Sometimes a workout doesn't really even feel like a workout. In my opinion, if you don't at least like what you're doing to get some exercise in, you won't keep up with it long. We're so lucky to have such amazing bike paths in and around the city so it won't be too hard to map out your commute to work on your bike. It's bike to work week so there's lots of fun things going on, too! There are stations around town from 7:15-9am where you can pick up some coffee and treats. Then to close it all out on Friday from 4:30-7pm head to Cronometro for free snacks and drinks. And if you don't have a bike, you're in luck. Madison's B-Cycle bicycle-sharing program is waiving its 24-hour access $5 fee so youcan try it out free for the first 30 minutes. You'll be getting in a workout and not really even noticing it plus you'll get to work with an adrenaline rush ready for anything. Make sure to truly enjoy it. Stop and smell the hyacinth and take special note of the birds chirping and the sun shining. You'll be happy you did. Click here for some more great bike ideas from Fort Health Care.
When the weather is warmer, we tend to get that hankering for something cold and sweet after dinner. Frozen yogurt is all the rage right now with yogurt bars popping up all over the place. Grab a cup, choose your flavor, plop some toppings on there and toss it on the scale. It's true that frozen yogurt is a healthier choice compared to some other desserts, but I wouldn't go as far as saying it's good for you. For example, a 16 ounce cup of frozen yogurt with a banana and coconut for toppings is about 530 calories...compared to a pint of Ben and Jerry's chocolate fudge brownie which is 640 calories so there's a right way and a wrong way to do frozen yogurt. Keep in mind that while frozen yogurt is usually low fat or even fat free, it's still got plenty of calories and sugar that add up quickly. Choose the small cup and stick to fresh fruit for toppings. Stay away from the granola, dried cranberries, yogurt chips, cereals and mixed nuts which are usually mistaken for healthy choices. Also...frozen yogurt doesn't have the wonderful probiotics in it that the stuff from your fridge has. That's because probiotics are very delicate and they usually don't survive being frozen. So go ahead and grab a FroYo...but enjoy it just like everything else...in moderation. For more tips on fueling for fitness...click here!
During the hot, sweaty summer months it's pretty easy to remember to stay hydrated. But as we sit here waiting for spring to actually show up one of these days, it's easy to forget to drink water. You need 64 to 96 ounces of water per day to stay hydrated...and that amount varies according to things like whether or not you're working out or the temperature outside. Your mouth should never be dry and your urine should be light yellow...about the color of lemonade. And water is the best way to go...unless you're training for a marathon, you have absolutely no need for sports drinks or extra electrolytes...just good ol' fashioned, free water. When you're properly hydrated and fueled you'll have a better workout and there's less chance for injury. And if exercise isn't on your agenda for the day, staying fueled will still help you by keeping you alert and functioning at your best level. Click here for more tips on staying properly fueled.
It's not an April Fools joke...your fridge is full of hard-boiled Easter eggs. Your family made some great memories dying them...and now what? There are few nutritional debates that are more heated than that of the egg. If you uncover all of the myths...eggs are a fantastic food for a healthy lifestyle. Eggs are only about 70 calories and have a great balance of six grams of protein and five grams of fat...which means you'll stay fuller, longer. And don't pop out the yolk...it's the most nutritious part! There's an amino acid in the yolk called leucine that triggers your body to start building muscle...plus half of the protein is in the yolk. And if the only thing stopping you from eating those beautifully-colored pink, blue and purple eggs is the fact that you don't have any recipes to put them in...then I've got you covered there, too. Just click here for some great, healthy ideas.
Now let's remember. Everything is fine in moderation. (Yes a Reese's peanut butter cup from your kid's Easter basket is just fine here and there.) And with this nicer weather...along with moderation, exercise is another things that helps you take off some pounds. I have Arthritis in my knees so I've started to look for ways other than running to get my exercise high. Bicycling is an awesome way to take the pressure off your joints and also take in the gorgeous bike paths in the area. Fort Healthcare is all about a good bike ride and wants to help you with a chance to win $50 to spend at 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor in Fort Atkinson. Just email me for info or to win! Good luck!
I think we can be honest here...we are, afterall doing this whole healthy together. I've gained six pounds since the holidays and am just kicking myself for it. Was it the pumpkin pie, the stuffing or the mulled red wine that put me over the top? I'll never know...but it sure was more fun putting on than trying to take it back off. My jeans that started to fit pretty darn well if I do say so myself, just don't fit like they did pre-Turkey day. But we'll get back there. With exercise and watching what I'm eating...it's time to get ready for swimsuit weather! Or maybe...capri weather. That' seems less daunting. So if you've got a few or a bunch of pounds to lose, one of the main things that guarantees success...is having someone to hold you accountable. I'm gonna be that person for you, if you'll be that person for me. Let me know your tips and goals and I'll do the same. Enjoy the ride!
A:I just got the low-down on this from listener, Allison. She said she and her husband, Brian eat absolutely no processed foods. Lots of fresh chicken and turkey without the skin and as you can imagine, lots of fruits and veggies. Quinoa, kale, spinach, fish, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal with cinnamon, eggs, flaxseed, nuts and coconut water are a couple other things that make the list on this way of life. All together it's an attempt to take out the pre-packaged, frozen and canned food and get back to the days of making our meals and snacks from scratch. And this doesn't take as much time as it sounds. Allison says a snack she loves is plain Greek yogurt with some real maple syrup in it. Way to go Allison and Brian!
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