cat-right

Health Tips

50 Foods That Can Help You Look and Feel Younger

Staying in top shape well into middle age and beyond isn’t impossible. With the right diet, exercise routine, health check-ups and good attitude, looking and feeling younger is within reach. In this list, we’ve covered 50 foods that will keep you youthful, energetic and glowing.

Good Skin

Keep your skin smooth, firm and fresh with these foods.

  1. Low-fat yogurt: Low-fat yogurt contains vitamin A and live bacteria called acidophilus, which is good for digestion and the skin.
  2. Strawberries: Strawberries contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants and free radicals, which protect the skin against cell damage and sun damage.
  3. Ground flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is vital to skin health.
  4. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is recommended for firm and bright skin because of its free radicals and ability to reduce wrinkles and dryness.
  5. Green tea: Green tea is rumored to have a range of health benefits, and it is also believed to be a good promoter of skin health. Green tea contains the highest levels of EGCG, which reduces inflammation and lowers your risk of skin cancer.
  6. Salmon: Salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is necessary for cell membrane health. Cell membrane health is important because it helps your body expel the bad stuff and retain all of the good nutrients.
  7. Spinach and kale: Spinach and kale are rich in vitamin A and are necessary for good skin.
  8. Whole-wheat breads: Whole-wheat breads are high in selenium, which prevent cell damage and are a healthy alternative to white-flour foods that can cause break-outs.
  9. Water: Drinking lots of water each day keeps your skin hydrated and refreshed. It can also clear up your complexion, and if you drink hard or mineral-rich water, you’ll also help your body get more nutrients.
  10. Citrus fruits: Fruits that are very high in vitamin C, like lemons and oranges, keep collagen strong.

Energy

The secret to feeling young is having good energy. These energy-packed foods will help you make it through your workout, your next vacation or that late-night movie.

  1. Orange juice: Drink a glass of orange juice for a major Vitamin C boost.
  2. Lean red meat: Good quality protein, like lean meat or sea food will keep your metabolism going and your brain feeling energized.
  3. Tuna: Cold-water fish like tuna shoot omega-3 fatty acids to your brain, helping you stay focused, alert and energized.
  4. Broccoli: Broccoli is a source of antioxidants that fuels your entire system.
  5. Bran: Eat bran cereal for a serious energy boost that is also good for your digestion and metabolism.
  6. Beans: Beans are complex carbohydrates that will keep you full and energized.
  7. Blueberries: Blueberries are a popular brain food that are rich in antioxidants.
  8. Almonds: Almonds are energy-dense foods that contain Vitamin E and magnesium and keep you full longer than sugary snacks.
  9. Whole wheat pasta: Choose a moderate serving of whole-wheat pasta with marinara or olive oil-based sauce for a meal rich in complex carbohydrates.
  10. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a fantastic source of soluble fiber and a great way to boost your energy.

Heart-Healthy Foods

Heart health is paramount to overall health and energy. Keep your heart young and strong with these foods.

  1. Kidney beans and black beans: WebMD maintains that kidney beans and black beans are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, niacin, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, all of which promote heart health.
  2. Brown rice: High-fiber foods like brown rice promote heart health.
  3. Cabbage: Cabbage is a good choice for integrating needed insoluble fiber into your diet.
  4. Low-fat, fat-free dairy products: Choosing low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt is better for your heart and figure.
  5. Asparagus: Asparagus appears in WebMD’s list of "best foods for cardiovascular health" and contains carotenoids, B-complex vitamins, folate and fiber.
  6. Walnuts: Walnuts contain Vitamin E, magnesium, folate, polyunsaturated fats, and other heart-healthy nutrients.
  7. Sweet potato: Eat sweet potatoes for a heart-healthy dose of vitamins A,C, and E, plus fiber.
  8. Trans fat-free margarine: Use trans fat-free margarine when cooking instead of heavy creams, butters, lard or sauces.
  9. Egg whites: Egg whites are lower in cholesterol than regular eggs but still high in protein.
  10. Papaya: Mix up your servings of fruit with papaya, which contains potassium, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, folate, and Vitamins C and E.

Low-Fat, Low-Calorie

A low-fat, low-calorie diet is good for your heart, for reducing your risk of high cancer and heart disease, and ideal if you want monitor your weight and show off a youthful figure.

  1. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for you overall and contain fewer calories than canned or packaged varieties with artificial flavoring.
  2. Low-fat condiments: Choose fat free mayonnaise and low fat or low calorie salad dressing.
  3. Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of red meat for hamburgers, pasta dishes and more.
  4. Mushrooms: According to CNN, mushrooms are 90% water but they still contain a good source of potassium and antioxidants. Add to salads and sandwiches for flavor without lots of calories.
  5. Fat-free cheese: Lower your calorie and fat intake by only using fat-free or part-skim cheese on sandwiches or when cooking.
  6. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and have a number of beneficial nutrients. They’re also a tasty, low-calorie snack that can be added to crackers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
  7. Apricot: Apricots have one of the lowest calorie counts of any fruit, at just 17 calories per 1/2 cup.
  8. Cranberries: Cranberries are low in sugar and low in calories, containing just 44 calories per cup.
  9. Raspberries: Raspberries contain fiber and a very low number of calories.
  10. Summer vegetables: Yellow squash and zucchini contain just 15 calories per 1/2 cup.

Hair

Shiny, strong hair depends on your diet, as well as your beauty regimen. From lentils to oysters, add these foods to your diet.

  1. Lentils: Lentils are rich in protein, iron zinc and biotin, which promotes hair growth and hair strength.
  2. Oysters: Oysters can boost your libido and help your hair stay healthy.
  3. Nuts: Nuts that contain selenium, promote scalp and hair health. Nuts that contain omega-3 fatty acids help hair stay shiny and strong.

Teeth and Nails

Youthful teeth and nails are within reach when you consume these snacks.

  1. Peanuts: Peanuts are an excellent source of biotin, which is fundamental to healthy nails.
  2. Sugarless gum: Sugarless gum is a saliva generator, cleaning your teeth.

Healing

As you get older, it’s harder for your body to bounce back from even small injuries and normal aches and pains. These foods will help your body repair itself faster and more effectively.

  1. Red bell pepper: Runner’s World reveals that "just one red bell pepper provides 380 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, a nutrient crucial for repairing connective tissues and cartilage." Add red bell pepper to salads, sandwiches or stir-fry meals.
  2. Carrots: Help your body beat infections by eating carrots, which contain very high levels of Vitamin A, crucial to white blood cells’ ability to fight infection.
  3. Bananas: Keep your muscles healthy and limber by eating potassium-rich bananas.

Libido

Retain the libido you had in your earlier years with these food choices.

  1. Chiles: The capsaicin in chiles literally warms up your body and increases blood flow.
  2. Chocolate: The phenylethylamine in chocolate really does act as a stimulant and libido-enhancing chemical.

All About Caveman Nutrition: 25 Reasons to Eat Like Your Ancestors Did

Humans have had a dysfunctional relationship with food way beyond modern man’s fascination with Doritos and Peeps. Royalty during the Middle Ages feasted for days on greasy meats while poverty-stricken communities throughout history have starved or suffered from malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. But the idea, or ideal, of a purer nutritional lifestyle practiced by more technology-ignorant communities is tempting when you think of all the chemicals and artificial additives poured into our food and all the really good food we overlook.

Chemicals

Hormones, genetically engineered foods and artificial sweeteners are threats to our health that cavemen never had to deal with. Avoid these additives when selecting food items.

  1. Potassium bromate: Potassium bromate is a chemical added to foods, like rolls, to make them bigger. MSN Health reports that potassium bromate causes cancer in animals and "even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans." An article in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal also states that potassium bromate "induces renal cell tumors, mesotheliomas of the peritoneum, and follicular cell tumors of the thyroid" in rats.
  2. Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in NutraSweet and Equal that contains phenylketonuria (PKU), a chemical that cannot be metabolized in one of out of 20,000 babies. If a baby cannot metabolize PKU, it can cause mental retardation. Mercola reports that aspartame also "accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA" including nausea, irritability, fatigue, headaches and more.
  3. BHA & BHT: Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene keep packaged foods like chips and cereal fresh by preventing oxidation; however, they are suspected of increasing the risk of cancer in humans.
  4. MSG: Many food companies are just now starting to advertise that they have stopped using MSG in their products. The FDA approved a study that found that MSG can cause nausea, headache, facial pressure or tightness, numbness, a burning sensation in the chest and back of the neck, weakness and other symptoms "in otherwise healthy MSG-intolerant people."
  5. Pesticides: Pesticides are found in all types of foods, including meat and fresh vegetables and fruits. They can seep into fruits and vegetables through the soil, even if the pesticides have not been used in some time, according to Cornell University’s Sprecher Institute.
  6. Olestra: Olestra is the controversial additive found in some potato chips that can cause severe diarrhea, cramps and gas, because it stops your body from digesting the fat from the chips. MSN reports that olestra also "inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables and thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease."
  7. Bisphenol A: Bisphenol A is suspected of causing cancer in humans and animals and is found in plastic products, including baby cups and bottles. While it may not be realistic for you to carry around a hollowed-out gourd for your baby to drink out of, look for plastic products that do not contain bisphenol A.
  8. Hormones: Harmful hormones found in foods are caused by special meals farmers give animals to make them gain weight faster, allowing them to maximize their profit in the shortest amount of time possible. The Sprecher Institute at Cornell explains that these "synthetic steroid hormones used as pharmaceutical drugs have been found to affect cancer risk." Six hormones are currently approved by the FDA for use in cattle and sheep, but it is still controversial and unnatural.
  9. Genetically Engineered Food: Genetically engineered food is unnatural and possibly harmful to humans, as well as to the environment and the species that are undergoing genetic transformation. Though there are currently no laws against genetically engineered foods, The Center for Food Safety maintains that "human health effects can include higher risks of toxicity, allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, immune-suppression and cancer." It is expected that up to 45% of U.S. corn and 85% of soybeans are genetically engineered.

