Stay Healthy and Happy

Diet and Exercise

I eat healthy during the week, and if I want to splurge, I save it for the weekend. I call saturated fat my "Saturday fat."
Mel Sirois
Bethesda, Maryland
 
My cooking includes nuts, low-fat cheeses, and low-fat milk. I'm 51 years old, and after a recent bone-density scan, I was told that I have the bones of a 20-year-old.
Debbie Barnes
Albuquerque, New Mexico
 
My secret for staying healthy is simple: What you can't see, you can't eat. I stock my refrigerator with fresh fruit and vegetables, yogurt, and nuts. I know myself well enough to know that if chips and dip are in the house, I will eat them. If I keep healthy treats around, those will be the ones I reach for.
Linda Smith
Richmond, Virginia
 
In 2002 I had reached nearly 200 pounds. I worked nights, rarely exercised, and was miserable. I decided that, even if it meant tearing down my life to its very base, I'd make positive changes. I now work at a university for about half of what I used to earn, but the environment is refreshing. In the evening after work, I walk four miles instead of taking the bus. The best part of my day has become that hour I take for myself. I listen to my favorite music as I walk. I'm 35 pounds lighter, and my attitude is lighter, too.
Betty Garcia
Austin, Texas
 
I love staying healthy by boxing four days a week at 6 a.m. It has positively changed my life, both physically and mentally. I feel great after 45 minutes of jumping rope and throwing punches―fearless and empowered for the day ahead. The gym motto is "If you aren't boxing, you aren't working out!"
Kerrie Kelly
Folsom, California
 
I maintain a fairly regular routine of sleep, exercise, and healthy meals. If something gets in the way of one of the three, I still stay on track with the other two―no excuses. A restless night, inclement weather, or a less-than-healthy meal means the jog or yoga class still happens. I usually feel better afterward, mentally and physically.
Debbie King
Fairfax, Virginia
 
After years of not playing, I recently took up tennis again through my health club. I take a group lesson once a week, which is great for improving my skill and a terrific cardiovascular workout. But the best part is that my gym has an all-levels league and tennis mixers on Friday nights, making it fun for my social life as well.
Nancy Wall
Chicago, Illinois
 
Extra minutes? More like stolen ones! I would relax on the couch with an electric blanket, a cup of tea, Hildegard von Bingen on the stereo, and a book about how to find more time for myself.
Barbara Rivera
Ossining, New York
 
Be active! I don't mean go to the gym every day for an hour―just move. After I eat, I move for at least 20 minutes. I play with my dogs, clean, organize, or work. I also eat several small meals throughout the day. I snack a lot, but I choose my snacks wisely―fruit and granola for the most part.
Kimberly Narducci
Clarksville, Tennessee
 
My secret for staying healthy is coming up with healthier versions of recipes I love. For instance, instead of regular pancakes, I make blueberry whole-wheat cottage-cheese pancakes. The recipe is simple but tastes like the most sinful dessert ever. I use Splenda instead of sugar wherever possible, and when a recipe calls for flour, I substitute whole-grain flour for half the amount.
Leslie Reasbeck
Point Venture, Texas