Greatist - Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips

Are Flip Flops Bad For Your Health?

Jordan Shakeshaft — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:28:41 +0000

Are Flip Flops Bad For Your Health?

06/19/2013 - 2:28pm by Jordan Shakeshaft

From New York’s sweltering sidewalks to Brazil's sandy beaches, there's no sandal that signals summer quite like the flip-flop. But are these no-fuss flats as harmless as they seem? Studies show that despite their easy-breezy appeal, extended flip flop use can cause a range of physical ailments, ranging from plantar fasciitis and muscle soreness, to lower back pain. Not exactly what we signed up for, right?

Foot Action — Why It Matters

With the average American taking 5,117 steps a day — and experts recommending we take close to 5,000 more — our footwear is hardly an inconsequential choice ((Pedometer-measured physical activity and health behaviors in U.S. adults. Bassett, D., Wyatt, H., Thompson, H., et al. The American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise October 2010; 42(10): 1819-1825.)). A 2012 survey found 78 percent of American adults over the age of 21 report having had some sort of foot pain or issue at some point in their lives, and more than half reported having such issues at the time of the survey. And while there’s no single shoe that’s a perfect across the board, flip flops may be the riskiest pick of them all — excluding Gaga’s armadillo hoof stilettos, of course (and just imagine how that armadillo feels).

While a 2010 study suggests flip flops may actually decrease the load on our knees, it looks like there's more risk in wearing the unsupportive shoes than benefits ((The effects of common footwear on joint loading in osteoarthritis of the knee. Shakoor, N., Sengupta, M., Block, J.A. Arthritis Care Research, 2010 July; 62(7):917-923.)). In one study, researchers compared the effects of wearing flip-flops and athletic shoes on 39 male and female college students. The flip-flop wearers took shorter steps and struck their heel to the ground with less vertical force than when in sneakers, causing their gaits to sway away from their natural rhythm ((Comparative analysis of human gait while wearing thong-style flip-flops versus sneakers. Shroyer, J.F., Weinmar, W.H. Department of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 2010 Jul-Aug;100(4):251-7.)). The reason? Most flip-flop wearers tend to clench their toes around the thong portion of the sandal to keep them from flying off. But toe curls aren’t quite what the doctor ordered and can instead lead to repetitive stress on the ankle and foot.

Where Flip Flops Fall Flat — The Answer/Debate

Even though thong-like sandals provide some cushioning benefit over bare feet alone, studies show they’re responsible for throwing human gait kinetics out of whack. The body is forced to compensate, and what starts as stress on the arch, heel, and the rest of the foot can eventually manifest as soreness in the legs, hips, and lower back.

Among the most treated flip-flop induced injuries is plantar faciiti s, an inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot that affects close to two million Americans each year. This acute heel pain is most often sparked by all-day wear, with overweight or sedentary wearers even more susceptible since their arches are already under strain. Roughly 20 percent of sufferers develop a chronic condition, making plantar faciitis even worse.

But it’s not all doom and gloom on the flip-flop front. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when picking a pair to rock for the warm weather:

Time it right. Replace flip-flops every three to four months, and only wear them for short periods of time.
Opt for leather. The plastic ones may come in every color under the sun, but a soft, high-quality pair of leather flip-flops is less likely to cause irritation, including blisters.
Find the right fit. Make sure the heel and toes don't hang off the edges of the sandal and that when you bend the sandal from end to end it bends where the ball of the foot hits — not at the arch!
Wear selectively. Beach walking, pool deck trolling, and a quick run to the grocery store? Yes. Soccer game, lawn mowing, and a five-mile hike? Not so much.
Make it official. Look for sandals approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. They have a whole handy-dandy list of the approved shoes (of all types), so search around and see if there's something you dig!
And whatever you do: Please, don't wear them with socks.

Originally published June 2011. Updated August 2012. Updated June 2013.

Do flip flops give your feet summer troubles? And what do you do about it? Commiserate with us in the comments below!

Photo by Jordan Shakeshaft

"Obesity Is a Disease," Says the American Medical Association. Do You Agree?

nicolemcdermott — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:08:19 +0000

"Obesity Is a Disease," Says the American Medical Association. Do You Agree?

