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Is Our Food Safe? Many Americans Say They're Not So Sure
Fulton points to recalls of bad lettuce and E. Coli-ridden ground beef as prime contributors. The Gulf's monumental oil spill has also contributed to a seemingly damaged public opinon.
A national survey conducted by NPR in conjunction with Thomson Reuters reveals that 61 percent of those survey are worried about contamination in their purchased food. More spefically, 51 percent of said group is concerned about meat.
The study also revealed growing concern about the safety of seafood in light of the BP disaster in the Gulf.
Consumers are divided in terms of their proposed solutions for mounting fears. A particulary notewothy Consumers Union study reveals that 80 percent of consumers want congress to pass a law which would give the FDA the ability to make food companies recall any tainted food products. This is an important component of a food safety bill which a year ago passed the House but still sits in the Senate today.
For more detailed information on deaths related to contaminated food, click here.

Tell us, are you at all fearful of what's on that market for consumers currently? read more
The latest info-packed edition features engaging stories from a highlight on Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his quest to create a healthier nation to an intimate piece on Jon Lester and his story of triumph over lymphoma.
This summer's spread offers a bevy of educational reads and inspiration abound.
Click here to receive the LIVESTRONG Quarterly. For a free iPad edition, click here.
To order your print version, click here.

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An effortless swim burns around 500 calories an hour, while a more intense swim can burn up to 700. Water is denser than air, so every motion your body performs under water takes more effort than it would on land, consequently burning more calories in less time. On top on burning more calories, your body is also developing lean muscle which results in a faster metabolism.
Swimming is also easy on the joints, making it an ideal daily workout. "You can swim almost every day without risking injury," says Joel Stager, Ph.D., director of the Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming at Indiana University at Bloomington, who has studied the effects of swimming for years. "You can't say the same for running or strength training."
As an added bonus, swimming has been proven to help you stay younger. "Our research shows that habitual swimmers are biologically up to 20 years younger than their actual age," Stager says. The research concluded that a swimmer's blood pressure, cardiovascular performance and cognitive functioning are all equivalent to someone who is younger.
Ready to jump in? Try this beginners’ workout: swim the length of the pool four times at an easy pace. Take a short break then repeat this set five to ten times. Doing this workout a few times a week will get your body physically adapted to working in the water. Alternate different strokes by incorporating freestyle, breast stroke and back stroke.

Related Reading
Women's Health: Jump in the Pool to Lose Body Fat
LIVESTRONG.COM: Fat-Burning Swim Workouts
LIVESTRONG.COM: The Best Swimming Workouts
read more
1. Almonds are the perfect snack. They are good for your heart and they aid in weight loss. They also fight aging. "The fiber in nuts may prevent your body from absorbing some fat, speeding weight loss," says author Michelle Wien, R.D.
2. Barley has about two times as much fiber as brown rice and helps fight cancer. Beta glucan, which is a type of fiber found in barley, is known for lowering cholesterol. It also decreases your body’s rate of fat absorption.
3. Black beans have a high amount of antioxidants. They even take up two areas of the food pyramid. "They have enough protein to be a meat, and the vitamins and fiber of a veggie," says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., spokeswoman in Sarasota, Florida, for the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
4. Farmed rainbow trout contains several B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. According to a study done by Rush University in Chicago, "the DHA in fish may replenish DHA stored in your brain." Eeating fish a couple times a week can cause your brain to act like it is several years younger.

5. The skin of red grapes contains a chemical called resveratrol which helps sharpen your brain and reduce your risk for diseases like cancer.
6. Mushrooms enhance immunity against cancer and other infections. The bacteria found in mushrooms may help support the fight against disease.
7. A small amount of oregano can go a long way! According to Wendy Bazilian, R.D., author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet, a measly ½ tsp of oregano has the same amount of antioxidants as 3 cups of spinach. It is also high in fiber and vitamin K.
8. Shrimp are relatively low in calories and provide an array of health benefits. A 4 oz serving is only 119 calories and contains 23 g of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and selenium.
Love this list? Tell us what superfoods you keep on hand. read more
1. Kashi Chewy Granola Bars are around 130 calories and contain 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. The protein and fiber will keep your hunger at bay and you'll avoid overdoing your calorie intake.
2. Frozen vegetables and fruit, such as peas and grapes, provide a good source of fiber while remaining low in calories.
3. Total yogurt, such as Fage Total 0% Yogurt, is fulfilling because it is full of protein. It has no fat and has 80 calories a serving. Adding a few drops of liquid stevia and some blueberries makes this an ideal snack.
4. Add apples to any snack or try apples and peanut butter. This treat is high in fiber and low in calories. Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D., an apple researcher at Cornell University states, "The best way to lose weight is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. That increases volume and decreases calorie density."
5. Try microwaveable oatmeal. "Studies have found that oatmeal is more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber content," Gidus says. Oatmeal has an array of health benefits such as insoluble and soluble fiber, countless vitamins, protein and fiber. Adding liquid or powder stevia to plain oatmeal produces sweetness without added calories. Top it off with blueberries for more flavor.
6. Soy chips are a low fat, high fiber and protein snack. Soy protein has shown to help aid in weight loss and cause a decrease weight loss in more fat than muscle. "The isoflavones in soy act like estrogen and inhibit the enzyme that facilitates fat deposits" said Paul Cooke, Ph.D., a soy researcher at the University of Illinois.
7. Frozen juice bars are a low calorie snack that also provides vitamins.
8. Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins is a cereal that contains a high amount of fiber. In a serving of ¾ of a cup, there are 100 calories and 6 grams of fiber.
9. Licorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid, an active ingredient proven to aid in the decrease of body fat. This candy blocks enzymes to prevent fat accumulation, as well as reducing your appetite. Instead of snacking on candy licorice, opt for a less artificial licorice by choosing one that is high in licorice extract.
10. Gum is a good option when you are mistaking your hunger for boredom. If you’re not really hungry, grab a piece of gum instead. It burns an additional 11 calories an hour, which can amount to a pound a year if you chew an hour a day. You are also saving yourself the additional calories you would have eaten in your snack.
What snacks do you munch on throughout the day? Please feel free to share your suggestions!

