10 Things to Do in May

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
10 Things to Do in May
5
Thu, 05-03-2007 - 11:25am




Your health: 10 things to do in May






Go biking, feast on artichokes and more ways to boost your health this month.






By Kat Tancock






















Spring is here, even in the most stubborn parts of the country. Get outside and make the most of it! Here are 10 ideas for ways to celebrate the season and take care of your health.

1. Get on your bike
Enjoy the newly balmy weather by going for a bike ride, whether it's for competition (read: racing with a friend) or a leisurely cruise with the kids. It's a great way to socialize and, of course, an excellent form of low-impact cardio as well. "Bicycling for 60 minutes, three times a week, over a 10-week period dropped blood pressure an average of 13 points in a group of middle-aged people," notes Dr. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity (Chronicle Books, 2006). So what are you waiting for?

2. Feast on artichokes
Spring is artichoke season, so take advantage of these delicious treats while you can. Not only are they an easy-yet-gourmet addition to the dinner table, they're good for you as well: they're especially high in antioxidants, and Dr. Ni considers them a powerful liver protector. Feeling ambitious? Try planting artichokes in your garden this year: visit the website of magazine Mother Earth News for tips on growing them in any climate.

3. Boost your antioxidant intake with herbs and spices
Antioxidants may have been the latest nutrition trend a couple of years ago, but they're still going strong -- and it's no wonder. They're free-radical-fighting superstars that help keep our cells in tip-top shape, thereby preventing disease. Try making antioxidant-rich foods a part of every meal. Yes, blueberries -- and other berries as well -- and still-on-trend pomegranates are definitely great sources. But did you know that herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, oregano and cloves are also packed with antioxidants? In their book Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health (Whitecap Books, 2007), Liz Pearson and Mairlyn Smith suggest the following ways to add herbs and spices to your meals:

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon on apples or oatmeal.
• Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1 to 2 mL) of ground cinnamon or cloves to shakes or smoothies.
• Add whole cloves and cinnamon sticks to your pot of tea.
• Add a variety of herbs and spices to salad dressings and meat marinades.
• Use recipes that feature turmeric (most often found in curry powder), cinnamon, cloves or oregano.

4. Plant a herb garden
Were you paying attention in point number three? Pearson and Smith also mention that fresh herbs are higher in antioxidants than dried -- and we all know that when it comes to produce, the fresher, the better. So to get the freshest oregano of all -- not to mention other favourites like basil, chives and sage -- plant some in your garden. Most herbs thrive in containers, even on sunny windowsills, so don't let lack of space be an excuse to stick with dried.

5. Hug someone
There's nothing like a good hug from someone you love to make you feel better when you're down. But you don't have to wait until you're grumpy to get in some snuggles -- and help your health. "Human touch elicits elevated production of endorphins, growth hormones and DHEA, all of which lengthen your life span," notes Dr. Ni, "and touch lowers the levels of stress hormones that can shorten it." If you're lucky, your doctor will even give you a prescription.






iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 05-04-2007 - 7:58pm
Thanks Miranda....I'm going to check out those apple muffins actually. For mother's day this year I thought I'd have the kids make muffins and have all the mommies come in for "Mommy Muffin Morning".....I might regret this, but it sounds like it will be good!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 05-07-2007 - 11:26am

You are definitely ambitious! Here's hoping the cooking session goes well!!


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 05-07-2007 - 4:45pm
I'll keep you posted- bought the ingredients today-- going with a variety of 'Jiffy' ones instead. Much simpler LOL....

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Avatar for sunflowergirl2
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2003
Mon, 05-07-2007 - 5:58pm
I love to bake, if you ever have any questions just ask.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 05-08-2007 - 3:22pm

Okay I'll ask ... Do you want to come over to MY house to bake?? LOL I'm a cook rather than a baker, much to my son's disappointment!