Best & Worst Choices from Your Supermarket Deli

Best: Rotisserie Chicken

This ready-made roasted chicken is a favorite of nutrition experts, and for good reason. It’s packed with protein. That can help you stay full and fend off hunger. For a quick and easy meal, serve it with brown rice or roasted potatoes and veggies. Or use the meat in salads, sandwiches, soups, or tacos.

Worst: Fried Chicken

Sure, chicken is a lean source of protein. But this version is coated with breading and fried in oil. The result: Each piece packs in more calories and fat than a typical cheeseburger. Plus, a diet high in the greasy stuff can take a toll on your health. Research shows that eating fried food 4 to 6 times a week can raise your risk of heart disease by 23% and type 2 diabetes by 39%.

Best: Broth-Based Soups

Head to the soup station to scoop up a filling meal -- research shows that soup can help fend off hunger. Choose one that’s made with broth, protein, and vegetables. Chicken noodle, minestrone, black bean, and chili are good options. Steer clear of cream-based soups, such as chowders and bisques. They’re often high in calories.

Best: Low-Sodium Turkey Breast

Any way you slice it, this deli meat is a smart choice. Layer three slices on a sandwich, and you’ll get 18 grams of protein for fewer than 100 calories. Just check that you go with the low-sodium version. Deli meats are often loaded with the salty stuff. One serving of regular turkey delivers nearly a third of all the sodium you should get in a day.

Worst: Salami

You can see the white flecks of fat, so it should come as no surprise that this isn’t a lean meat. Each slice of this cured sausage has 68 calories and 6 grams of fat -- 4 times the amount in roast beef. And salami is highly processed. The World Health Organization has linked processed red meat like this to higher odds of cancer.

Worst: Bologna

Bologna and mustard is a lunchbox classic, but it isn’t the healthiest option. Made from a mix of cured beef and pork, bologna is loaded with fat. It packs in 8 times the fat -- and 4 times the calories -- of regular deli ham. A 3-ounce serving also delivers more than 40% of all the sodium you should get in a day. For a leaner sandwich, go with low-sodium chicken, turkey, ham, or roast beef.

Worst: Macaroni and Cheese

It’s a favorite comfort food, but it won’t do your diet any favors. One cup serves up 400 calories. You’re better off making your own healthier version. Swap in whole-wheat macaroni and low-fat milk. Then mix in a serving of veggies, such as cauliflower or green peas, for an extra vitamin boost.

Best: Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables. This dish can add a punch of flavor -- plus a dose of vitamins and fiber -- to any meal. Serve it as a side, or add the veggies to a pasta or grain dish. You’ll do your body good. Research shows that people who eat at least 5 servings of veggies a day live longer than those who don’t.

Worst: Pasta Salad

This gets its creaminess from high-fat mayo. Polish off a cup of it, and you’ll get 500 calories and 30 grams of fat. That’s more than the total amount of fat you should get from an entire meal. A better option: Have the pasta primavera. It’s made with a healthier olive oil-based dressing, and you’ll get a serving of veggies.

Best: Bean or Lentil Salad

Three-bean, lentil, black bean, or chickpea? Take your pick. They’re all low in fat and high in fiber. That can help fill you up -- and even slim you down. One study found that people who ate a serving of beans daily as part of a weight loss plan shed more pounds than those who didn’t. Plus, beans are a top source of disease-fighting antioxidants.

Best: Coleslaw

Give this garnish more real estate on your plate. The main ingredient is cabbage, which is high in bone-building vitamin K. It also has compounds that protect against cancer called isothiocyanates.  For the healthiest pick, order one made with a vinegar-based dressing instead the creamy kind. You’ll save yourself fat and calories.

Worst: 7-Layer Salad

Salads are often a nutritional slam dunk, but this version is made with iceberg lettuce, which has fewer vitamins than other leafy greens. Then it’s layered with high-fat cheese and bacon. That’s all tossed with a dressing made with mayonnaise and sugar. To turn over a healthier leaf, look for salads made mostly of veggies and only a small amount of high-calorie toppings, like cheese and croutons.

Best: Marinated Olives

Take a trip to the olive bar. These little fruits are proof that good things come in small packages. They’re high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, along with vitamin E. Have them as a snack, or toss them into a pasta or salad. Just stick to one portion. Olives can be high in sodium.

