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Showing posts with label Healthy tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy tips. Show all posts

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Fish You Should Never, Ever Eat


Steer clear of this seafood that's bad for you and the environment

One fish, two fish, bad-for-you-fish. Yes fish, no fish, red fish…OK fish? Our oceans have become so depleted of wild fish stocks, and so polluted with industrial contaminants, that trying to figure out the fish that are both safe and sustainable can make your head spin. "Good fish" lists can change year after year, because stocks rebound or get depleted every few years, but there are some fish that, no matter what, you can always decline. 

The nonprofit Food and Water Watch looked at all the varieties of fish out there, how they were harvested, how certain species are farmed, and levels of toxic contaminants like mercury or PCBs in the fish, as well as how heavily local fishermen relied upon fisheries for their economic survival. These are the 12 fish, they determined, that all of us should avoid, no matter what. 

1. Imported Catfish Why It's Bad: Nearly 90% of the catfish imported to the US comes from Vietnam, where use of antibiotics that are banned in the U.S. is widespread. Furthermore, the two varieties of Vietnamese catfish sold in the US, Swai and Basa, aren't technically considered catfish by the federal government and therefore aren't held to the same inspection rules that other imported catfish are.
Eat This Instead: Stick with domestic, farm-raised catfish, advises Marianne Cufone, director of the Fish Program at Food & Water Watch. It's responsibly farmed and plentiful, making it one of the best fish you can eat. Or, try Asian carp, an invasive species with a similar taste to catfish that's out-competing wild catfish and endangering the Great Lakes ecosystem.

2. Caviar
Why It's Bad:
 Caviar from beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are susceptible to overfishing, according to the Food and Water Watch report, but the species are also being threatened by an increase in dam building that pollutes the water in which they live. All forms of caviar come from fish that take a long time to mature, which means that it takes a while for populations to rebound. 
Eat This Instead: If you really love caviar, opt for fish eggs from American Lake Sturgeon or American Hackleback/Shovelnose Sturgeon caviar from the Mississippi River system.

3. Atlantic Cod
Why It's Bad:
 This one was difficult to add to the "dirty dozen list," says Cufone, because it is so vital to the economic health of New England fishermen. "However, chronic mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service and low stock status made it very difficult to recommend," she says. Atlantic cod stocks collapsed in the mid-1990s and are in such disarray that the species is now listed as one step above endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. 
Eat This Instead: The good news, if you love fish 'n' chips (which is nearly always made with cod), is that Pacific cod stocks are still strong and are one of Food and Water Watch's best fish picks.
4. American Eel
Why It's Bad:
Also called yellow or silver eel, this fish, which frequently winds up in sushi dishes, made its way onto the list because it's highly contaminated with PCBs and mercury. The fisheries are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting.
Eat This Instead: If you like the taste of eel, opt for Atlantic- or Pacific-caught squid instead.
5. Imported Shrimp
Why It's Bad:
Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of the Dirty Dozen, says Cufone, and it's hard to avoid, as 90% of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. "Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants: antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, filth like mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects," Cufone says. "And I didn't even mention things like E. coli that have been detected in imported shrimp." Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2% of ALL imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood. (Still need convincing? Find out the

Eat This Instead: Look for domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons. Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. 
6. Atlantic Flatfish
Why It's Bad:
 This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food and Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1% of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing.

Eat This Instead:
Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia.
7. Atlantic Salmon (both wild-caught and farmed)
Why It's Bad:
 It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon. Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations. Adding to our salmon woes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward with approving genetically engineered salmon to be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. That salmon would be farmed off the coast of Panama, and it's unclear how it would be labeled. Currently, all fish labeled "Atlantic salmon" come from fish farms. 
Eat This Instead: Opt for wild Alaskan salmon now, and in the event that GE salmon is officially approved.