Related Reading
Women's Health: Healthy Snacks for Dieters
LIVESTRONG.COM: Healthy Food Choices: Snacks
-- By Kirsten Harman read more
In his study of 43 fruits and vegetables, Donald Davis, Ph.D., a former researcher with the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas, Austin, discovered that from 1950 to 2004, the level of calcium in broccoli has decreased from 130 mg to 48 mg. What then, are our options? In her article “Nutritional value of fruits, veggies is dwindling” for MSNBC, Sarah Burns offers simple tips and tricks consumers can use to put the nutritional power back in produce.
The “S” Rule
The rule in short? Shop for stronger and smaller. When shopping, smaller produce with stronger colors are best. Sherry Tanumihardjo, Ph.D., tells consumers to “Look for bold or brightly hued produce,” as richer, more vivid color skin indicates more nutritionally-beneficial phytochemicals. Stick to smaller fruits and vegetables. As Donald Davis explains, “Plants have a finite amount of nutrients they can pass on to their fruit, so if the produce is smaller, then its level of nutrients will be more concentrated.”
Cook it Right
Cook vegetables to optimize health benefits. Certain cooking preparations help vegetables in particular release more nutrients. While carrots and broccoli are healthier steamed, lightly sautéing or roasting tomatoes improves their health value, according to Johnny Bowden, Ph.D., nutritionist and author of “The Healthiest Meals on Earth.”
Buy Fresh, Eat Fresh
Go to the local farmer’s market and buy produce for the week. Instead of purchasing produce from a grocery store, try going to the local farmer’s market. Produce is fresher and in-season, allowing the produce to ripen naturally and amplify its amount of phytonutrients. Weekly farmer’s markets provide the perfect opportunity to stock up on fruits and vegetables. The key way to optimize nutrient intake according to Preston Andrews, Ph.D., is to “eat all produce within 1 week of buying.” Andrews encourages consumers to “plan your meals in advance and buy only fresh ingredients you can use that week.”
Related Reading
MSNBC: Nutritional value of fruits, veggies is dwindling
LIVESTRONG.COM: Organic Food and Its Benefits
LIVESTRONG.COM: Healthy Food Choices: Organic Vegetables
-- Nadina Gerlach

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iPhone 4 Users Find a Functional Use for the Yellow Wristband
At the moment, we've taken note of this added functionality of the LIVESTRONG wristband.
Loyal iPhone 4 users can’t get enough of the powerhouse gadget, but some reports have pointed to minor connectivity issues that are easily solved with an additional casing.
LIVESTRONG fans have found a creative solution for the reported antenna issue and it's one that's catching on. The LIVESTRONG wristband offers a flexible and stylish solution with simple set-up.
To LIVESTRONG your iPhone 4 follow these two simple steps:
Carefully make three small incisions in the band: one for the dock connector, the silent mode toggle and the headphone jack.
Stretch the band across the outer edges of the device for a snug fit.
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Bands can be purchased from LIVESTRONG.ORG at 10 for 10 dollars. Proceeds from the bands support LIVESTRONG programs and services for cancer survivors.
The organization has seen an increase in visitors to the online store. President Doug Ulman sees the upside in the new fad. “This glitch is our gain by getting our message of social change to more people.”
Armstrong himself has hit the Twittersphere to comment on the new-found functionality.
Users are loving budget friendly increased connectivity and we're loving the additional use for a little yellow band with a big philanthropic backing.

The LIVESTRONG.COM team displaying gear.