Food Psychology

From portion control to over-snacking to eating disorders, modern man’s relationship with food has become dysfunctional.

  1. Eating for necessity: Ancient man ate primarily for necessity, which kept his weight down and preserved his health. Today, many Americans are bombarded with a surplus of foods and are tempted to indulge in snacks all throughout the day, leading to poor nutritional choices and overeating.
  2. Portion control: Perhaps because ancient man had to be more careful about rationing out his food, he was more adept at portion control. Americans, however, are known for attacking buffets and heaping piles of food on our plates for every course. By paying attention to portion control and serving sizes, it’s possible to lose weight and make more heart-healthy choices.
  3. Snacking: Not all snacking is bad. Healthy snacks speed up our metabolism and can keep us focused and energized throughout the day. But constantly going for chips and junk from the vending machine when it isn’t meal time creates a harmful relationship with food. If we try to view food as a source of nutrition and energy, rather than a past time when we’re bored, or an emotional crutch when we feel stressed or sad, then we are more able to control cravings, keep our weight down and have a healthier relationship with food.
  4. Too many choices: Choice frees us to become picky eaters and make poor nutritional decisions. From cereal to chips to cookies to bread to tomato sauce, it’s hard to filter out the attractive-looking, additive-riddled choices and zero in on the best nutritional choices.
  5. Understand what food does for your body: Being more tuned into your environment and the foods you eat means that you are better able to understand how the foods you consume help or hurt your body. Those with unhealthy images of themselves or unhealthy relationships with food can get carried away with the calories in food and their own weight, rather than the nutritional benefits and necessary energy they gain from food.
  6. Eliminate waste: Ancient man hunted and harvested only what he needed to survive, and often used every piece of meat or fruit or vegetable for a different purpose. Eliminating waste helps the environment and gives you a greater appreciation for your food and what you do have. Only buy what you absolutely need at the store, and be sure to use any leftovers instead of throwing them out prematurely.

Nutrition

Fresh foods, organic foods and plenty of water are just a few more reasons why ancient man may have been healthier–at least from a nutritional standpoint–than we are today.

  1. Avoid packaged foods: Packaged foods contain more harmful additives since they’re designed to last longer. These additives are unnatural, and even if they aren’t particularly harmful, they’re not as nutritious as fresh foods.
  2. Raw: Adhering to a raw food diet means that you will only eat "living" and raw foods, like uncooked fruits and vegetables, sprouted grains–like flaxseed–nuts and seeds. While men and women from older civilizations certainly cooked meat and other foods, a very simple raw food diet ensures that you are consuming highly nutritious foods that promote good digestion, a sensible weight and the intake of heart-healthy vitamins and ingredients.
  3. Natural and organic: By eating natural and naturally produced foods and avoiding overly-processed items, you can reduce your intake of artificial ingredients and increase your intake of fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. Foods that are produced naturally are not genetically engineered, do not have pesticides or preservatives and do not include unnatural hormones.
  4. Fresh foods: Eat foods that are in season to ensure that you are eating the freshest possible foods, just like your ancestors did. A fresh food diet also means that you will avoid packaged and processed foods, and will eat foods that are richer in natural flavor.
  5. Lighter cooked: Because caveman kitchens weren’t well-equipped with the latest fryers, waffle makers or ovens, food wasn’t overcooked as often, leaving the majority of vitamins and nutrients in the food.
  6. No fried foods: Certain types of American home-style cooking rely on frying techniques for flavor. Frying foods, however, removes a lot of the nutritional value, or at least cancels it out by adding grease and breading. Eliminating fried foods will ensure that you reduce your harmful calorie intake and eat fresher, more nutrient-packed foods.
  7. Caffeine: Caffeine was most certainly consumed by ancient man, but in the form of tree bark, seeds, and later, tea. But today, caffeine dependency leads to headaches, irritability, the inability to sleep, and even bloating and weight gain–as one of the most popular sources of caffeine is soda. Limit your caffeine intake to green tea once or twice a day if possible.
  8. Grow your own meals: Take charge and grow as much of your own food as possible, whether you start an herb garden on your patio or kitchen shelf, or an entire vegetable garden. By knowing exactly what you’re eating, you’ll be able to adequately limit harmful pesticides and additives, limit waste, consistently eat fresh food, and have a greater appreciation for the environment and your food.
  9. Drink more water: Ancient man may have drunk tea, but he also consumed lots of water. Sodas, Kool-Aid and other sugary drinks weren’t invented, and ancient man benefited from the lack of choice. Drinking water flushes out your system, clears up your complexion, reduces your chances of getting infections like UTIs, helps you stay hydrated (especially during illness or physical activity) and keeps you more energized. Drinking lots of water also increases your metabolism and can decrease bloating from soda.
  10. Eat more fruits and vegetables: Because ancient men and women had fewer choices, they were more inclined to eat the foods that were available, particularly fruits and vegetables. The next time you visit the grocery store, prohibit yourself from buying too many extra snacks and sides that you don’t need, and fill up on fruits and vegetables.

100 Terrific Tools to Help Meet Your Health and Fitness Goals

By Donna Moore

Keeping up with your health goals, doctor’s appointments and weight loss plans is difficult when you’re constantly tempted by distractions and unhealthy lifestyle habits. From mixed media messages to lazy friends to hectic work schedules, it’s much easier to let your health priorities slip through the cracks as you ease into a more comfortable, though destructive pattern. To help you stay on track and actually meet your health and fitness goals, we’ve found 100 terrific tools that are easy to set up and make staying in shape a more attainable resolution.

Calendars

Schedule in your workouts, doctor and massage appointments, and more in these handy online calendars.

  1. Google Calendar: With Google Calendar, you can share your schedule with family, friends and health coaches.
  2. Time and Date: Here you can make your own customized calendar, leaving extra space for notes and appointments.
  3. KeepandShare Calendar: This blank monthly calendar has lots of space for customization.
  4. Free Printable Calendars: Create your own calendar online and then print it out to tape to your desk at home and work.
  5. iCal: Mac users can enjoy this desktop calendar that features inline editing, an event dropbox, group scheduling and more.
  6. iPhone Calendar: Sync up your iPhone calendar with the one on your calendar, so that you never miss workouts, doctor’s appointments and club meetings.
  7. Lightning: Connect your Mozilla calendar and e-mail account with this tool.
  8. Free Web Calendar: This free calendar can sync up with other websites, so you can easily track events, goals and more from your blog or against someone else’s site.
  9. Calendar Hub: This remote access calendar can be shared by adding an event feed or by making it accessible with others on your team.

Project Management and Collaboration

Hold yourself accountable, stay organized and invite others to join you in your quest for a healthy, fit life with these project management tools.

  1. Toodledo: Use Toodledo to organize your to-do list and stay motivated.
  2. Project Stat.us: Hold yourself accountable by sharing your fitness and weight-loss progress via this tool.
  3. Campfire: This secure collaboration tool can be especially helpful to those working with others on mental health and weight loss goals. You can send and edit text, files, images and more privately.
  4. Remember the Milk: Remember the Milk is an excellent tool for sharing to-do lists with others, getting e-mail and IM reminders, syncing up with Google calendar and more.
  5. FreeMind: This open source mind-mapping tool can help you organize your goals and straighten out your weight-loss and health priorities.
  6. Backpack: Use Backpack to keep your to-do lists, calendar and files organized.
  7. ubernote: With ubernote, you can take clips from all over the web and save them so that you can better organize your own health and fitness plan.
  8. Essential PIM: this Personal Information Manager will organize and save your fitness and health plans on a USB stick.
  9. Zoho Projects: The free plan lets you manage one project, from time tracking to project collaboration to a calendar to tasks and milestone features.
  10. HyperOffice: HyperOffice is a project collaboration tool that is web-based, features pay-as-you-go pricing and comes with features like online document management, mobile collaboration, and more.
  11. TreePad Lite: This free tool allows you to set up a special database just for your health and fitness projects where you can store contact information, files, e-mails and more.
  12. Plan Projects: Use this tool to lay out your fitness or health plan easily.
  13. Basecamp: A popular tool for freelancers and entrepreneurs, Basecamp is also good for smaller project management and collaboration. You can assign yourself tasks, like going to the doctor or going to the gym, and then hold yourself accountable by sharing your progress with others.

Community

For support, real-life ideas and suggestions, and plenty of motivation and inspiration, join one of these health, diet and/or fitness community sites.

  1. GymClik: Join this group of active, gym-going individuals for inspiration and accountability.
  2. FitFriend: Get workout ideas, access weight loss tips and tools, and read community blogs.
  3. introPLAY: Athletes and those interested in fitness get together on this site for workout tracking, daily vitals tracking, blogs and more.
  4. PEERTrainer: Join teams online for motivation, meal trackers and more.
  5. iStats: Log in to share your workout and weight loss stats with other dieters and health-conscious members.
  6. Fitlink: Find partners and personal trainers, access a workout journal, research exercises and more from this community site.
  7. My Fit Tribe: My Fit Tribe is a fun platform for learning new workouts, watching videos, getting fitness tips and networking with friends.
  8. Fitspott: Fitspott is a social networking site that relies on the power of community to help you meet your health and fitness goals.
  9. Trainhero: Access a printable diet log while tracking and sharing your fitness goals here.
  10. WeENDURE: This social training log lets you compare your fitness progress against other users.
  11. Weight Circles: Join a circle for your particular weight loss plan, including post-pregnancy, running and detox.
  12. comotivate: Here, you can "achieve your goal with the perfect buddy." Comotivate works by letting you match up with buddies who are working towards the same goals as you.
  13. MyFitBuddy: Get workout ideas and track your own fitness progress through this community site.

