Health Buzz: Welcoming Winter

Health News from Around the Web for December 1, 2011

In this week's episode of Health Buzz, we're sharing the best advice on staying healthy all winter long. Although it's been unseasonably warm in some parts of the country, don't let the cold weather catch you off guard. These stories will prepare you to say active, eat right and avoid getting sick.

Winter Wonderland Workout

It can be a challenge getting to the gym when the weather outside is frightful. However, this great workout is all things you can do at home! These fun activities can help you prepare to participate in winter sports like sledding and skiing in addition burning calories. The workout includes moves like the snowman shuffle, the snowboard slip and glide, snow angel abs and a cozy fire cool down stretch.

Source: FitBottomedGirls.com

7 Tips for Fighting Off a Cold

When it comes to preventing the common winter cold, there's more you can do than frequent hand washing. For example, losing just a little sleep can really slow your immune system. A recent study showed that people who lost just two to eight percent of their normal sleep time were four times more likely to get sick. In other words, if you sleep an average of eight hours a night, your risk of catching a cold goes up when you lose as little as 10 to 38 minutes of sleep per night.

Source: U.S. News and World Report

Ask Mary

We're excited to introduce a new segment of Health Buzz. Each week, registered dietitian Mary Hartley will be answering questions from our readers here at DietsInReview.com. Do you have a question for Mary? Visit the Questions section and ask away.

This week, Mary answers the question, "What is kefir?"

Kefir is a ferment drink that's similar to yogurt. It is very nutritious and is featured in a number of diets that are popular at the moment, such as the 17 Day Diet.

Healthy Holiday Gift Guides

We've put together all our favorite fitness gear and healthy cooking tools in this awesome set of holiday gift guides. There's a gift guide for running enthusiasts, yoga lovers, the chefs in your life and the gym devotees. We also have a special gift guide for kids that's full of fun toys designed to inspire active play. The most exciting part is that we're giving away over $1,800 dollars worth of prizes! See the link above for information on how to enter.

Source: DietsInReview.com

Recipe: Roasted Eggplant with Walnuts

This recipe for pan-roasted eggplant comes from The Colors of Indian Cooking, a food blog written by a Hollywood screenwriter. This recipe can be a great entree or side dish, and has lots of spice to warm you up on a cold day. It's fast and doesn't have a lot of ingredients: just salt, spices, sesame oil and eggplant wedges.

Source: TheColorsofIndianCooking.com