Technology does a lot to make our lives more easy but have you ever thought of how it could make your life more healthy?? A few quick App downloads and you could be well on your way to eating better and being more active with a technology twist.
The first App to check out is called “Fooducate”.  This App makes the task of choosing healthier options really simple. Do you have very little time to analyze food labels and extract the information that is important to you while at the store? When shopping you can scan the product bar code for a quick read on a food’s health value, represented by a letter grade from A to D, plus additional information such as nutrients and additives. The app can offer healthier alternatives and compare two products side-by-side. This app is available for android and iOS. Also check out the website http://www.fooducate.com

I downloaded this App and I wasn’t surprised to find that my leftover Valentine’s day candy got a D grade, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the oatmeal I eat for breakfast got an A- ! This is a great  App and its FREE!
From the makers of the famous “Map my Run” website comes this  innovative App.             Map My Fitness  encompasses both fitness and nutrition education.  It lets you use the built-in GPS of your mobile device to track your fitness activities. You can establish a training log, record your activity, keep track of calories consumed, and share your information with friends. This unique online training tool offers ways to eat better as well as a fitness calculators and a comprehensive global event listings. This App is available for iOS, BlackBerry and Android. A great way to help you stick with those new year’s resolutions.  Download the App or click http://www.mapmyfitness.com. Again this App is FREE!

- Mindy Meacham, Get Healthy Staff

Yes! The color of the hen determines the color of the egg. There is no difference in nutritional value or flavor of brown eggs vs. white eggs. The color of the yolk is determined by the color of the feed the hens eat. One difference however can be found in the price, brown eggs do cost more than white eggs; the brown eggs tend to be bigger and therefore cost more.

A great reciped for a healthy egg breakfast and a way to include more veggies can be found here at cooking light. 

 “Today, more than twice as many children and almost three times as many teens are overweight as were in 1980.”* This is a very startling and real statistic. The obesity epidemic is a problem among adults as well as kids. In order to prevent our children from growing up and developing chronic conditions related to obesity we must help them to get active and eat better. As a parent, you can help shape your child’s attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity.

Here are some ways you can do this:
• Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle.
• Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.
• Give your children equipment that encourages physical activity.
• Take young people to places where they can be active, such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts. To find a park near you check out places to play
• Be positive about the physical activities in which your child participates and encourage them to be interested in new activities.
• Make physical activity fun. Activities can range from sports to recreational activities such as running, skating, bicycling, swimming, basketball, soccer, etc.
• Limit your child’s screen time (e.g. computer, video games and TV). Encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends and family, such as riding bikes or skateboarding. Always provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads or knee pads and ensure that activity is age-appropriate.

* Hedley AA, et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among U.S. children, adolescents and adults; 1999-2002. JAMA 2004: 291:2847-50; Ogden CL, Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Johnson CL. Prevalence and trends in overweight among U.S. children and adolescents, 1999-2000. JAMA

Looking to put together a home gym? Check out this video for some tips.

http://bit.ly/vHeW5Z