Good Greens

Let's Go Ride a Bike

The recent influx bikes from the LIME Bike sharing program has generated a new love for the leisurely 2 wheeled transport.

It’s said you never forget how to ride a bicycle. So even if it’s been a while, cycling can be a fun way to exercise to feel better and help reduce your risk of several serious illnesses, including many types of cancer.

Cycling is an effective way to burn calories, whether you’re riding slow and steady or fast and furious. Even at a leisurely pace of 13 to 15 miles per hour, a 150-pound person can burn 400-500 calories in an hour.

Cycling is a non-impact exercise that isn’t as hard on your joints as running. And it offers lots of options in all weather, from riding inside on a stationary bike, to going outside on trails or safe roads.

If you do cycle outside, remember your safety gear, including helmets and reflective clothing so you can be seen in the dark, and apply sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Choose tighter clothing and sturdy shoes that won’t get caught in your bike’s chain.

However you choose to ride a bike, you’re picking an effective exercise that’s environmentally friendly, enjoyable, and easy on your knees.

5 Super Greens to Add to Your Daily Diet

Summer is here and the local farmer's markets are filled with delicious and heathy greens to add to your diet. The following is a short list of beneficial greens to add to your daily routine:

Arugula - Great at a topping to pizza or in a smoothie, back with vitamins A, C, and K

Spinach - Packed with iron; calcium; protein; vitamins A, B6, C, and E; fiber; and phytochemicals like beta-carotene, lutein, and folate. Combine this green with citrus like lemon or orange to boost its nutritional absorption.

Dandelion Greens - Need more iron, calcium, fiber, protein, and vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K? Try dandelion greens!

Kale - Loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients like iron; calcium; protein; potassium; vitaminsA, B6, and C; carotenoids; lutein; and phytochemicals. Sprinkle with sea salt and olive oil and massage for a few minutes before adding to your salad. Massaged kale is a game changer!

Wheat Grass - Full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll, wheat grass is a total superfood that can be found at your local health food store and at most farmer’s markets. Just trim with a pair of clean kitchen shears, and juice with apple or pear and a little cucumber. You can even share a little with your pets (mee-ow!).