That's Fit

Want whiter and brighter teeth? Look no further than your food. Grab an apple, some carrots, a cucumber now and then and you'll scrub your stains away. It's the abrasive or crunchy quality of these foods that do the trick, says Elisa Mello, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Items to avoid: Red wine, coffee, and cola, which may darken your pearly whites.

Another cleaning trick, says Mello for Woman's Day magazine (July 8, 2008), is to sip staining beverages through a straw and then chase with plenty of water to prevent them from leaving a mark.

For more tips on eating for healthy teeth, check out fatfreekitchen.com.

I love berries, which makes it my pleasure to report on any health benefit they so scrumptiously offer.

According to a recent study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating just five ounces of mixed berries a day can lower blood pressure and thin the blood, thus reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are at their peak right now, so why not pick some up and get your dose of potent antioxidants. Woman's Day magazine (July 8, 2008) offers these yummy snack ideas.

• Make a colorful parfait. Spoon alternating layers of fat-free strawberry yogurt and mixed berries into a parfait glass. Top with shaved almonds or chopped walnuts.

• Sweeten iced tea with berry juice. Add a splash of raspberry, black currant, or cranberry juice to a glass of homemade unsweetened iced tea.

• Satisfy a sweet tooth. Drop some raspberries in a bowl and drizzle with melted dark chocolate.

Want more on the benefits of berries. Check out this article.

I know, getting started on a path to exercise can be daunting. After a recent surgery and nearly six workout-free weeks, I'm about to whip my body back into shape, and I tell you, it seems like a major undertaking. But I'm trying to think small – small steps, small goals, small successes. Over time, they'll all translate into big results but for now, small is more manageable.

These Woman's Day magazine tips are helping me keep my cool, my focus, my conviction that in time, I'll be back in the fitness game. See if they help you too.

• In 15 minutes, you can walk one mile, take 2,000 steps, and burn 100 calories.

• One hour of vigorous exercise can add two hours to your life.

• It takes only about three weeks to establish a habit, so by the end of one month, exercise can be a for-sure part of your routine. And mine too.
  

Want to keep your brain sharp? Then give your brain cells a workout by switching up your everyday routines. Brush your teeth with the opposite hand. Find your keys in your purse by touch alone -- don't peek. Or try a challenging crossword puzzle or mind game.

Here are six more strategies, compliments of Woman's Day magazine, for keeping your whole body sharp.

• Strength train your muscles and then drink fat-free milk. Studies show that exercisers who drank two glasses a day lost more fat and built more muscle than those who didn't drink up.

Good role modeling never goes out of style. It may even be the exact reason why people gobble down Goldfish crackers -- or animal crackers.

In one study, cited in June's The Oprah Magazine, college students who watched a video of a colleague talking while eating Goldfish crackers chose Goldfish over animal crackers 71 percent of the time. Those watching someone eat animal crackers went for Goldfish only 44 percent of the time, despite a reported overall preference for Goldfish.

This Monkey See, Monkey Do phenomenon holds true for babies too.
Chow down on fruits and veggies while your baby is in the womb and while you're breastfeeding and your little one will be more likely to consume these items when offered them, say researchers mentioned in the May issue of Woman's Day magazine.

The lesson here: Think before you eat, because people, even babies, are likely to mimic your actions. And be careful about whose eating habits you watch, because you're likely to pick up the very snacks you see.

For some strategies and tips for healthy eating, check out AOL's America Takes It Off series.