GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS Your Body: The GH ‘Do’ Diet

 

Lose weight and stay positive with the Good Housekeeping “Do” Diet. (Photo by Danielle Occhiogrosso)

Fed up with living in a world of “don’ts?” So are we! That’s why we developed the Do Diet, a radical new way of living that’s full of easy “dos” to get you on the healthiest (and happiest!) track.

Do: Eat these heart-healthy superfoods.

Citrus Fruits: Pectin, a type of fiber in oranges and grapefruit, acts like a sponge for cholesterol in the digestive system, then whisks it out of your body. Plus, women who eat lots of flavonoid-packed citrus fruits may have a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke.

Mushrooms: One in 10 women has a vitamin D level low enough to put her heart at risk. The spongy fungi are the only plant-based source, and they’re also a surprising source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure.

Spinach: All veggies are heart helpers, but spinach is rich in minerals that keep your blood vessels pliant. It’s also high in nitrates, which have been shown to improve heart function in women.

Do: Drink 16 ounces of water before meals.

A review of dozens of studies suggests that people who drink water before meals are likely to eat less and burn more fat, losing weight over time. Why? Filling up on a non-caloric beverage leaves less room for food and high-calorie sweetened drinks — plus, it helps you digest food more efficiently. Unsweetened tea, coffee or seltzer can work, too.

Do: Draw, sing, cook!

A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that people who are more creative than usual on any given day feel more enthusiastic and are happier that day and the next. Don’t fret if you have zero artistic talent — there’s no need to create a masterpiece to reap the benefits! Singing (even badly!), playing music, tinkering with a new recipe or brainstorming an awesome idea at work also counts. Find an outlet that you love and have fun with it.

Do: Set his alarm clock.

If you’re trying to make a baby, be sure your guy gets eight hours of sleep. A study headed by Boston University’s School of Public Health found that men who did had the best rates of conception with their partners. When the guys got more than nine hours or under six, pregnancy rates were 40 percent lower. Too few zzz’s have been linked to lower semen quality, and the need for tons of sleep may point to other complications.

Do: 20 minutes of yoga breathing.

Turns out it can lift mood and improve memory, studies suggest. Try alternate-nostril slow breathing: Make an L with right thumb and first finger; take a deep breath; press right side of nose with thumb to block right nostril; exhale; inhale through left nostril; block left nostril, release right; exhale; inhale. Switch sides and repeat.

 

ON ANOTHER MATTER … 

Great New Ways to Defy Your Age

Look eternally youthful with a couple of surprisingly simple science-backed tricks from the GH Beauty Lab.

Smile!

A big grin spreads feel-good vibes, and new research suggests that a happy-go-lucky outlook may be related to appearing more youthful, too. An Olay study found that women who had a positive attitude were 30 percent more likely to have facial skin that looked more than 10 years younger than their age.

Don’t Feel the Heat

Avoid uncontrolled infrared radiation, a type of energy emitted as heat by everything from the sun to heaters to blowdryers. It creates free radicals that, in uncontrolled amounts, can prematurely age skin, said Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, causing wrinkles and loss of firmness.

 

TABLE 

Let Your Kitchen Make You Thinner

Here’s how to prep ahead for healthier, leaner meals and snacks your family will be happy to hoover up.

Slimming Staples: Go for high-fiber 100 percent whole grains; nuts and seeds; cooking oils; low-sodium broth and condiments; and canned goods like beans, chickpeas, lentils and fish. Low-fat dairy should be stored in the coolest part of the fridge (close to the back and on a lower-middle shelf).

Fresh and Filling: Shop weekly for veggies and fruit; eating them is key to losing pounds. But don’t just toss them into bins – quickly wash and chop them and store in clear containers at eye level in the fridge so they’re ready to go. Or, buy premade slaws, veggie blends and leafy combos from Nutritionist-Approved Emblem holder Dole.

Freezing Musts: Freeze seafood, lean meats and indulgences. You won’t stick to a plan if it’s too restrictive, so don’t eliminate your favorite treats, but keeping them out of sight will help you avoid mindless munching. Plus, while they’re thawing, there’ll be time for satiety signals to kick in.

 

Recalls Alert 

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, (800) 638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE 

PROBLEM 

Happy Holidays! Mickey Mouse Nightlights, sold exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California; also available from the Shop Disney Parks mobile app, and online at DisneyStore.com from July 2016 through November 2016 for about $15.

Liquid from the nightlight can leak onto the electrical outlet, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled nightlights and contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. for instructions on returning them for a full refund. Consumers can reach Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. toll-free at (844) 722-1444 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.disneyparks.com. Click on “Safety Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.

 

Mitsubishi Motors 2011-2012 Outlander Sport 

2016 Outlander Sport 

The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment, which can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration. If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury. MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports for free. The recall began on Jan. 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at (888) 648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-16-011.

© Hearst Communications Inc.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate