Like Pineapple? Try THIS!

Have you only ever thought about pineapple cut up and cold? Well here’s a new idea.

Cut up some pineapple and put 1 inch chunks on a skewer. You are creating a pineapple kabob. Then lightly sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Bake in the oven (or try on a BBQ) for about 5 minutes, on low. You will be absolutely amazed. So delicious.

These are PERFECT for a healthy dessert on a hot sunny day.

100 Reasons Why You Should Work Out

Here is a great list to keep with, especially on those days you just don’t want to work out! After reading this list, I can definitely agree with pretty much all of these reasons! :) I think I may just have to frame this list because reading it alone makes me want to get up right now and start working out!

  1. Because it makes you feel confident
  2. Because it helps you get stronger
  3. Because exercise helps combat depression
  4. Because you’ll feel proud of yourself
  5. Because you have goals you want to reach
  6. Because you’ll feel bad if you don’t
  7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
  8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
  9. Because it improves your heart health
  10. Because you want a great butt
  11. Because it prevents diabetes
  12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
  13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
  14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
  15. Because your body was made to move
  16. Because you want to be an athlete
  17. Because you want to look better
  18. Because it lifts your mood
  19. Because you want to stand taller
  20. Because it reduces back pain
  21. Because it feels good
  22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
  23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
  24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
  25. Because strong is the new skinny
  26. Because dieting only works so much
  27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
  28. Because it helps you lose weight
  29. Because it allows you to eat more food
  30. Because it’s the best way to spend “me” time
  31. Because it helps you de-stress
  32. Because it’s cheaper than therapy
  33. Because you want a strong core
  34. Because you want to take care for yourself
  35. Because you take pride in your body
  36. Because it strengthens your legs
  37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
  38. Because you want to push yourself
  39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
  40. Because moving your body feels good
  41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
  42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
  43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
  44. Because it gives you energy
  45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
  46. Because you want to look younger
  47. Because you want toned arms
  48. Because it improves your balance
  49. Because it burns off last night’s dessert
  50. Because it boosts your immune system
  51. Because sweat is sexy
  52. Because you want to live longer
  53. Because you want to get better at your game
  54. Because you want to catch someone’s eye
  55. Because exercisers earn more money
  56. Because you’re more likely to eat better when you exercise
  57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
  58. Because you want to breathe easier
  59. Because you want to see the scale drop
  60. Because exercise improves your sex life
  61. Because you are worth it
  62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
  63. Because you promised yourself that you would
  64. Because you deserve a better life
  65. Because it’ll help you drink more water
  66. Because you want to do real push-ups
  67. Because it reduces your health care costs
  68. Because you’ll miss fewer days of work
  69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
  70. Because it’ll help you like what you see in the mirror
  71. Because it makes clothing shopping more fun
  72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
  73. Because exercising can be fun
  74. Because it’ll give your skin a glow
  75. Because it’s a good way to spend time with your friends
  76. Because it’ll help you prevent the middle-age spread
  77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
  78. Because you don’t want to let yourself go
  79. Because you don’t want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
  80. Because it strengthens your spirit
  81. Because it’s a cheap way to entertain yourself
  82. Because you’ll be able to reward yourself
  83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
  84. Because you’re tired of being tired
  85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
  86. Because it’s a great way to spend time outside
  87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
  88. Because you’re tired of starting over
  89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
  90. Because you’re not a quitter
  91. Because it improves your cholesterol
  92. Because it boosts your metabolism
  93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
  94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
  95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
  96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
  97. Because  everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
  98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
  99. Because not working out isn’t working out for you
  100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip

(Courtesy:www. dailySpark.com)

Carolyn

Why A Massage Is So Beneficial To Your Health

Besides feeling (most of the time) unbelieveably amazing, massages can actually be great for your overall health.  It is suggested that massages come from the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, roughly 4000 years ago.

