Erin Mellinger
J.R. Kuchta fitness tips
#1: Q: What is a good rule of thumb when purchasing healthy food? The fewer ingredients, the better?
A: Absolutely right! When it comes to making wise nutrition choices, the golden rule on the ingredient list is “less is better!” This is because the most nutritious foods are generally the least processed foods with the least amount of additives. The closer the... Read More
#2: Q: Is coffee a good energy boost for a workout?
A: Let's clarify the question, is it smart to down a cup or two of coffee before you work out or is it better to refrain until after you get your exercise in? ... Read More
#3: Q: Why is stretching after working out important?
A: This is a great question because it addresses the importance not only of practicing stretching but also the best and safest technique for performing this valuable type of exercise. ... Read More
#4: Q: How Should I Get Back Into a Running Routine?
...I used to run every day and then I had kids. Now that they’re getting older, I’m starting to run again. Should I run every day (if even for only 10-15 minutes), or should I space it out and run more each time I run (like 30 minutes every other day)? ... Read More
#5: Q: Is there really any nutritional value in lettuce?
A: Lettuce is a leafy crunchy vegetable with substantial water content, some fiber and a negligible calorie count—all factors that are beneficial for filling up your plate and pairing down your waistline. You should know that only certain types of lettuce are... Read More
#6: Q: When it comes to choosing a healthy bread, is whole grain white any different from regular whole wheat bread?
A: The definition of “whole grain white” bread or flour is nebulous at best. It is a fairly new product that can consist of virtually anything, but generally comprises a mixture of 100% whole grain and white flour. The white wheat comes from an albino variety of... Read More
#7: Q: I know too much sodium is bad for me, so are there any alternatives
...I can cook with that will add a similar flavor boost and be healthier for me? ... Read More
#8: Q: How can I tone up "fatty" areas?
...since turning 50 I have noticed a fat accumulation around the inside of my knees, making my knees look "fat." I realize this may be due to my age, but I believe it doesn't have to be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. ... Read More
#9: Q: How often should I workout?
...is it better to work out more days per week for shorter intervals or fewer days per week for longer intervals? ... Read More
#10: Q: Does the time of day (morning vs. evening) impact burning more calories?
A: Whenever you can burn calories—morning, evening or mid-day—is the best time of day as long as you do it! If your question is addressing weight management, then the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to spend mental and physical energy, day in and day... Read More
#11: Q: What exactly do antioxidants do and what are some great food sources?
A: Antioxidants counter the excessive production of small, highly reactive molecules in the body called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are byproducts of normal human metabolism and include both free radicals and nonradicals. ROS are capable of damaging delicate... Read More
#12: Q: Eating and Stretching: Two Hot Topics for Runners
By Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D. ... Read More
#13: Q: Fitness Goals Deliver Results
The definition of a goal is- what one intends to do or achieve. The hardest part of a fitness program is getting started, and the second is maintaining it. Unfortunately, most people do not have goals when it comes to their health and fitness. You may drive to... Read More
#14: Q: How do I start training for a marathon?
...where is a good place to start if I've never run a marathon and would like to start training? ... Read More
#15: Q: What type of oatmeal is healthiest?
...why have I heard that rolled oats are healthier than quick oatmeal packets? ... Read More
#16: Q: How Can I Gain Healthy Weight and Energy?
...I am 75 years old and my doctor has ordered me to put on about 10 pounds (I am very thin and agree I need more weight to be healthier). What are some foods I should eat to gain healthy weight and energy? ... Read More
#17: Q: Is a Liquid Diet (Such as “Juicing”) Safe?
A: I am not a big proponent of “juicing” or any other type of liquid diet. I especially object to the false or misleading claims that frequently accompany these unproven and potentially dangerous nutrition tactics. Oftentimes juicing regimens are linked with the... Read More
#18: Q: Is it okay to splurge on Thanksgiving?
Nobody gains weight from just that one Thanksgiving Day meal. We gain weight from the “holiday mentality” that continues on from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. Yet, the busiest and most stressful time of year is precisely when we must be most vigilant about putting... Read More
#19: Q: How do I avoid the 5-8lbs the average person gains during the holiday season?
With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to get a handle on your weight and your body fat level before the feasting starts! If you are having trouble with your weight then you are not alone. A study by the National Center for Health Statistics predicts that... Read More
#20: Got CHOCOLATE Milk?
The perfect food for fitness . . . who knew? The best sports drink around for after exercise is not a high-tech scientific concoction like Gatorade or Powerade but instead . . . plain old chocolate milk. ... Read More
#21: 3 Ways to Kick the Habit ... of Skipping Workouts
Trying to get into an exercise habit, but finding you’re more in the habit of making excuses? You can break out of that pattern with these tips from fitness experts on staying motivated and sticking to your fitness routine. ... Read More
#22: Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
Convinced you “can’t” run a marathon, or sprint at level 10 on that treadmill? … Are you sure about that? ... Read More
#23: Top 10 Eating Strategies for Permanent Weight Loss
If you’ve ever worn (or chuckled at) one of those “I run so I can eat” T-shirts, this info is for you! How you eat goes hand in hand with your workout plans and is proven to bring people’s weight loss goals into their grasp more quickly and easily. ... Read More
