February’s long winter slog is brightened by Valentine’s Day, a good reminder to take care of our hearts. Here are some ideas for being well during this shortest, and often snowiest, of months in Washington.
Power up
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 issued late last month call for us to eat more heart-healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthful fats, fiber and fish. But which of these are the best of all? The new “Power Foods” cookbook ($25, 2010) from Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine promotes 38 foods, from apricots and avocados to walnuts and wild Alaskan salmon.
Alexandra Postman, editor in chief of Whole Living, tells me that she and the book’s other editors singled out these 38 “power foods” for providing the best mix of nutrients. They wanted to help consumers decide, “If I’m going to eat a leafy green, which one delivers the biggest bang?” she says. (Spinach and kale make the cut.)
Also helpful to those trying to follow the new dietary guidelines’ call for reducing sodium in our diets (1,500 mg per day) are the book’s guides to using healthful oils, herbs and spices to add flavor sans salt.
Produce picks
What’s the best bet in the produce section this month? Try something orange. Clementines, persimmons, sweet potatoes and butternut squash are among the fruits and vegetables that are at their prime in wintertime. Tiny, low-calorie clementines are bursting with Vitamin C, while persimmons, sweet potatoes and butternut squash are rich in vitamins C and A.
I recommend these healthful recipes from The Post’s Food section. Find them at washingtonpost.com/recipes :
3Persimmon, Pomegranate and Pecan Salad
3Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad With Maple Vinaigrette
3Chicken Tenderloin , Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew
As for clementines, just peel ’em and enjoy!
Foil the flu
This month is often peak season for influenza in the United States. So far it’s been a relatively mild ride in the District, but the infectious disease is widespread in many states, including Maryland and Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that could all change, as the course of the flu season is notoriously unpredictable.
Experts say that frequent hand-washing, keeping your fingers away from your face, eyes and mouth and steering clear of people who are coughing and sneezing might help keep you healthy. But the best way to avoid flu altogether is to succumb to a shot, which is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective, but it’s not too late: Supplies remain plentiful and available at such locations as pharmacies and grocery stores. The CDC provides a Flu Vaccine Finder at
www.cdc.gov/flu/
protect/keyfacts.htm
.
Two points to remember: Influenza’s not just a bad cold; it can be deadly. And you cannot catch it from the vaccine.
Take a CPR class
February is an ideal time to get your CPR training or update your certification. Not only is it American Heart Month, but it’s also when we risk overexerting ourselves while shoveling snow or pushing cars out of snowbanks.
Loading...
Comments