Goal Trackers

These goal trackers make it easy for you to organize a health plan and track your progress.

  1. Walking Spree: This USB pedometer lets you track your fitness goals online.
  2. FitResolution: Track your warm ups, stretches, runs, gym exercises and more with this tool.
  3. iTrainHarder: Individuals can use this tool to track food intake and nutrition, as well as their workout plans.
  4. Extra Pounds: Keep a food diary and body log to meet your weight loss goals.
  5. Joe’s Goals: This goal-tracking tool is free and can be shared with teammates or friends.
  6. Running AHEAD: With this site, you can join a training group online, map out new running routes, record your workouts and fitness progress, and more.
  7. Goal Setting Tool: Print out this very simple goal setting tool to outline what you want to accomplish and your plan for completing it.
  8. My Progress: My Progress is a personal progress management tool that lets you track productivity.
  9. Gyminee: Gyminee is a fitness, food and workout tracking system that helps you meet your goals by networking with others on the same path.
  10. Monthly goal tracker downloads: Download these PDF or Microsoft Word goal trackers for long-term and shorter-term goals.
  11. Spark People: This free program is all about helping people reach their health goals with fitness plans, calorie counters, exercise trackers, blogs and more.
  12. Healthy Me: This personal goal tracker provides a clear template and tips to meet your goals.

Alerts

Use one of these alerts to remind you to stay on track.

  1. Google Calendar Notifier: This Firefox add-on lets you view and keep up with your Google calendar through your browser.
  2. PingMe: This interactive tool will alert you about upcoming deadlines, appointments and more through e-mail or text.
  3. Google Alerts: Set up an alert for keywords relevant to your diet, health condition and more.

Diet Tools

For tips, calculators and networks that help you stick to your diet, turn to this list.

  1. FatSecret: This community of dieters shares recipes, lets you manage an exercise diary, food diary and journal.
  2. 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet: This network features a main blog, member blogs, forum posts, fitness and food tips, and more.
  3. Featherish: Read articles about dieting and weight loss here.
  4. Run Fat Boy: Track meals and get your own fitness plan here.
  5. Low Carber: These forums can offer support and tips for sticking to a low carb diet.
  6. WeightLossWars: This free site relies on customizable tools, tracking tools and a community to help people lose weight.
  7. DietTV: This site lets you organize your own diet program, play games, participate in the dieting community, track your progress and more.
  8. The Biggest Loser: Follow the show online or join the league yourself for motivation and access to tips and challenges.
  9. Ideal Body Weight: Calculate your ideal body weight here.
  10. WeighIns: This site is all about challenges. You can browse specific challenges, keep a diet journal, count calories and set up your own profile.
  11. The Diet Channel Tools: Here you can access diet tools like exercise calculators, The Fat Test, daily food and activity diary and more.
  12. Diet.com: Read articles, learn about different diets, connect with experts and partners, and more.
  13. Free Diet Calendar: Access a diet calendar, meal planning tools and more.
  14. Healthy Diet Quiz: Test your knowledge about food and diet here.

General Health

Here you can find a miscellaneous grouping of health tools and quizzes that reveal a lot about your risk factors and more.

  1. Heart disease risk calculator: Calculate your risk for heart disease here.
  2. Wellsphere: This general health site features communities and tools that let you access tips, menu support and more from your phone and online.
  3. Depression self-assessment: Test your mental health with this tool.
  4. Stress Test: Evaluate your stress levels here, and then come up with a plan to relax and slow down a little.
  5. Quiz: are you getting enough protein?: Find out if your diet is balanced and healthy with this quiz.
  6. Home Body Fat Test: Calculate your body fat percentage to track your weight loss goals.

Diabetes

Evaluate your risk for diabetes and use these tools to manage your condition better.

  1. Glycemic index diet: A helpful tool for diabetes?: The Mayo Clinic reviews this strategy for understanding diabetes.
  2. Diabetes risk self-assessment: The Mayo Clinic’s tool can help you slow down or halt your risky lifestyle.
  3. Type 2 Diabetes Toolbox: This guide includes glucose tests, information about medication, A1c tests and more to keep you on track with your treatment.
  4. My Diabetes Tools: This toolset from the American Heart Association includes a glucose tracking log and family history tree.

Recipe and Calorie Trackers

Count calories, carbs and other nutritional data with these trackers. You’ll also find menu planners and recommended recipes.

  1. FatSecret: Use this community site to learn about new diets, share healthy recipes and keep a food diary.
  2. The Daily Plate: Count calories and keep a food journal with The Daily Plate.
  3. Create a Diet: Find out what percent of your meals should include fat, calories, dietary cholesterol and more.
  4. Cyberkitchen: The Cyberkitchen estimates your daily caloric intake, lets you choose meals and view a recommended shopping list.
  5. Eating Personality Quiz: This emotional eating test can be helpful for those with overeating issues and anorexia.
  6. Low Carb Diet Tools: Track your carb count and look up carbs in specific foods.
  7. Healthy Recipes: Look up meals by course, occasion and health interest to find healthy recipes.
  8. Interactive Menu Planner: Set a calorie limit for your meals with this tool.
  9. Meals Matter: Here you can use a personal nutrition planner, search for yummy but healthy recipes, and even calculate your food personality.
  10. The Calorie Counter: Find out how many calories are in specific foods like bananas, fruit juices, shellfish products and more.

Fitness Tools

Use these tools to design your own workouts, estimate your target heart rate and more.

  1. Fitness quiz: Test your fitness awareness: Find out if your fitness plan is healthy or not with this quiz.
  2. Target Heart Rate Calculator: Don’t overdo it during your workouts when you understand your target heart rate.
  3. Calorie Burned: Find out how many calories you burned running, walking, in-line skating, bicycling or on the elliptical.
  4. Women Fitness: Women can access health and fitness tools here, including a waist-to-hip ratio calculator, BMI calculator, target weight and more.
  5. The Fit Zone: This interactive tool shows you exercises that strengthen different parts of the body.
  6. Quiz: Fitness fact or fitness fiction?: Evaluate your fitness plan to see if it’s as effective as you think it is.
  7. Running: MSN’s Running page has tips and articles about running, races and more.
  8. Create Your Own Video Workout: Customize your own workout video by picking out which parts of the body you want to focus on, how much time you have, and what equipment you have.
  9. Fit Day: Fit Day is a free online diet journal that also lets you track weight loss goals, exercise routines, calories and more.
  10. Gimme20: This community of fitness and weight-loss enthusiasts features articles and tips, a workout finder, workout builder, measurement tracker and other great tools.

Inspiration

When you need a little inspiration to complete your workout or stay on track, turn to these sites, networks and forums.

  1. Evernote: Organize all of your favorite weight-loss guides, health tips, inspiring images and more with this clip-and-share tool.
  2. Traineo: Get inspired when you join this site that features forums and helps you meet your fitness goals.
  3. Daily Strength: DailyStrength is a community site made up of support groups, wellness blogs and more to keep you motivated, whether you’re fighting cancer, suffering from depression, or trying to stick to your diet.
  4. Personal Health Scorecard: Use this tool to assess your health and inspire yourself to live better.
  5. MSN Message Boards: These health and fitness-inspired message boards help people talk about their conditions, from bipolar disorder to weight loss.

100 Best Natural Wellness Blogs

By Donna Moore

Staying healthy the natural way doesn’t have to be difficult. If you have a positive attitude, good nutrition, exercise and fitness, and mental health, you are on your way to a solid foundation for natural wellness. The following blogs touch on these topics and more and provide you with many excellent ways to keep your health and wellness in top shape. Take a look below to see what you can do to change your lifestyle for the better today.

Wellness Blogs

These blogs share ideas on staying well naturally through positive attitudes, finding balance in life, embracing happiness, and plenty more great perspectives.

  1. Health and Wellness Blog. Covering topics such as organic gardens, fitness, sleep, and fortifying your immune system through food, this blog will keep you stocked with great ideas for natural wellness.
  2. Well Blog. From the New York Times, this blog covers healthy eating, a positive approach to a cancer diagnosis, and more.
  3. Wellness Bites. Read the latest news and research in health and wellness with this blog that provides a natural approach to it all.
  4. Balanced Life Center. Find guidance, tips, and a sense of community through the posts at this blog that helps readers find balance and wellness.
  5. authenticinsight.com. This blog, written by a life coach, focuses on subjects that include meditation, yoga, positive thinking, and other wellness topics.
  6. BeThree. This super-cool blog teaches how to find the best balance between body, mind, and soul.
  7. Rituals to Invite Balance and Well-being. Read what others have to say or submit your own ideas on how to maintain well-being at this blog.
  8. The Happiness Project. Join the experiment as this woman experiments with various ways for finding happiness. Be sure to check in on Wednesdays for tip day.
  9. The Positivity Blog. Become inspired to stay positive and find the beauty in life with the posts on this uplifting blog.
  10. Fingertips. While this blog is written by a massage therapist and does focus some on massage, the general tone is that of promoting health and wellness through natural means.

Alternative Healing Blogs

From Ayurvedic remedies to qi gong to herbal medicine, these blogs bring you many styles of alternative, natural healing modalities.

