Healthy Eating Habits

Fuel up in the a.m.
After not eating for 10 or 12 hours, your muscles have reduced stores of glycogen, the form of carbohydrate they rely on for energy. This can make for a less than optimal morning workout. The solution: Have one or two carb servings-- a few graham crackers or a lowfat yogurt sprinkled with granola--before bed to frontload your muscles with glycogen, and a light breakfast in the a.m. Avoid too much fat or fiber.

Hold the beef
One of the best-kept healthy-eating secrets: Go meat-free just a few days a week to cut your risk of heart disease and trim your waistline. The average American eats 41/2 pounds of meat a week -- twice the healthy amount recommended by the American Heart Association. A filling alternative? Veggie burgers. They're a great source of protein, and most are low-fat, fiber-rich and cholesterol-free.