July 27, 2009

Best Life Newsletter
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Bob Greene
From the Community
"The Best Life is a life-changing program. I use the food log to track my food intake, read the success stories to get motivated, and go on the message boards to stay connected with others."

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As a member of The Best Life Diet, you'll be part of a thriving community, where members share tips and advice. Join Today!

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BetterNEggs
Slimmer, Stronger and Injury Free

Your workout routine is going great, the weight is peeling off, and then all of a sudden…ouch! A twisted ankle, sore back or pulled muscle sidelines you. The last thing you need when you're working so hard to reach your goal is to have an injury get in the way of your workouts. Staying injury-free is as simple as following a few easy guidelines, says physical therapist Jack Younghans, D.P.T., who offered these tips:

Take time to warm up. Don't jump right into your workout at full speed. Slowly ease into it with a five- to 10-minute warm-up session.

Don't skip stretching. Spend about five to 10 minutes stretching after you've warmed up. And don't forget to stretch after your routine, too.

Perfect your form. Knowing how to use the equipment or how to do moves can keep you healthy. If you're not sure, ask someone or hire a trainer to get started.

Pace yourself. Spread out your activity throughout the entire week. Trying to squeeze your workouts into one or two days can definitely result in injury.

Tune into your body. Pay attention to how you're feeling during a workout. Often times, our body gives us signs that it has had enough. Remember that overexertion can easily lead to injury.

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Fitness tips, dieting advice, nutrition news, member motivation and more await you! Join Bob Greene's TheBestLife.com today and you'll get access to articles, videos, meal plans and loads of recipes.

 
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You Say Tomato!
You Say Tomato!

No matter how you say it, there's one thing we can all agree on: Tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses. They’re loaded with vitamin C and other disease-fighting antioxidants like lycopene.

Tomatoes are in season from late June through October, and there are thousands of varieties to choose from, including black, orange, yellow, pink, green and red.

To pick the perfect tomato, look for one that's plump and heavy, and has smooth skin and a fragrant smell. If you're at a farmers market, opt for a more delicate tomato, like an heirloom or other variety you won't find in the grocery store—these are often superior in taste. And don't toss any tomato in the fridge; this can cause a loss of flavor and texture. Store at room temperature.

Then, enjoy! Pop cherry tomatoes into your mouth for a quick snack, slice up a tomato and add it to your sandwich or toss some wedges into your salad.

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