06/19/2013 - 2:08pm by Nicole McDermott

What's in a name? The American Medical Association (AMA), the largest group of physicians in the U.S., held their annual conference in Chicago on Tuesday and the definition of obesity has changed. Previously defined as a “major public health problem,” obesity is now recognized as a disease.

Among other policies — including banning the sale of energy drinks to adolescents under the age of 18 — the AMA is making waves for it’s recent vote on the classification of obesity.

Concerns over obesity aren't new. More than one third of adults in the U.S. are obese. Obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes are some of the most prevalent causes of preventable death. And the obesity epidemic among children continues to grow.

The goal of deeming obesity a disease? The Association hopes that grouping obesity in the same category as other conditions that require a range of medical interventions will advance treatment and prevention. By recognizing obesity as a disease, the hope is that physicians will make treatment a priority, thereby reducing in the incidence of obesity-related disease including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Association's vote isn't legally binding on what constitutes as a disease (that’s up to the International Classification of Diseases), but it is influential. The Association's vote may even affect how insurance companies treat obesity-related conditions, as well as the pricey medications and procedures used to treat them.

Since the vote, some doctors have shared their fear that calling obesity a disease will be stigmatizing. A greater fear is that Americans will try to "cure" their disease with expensive drug treatments rather than with exercise and diet.

While the label “disease” conjures some concerns, the name change could urge policy-makers and other authorities to take action and back obesity prevention programs.

Can a simple name-change really fix an obesity epidemic that's 30+ years in the making? Weigh in on our poll below and make your voice heard.

Is obesity a disease?

Choose Chia Seeds for Extra Antioxidants and Energy

The Greatist Team — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:31:39 +0000

Choose Chia Seeds for Extra Antioxidants and Energy

06/19/2013 - 11:31am by The Greatist Team

Add some chia seeds to water or food for a quick hit of essential nutrients and energy.

Beloved by late-night infomercials and health nuts alike, chia seeds are having a moment. The tiny black seeds are packed with (good) fatty acids, antioxidants, magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium. Add some to regular H20 to boost endurance, or use them in any dish (they’re completely tasteless) to up its nutritional content.

Pudding Power:

When covered in liquid overnight, sponge-like chia seeds turn into (healthy) pudding. Try this tropical recipe to see it for yourself.

Eat, Sweat, Repeat:

The ultimate guide to fueling up before and after exercise.

The 30-Minute Bodyweight Workout: Playground Edition

SophiaBreene — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:28:00 +0000

The 30-Minute Bodyweight Workout: Playground Edition

06/19/2013 - 11:28am by Sophia Breene

Think the town playground is just for kids? Think again! Turn a day at the park into a challenging (and free!) workout with these effective total-body moves. All you need is a basic playground with monkey bars, swings, a slide, and an (unoccupied!) park bench or two. Ready to get started? Check out the circuit workout below — all you need is a pair of sneakers, plenty of water (or maybe a juice box?), and that youthful sense of adventure. Illustrations by Shannon Orcutt

Warm-up
A proper warm-up isn’t child’s play. Start things off with a dynamic warm-up that preps the body for movement. Take a cruise around the park at a slow, relaxed jog for 5 to 10 minutes, and then mix in some dynamic movements like high skips, leg swings, butt kicks, walking lunges, and knee hugs. Get the arms and shoulders primed for movement with arm circles, shoulder shrugs, and arm crosses. Greatist Expert Jonathan Angelilli also recommends jumping jacks — they move every muscle and prepare the body for impact. Once you’re warmed up and ready to go, head over to the playground for these full-body strength-training moves.

Lower Body

1. Ladder Step-Up
If a playground has monkey bars or a slide, it’s gotta have a ladder, too. Stand behind it with arms holding the rails for support. With the right leg, step up to the highest rung or step possible. Firing up the glutes and hamstrings, bring the left leg up to meet the right, and then return both feet one at a time to the ground. This move also works the core and improves stability and balance. Alternate stepping with right and left legs for 12-15 reps on each side.