  1. Leung’s Chinese Herb News. This blog shares the experience of an expert in Chinese herbs.
  2. Ayurvedic Home Remedies. Find remedies for a number of problems–all based on the Ayurvedic approach to medicine.
  3. Fran’s House of Ayurveda. Get healing Ayurveda recipes with explanations for appropriateness or alterations for each of the three doshas.
  4. Herb-blog-ogy. If you are interested in the healing properties of herbs, get news, research, and reviews about herbs on this blog.
  5. Reiki Matt’s Blog. Find the latest news and information about the Japanese practice of Reiki in Matt’s blog.
  6. Qigong Blog. Learn about this ancient art of Chinese medicine that incorporates breathing and body postures to maintain good health.
  7. Meditation Oasis. A companion to the Meditation Oasis podcasts, this blog offers guided meditations.
  8. Stone Lantern Shiatsu. This blog, devoted to Shiatsu, talks about natural healing and also offers links to other Shiatsu resources as well.
  9. Reflexology Live. Get information, tips, and techniques on hand and foot reflexology you can use in your daily life.
  10. Applied Alexander Blog. Find out about the Alexander Technique and how and why it works as a hands-on approach to healing at this blog.

Exercise and Fitness Blogs

Staying fit through exercise, nutrition, and healthy living is an excellent way to help stay well naturally. These blogs will help you do just that.

  1. That’s Fit. From a healthier Hanukkah to the top 5 fitness moves, find ways to stay fit naturally with this blog.
  2. Grounded Fitness. With posts about healthy eating, various exercises, and more, this blog will help you find your fitness groove.
  3. Fit Bottomed Girls. These two women post about fitness and health, with a little humor thrown in for good measure.
  4. MizFit. Don’t take MizFit too seriously, except when it comes to fitness. This popular blog includes videos by MizFit, tips and trends, and much more.
  5. Go Healthy Go Fit. From celebrity fitness routines to amino acids to staying fit in a sedentary world, this blog offers interesting fitness posts with a bit different perspective.
  6. Coed Fitness Tips. This husband and wife team blog about easy ways that everyone can get fit with posts about their exercise and fitness routines, body facts, and more.
  7. Mark’s Daily Apple. Get daily health and fitness tips from Mark at this blog.
  8. Healthbolt. Peppered with plenty of give-aways, this blog also offers advice and tips on health and fitness.
  9. The Fitness Blackbook. With a title and photos that infer this site is targeted to men, the posts include tips for motivation, exercise and training, food, and more.
  10. Cranky Fitness. Get health, fitness, nutrition, and more at this blog written by Crabby McSlacker and Merry Sunshine.
  11. Living Healthy in the Real World. With posts that cover nutrition, diet, exercise, and healthy living, this blog offers lots of food for thought.
  12. The Everything Yoga Blog. Read the posts to gain information that will help you improve your yoga practice.
  13. Tai Chi Blog. This blog shares the benefits of tai chi as well as techniques and links to videos to help improve your tai chi practice.

Nutrition Blogs

Good nutrition is one of the smartest ways to keep your body and your mind in top shape. Read these blogs for great ideas and education on nutrition.

  1. TheIFLife. Find plenty of advice on ways to stay fit and healthy at this blog that covers topics on health through better nutrition.
  2. Farmgirl Fare. In between all the "daily dose of cute" photos, you can find information topics such as homemade bread, mushrooms, and farm-fresh eggs.
  3. CalorieLab Diet News. Find out about dieting, exercise and more on this blog.
  4. Modern Forager. Learn about nutrition and healthy foods with this blog.
  5. Tri to Cook. Delicious meets nutritious at this blog that provides both delicious recipes and photos.
  6. eating bender. This young woman, interested in health and wellness, blogs about food, especially as it pertains to eating healthily and intuitively.
  7. Hangry Pants. Meet the Hangry Pants couple, Heather and Mark, who both blog on their experiences at eating healthier. They both often try 30-day experiment diets such as going vegetarian or with no high fructose corn syrup.
  8. Megan’s Munchies. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and "everything in moderation," Megan offers lots of delicious sweet treats.
  9. Meals from the Girl in the Little Black Dress. With the goal of eating healthily and balanced, this blogger shares her meals that help her stay energized and wearing her little black dress.
  10. Eating Bird Food. Find out what type of healthy foods this woman eats on her blog.
  11. Elise’s Eats. With a combination of both store-bought and home-made foods, this blogger shares her healthy meals.
  12. Kath Eats Real Food. Starting the blog at the request of family and friends, Kath posts photos and recipes of healthy meals and snacks.

Vegetarian Blogs

People embrace vegetarian and vegan diets for many different reasons, but there is no denying that if done properly, these diets can help you stay in great health. These blogs offer recipes, food ideas, and more.

  1. Albion Cooks. Find healthy, nutritious, and delicious vegetarian recipes at this blog.
  2. 28 Cooks. This blog features recipes for vegetarians who eat seafood and fish and includes great photos of the dishes as well.
  3. zenpawn. Read about vegan food, the politics of food, and more at this blog with a conscience.
  4. Tinned Tomatoes. This Scottish vegetarian posts include delicious recipes with enticing photos, food contests, and more.
  5. Say Yes to Salad. Find everything from snacks to dessert to bento lunches at this vegetarian blog that is much more than salad.
  6. A Fat Cat Who Created a Vegetarian. With a focus on healthy living through better nutrition, this blogger posts vegetarian and vegan recipes along with plenty of other information.
  7. VeggieGirl. Find healthy vegan baking ideas and recipes at this blog.
  8. Bread and Butter. Not only will you find delicious vegetarian recipes and their gorgeous photos on this lovely blog, but each is also accompanied by a quote relevant to the dish.
  9. Bok Choy Bohemia. The recipes here are all vegetarian, and mostly vegan. Try some of these mouth-watering dishes for healthier eating.
  10. Mental Masala. With plenty of posts about food and recipes, this blog also offers posts on other topics such as family farms and what makes a person litter.

Gluten-Free Blogs

Whether you have a gluten sensitivity or are just searching for a healthier way to eat, these blogs will provide you with plenty of delicious recipes.

  1. Karina’s Kitchen. After a diagnosis of Celiac disease, this cook started creating delicious gluten-free recipes and shares them on her blog.
  2. Our Gluten Free Family. This blog not only provides gluten free recipes, it also offers news and information with a holistic approach to health.
  3. A Gluten Free Guide. Written by a woman with Celiac disease, this blog offers recipes, suggestions for restaurants, and more for those eating gluten-free.
  4. Gluten Free for Good. Get great recipes for gluten-free food and more from this blog written by a nutrition therapist.
  5. Gluten Free Goodness. This gluten-free blog offers recipes that are not only gluten-free, but also dairy, soy, egg, and corn-free.
  6. Book of Yum. Find gluten-free, vegetarian recipes on this blog that also features reviews of restaurants and commercial food.
  7. Gluten-Free Girl. This incredibly popular blog features healthy gluten-free dishes created by Shauna and often features the culinary skills of her husband, a professional chef.
  8. Gluten Free Gobsmacked. Get great gluten-free recipes and also follow along as this couple is adopting a baby girl from Korea.
  9. Gluten-Free Fun. This woman has plenty of experience living gluten-free and not only shares recipes and food ideas, but gluten-free information about products as she finds it.
  10. Daring to Thrive. The posts at this blog not only provide recipes for gluten-free food, but they also contain the background to the dish or other interesting information.

Other Alternative Diet Blogs

From dairy-free to macrobiotic to allergy-friendly, the diets in these blogs offer nutritious and healthy ways to eat on alternative diets.

  1. Cindalou’s Kitchen Blues. Get great gluten-free and dairy-free recipes from this award-winning blog.
  2. My Paleo Kitchen. Get photos and descriptions of this woman’s approach to eating a paleo diet on the cheap.
  3. The Milk-Free Blog. Get product information and recipes to help support a dairy-free diet on this blog from GoDairyFree.org.
  4. Fear and Loathing in the Kitchen. Learn to enjoy food no matter what type of diet restrictions you may have with the experience of this blogger who has followed various types of health diets including gluten and dairy-free.
  5. The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics Blog . This blog will tell you what you need to know about a macrobiotic diet and offers a few recipes as well.
  6. Eat Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, and Low-Sugar Blog. Heather Strang posts recipes as well as packaged foods that fit the criteria of the blog name.
  7. Please Don’t Pass the Nuts. Allergic Girl shares her food and restaurant experiences at this fun blog that shows you can still enjoy food with food allergies.

Mental Health Blogs

The connection between mind and body is undeniable. Keeping healthy mentally is a key to overall wellness. Follow these blogs for ways to stay mentally healthy.

  1. Finding Optimism. This blog focuses on creating strong mental health through a positive outlook.
  2. Centre for Emotional Well-Being. This blog offers advice for those looking to improve their outlook on life–with a heavy emphasis on body image.
  3. Beach Walks with Rox. Join Roxanne and her dog on their walks along a Hawaiian beach with this inspirational video blog.
  4. A Highly Sensitive Woman’s New Perspective on Mental Illness. Share this woman’s experience as she blogs about her journey to mental health.
  5. Between Us Girls. Get life lessons to help you grow into the person you want to be with this blog.
  6. A Woman’s Guide to Saner Living. Learn how to live a more fulfilling life through a shift in perspective and thoughtful choices with this blog.
  7. Sally Huss–Addicted to Happiness. This inspirational blog provides tips on how to appreciate the beauty of life and find your happiness.
  8. BwhoUR. Going from a hectic urban lifestyle to life on a cattle farm in Texas, this blogger shares her journey to slow things down and find herself.
  9. Becoming Your StellarSelf. This blogger offers tips to learn how to improve your quality of life through better living.
  10. Nantes Daily Photos. From to unusual sky shots to pieces of everyday life, these daily photos offer a fresh perspective that is sometimes humorous and often thought-provoking and moving.

