When I taught Pilates, women of a certain age were really only interested in working on their backsides. With three pieces of spring-loaded equipment and the Pilates mat repertoire at my disposal, it was easy to fill a 55-minute session with ass-kicking moves, but I didn't understand the rear obsession . . . until now. Like my former clients, I am approaching that certain age when gravity start Read more

Chinese parsley, the crop of coriander, or plain old cilantro — no matter what you call it, the small, green leafed plant is not only delicious, but also chock-full of nutritional value. While some see it as a simple garnish, I look for nearly every chance to incorporate the tasty herb into my meals. After reading up on these benefits, you may, too. It appears that once a month, the ladies Read more

Last week, YumSugar had a box of kiwis up for grabs, but she was having trouble finding any takers. Kiwis are a polarizing fruit, but they're definitely a healthy food worth trying. This fuzzy-skinned fruit is packed with vitamin C: one medium kiwi contains about 70.5 mg of C, just slightly less than one medium orange. Better yet, buy organic, and vitamin C and polyphenol levels are even Read more

I am in produce heaven right now. Since it's Summer, the farmers markets in my area are full of fruits and veggies in every color you can imagine. For good reason everyone is going sort of crazy for strawberries and cherries. But what about the oft-neglected blackberry? Despite it being a pretty yummy fruit, blackberries are usually the last of the baskets to be picked up whenever I hit the Read more

Join the ranks of Katy Perry and get your heart rate up with a little jump rope. Common in elementary schools and boxing gyms, jumping rope is a great cardio workout that also challenges your coordination, balance, and agility. Also a great calorie burner — you're moving your own body weight against gravity — jumping rope tones your calves, thighs, back, abs, shoulders, arms, and bum. It'll Read more

Growing up in Hawaii, I was sort of spoiled. In my backyard we had papaya, avocado, coconut, and passion fruit trees. The best part? They were there when we moved in! And in a tropical climate like Hawaii, these trees need little in the way of cultivation — they just kind of hang out and take care of themselves. Even though I've moved away from Hawaii, my favorite fruit is still passion fruit, Read more

Depending on where you live, finding good Winter produce can be difficult — this is especially true on the East Coast. Around this time of year, farmers markets lose a bit of lushness and start resembling outdoor root cellars. However, hidden amongst the piles of potatoes, carrots, and turnips is one of my most favorite vegetables ever: broccoli rabe, aka rapini. I first came across this bitter Read more

Regardless of what gym I've belonged to, it feels like I am the only person that ever uses the sauna. Since I've been working out, there's only been one other time that I haven't been in there alone. I'm not sure if I'm hitting the gym at odd times or if folks are just not feeling the sauna as much as I do. It could be that they are afraid of their bits and pieces showing, a la Charlotte from Sex Read more