2. Bench Jump
Work the core, glutes, and quads with this dynamic move. Find a backless park bench that’s about two feet from the ground. Stand on the bench with knees slightly bent and arms extended straight out in front of the torso at shoulder height. Jump down so legs are on either side of the bench, then jump back up quickly. Do as many jumps as possible in 30 seconds, with no more than a minute rest in between. Repeat for 5 sets. Beginners can modify this exercise by slowing down and moving just one leg at a time — the less advanced move works the same muscles but doesn’t require quite as much "oomph".

3. Slide LungeChallenge the lower body and work on balance at the same time! Stand at the bottom of a slide with your back to the top. Bend the left leg backwards in a lunge position and rest the left foot on the slide with the hands on the hips. Bend the right knee until the thigh is parallel to the ground, and then press through the right heel to rise back up. Complete 10-12 reps, and then switch legs.

Upper body

4. Park Bench Push-UpGet the challenge of a push-up and none of the dirty hands with this move. Find a stable, well-anchored park bench (preferably one that’s about waist height). Hold the back of the bench with hands a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. Walk the feet backwards a few steps so the body forms a diagonal line with the ground. Beginners can start almost vertical, while advanced fitness buffs can walk the feet further from the bench for more of a challenge. Next, with the elbows tucked at your sides, lower the torso towards the bench. Hold for a second, keeping the core engaged and the body in a straight line (no sagging butts!), and then return to start position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

5. Monkey Bar Pull-upReady for some tougher stuff? Monkey bars are the perfect height to knock out some GI Joe/Jane-style pull-ups. To keep things interesting, start with an overhand grip (palms facing away from the body) and shoot for 3 to 5 pull-ups, then switch to an underhand grip (palms facing the body) for 3 to 5 chin-ups. Still working on this move? Try hanging from the bar with arms extended for 30-second intervals to build arm and shoulder muscles. Alternatively, jump up and hold the top position of the pull-up — it’ll work those upper body muscles and help you build the strength necessary to do full pull-ups.

6. Swing RowHead back to the swings for this upper body move. Grab the chains of the swing and lean back with arms extended so the body forms a 45-degree angle to the ground. Use the arms, shoulders, and chest to pull the body to meet the hands. More advanced athletes can lean back further to create more of a challenge, while newbies can stand closer to vertical for an easier introduction to this move. Try 15-20 reps.

Cardio

7. Hill RunsMore into running like the wind than pumping iron? Increase speed with some quick hill runs. Find a steeper spot in the park (or a set of stairs) and sprint up the incline 5 to 10 times, jogging back down to flat ground. No hills available? Hit up 10 sprint intervals, maxing out for 30 seconds and jogging for a minute in between bursts.

Core

8. Swing Knee TucksTime to take this classic stability ball move out of the gym! Get in a push-up position with hands on the ground and feet resting on the seat of a swing, shoelaces down. Slowly bend the knees, bringing them in towards the chest while keeping the rest of the body steady and the core strong. Straighten the legs back to the starting position, and repeat for 10-15 reps.

9. Swing CrisscrossThis lower ab move requires a bit of balance, so tread carefully when trying it for the first time. Sit on a swing and hold the chains firmly with your hands. Lean back until the torso is at a 45-degree angle to the ground, and extend the legs while engaging the abdominals. The body should form a shallow “V” shape, with the arms gripping the swing’s chains for balance about chest-high. Slowly cross the left calf over the right shin. Uncross the legs, and repeat with the right calf over the left shin. Shoot for 15-20 crisscrosses without dropping the legs or disengaging the abdominals.

10. Slide Sit-UpFor this move, a playground slide works just like an elevated sit-up bench at the gym. Lie down on the slide with your head pointing towards the bottom. Hook feet around the top of the slide for stability. If that’s too challenging (or slippery!) scoot back up so the calves are resting on the platform at the top of the slide, with just the thighs and torso on the slide. Cross the arms over the chest and sit up until the elbows touch the knees. Try 15-20 reps.

Love this playground workout? Keep it interesting with new elements each time — add a longer cardio section, bring some jump ropes (Rocky, anyone?), or pack resistance bands to add new challenges to the routine. Or better yet, bring some workout buddies (and your imagination) to make the workout more fun and to stay motivated. After all, what’s recess without friends?