8. Imported King Crab
Why It's Bad:
 The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis, says Cufone: "Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think that's name of the crab," she says, adding that she's often seen labels at supermarkets that say "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." Alaskan king crab is a completely separate animal, she says, and it's much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff. 
Eat This Instead: When you shop for king crab, whatever the label says, ask whether it comes from Alaska or if it's imported. Approximately 70% of the king crab sold in the U.S. is imported, so it's important to make that distinction and go domestic.
9. Shark
Why It's Bad:
Problems associated with our eating too many sharks happen at all stages of the food chain, says Cufone. For one, these predatory fish are extremely high in mercury, which poses threats to humans. But ocean ecosystems suffer, too. "With fewer sharks around, the species they eat, like cownose rays and jellyfish, have increased in numbers," Cufone says. "And the rays are eating--and depleting--scallops and other fish." There are fewer of those fish in the oceans for us to eat, placing an economic strain on coastal communities that depend on those fisheries.

Eat this instead:
 Among the recommendations for shark alternatives are Pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel.
10. Orange Roughy
Why It's Bad:
 In addition to having high levels of mercury, orange roughy can take between 20 and 40 years to reach full maturity and reproduces late in life, which makes it difficult for populations to recover from overfishing. Orange roughy has such a reputation for being overharvested that some large restaurant chains, including Red Lobster, refuse to serve it. However, it still pops up in grocer freezers, sometimes mislabeled as "sustainably harvested." There are no fisheries of orange roughy that are considered well-managed or are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, so avoid any that you see.

Eat This Instead:
Opt for yellow snapper or domestic catfish to get the same texture as orange roughy in your recipes.
11. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Why It's Bad:
A recent analysis by The New York Times found that Atlantic bluefin tuna has the highest levels of mercury of any type of tuna. To top it off, bluefin tuna are severely overharvested, to the point of reaching near-extinction levels, and are considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Rather than trying to navigate the ever-changing recommendations for which tuna is best, consider giving it up altogether and switching to a healthy, flavorful alternative, such as Alaska wild-caught salmon.

Eat This Instead:
If you really can't give up tuna, opt for American or Canadian (but not imported!) albacore tuna, which is caught while it's young and doesn't contain as high levels of mercury.
12. Chilean Sea Bass
Why It's Bad:
 Most Chilean sea bass sold in the US comes from fishermen who have captured them illegally, although the US Department of State says that illegal harvesting of the fish has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, fish stocks are in such bad shape that the nonprofit Greenpeace estimates that, unless people stop eating this fish, the entire species could be commercially extinct within five years. Food and Water Watch's guide notes that these fish are high in mercury, as well.

Eat This Instead:
These fish are very popular and considered a delicacy, but you can get the same texture and feel with US hook-and-line-caught haddock.
From: Healthyliving.com/ Posted by Mags

Friday, November 15, 2013

Cancer Fighting Food

http://www.health.com/health/m/gallery/0,,20430736,00.html


Posted by Smooches

Thinner by Dinner: How to Dress 10 Pounds Lighter

Changing up how you dress can take off 10 pounds—or more. Steal these insider tricks from top stylists to the stars.
 dress-slim-secrets

Dress-slim secrets

Sure, many celebs start off with better bodies than the rest of us mere mortals. (They have personal chefs and trainers on demand, after all!) But even the fittest stars still deal with figure challenges, so they turn to stylists who are geniuses at putting together outfits that hide flaws and play up a star’s best assets.

To help you do the same, we turned to two of those gurus—Nicole Chavez, whose clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Scarlett Johansson; and Phillip Bloch, stylist to such stars as Sandra Bullock and Halle Berry, and author of The Shopping Diet: Spend Less and Get More. Use their insider advice to master your top dress-slim challenges.
hide-flat-belly-shapewear

What's the best way to hide a less-than-flat tummy?

One word: shapewear. “It smooths and reshapes, but also helps you stand taller,” Bloch says. “Shapewear makes you more conscious of your posture.”

Invest in a high-waisted shaping bike short, Chavez advises: “It’s one-stop shopping—for the stomach, hips, thighs.” It’s also important, she adds, to not buy clothes that are too fitted in that area: “Go up a size, then have them tailored to your dimensions so they fit you perfectly.” 
 empire-dress-slimming

What should you wear on top of your slimming underthings?

