And The Winner Is?

Pomegranate juice! A UCLA study ranked 10 beverages by their levels of disease fighting antioxidents and pomegranate juice came out on top.

10.) apple juice.

9.) tea.

8.) orange juice.

7.) cranberry juice.

6.) acai juice.

5.) black cherry juice.

4.) blueberry juice.

3.) concord grape juice.

2.) red wine.

1.) pomegranate juice.

"Jam packed with antioxidants and great tasting"! You can't beat that!

Salud!

image found - bremnerfoods.com

"Sugar Fix"

I have to admit my mouth was watering as I was searching for my cookie images - "LOL". I have always loved to bake and cookies are my favorite sinful sweet.

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On "homemadecookies.com" I found some wonderful healthy cookie recipes for anyone who has a sweet tooth like me, but doesn't want to pack on the calories.
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This splendid website offers a wide variety of recipe options including reduced sugar, sugar-free, allergy free (contains no eggs), no bake/no refined flour added recipes. http://www.allhomemadecookies.com/recipeindex/healthycookies.htm
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*My modo is we never have to go without, there are always healthier options for any of our favorite foods/snacks. Just remember as long as you eat them in moderation and exercise regularly, we can treat ourselves once and a while and I know that makes me happy.. :)
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Idea?! "Make some healthy oatmeal raisin cookies to bring to your next summer cookout. You will be the hit of the party when your friends find out that the delicious cookies you brought are actually good for them."

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image found - 101cookbooks.com, harvestlanecandleco.com, sweetendings.com

Challenge Yourself!

Try something new, exciting and fun today!

image found - ratestogo.com

Jump-Start Your Morning

I know eating breakfast is probably one of the toughest things to do consistantly because we are always on the run and never seem to make time for it. We always say to ourselves that we will eat something later and then before you know it, it's lunch time.

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We really need to try to add a healthy breakfast onto our daily to-do-list because it helps us refuel our bodies and jump-start our day with more energy and vitality.

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Instead of grabbing for that donut or pancake try to choose one or a combination of these nutritious, ideal meal options!.

• fruits and vegetables. eat fresh fruits & vegetables (organic is preferred) and 100% real juice, without added sugar.
• whole grains. options- whole grain breads, cereals or crackers and low-fat bran muffins.
• low-fat dairy. options- skim milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses (such as cottage and natural cheeses).
• low-fat protein. options- hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, lean turkey/chicken slices and fish (such as salmon).

If you skimp out on breakfast, you miss out on many health benefits!

image found - zenhabits.net, references mayoclinic.com

Get Off The Couch!

It's suppose to be a sunny, warm, beautiful weekend.
Let's all get up off the couch and go outside, play and enjoy the weather.

We can catch up on all our favorite TV shows when the clouds roll back in.... :)

Happy Friday!

image found - getoffthecouch.com

Man's Best Friend

After a long day at work there is nothing like being greeted by a loving pet when you get home. It has been shown that animals can reduce stress in everyone, including children and people with health conditions.

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Just spending quality time with your animal, walking, petting, playing or just lying beside them is one of the best ways to relax.

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Go ahead, spoil away! You won't hear your pet complaining! :)

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images found - paws4aphoto.com, squidoo.com

Fighting Gravity

Indoor rock climbing anyone? This is something I have been dying to try for the last couple of years but never seemed to get around to it. This is one of my summer goals to make sure I make it happen and soon. The great thing about indoor rock climbing is you can do it anytime of year and never have to worry about the weather. Rock climbing is a good aerobic and anaerobic workout. It also burns calories, builds endurance and mental and physical agility.
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Below I listed two local indoor rock climbing gyms.
http://www.oceanstaterockclimbing.com
http://rhodeislandrockgym.com
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Let me know when you want to go and I'll meet you there!
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."Without gravity you wouldn't have a sport." — Matthew Ketterling.
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images found - cornell.com, tera.govt.nz

Say Cheese!

