance of what we do before and after the actual workout.

While choosing the right workout is important, you can make the most of your fitness routine by warming up and cooling down properly.

Before you workout, engage in five minutes of stretching exercises to warm up your muscles and get ready for action. Without warming up, you can strain your muscles or get injured.

Before, during and after your workout, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. After you workout, you should take a few minutes to cool down by stretching your muscles again.

Make sure to drink two to three glasses of water within two hours after working out to remain properly hydrated.

You should also refuel after working out by eating something lean with protein and carbohydrates, such as a tuna or chicken sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Carbs help to boost your energy level while the protein repairs the muscles you used during your workout.

You can make the most of your workouts by taking time to warm up first and cool down afterwards.

How To Avoid Gaining Weight When Sitting at Work All Day

2008-01-16T21:31:00.000-05:00

If your job requires you to sit most of the day, you may be packing on extra pounds.

Research conducted by the University of Chicago showed people working sedentary jobs may wind up with a Body Mass Index that is 3.3 units higher than folks working active jobs -- this can add up to 15 extra pounds in just a few months.

Consider these ways to stay fit even if you sit all day at work:

Don't forget to eat. Avoid fast foods with extra sodium and calories and opt for 2-3 healthy snacks during the day to keep your energy level up and your metabolism functioning properly.
Avoid office gathering places with food. Eating can become a hobby to combat boredom so steer clear of marathon snacking in the break room and keep healthy snacks in your desk to ward off cravings.
Recruit your co-workers into healthy activities. Instead of gathering around the coffee machine and noshing on goodies during break, take a short walk and share a healthy snack afterwards.
Use every opportunity you can to move. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or get that file yourself instead of buzzing your secretary.
Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Whether you decide to go for a brisk walk after work or take a trip to the gym in the morning, find a convenient way to fit twenty to thirty minutes of exercise into your routine at least three times weekly.

By making a few minor changes to your daily routine, you can survive your sedentary job without packing on unwanted pounds.

6 Foods That Will Surprise You

2008-01-12T23:57:00.000-05:00

Often the greatest mistake you can make when dieting is assuming certain foods are healthy and others are not.

Based on reputation, some foods are dismissed when they are actually healthy and other foods are not as healthy as you may think.

Here are some examples:

Although granola bars are revered as a healthy snack filled with nuts, whole oats and dried fruit, they are usually dipped in sugary syrup or contain chocolate chips. Even the granola bars that don't contain a lot of sugar have little fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, putting them in a class with candy bars.
Bottled tea beverages, though promoted for their antioxidant abilities, actually contain a significant amount of sugar to rival soft drinks.
Frozen yogurt usually does not contain active cultures like the healthy, refrigerated kind. Additionally, frozen yogurt usually contains excessive amounts of sugar.
Beef has gotten a bad name but it is actually the cut and amount that matters. Having a 3-ounce serving of lean beef contains more than half the daily requirement for protein along with a myriad of other essential nutrients.
White potatoes have also gotten bad press, but it is actually adding butter, sour cream and frying them that makes them unhealthy. Eating plain white potatoes with the skin provides essential carbs, vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and potassium while making you feel full and satisfied.
Pizza contains a myriad of nutrients along with the four basic food groups. Eating pizza with whole wheat crust and veggie toppings is both nutritious and delicious.

So from now on, you can pass on those chewy granola bars and enjoy a tasty steak instead!