Going Organic and Green Blogs

Eating and wearing organic goods and going green in your lifestyle will help your health and the environment. These blogs offer lots of ways to do it all.

  1. Natural Health & Organic Living Blog: NaturalBuy.com. From the climate change debate to snowflakes to the healing properties of salty air, this blog covers a wide range of natural health and organic topics.
  2. ecosalon. Be eco-friendly and healthy in style with the posts at this blog that touch on raw food, organic produce, and looking good while going green.
  3. Green Daily. Find out about topics such as the safety of supplements from China to surcharges for not finishing your food in a restaurant.
  4. care2 Blogs. With a focus on green living, community, and social issues, this blog offers information, tips, news, and more.
  5. Organic Guide. Included in this blog are posts about organic food topics such as growing your own sprouts, finding a good juicer, and recipes.
  6. Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. From organic peppers to organic coconut oil to the top five health issues in America, this blog touches on lots of organic and health issues.
  7. DeliciousLiving Magazine Blog. This blog brings a variety of topics including nutrition, alternative healing, living green, and more.

Healthy Family Blogs

From pediatric massage to no high fructose corn syrup to breastfeeding, these blogs are all about a natural approach to wellness for the family.

  1. Nature Moms Blog. This mom shares ideas and suggestions for a more healthy, natural approach to parenting.
  2. Liddle Kidz Infant and Pediatric Massage Blog. This blog discusses health benefits of massage for infants and children and also discusses other pediatric health and wellness subjects.
  3. Dr. Shu Says. This pediatrician, who is also a mother, blogs about keeping kids and families healthy with posts ranging from exercise to healthy lunches to harmful chemicals in plastics.
  4. Healthy Child Healthy World. With an emphasis on organics and going green, this blog provides tips for improving children’s health through better nutrition.
  5. Smart Foods Healthy Kids smart mama blog. This blog promotes nutritional education for children, parents, and caregivers with topics that revolve around smart food choices.
  6. Nourishing Thoughts. Written by a nurse, this blog focuses on healthy nutrition for children.
  7. A Life Less Sweet. Read about this family’s experience of following a diet without high fructose corn syrup with recommendations for food as well as news on the subject.
  8. Natural Childbirth for the "Hip Chick". This experienced mom talks about childbirth and caring for a newborn on this blog.
  9. Breastfeeding123. An experienced mother of three and breastfeeding counselor offers tips, news, and support for breastfeeding at this blog.
  10. Allergy Moms. Focusing specifically on food allergies, these moms blog about allergy-safe lunches, food allergies and grades, money-saving tips, and more.
  11. YummyAllergenFree. Written by a mother of three children with food allergies, this blog provides recipes, support, and more for families dealing with food allergies.

50 Health and Beauty Products You Can Make at Home

Although there are a variety of health and beauty products available commercially, it’s entirely possible to make many of these products at home. Even better, they can be made using affordable household materials. Check out this list to learn about products you can make in your own kitchen.

Hair

These products will keep your hair shiny and healthy.

  1. Spray conditioner: Put your favorite hair conditioner in a fine mist spray bottle with water, and use as needed.
  2. Honey Lemon Hair Mask: Give your blonde highlights the boost and moisture needed with this great smelling hair mask.
  3. Hot oil treatment: You can use canola oil as a hot oil treatment, and it needs only to be heated up in a bowl of hot water.
  4. Honey hair conditioner: If you’re looking for a moisturizing hair conditioner, mix together 1/2 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of olive oil, them apply the mixture to your scalp and let it sit on your hair for 30 minutes.
  5. Bronze henna shampoo: Use this recipe with a hint of henna in your shampoo to give your dark hair a bronze or red tone.
  6. Hairspray: To create a natural hairspray, combine the juice of a citrus fruit like a lemon or orange with two cups of water in a saucepan, and simmer it until it boils. Strain it, then use on wet hair.
  7. Clarifying treatment: Add a bit of baking soda to shampoo about once a week to help clean the gunk out of your hair.
  8. Protein shampoo: This recipe uses eggs, gelatin, and other ingredients to strengthen your hair.

Cleanser

You can create these cleansers for mild cleaning.

  1. Mature skin cleanser: This recipe calls for heavy cream, coconut oil, orange oil, baking soda, water, and honey to create a gentle cleanser.
  2. Honey cleanser: Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/2 cup of glycerin, and 1/4 cup of honey, and you’ll make a useful, mild cleanser.
  3. Yogurt facial cleanser: Using this mixture of yogurt, potatoes, and other kitchen ingredients, you can get a mild facial cleanser.

Facial treatments

Follow these recipes to make scrubs, masks, and more.

  1. Astringent: Add one part distilled water to two parts witch hazel, along with a few drops of tea tree oil to create a facial astringent.
  2. Firming mask: This recipe features common kitchen items that will leave your face feeling firm and fresh.
  3. Apple face mask: Use this apple face mask once a week, leaving it on for 15 minutes and rinsing it with water.
  4. Natural acid skin peel: Using pineapple, oatmeal, and olive oil, you can create a DIY skin peel that leaves you looking great.
  5. Honey face scrub: This scrub uses oatmeal, almonds, and lemon juice for exfoliation.
  6. Salt acne scrub: Banish breakouts by adding 1/2 teaspoon epsom salt into your cleansing cream.
  7. Avocado glow mask: Peel and chop a whole avocado, then mash it and mix in a bit of lemon juice to create a moisturizing mask.
  8. Pore cleanser: Clean up an oily complexion with a mixture of one egg white, and a quarter of a teaspoon of lemon juice whisked together.
  9. Lip exfoliator: Scrub away dry skin by mixing epsom salt with petroleum jelly. This treatment will also give your lips a bit of plumping.
  10. Acne facial mask: Use this recipe that includes grapefruit, lemon, apple, grapes, watercress, and egg white to control acne.
  11. Strawberries and cream toner: In a blender, mix 1/2 pint low fat milk and 2 ounces of ripe strawberries, then strain them and apply the liquid to your face with a cotton ball and wipe clean.

Body

Follow these recipes to make skin smoothers, body oils, and more.

  1. Fruit body salsa: With this salsa recipe, your skin will be fresh and moisturized.
  2. Moisturizing Body Oil: Combine pumpkin flesh, cucumber extract, and various oils to create a nightly moisturizer for your body.
  3. Salt skin smoother: Mix epsom salt with petroleum jelly and lavender essential oil to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
  4. Coffee Clove Body Scrub: Mix coffee, clove, oil, peppermint, and other ingredients to create a wonderfully smelling scrub for your body.

Moisturizers

Fill your skin with moisture by using these homemade products.

  1. Banana: Mash a ripe banana and combine with honey to make a facial moisturizer that you can leave on for a few minutes and wash off.
  2. Lavender moisturizer: Follow this recipe that includes honey, lavender, almond oil and more to create a great smelling moisturizer great for dry skin.
  3. Honey moisture mask: Mix together 2 tablespoons of honey and two teaspoons of milk to make a sweet moisturizing mask. Yogurt: Plain yogurt makes a great soother for irritated or sunburned skin. Slater it on, then wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.

Skin

Put together these products to give your skin the care it needs.

  1. Honey cleansing scrub: Mix a teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds to create a mixture that will moisturize, exfoliate, and condition your skin.
  2. Dry skin ointment: Boil down a cheap brand of vegetable shortening, add a few drops of essential oil, and allow it to solidify, then use it on lips, heels, elbows, knees, and other dry spots.
  3. Sugar scrub: Combine lemon juice, oil, and sugar to create a sugar scrub that will cleanse your skin and stimulate circulation.
  4. Body oil: Combine olive or soy oil with a scented oil after your shower.
  5. Salt scrub: Add essential oil to bulk salt and olive oil to create a cheap scrub and moisturizer.

Hygiene

Stay clean and healthy with these products.

  1. Hand sanitizer: Put together equal parts aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol to make a quick hand sanitizer. You can even add your own scented oil if you’d like.
  2. Lavender deodorant: Infuse vodka with dried lavender and essential oils, then spray the mixture onto your skin with an atomizer for a great smelling, simple deodorant.

Makeup

With these recipes, you can make your own makeup at home.

  1. Shimmer powder: Add extra-fine craft glitter to plain cornstarch. Store it in a sugar or salt container to take a bit out at a time.
  2. Beetroot tint: Heat some grated beetroot with vegetable glycerine over boiling water, then strain and cool to make a tasty, effective lip and cheek stain.
  3. Chic Cheeks Mineral Blush: Using a mixture of different mica powders, you can create a large amount of mineral blush.
  4. Sweet eye makeup remover: Using castor oil, light olive oil, and canola oil, you can create a mild eye makeup remover.
  5. Lip gloss: Mix 1 tsp of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp of petroleum jelly, plus a few drops of vanilla extract, and store the mixture in a small portable container.

Treats

Using these recipes, you can make special beauty treats.

  1. Aromatherapy herbal eye pillows: Using simple supplies and labor, you can create these aromatherapy eye pillows.
  2. Body spray: In a spray bottle, combine a scented oil with two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water, and you’ll have a custom scented body spray.
  3. Aromatherapy bath salts: Add a few drops of aromatherapy oil to 2 cups of epsom salt, plus a 1/2 cup of baking soda, then shake the mixture and enjoy.
  4. Rose Mint Foot Scrub: With this rose mint salt scrub, your feet with be smooth and smell great.
  5. Sweet vanilla soak: Blend together a 1/2 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of liquid soap, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of sweet almond oil or light olive oil to create a mixture that will make a great bathtub soak.
  6. Heart massage bar: Create this massage bar with cocoa butter, shea butter, monoi oil and decorative rose buds for a luxurious treat and great gift.
  7. Foot soak: Ease your aching feet by adding 1/2 cup of epsom salt to warm water, and soaking your feet in the mixture.
  8. Honey bath: Make your bath water softening by adding 1/4 cup of honey to your bath water.

