healthy tips

Back in the good ol' days, friendly frozen yogurt servers would stingily add toppings to your yogurt for you. But now, self-serve frozen yogurt venues have become ever popularized. It's so easy to go overboard with the toppings, especially with the variety of candies and cookies that are accessible. That which once was a 150 calorie snack can easily become a huge indulgence loaded with calories and fat. Good news! Here are a few delectable yet controlled combos under 200 calories that you can try next time you're craving a sweet snack.

Blueberry Crumble (180 calories)

• 1/2 cup tart nonfat frozen yogurt
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 2 Tbsp. of granola

Blueberries are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants; and granola contains complex carbs that will make you feel full and satisfied.

For more topping combinations, keep reading

If you rely on sodas to get you through the day, it's time to reconsider your options. Coke may get your motor running, but the cons of sipping one easily outweigh the pros. Before you reach for another carbonated beverage, check out a few good reasons you should stopping swigging soda.

• Bone loss: While scientists debate the exact reason, most agree that drinking soda is bad for our bones and deters us from having something healthier like a glass of milk or water. Still, some believe the phosphoric acid in sodas may lead to osteoporosis.
• Hypertension: Keep the doctor away by not drinking a soda a day. Studies show that people who consume sugary and carbonated sodas increase their risk of type 2 diabetes, among other diseases.
• Dental decay: It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that sodas aren't the best drinks for the teeth. The acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel and cause decay. If you must, drink it through a straw.

To see the rest of the list, read more

Country music singer Carrie Underwood avoids going out to eat as a way to stay on the healthy path, but I could never do that. I go out at least once a week, whether it be for a big family breakfast, lunch with my gal pal, or a dinner date with my hubby. I will say that with all the deliciously decadent foods on the menu, it's hard not to be tempted to overindulge, which can be bad news for your waistline.

I believe that you shouldn't deny yourself the occasional pleasure of eating at your favorite restaurants, but it's always good to have tricks up your sleeve that allow you to enjoy yourself without undoing all the good you do. What tricks do you use when dining out?

Eating whole foods with different colors is an easy way to get the nutrients your body needs. Pigments in fruits and veggies contain essential antioxidants that protect against cancer, promote brain health, regulate cholesterol, and act as anti-inflammatories. The more intense the color, the greater the good stuff.

Don't be monochromatic either, each pigment provides different benefits. For example, orange foods contain carotene, which protect skin and aid in enzyme production, while the cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene helps give tomatoes their red color.

The next time you plan a meal see if you can get all the colors of the rainbow — red, green, yellow, blue, orange — onto your plate.