Not only is massage a stress reliever, but it can also work wonders for your skin. According to www.health.howstuffworks.com if you “have a skin condition like rosacea that flares up due to stress, it can help keep you relaxed and free of flare-ups.”

Massages can be completed in various ways – your first massage is typically a full body massage and then after that you and your masseuse decide if there is a specific region that should be massaged more regularly.

Kristyn Kusek Lewis, who writes for health.com also notes the benefits of indulging on massages. She believes that “massage causes changes that slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and block your nervous system’s pain receptors.” All good things. Interestingly enough, she also points out that famous MD Mehmet Oz admitted to having a guilty pleasure for massage and has one at least once a week.

Massages by a Registered Massage Therapist may seen expensive at first glance, but most often they provide a service that will leave a lasting impression on you both mentally and physically. RMT fees may also be covered under private insurance companies, so be sure to look into that.

4 Ways to Kill Your Cravings

If you are like me, there are some days you just crave the bad food. And it can be hard to not give in! But last night I read an article online (Canadian Living) and it gave 4 simple tips to fight cravings.

1. Eat a piece of fruit. Grab an apple or an orange and when you are done, you probably won’t even remember the craving you just had! Plus you just consumed one of your 5-7 servings of fruit and veggies a day!

2. Drink a glass of water. Sometimes your cravings aren’t really about food, but instead about hydration. Drink a glass of water before you give in and reach for that cupcake. To make that glass of water more appealing, throw in lemon slices or cucumber slices.

3. Try a cup of tea. Try a fancy cup of tea to fill that sweet craving of yours. You  may be surprised how well this works to eliminate your craving.

4. Wean yourself off the source of your craving. For some this sounds like it is impossible to do, but it works! Put in the effort to restrict yourself when the craving strikes and you will find yourself craving it less and less.

Carolyn

Mushroom and Vegetable Stir-fry

Try  this simple and delicious recipe for your next dinner party! It is a healthy meal that is low glycemic.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
1 bunch baby bok choy
2 tsp peanut or vegetable oil
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp red chili, chopped
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
 

Bring 2 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a large, tightly covered saucepan. Stir in the rice and quickly replace the lid. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, still covered for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the bok choy in half to separate the leaves from the stems. Cut the leaves into wide shreds and finely slice the stems.

Heat the oil in a wok and add the onion. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, until just tender. Add the pepper and bok choy and stir-fry for 3 minutes.

Add the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and chili, and stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the mushrooms are just soft. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine. Serve immediately with the rice. Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Carolyn

Cute Story

Ode To Fitness

By: David Smyth

I ride my bike from town to town, By hoards of smiling faces

My bpm goes up and down, As my heart’s put through its paces

I pump my legs and feel the burn, I’m living determination

At break neck speed I take the turns, I seek fat extermination

I swallow bugs and spit them out, I swig water from my bottle

A million swears will leave my mouth, As I ramp up on the throttle

My arm gets numb my breath gets thin, My feet slip of the pedal

I slam into an open bin,  Just three minutes from the medal

I see the light and wish I’d sought, A life less dull and dry

But as it is, my final thought Is what’s my bmi?

I never had a cushy job, Desks won’t make you feel alive

But I wish I’d been that brain dead slob, They live ‘till sixty five

 

 

Tips to Boost Your Cardio Workout

Here are some great tips that you can include in your workout to boost your cardio level! Whether you are running, walking, biking or swimming, these tips can give you the boost you need to lose weight and stay healthy!

