5 Essentials for Healthy Snacking

Stock up on these healthy foods to make countless healthy, portable snacks that are delicious and good for you. Plus, these foods are proven disease fighters, energy boosters, and heart helpers so you can snack your way to better health.

Disease Fighters: Fruits and Veggies

Munch on blueberries, apples, peppers, and spinach, which are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Plus, the potassium, magnesium, and calcium in most fresh produce may help lower blood pressure.

Quick Tip: Buy extra cartons of your favorite seasonal berries, gently wash, and pat dry. Freeze in a zip-top plastic bag. Let the fruit defrost on your counter overnight, and mangia!

How to Eat for a Healthy Heart

Some foods simply work harder than others to protect your health. The following foods can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and generally reduce your risk of heart disease.

Blueberries

Antioxidants in these berries help fight inflammation and lower bad LDL cholesterol, blood fats, and blood sugar.
Get Rid of Arm, Leg, and Ab Flab Fast

Tone your top three jiggle zones -- upper arms, abs, and legs -- in just 10 minutes a day.

Triceps Press/Knee Tuck



What you'll need:   A pair of 5- to 10-pound dumbbells and a mat.

Targets: Triceps, abs, and hips

• Lie faceup with knees bent 90 degrees, a dumbbell in each hand, arms over shoulders, palms in.

• Bend elbows, bringing dumbbells behind head, as you lift and extend legs in front of you. Return to start.

Do 15 reps.


Wide-Stance Deadlift

Targets: Lower back, butt, and legs

• Stand with feet more than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out 45 degrees, a dumbbell in each hand, arms in front of thighs, palms in.

• Hinge forward from hips, keeping back and legs straight, as you lower dumbbells to shin level. Return to start.

Do 12 reps.