First impressions are so important and having a bright, white, sparkling smile is key to looking younger and being healthy. Around 75% of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In the earliest stages your teeth may swell and bleed easily, in time you could lose teeth. The bottom line? To keep your teeth, take care of your gums.

Great news though, gum disease is preventable. Attention to everyday oral hygene (brushing & flossing), coupled with professional cleanings twice a year, could just do the trick to prevent gum disease--- and actually reverse the early stage--- so that you may keep your teeth for a lifetime.

How to make flossing a habit?

• Purchase a brand of dental floss you like. They have several great tasting flavors such as cinnamon or mint.
• Leave the floss in your sights to begin, try to keep it on the sink if it helps you remember.
• Try to ALWAYS floss your teeth before brushing. Say to yourself " I can't brush unless I floss first" and try to stick to it!

Tip: Ask your dentist or hygenist if they have any toothbrushes, floss or mouthwash samples. They usually have a big stash and are always happy to provide them to their patients. Everyone loves free stuff!

images found - adonde.com, mikepaulblog.com, bp0.blogger.com

references - fda.gov, eHow.com

What's In Your Ipod?

What motivates me? I can answer that in one word "MUSIC". I love, love, did I mention love music?! Music is always there for us. It gets us through the good times and the bad. The songwriter always seem to know what we are feeling at the exact time we need to hear it. You ever notice you will turn on the radio and the one song that will describe the exact state of mind we are in just happens to be on...Fate? I think so!!!

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When it comes to working out I love fast, heart pumping music to motivate me to keep going stronger, faster and not even think about quitting.

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*Some of my personal favorites are AC/DC, Disturbed, System of a down, Greenday and The Prodigy.

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"Here are a few great websites that list specific artists/bands to listen to seperated by genres."

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http://askthetrainer.com/best-exercise-music.html

http://www.thebestsongs.net/exercise_songs.html

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/music/popular-playlists/the-fitness-top-100-workout-songs/

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"Let music inspire you like "Eye of the tiger" did for all of us rooting for Rocky to win!"

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images found- teamsugar.com/photobucket.com

Destination Success

I found six wonderful, inspiring "SUCCESS" quotes to keep you on the right track in striving to accomplish all your goals. "Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!"

6.) Seventy percent of success in life is showing up."-Woody Allen
5.) "Success is not permanent. The same is also true of failure."-Dell Crossword
4.) "Success is a journey, not a destination."-Ben Sweetland
3.) "Success doesn't come to you; you go to it."-Marva Collins
2.) "The successful always has a number of projects planned, to which he looks forward. Anyone of them could change the course of his life overnight." -Mark Caine

And....
1.)"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."-Dale Carnegie

Carpe Diam!

image found- Seenolimits.com, quotes from articlesbased.com

Hit The Trail

One of my favorite outdoor activities is cycling. It is a great cardio, muscle toning and strengh training workout. It can also be very relaxing if we choose a trail where there is beautiful scenery and lots of fresh air. .

The State of RI Transportation Department has a "bike map" on their website it lists all the bike paths in our neck of the woods. They also list paths that are under contruction or indesign planning so you will have something to look forward to as well.

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Here is the site!

http://www.dot.state.ri.us/bikeri/

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If street riding:

*Please remember to wear a helmet and protective gear while cycling on the street or paths to prevent injuries if you fall off your bike. Always ride with the traffic not against, you want to ride as if you are in a vehicle and stop at stop signs and red lights. Also, don't cycle too close to the curb, there can be sewer grates, potholes, debris and parked cars.

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image found- softpedia.com

Bust A Move

Another creative way to get into shape is dancing. The fact that dancing is magical and transforming we tend to forget that we are actually exercising. Dancing is a great mind-body workout. It makes us laugh, feel good, alive and free.

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Some benefits of dancing are:

• strengthens bones and muscles without hurting your joints
• tones your entire body
• improves your posture and balance, which can prevent falls
• increases your stamina and flexibility
• reduces stress and tension
• builds confidence and provides opportunities to meet people, and ward off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression

Most of all it's loads of fun! So grab your family, friends or partner and kick up your heels and dance the night away!

images found- flickr.com/wordpress.com, references aarp.org

Memorial Day Barbecues!

