Jerry the Blogger

As complicated as healthy eating and living can seem these days, I was happy to be reminded this week that some simple habits can do a lot of good for our health.

A new study in Pediatrics magazine reassured me that my wife and I are setting our kids up for a healthier life with the basics: eating more evening meals as a family, limiting their time watching TV, and getting enough sleep. These types of activities can reduce preschoolers' risk of obesity by nearly 40%.

We may not be perfect parents (who is?) and our meals aren't always 100% nutritionist-approved. But at least by eating together, and sharing our food as we talk about our days, we might be instilling some healthy values and habits in our children.

And while we don't completely ban TV in our house, the kids don't get to watch until their eyes bug out. TV is a fun treat, and we turn it off when it's time to do something else, such as play hide-n-seek or read a book.

We also prioritize sleep for our kids (though not always for ourselves), making sure they have the right environment and schedule for naps (they're still young) and getting to bed at a reasonable hour.

Knowing that we're doing some of the right things to reduce our children's risk of obesity is a good feeling. Now I'm thinking of what more we can do to help our kids be healthy and happy.

After I get done with a really intense workout, or even after a long but non-intensive one, I am starving. Not right away, mind you. But shortly after I've showered, rehydrated and moved on with my day, I begin feeling this ravenous hunger that can only be quieted by eating something.

At that moment, there's a temptation to pig out on your favorite treats after exercising, because you might think, "Hey, I just burned like a million calories! I can have a cupcake."

But a new study found that what you eat post-workout can affect the health benefits of that activity. And guess what? Sugary carbs like cupcakes don't do your health any favors.

Researchers said that people who ate a low-carb meal after they exercised had "enhanced insulin sensitivity." This is a good thing -- people who have increased insulin resistance can end up developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. By eating low-carb foods following a workout, you're helping fuel your body with the right kinds of food at the right time to stay fit.

Need some ideas for low-carb snack options? Check out the Start Making Choices recipe database. You might like one of these:

• Black Bean Dip
• Lentil Pate
• No-Fry Chicken Nuggets

Ever feel a little uninspired in the kitchen? I think everybody does sometimes.

Fortunately, there are so many places to go for healthy inspiration. I often turn to certain blogs, websites and magazines when I get in a nutrition slump.

If you need a nutritional pick-me-up to make things more interesting when you make dinner or pack lunch, check out these resources:

Hungry Girl
The Hungry Girl is a self-proclaimed "foodologist" who tries healthy foods and recipes, and shares her discoveries with anyone who wants healthy food that still tastes great. I like her daily email, which always delivers delicious advice and news. She also has several cookbooks with some great recipes.

Real Simple
The magazine that delivers simple solutions to everyday challenges has some absolutely awesome recipes and nutrition advice. On the Real Simple website, I go straight to the Nutrition and Diet section for my inspiration.

Food Network
No need to sit like a couch potato and wait for the Food Network's health cooking shows to come on. You can just visit the Healthy Eating section of the cable network's website and get what you want on demand. There are videos, articles, recipes and more from your favorite Food Network chefs.

Cooking Light
Cooking Light is the nation¿s largest food and fitness magazine. I like all the innovative recipes, nutrition advice, and food and fitness tips -- in the magazine and on the website. You'll find thousands of recipes to videos, virtual tours, and other interactive content on CookingLight.com.