  1. Include sprinting intervals: By alternating between a few minutes at a moderate pace and throwing in bursts at a faster pace, you’ll burn more calories, build endurance, and become faster and stronger. Not to mention, intervals are also proven to reduce belly fat.
  2. Use those arms: Many forms of cardio are all about the legs, so when possible, maximize your cardio time by focusing on working your arms as well. Swing them while running (don’t hold on to the treadmill or elliptical handles), get creative with your arm strokes while in the pool, and don’t forget to use them while in your Zumba or other cardio class instead of resting them by your sides.
  3. Lengthen the duration of your workout: Most cardio workouts last between 30 or 45 minutes, so burn more calories by pushing yourself a little longer.
  4. Incorporate strength training: The main focus of cardio workouts is to burn calories through high-intensity movement, but you can also use this time to strengthen your muscles. To target the legs and tush, incorporate inclines on your runs, bike rides, and hikes.
  5. Do more than two types of cardio a week: In order to build overall body strength and endurance and to prevent repetitive stress injuries, it’s important not to do the same type of cardio all the time, such as running. You’ll get even more out of your cardio workout if you include at least three different kinds each week.
  6. Make it harder: Aside from adding inclines, find other ways to make your cardio workout more challenging. Stand instead of resting your tush on the seat when on your bike, run with high knees, try the more advanced version of the move your fitness instructor is demonstrating, and do the more intense butterfly stroke instead of the crawl. Remember that compared to the rest of your day, this workout is only a short time, so give it your all.

What are some other ways you add more cardio into your workout?

Carolyn

Staying Hydrated

There are many reasons why everyone should keep hydrated, especially during these hot humid days. Acording to familydoctor.org you should be staying hydrated because “every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly.” Water is needed in order to maintain a proper body temperature, lubricate and help joint function as well as for waste removal.

If you are dehydrated, that is low on fluids in the body, you will encounter several different symptoms. These include a headaches, little or dark urine, confusion, sleepiness and dry mouth. If you have any of these symptoms – try refueling your body.

Remember: everyone should consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Some people require more than this, espeically if you have had extensive workouts during the day or have certain medical conditions.

Don’t like drinking water? There are other ways to compensate for a lack of desire to have plain water. Try real fruit and real vegetable juices, as well as teas. Some foods you can eat to supplement healthy hydration are watermelon, soup broth and vegetables, especially tomotoes and lettuce (familydoctor.org).

Some additional tips to stay hydrated during the day are:

*always have a refillable water bottle with you *have a glass of water as the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before bed *when you eat out, ALWAYS order a glass of water; its great for you and its free!

Happy H2O. Katie

Homemade Pecan-Cranberry Granola

Here is an awesome homemade granola recipe! You will absolutely love it! Plus it is quick and easy to make!

Ingredients

1/2 cup of honey
1/3 vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 cups large flake oats
100g pkg pecan halves (about 1 cup)
1 cup pepita seeds (I have used sunflowers in replace of pepita seeds)
1 cup dried cranberries

Whisk honey with oil, vanilla, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add oats, pecans, and seeds. Stir to coat.

Heat 2 large non-stick frying pans over medium-high heat (using two pans cuts cooking time in half). When hot, divide oat mixture between 2 pans. Cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute, than reduce heat to medium. Continue stirring, adjusting heat as needed, until golden and toasted, about 6 minutes. Stir in cranberries.

Transfer to baking sheet to cool completely. Granola will keep well, stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!!!

Carolyn

 

Post Run Snacks

It is extremely important that you eat something after a run, especially a very long one. Because running takes a lot out of you, you must replenish your energy post-run. According to Christine Luff, author at About.com, a good reason to hit the kitchen or cupboard after running is that “you can minimize muscle stiffness and soreness,” if you eat within 30 minutes of the run.

Think of post-run (or post-exercising for that fact) snacking as a way to ‘fuel your fitness.’ You need to energize the body so it can work to it’s maximum potential to create results.

You will want to make sure that your snacks are full of carbs and some protein. If you have ever signed up for a race, you will notice almost always they have a huge selection of foods after you cross the finish line. Often bagels, bananas, other fruits and sometimes a bbq.

Some good post-run snack ideas are: Cliff bars, bagels with peanut butter, hummus on pita bread, fruit and yogurt and smoothies made with fruit and skimmed milk.

Katie