What are your go-to playground exercises? Tell us in the comments below or tweet the author at @SophBreene.

Greatist Workout of the Day: Wednesday June 19th

The Greatist Team — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:07:07 +0000

Greatist Workout of the Day: Wednesday June 19th

06/19/2013 - 9:07am by The Greatist Team

Hey, GWOD-ers, welcome to the new month of GWODs! This strength-based cycle is again programmed by Rog Law and Nia Shanks, two of the best and brightest in the training game.

Got questions? Email us at gwod [at] greatist.com!

For a warm-up, we recommend a few minutes of foam rolling followed by:

Wall Ankle Mobilization: 8 reps per leg
Wall Hip Flexor Mobilization: 8 reps per leg
Scapular Wall Slides: 10 reps
Split Stance Adductor Mobilization: 8 reps per leg
Quadruped Extension-Rotation: 8 reps per side
Supine Bridge: 10 reps
Pullback Buttkicks: 5 reps per leg
High Knee Walk: 5 reps per leg

2 days/week:

Rest

3 days/week:

1A) Rear foot elevated split squat 2 sets of 8, then 2 sets of 12 each leg
1B) Standing one arm dumbbell shoulder press 2 sets of 8, then 2 sets of 10
1C) Inverted row with rings or suspension trainer 2 sets of 8, then 2 sets of 10-12

2A) Push-up with rings or suspension trainer 2 sets of 8, then 2 sets of 10-12
2B) Kettlebell or Dumbbell swing 4 sets of 10-15

4 days/week:
Rest

5 Things That’ll Make You Happy From Around the Web

The Greatist Team — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 +0000

5 Things That’ll Make You Happy From Around the Web

06/19/2013 - 7:28am by The Greatist Team

Sometimes all it takes is a change in mindset — no matter how small — to turn a crappy day into a good one. To help you shift into a happier gear, we’ve rounded up five things from around the web that inspire and delight us, and we hope they’ll do the same for you. We’ll be sharing our favorite happiness-boosters each week, so be sure to check back — and share your own in the comments below!

1. This video of a Pug hopping up stairs

If you're not familiar with Pugs, let us enlighten you: They're small, flat-nosed creatures who made funny faces as puppies — and got their faces stuck that way. As a result, they make weird noises constantly. But nasal intonations aren't even the funniest part of this Pug's attempt at gracefully climbing the stairs.

2. This Friday, the official beginning of summer

June 21 marks the Summer Solstice, which heralds the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Vacations, grilling, and healthy drinks by the pool? Just the thought of it all makes us happy.

3. This interview with the creator of Prancersise herself

By now, you may be familiar with Prancercise and its creater, Joanna Rohrback. Her five-minute exercise video, which demonstrates Prancercise's "springy, rhythmic way of moving forward, similar to a horse's gait and ideally induced by elation," recently went viral. If this interview is any indication, her fame is well-deserved.

— FeministTaylorSwift (@feministtswift) June 16, 2013

4. This Twitter feed for "Feminist Taylor Swift"

The geniuses behind this popular account regularly tweet out lyrical gems from Taylor Swift songs — with some empowering (hilarious) tweaks.

Photo: Ida Skivenes via Good.is

5. This collection of artistic masterpieces recreated on toast

Norway-based Ida Skivenes is just like any other artist: She chooses her topic and a medium in which to depict it, and gets to work. Only in her case, her topic is famous works of art already in existence, and her medium consists of cheese, PB&J, and (of course) toast. The result of her "Art on Toast" project is far from derivative. Rather, it invites viewers to consider art as something that's just as accessible as breakfast.

What's making you happy this week? Share in the comments below!

