14 Health and Fitness Sites You Should Be Using

Ahh the internet, the best way to waste time mankind has ever invented. However, among all the dancing badgers, LOLcats, shock sites and music players, this series of interconnected tubes does actually offer a few useful sites. So here they are, my list of the top health and fitness relates sites out there:

Healthy Eating

Calorie Counter Database – This is actually a service offered by about.com.  It’s a well stocked database of foods and their nutritional values.  A good place to start if you’re wondering how many calories were in that sandwich you just ate.

Nutrition Data – Another nutrition database with information on a wide variety of foods.  It’s interesting to look up what you’re eating on a regular basis.  Just as long as you’re ok with the occasional bad surprise.  (ouch, that sandwich I ate for breakfast…)

USDA Food And Nutrition Center – A government site from the USDA which is focused on nutrition.  I’m a little suspicious when I read articles on this site, especially since their goal is to support agriculture and not really promote health.  However, there is some good information here as long as you’re aware of their bias.

The Food Network – Yep, I’ll admit it, I love food.  You don’t really need to hate food to be healthy.  And a great place to learn more about good food is the network dedicated to it.  Find good recipes, meal ideas and other food related information.  Or just argue about which chocolate truffle is better (go Lindt!!!)

Food Shopping

Eat Well Guide – Want to find local restaurants in your area that sell organic food?  How about stores?  Farmers markets?  For all of you who want to eat food made with quality ingredients, this is a great place.

Eat Wild – Similar concept to Eat Well, but this one specializes in meats.  Lots of good meat sources for people who don’t want factory produced crap.  Find your local farmer and buy directly from them.  You benefit, your local economy benefits and your body will be much happier.

Local Harvest – Another food finder that can help you find local vendors or markets with good quality foods.  Remember, support your local farmer!

Exercise

Cooper’s Guns – Their news page is out of date but their exercise encyclopedia is the best around.  Click on the exercises link under videos to reach it.  My first destination when I’m looking to vary up my workout.

EXRX – Their marketing person should be shot for coming up with that acronym but the website still kicks ass.  This is like a more professional version of Cooper’s Guns.  Lots of great information here on exercises, weight training and so on.  Click on the exercises link and then on the Exercise & Muscle Directory link to see a great exercise encyclopedia.

Online Tools

Fit Day – They can get a bit annoying when they start pitching their software app, but the free web based account is still a great tool for storing data about your eating and exercise.  If you’re going to keep a food journal, this is a good way to do it.

Calories Per Hour – Want to know how many calories a 35 year old man who weighs 200lbs and exercises vigorously three times a week needs?  How about the number of calories you burn if you run for an hour?  Either way, this site probably has a calculator that will help you find your answer.

Disease and Injury

Mayo Clinic – Want to know if the rash on your leg is something you need to worry about?  Need to find out how to cope with a family member who has cancer?  Or are you just curious about some disease you saw in the latest episode of House or Grey’s Anatomy?  This is the site for you!

Web MD – Similar to the Mayo Clinic site although a bit more commercial.  I happen to trust Mayo more than I trust WebMD but there’s no reason not to use both and compare the information you get.

Centers For Disease Control – The ultimate government research site on health, illness, injuries and anything else related to the various problem that might befall a human body.  Includes everything from tips on preventing injuries to advice on living with disease.  Surprisingly well organized and readable for a government site.

###

Got your own favorite site?  Please include it in the comments.  Also, I’ll be listing my favorite blogs later this week so feel free to mention those as well.

And thank you to Me Ander (love the name) for including a 60 in 3 article in their latest blog carnival.