Worst: Creamy Potato Salad

Because of the mayo dressing, a cup of this packs in more fat than a piece of cheesecake. In the mood for spuds? Make your own version with low-fat Greek yogurt in place of the mayo. Or pick up the German potato salad. It’s made with a mustard vinaigrette, so it has fewer than half the calories and one-sixth the fat of its creamier cousin.

Best: Vegetable Quiche

You can get cracking at any meal with a slice of veggie quiche. Eggs are a good source of protein and make that spinach or broccoli even healthier. Research shows that eggs can help your body take in and use more of the vitamins you get from vegetables. For the healthiest slice, go for a quiche that’s made with a whole-wheat crust.

Best: Sushi With Brown Rice

Need a quick and healthy meal? Look for platters of sushi made with veggies and fiber-rich brown rice. A good option is the salmon-avocado roll. The fish has heart-healthy omega-3s, while the avocado has B vitamins. Just go easy with the soy sauce dunks. A tablespoon of that serves up more than 40% of the sodium you should get all day.

Reasons Your Body Aches

When You Ache All Over

Muscle pain that affects a small part of your body is usually caused by overuse -- sore arms from lifting boxes all day, for example. Or it could be a minor injury, like a bruised shoulder after a fall. But when you ache all over your body, it’s more likely caused by an infection, illness, or medicine you’ve taken.

The Flu

When a flu virus hits, it brings on fever and congestion, and it can make your muscles ache, especially in your back, legs, and arms. It usually gets better on its own in a week or so, but call your doctor if it doesn’t. You also should see him if you have other health problems and you get the flu or you have a cough that doesn’t go away.

Hypothyroidism

This is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of certain key hormones. It can cause muscle and joint aches, as well as swelling and tenderness. It can make you tired and lead to memory problems, thinning hair, dry skin, high cholesterol, slowed heart rate, and other issues. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to find out if you have it, and if so, drugs can help replace the missing hormones.

Blood Flow Problem

If you have pain in your arms, legs, or both, your muscles may not be getting enough blood -- a problem called claudication. At first, you may notice it only when you exercise, but in time, you might feel it when you sit or walk. This is usually caused by a condition called arteriosclerosis, which is when there’s blockage in the tubes that carry blood to your muscles.

Lupus

This is a kind of autoimmune disease -- it causes your immune system, which normally helps protect your body, to attack your tissues and organs. When lupus affects your joints or muscles, it can make them stiff, and it can hurt to move. There’s no cure, but medication and certain exercises can help control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what would work best for you.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is also an autoimmune disease -- it mainly affects your joints and can lead to bone loss. It can cause pain and inflammation all over your body, and your joints may swell into odd shapes. Medication and physical therapy can help with your symptoms, but there’s no cure. In some cases, you may need surgery to repair the affected joints.

Dermatomyositis

This autoimmune disease makes your muscles and joints ache and causes painful, itchy, red or purple rashes on your eyelids. It also makes spots on your knuckles, elbows, knees, and toes, can dry your skin, thin your hair, and cause swollen, irritated skin around your fingernails. It can be triggered by infection, drugs, or cancer. There’s no cure, but your doctor can help you manage your symptoms with drugs and physical therapy.

Fibromyalgia

This condition can cause pain in your joints and muscles as well as problems with sleep, mood, and memory. Scientists think it happens when your brain takes normal, mild pain signals and mistakenly makes them worse. It may be triggered by illness, surgery, or severe mental stress. Medicine can ease symptoms, and exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga may help, too.

Polymyositis

This happens when something -- possibly a virus or a problem with your immune system -- inflames muscles all over your body, especially in your belly, shoulders, upper arms, hips, and heart. Over time, your muscles can start to break down, and it might be hard to swallow or catch your breath. Your doctor may suggest drugs to ease inflammation or calm your immune system and physical therapy to help you regain muscle strength.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The main symptom of this condition is extreme tiredness (fatigue) that can’t be explained by anything else. It may get worse with exercise or mental strain, but rest doesn’t make it better. You also may have muscle pain, memory problems, sore throat, joint pain, and headaches, and you may not be able to sleep well. There’s no cure, but medication and physical therapy can help manage your symptoms.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