100 Illustrated Relaxation Exercises for Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Relaxing can be tough to fit in between meetings, school, work and errands, but it’s necessary to prevent burnout and emotional health, as well as physical well-being. To help you squeeze in a little relaxation time so that you can de-stress wherever you are, we’ve compiled this list of 100 illustrated exercises and guides for your mind, body and soul.

Yoga

The emotional and physical health benefits of yoga are widely known, and even simple exercises can help you unwind and release tension.

  1. Kundalini Yoga Asana for Meditation: This butterfly pose is recommended for all yoga practicers.
  2. Standing Poses Gallery: Here you’ll find photos of poses like the Reverse Warrior and others.
  3. Pelvic Tilts: This guide will show you how to correctly do the pelvic tilts exercise.
  4. Kundalini Yoga Cat-Cow Pose: This technique helps clear out your diaphragm and rid it of "emotional debris."
  5. Backbends Photo Gallery: Stretch out your back, neck and chest with the Bow Pose, Fish Variation and others.
  6. Hatha Yoga Wheel Pose: Try to hold this pose for as long as 3 minutes to get the full benefits.
  7. Yoga Restorative Poses Photo Gallery: Learn how to do the Goddess Pose and other "prop poses" here.
  8. Hatha Yoga Back Stretching Pose: This particular pose is supposed to be good for your nervous system and promote longevity.
  9. Yoga Poses You Can Really Use: Learn how to do the Awkward Chair Pose and Cow Face Arms here.
  10. Core Strengthening Poses: Strengthen your abs and improve your posture with these poses.
  11. Hip Opening Poses: Here you’ll learn downward facing frog and others.
  12. Bikram Yoga Poses: See how the 26 Bikram Yoga poses are supposed to be executed.
  13. Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Promote healing and wellness with these poses.
  14. Wind Releasing Pose: This pose is designed to release gas.
  15. Yoga Postures Step by Step: Browse yoga postures by sanskrit name or English name here.

Desk Exercises

These office-friendly exercises can be done right at your desk.

  1. Desktop Yoga: This illustrated guide helps you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
  2. Best Exercises to Do at Your Desk: Learn which exercises are best for doing at your desk, and for how long you should do each one.
  3. Stretches and Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk: This gallery encourages the use of props, like a stool, desk chair and the wall.
  4. Stretching Your Back While at the Desk: This very simple stretch is demonstrated here.
  5. Collect Your Seat Muscles with Wall Squats: If you have your own office space, this exercise can be done in private throughout the day.
  6. Office ergonomics: Get out of your chair!: These photographs show easy ways to do modified push ups, hand squeezes and squats at your desk.
  7. Computer and Desk Stretches: Print out and hang up this illustrated guide of 12 different office-friendly stretches.
  8. How to do Basic Deskercise: Watch this video for easy exercises you can do at your desk.
  9. Desk Exercises to Boost Your Work Energy: View this guide to perfect the "yes-sir" stretch and others.
  10. Desk Exercises: From here, you can download a PDF guide to desk ergonomics.

Massage

Learn massage techniques to help someone else unwind or learn self-massage exercises for a quick and simple way to de-stress.

  1. Four basic massage techniques: These include circular friction, beating percussion and others.
  2. Introduction to Therapeutic Back Massage: This guide includes illustrated pictures for each tip.
  3. Deep Tissue Massage: Photographs accompany each of these techniques here.
  4. Handbook for Chiropractic Techniques: Get massage tips for eye fatigue, stiff shoulders and more.
  5. Massage Techniques: Watch the video while reading about key massage techniques here.
  6. Neck and Shoulder Massage: Help someone relieve headaches and backaches with these techniques.
  7. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage: This type of massage is supposed to be spiritual as well as physically relaxing.
  8. Learn Massage Online Video Tour: Watch these videos to learn how to give back massages.
  9. Fabulous Foot Massage: A foot massage can be incredibly relaxing. Learn techniques here.
  10. Baby Massage: Learn how to soothe a restless baby with these tips.
  11. How to give a deep stress relief back massage: A nationally certified massage therapist demonstrates key techniques here.
  12. How to de-stress with self massage: Practice these techniques when your stress starts to mount.
  13. Anxiety Massage Therapy Video: Learn how to ease anxiety with massage in this short video.

Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing can instantly clear your head and make you feel more focused and relaxed. Follow these tips and guides to make sure you’re breathing the right way.

  1. Ana Ortiz’s De-stress Techniques: Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz shares de-stress techniques, including deep breathing tips.
  2. De-Stress with Dr. Andrew Weil: Best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil demonstrates meditation and breathing techniques.
  3. Breathing Exercises: Introduction to Pranayama: This yoga video focuses on breathing exercises.
  4. Meditation with Deep Breathing: This Expert Village video features deep breathing and meditation techniques.
  5. Qigong Beginning Exercises: Clear your head with qigong breathing exercises.
  6. How to Do Breathing Exercises to Relieve Menopause: These breathing exercises are designed to reduce anxiety and hot flashes.
  7. Yoga Breathing Exercises: Enhance your yoga workout with better breathing techniques.
  8. Breathing Exercises for Synchronized Swimming: Even if you’re not a synchronized swimmer, these "lung busters" can be relaxing and centering.
  9. Breathing Relaxation Exercise: This 4 1/2 minute video is devoted to breathing deeply and correctly.
  10. Breathe and Relax: Relax your spine and relearn how to breathe correctly with this video.

Meditation

This list features meditation illustrations and videos that are good for clearing your head and taking a step back.

  1. Meditation Techniques: The Secrets: Learn how to zone out by watching this video.
  2. Free Online Meditation and Yoga Classes: Watch videos and view illustrated guides for relaxing meditation techniques.
  3. Meditation with Anusara Yogi Bridget Woods Kramer: This video combines yoga and meditation.
  4. Relaxation Meditation Nature Sounds: Use this video to help you relax.
  5. Guided Meditation: Observing Your self: This video talks you through the strategy of observing yourself in order to relax.

Videos

Watch these videos to learn all sorts of relaxation exercises and de-stressing techniques, like self-massage, meditation and more.

  1. How to de-stress for better sleep: Learn how sleep and stress are related and how you can improve your rest.
  2. How to de-stress: Neck Stretch: Watch a quick demonstration of great stretching techniques here.
  3. Yoga Relaxation Techniques: Learn how to "calm and relax the entire body" when you watch this video.
  4. Office Relaxation Techniques: This funny documentary asks office mates what they do to relax.
  5. Relaxation Techniques: Learn how to tune out "chatter" with this video.
  6. Most Relaxing Voice on YouTube: If you’re really desperate to relax, listen to this 43-second video of a woman who supposedly has the most relaxing voice on YouTube.
  7. Body Relaxation Exercise: This 6-minute video asks you to "free your mind" while you relax.
  8. Hypnosis for sleep and relaxation: Try falling asleep with this video.
  9. How to relax your lower back: This video may be able to help you ease back pain.
  10. Stress-relief exercises: This expert shares simple exercises and moves to relieve everyday stressors instantly.
  11. Acupuncture Therapy: Watch this video first if you’re thinking of trying acupuncture.
  12. Two Minute Relaxation Technique: Watch this short video to learn a simple exercise that will help you reduce tension and stress.
  13. Free Yoga Relaxation Techniques Video Clip: Lie down and try this simple relaxation exercise when you want to reduce stress in your entire body.
  14. Learn Relaxation Techniques for Work: Learn how to practice visualization in order to relax.
  15. Learn Deep Relaxation Techniques for Work: This video teaches you how to do a mini self massage.

Pilates

Like yoga, Pilates is a great workout but also a way to tune into your body and help it relax.

  1. The Illustrated Full Squat: This Pilates exercise is demonstrated here.
  2. Relaxation Script: Mimic the diagram for a Pilates-inspired relaxation exercise.
  3. See How to Get a Pilates Body: This photograph guide is full of Pilates demonstrations.
  4. Illustrated Pilates exercises: Download these Pilates videos and more to learn more relaxing and rejuvenating exercises.
  5. The Pilates power system: Practice simple Pilates moves along with this video.
  6. Michael Miller Pilates: Learn how to do 40 different mat stretches and exercises here.
  7. Yogilates: Watch these videos for a mix of yoga and pilates.
  8. Novice Pilates exercises: If you’re new to Pilates, try out these beginning exercises first.
  9. Intermediate Pilates exercises: Here you’ll see demonstrations of the teaser, full legs stretch and more.
  10. Free Pilate Exercises: Here you can find pictures and examples of exercises like the roll out, one leg raises, leg curl, arm flutter and more.

Stretches

Simple stretches can relieve back pain, improve posture, strengthen your core and help you relax.

  1. How to Counteract the Effects of Hunching Over: This back stretch can help you improve your posture.
  2. Stretching: An Illustrated Guide: Here you’ll find color illustrations for shoulder, tricep, neck and other stretches.
  3. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Stretching, Illustrated: Learn simple stretch moves here.
  4. Changing Shape: Join this fitness group to view and upload your own stretch and exercise photos.
  5. Buttock Stretches: Give your butt a good stretch by following this girl’s example.
  6. Upper Body Stretches: NaturalPhysiques shares great stretching tips for loosening up.
  7. Leg Stretches: Stretch your hamstring, quadriceps and calf with these exercises.
  8. Leg Hold: If you’re really flexible, try out this elegant dancer’s stretch.
  9. Barre Stretches: Relax with controlled, deep stretching on a ballet barre.
  10. Chest and Shoulder Stretches: Learn how to correctly do the mid pectoral stretch and others.
  11. Peroneal Tendon Strain Exercises: Work out your calf, heels and ankles with these exercises.

