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Lunges strengthen your entire lower body and challenge your balance, making them one of the most functional exercises. Image Credit: Morsa Images/E+/GettyImages In This Article Instructions Benefits Variations Form Tips Beginner Tips Lunges are one of the most effective exercises for building lean and strong legs. Best of all, they mimic many activities we do in daily life, like walking and climbing stairs. But doing lunges correctly is key to getting the most out of this lower-body move....

Drying homemade pasta helps it last longer. Image Credit: Capelle.r/Moment/GettyImages In This Article Drying Homemade Pasta Using a Dehydrator Freezing Homemade Pasta Making the Pasta Dough Consistency Cooking Dried Pasta Pasta has become as American as apple pie. There's nothing wrong with eating pasta from a box, but when you have the time and energy to make fresh pasta, you'll be rewarded with tender, tastier noodles. Advertisement Making pasta from scratch means you can control the ingredients used....

A smiling man lifitng a dumbbell. Image Credit: tetmc/iStock/Getty Images A solid base of physical strength can take years of consistent training to develop. However, with concerted a effort, it’s possible to see quick improvements. Whether you’re preparing for a competition of some sort or just want to increase your level of fitness, following a few simple steps can speed up your strength-gaining process. Advertisement Step 1 Etch out a training program....

Nutrition plays a major role in managing diabetes. Image Credit: a_namenko/iStock/GettyImages Nutrition plays a major role in managing diabetes. To keep blood glucose and insulin levels within a goal range, people who have diabetes can use a variety of strategies such as carbohydrate counting and the diabetes exchange. Advertisement If you're overweight, your physician may recommend a 1,200-calorie exchange meal plan. Losing excess weight helps your body regulate blood sugar better....

1 of 12 Overview It's a common suggestion to "eat the rainbow" for good health. This is especially true when it comes to eating for healthy, glowing skin. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is a great place to start, but if you want to take it to the next level, these 10 recipes combine multiple healthy ingredients that nourish the skin from the inside out. From blueberry chia jam and pineapple-strawberry stackers to rosemary almonds and turmeric chicken tenders, you'll find something to carry you from breakfast to dinner and lots of healthy snacks in between....

The 3,500 calorie diet will allow you to eat a variety of colorful and nutrient-rich foods. Image Credit: Eising/Photodisc/Getty Images The 3,500 calorie diet is a high-calorie diet suitable for individuals who live active lifestyles, individuals who attempting to gain weight and individuals who are undergoing medical treatments that require additional nutrition support. Because the 3,500 calorie diet is high in calories, some discretionary calories are permissable; however, it is recommended that the vast majority of your foods and beverages be rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants....

Chronic stress, such as from a demanding job, can weaken your immune system. Image Credit: shironosov/iStock/GettyImages With the coronavirus surging and cold and flu season still in full swing, having a hardy immune system is more vital than ever. But it turns out, some everyday habits might be putting you at greater risk of infection. Advertisement We've got the scoop on common mistakes you could be making — and what you can do to strengthen your immunity instead....

When you quit smoking, your lungs begin to clear almost right away. Image Credit: Pheelings Media/iStock/GettyImages If you have the attitude that years of smoking mean the damage is already done and it’s too late, think again. There are many reasons to quit, and it’s possible to “clean” your lungs after smoking. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung function and health can improve after quitting. Advertisement ​Read more:​ How Quitting Smoking Affects Your Metabolism Video of the Day Lungs Recover Fast According to the ACS, some improvements are immediate, and the list grows from there....

African red tea has many benefits, like protecting your heart, reducing your risk of cancer and balancing your blood sugar levels. Image Credit: iuliia_n/iStock/GettyImages When it comes to weight loss, it seems like there’s always something new that promises to help you shed those pounds. While you might already know that tea has some pretty powerful health benefits, you may be wondering if there’s a link between African red tea and weight loss....

