Reading Food Labels For Healthy Choices

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXWKYqgAiE5onaHv8OJ3VHlZ8-gB8PHIX3NgHpxN6vaDnimiQ2yVT-7kZThf5FNO6cuNoiDIEUL_tnYjeWc8Nwhp0PxGa6_N2Ifuq6IOwQbJCvj7xhBNi45tH1B2uG1nnIUwlB2jYQIHB/s1600/nutrition_facts.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Person reading food labels." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXWKYqgAiE5onaHv8OJ3VHlZ8-gB8PHIX3NgHpxN6vaDnimiQ2yVT-7kZThf5FNO6cuNoiDIEUL_tnYjeWc8Nwhp0PxGa6_N2Ifuq6IOwQbJCvj7xhBNi45tH1B2uG1nnIUwlB2jYQIHB/s1600/nutrition_facts.png" title="food label" /></a></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The skill of reading food labels and understanding what they mean is an important aspect of healthy grocery shopping. Make sure you’re keeping the nutrition of your family a priority by learning what to look for in a food label.</span><div> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <h4> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Serving Size</span></span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />When reading food labels, remember that the serving size is a measurement of how much of the food is recommended for one person to consume. It’s important to take a look at this number and compare it to how much you eat. If the serving size is one cup, and you are eating two cups, then the nutritional values need to be doubled when you are reading the food labels. If you are reading a label, look for the serving size indication at the top, left-hand side of the label.<br /></span><h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Percent Daily Value</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />The percent daily value that you see when reading a food label is the approximate amount of the nutrient that you will receive from a serving size. This number is based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so it is skewed if you are eating more than or less than a 2,000 calorie diet. It’s also important to note that the number will need to be adjusted if you are eating more or less than the serving size. When reading a label, the percent daily value is usually the number listed down the right-hand side of the label.<br /></span><h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Higher is Better</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Naturally, you want the most nutrition for your family. When reading food labels, look for high numbers in the healthier elements of the label. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard on anything, but find a healthy balance. <br /><br />Things that are better for your health that you will find on the food labels are fiber, all vitamins, all minerals, calcium, iron, and protein. <br /></span><h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lower is Better</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />On the flip side, there are a few things to be wary of when reading food labels. Certain types of fat and added ingredients can be unhealthy and add risks to your health. <br /><br />Things that can have added risks with excess intake are saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugar. Be sure to take a look at them when reading food labels.<br /><br /><br /><b>I hope you learned a little something about reading food labels with this information. What are some foods you like to buy because of their nutritional values?</b></span></div>

food, nutrition, nutrition labels, nutritional

Reading Food Labels For Healthy Choices

The skill of reading food labels and understanding what they mean is an important aspect of healthy grocery shopping. Make sure you’re kee...

