Category Archives: Wellness

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

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

Daily Dose of Antioxidants

Here is a great chart that illustrates which foods provide you with  your daily dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential for us because they provide protection against damage the our body incounters everyday.

Carolyn

7 Yoga Poses for Back Pain

One of the reasons I love to do yoga is because it provides some great relief for any back pain I have. If you are like me, there are some days my back aches whether it is from bad posture or a bad night’s sleep. Here are some of my favorite yoga poses that help me to relieve any back pain I have.

Downward-Facing Dog – It is a great total body stretch that targets your low back.

Child’s Pose - This is a simple yoga pose, but it feels wonderful when you do it! It may be a peaceful and relaxing pose for some, but it is an active stretch for your back.

Pigeon Pose -This pose may be difficult at first for some to do, but it is a great pose that stretches out your hip muscles that may be the cause of your back pain.

Triangle Pose – A great pose to strengthen your back and leg muscles.

Cat to Cow Pose   - A classic yoga sequence that loosens your back muscles. It is a great pose to use a warm-up.

Upward-Facing Dog – This pose opens up your abdominal muscles and engages your back muscles

Foward Fold - This move stretches your hamstrings and back muscles while also providing relief and tension from your shoulders.

 

Carolyn

 

 

Eating On The Clock

We all know that staying fit includes eating healthy. Not only is what we eat important, but eating at the appropriate times throughout the day will help to  maximize fat burning and keep us from feeling hungry throughout the day. Here are some key points from Women’s Health Magazine to keep in mind!

Aim to eat every 3 to 4 hours. Most people eat three meals and one snack, while others may prefer four smaller meals throughout the day. Timing your meals in this way will improve your fat loss and control appetite and metabolism and as well balance the stress hormone cortisol.

Eat within 1 hour of rising. Your mom was also right when she told you breakfast was the most important meal of the day. When you skip breakfast, you lose its stimulating benefits on your metabolic rate. You also become more likely to eat unbalanced meals, more calories, and larger amounts of saturated fat throughout the day. Plenty of research shows that those of us who skip breakfast are actually heavier. Missing out on a healthy morning meal also increases stress hormones.

Never eat within 3 hours of bedtime. Eating too close to bedtime raises your body temperature, increases blood sugar and insulin, prevents the release of melatonin, and cuts down on growth hormone release. All these factors interfere with the quality of your sleep and the natural fat-burning benefits of a good night’s rest. Furthermore, sleep deprivation leads to more cravings and a greater likelihood of overeating the next day.If you must eat before bed, opt for a light meal or snack that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat.

Start the day with protein. For better appetite control throughout the day, try combining your starchy carbs at lunch, dinner, or after your workouts rather than at breakfast. Stick to eggs or whey protein smoothies for breakfast and you’ll eat less throughout the day.

Always eat within 45 minutes of finishing your workout. This meal or snack is the only one of the day that should not contain much fat and should be higher in carbohydrates.

Never do your weight training on an empty stomach. You will need energy from your foods to perform optimally. You may, however, complete your cardio before eating if your session will be less than 30 minutes.

Focus on your food. Do not eat while you are doing anything else (i.e., watching TV, working, surfing on the computer, etc.). Focus on chewing your food and relaxing while you eat.

Eat protein first. Eat the protein on your plate first to help speed the signal to your brain that you are full.

Drink alcohol last. If you have alcohol or wine, do so after your meal to enhance the hormones involved in appetite control and digestion.

Carolyn

The Best Day of Your Life

Lurking Dangers In Your Fridge.

How often do you actually clean out your fridge? Like many people, ‘expired’ and ‘best before’ dates sometimes go out the window. Here are some reasons why you make want to give that fridge of yours some TLC.

According to about.com the number one reason to clean your fridge is to prevent food poisioning to you or a family member. Spoiled foods could be lurking - ready to attack you as soon as they are consumed. Make sure you go through your expiration dates; do it now!

The bacteria that accumulates in your fridge is due to a number of issues. Not consistantly cleaning your fridge leads to a build-up of bacteria and can cause serious health issues. Fridge cleaning should be done regularly, about every 2 weeks.

One way that bacteria grows in your fridge is the constant passing of germs from hands to items. For example, condiments that are used regularly are always being touched by hands (which can often be dirty without the person even realizing) and put back in the fridge, where it multiplies and spreads. For an easy way to prevent germ and bacteria growth try wiping off condiments prior to putting them back in the fridge.

A great way to clean your fridge (housecleaningcentral.com) is to use 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 quart of warm water. Try to reach in all the little crevices and drawers, as well as shelving and the walls of your fridge to make sure everything gets disinfected.

Katie

Today

 

Carolyn