Are you trying to eat a more healthful and balanced diet?

Focus on the outer aisles of your supermarket as much as possible.
Many supermarkets are designed in a similar way: produce, dairy, meats, fish and breads form the perimeter of the store. Cookies, candies, chips, ice cream and other less healthy foods line the many of the middle aisles. So if you’re trying to create a healthy mix of proteins, fruits, veggies, and grains, shopping around the edges is a good way to start.

You can’t judge a wheat bread by its package – or by its color.
If you want the dietary fiber and other nutrients that whole-grain breads can provide, be sure to buy loaves that say “100% WHOLE WHEAT. Many “wheat” breads are made with mostly white flour (as much as 75%!) and a much smaller amount of wheat flour. White flour has considerably less fiber and lower amounts of certain minerals and B vitamins. Check the ingredients list on the nutrition label; if “flour” or “white flour” appear near the top of the list, you could be getting much less fiber than you think.

• Learn about Sportsplex Memberships
• Try the club free
• Discover more ways to get fit

Personal Training can help counter act genetics when it comes to weight gain.

High levels of physical activity can help to counteract a gene that normally causes people to gain weight, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. They analyzed gene variants and activity levels of the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, Pa., and found that the obesity-related FTO gene had no effect on individuals who were the most physically active.

“Our results strongly suggest that the increased risk of obesity due to genetic susceptibility can be blunted through physical activity,” the authors conclude. “These findings emphasize the important role of physical activity in public health efforts to combat obesity, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals.” The results of the study are being published in the Sept. 8, 2008, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. – IHRSA

Fitness Solutions:

• Personal Training – Get the knowledge, expertise and motivation you need to succeed
• Aerobic Exercise:  Swimming, Group Ex, Spinning
• Sportsplex Lose Big Program