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Keep it Simple.

Posted: 05/03/2011

Don’t you hate walking into the gym and realizing you have no idea what you’re going to do?  “Cardio first?”  “No, maybe I’ll pump some iron first.”  This type of indecisive behavior can limit your performance and success.   You should know exactly what you are going to do and when.  Here is the plan, design...

Q: What exactly do antioxidants do and what are some great food sources?

Posted: 04/21/2011

A: Antioxidants counter the excessive production of small, highly reactive molecules in the body called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are byproducts of normal human metabolism and include both free radicals and nonradicals. ROS are capable of damaging delicate cells, especially DNA, our cells’ genetic blueprint. When the production of ROS exceeds the body’s antioxidant capacity, premature aging and the development of chronic diseases is accelerated. Thus, a large intake of antioxidants (consumed in food) theoretically would help the body fight DNA damage and oxidative stress, factors involved in disease development.

The total antioxidant power of foods is measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). According to a study by the USDA, some of the foods highest on the ORAC scale include black and red beans, blueberries, strawberries, Granny Smith apples, pecans and cranberries.

A plant-based diet filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, beans, whole-grains and olive oil will virtually guarantee you a huge array of health-promoting antioxidants. Plant foods are not only rich in antioxidants but also vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and polyphenols, additional factors that confer numerous health benefits, most notably protection from disease. So when it comes to antioxidants, color generally indicates concentration. Make an effort every day to harness the power of plant antioxidants by coloring your plate with dark, deep hues of green, purple, orange and blue. And remember, when it comes to antioxidants, more color = more health!

Posted by Dr. Janet Bond Brill

Mark Your Calendar

Posted: 01/17/2011

Print out the current month or create a check list. Each day you exercise, put a little smiley face or star next to the day. Continue this for the rest of the month. At months end, you will have a pretty good idea of your fitness/activity level. Add up the days you exercised.•If you were active less than 12 days out of the month- kick yourself in the butt and try harder...

3 Core Exercises to Improve your Golf Game

Posted: 01/17/2011

A golf swing is a dynamic and sport-specific movement, which can be unstable at times. If you are trying to improve your golf swing- the following core exercises will guarantee an increase in stability and strength throughout the golf swing! BOSU Golf Swings – Standing on the blue side with a mid iron and moving slowly through entire swing motion. 2-3 sets of...