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Eat, Drink and Be Healthy

Nobody wants a diet book as a holiday gift. But there are lots of nice things to give a person who wants to eat more healthfully.

  • The Checkup: Is sitting back in a reclining chair good for your health? The folks at La-Z-Boy say it is.


    • Holiday fitness gifts
    The MisFits

    Here's a set of goodies for every active elf on your shopping list.

    In the News
    The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that 80 percent of food ads on the kid-oriented Nickelodeon network in 2009 were for nutritionally poor foods. That's down from 90 percent in 2005.
    New research shows that gingko supplements don't prevent heart attack or stroke in the elderly. But, they may help ward off peripheral artery disease.
    YOU ASKED...
    Q:
    I drink at least 48 ounces of water a day, and I know it helps me -- especially since I exercise a lot. But what are the other health benefits of H2O? - Stephanie

    A:
    Though we've been told for years to drink eight 8-ounce servings of water a day to flush toxins from our bodies, keep our skin healthy, manage our weight and prevent dehydration, there's not a lot of science to support the idea that drinking that amount provides health benefits. The common advice now is to drink when you're thirsty and not worry about filling up with fluid. Read more here.
    DID YOU KNOW?
    Covering the pot when you're making soup can help retain nutrients, a small amount of which can be lost through evaporation. Read more here.
    Have other questions?
    Send them to Jennifer LaRue Huget at checkup@washpost.com
    Tony Rosenfield
    Fennel and pears are both rich in fiber and in phytonutrients that may help prevent heart disease and cancer. Be good to your friends and bring this salad to your next holiday gathering.
    Alice Waters
    Here's another festive salad; this one does have a bit of cream, but that's balanced out by the fiber- and nutrient-packed cabbage, apples and walnuts (the fat in which is of the good-for-you variety).
    Cooking Light
    Here's a great example of using spices and other low-calorie ingredients such as lemon juice and fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth, which can boost flavor in a simple dish.
    SELF
    A little bit of feta cheese goes a long way as a topping for this unusual pizza featuring lean ground lamb. Be sure to use whole-wheat pitas for the fiber they add.
    Prevention
    Cauliflower contains lots of Vitamin C and fiber, but sometimes it can seem kind of blah. Not so for this roasted version, packed with nutrition and low in fat and calories. It's pretty to look at, too.
    Real Simple
    Cookies are an important part of the holidays. It's fun to find recipes for varieties that are a bit better for you than others. Fresh ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and adds deep flavor to these cookies, which contain very little butter.
    TIPS OF THE WEEK
    Eating Well
    That sweet treat at the end of a meal doesn't have to be decadent to be delicious. Here are a handful of dessert ideas that will satisfy you without putting on pounds.
    Moving Well
    Try Kim Lyons' new fitnes DVDs
    A trainer for two seasons on "The Biggest Loser," Kim Lyons knows how to work with folks who aren't used to exercising. Her new trio of DVDs are geared to complete beginners -- you won't even need to get out of your seat to get started.
    Being Well
    Alternate routes to fighting flu
    If just the thought of the holiday season wigs you out, you might want to take a few simple stress-reducing steps. Start by scaling back expectations and learning to breathe better.

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