There is a great article on eHow.com called "How to Avoid Overeating at a Memorial Day Barbecue". It has great information on choosing healthier food options instead of reaching for the greasy potato chips and brownies. When Tuesday comes around you will feel guilt free and still be able to fit in your favorite jeans.

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http://www.ehow.com/how_2287956_avoid-overeating-memorial-day-barbeque.html

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Have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

image found-photobucket.com

Fab Abs!

The summer weather is here and I know most of you woman want to look hot in that bikini bathing suit, or guys, you want to go shirtless an have an amazing flat toned stomach. Losing the stomach poach isn't as easy as it sounds. Let's see what we can do to get you into tip top beach body shape in the next few months.

1.) You will need to slowly reduce your calorie intake so this puts your body into fat burning mode, you will start losing your belly fat gradually.
2.)Aerobic exercise - This helps burn fat from fat cells directly, which includes the stomach.
3.) Strengh training - Here is where you can focus on placing direct stress on those specific trouble spots where you want to lose fat and gain muscle.

I love using an exercise ball to workout my abs. Check out the link below for 3 great belly fat busting exercises. If you don't have an exercise ball I strongly recommend purchasing one (they are very affordable). "If you workout at a gym they usually have a pretty big supply of them, so just pick one that best fits you!"

http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Exercise-to-Lose-Belly-Fat&id=816905

More great sites to check out!
http://www.ehow.com/how_4728540_pack-abs-women.html

For men:
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=muscle.building&topic=abs&conitem=24d999edbbbd201099edbbbd2010cfe793cd____

image found- tightabsfast.com

"Summer Strawberries"

There is nothing like sitting in the backyard on a beautiful summer day and enjoying a juicy, sweet, delightful bowl of fresh strawberries. They are one of my favorite super foods. They also have head-to-toe benefits in every decadent bite.

• One cup of strawberries delivers 136 percent of the RDA of Vitamin C, 15% more than an orange. Vitamin C speeds fat burn in the body by 25%.
• Regular snacking on strawberries can reduce the occurrence of sun induced age spots and freckles by 50% in 5 weeks, according to a Japanese study.
  
• A generous serving of this delicious snack relieves muscle pain better than a dose of aspirin, "without any stomach-irritating side effects".
• Despite the sweetness of strawberries they can boost the bodies resistance to tooth decay by 33%, this was tested by scientists in Sweden. They also contain malic acid which dissolves surface stains on teeth to naturally whiten them.

*Opt for smaller organic strawberries and stay away from the larger conventionally grown ones which harbor toxic pesticides and are often lacking in flavor.

image found- strawberryplanters.net/references first magazine

Sometimes I Feel Like A Nut!

I am a huge fan of mixed nuts. They are the perfect bite-size power snack when you are hungry and you want something that will fill you up without filling you out.

Nuts are high in protein, fiber, antioxidants and monounsaturated fat (the good fat). I wanted to find out what specific benefits each type of nut has to offer.

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Almonds: Loaded with Vitamin E (prevents heart disease) and magnesium (strengthens bones).

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Brazil Nuts: Packed with selenium (antioxidant) and phosphorus (strengthens bones and teeth & assists with energy metabolism).

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Cashews: Rich in selenium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

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Hazelnuts: Contain monounsaturated fat and large amounts of Vitamin E.

Macadamias: Contain monounsaturated fat and the highest level of unsaturated fat (cholesterol lowering).

Peanuts: (not actually a nut, but a legume, but many consider it as part of the nut family) A good source of Vitamin B3 (promoting healthy skin), Vitamin E and zinc (renewing tissue), potassium (muscles) and Vitamin B6 (immunity).

Pecans: Contain monounsaturated fat, with Vitamin B1 (thiamine energy) and zinc.

Pistachios: Contain monounsaturated fat and phosphorus.

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Walnuts: My personal favorite! :) Contain monounsaturated fat and are rich in Omega-3s (reducing fat and cholesterol).