The Amazing Health Benefits of a Sauna

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE-zvaQbym2PvsSN7avrIu2yMkgdJJQu8B15RgNYurojRXUIbpgqr3k5NWcaadPCchAlYEkc137hqrJVKxG32G4crPvJFoksh2-NTuja5sgqtsq3hAKRY9XCz_k_02MXmMPxymNarKgvl/s1600/health_benefits_sauna.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="The interior of a sauna to demonstrate the health benefits of a sauna. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE-zvaQbym2PvsSN7avrIu2yMkgdJJQu8B15RgNYurojRXUIbpgqr3k5NWcaadPCchAlYEkc137hqrJVKxG32G4crPvJFoksh2-NTuja5sgqtsq3hAKRY9XCz_k_02MXmMPxymNarKgvl/s1600/health_benefits_sauna.png" title="Sauna" /></a></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gyms that have ample amenities are great for enjoying the health benefits of a sauna. You can also purchase your own if you know you’ll be using it a lot, but they can be spendy. Besides the amazing health benefits of taking regular sauna breaks, it also feels so nice!</span><h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The health benefits of a sauna</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Detoxify. When you sit in a sauna, your body starts to sweat out toxins, getting rid of the toxic elements that we use and breathe on a daily basis. I love knowing the health benefits of a sauna; it helps me relax and enjoy the time to myself.<br /><br />Heart health. More awesome health benefits of a sauna include the impact on blood flow. The heat from the sauna dilates blood vessels, which increases blood circulation. This helps to speed up the body’s natural healing process, encourage healthy cell growth and improve stimulation.<br /><br />Skin health. Being in a sauna really opens up the pores so your body can release toxins that might otherwise get caught under your skin, causing blemishes. The detoxifying health benefits of a sauna cause the bacteria to sweat off your skin, leaving it smoother and clearer. What’s not to love about that? <br /><br />Stress Relief. Aside from the fact that you are in a quiet place without the distractions of life, the heat from the sauna relaxes your muscles and releases endorphins, so it should improve your mood. Stretching after or during a sauna visit is usually helpful to feel extra relaxed and receive more of the health benefits of a sauna.<br /><br />Fight Illness. The heat of the sauna encourages white blood cells to produce at a quicker pace, which is helpful for fighting illnesses and killing viruses. Breathing in the steam of the sauna can also help clear up congestion and sinus pressure to relieve common symptoms of illness.<br /></span><h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How to use a sauna:</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><ul> <li>Lightly invigorate your skin by rubbing a dry washcloth over it.</li> <li>Sit in the sauna as long as you are comfortable (usually 10 minutes or so). If you start feeling dizzy or uncomfortable, it’s time to get out.</li> <li>It’s best to immerse yourself immediately in cold water after the sauna to close your pores and reinforce your skin's protective state. Not my favorite part but it feels really great afterwards.</li> <li>Enjoy the relaxed feeling!</li> </ul> <div> <br /></div> <b>Healthy body, healthy skin and stress relief are a few of the great health benefits of a sauna. Start using a sauna regularly to see if you notice the difference!</b></span><div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>

relaxation, sauna

The Amazing Health Benefits of a Sauna

Gyms that have ample amenities are great for enjoying the health benefits of a sauna. You can also purchase your own if you know you’ll be...

