Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thirsty Thursday!

There are so many things to consider when switching to a healthy lifestyle. But the #1 thing you can do is also the most simple, affordable, and beneficial; drink more water!

Health benefits of drinking water
regulate appetite
increase metabolism
boost energy levels
less water retention
alleviate some headaches
help reduce blood pressure
help reduce high cholesterol
ease joint pain
decrease in risk of some cancers
less chance developing kidney stones
release toxic waste products
improves skin

Try this little trick when hunger strikes; have a glass of water! Even before a planned meal. It will fill you up and prevent you from overeating.

Cheers!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Tasty Tuesdays (belated)

Every Tuesday I will post a recipe, but this one is too good to wait until next Tuesday, and besides, we all deserve to indulge a bit on Halloween!





Pumpkin Chocolate Cookies:


1 package spice cake mix
1 15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Drop spoonfuls onto a non stick cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Since this recipe doesn't call for any butter, oil or eggs, they are low in fat! But just keep it to a few cookies and savor every bite. Remember, everything in moderation...

Wednesday wisdom, "Find the time"

Exercise (physical activity) is such an important element to a long, happy, healthy lifestyle. There are so many benefits! Here are a few:

Reduces stress
Helps you manage and maintain a healthy weight
Increases fitness level
Helps build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints
Builds endurance and muscle strength
Enhances flexibility and posture
Lowers risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Helps control blood pressure
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety

Physical activity and nutrition work together for even better health. Being active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism slows, so maintaining energy balance requires moving more and eating less.

Some types of physical activity are especially beneficial:
Aerobic activities – speeds heart rate and breathing and improves heart and lung fitness. Examples are brisk walking, jogging, and swimming.
Resistance, strength building, and weight-bearing activities – helps build and maintain bones and muscles by working them against gravity. Examples are carrying a child, lifting weights, and walking.
Balance and stretching activities – enhances physical stability and flexibility, which reduces risk of injuries. Examples are gentle stretching, dancing, yoga, martial arts, and t’ai chi.

All you need is at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 days of the week. So make the time for it! Whether it be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, of after work. Find what time of day works best for you and stick to it! The benefits far outweigh the guilt of skipping a workout.

Back in business

Hello all!

I apologize for being in hiatus for a while. I have been busy at work, moved into a new home, chasing after my 1 1/2 year old and have re-upped my Personal Fitness Trainer certification.

I would like to begin posting frequent health/fitness/motivational tips for all to benefit from, so please be sure to check in frequently to hear my words of wisdom, for what it is worth to you.

Thank you everyone for your support!

Sincerely,
Sarah Penrod