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*It is best to consume these tasty treats in moderation and in the roasted or unsalted variety.

Choose your favorite and get heart healthy!

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image found- nuthealth.org, references helium.com

That's Amore!

Like most Americans one of my favorite past times is eating pizza. It doesn't have to be unhealthy. I found some great tips on ordering a nutritious pizza.

1.) Order a whole wheat crust.
2.) Stick with classic pizza sauce (no buffalo or cream sauces)
3.) Go light on the cheese
4.) Choose grilled chicken (instead of pepperoni or sausage)
5.) Add extra veggies (go crazy! as much as you want)

Mangia, Mangia!!!

image/references found- ehow.com

"Oxygen Bars"

Recently I went on vacation to Las Vegas and I noticed in several malls the big rage was "Oxygen Bars". I had never heard of them until I went there, but they have been around since the 1990's and they were originally created in Japan. So I thought I would research this fascinating fad to see if there was any health benefits associated with inhaling oxygen.

What is a Oxygen Bar? It is where customers will pay a set per-minute fee to inhale oxygen through a tube "called a cannula" inserted up the nasal passage. The patron will supposedly feel peaceful and energized. In some bars they offer flavored oxygen mixed with various aromas. This makes the experience more interesting and euphoric.

This may sound like a very healthy thing to try but after reading about these bars it actually seems that they can cause more harm then good since our bodies don't require any additional oxygen then the 21% oxygen environment that we currently live in.

Some of the essential oils used can also cause a lung infection and unclean filters and reused cannulas can be dangerous.

I think it would be entertaining to experiment with once, since I'm always up to try new things. However, because of the possible side effects I think I'd prefer sticking to a good ole massage or soak in a jacuzzi to relax instead.

image found- airheads1.com

Coffee Break!

Healthy coffee? I am a tea drinker myself, but almost all of my friends are part of the U.S. coffee craze. Seems like no one can even think of starting their day without a hot cup of joe. I wanted to see if there was a healthy alternative to the high caffeine coffee that many consume daily, and I think I did find just that!

It's called "Ganoderma (Gano) Coffee". It has substantially lower caffeine and is said rich flavour and it gives you more energy than fully caffeinated coffee. It is processed organically, free of pesticides, hormones and artifical fertilizers.

*Very low caffeinated regular coffee has approximately 135 mg of caffeine. Gano has only 9 mg, that is a significant difference and definately worth trying.

You can learn more about this coffee on these websites.
http://www.ganoderma-online.com/
http://www.organocoffeecompany.com/index.html

Cheers! To our health!

image found- wealthy-writer.com

Saving Face

When I was 19 I made a conscious decision that I was going to stop the perpetual annual sunbathing routine. I have fair skin but it does eventually tan if I start slowly with sunscreen. Even at 19 I could see the sun damage that was happening to my skin. I said to myself, self is looking good being tan for a few weeks in the summer worth the long term effects on my skin? The answer of course was NO. Luckily with a good skincare regimen and youth I had no long term aging effects on my skin back then.

About 80-90% of visible aging to the skin is caused by ultravoilet rays. I think most of you are aware of the skin cancer risk with over exposure to the sun so I won't beat a dead horse on that subject.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself from any future damage and help repair what has already been done:

1) Avoid mid-day sun, enjoy the early morning and late day fun instead.
2.) When outside wear high SPF/UV sunscreen and clothing, a hat and sunglasses. "Don't forget to protect your hands daily since they are most exposed to the sun and generally show the aging effects on your body first".
3.) Choose a chemical free sunscreen. The chemicals themselves can cause skin damage so read the labels. I recommend - "JASON Naturals Sunbrellas Sun Block".
4.) Exfoliate the skin! You want to repair the damage already done by stimulating the skin to heal itself.
5.) Nourish your skin on the inside by maintaining a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables and blueberries. Omega, flax and hempseed oil are also a great addition to your diet to keep skin healthy.

I love this quote by Jennifer Lopez, who has great skin btw!