43 Hydrating Recipes for Summer

Sarah Koppelkam — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:30:26 +0000

43 Hydrating Recipes for Summer

06/18/2013 - 12:30pm by Sarah Koppelkam

As the weather gets hotter, it takes a lot more effort to stay hydrated, especially when sweating outdoors or spending a long day at the beach. While there is no universal formula for how much water you need to consume, the benefits of getting enough are huge (and dehydration is no joke). But guzzling a ton of H20 is hard to make a habit! The solution? Eat your water! Twenty percent of our daily water intake comes from food. Whether it’s fruits and veggies that often contain more than 90 percent water or foods like chia that help the body absorb water, filling up on foods like the ones featured below makes it easier (and tastier) to hydrate ((Omega 3 Chia seed loading as a means of carbohydrate loading. Illian TG., Casey JC., Bishop PA. Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2011 Jan;25(1):61-5.)). We found 43 H2-Outstanding meals and snacks to help you hydrate all day long. Plus, most of these recipes don’t require a hot stove or oven, so have fun keeping cool while making them. Happy hydrating!

Breakfast

1. Healthy Avocado Fruit Salad with Chia Yogurt Dressing
Grapefruit, pear, orange, mango, and strawberries, are all water-filled fruits. Greek yogurt is also about 80 percent water, and chia seeds help the body soak it all in ((Omega 3 Chia seed loading as a means of carbohydrate loading. Illian TG., Casey JC., Bishop PA. Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2011 Jan;25(1):61-5.)). Phew, that’s a lot of hydrating (and yummy) foods! Avocado adds some healthy fats to fill you up.

2. Triple Layered Breakfast Apple Sandwich
A juicy apple is pretty and healthy in this adorable sandwich made with almond butter, chia seeds (another super hydrator!), honey, and dried cranberries. Sub in your favorite nut butter and dried fruit to customize this breakfast.

3. Raw Buckwheat Chia Porridge with Apple, Pineapple and Papaya
Soaking chia and buckwheat overnight is key to making this flavorful raw breakfast porridge that’s great for any busy morning. Apple, pineapple, and papaya add an extra dose of H20.

4. Breakfast Spring Rolls
Jicama (a mild veggie similar to water chestnuts) and carrots (which contain around 87 percent water) add some crunch to this morning-appropriate take on spring rolls.

5. Vegan Mango-Coconut Green Smoothie
Nearly everything in this smoothie packs a big hydration punch. Coconut milk gives this chilly treat a little more flavor and a creamy texture while mango and spinach are chock-full of water, as well as vitamins A and C.

6. Apple, Carrot, and Peach Smoothie
This fruity orange blend is made with yogurt, which contains about 87 percent water per cup. Use your favorite type of Greek yogurt for extra protein and the same hydrating benefits.

7. Strawberry and Peach Chia Seed Jam
Making jam is one of our favorite uses for chia seeds. They absorb water (that’s why they’re a hydrating food!), naturally thickening the peaches and strawberries in this simple recipe. Spread it on toast for a surprising and simple dose of omega-3s.

8. Cinnamon and Pear Oatmeal
Here’s a hydrating trick: The oats in this breakfast are cooked in water, giving that serving of oatmeal even more water than an equal serving of cucumber or oranges! Oatmeal is one of the most filling breakfasts around, making it perfect for a long day of hiking or swimming (or any other favorite summer activity).

9. French Toast with Blueberry Sauce and Roasted Apple and Pear
Want to sneak some hydrating superfoods into brunch? While French toast isn’t always the healthiest option, millet flour, coconut oil, and almond milk give this recipe a twist, while toppings include hydration heroes blueberry, apple, and pear.

Lunch

10. Thai-Inspired Hydrating Cucumber Salad with Roasted Spiced Chickpeas
Cucumbers are an awesome way to add more water to any diet, but they can be a little bland. Not in this salad! Vinegar and sugar come together for a light, sweet dressing, while spicy roasted chickpeas add flavor and protein.

11. Cucumber-Watermelon Salad with Avocado and Bell Pepper
Cubes of watermelon, cucumber, and bell pepper make for an awesomely replenishing bowl. The tequila-spiked dressing takes this light meal to another level.

12. Jicama, Grapefruit, and Red Cabbage Salad
While the lettuce and spinach in most salads are almost entirely water, so is red cabbage, making it an awesome (and more nutritious) alternative. Cabbage has tons of antioxidants to help reduce inflammation, and lots of fiber to keep that tummy happy. And it gets bonus points for being colorful.

13. Sweet n’ Spicy Raspberry and Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Raspberries and spinach up the water content in this healthy version of potato salad. It’s drizzled with honey, sea salt, and pepper. A delicious side for any picnic or barbeque.