An empire-waist dress is flattering, as are A-line dresses, because “they graze the stomach,” Bloch says. “You can also put a wider belt—3 to 4 inches—over the tummy, especially in a darker color. No skinny belts. You’re looking for a corset-like belt.”

hide-arm-flab-cardigan 
 

What’s the most surprising figure complaint you hear from your celeb clients?

"Every woman I dress complains about the skin under her arms,” Bloch says. “No matter how thin they are, the triceps area bothers them.” To cover it, he suggests illusion T-shirts—a sheer top over a tank top, “sort of like what Helen Mirren wore at the Oscars.” Also, he adds, “a little shrug or cardigan will cover that area. For fuller arms, go for a full cap sleeve.” 


black-dress-foolproof

Do you have a foolproof outfit for a star who has gained a few pounds?

"Star or no star, a great-fitting black dress is a great go-to,” Chavez says. “The classic is short-sleeve or 3⁄4-length sleeve, fitted at the waist, slightly above the knees.” Above all, “when you feel you’ve added extra pounds, don’t go baggy. That’s what we all feel like doing, and it’s the worst thing you can do,” she says. “It will just make you look heavier. Instead, wear something tailored.” 


Can the right accessories really make a difference?

"A larger necklace can make you appear taller and leaner,” Bloch says, because it directs attention up and away from your figure flaws. Depending on your body, a choker can be good, drawing attention to the neck. But if you have a big bust, choose a necklace on a short chain instead.

Accessories like earrings or sparkly headbands are great distractions, he adds, drawing attention “to where you want people to look. Remember Fran Drescher’s great quote: ‘The bigger the hair, the smaller the hips will look.' "


What’s the best way to minimize a big bust?

“Bra-fitting is crucial,” Bloch says—and it’s available for free at most department stores. If you’re chesty, look for a bra that both supports and sleeks you. When it comes to the clothes you put over that bra, Bloch says, “You need to leave the neckline open—create a V, an upside-down triangle, so you pull the eye down toward a narrower place. A vest over a shirt is nice. If you wear just a shirt or blouse, open the buttons and wear a tank top underneath. Overall, it helps to create a sleek, column-like effect,” Bloch says.

So, what styles make you look tall and thin?

"Head-to-toe in one color creates a long, thin line,” Chavez says. “You can even wear all white or all tan. And you’ll always look taller wearing a heel or a wedge rather than flats. Even a kitten heel will make you look taller.” Bloch suggests choosing shoes in a color close to your skin tone, to lengthen the legs: “No ankle straps, which will cut you off. And those shoe boots are terrible—not with skirts, please. They cut off the leg.” 


Slimming jeans are hard to find! Which styles will pare me down?

"Look for a slim fit or flat front,” Chavez says. Bloch’s advice? Avoid both very high- and low-waisted styles and go for a more-flattering midrise jean. Finally, when hunting for the ultimate skinny jeans, keep in mind Bloch’s golden rule: “the darker the better.” 

From: Health.com/ Posted by Mags

Friday, November 8, 2013

Nasty Things to Throw Away Today

From dangerous to disgusting — you don't want these in your home

Man watching flying spray cans, Disposal of household items  

Hazardous Waste

Aerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, paint — they all need to be disposed of properly so they don't contaminate the environment or accidently harm children or pets. Visit Earth911.com, a huge clearinghouse for recycling info, to help you find a place that will safely dispose of hazardous material.

 

Piled-Up Plastic Containers

Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or get heated in the microwave or dishwasher. Tupperware made before 2010 can also have BPA. Replace with new plastic or glass.
 
  

Expired or Unused Medications

Toss your old drugs in a safe, legal, eco-friendly way. Do not flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day, April 27. Check the SMARxTDisposal website for other approved disposal ideas.