Key Exercises for a Tightening Foam Roller Workout

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeds3gKe1QEAxLycwOcYCPa3V002QGCxP28IEJtYFJfoe0VUyhw9SHK9sbso5mu0gb7GS-380XOTtmmbx1G1EXDwoe1J4qoidvBkDFxVUJAUJ84sWTI_ItULiz9oMrVdmta7N-oQMckKE/s1600/foam_roller_workout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foam roller workout accessories including a foam roller and yoga block. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeds3gKe1QEAxLycwOcYCPa3V002QGCxP28IEJtYFJfoe0VUyhw9SHK9sbso5mu0gb7GS-380XOTtmmbx1G1EXDwoe1J4qoidvBkDFxVUJAUJ84sWTI_ItULiz9oMrVdmta7N-oQMckKE/s1600/foam_roller_workout.png" title="foam rollers" /></a></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Typically, a foam roller is used for myofascial release in muscles after a workout, but I’ve created a nifty foam roller workout to build muscle, all you need is the roller! Try this out on one of those days you can’t make it to the gym but can spare a few minutes at home.<br /> </span><br /> <h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Foam Roller Workout:</span></h4> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chair Hold: Do a chair hold against the wall with your foam roller placed vertically between the wall and your spine. Hold for 30 seconds while lifting your right hand to touch the wall above you and left hand to touch the wall below you, keeping your arms straight. Alternate arms up and down during the chair hold. Repeat four times for this exercise in the foam roller workout.<br /><br /><br />Side Lunge: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold the roller horizontally across the chest, with palms facing in on either side of the roller. Step into a deep side lunge, while lifting foam roller to straight overhead as high as possible. Return to standing and bring roller back to center. Repeat with opposite leg lunge. Do ten reps on each side.<br /><br /><br />Pike Roll: Sit in a pike position with the roller underneath your knees for this foam roller workout move. With one hand at each side, push hands into floor and lift bum so it’s not touching the ground. Roll legs forward, then backward as far as you can. Keep it slow and try to keep as little weight on the roller as possible. Do four sets of five.<br /><br /><br />Plank Holds: Hold a plank position with the roller underneath your ankles, focusing on keeping your back rounded and hips flat. Then, walk backward with your hands to roll the roller up to the thighs and hold the plank in an open shape, holding feet up as high as possible. Do four sets of ten seconds for each plank.<br /><br /><br />Sit Up Holds: Place the roller horizontally under lower back with your feet on the floor. Perform a sit up motion until abs are fully engaged, and then hold for ten seconds and lower back down. Perform ten times. You can intensify this foam roller workout move by holding weights while performing it. <br /><br /><br />Push-Ups: Hold a push-up shape with hands on the roller. Walk right hand to the floor on the right side and left hand to the right edge of the roller. Push up, and then walk hands to the left side of the roller and perform the same move on the other side. Do ten on each side.<br /><br /><br />Butt Lifts: Lay on your back with your feet close to your butt and on the foam roller. With your arms on the floor beside you, lift butt until hips are up and flat, hold five seconds and lower back down. Repeat this foam roller workout exercise ten times. <br /><br /><br />Leg Lifts: Lay on back with knees bent and feet on the foam roller. Extend the left leg out, keeping the right leg on the roller. Lift as high as you can with straight leg, then lower back down. Repeat ten times, then switch to right leg. Do three sets on each leg.<br /><br /><br />Warning: this foam roller workout can be pretty difficult to begin. Feel free to start with smaller numbers and work your way up. Also, this is a workout, not stretching; you can refer to my <a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/2014/11/the-foam-roller-and-sore-muscle-recovery.html">other blog post</a> about using a foam roller for myofascial release if that’s what your goal is. <br /><br /><br /><b>A foam roller workout is a great way to get a really great workout in with just one piece of equipment. Time to get your fitness on! </b></span>

Alyssa schomaker, cardio, Core, exercise, fitness, foam, foam roller workout, workout

Key Exercises for a Tightening Foam Roller Workout

Typically, a foam roller is used for myofascial release in muscles after a workout, but I’ve created a nifty foam roller workout to build ...

