Muffin vs. Bagel
You may think you’re being health-conscious by trading your morning biscuit and bacon for a simple muffin or bagel. But are you really? Muffins, especially the jumbo-sized version that is popular today, are rarely low in calories, and contain saturated and trans fat that can rival that of doughnuts.
Healthy Choice: If you choose toppings wisely, bagels are the way to go. Opting for a whole grain bagel is a smart choice, but steer clear of cream cheese and butter which contribute extra calories and saturated fat.
Did you know that repeating a goal makes it stick?
Train your brain to achieve your goals by repeating them to yourself each morning. Whether it’s running in the park or making healthier eating choices, remind yourself how important it is by saying it out loud, or even by writing it down.
Trail vs. Treadmill
A lot has been made of the treadmill versus outdoor running debate. Is inside inferior? Does it really matter? Turns out, running outside does have a slight edge when it comes to improving your mood and energy levels. According to UK studies done at the University of Exeter and Essex, being surrounded by nature can result in decreased tension, anger, and depression, and boosts feelings of well-being.
Healthy Choice: If you need a major mood booster, head outside.
Plastic vs. Glass
We’re all guilty of heating up leftovers in the same plastic containers time and time again. However, by eating foods from plastic containers, you’re potentially exposing yourself to Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in certain plastics and resins. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing its research on BPA, experts there say it is safe in very low levels.
Healthy Choice: If you’re concerned about BPA seeping into food or beverages in plastic containers, switch to BPA-free containers such as glass, porcelain, or stainless steel.
Baking vs. Grilling
Both dry-heat cooking methods use little added fat, and when it all boils down to it, both are healthy options. But, because of the high cooking temperatures, charring, and smoke affiliated with grilling, grilled foods can be high in carcinogens. Baking can produce carcinogens too though, if temperatures rise above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In this case, carcinogens can be produced as the food browns.
Healthy Choice: To avoid carcinogens, bake food slow, on low heat, or stir fry meat and veggies.
Tilapia vs. Salmon
Fish is a healthy component to any diet, and although there are plenty of fish in the sea, they’re not all equal when it comes to your health. While both salmon and tilapia contain protein, vitamins, and calcium, tilapia has less of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in most other fish. Instead, tilapia is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation.
Healthy Choice: If you can, choose fish that has a lower omega-6 content, such as salmon, tuna, and trout. Eating tilapia in moderation is OK.