14. California Spinach Salad
The Greek yogurt-chipotle-lime dressing is what makes this spinach, avocado and bell pepper salad stand out.

15. Spinach, Avocado and Kiwi Salad
Kiwis contains 20 percent more vitamin C than oranges and almost as much potassium as bananas. And it makes an unexpected appearance in this (really) green dish.

16. Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Salad with Feta, Chickpeas and Mint
Looking for an excuse to get outside and grill? Eggplant and zucchini are both high in water, and grilling is a tasty alternative to eating them raw. Chickpeas and feta finish it off for a filling lunch.

17. Thai Cucumber and Pineapple Salad
Because bromelain in pineapple and caffeic acid in cucumber both reduce swelling and inflammation, this is the perfect zesty dish to beat that puffy dehydrated feeling ((Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananus comosus) and its clinical application. An update. Taussig, SJ., Batkin, S. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Tropical Agriculture, University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1988 Feb-Mar;22(2):191-203.)) ((Determination of total content of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in vegetables—evaluation of spectrophotometric methods. Stratil, P., Klejdus B., Kubán V. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2006 Deb 8;54(3):607-16.)).

18. Chopped Vegetable, Watermelon and Feta Salad
Watermelon, a favorite summer superfood, packs a lot of nutritious hydration in just a few calories. Paired with feta, olive oil, and mint, it’s an instant classic.

Snacks

19. Zucchini Sushi Rolls
Sure, sliced carrots will sneak some hydration into snack time, but why not impress your friends by rolling up apple, carrot, zucchini, and cucumber into these sushi-style roll-ups?

20. Tropical Kiwi Strawberry Spring Rolls
The strawberries, mango, and kiwi in this cute roll-up are tasty and nutritious enough to eat on their own. But sometimes, fun packaging makes all the difference. Wrap up it all up in softened rice paper rounds and dip in honey. Goodbye thirst!

21. Cinnamon Apples, Walnuts and Raisins
To amp up that mid-day apple, chop it up and toss with ground cinnamon, walnuts (or any other nut of your choice) and raisins. Apples are the hydration star here, while cinnamon can help relieve inflammation and packs a flavor punch in just a few calories ((Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes. Mashhadi, NS., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., et al. Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. International Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S11-5)).

22. Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Mango-Coconut Ricotta Dip
Strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and banana are a perfect tropical combination. Grilled, they’re downright festive. If you’re sick of munching on plain fruit to get your water fix, this is a great way to mix things up.

23. Frozen Grapes
Grapes are another really easy and hydrating snack. For summer, pop a bunch in the freezer and enjoy whenever you need to beat the heat and replenish those fluids!

24. Avocado and Mango Salsa
With the addition of garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, and olive oil, diced mango and avocado make up a more hydrating alternative to guacamole or super-salty store-bought salsa.

25. Watermelon, Strawberry, and Basil Salad Bites
This is the gourmet way to enjoy that big, juicy slice of watermelon. Strawberries provide fruity hydration, while basil and goat cheese add some class.

26. Homemade Raspberry Applesauce
Applesauce contains just about as much water as apples themselves — and homemade is always better! Raspberries add a seasonal spin.

27. Strawberry-Pineapple Salsa
If you’ve never tried fruit salsa, summer is the perfect time. This one’s just asking to be dipped into with a chip or spooned over a burrito bowl.

Dinner

28. Green Gazpacho
Soup is one of the best vehicles for getting more water into your diet, but who wants to dig into a hot bowl o’ chicken soup in this heat? Gazpacho is the solution. The cucumber and green pepper make this one particularly thirst-quenching.

29. Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Pasta salad is a picnic table staple. Diced cucumber and lemon juice make this one a super hydrating option.

30. Couscous Stuffed Red Peppers
Stuffed peppers make a water-rich vegetable into a substantial meal. Fill ‘er up with the suggested Israeli couscous, or try quinoa for a little extra protein.

31. Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho
Lots of tomatoes, tomato juice, red pepper, and cucumber blend together in a flavorful, cool, and filling dinner.