This quickly brings pain and stiffness in your shoulders, neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips, or thighs that can be worse in the morning. You also may have fever, fatigue, weight loss, depression, and no appetite. Doctors think certain genes can make you more likely to get it. Something in the environment, like a virus, also may play a part. Steroids can ease pain and inflammation, and your symptoms may go away, but the condition can return.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Bacteria called R. rickettsii  cause it, and a tick bite is usually how you get it. Most of the symptoms are flu-like -- fever, chills, headache, nausea, insomnia, and muscle aches. A rash that doesn't itch can show up on your wrists and ankles after a few days, then spread. Antibiotics treat it, and the sooner you take them, the better. If not treated, it can lead to inflammation in your lungs, heart, and brain, then kidney failure.

Lyme Disease

Bacteria from a tick bite also cause this. It can bring on fever, chills, tiredness, body aches, and a headache. Another sign is a “bull’s-eye” rash that’s clear in the middle and grows over a period of days -- it can be up to 12 inches across. The rashes -- there can be more than one -- don't necessarily show up near the bite. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, but some people still have aches and tiredness after finishing the drugs.

Medications

Drugs called statins are used to control high cholesterol, and about 30% of people who take them say they have muscle pain. If this is happening with you, talk to your doctor. She may be able to give you a different medication.

What Your Pet Says About Your Personality

Can a Pet Predict Your Personality?

Are you a cat person or a dog person? The answer may say a lot about your personality. A survey done by the University of Texas at Austin found that some common ideas about pet lovers may be true. You may also be a lot more like your furry friend than you ever realized. Browse our gallery to see where you stand -- and how other Americans divide into cat people vs. dog people.

Personality Trait: Conscientious

The online survey asked people to rate themselves as "cat people" or "dog people." Then people answered questions designed to reveal their true personality. Dog people were 11% more conscientious than cat people. What it means:

• Self-disciplined
• Strong sense of duty
• Tend to be "planners"

Personality Trait: Extroverted

Do you seize the day? If you’re a dog person, it’s likely that you do. Dog people were 15% more extroverted than cat people in the survey. What it means:

• Outgoing
• Enthusiastic
• Positive
• Energetic

Personality Trait: Open

Are you open to trying new things? Cat people were 11% more likely to be open, according to the survey. Open people tend to be:

• Curious
• Creative
• Artistic
• Nontraditional thinkers

Personality Trait: Agreeable

According to the survey, if you're a dog person, you're 13% more likely to be agreeable than a cat person. Agreeable people tend to be:

• Trusting
• Altruistic
• Kind
• Affectionate
• Sociable

Personality Trait: Neurotic

If you get stressed out easily, you may be a cat person. Cat people were 12% more neurotic than dog people. Neurotic people are:

• Easily stressed
• Anxious
• Worriers

The Typical Dog Person

If dogs tend to be energetic, faithful, and easy to get along with, well, so do the people who love them. But survey author and psychologist Sam Gosling, PhD, admits that the differences between cat and dog people aren't huge. "There are certainly many, many cat people who are extroverts and many, many dog people who aren't," Gosling says.

The Typical Cat Person

Do you prefer to spend time on your own? Always game to try new things? Then you could be a cat person. The survey found that cat owners were more likely to be curious, unconventional in thinking and actions, and more prone to worry than dog people.

Dog People Outnumber Cat People

Nearly half of those who took the survey call themselves dog people. Just 12% say they are cat people. How many people love both cats and dogs? A little more than a quarter of the group. Overall, pet lovers rule the nation. Just 15% of people said they don't like cats or dogs.

Doggie Upside: Loving and Loyal

Dogs have rightfully earned their reputation as man’s best friend. No matter the size or breed, a dog provides a lifetime of love and loyalty. Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on human companionship. Certain breeds, such as Rottweilers, also make excellent protectors.

Doggie Downside: Must Be Trained

Even the best dog can have some not-so-cute behaviors. Dogs bark, jump up, dig, tug at the leash, or even growl and bite. To curb bad behavior, you need to teach your dog what’s OK and what’s not. Some dogs are easy to train, while others take more time and practice. Either way, your time and money spent on obedience classes will make your dog a delightful pal for years to come.