White spoons with dried spices, Discard old spices 

Old Spice(s)

Dried-up, decades-old spices won't make you sick, but they won't add flavor to food or impart any nutrients either. The experts at McCormick say seasoning blends last one to two years; herbs and ground spices, one to three years; and whole spices, up to four years.


Moldy Makeup

Makeup stays safe for only a limited time; after that, bacteria that may cause infection can start to grow — especially in eye makeup. Mascara has the shortest shelf life (two to three months), followed by lip gloss (six months). Replace foundation after six months to a year, at most.

 Four fingers with contact lenses, Keep lens cases clean 

Crusty Contact Lens Cases

Studies show that up to 92 percent of cases are contaminated due to poor cleaning and hygiene. Eye experts and the government say cases should be replaced every month to three months, and cleaned and air-dried (facedown) daily. Use fresh soaking solution every day — no topping off.
 
 

Pathetic Pillows

When was the last time you replaced your pillow? Pillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try this: Fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air. If it doesn't spring back, it's too old.

Expired Canned Food

Those cans you've had since Reagan was president? They need to go. Food-safety experts say canned tomatoes and fruits are good for 18 months; canned meat and vegetables, up to five years. Just don't donate them to the food bank. If they're unsafe for you, they're unsafe for everyone.

Germy Kitchen Sponge

Start fresh with a new kitchen sponge. Studies show it's the germiest thing in most American households, with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices, says microbiologist Philip Tierno, Ph.D., of New York University. To cut contamination, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.

 From: AARP.org/ Posted by Mags

Friday, November 1, 2013

Healthy Foods ThatAre Bad For Your Teeth

7 Healthy Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth

Citrus Fruits

Fruit, especially citrus, are a big culprit, Dr. Banker says. “Many are acidic and full of sugar, and their stringy fibers can actually get lodged between teeth, causing further exposure.” After you eat sugary fruits, rinse with some water.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are even worse for your teeth, according to Banker. They are chewy, stick to teeth and have the same amount of sugar as they had before they were dried. “The only difference between the sugar in fresh fruit and in dried fruit is that the sugar in dried fruit is just more concentrated.”

Juice

Juices, especially citrus juices like orange and grapefruit, are also acidic and full of sugar. Some actually have the same amount of sugar as soda, Banker says, so moderation is key. “You can enjoy your juice, just don't sip it all day long! Constantly bathing your teeth in acid and sugar doesn’t allow your saliva to wash it away and neutralize the acids."

Sports Drinks

Many sports drinks are marketed as "healthy," but they are also packed with sugar. Skip the sugar-filled sports drink and grab a bottle of water, says Banker. If you want the best of both worlds, get a bottle of water enriched with electrolytes.

Chewable Vitamins

Chewable vitamins seem like a good idea, Banker says, but the reason they taste so good is because they are usually full of sugar. “While you’re chewing they can get stuck in the grooves of teeth, creating a great environment for bacteria to develop a cavity.” Opt for non-chewable vitamins: you can swallow the pill and get the same benefits.

Red Wine

Wine has been reported to have heart-healthy benefits, but its acidity can erode tooth enamel. To avoid long-term damage, dentists recommend brushing within an hour of drinking wine. If brushing isn’t possible, sip on a glass of water to dilute everything in the mouth and significantly reduce the potential for decay, Banker says.

Milk

Milk does a body good with its calcium, but the natural sugar lactose can coat teeth and cause cavities. It’s this reason pediatricians recommend that children don’t go to bed with bottles—and why adults should make sure they have time to brush after drinking milk before hitting the hay.

From: WWW.babble.com/ Posted by Mags

Monday, October 28, 2013

Fall Food To Help You Shed Some Pounds

http://t.healthyliving.msn.com/weight-loss/5-slimming-fall-foods-to-help-you-lose-weight

Posted by Smooches

Natural Home Remedies

http://m.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/19-bizarre-home-cures-work

Posted by Smooches

Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Without Really Trying

15 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Without Really Trying

Eat Pineapple

“Pineapple contains bromelain which is used by gastroenterologists to treat gastrointestinal disorders…it’s that good!” says Dan Hamner, M.D., a sports medicine and rehabilitation doctor in New York City. Bromelain helps the pancreatic cells break down food substances so that they can enter the energy pathways. In case you were wondering, pina coladas don’t count.

