Let's Do It Healthy

October 18, 2004

Dine out daringly. Grilled chicken or salmon is a sensible choice, but wouldn’t you rather sup on sea bass or a buffalo burger for a change? As long as you’re choosing a lean, low-calorie alternative from the menu and the preparation method keeps the fat down, it’s OK to veer from the usual. Dare to be different. Just avoid dishes that are prepared in fattening sauces.

Marilyn Monroe knew it, and you should, too: For good health and a great shape, dumbbells are a girl's best friend. Dieters who lift weights and eat well lose more body fat, and feel stronger and more flexible. Lifting weights as you diet makes it easier to shed pounds; increased muscle mass will boost your metabolic rate over time, allowing you to burn calories even at rest. It also gives your muscles a tight, firm appearance.

A piece of fresh fruit has one key advantage over a glass of juice. When you eat an orange, an apple or a grapefruit, you're getting fiber, which isn't there in a glass of juice. Not only does fiber play a major role against diabetes and heart disease, but it fills you up with fewer calories, helping you control your weight. Fruit juices also tend to be high in added sugar. Citrus fruits in particular are loaded with antioxidant, cancer-preventing compounds, and they're bursting with vitamin C, folate and potassium.

Eggs don't have to be just for breakfast. A hearty egg-white omelet with healthy fixin's like vegetables and low-fat cheese, served with whole-wheat toast or a baked potato, can be a delicious, filling, nutrient-rich lunch or dinner. Bonus tip: If you aren't a fan of egg-white-only omelets, try mixing 1 egg yolk, with 2-3 egg whites, or try an egg substitute. You'll cut the saturated (bad) fat way down, and we bet you'll find it makes no difference to the taste!