How To Decide On Joining a Gym or Home Workouts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahiV2utTwhVYG3kNKWymYxsGEyA7JQE0BZqiAm3o3mzCoi9Zwiv0zG3pbF4c3PUzyOrqglz6Nw3j4k_6b3yaTpThKkdJT3t0ScMdL5VyBVqBKG8H2QKLPhq4HDFCVJ07pAEbLCS076wxi/s1600/joining_gym.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join a gym - gym equipment in a gym setting. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahiV2utTwhVYG3kNKWymYxsGEyA7JQE0BZqiAm3o3mzCoi9Zwiv0zG3pbF4c3PUzyOrqglz6Nw3j4k_6b3yaTpThKkdJT3t0ScMdL5VyBVqBKG8H2QKLPhq4HDFCVJ07pAEbLCS076wxi/s1600/joining_gym.png" title="Joining a gym." /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Joining a gym is a great way to get or stay fit, but so are home workouts. So, which should you choose? Check out this list of the pros and cons of each and then decide which is better for you. Oh, and remember, joining a gym AND doing home workouts are great in combination! </span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-0f83172c-c215-a4f6-524a-90b8e895b382" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Benefits of Home workouts:</b></span></span></h4> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Location. Obviously, your home is the most convenient location. You don’t have to worry about making the drive or finding a babysitter while the kids are sleeping. </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">You can design your own program. The great thing about home workouts is you can decide on your goals and then find the workouts that will help you meet them. This is especially awesome if you have team Beachbody to help you out! </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Privacy. Not only can you do your workouts in peace, you can sing or blast music as loud as you want, look at yourself in the mirror as much as you want and no one will see. Plus, you don’t have to worry about anyone else’s germs being on the equipment you use.  </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">No membership fees. With home workouts, you pay the upfront cost of the workout DVD’s and the equipment you need and then you are done! There will be no monthly fees that get subtracted from your account.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Create your own environment. You can surround yourself with the environment that will help you work out the best. This might mean making it dark, turning a fan directly on you, lighting a candle, or inviting a friend to do the workout with you.  </span></span></div> </li> </ul> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Challenges of Home Workouts:</span></span></h4> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Distractions. Sometimes the distractions of a messy room or other things that need to get done around the house can get in the way of a full workout.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Motivation. If you don’t know how to motivate yourself, the couch might have a stronger pull than your yoga mat.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Cost of equipment. You can buy expensive equipment that will cost you, but there are ways around this. Beachbody workouts use minimal equipment and a lot of them are designed to use the weight of your own body for intensity.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Benefits of Joining a Gym:</span></span></h4> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Great equipment selection. When joining a gym, you get to access all the benefits the gym has to offer. This includes a wide range of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, pool, sauna and other offerings that the gym has available. </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Access to personal trainers. Personal trainers can help you come up with a plan and set up workout sessions to keep you accountable and motivated for gym visits.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Access to group classes. There are usually group classes to check out when joining a gym. This is a great way to learn yoga or how to get the best out of a spin workout.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Less personal distractions. While there are people all around that can be quite distracting, joining a gym will give you less personal distractions. No mess to clean up, laundry to fold or refrigerator calling your name.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Challenges of Joining a Gym:</span></span></h4> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">More time spent. Joining a gym will end up using more of your time because you will have to drive to and from the gym. This can really be a problem when there aren’t many gyms near your home.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">No privacy. You can’t stop other people from joining the gym so there will always be people sharing the space. Plus, you never know what germs or body odors you will experience while at the gym. There’s always the chance that it gets crowded and you will have to wait for equipment to be available.</span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Costs. Not only will you have to pay a membership fee, some places require a start-up fee for joining a gym. Plus, there can be additional costs associated with personal trainers or group classes. </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Limited access. Joining a gym means you work around the gym’s schedule. Your workouts are determined by when the gym is open, not when it’s convenient for you.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Do you think joining a gym is right for you? Or home workouts? Or both? Whichever option is best for your lifestyle, I’m just happy you are committing yourself to fitness!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>

cardio, exercise, fitness, home, home gym, home vs. gym, joining a gym, workout

How To Decide On Joining a Gym or Home Workouts

Joining a gym is a great way to get or stay fit, but so are home workouts. So, which should you choose? Check out this list of the pros a...

