Jerry the Blogger

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.

You're probably being inundated right now with all kinds of books, videos, magazines and programs proclaiming the "ultimate solution" for weight loss. There are lots of possible ways to go about eating healthier and managing your weight -- and many of them don't cost a penny. Studies have shown that the specific diet or method you choose doesn't matter all that much. What matters is that you follow general nutrition guidelines and stick with a healthy lifestyle.

Soooo ... have you explored the Start Making Choices program lately? It really offers some incredible (free!) tools to help anyone who wants to manage their weight or just re-balance their mind, body and spirit. How can you turn down expert advice, easy-to-use tools, calculators, podcasts, recipes, articles and more?

Once you register, you can see where you measure up on the Balanced Life Index. It's a combination score based on your nutrition, activity and well-being habits, with recommendations on how you can improve. You can even share your BLI score on Facebook -- a good way to nudge your friends to join you in your healthy lifestyle.

As a Start Making Choices member, you'll also be able to access your daily and weekly planners. These are customizable for your goals and needs, and suggest meal ideas, exercise options and even ways to nurture your well-being. You can track what you do throughout the day and tweak it as you go along.

So if you want some help with your new goals or recommitment to old ones, register with Start Making Choices and see what it can do for you!