INDULGE WISELY More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are gifted on Valentine’s Day. Here are the treats worth the splurge.
Most Satisfying Choose a nut cluster. The combination of protein and unsaturated fat makes you feel satiated. Hefty but Healthy Snag the dark chocolate truffle. The rich treat may
have an antioxidant boost. Skip the Milk Milk chocolate has more sugar and less good-for-you benefits than its darker twin. Longest-Lasting In the time it takes to eat three solid chocolates,
you could savor only one chewy caramel. Just Say No to Coconut A coconut bonbon has three times more saturated fat than a bite of a Big Mac. Lightest Choice Solid pieces are the leanest in the box.
-Self
IS RELAXING THE NEW FLOSSING? Stress doesn’t just take a bite out of health—it can also weaken the health of your bite. According to a Brazilian analysis of 14 past studies, stressed-out people have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may impair the immune system and allow bacteria to invade
the gums, say researchers. If you’re working long hours and eating
dinner at your desk, keep a toothbrush on hand. And “protect your mouth by exercising and sleeping more, which will
help lower stress,” says Preston Miller, DDS, president of the American Academy of Peridontology.
-Prevention
ONE REASON WE SHOULD ALL WORK OUT It’s like a big happy pill. One study found that women with a positive sense of self spent about 70 more minutes being physically active each week than women who were feeling depressed—that’s just 10 minutes a day.
-Fitness
HAVE ASTHMA? STAY PUT. For asthma sufferers, these are the 10 worst cities in which to live: Atlanta; Philadelphia; Raleigh, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Milwaukee; Greensboro, N.C.; Scranton, Pa.; and Little Rock, Ark. The best city: Seattle.
-Vitality
SNEAKY LUNCHES To increase your kids’ consumption of fruits and vegetables, serve them either of these lunch treats: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with two slices of whole-wheat bread, one slice of lowfat cheddar cheese and two tomato slices.
Vegetable quesadillas made with 1¼2 bell pepper, 1¼2 cup mushrooms and 1 ounce lowfat cheese.