“Beauty is only skin deep. I think what's really important is finding a balance of mind, body and spirit. Somebody said to me not too long ago, 'Until you're twenty, you have the face you are born with, and after that you have the face you deserve', and I really loved that - the idea that you wear who you are on your face.”

image found- ivylynn.com, references ehow.com

"Me" Time

Between work, family and friends it seems like we can never find the time to just relax and take some time for ourselves. We are so caught up in the everyday grind and putting others first. So today I wanted for all of us to remember that it's important to set aside some personal time for ourselves to prevent getting burnt out and then be of no use to anyone.

Here are a few things we can do to relax and refuel!

• Read in a coffee shop
• Rent a couple of your favorite movies and veg on the couch
• Take an aromatherapy bath (bubbles optional!)
  
• Cook a nice meal for yourself
  
• Go to the park (bring lunch, book, Ipod or feed the birds)
• Go window shopping (buy something nice for yourself)
• Go for a ride to the beach or country and take pictures
• Get a massage, manicure or pedicure
• Have a glass of wine by candlelight and play some soothing music

And remember "You are worth it"!

image found- prevention.va.gov

Chocolate - Friend or Foe?

Is chocolate good for us? That is the million dollar question. Of course we want to believe that it is because it tastes so darn good. I wanted to get to the "BITTER" truth so I did a little research on the subject and this is what I found out.

"First off if the chocolate has been heated, dutched and cooked that offsets any of the superfood qualities".

Friend?

Raw chocolate possesses one of the highest antioxident ratings and high flavonoid content (flavonoids help heart health). It also interacts with vitamin C & E to make them stronger and more efficient, and some say it's one of the greatest anti-aging foods and it can deactivate free radicals.

The secret to keeping the chocolate potent is not cooking it over 140 degrees fahrenheit. The more natural and under processed the chocolate the healthier it is.

There are very few healthy chocolates to chose from because most manufacturers cook the phytonutriants right out of them.

* Chocolates suppress cough, adds magnesium to the diet and makes milk easier to digest.

Foe?

Chocolate is known to cause heartburn. One of the major drawbacks is the refined white sugar which is harmful to health in many ways. Try to check the Nutrition Facts on the label for how many grams of sugar is in it. If the grams are high you may want to chose a different chocolate.

Chocolate originates from the cacao tree and may also contain pesticides. The EPA allows various levels of pesticide residue to be present in cocoa powder, and the FDA Total Diet Study found them in many chocolate products.

"Choose chocolates with the least amount of refined white sugar or other sweetener. Cacao nibs, cocoa powder, and unsweetened baking chocolate have no sugar at all and can be sweetened with whatever sweetener you choose. Dark "bittersweet" chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa solids have less sugar than semisweet or milk chocolate and also have the greatest health benefits."

My final conclusion is chocolate has both good and bad points and like anything else if you consume a large amount of calories you will gain weight. If you eat it in moderation it has many healthy benefits.

image found-winngarden.org, references dld123.com

I *Heart* My Gym!

I finally gave in and joined a gym again this week. I have always been a more workout at home or outside girl. However, I am getting to the point where I need a more intense training plan and I want one where I can focus on a full body workout with cardio as well as strength training. I did a lot of research online in regards to what gym I wanted to join.

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Here are a few things you should consider when looking for a fitness center depending on your personal needs.

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1.) Location/Cost: You want to choose a gym that is either close to home, work or in between. This will cut down on gas, but will increase the odds you will maintain a consistent routine. You want to find an affordable gym, you will pay less per month is you lock into a contract for a year or more but be careful if you break your agreement a lofty fee may be applied. Most gyms allow you to pay month to month for a more hefty monthly cost.

2.) Gym Culture: Are you looking for a family environment with daycare centers or a gym that is catered to hardcore bodybuilders. There are also female specific gyms like Curves and personal training studios. Your options are endless so you can afford to be picky.