5 Different Ways To Make Tasty Chicken

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf8EAboEBh7MkW6DVklL3aMKvXDdbArPEebUAoncQq35ARZ6elCEGMYfZ8nn99yy9EWTZSRon3RtFGtTiES5l_QFbnX1vLOSdLz6uZFjk21zVaZ8Xn0awjiFaxfBrqS7xn5FKT8X6f6I9/s1600/tasty_chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tasty chicken on a cutting board with greens and a tomato. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf8EAboEBh7MkW6DVklL3aMKvXDdbArPEebUAoncQq35ARZ6elCEGMYfZ8nn99yy9EWTZSRon3RtFGtTiES5l_QFbnX1vLOSdLz6uZFjk21zVaZ8Xn0awjiFaxfBrqS7xn5FKT8X6f6I9/s1600/tasty_chicken.png" title="Tasty chicken" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Chicken is a great source of protein and a common ingredient in family dinners. But the same old recipes can get boring, so I’ve got a few tricks to help you make tasty chicken with new twists!</span></span></div> <h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></h3> <h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Ideas For Tasty Chicken Dinners:</span></span></h3> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Salsa.</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This is a great change for tasty chicken when you crave a really fresh taste. I love making a an avocado salsa by chopping up one tomato, one avocado, cilantro and half a red onion. Just mix them up and serve on top of the chicken with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dash of salt and pepper. Perfect with a side of rice or salad.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Marinade.</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A simple way to add new flavor to dinner is to use a marinade for tasty chicken preparation. Try combining the following ingredients in a ziploc bag. Then fork a few holes in the thawed chicken breasts, add to the bag and shake. Store in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors sink in. Then cook as usual for great flavor.</span></span><br /> <ul><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;"> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ cup balsamic vinegar</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 clove garlic, minced</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tablespoons lemon juice</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tablespoon lemon zest</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon red chili flakes</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tablespoon dried oregano</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon pepper</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon onion powder </span></li> </span></ul> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Dry Rub. </b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Give your meal a fun kick by using a spicy dry rub before cooking the tasty chicken. Mix the following dry ingredients and then rub about a teaspoon of the mixture on each thawed chicken breast. I recommend baking in the oven when using dry rub to keep all the herbs on the chicken breasts as they cook.</span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <ul> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tablespoon ground cumin</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 Tablespoon paprika</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Tablespoon brown sugar</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">¼ teaspoon cinnamon</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon garlic powder</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon salt</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon cayenne pepper</span></li> </ul> <ul><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></ul> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Lettuce Wrap.</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Well, this is a simple one but it really freshens up a chicken meal! Put chicken, peppers, onions, avocado, salt, pepper, turkey bacon and any other of your favorite sandwich ingredients into a large leaf lettuce. Roll up and enjoy! </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sauce.</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A great way to make tasty chicken and efficiently use your time is to make a delicious sauce while you cook the chicken breasts. Try this great recipe for barbeque sauce to serve over grilled chicken:</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <ul><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tablespoons pure maple syrup</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tablespoon honey</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon garlic powder</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon onion powder</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½  teaspoon sea salt</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon red pepper flakes</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon paprika</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">¼ teaspoon all spice</span></li> <li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ cup water</span></li> </span></ul> <span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring to a boil and let simmer for 20 minutes or until desired consistency, then serve over chicken breasts. I like serving this with a fresh side salad! </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">I hope these tasty chicken ideas have re-kindled or sparked your love for chicken. Experiment with flavor and spruce up your chicken dinners with these ideas, and make up some of your own! </span></span></div> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div> </div>

chicken, chicken recipe, fitness, health, healthy, healthy choices, healthy dinner, healthy foods, Healthy recipes, nutrition, Recipes

5 Different Ways To Make Tasty Chicken

Chicken is a great source of protein and a common ingredient in family dinners. But the same old recipes can get boring, so I’ve got a ...

Fitness and Business Extreme Bootcamp: Turn your Fitness into your Business

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ehWYdmHQ6hs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ehWYdmHQ6hs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Hello there friends! Hope that you are staying warm on this cold winter day! I have spent most of the day getting caught up on my emails and messages. The kids had a ton of snow days last week so I spent the time enjoying them and our time together. After reading through and answering a ton of questions from you.. I decided that a FUN group was in order. Are you ready to shed some pounds together and learn how I was able to change my love and passion for Fitness and helping others into a business.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Introduce the <span style="line-height: 15.4559993743896px;">FREE FITNESS AND BUSINESS opportunity EXTREME BOOTCAMP!!!!</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Disclaimer: This GROUP has NO FEE'S. IT WILL LAST 7 DAYS. Expect to shed weight and learn how to earn $$ as a coach!</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /> Did you know that it is possible to turn your fitness goals into a business? I did and it has completely changed my life.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /> </span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4559993743896px;"> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"> :::::::Well here is the deal I am opening my first 5 Day Fitness and Business opportunity Extreme Boot Camp. For 5 straight days you are going to live in the life of me and learn what I do and how I do it all from the comfort of your home (even in your PJ's if you wish)</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"> Here is what you can expect:<br /> 1. A clean eating meal plan to follow for 5 days.<br /> 2. Daily workouts.<br /> 3. Fit tips and advice.<br /> 4. You will get daily videos from me about What Beachbody Coaching is and how it all works! You will learn from myself and several other leaders on our team about how to start a business with your fitness and pay your fitness forward.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Last day to join us on February 24th!</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Just fill out the application below and I will get you added ASAP.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Also, friend me on <a href="http://facebook.com/alyssaschomakerfitness">Facebook</a> while you are at it so I can get you into the group once your application has been reviewed!</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Excited to meet everyone!</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> See you on the flip side!</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> <br /></div> </div> <br /> <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="1639" scrolling="no" src="https://alyssaschomaker.wufoo.com/embed/zg8p5jw1m9n5ha/" style="border: none; width: 100%;"><a href="https://alyssaschomaker.wufoo.com/forms/zg8p5jw1m9n5ha/">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a></iframe>

