Wellness & Lifestyle

Nature's Best

Backaches and blisters, jock itch and jet lag--if you want to find the best herbs and treatments available, the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing (Natural Life Publishing, Inc., $62.95) will tell you what you need to know.

The Alive Research Group and an army of doctors and health professionals contributed to this 1,472 page self-help guide to good health. "The main goal of the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing is to help you take charge of your own wellness," says Siegfried Gursche, M.H., in his forward to the book.

fusion foods

Broiled chicken breast on Mondays, baked meatloaf on Tuesdays and pasta on Wednesdays. Getting bored with the same old foods? You're not alone. A recent survey of restaurant menus reveals America's growing appetite for ethnic dishes. New waves of immigrants--Latin Americans, Asians and Middle Easterners--are inspiring cooks to branch out into new culinary areas. The result is "fusion cuisine," the combination of ingredients or cooking techniques from two or more cultures. "Fusion cuisine can be described as a new cooking phenomenon," says Cindy Moore, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

In many cases, "fused" dishes are unique combinations of grains, fruits and vegetables that offer nutritious and flavorful alternatives to familiar dishes. For more information, call (800) 366-16 55 or visit the ADA's Web site at www.eatright.org.

Avoiding Plastic Surgery

Wouldn't you rather look young and fit without having to go under the knife? "Who wouldn't like to avoid cosmetic surgery?" says Dr. Fredric Newman, a New York plastic surgeon. How can you avoid this uncomfortable and expensive procedure?

* "Avoid the elements," says Dr. Newman. "The sun is the great thief of youth. It will actually age someone faster than virtually any other variable of time, including gravity."

* Exercise. "Regular exercise maintains skin tone, circulation and flexibility, all of which contribute greatly to appearance," Dr. Newman says. "But when exercise becomes an addiction--as in cases where individuals run or workout too much or too often--the reverse is true. The body actually begins to break down and age much faster."

* Avoid cigarettes and don't overindulge in alcohol.

According to Dr. Newman, following these guidelines will help, but genetics and heredity also play a huge role in how we look and age.

If you choose to have plastic surgery, pick your surgeon wisely. To determine the physician's qualifications, Dr. Newman advises to consider the four basics: training, certification, associations and attitude.

The 20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan

"Despite our national obsession with healthy foods, dieting, fitness and thinness, we're no slimmer or healthier than before," Gabe Mirkin, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D., state in their book, The 20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan (Harper Resource/Harper Collins Publishers, $22.00). "In fact, we're even heavier." They also note:

* The average American adult has gained eight pounds during the last ten years.

* The incidence of obesity in adults has increased from one in four to one in three during the past decade.

* Adolescent obesity has increased by 40% since 1980.

* Despite the fitness "craze," we burn more than 200 fewer calories than people did 30 years ago.

"The only way to lose weight permanently without risking your health is to cut back on your fat intake while eating more fiber," says Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

In the 20/30 Plan, there are just five simple rules to start:

1. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

2. Eat no more than 20 grams of fat per day.

3. Eat at least 30 grams of dietary fiber each day.

4. Limit intake of foods made with refined flour and other low. fiber foods.

5. Reward yourself. If you follow the program faithfully for 19 out of 21 meals, enjoy two "free" meals. Eat reasonably sized portions, but don't binge or stuff yourself.

The 20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan includes a fat & fiber gram counter, more than 100 recipes and a list providing calorie, fat and fiber counts for more than 5,000 food products. The 20/30 Fat & Fiber Diet Plan is also available on audiocassette for $12.00. For more information, visit www.2030plan.com.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group