Google searches for sweet potato were on the upswing this week — and while sweet potatoes are a healthy staple all year long, fall is really their time to shine. The bright orange spud is tasty and versatile — you can stuff, bake, roast, mash or even microwave them. From autumnal desserts to comfort-food mains, the super starch lends a creamy texture and slight sweetness to our favorite dishes right now. Sweet potatoes are also a well-rounded nutritional powerhouse with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They're also a great food to reach for before a workout.
Next week, we'll be moving to Week 3 of our 5K challenge. Three weeks down, three to go! Have a great weekend — and happy walking! |
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If you're joining us for our 5K challenge this month, today is a training day. Here's what your workout will look like based on your fitness level:
Beginner: ½-mile walk, ½-mile speed Intermediate: ½-mile walk, ½-mile run, ½-mile walk Advanced: ½-mile jog, ½-mile run, ½-mile jog Walking and running getting a little stale? Take a page from Al Roker and play "I Spy." What sights can you spot during your walk? Al takes time during his walks to soak in his surroundings — whether it be a river or pond, the sunrise, or the New York City skyline. This mindfulness tactic helps boost his mental health, combat stress and makes exercise more enjoyable. Get more of Al's motivational tips! |
Need a break from this month's challenge? Click here to snooze this section until next month. 😴 |
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Tonight, chicken fajitas show up at the table a little differently. Instead of soft tortillas, juicy bell peppers are roasted while you sauté red onions and minced jalapeños. Next, shredded chicken is stirred into the peppers and onions, along with. black beans, your favorite salsa, lots of chopped cilantro, shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled queso fresco. We like to use the meat from a rotisserie chicken in these stuffed peppers, but any leftover cooked chicken would be delicious. |
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Making Space for Mindfulness |
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Does gua sha work? Research shows that gua sha benefits include reducing chronic pain, headaches and stress. Learn about the gua sha tool and scraping therapy. |
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Real ways to make a difference in your life, one small thing at a time. |
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This tasty veggie makes a great pre-workout snack |
Carbohydrates are the main fuel source for exercise, and sweet potatoes contain a long string of sugar molecules, known as complex carbs. Foods that have complex carbs break down slowly to provide long-lasting energy for exercise. "They also have potassium and magnesium, two electrolytes lost in sweat," says dietitian Elizabeth Shaw. "The body needs to keep these electrolytes in balance during a sweat session to maintain proper hydration." Eating a sweet potato before a workout tops off your electrolyte reserves and aids in proper hydration. |
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| The CDC recommends everyone ages six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Here's when to get the new booster, what side effects to expect, and more. |
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The CDC recommends everyone ages six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Here's when to get the new booster, what side effects to expect, and more. |
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| U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, is now fighting for her life against a rare form of pneumonia, her family says. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports and Dr. Tara Narula shares preventative measures for the infection on TODAY. |
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U.S. gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, is now fighting for her life against a rare form of pneumonia, her family says. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports and Dr. Tara Narula shares preventative measures for the infection on TODAY. |
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| This sheet pan dinner features roasted eggplant, broccoli, mozzarella and Parmesan. It's the best vegetarian comfort food recipe. |
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This sheet pan dinner features roasted eggplant, broccoli, mozzarella and Parmesan. It's the best vegetarian comfort food recipe. |
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See you again tomorrow morning. |
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