A fit nurse, Alyssa schomaker, bootcamp, Coaching oppurtunity, daily workouts, fitness, meal plan, Royal Republic, top 10 beachbody coach, Top coach training

Fitness and Business Extreme Bootcamp: Turn your Fitness into your Business

Hello there friends! Hope that you are staying warm on this cold winter day! I have spent most of the day getting caught up on my email...

How To Lift Your Mood With Exercise

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjatETQwGYS34JgOvGU-ogfmeOGbxn43WF3hhvGBfVGziutvpeu6nqyMMaPrSOK99BIEB2keD-smtETWKzykWL9aCA2pa3bA-4UWUW5PGGbXTEeMZjcjBiL8s2Viv5mpTglUAnSRBXNFfB/s1600/mood_excersise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yoga mats a - Yoga is one way to practice how to lift your mood using exercise. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjatETQwGYS34JgOvGU-ogfmeOGbxn43WF3hhvGBfVGziutvpeu6nqyMMaPrSOK99BIEB2keD-smtETWKzykWL9aCA2pa3bA-4UWUW5PGGbXTEeMZjcjBiL8s2Viv5mpTglUAnSRBXNFfB/s1600/mood_excersise.png" title="How to lift your mood. " /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Do you know how to lift your mood with exercise? That’s right, it’s not only good for the body, but for the mind and brain, too! Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, a feel good chemical that helps you feel great. </span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-84a2bdb2-a365-e2b9-62ab-40c5becdcbe4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">To learn how to lift your mood and experience the benefits of endorphins, commit to at least 30 minutes a day of intentional activities to get your heart rate up. This can be any combination of weight training or cardiovascular exercise. Remember, you should challenge yourself by pushing a little more each time to get the most out of your exercise and improve your mood.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">So, if you the winter blues have got to you, try these different forms of exercise to get fit and lift your spirits! </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">How To Lift Your Mood With Exercise</span></span></h4> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Dance:</b> Shake it! You can have a dance party with the kids, go out for a girl’s night of dancing, or take a zumba class at your local gym. You can also follow an instructional video if you don’t want to be anywhere people will see your sweet moves. :)</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Yoga:</b> Nothing like a zen bit of yoga to release endorphins and get you feeling strong, balanced and steady. You can go to a class, or grab a video like P90X yoga to get started.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Biking: </b>If you’re sitting around trying to think of how to lift your mood, try getting on a bike and thinking about it. Then, you’ll actually be lifting your mood with the exercise, PLUS you might even think of other great ways to get in a bit of extra cardio.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Swimming: </b>I love this one in the summer! A great way to stay in shape without putting any strain on the joints. Plus, who doesn’t like a trip to the beach?</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Walking:</b> If you’re not up for a really intense workout but still need a stimulation, try a nice walk. There’s nothing wrong with breathing in the fresh air and taking in your surroundings with a walk around the neighborhood or on a nearby trail.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Yardwork:</b> Don’t put it off! Wondering how to lift your mood while getting something done? Yardwork is the answer. Mow your lawn, weed the garden, rake leaves and do whatever you can to get the lawn looking great and your mood up.</span></span></div> <b><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Playing:</b> That’s right, just play. If you’re wondering how to lift your mood with exercise when you have kids preventing you from working out, just play. Commit 30 minutes to take them to the park or play tag or go ice skating. Quality family time and exercise are sure to lift your mood!</span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try it out and you will see how to improve your mood with exercise - just do it! Fit in exercise each day in any way you can. If you have any great ideas, share them in the comments section so we can all learn new and creative ways to get our heart beats up and lift our moods! </span><br /> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>

dance, exercise, exercises for improving mood, fitness, habits, health, mood, mood lifting, nutrition, playing, swimming, walking, winter blues, Yoga

