| Do you live in a "healthy" city? What really makes | | | | them from the elements. Minneapolis also boasts |
| one city healthier than another? Well, a | | | | five thriving farmers' markets that specialize in |
| commitment to creating recreational activities for | | | | locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, and |
| people of all ages is key, as is an effort to make | | | | meats, and each offers cooking demonstrations |
| healthy food options widely available and | | | | that teach potential customers to make the most |
| affordable. With those criteria in mind, but in no | | | | of fresh, healthy ingredients. |
| particular order, let's take a look at five U.S. cities | | | | 4. Tucson, Arizona |
| that offer good-for-you food and fitness options. | | | | A jewel of the Southwest, Tucson has a |
| 1. Denver, Colorado | | | | relatively low percentage of overweight residents. |
| Over 80 percent of the Mile High city's citizens | | | | That could be thanks to a good selection of |
| exercise regularly-and there is no shortage of | | | | restaurants dedicated to serving light fare that's |
| activities for them to choose from. The summers | | | | big on authentic taste all while being kind to |
| mean hiking through lush trails, kayaking and | | | | patrons' waistlines. Or it could be the city's |
| rafting on the rivers, rock climbing in the Rocky | | | | well-earned reputation as one of the best cities |
| Mountains, and cycling on bike paths through | | | | for bikes-it has over 300 miles of bike paths that |
| downtown neighborhoods and picturesque valleys. | | | | snake throughout the metropolitan area. Or, it |
| Denver's major gathering spot is Washington | | | | could all of those golf courses, horseback riding |
| Park, which boasts two lakes, tennis courts, | | | | enthusiasts, and nature lovers who love to hike |
| jogging trails, soccer fields and baseball diamonds. | | | | through the desert and spend hours bird-watching |
| Denver also boasts a robust selection of | | | | or looking for rare species of plants. |
| vegetarian restaurants that do brisk business with | | | | 5. New York, New York |
| the area's health-conscious citizens. | | | | The city so nice, they named it twice is also a |
| 2. Burlington, Vermont | | | | city full of walkers who rely on their two feet as |
| Don't let the fact that this winner is the home of | | | | a preferred mode of transportation. In addition to |
| rich and creamy Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream | | | | extensive bike paths that run along the East and |
| fool you: this picturesque city has had a | | | | Hudson Rivers, there is Central Park, which boasts |
| long-standing tradition of healthy living. Nestled | | | | a picturesque jogging trail around the reservoir, |
| between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, | | | | paths for horse riders, soccer, tennis and baseball |
| Burlington actively supports the produce of local | | | | fields, public pools, and stretches of roads that are |
| farmers at green markets and eateries. For | | | | closed to traffic for everyone to enjoy. In |
| hikers, there is the Long Trail, and for boaters, | | | | August, the city shuts down a nearly 6-mile |
| canoers, and kayakers, there is Burlington Harbor. | | | | stretch of Park Avenue to encourage even more |
| The air in Burlington is also some of the cleanest | | | | people to learn to bike ride and partake of free |
| in the country, which no doubt contributes to the | | | | fitness classes along the route. Known for its |
| exceptional health and well-being of the locals. | | | | diverse restaurant scene, the city is home to |
| 3. Minneapolis, Minnesota | | | | dozens of vegetarian and raw food eateries and |
| This Midwestern city loves its public parks, and its | | | | is home to several Farmer's Markets and |
| citizens take full advantage of the miles of biking | | | | community-supported agriculture groups. |
| and jogging trails. And, the locals don't let the | | | | Whether you live in or visit one of these cities, |
| typically frigid winters keep them from moving! | | | | you can rest assured that there are plenty of |
| They partake in winter sports galore on the | | | | healthy options for getting (and staying) fit and |
| weekends, and during the workweek they make | | | | trim. And, if you don't live in one of these cities |
| their way around downtown through dozens of | | | | you can still maintain your healthy lifestyle by |
| glass-enclosed pedestrian bridges that protect | | | | keeping active and eating right. |