Swimming

Swimming can be very relaxing and is also a great workout. Learn basic strokes here.

  1. Dumbbell Butterfly Swim Strokes: This weight lifting exercise mimics the butterfly stroke.
  2. How to Teach Kids to Swim: This Expert Village video demonstrates how to do basic glides and swimming strokes.
  3. Freestyle Swimming Techniques: Learn the correct arm stroke in freestyle to get the maximum benefits of swimming.
  4. Swimming – Skills, Techniques: Watch these swimmers for correct demonstrations of several strokes.

Sports, Fitness and Dance

From modern dance to boxing, sports and fitness exercises are great for anger management and stress.

  1. Running Technique: Running or jogging can be an extremely centering exercise that de-stresses the body and mind.
  2. Boxing Punches: Boxing can be good for anger management and for de-stressing. Learn basic punches here.
  3. Proper Sprinting Techniques: This guide shows how to say safe when you sprint.
  4. Modern Dance Moves for Beginners: Modern dance can be a spiritual and physical experience for some. Learn basic steps here.
  5. Ballet Positions, Moves and Techniques: Learn the ballet positions and watch video to learn pirouettes, attitude leaps, side leaps, pique turns and more.

Top 100 Men’s Health Blogs

While men and women share many of the same health concerns, there are some things that are of greater importance to men or simply don’t apply to women. Whether you’re looking to find ways to stay healthy and fit or prevent male-specific illnesses and diseases like prostate cancer, you can find inspiration, advice and information on a wide range of health-focused blogs. Here’s a list of 100 of the best that can help you get truly helpful and insightful health information created just for men.

General

These blogs are a great place to start when looking for great online reading material about men’s health. Most cover a wide range of issues and provide helpful tips and advice on getting and staying healthy.

  1. Men’s Health Today: The popular magazine Men’s Health maintains this blog, providing tips to keep you healthy physically and mentally, get ahead at work and maintain relationships.
  2. About.com Men’s Health Blog: Check out this blog to keep up with the latest news in men’s health from flu shots to sexual dysfunction supplements.
  3. Men’s Health Blog: Whether you want to know more about your sexual health or how to prevent prostate problems, you’ll find help and information on this blog.
  4. Families.com Men’s Health: Whether you’re a dad or just a man in need of some health information, you can find what you’re looking for on this blog. Recent posts have covered diverse topics like preventing osteoporosis and the mental issues behind sexual dysfunction.
  5. The Health Care Blog: This blog is written by Matthew Holt, a health care industry veteran, and can provide you with the latest news on all kinds of hospital and healthcare policy issues.
  6. InsureBlog: Have health insurance questions? Get them answered on this blog, where Bob Vineyard has answered hundreds of questions over the years and regularly provides information on a variety of health insurance issues.
  7. Male Check Point: This blog is dedicated to providing men with information and advice that can help them stay healthier longer and make changes in their lifestyles for the better.
  8. Arxman Health: Check out this blog for information on a ton of different health concerns, keeping fit and even dealing with bad breath.
  9. Health and Men: Blogger Scott Wharton covers a wide range of men’s health issues from keeping your brain in tip top shape to finding a good multi-vitamin.
  10. Men’s Health Journal: Keep up with the latest news on men’s health in this blog. You’ll find all kinds of updates on health issues and stories from men who’ve made positive health choices in their lives as well.
  11. Men’s Health Office: Dr. Sheldon Marks blogs about men’s health issues on this site covering everything from fitness to prostate problems.
  12. Here to Help: This blog is part of the Revolution Health site and is maintained by Dr. Joseph Scherger. You’ll find information on issues like balding, flu shots, prostates and even giving blood.

Nutrition and Diet

While meat and potatoes may be the manliest sounding diet, it’s not necessarily the healthiest. These blogs provide some helpful nutrition and diet information that can help you create a well-rounded and healthy meal plan.

  1. The Fitness Insider: Another Men’s Health blog, this site gives men some inspiration, information and suggestions for eating healthy and working out.
  2. Diet Blog: Author Jim Foster posts about all kinds of diet and health issues in this blog from learning to love how you look to helping you stay away from those waistline expanding fast foods.
  3. Protein Power: For many men who want to lift weights and build muscle, getting enough protein is key. Here, married doctors Michael and Mary Eades maintain blogs that are full of protein rich recipes and tips.
  4. Nutrition Blog: Part of the Nutrition and Food Web Archive, this blog provides articles on health foods and the kinds of vitamins you need to stay healthy.
  5. The Nutrition Help Blog: If you have a lot of questions about nutrition, how much you should eat or any other diet question you might find answers here. Blogger Brad Pilon has written a book on the subject of nutrition and regularly posts advice and information.
  6. Nutrition Frenzy: This blog offers some general fitness tips, recipes and advice that can be useful to men who want to get in shape or stay up to date on the latest health news.
  7. Eat Right, Stay Well: Blogger and dietician at Johns Hopkins Christine McKinney provides helpful information on creating a healthy diet, especially if you have health problems like diabetes.
  8. Pinch My Salt: If your diet plan only includes eating the freshest of foods, then check out this blog. You’ll find recipes for some healthy (and some indulgent) foods that make use of the best seasonal fruits and veggies.
  9. The Provocative Nutrition Blog: Keep up with the latest in nutrition and health in this blog by nutrition counselor Dina Khader.
  10. Balanced Health and Nutrition: Get some help creating a balanced and healthy diet from registered dietician and blogger Rebecca Scritchfield on this helpful site.

Fitness

While sitting on the couch watching football may be easier than getting out there and actually doing it, it may not be the best for your heart, waistline or overall health. These blogs explain some ways that men can get moving and get healthy.

  1. Fat Man Walking: You may not be able to run a mile but most of us can walk one even if it takes a long time. This blogger took it one step further and began walking across america to lose weight and take control of his life. This blog, while not updated as regularly anymore, chronicles his journey towards health and happiness.
  2. Two Heel Drive: Why just walk when you can hike? This Bay area blogger loves to explore the great outdoors and provides information for hikers, backpackers and other nature lovers in his blog.
  3. A Runner’s Blog: Whether you’re already dedicated to running or are just getting started you can find helpful tips and information in this blog. Written by Sean Lloyd, this blog was inspired by his desire to run a marathon, which he did for the first time in 2006.
  4. Body Building God: Want to start lifting weights to get some serious muscle and maybe even earn that six pack you’ve always wanted? This blog can show you how, with tips, advice and information on body building.
  5. All Muscle Building: If you’re tired of being a skinny weakling or just want to get into better shape, this blog can provide you with some pointers on how to best go about building up muscle mass.
  6. Male Fitness Blog: This blog is home to posts on topics like general fitness tips, weight loss controversies and portion control to help give you advice on every facet of staying healthy.
  7. Male Pattern Fitness: Billed as a blog about "meat, muscle and the minds of men" this site provides some informative and sometimes humorous information about how to work out and eat right.
  8. Belly Off: The Trainer: Check out this Men’s Health maintained blog to follow along with a variety of training programs to help you trim down and get that drool-worthy body.
  9. FitBuff: This site isn’t geared just towards men, but can still be a great place to find help getting inspired to get up and get healthy.
  10. Geek2Freak: If you’ve ever dreamt of going from being skinny to muscled this blogger is right there with you. His blog documents his goal to transform from a "geek" into a fitness "freak".
  11. Really Useful Fitness Blog: This blog provides simple and interesting tips and articles from sites all over the Web to help you find easy ways to get healthier.

Weight Loss

If you are feeling a little squishy as of late and want to lose a few pounds, these blogs can be a great place to find some inspiration.

  1. Half Man – My Journey of Fitness: Ever wish you were half your size? This blogger does, and is working his way down from 380 pounds to a healthier 190 pounds. So far he’s lost almost 150 pounds and you can follow along in his journey through the pictures and stories in his blog.
  2. John is Fit: This blogger is honest about the fact that he could be a little more fit and is using his blog as a way to publicly document his path to a healthier self. You can find ideas and inspiration for your own weight loss in his blog.
  3. Tales from the Phat Farm: If you think there’s no way you could go from the lazy, overweight person you are to someone who loves to run, bike and just be active take a look at this blog. Blogger Mike lost almost 140 pounds and now enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife. Check out his before and after photos and fitness tips in the blog.
  4. My Weight Loss Journal: The author of this blog, Kirk, weighed 350 pounds when he began documenting his weight loss. Over the course of two years he’s managed to take off over 116 pounds and you can find out how in his meticulously documented blog.
  5. Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb: This blogger is proof that low carb diets can have a big impact on weight loss. Jimmy Moore lost over 100 pounds and has kept it off. Check out his blog for tips and recipes to help you on your weight loss journey.
  6. Fat Bastard: This blog is maintained by a 42-year old man who was disappointed with how poor his health had become and joined forces with his girlfriend to get in shape and lose weight.
  7. Cover Model Challenge: This blogger is dedicated to losing over 40 pounds in a year to go from slightly overweight to fitness model ready, all for a good cause of course.
  8. Fat Guy in a Little Coat: Blogger Johnny wants to lose 120 pounds of his current weight of 160 by the beginning of 2010 and you can follow along in his blog as he does it.
  9. Andrew is Getting Fit: Faced with the shock of being morbidly obese, this blogger decided to do something about it. So far he’s lost 100 pounds, run a marathon and plans to keep going until he reaches his goal.
  10. Get Fit Slowly: These two men, J.D and Mac, are working hard at getting in shape and losing weight. Best friends and bloggers, they share their experiences, trials and successes on their site.

