it starts at the store

There are things called foodborne illnesses. We may think that it starts at home after we get the food; but actually, it all starts at the supermarket. Here are some tips provided by the trusty, everydayHEALTH.com Web site.

1. Observe the cleanliness of the store: Try to buy from a store that looks clean and knows how to properly handle their foods.

2. Separate foods: Keep raw meat, seafood, poultry away from other foods. It's suggested that you keep them in separate plastic bags so that no juices drip on other food.

3. Look at the cans & jars: Don't buy any cans that are bulging or dented..or jars that are cracked, loose or bulgy. no no.
Foods that are in jars and cans are "sterile" and can last a while. Anytime there is any damage to the can or jar can mean the foods have been contaminated or the food was under processed.

4. Inspect frozen foods: Make sure the frozen foods are not icy or have frost on them, if so look again for another bag. The frost means that the foods been there for a while. The bags shouldn't be torn, crushed or damaged.

5. save your frozens and perishables for last: Keep 'em in a bag so no dripping takes place. Meats, poulty, etc should be selected last.

6. Look at your eggs carefully: Be sure eggs are clean and not cracked. There are also instructions on the container to follow if you want.

7. Temperature & time:" It's important to refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible after grocery shopping. Food safety experts stress the "2-hour rule"—because harmful bacteria can multiply in the "danger zone" (between 40° and 140° F), perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Modify that rule to 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F, as they often are in cars that have been parked in the sun. If it will take more than an hour to get your groceries home, use an ice chest to keep frozen and perishable foods cold. Also, when the weather is warm and you are using your car's air conditioner, keep your groceries in the passenger compartment, not the trunk."

Please visit the web site for more information on safety with your food.

quit smoking

Smoking is an addiction, and there are ways smokers can stop. The body will definitely be thankful when it has clear lungs.

For tips on how to quit smoking, everydayHEALTH

A commonly known ingredient in cigarettes--Nicotine. It's what makes it so tough to drop that habit. As I was reading information provided by everydayHealth.com, I came across the facts that nicotine is physically addicting, but also can create psychological changes. The feeling they get when smoking is connected to certain aspects in their lives. So, when smokers attempt to stop smoking they have to deal with certain triggers that cause them to pick up a cigarette.

The cause of that relaxed feeling is the nicotine affecting the communication between nerve cells. Interestingly enough, it's what makes people want to smoke more. Nicotine is also processed quickly in the body, and the nicotine level drops quickly in the body making smokers want to smoke again. The more smokers smoke, the body gets accustomed and used to nicotine causing a smoker to smoke repeatedly during the day reach that same feeling they get when they smoke.

off the beaten path

So, this blog is about staying fit and healthy right? I know taking care of your skin isn't exactly being 'fit,' but it is keeping your body healthy. Skin is obviously an important part of our body. Here's some of the top skin products provided by realbeauty.com

1.) Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion - $42
Out of my personal experience using this, it's great. It really does keep your skin from getting real oily and shiny. It's avaliable on sephora.com

2.)Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $9.49 (sale)
avaliable at drugstore.com
I haven't used this product before, but I hear it's pretty good, and realbeauty.com says that it doesn't strip away the needed oils and nutrients on your face.

3.) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - $6.37
Again, just visit drugstore.com and type the product name in the search bar and it will come up. I've head about this product and it has seemed to have gotten pretty good reviews. I'd give it a shot.

For a complete list of 33 best skin saver products, visit... realbeauty.com

Elliptical review

Ah, the trusty Elliptical, the one we try to get when we go to the gym...
The cool thing about the Elliptical's is that you almost feel like your flying and not working out that much, but later on you see that you've burned more calories than on a treadmill. Not only do you get a lower body work out, but with the handles you get an upper body work out too, even though it won't make you look like a bodybuilder, but multi-fuctional is always good. According to the Web site ellipticaltrainers.com studies have shown that the elliptical can train your body to think that you're not working as hard. In reality, you're still working your body.

Your heart rate climbs faster and you work your back, shoulders, chest, biceps and triceps too.
Just up the intensity level and get your work out in.