Sea kelp is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron. Image Credit: Mizina/iStock/GettyImages In This Article What Is It? Benefits Side Effects How to Eat It If you want to liven up your daily servings of vegetables, consider adding kelp to your diet. A staple in Asian cuisine, kelp is a natural source of important vitamins and minerals and offers antioxidants, which are linked to disease prevention. Advertisement While there are many purported benefits, there are also some sea kelp side effects to be aware of, as it can be high in iodine and arsenic....

A yoga mat seems like a must, but you have options. Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/Getty Images A yoga mat is pretty much a must for yoga practice — or is it? After all, you should be able to Down Dog on just about any surface. Advertisement If you don't have a yoga mat handy, or simply want to buck tradition, you do have a few options. A mat is usually best, but not having one doesn't mean you can't practice....

A mature man about to take a pill Image Credit: stockvisual/iStock/Getty Images Most weight-loss drugs that are now illegal or restricted have shown to be unsafe in one way or another. The most common risks associated with weight-loss products tend to be issues with the heart and blood pressure. Many of the drugs in this category put added stress on the heart, which can sometimes result in serious events such as heart attack, stroke or death....

Lose one percent of your body weight per week for 20 weeks. Image Credit: dolgachov/iStock/Getty Images Setting a weight loss goal is an effective way to stay motivated to achieve it. Setting a goal of losing 20 percent of your total body weight within a 20-week time frame lets you focus one week at a time rather than viewing it as a long, hard process. Breaking down this goal at a weekly basis, you aim to lose one percent of your body weight per week....

Hyperventilation is a leading cause of a low blood CO2 level. Image Credit: Pixel_away/iStock/GettyImages The trillions of cells that make up your body metabolize food molecules to generate energy. This metabolism yields carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct. Your body rids itself of excess CO2 via your lungs when you exhale. A small amount, however, remains in your blood and plays an important role in maintaining the acid-base balance of your bloodstream....

Fresh celery contains important nutrients but celery seed extract in supplements may cause side effects. Image Credit: Michelle Arnold / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Celery supplements are available as celery seed extract, fresh or dried seeds, tablets and as capsules filled with celery seed oil. Although celery seed and extract is used to treat a number of health conditions, few human studies support this, and you may experience side effects with its use....

1 of 12 Overview Studies estimate that disease of the thyroid gland is more common than diabetes or heart disease and often goes misdiagnosed or undetected. As many as 30 million Americans could be suffering thyroid dysfunction. This small gland at the base of your neck controls functions throughout the entire body, including regulating other hormones, energy levels and metabolism. Kelly Morrow, M.S., RD, associate professor at Bastyr University, speaks to the global functions of this gland, explaining "at a recent nutrition conference, the thyroid was referred to as the metronome of life, and I really like that analogy....

Young woman holding her stomach while laying on couch. Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/Getty Images A large appetite is partly due to genetics. According to Louis J. Aronne, author of “The Skinny: On Losing Weight Without Being Hungry,” some people are born with a greater predisposition to gaining weight and to a condition called “fullness resistance.” The condition makes you less likely to feel full after eating and to store food as fat instead of burning it off as energy....

A bowl of potato salad with chives and parsley. Image Credit: valeriopardi/iStock/Getty Images The potato can make you feel at home in any part of the world. According to the International Potato Center, the potato is the third most grown crop in the world, with more than 300 million metric tons produced annually. The United Nations declared 2008 as the International Year of the Potato because of its importance in feeding the poor and hungry....

Friends eating fastfood at the mall. Image Credit: Dangubic/iStock/Getty Images When you combine burgers, fried foods, sodas and shakes with your normal diet, your calorie and nutrient totals may exceed normal limits. Meals that have 1,000 calories or more can easily make you gain weight, which increases your chances of developing clogged arteries, high-blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. How much fast food is too much? The U....

Woman jogging Image Credit: lzf/iStock/Getty Images Running helps you burn excess calories and fat, which contributes to weight loss, as long as you establish a calorie deficit. Daily runs, like other weight-loss strategies, burn fat from all over your body, including your thighs. Although one mile a day may be enough to produce gradual weight loss, your success depends on other factors, including your diet and cross-training strategies. Check with your doctor before starting a running program if you have a history of heart or orthopedic problems....