How To Lift Your Mood With Exercise

Do you know how to lift your mood with exercise? That’s right, it’s not only good for the body, but for the mind and brain, too! Exercise...

Tips and Tricks For Making Homemade Baby Food

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPrafvLUGQpEke5m_qP5mCdF_7M91bn7n0gwbmqoaV6ZuIf5VBYkcdyPPGXRdgW9BMRJE9QC4wq3EANrfj7jNb-1v_NcCPEVgE6jLoO3awcoLoeOZ8jgrT47KLnAh6J8yVwyAYkvPhT4R/s1600/homeade_baby_food.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jar full from making homemade baby food. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPrafvLUGQpEke5m_qP5mCdF_7M91bn7n0gwbmqoaV6ZuIf5VBYkcdyPPGXRdgW9BMRJE9QC4wq3EANrfj7jNb-1v_NcCPEVgE6jLoO3awcoLoeOZ8jgrT47KLnAh6J8yVwyAYkvPhT4R/s1600/homeade_baby_food.png" title="jar of homemade baby food" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Introduce your babies to eating clean right away by making homemade baby food! This is an awesome way to start your kids off on a healthy foot right away. If you have older kids, they can help with making homemade baby food and learn about the health benefits of each ingredient.</span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-b06ed009-a355-7f58-184b-b1214728dc36" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Benefits of Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">I love being able to see all the ingredients that go into my food and my baby’s food. That’s why making homemade baby food is a great option! All the ingredients are fresh and have no preservatives or added sugars, making it the most nutritious option for babies. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Allergies are less likely and easy to pinpoint in babies when they eat homemade baby food, since you know exactly what went into each meal. It takes a little extra time to start making homemade baby food, but I highly encourage it! You can usually start incorporating baby food into the diet when your baby is around six months old, but make sure to check in with your pediatrician first.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Precautions for Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Be sure to use the highest degree of cleanliness when making homemade baby food; you don’t want any bacteria making it’s way into the food or getting your baby sick. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Remember, all kids have different taste preferences, so they won’t always like everything - it’s not your fault! Pay attention to if the child has any allergy-like symptoms so you can narrow down which ingredient your baby might be allergic to.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Always consult your pediatrician before trying any new foods with your infant to make sure they are safe and will have nutritious value to your growing baby.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">When you start incorporating foods into your baby’s diet, try using just one ingredient to start off with. Avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes are great options for first-time food eaters because they are delicious, nutritious and easy to digest.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For avocados, de-pit and scrape out the soft part of the avocado. Then, simply mash until smooth. </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For bananas, peel the banana and then puree in a blender or food processor. Make sure it is a ripe banana so it is nice and soft when pureed.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For sweet potatoes, wash and poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork and then wrap in tin foil. Cook in an oven at 400 degrees until soft, about 30 minutes. Puree with blender or food processor.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">You can also add formula or breast milk to any of these if the consistency doesn’t seem smooth or soft enough for your baby to eat. </span></span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Making homemade baby food is such a fabulous way to get into the clean eating habit. I recommend talking to your pediatrician about it before you begin. Your pediatrician should be able to direct you to some great resources with recipes and the best ingredients to try!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>

baby, baby food, baby recipes, homemade baby food, kids, Kids Health, motherhood, mothers, Recipes, toddlers

Tips and Tricks For Making Homemade Baby Food

Introduce your babies to eating clean right away by making homemade baby food! This is an awesome way to start your kids off on a healthy...