3.) Interests: What do you like to do? Are you a cardio enthusiast, weightlifter, spinner or swimmer? Maybe you like soaking in a hot tub or sweating in a sauna after a workout to loose extra calories. Shop around and look for the right gym that meets all your needs.

4.) Traffic: Find out the hours of operation and what hour’s best fit your schedule. You will want to know when the busiest times are generally between 4pm -8pm on weekdays. If you are a night owl or morning person you may want to find a 24 hour gym so you can have the flexibility to go at your leisure.

5.) Trainers: Ask to see the qualifications of the trainers, ask for references from some of their other clients. Be aware of the equipment and make sure it isn’t old and rusty and that the health club looks clean and well-maintained.

*I recommend getting a 7 day guest pass to a few local gyms and pick the one you like best.

Here is a list of fitness centers you can browse through in your city:

http://www.healthclubdirectory.com/health_clubs/State/United_States/RI/Rhode%20Island/

If Marilyn did it, so can we! :)

images found - fulcrumgallery.com, references higherbar.wordpress.com

"Bosom Buddies"

I wanted to try to think of something that will motivate everyone to start exercising and stay focused. So I thought the best way would be to have a workout partner. It’s great because you can both keep each other in check and also push each other to achieve your goals. If you can’t convince your significant other, any of your family members, or your best friend, there are also local groups that you can join where several people will meet in one location and they meet daily or on a weekly basis. You could even start your own group in your area if there isn’t any.

*There are many kinds of groups you can join depending on your interest and fitness level such as walking, running, swimming, hiking and roller skating.

I found a few websites where they already have existing groups or people who are looking for workout partners. Maybe one is located in your town.

Check them out!

http://health.exercisefriends.com/

http://www.fitlink.com

There are also local sport teams such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf and even dodgeball that you can join with usually just a one-time fee per season.

http://www.yankee.org/leagues.html

http://www.teamworkswarwick.com/

Give it a try! Get out of your comfort zone! Maybe you will even make some great friends along the way!

image found- teamsugar.com

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Bobby McFerrin said it best with his hit song back in 1988. I believe being happy is life's best medicine. We strive for happiness in our lives because it feels so good to be happy. We all clearly understand the meaning of the word happiness. It's like every moment we are in we are either wanting to hold on to that happy moment or we are in search of something outside of ourselves that will make us happy, instead of looking inside ourselves where we should be.

Researchers find:

• Happy people are more likely to have stronger immune systems.
Happier people have less depression, less suicide, and less paranoia than unhappy people, as well as greater self control and coping skills

*A Mayo Clinic study found that optimists (a characteristic of happy people) live longer than pessimists.

Here are a few things to do that can keep us positive even if we are going through tough times.

1.) Give to others in need.

2.) Stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

3.) Curl up with a good book

4.) Call a good friend and invite them over

5.) Watch a comedy ( I recommend Tommy Boy or Airplane)

Life's too short to sweat the small stuff so try to remain focused on what matters in your life.

Go ahead show those pearly whites and smile away! :)

image found- contemplationsofmynotions.blogspot.com, references suite101.com

H2O

Before starting any new exercise regimen it is best we talk about hydration. We can live days, weeks, even months without food, but only 2-3 days without water. On the average, water makes up 60-70% of our body weight. The range is due to the fact that different cells contain diferent amounts of water. Muscle cells, for example, are 70-75% water whereas fat cells are only 10-15% water. Therefore, a muscular person will have a larger percentage of his/her body weight coming from water.

Why is staying hydrated so important?

• in saliva and stomach secretions it helps to digest food
• in blood, it helps transport nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of the body
• in body fluids, it helps lubricate joints and cushions organs and tissues · in urine, it carries waste products out of the body
• in sweat, it removes body heat generated during exercise

*Drinking water is also important for healthy, clear skin.

How much water do I need?

A rule of thumb is 64 oz. which is about 8 glasses of water a day. We also get some fluids from foods we eat (especially fruits and veggies), and from non-caffeinated beverages (fruit juice, sports drinks, milk, vegetable juice, herbal teas).

