It’s a confusing nutrition world out there. “Low-fat” products are often loaded with sodium and corn syrup and other sweeteners, and may still be too high in fat to be wholesome; foods labeled “trans-fat free” may contain up to a gram of these harmful artificial fats per serving. So what’s a confused consumer to do? Canyon Ranch nutritionists recommend eating a variety of whole foods – the same fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and lean meats that your ancestors ate. The next time you shop, ask yourself, “Did my great-grandmother eat this?” If the answer is “no,” pass it by.

It’s a confusing nutrition world out there. “Low-fat” products are often loaded with sodium and corn syrup and other sweeteners, and may still be too high in fat to be wholesome; foods labeled “trans-fat free” may contain up to a gram of these harmful artificial fats per serving. So what’s a confused consumer to do? Canyon Ranch nutritionists recommend eating a variety of whole foods – the same fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and lean meats that your ancestors ate. The next time you shop, ask yourself, “Did my great-grandmother eat this?” If the answer is “no,” pass it by.

Candles are simple tools that can encourage us to become present in the moment. They are often used to facilitate meditation and prayer. By focusing on a single flame, some people achieve a meditative state more easily. Meditation candles—often grouped in sets of three—can help people focus on the cleansing and illumination of body, mind and spirit as each wick is lit. “Candles create an atmosphere: they add instant ambience to any room. Even just a single candle softens everything immediately,” says Massage Manager April Amstutz of Canyon Ranch in Tucson. “And they can be primal, since you’re dealing with fire. I don’t know anyone who is not mesmerized by a flickering flame. It creates a less-sterile environment that is alive and in the moment.”

Recent news reports have focused on the topic of adjusting cholesterol levels for good heart health. Some research suggests people should reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) to levels significantly below what was considered acceptable in the past. But how low should your cholesterol really be to promote heart health? The research published over the last two years seems to support the idea that the target for LDL cholesterol should be below 80. The previous guidelines recommended 130 for prevention of heart disease and 100 for treatment of people with established disease.

A book by a favorite novelist or one with a romantic love story can be meaningful. Lose yourself in a great tale with wonderful writing and engaging characters. It’s good for heart and soul.

Soothe your body with a natural ingredient. The Canyon Ranch Mineral Salt Scrub is a salt concentration that is rich in minerals and trace elements designed to effectively cleanse, remineralize, and moisturize your skin.

One key to spiritual well-being is to get outside yourself with activities such as volunteering or contributing to worthy causes.

“Get involved with others and become committed to something greater than yourself. You start worrying about the greater good and you feel better about yourself,” says Evan Kligman, M.D., at Canyon Ranch in Tucson.

Aromatherapy products help set a mood. Find the perfect scented oil, candles, lotions or soaps. A sweet scent is the perfect gift for your sweetheart.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. — Buddha

Feel-good movies are great. Give your sweetie a romantic comedy, a heartfelt drama or an inspirational movie. You can snuggle up on the couch with a DVD or make a night of it by taking your valentine to dinner and a movie.