Eat Organic

Eat Organic

If you’re not completely sold on the farmers markets yet, here’s another argument for you: “Research shows that dieters with higher levels of pesticide chemicals stored in their fat cells had reduced metabolism,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. “It appears the toxins in non-organic food can cause your body to store fat rather than metabolize it.” So if you don’t want to carry last night’s dinner around your thighs, your best bet is to stick with organic fruits and vegetables.

Meditate

Meditate

Turns out that regular meditation can help boost metabolism. “Stress wreaks havoc on your body, laying down fat cells particularly around your middle,” says Lombardo. “Meditation helps you better control stress, which then allows your body to metabolize your food more effectively.” Meditation can also curb stress eating.

 Sip Green Tea

Sip Green Tea

A spot of tea may be a smart move when it comes to slimming down. “The catechins -- a chemical found in green tea -- help speed up metabolism and reduce body mass index,” says Mark Anderson, M.D., co-author of Stay Young: 10 Proven Steps to Ultimate Health. “As an added benefit, some studies show that green tea lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.”

 Take a Cold Shower

Take a Cold Shower

Here’s a different way to shake off the pounds. “If you take a cold shower it will cause you to shiver, which will increase your metabolism thanks to the muscles contracting,” says Dr. Alan Hirsch, Founder of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, creator of Sensa and author of What’s Your Food Sign? “It's the body trying to reestablish homeostasis.” In other words your body is trying to get back to its normal temperature.

 Limit Cocktails

Limit Cocktails

This one is a bit of a party pooper, but too many fun nights out may put the damper on your metabolism. “Research shows that consuming the equivalent of just two mixed drinks -- or two glasses of wine or two bottles of beer -- reduces fat burning metabolism by 73 percent,” says Lombardo. “That's because your liver converts the alcohol into acetate and uses that as fuel, rather than your fat storage.” And of course you already know that the extra calories from imbibing add up as well. So, drink responsibly.

 Sniff Peppermint or Citrus

Sniff Peppermint or Citrus

Citrus and peppermint (or anything else with that aroma) stimulate the nervous system which in turn ups your metabolism, says Hirsch. Apparently, smelling buttered popcorn and strawberries while exercising will help you burn more calories too. Not sure how to accomplish that while on the treadmill but if you figure it out, your metabolism will be through the roof!

 Drink Cold Water

Drink Cold Water

Water is essential to your body's functioning, including carrying nutrients to your cells. "Studies have shown that people who drank 8-12 full glasses of water daily had higher metabolic rates than those who drank only four glasses," says Lombardo. "Drinking cold water may be even better for your metabolism since your body burns a few extra calories heating the cold water to your core temperature." In addition, dehydration is often misinterpreted as hunger, causing people to eat more. By staying hydrated, you'll probably eat less.

 Spice It Up

Spice It Up

If it makes your eyes water, it’s probably going to burn calories as well, “Because [spicy foods] increase the heart rate, more energy is used when these foods are ingested, which in turn means more calories burned,” says Gaman.

 Take a Stand at Work

Take a Stand at Work

“One of the biggest culprits responsible for creeping obesity is prolonged sitting in the workplace,” says Clinical Exercise Physiologist William Sukala, Ph.D. “The good news is that standing while you work bumps up your calorie expenditure and, when carried out over the course of one year, can translate to the equivalent energy burn found in 25 pounds of stored body fat.” If a standing work station is not possible, then at least try to stand/walk/fidget for five minutes every 15 minutes of your workday. The metabolic boost will be major!

 Have a Cup of Joe

Have a Cup of Joe

Seems your afternoon coffee habit may do more than just keep you out of the nap zone! “Caffeine increases heart rate, breathing and metabolism,” says Lombardo. In fact, a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that the average metabolic rate of people who drank caffeinated coffee is 16 percent higher than those who drank decaf. While drinking too much caffeine can have some deleterious health effects, seems like an espresso or two might actually help you stay lithe!