Sexual Health

Many men worry about their sexual health, especially as they age. These blogs can provide some information and support for those sensitive issues.

  1. Men’s Sexual Health Blog: This blog gives readers a chance to ask their own questions and get answers to their questions about sex and male reproductive issues.
  2. PharmaExpressRX: If you are taking drugs to help sexual dysfunction or if you’re considering it, this blog can be a great place to find the latest news about these kinds of drugs and issues related to sexual health.
  3. Kinsey Confidential: Run by the Kinsey Institute, this blog deals with numerous issues related to sex and sexual health both for men and women.
  4. Penis Resources: This site provides news, information and links on numerous issues related to the male reproductive system. May not be safe for work.
  5. Tray McCormick MD: If you have erectile dysfunction worries, this blog can help. It provides advice from Dr. McCormick on dealing with preventing ED problems.
  6. Men’s Sexual Health Center: This site not only has a large number of sexual health articles and posts but also a board where you can post your own questions and concerns.
  7. All Things Penis Related: Whether it’s prostate cancer you’re worried about or finding out just what happened to John Wayne Bobbitt, you’ll find posts that suit your interests on this blog.
  8. Sexual Health Guide: Here you can find information for both men and women on issues related to sexual health. This includes topics like impotence, Viagra, AIDS and more.
  9. Sexual Health for Men: While not updated as regularly anymore, this blog takes a sometimes humorous approach to men’s sexual health.
  10. Sexuality at About.com: The posts on this site can help you learn everything from how to shop for sex toys to how to deal with common sexual problems.

Health Challenges

These bloggers are fighting illness and talking about the process in their blogs. They can be a big source of inspiration for others who are facing a serious illness.

  1. My Cancer: Leroy Sievers documented his battle with cancer in this NPR blog. While Leroy lost his battle, you can gain valuable insight if you’re facing cancer yourself into how to maintain strength, courage and optimism throughout your treatments.
  2. Talking About Cancer: This blog is dedicated to discussing the emotional impact of cancer. Readers can find support and understanding if they’re struggling with any type of cancer or if they have a loved one that is.
  3. Chronicles of a Cancer Patient: Now renamed Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor, this blog documented Dave Hahn’s battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Dave beat the cancer in the end but this blog serves as a helpful source of inspiration for others still fighting.
  4. Scott’s Diabetes Journal: This blogger, Scott, has had diabetes since 1980. In his blog, he shares his experiences, struggles and successes as he lives with the disorder.
  5. Advanced Prostate Cancer: Check out this blog for shared experiences and support for those suffering from advanced and recurrent prostate cancer and their families.
  6. Battle Prostate Cancer Blog: This blog is a place for those with prostate cancer to find information, shared stories and support while battling the cancer.
  7. Stroke Survivor Blog: Strokes are one of the most common causes of death for men. This blog is written by a survivor of this silent killer and can be a good place for other survivors or those who want to prevent strokes to find information.
  8. Bald Mike’s Blog: Mike is a Lymphoma survivor and you can read about his experiences as a survivor and staying in remission on his blog.

Illness and Disease

These blogs discuss major health issues that can affect men and those close to them.

  1. The Prostate Reloaded: This blog is a great place to find information on the latest research into prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
  2. Heart Disease Prevention: Heart disease is a major cause of death for men all over the nation so learn how you can prevent or reduce your risk of heart problems in this blog.
  3. Diabetes Blog: For those living with diabetes, this blog can be a great resource. Maintained by Diabetes Monitor, this site provides helpful articles and a place for diabetics to come together and share experiences.
  4. Medicine World: This physician monitored blog is full of information on lung, prostate, and colon cancer as well as high blood pressure, asthma and more.
  5. About Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can be a fairly common phenomenon even among younger men. You can read about how to deal with and prevent this potentially painful condition in this blog.
  6. Know-Stroke.org: Learn all about strokes in this blog. You’ll find posts on how to recognize, treat, prevent and recover from strokes.
  7. Alzheimer’s Notes: Alzheimer’s is a condition that still has no known cure and is not uncommon among older adults, both men and women. This blog can help educate you on the latest research on the disease as well as some Alzheimer’s basics.
  8. The Cancer Blog: This blog is no longer regularly updated, but it’s still an invaluable source of information and inspiration to anyone looking for help dealing with or understanding any kind of cancer.
  9. Cancer Information Blog: Check out this site to find updates on the latest cancer advancements as well as symptoms you should look out for that may be signs of cancer.
  10. Colorectal Cancer Blog: While many men are reluctant to get screened for colon cancer, this illness kills thousands every year. Learn more about colorectal cancer from this blog and how you can prevent and treat it.

Aging

Check out these blogs to learn how to deal with and enjoy the process of aging.

  1. Balding Blog: If losing your hair is a big concern of yours, then check out this blog. It deals with everything from coloring your hair to hide the gray to getting hair transplants and you can even send in your own questions to get answers.
  2. Battle Against Bald: This blog takes a somewhat humorous and irreverent approach to impending baldness. You’ll find out how these bloggers are fighting their hair loss and maybe even gain some perspective on what it means to go bald.
  3. Half Dead Guy Blog: If you’re heading towards middle age, check out this blog. You’ll find posts on everything from finances to fitness from this middle aged guy.
  4. Steve’s Midlife Crisis: This lawyer and blogger writes about his life as he enters his forties. You’ll find interesting posts on mental health, aging and a wide range of other topics.
  5. AgeNotes: Robert Knechtel maintains this blog as a forum for discussing a wide range of topics that have to do with getting older, with a positive outlook.
  6. As Time Goes By: These bloggers, a doctor included, give it to you straight when it comes to aging. They attempt to present what it’s really like to get old without the sugar coating.
  7. Truth in Aging: Women aren’t the only ones who seek out cosmetic surgery and supplements to look younger. This site tries to separate the real deals from the fakes so you don’t end up out of money with nothing to show for it.
  8. The Art of Aging: Blogger Richard gives some insight into how we can age gracefully and embrace the wisdom that getting older brings.
  9. Old Man Running: Allen Leigh in 71 years old and still runs regularly to maintain his health, proving that old age doesn’t have to mean being immobile or inactive.

Mental Health

Being healthy isn’t just about having a healthy body, a healthy mind plays a big role too. These blogs can provide lots of helpful information on a range of mental health issues.

  1. Mental Health Notes: Keep up with the latest news in mental health to keep you happy and healthy inside and out on this site.
  2. The Pursuit of Happiness: For some, happiness can be an uphill battle. This blog follows a man as he fights depression and tries out a variety of treatments including St. Johns Wort.
  3. a beautiful revolution: If you’ve ever experienced depression you can relate to this blog where Andre Jordan posts his "depression doodles". You’ll see his wide range of moods through these funny and insightful drawings.
  4. The Splintered Mind: Blogger Douglas Cootey manages both AD/HD and depression and his blog can be inspiring as he works to overcome his illnesses and lead a happy, healthy life.
  5. Addiction Blog: No matter what you are addicted to, whether its alcohol, drugs, gambling or something else, this blog can help you learn how to get help and get control of your addiction.
  6. All in the Mind: This blog is by Natasha Mitchell, a journalist, and focuses on how the mind influences how we see the experiences in our day to day lives.
  7. BradFidler.net: Despite not having the bipolar disorder, Brad Fidler researches the issue. Brad Fidler is also a great blogger and writer who can give you advice and understanding while sometimes making you laugh on his blog.
  8. Mind Hacks: This group blog focuses on psychology and neuroscience and can help keep you up to date with advancements in the field of mental health.
  9. We Worry: A Blog for the Anxious: If you’re a chronic worrier this group blog may be just the thing for you. It’s dedicated to helping people who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
  10. Anxiety Insights: Here you’ll find news and information on conditions like anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias and much more.

Men’s Lifestyle

These blogs cover a range of issues for men, including relationships, fitness, sex and more.

  1. Men’s Garage: This blog is home to posts like "Proper Core Training" and "How to Cure a Hangover" that can help men deal with a variety of health issues.
  2. Just a Guy Thing: Check out this site for all kinds of information geared just towards men. You’ll find everything from diet advice to help with your relationships to help you maintain total body health.
  3. The Men’s Place: If you’re in search of relationship advice geared just towards men, this site can be a great resource. It’s written by a dad dealing with divorce and a blended family and can provide some valuable insights for other men in this situation.
  4. She Knows Best: Here, men can ask blogger Dexie for advice and read articles, take polls and more.
  5. She’s Evil: Are you a divorced man looking for a place to vent about your not-so-nice ex and find some support from other men going through the same thing? Then check out this blog and forum.
  6. The Care and Feeding of Man: From dealing with the frustration of telemarketers to finding the perfect way to start your day, this humorous blog covers loads of issues that are related to the health and happiness of men.
  7. Tastefully Driven Lifestyle Blog: WHen it comes to maintaining a good personal appearance or impressing the ladies with your fit physique, this blog can provide some helpful advice.
  8. Healthy Relationships: If you want to improve your relationship with your wife, girlfriend or partner, check out this blog by psychotherapist Mira Kirshenbaum for advice.
  9. Advice from a Single Dating Expert: This blogger can answer your questions about dating and relationships from your own perspective as he’s still out there looking for that special someone too.
  10. The Bitter Single Guy’s Relationship Advice: Check out this site for advice on relationships from a guy who’ll give you straight, honest advice.