Kitty Upside: Independent

Cats are famously low-maintenance. They don't need to be bathed or taken for walks. They can be left on their own for hours at a time. Even though cats like to do their own thing, they still need plenty of love and attention. Devote some time each day to playing with your cat, grooming her, or just giving her some TLC.

Kitty Downside: Can Be Standoffish

Some cats love to socialize, but others prefer to stay hidden, especially when new people visit. In fact, your friends may not even realize you have a cat! Cats who weren’t around people enough as kittens may be skittish. Even the friendliest cat will jump off your lap and sashay off when he’s had enough of your attention.

Doggie Upside: Boundless Energy

If you’re looking for a playmate, it doesn’t get much better than a dog. Most breeds are playful and love to be outdoors. A dog can be a great companion for jogging, hiking, or a leisurely stroll in the park. If you’re trying to get in shape, Fido is a fantastic exercise companion. Exercise is as important for dogs as it is for people.

Doggie Downside: Hair Everywhere

All dogs shed at least a little, even the breeds thought to be better for people with allergies. The longer and thicker the coat, the more dog hair you'll find on your clothes, rugs, and furniture. Dogs' coats can also get dirty and matted, so expect to bathe and brush your dog or pay someone to do it for you.

Kitty Upside: Cozy Companion

When it comes to cuddling, cats take the prize. And most cat owners will tell you the sound of a purring cat is deeply soothing. In fact, when researchers looked closely they found stress levels and blood pressure dropped slightly in people who snuggled up to a purring kitty.

Kitty Downside: The Litter Box

Nobody likes cleaning the litter box. But having one is essential if you have an indoor cat. Your cat’s litter box will need to be cleaned at least once a day. The litter should be changed weekly to avoid unpleasant odors (although some of the newer litters don't need to be changes completely every week). If you have more than one cat, you may need multiple litter boxes to accommodate them.

What Is Your Dog Saying?

If you know dog body language, you can tell how he's feeling and what he's trying to say. Dogs may:

• Widen their eyes if they feel threatened
• "Grin" as a sign of submission
• Hold up ears and tail when alert or aggressive
• Make themselves look smaller when they're scared

What Is Your Cat Saying?

Watch your cat's behavior to figure out her state of mind. Cats may:

• Let the tail droop when sick or unhappy
• Twitch their ears and tail when agitated
• Flutter their eyelids to show trust
• Knead their paws to show contentment

Other Pets to Consider: Rabbits

Rabbits can make great house pets. Besides being soft and adorable, they are quite social and affectionate and can use a litter box. However, they generally don't like to be picked up, which means they may not be ideal for young children. Rabbits also love to chew, and if they're allowed to roam freely in your house they may damage furniture or electrical cords.

Other Pets to Consider: Reptiles

Do your research before getting a lizard, turtle, or snake. Reptiles are not low-maintenance pets. Many can live 15 years or longer, and snakes and lizards can grow to be quite large. Reptiles also need special habitats, and this can be expensive. Carnivorous types need live food, like worms, crickets, or mice.

Other Pets to Consider: Fish

An aquarium full of fish can be fun to watch and a great stress reliever. Choose the type that fits your time and budget. Two goldfish and a fishbowl is an easy start. A saltwater tank full of tropical fish takes more time but can be an absorbing hobby. 

Other Pets to Consider: Birds

If you want a pet you can talk to, a bird is the only way to go. Parrots can put together meaningful phrases and may have a vocabulary of 100 words or more. Even birds that can’t talk are highly intelligent and entertaining – with a long lifespan that offers you companionship for 10 to 40 years, depending on the species.

Should You Keep an Exotic Animal?

Monkeys and sugar gliders have become popular as pets in recent years. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize what they’re getting into when they bring an exotic pet home. Animals may become malnourished or obese if they're not fed the proper diet. They may be destructive or dangerous. Bottom line: Bringing an exotic animal into your home takes extraordinary research and commitment.

What Your Face Says About Your Health

A Look in the Mirror

You’re really familiar with the face staring back at you. But a closer peek may show clues about your health -- if you know what to look for. 

Yellowish Skin and Eyes

This is jaundice. It’s when you have too much of a waste product your body makes when it breaks down red blood cells. It’s common -- and usually harmless -- in babies born before 38 weeks, because their livers aren’t mature enough to work the way they should. In adults, jaundice can mean more serious conditions, like viral infections (hepatitis, mononucleosis); problems with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas; or alcohol abuse.