 Breathe

Breathe

Breathing exercises can actually fire up your metabolic processes by bringing more oxygen to your system. Linette Lalita Dunbar, a certified classical yoga practitioner in New York City suggests these steps:

Sit comfortably, spine straight, eyes closed with hands resting on the knees. Take a few long slow breaths. Exhale to "empty" the lungs by squeezing the belly button back towards the spine. With a one-two count (one is the exhale, two is the inhale), continuously exhale forcefully. Create a rapid pumping action of the diaphragm with all the focus on the exhale. Let the inhalation be automatic -- let the breath flow back into the lungs by itself. Exhale about 40 times. Then slow down to normal deep breathing and concentrate on the stillness within. Repeat the series two or three times.

 Laugh More

Laugh More

Giggles reduce jiggles? "Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is the equivalent in energy expenditure to 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike," says Lombardo. "In addition, laughter results in a reduction of stress hormones, which can help with your metabolism." Laughter has also been shown to positively affect blood sugar (i.e. the more you chortle, the lower your levels). Put all that together and the evidence suggests that she who laughs last, may also be skinnier!

 Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Your metabolism could benefit from adding at least a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to your daily diet, according to Gaman. “It’s known to boost metabolism by speeding up the rate of fat oxidation and the antioxidant properties are also great for decreasing inflammation throughout the body,” says Gaman.

 Get More Sunshine

Get More Sunshine

“If a person is deficient in Vitamin D, their metabolism may be slowed down,” says Gaman. This isn’t a license to fry yourself [in the sun] in the name of a faster metabolic rate, but it is a good idea to strive for 10 minutes of sunshine per day. Of course, the strength of sun exposure in the winter months depends on where you live. “Vitamin D only comes from the sun during certain months and it is different for different parts of the country,” says Gaman. In the U.S. that means the further south, the longer you can absorb D from the sun. “For example, California has more time that the rays are right for Vitamin D then, say, Michigan.” Until the summer, taking a daily dose of a Vitamin D supplement daily is a good idea.

From: ivillage.com/ Posted by Mags

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sneaky Ways to Burn Extra Calories This Fall

As autumn ushers in cooler temps, our thoughts turn from hot, sunny afternoons at the beach to crisp, humid-free days spent baking pies, raking leaves and watching football. But that doesn’t mean our fitness has to take a backseat to the flurry of fall activities. Believe it or not, you can still reap some calorie-burning rewards this season—you just need to know how.

*All calorie counts based on a 140-pound person


Apple Picking
Nabbing some fresh McIntosh and Granny Smiths burns 191 calories an hour. Plus, you know what they say about the health benefits of these juicy fruits and keeping the doctor away!

apple picking

Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins is anything but scary when it can shed 127 calories an hour. And remember, when you’re done, don’t toss those seeds—they are chock-full of protein and essential fatty acids.

pumpkin carving

Touch Football
Instead of sitting on the couch rooting for your favorite team, how about heading outdoors and playing a friendly game of Two-Hand Touch? You can blast a whopping 509 calories in just one hour. Makes spending the rest of the day in front of the TV feel a lot less like a guilty pleasure.
touch football

Raking Leaves
Admittedly, this is not our favorite chore, but knowing that it can knock out 274 calories an hour makes it more gratifying. Run and jump in the piles of leaves when you’re done, and you’ll burn even more calories.

raking leaves



Horseback Riding
Looking to add some giddy-up to your fitness routine? Saddling up and trotting around on one of our favorite animals for an hour can burn 255 calories—not to mention that it will work out muscles you probably didn’t even know you had.

horseback riding

Carrying and Stacking Wood
Just think of the workout potential here. Loading your garage or cellar with a supply of firewood torches 318 calories an hour. Your arms and shoulders will thank you in the morning.

wood stacking

From: Youbeauty.com/ Posted by Mags