32. Vietnamese Summer Roll Salad
The fresh ingredients in Vietnamese food give it the right flavors for the hottest months of the year. The shrimp on this salad make it big enough for a meal, while lots of veggies and greens increase the water content.

33. Stuffed Peppers with Tomatoes and Watercress
Dehydrated? Up your stuffed pepper game even more by filling them with tomatoes and watercress (it has water in the name, people!).

34. Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
When you’ve just gotta fill that taco craving, romaine lettuce is a smart substitute to a corn tortilla. It’s almost entirely water and still supplies a satisfying crunch.

35. Fish Tacos with Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa supplies a sweet touch to the savory flavors of fish tacos. To change it up, try one of the other fresh salsa recipes from above.

Dessert

36. Roasted Berry and Honey Yogurt Popsicles
Roasting the berries before assembling these yogurt pops makes them extra creamy. Try the recipe with your favorite berries, and try lemon juice instead of honey if you like a tangier dessert.

37. Strawberry Raspberry Popsicles
Berries are one of the best (and best tasting) ways to eat your water. The only sugar in this sweet treat comes from nature, so it’s much better than store-bought options.

38. Honeydew-Cucumber Margarita Popsicle
Now, usually we don’t recommend booze if you’re trying to stay hydrated. But the water-filled honeydew and cucumber in these frozen treats make up for the little splash of tequila in these bad boys. Right?

39. Blood Orange Chia Pudding
It’s all about those chia seeds! Blood orange gives this a pretty color, but regular oranges or even grapefruit are all close to 90 percent water and would work just as well in this tart pudding.

40. Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberry Kabob
On their own, frozen blueberries are a great summer snack. But skewered and covered in frozen Greek yogurt they’re as tasty as your favorite ice cream treat, and much more effective at keeping that body full o’ water.

41. Homemade Fresh Grapefruit “Jello”
Since Jello is mostly water, it seems to be the perfect choice for a hydrating dessert. However, the stuff from the box can be pretty high in sugar. Try this at-home version made with real grapefruit and unflavored gelatin instead. Since grapefruit is mostly water, you’re pretty much just eating, um, water!

42. Strawberry-Banana Yogurt Pops
All that’s in these homemade popsicles is strawberries, yogurt, all-natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave — you choose), and banana. They’re fruity, sweet, and perfect for a hot day.

43. Coconut Kiwi Popsicles
Kiwi is low in calories and sugar, and high in fiber. Coconut water has been known to help replenish electrolytes and sugars after you sweat a lot (in other words, all summer long) ((Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Kalman, DS., Feldman S., Krieger, DR., et al. The University of Memphis/Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Health and Sport Sciences. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Jan 18;9(1):1)). Frozen into popsicle form, this is one powerful pair.

What foods are you eating this summer to stay hydrated? Let us know in the comments below or tweet the author @skoppelkam.

Consider Adding Yoga to Boost Flexibility and Reduce Risk of Injury

The Greatist Team — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:51:39 +0000

Consider Adding Yoga to Boost Flexibility and Reduce Risk of Injury

06/18/2013 - 11:51am by The Greatist Team

Improve overall health and fitness (both physical and mental) by signing up for a yoga class every once in a while.

As a workout, yoga’s unlikely to induce huffing and puffing quite like a spin class or session on the track, but yoga has other (equally important) benefits. Stretching and breathing reduces anxiety, boosts antioxidant performance, and improves flexibility, which can help prevent injury.

Fusion Style:

Would you do yoga with weights? What about Power Yoga? Are these new styles of yoga “authentic?”

Om, Om, Ouch:

Yoga sounds relaxing, but misaligned poses and overstretching can cause injuries. Here’s how to prevent them.

Greatist Workout of the Day: Tuesday June 18th

The Greatist Team — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:15:01 +0000

Greatist Workout of the Day: Tuesday June 18th

06/18/2013 - 10:15am by The Greatist Team

Hey, GWOD-ers, welcome to the last month of GWODs rom Rog Law and Nia Shanks, two of the best and brightest in the training game!

Got questions? Email us at gwod [at] greatist.com!

For a warm-up, we recommend a few minutes of foam rolling followed by:

2 days/week:

Rest

3 days/week:

Rest

4 days/week:

1) Barbell Bench Press 4 sets of 5 (use a spotter, please!)