A closer view. read more
Messages of inspiration can get us through some of the most daunting challenges.
As the Tour de France pushes on, Nike Chalkbot is making sure riders receive the message.
Learn more about Nike Chalkbot:
Since the Tour began, the Nike Chalkbot has been using innnovative technology to paint the tour road with real-time messages from passionate supporters.
Celebrities and fans alike have rallied behind the cause. Larry Fitzgerald, Levi Leipheimer, Stuart Holden, Kevin Durant and Angela Ruggiero have used the Chalkbot to share their stories and fuel the team on.

Messages of cancer survival, hope and encouragement from across the globe are being printed this moment. Your message is just a click away.
Send a Nike Chalkbot message to the Tour de France team here read more
STRAWBERRIES
Summer is the season for strawberries. Fresh strawberries are super sweet and are a great addition to anything from French toast, salads, and breads to muffins or delicious just on their own. Not only are strawberries highly nutritious (8 medium strawberries contain about ~140% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C (more than in 1 orange) and are packed with flavonoids, potassium, folate and dietary fiber), but there are only about 50 calories in a whole cup!

WHOLE GRAIN TEFF
This gluten free whole grain, which is a staple in Ethiopia, is very nutrient dense and contains high levels of protein, calcium, iron and fiber. Teff has a mild, nutty and slightly sweet taste. As it is a very versatile grain, you can substitute it for some of the flour in baked goods or you can use it to thicken stews/soup, or simply add it to a stir-fry dish. (0.25cup: 160 cals, 1gram fat, no bad fat, 33gm carb, 6gm fiber, 6gm protein, 20% iron, 8% calcium)
POPCHIPS
The only popped (not baked or fried) chips out there that have all the flavor (but ½ the fat) of regular potato chips. These chips come in 7 different flavors and are made from all natural ingredients…nothing artificial and no preservatives. The best thing about them is that you can buy them in 100 calorie portion bags (or portion out the large bags yourself) and they are surprisingly satisfying and are a perfect accompaniment to any snack or meal.

Los Angeles nutritionist Alyse Levine MS, RD, is founder of NutritionBite and Nutrition Advisor for LIVESTRONG.COM. Visit her profile.
Copyright 2010 NutritionBite LLC. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publisher. "NutritionBite LLC" should be prominently displayed on any material reproduced with the publisher's consent.
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1. Start your day with a nutritional breakfast packed with lean protein. Consuming protein is the key to keeping your stomach satisfied because it takes longer for your body to digest. Eating protein earlier in the day will keep you more satisfied throughout the day, consequently causing you to eat less later on. Make scrambled egg whites or have Greek yogurt for breakfast to ensure you get plenty of protein to keep you satisfied. "Try to get at least one ounce (or 30 grams) of protein at breakfast," recommends Joan Salge Blake, R.D., a clinical associate professor of nutrition at Boston University.
2. Despite its bad rep due to no-carb diets, potatoes can actually keep you satisfied for a longer duration because they are more difficult to digest. Try eating a medium-sized baked potato for dinner, which is only 100 calories. This, however, does not give you the OK to binge on French fries!
3. All fat is not bad fat. Unsaturated fat, found in nuts, olive oil, peanut butter and avocados helps to suppress your appetite. When unsaturated fat is digested, our body is hardwired to signal our brain that we are not hungry anymore. Should you still want to watch how much unsaturated fat you consume, it should not make up more than 20% of your daily calorie intake.
4. Exercise has more than one benefit. We all know that exercise is necessary to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and supporting weight loss, but it also helps to suppress our appetite. "Aerobic exercise lowers ghrelin levels and increases the amount of an appetite-suppressing hormone in your body," says study author David Stensel, Ph.D. Getting 30 minutes a day of cardio activity is recommended.
5. Grapefruit provides an excellent source of vitamin C and is also an appetite suppressant. Grapefruits are high in fiber which keeps your stomach satisfied for longer. According to Ken Fujioka, M.D., "this fruit lowers your postmeal levels of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar and fat metabolism."
6. Chewing gum does more than burning a measly 11 calories an hour. "One theory is that chewing stimulates nerves in the jaw that are connected to the brain region responsible for satiety," explains study author Kathleen Melanson, Ph.D., R.D., an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Rhode Island.
7. Even smelling food can trigger your brain into thinking you’ve eaten. Inhaling scents such as peppermint, vanilla and banana every two hours cause people to eat significantly less calories. Instead of eating an excess amount of food when hunger strikes, try smelling what you want to eat, then see how your brain reacts.
We're liking some of the options on this list. What methods do you use to help suppress cravings and stay on track?

Related Reading
MSNBC.COM: 7 Tricks to Suppress Your Appetite
LIVESTRONG.COM: 5 Things You Need to Know About Appetite Suppressing Foods
LIVESTRONG.COM: Herbal Remedies to Suppress Appetite
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