Moles

These are spots or bumps, often dark in color. Most are nothing to worry about, but skin checks can help you spot cancer before it spreads. When it comes to moles, remember your ABCDEs:

• Asymmetrical: Is the shape different on each side?
• Border: Is it jagged?
• Color: Is it uneven?
• Diameter: Is it larger than a pea?
• Evolving: Has it changed in the past few weeks?

Talk to your doctor if you answered yes to any of these questions.

Sores

Ones around your lips and mouth are most likely cold sores, which are caused by the type 1 herpes virus. (Most people with oral herpes were infected from saliva as children or young adults, not from sexual contact.) Once you get the virus, it stays with you. Sores may break out when you’re sick, anxious, or overtired, or you’ve been out in the sun too long. They usually go away on their own, but if you have big or frequent outbreaks, your doctor may suggest medication.

Cracked Lips

Everyone gets dry or cracked lips from time to time, especially in winter. Balms can help protect them and keep them moist. But sometimes, dry lips are a sign of a health issue, like dehydration -- when your body doesn’t have enough water. They can also be an allergic reaction or response to a drug, such as steroids.

Butterfly Rash

Most rashes aren’t serious and get better on their own, but this one is unusual. It covers both cheeks in the shape of a butterfly, and it’s a common sign of lupus. That’s a disease that makes your immune system attack your own tissues and organs. You may also have fever, achy and stiff joints, and fingers that turn blue in the cold. See your doctor if you have an unexplained rash, especially if it comes along with those other symptoms.

Hair in Unusual Places

It could just be a hair growing where you don’t want it -- that can happen to men as they get older around the ears and eyebrows, and to women around the chin. In younger women, facial hair can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that can make it harder to get pregnant.

Drooping Eyelid

Doctors call it ptosis or blepharoptosis. It can happen in one or both eyes -- in severe cases, your eyelid may block your vision. You may be born with it or get it over decades. It’s often harmless, but it can be a sign of problems with your brain, nerves, or eye socket. See your doctor if it happens in days or hours, or if you have double vision, weak muscles, trouble swallowing, or a bad headache -- those can be signs of a stroke.

Can’t Move One Side of Your Face

If you can’t move part of your body, get medical help right away. But if you don’t have other symptoms, it's probably Bell’s palsy. It happens when something -- probably a virus -- presses a nerve that controls muscles in your face or makes it swollen. It shows up over hours or days and usually weakens a side of your face. You also may have pain in your jaw and behind your ear. Usually, it's not serious and gets better in 3 to 6 months. 

Facial Paralysis With Other Symptoms

A stroke happens when the blood flow is cut off to part of your brain because a blood vessel bursts or gets blocked. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these signs of one: the lower part of your face is suddenly paralyzed, or you have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, slurred speech, double vision, dizziness, or trouble swallowing.

Yellow Spots on Your Eyelids

These raised yellow bumps on and around your upper and lower eyelids are called xanthelasmata. They’re made of cholesterol, and while you may not like the look of them, they’re not dangerous or painful and usually can be taken off. But they can be a sign that you’re more likely to get heart disease or have a heart attack, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a physical.

Puffy Eyes

The space below your eyes can fill with fluid, which can make them look swollen or puffy. Hot, humid weather can make your body hold on to more water, as can lack of sleep, too much salty food, and hormone changes. It happens more often as you age because muscles that support your eyelids weaken. If your eyes are red and itchy, it may be an allergic reaction to food, pollen, makeup, fragrances, a cleanser, or an infection like pinkeye.

Melasma

This causes gray-brown patches of skin on your face. Doctors don’t know exactly why it happens, but it can be triggered by things like pregnancy or taking certain birth control pills. In those cases, melasma often fades on its own after the baby is born or the woman stops taking the pills. In other cases, it can last for years. But medicines and other treatments, like chemical peels, can help.

Hair Loss

If you’re losing your eyelashes or eyebrows, along with patches of your hair, it can be a sign of a condition called alopecia areata. It happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles. There’s no way to prevent new patches, but talk with your doctor about medication that might help your hair grow back.