2A) Dumbbell Reverse Lunge 4 sets of 6 each leg
2B) Stability Ball Plank 3 holds of 30-45 sec

3A) Single Leg Hip Thrust 3 sets of 12-15 each leg
3B) 1 Arm Dumbbell Floor Press 3 sets of 10 each arm

Aetna Has an App? Why the Health Care Giant is Taking on Tech

nicolemcdermott — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:49:41 +0000

Aetna Has an App? Why the Health Care Giant is Taking on Tech

06/18/2013 - 9:49am by Nicole McDermott

With tons of web forums, thousands of apps, and a whole lot of misguided information out there, taking charge of our health can be challenging. Now, Aetna, the third largest health insurance provider in the U.S., is making a foray into the health and fitness tech space with a new app called CarePass. Aetna hopes the app will become a universal remote for healthcare, fitness, and wellness.

What It Is

Launching on Tuesday for iOS and Android, CarePass is a multifaceted hub for health data, combining information from some of the most popular health and fitness apps (MapMyFitness, Runkeeper, and iTriage, to name a few) and fitness trackers, such as Fitbit, BodyMedia, Jawbone UP, and Withings scales. The goal: merge around two dozen of the most successful apps and devices to set achievable goals for a holistic approach to wellness.

But why should a 100-year-old insurance company care about health and fitness apps? It all comes down to cash, and CarePass is a part of Aetna’s new strategy to reduce healthcare costs. The company hopes that by getting people in the know, CarePass users will also become more knowledgeable of their health and take action to live a healthier life.

There are three main parts to CarePass: Data, Goals, and Prevention. First, users can sync data from their favorite apps and devices to display it on one platform (rather than continually opening and referring to multiple apps). Second, users can choose several real-world health goals (or create their own, for example "I want to eat 40 grams of protein every day"). There are three preset goals, each with a quirky barometer for success:

“Run city to city.” Measure your steps relative to a distance between New York and Boston.
"Fit into my favorite jeans." Track your weight by watching a belt increase or decrease a notch with each check in.
"Kick start to weight loss." A food-tracking visualization that focuses on the 3,500 calorie deficit rule (a person has to cut 3,500 calories to lose one pound).

After entering basic info such as gender, height, weight, and age, users set a daily target, and CarePass provides positive feedback as well as an easy, visually compelling way to achieve a specific goal. Additional goals will be available in the months to come, including ones to improve sleep and stress management.

The third part of CarePass is iTriage, an app Aetna acquired last year that helps people check and prevent illness, research medications, and manage medical appointments.

Aetna customers can also access their personal health records through the app. CarePass can’t sync up health records for non-Aetna members yet, but it plans to incorporate information from other insurance companies in the near future, says Aetna Vice President and head of CarePass Martha Wofford.

Is it Legit?

Yes, and that goes for fitness tech pros and newbies alike. CarePass isn’t the first platform to integrate multiple apps and devices in the health and fitness space. MyFitnessPal, for instance, has an extensive app library to add to its own meal and fitness tracking capability. And devices such as the Jawbone UP and Nike Fuel Band sync with dozens of other tracking apps.

Though Aetna may look like an old guy trying to hang out with the youngins’, the company has a clear advantage — Aetna’s been around the block for quite a few years and serves more than 38 million customers. It’s unclear whether or not Aetna will be able to convert insurance buyers to app aficionados, but having a built-in user-base helps put them beyond the starting line.

If we had to point out a downfall, it’s CarePass’s current lack of social sharing. Compared to individual apps with built in functions — tweet this, share that on Facebook, Instagram a selfie while running — CarePass does not have it’s own community or share buttons. Instead, each of the three set goals heave prepopulated forums on health community site SparkPeople so users can chat about their experiences with others on the same journey. We’re not sure if some people will see this as a weakness for CarePass or if others will prefer diverting to a community that already has a solid framework and major engagement. We’re curious to see how large the CarePass app network expands, if it will ever delve into it’s own social sharing platform, and how it measures up to using individual apps.

We know CarePass just launched, but give if you give it a go, let us know what you think in the comment section below or tweet the author @nicmcdermott