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So, you love pasta. I do, too! Before I spent a summer studying in Italy, I thought Pasta was almost always an unhealthy meal, that would just pack on pounds.  That is, until I saw it made the Italian way.  Even six years later, I still incorporate some of the healthy cooking techniques, including using fresh herbs and spices, to my recipes. While a pasta dish isn’t as healthy as, say a plate of steamed broccoli, there are a few cooking tips to beef up the nutritional value and help you feel good about eating it.  Here are my 5 basic guidelines to cooking and eating pasta healthier.

What is the Best Exercise For Women?

Adding an exercise routine but do not know where to start or which type is best for you? Is it aerobic you need or muscular fitness? Maybe you health demands a stretching routine or you need to focus on core or balance training. Go no further, Nancy Christie, the beFit columnist makes it easy providing expert advice to help you narrow this down and get you started. Our beFit columnist, Nancy Christie, is a professional health and wellness writer, writes a column at thebeList.com every Friday to help you stay fit and active. Weekly, she provides the best exercise for women always adding exercise tips for losing weight. Learn more about Nancy at our beTeam page.

So let's get you get started or regular exercising with an enjoyable and beneficial routine. It sounds like a lot to add to an already busy schedule," said John Rowley, author of Climb Your Ladder of Success Without Running Out of Gas!: The Simple Truth on How to Revitalize Your Body and Ignite Your Energy for Lifelong Success. John is also the Wellness Director for the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). But the trick is to make your exercise routine part of your lifestyle. Just don’t overdo it, specially when it comes to cardio and weight-training, added Rowley. “If you are training pretty intensely, it is a good rule not to train more than two days in a row and then take a rest day.

This article is written by Nancy Christie, a professional health and wellness writer. Nancy, a motivational speaker and author is committed to helping women find ways to get out of ruts by developing new habits and thought discipline. Get to know more about Nancy at our beTeam page.

LET'S FIND THE TRAINER THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Whether you’re a newbie exerciser or just adding a new-to-you exercise to your fitness routine, a professional fitness trainer can help you get the maximum benefits from your workout. But be sure to do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.
Check qualifications. Is the trainer certified through a National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) approved body: the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE)?  “Then consider any additional education or experience he/she may hold such as advanced qualifications or specializations that are specific to your goal,” said California-based certified personal trainer Erin Malone, MA, CES, PES and NASM’s Manager of Training and Development.  Evaluate the training style. You want your trainer to be passionate about the profession. “Otherwise, you won’t get the full effect of the education and background,” said John Rowley, Certified Fitness Trainer and Wellness Director for the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) in California. Watch a few sessions. Are they “boot-camp” intense, low-key and fun, or a mix of both? Is the trainer impatient or encouraging?

In case you have not noticed, there is something fishy going on with healthy cooking! Many of us may order fish when dining out but may be reluctant to routinely cook fish at home.  If you have not yet added fish to your healthy cooking routine, make a committment now to substitute fish for red meat as a regular option for dinner. Including fish in your diet can be a great booster to your health and can help you lose weight. Studies recommend that you eat at least three servings a week. Why? Because fish is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which can be beneficial to a healthy body and immune system.