The chances of drinking too much water is slim to none so feel free to sit back, relax and pour yourself a refreshing glass of H2O, and drink up!

image found-superstock.com, references campushealth.org

Movement Is Life, Life Is Movement

Today I want to talk about what small steps you can take to start getting back into shape. I know it is not always easy to stay motivated when it comes to exercise. Most people dread going to the gym with tons of people and fight for a machine. Or maybe you just don't feel comfortable with your body or don't care enough about yourself to even care at this point. Well I'm here to say you are worth it, we all are and we should be healthy for ourselves because we need to love who we are because this is it, this is who we are so we have to accept and deal with it. We need to try to be the best us we can be.

Movement is the key to staying healthy. Sitting at our desks all day and then sitting on our couch when we come home at night is a sure way to burn no calories and actually can cause depression which triggers comfort eating. Let's get out of these bad habits and try something new which will build our confidence to even do more.

*Here are some simple daily things you can do to start feeling better and have more energy.

Three Things You Can Do at Work:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
  
• Keep a pair of running shoes at your desk and turn lunchtime errands into a power walk.
  
• Park your car a little further away from work so you can get in a walk.

Three Things You Can Do at Home:

• Put an exercise machine like a stationary bicycle, a treadmill or a step climber in front of the television, and work out while you watch.
  
• Do 10 squats or stretch while you’re on the phone.
  
• Stretch in bed before you rise each morning or before you go to sleep at night.
  

Three Things You Can Do at Play:

• Rediscover your neighborhood by taking walks and bike rides.
  
• Take weekend hikes with your family.
  
• Turn fun occasional activities into regular exercise, like salsa dancing, skating or cross-country skiing.

So get up, get out and start moving!

image found-shimmeringpines.com, references bigfattruth.org

EAT this, NOT that

So this is my first official post. I promise I won't make any of them too long so that I loose your attention. :) I came across this great book called "EAT this, NOT that" . I think it is a god send for people who are avid fast food eaters and don't have time to make dinner every night for themselves or their families. You will learn how to navigate the restaurant menu to find healthier options. It is jam-packed with secrets that restaurants don't want you to know.

For example: * Burger King doesn't want you to know that a BK Big Fish® Sandwich and fries have a whopping 1000 calories--nearly half your daily caloric intake! (Fish is usually healthy, but not this kind.) * Pizza Hut doesn't want you to know that a standard pizza in Italy contains 500 to 800 calories, but the same meal at Pizza Hut can top 2,100 calories! (You'd need to ride a stationary bike for more than three hours to burn off this mistake.) Instead, eat all the pizza you want by making smart choices. Macaroni Grill doesn't want you to know that a single serving of their Grilled Teriyaki Salmon has more than three times your daily allowance of sodium! (Cut your risk of high blood pressure by making smart choices at the same restaurant.)

This book is a great asset to have. I recommend keeping it in your glove compartment or copying some pages with the information on specific restaurants that you frequent. Making smart food choices is key to being healthy and could lead to permanent weight loss.

Check it out! Super find!

Book Author - DAVID ZINCZENKO, editor in chief of Men's Health magazine
image/references - amazon.com

The Beginning!

Dear friends,

I decided to start my own blog about health and fitness. I would also like to incorporate information on balancing work and life. I can imagine like me most of you work hard all week and by the end of each day we are tired and lacking motivation. I know I do. I think if all of us look deep inside and BELIEVE in ourselves we can work together to accomplish all of are goals and live happier, healthier lifes. This blog is the first step for me to stay on track and to look to my friends for support and to keep me motivated.

I have been active since I was very young. I played every sport you can think of and I have kept my body in good shape over the years. I have read a plethora of self help/nutrition books and have trained in gyms and took many exercise classes from yoga to strength training. I hope what I have learned from all this studying can help inspire you to get up off that couch and get out there and live.

I will write a new blog daily, so come along for the ride with me and follow my blog. Together we can get healthy, have more energy and fit better in our jeans. Sweats so not attractive. :)

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On your mark, get set.... and.... go! I see the finish line.

image found- photobucket.com