Advances in technology and the availability of mobile apps are leading many of us to use our Smartphones for much more than phone calls. Today we can tap into mobile applications to help with dieting, exercise, nutrition and more. Here’s a list of popular health-related apps. There are hundreds of othes out there – tell us about your favorites by commenting below.

As reported in the New York Times, YMCA of the USA is adopting new healthy living standards for youth, including offering fruits, vegetables and water at snack time, increasing exercise time, and limiting video games and television for youngsters in its programs.

With the holiday season just around the corner, healthy eating can be a challenge. Statistics show that half of the annual weight gain of Americans occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. After a few years all this extra weight can add up! Below is a healthy version of a favorite holiday recipe for you and your loved ones to enjoy.  YMCA of the Suncoast wishes all our friends in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With the fall season and the start of this holiday time, many of us get caught up in all the hustle and bustle that follows the holidays.  Instead of immediately feeling overwhelmed before we’ve even begun, could it be that this season of thanks prepares us for a season of giving? When we are truly thankful, it is natural and easy to give to others. And in giving, we receive more.

When someone living on Florida’s Suncoast thinks about heading outdoors for biking, rollerblading, running or hiking, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is usually the first place that comes to mind. This trail, which stretches from south Pinellas into Tarpon Springs, offers clean, well maintained paths for just about any sport.

There are also other, lesser known trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy in West Central Florida. A few examples appear below. We’d like to know about your favorite local spots. Please add to our list by leaving a comment below.

When it comes to health benefits, not all smoothies are created equal. Some pack extra sugar that can result in extra pounds. Others use high-calorie ingredients when low-cal will do. How can you ensure that your smoothie delivers the right balance taste and nutrition? Try the recipe below. It includes a generous amount of fresh fruit, along with calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Looking for an extra boost to send your smoothie into nutritional overdrive? Add an ounce of wheatgrass for the nutritional equivalent of 20 ounces of garden vegetables.

One thing many people need more of in their lives is time. Another is exercise. Our days are filled with work and family and all the responsibilities that come with each. But we also have a responsibility to ourselves to exercise and be healthy.

Taking a class at your local YMCA of the Suncoast branch a few times a week is ideal. But if you’ve only got a few minutes to spare in your day, how can you squeeze in exercise without extra stress? Here are five easy ways to stay fit in a few minutes a day.

Living in the Sunshine State can seem like paradise to anyone who has struggled through cold winters. That’s why thousands of people relocate to Pinellas County and other parts of Florida every year. But while our subtropical climate may seem like Eden, it presents its own set of health challenges that Tampa Bay residents need to be aware of. Here are a few ways to make living in Florida more like a day at the beach.

Hummus is a popular and nutritious spread that people enjoy with pita bread, crackers and raw vegetables. The main ingredient in hummus – chickpeas – is fiber-rich and contains protein, folic acid, zinc, magnesium and more. In addition, beans like chickpeas have been linked to various health benefits, such as lower blood cholesterol. They may also help to prevent cancer.

When it comes to losing weight, the math is simple. One pound equals 3,500 calories. So to lose a pound, you need to burn 3,500 more calories than you take in. Burn an extra 500 a day and you’ll lose about one pound each week. So where should you start? The activities below are some of the best for working off unwanted pounds.