So I noticed that my heart needs to work a bit harder now than it ever used to… to do simple things such as… walk me up a flight of stairs, digest a meal after OverEating!, drinking more than one glass of alcohol, dancing…etc. This is not good. This is a sign that I must get shaking and moving. I must do cardio respiratory exercise much much MUCH more often. What happened? I got out of rhythm. I had a schedule that allowed me to work out regularly with at minimum 30 minutes of cardio activity 4 days per week for many years and I felt amazing! and now, I’ve let it all go. NOT ACCEPTABLE. My heart won’t take that. I notice it. In everyday activity. I hate it. I must not be lazy. I must make amends with my body. I must take action. I must force myself to get back into rhythm. If I do not, my heart will just work too hard and then clonk out when I least expect it…or should I say expect it, because I do realize that I should expect it and I don’t want to expect it, so I will make change….I will make change…. I will prioritize around my health.. how can I not? How could I allow myself to not prioritize around my health. How could anyone? Are we that dumb? Man, I mean… the human species. I suppose we are, for the most part. We take advantage of almost any situation we think we could ‘get away with’ because we tend to take things for granted until they fall back in our face and smack us around. We of all species should be more intelligent..we have the capacity to understand and change our behavior…WHY IS IT SO HARD? I don’t know. But I do know that if I don’t take action right away, tomorrow will not wait and tomorrow may be too late.
Moderation, moderation, moderation…. Balance, balance, balance.
It can be done. It will be done.
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. The universal law of attraction is always in action. If you dwell on negative you inevitably draw more negative into your life.
For years now it's been the same routine- get up; go to work; drive straight to the gym and follow simple, mundane weight lifting instructions on a notepad. This was up until about a year ago, when I discovered that this habitual practice was demoralizing and ultimately making me miserable. Sure, life can be routine, but it's in that routine that we can exercise our creativity to conjure up new ways to make fitness exciting.
For some people, this could mean simple tweaks in their written/routine free-weight exercises, starting with chest and ending the week with arms. For others, it's about hopping on that bike and/or treadmill and running that extra five miles a day. It's my strong recommendation that you immerse yourself in a solid mix of cardio and free weight exercises as not to create boredom, or lack of will. BUT, don't make your schedule the same each week; spontaneity is key! Sure, there are those who say they've come to learn to love what they do, charming the same weight-lifting regimen weekly while avoiding anything irregular as not to "tarnish" their workout. Learning to love however, is different from naturally engaging in something that's enjoyable.
Routines can be easy, and not very strenuous; but after all, they are just routines. So it's with my dear advice that as practitioners of exercise and fitness we teach ourselves new things, while also teaching our body the same. This is inherently true with things like dance. More specifically, Zumba is an excellent example of something different, fun, and unique. The ability to genuinely enhance cardiovascular function and endurance, while practicing muscle memory routines effectively exercises the whole body. And simply put, it's fun.
The most practical and enjoyable way to stay in shape undoubtedly is by playing sports. Joining a soccer league on Sundays or perhaps playing something as simple as intramural dodge ball or kickball can successfully burn thousands of calories in just one day. The sheer competitive nature of these athletic activities drives the body further and beyond, and although strenuous at times, people crave the struggle and willingness to become better. There comes a certain rush that comes with fast paced activities, which brings me to my next point.
These could include anything from dance to karate and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Again, most of these practices are very difficult to mimic at an ordinary Gym. You can certainly find out more from top trainers/classes at pristine establishments like <a href="http://www.mmaindustries.com ">MMA Industries</a>.
Things like mountain climbing, biking, quad-racing, fishing, golfing, etc… – These are all great ways to actively stay in shape, and they're quite enjoyable as well! A sudden increase in endorphins will surely make anybody's day brighter. Also, almost all of these activities take place outdoors, which captures much needed vitamins from the sun, further enhancing the overall experience. Keep in mind however, it is important to get your heart rate up every now and then, so switching on and off amongst these and cardiovascular exercises (i.e. – treadmills) will keep your body guessing while enhancing overall fitness.
Sports and Dance are both a leisurely and/or competitive practice, but can also be the most effective way to exercise. <a href="http://www.gymsource.com/treadmills">Treadmills</a> and <a href="http://www.gymsource.com/ellipticals">Ellipticals</a> will shed weight and enhance muscle strength/endurance, but will never capture the soul and rhythm that dance makes so enjoyable. Meanwhile, the competitive nature and drive that comes with playing sports will always be an important part of everybody's lives. But again, it's important to diversify your fitness, and be able to incorporate pleasure and strain. Attempt to pull one's self away from everyday fitness equipment and home gyms; pick up a class of zumba and/or sign up for an intramural softball league and you'll be on your way to a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle.
This was a guest posting by Jim Rollince, whom is a representative from the web relations department of Gym Source. He currently oversees all creative writing efforts and is an expert in home gym equipment<"http://www.gymsource.com/">.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE WATCHING loved ones gorge themselves with unhealthy food choices during the Holidays? Here’s the familiar circumstance. Family members are overweight. Serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer exist in family history. You’re hurting inside as you witness people you care for, slowly commit suicide by what they’re putting into their mouth. You know that even though you’ve talked about it before, they don’t seem to care nor do they want to hear that record play again.
No one wants to pick a food fight at a family affair. So what do you do? Lead by example. If you’re a guest for dinner, offer to bring a dish…or the dessert. Make it a healthy one, although, no need to ‘draw attention’ to the fact that it’s healthy unless asked. Or offer to help in the kitchen..tell them you’re bringing a recipe and would it be okay to try it. Ask to modify recipes that call for butter by using a cooking oil (like olive) as a substitute or maybe compromise with a half ratio of each. Ask to have the sauces and dressings on the side. For salads and greens, opt for the olive oil and vinegar instead of premade store boughts or make your own, homemade vinegarette for the table. Do not butter your bread! Limit your bread intake altogether…all it does is take up room anyway. Bring over a couple of Whole Wheat loaves of Italian bread and use those instead of the traditional. Write down a website, (like this one!) or two, and suggest that they subscribe to get regular updates or a refer a book about health and fitness that you’ve come across with useful information (such as perhaps a glycemic index book they can keep in the kitchen for reference) Don’t overstuff yourself in order to show off ‘good manners’ by feeling that you need to eat every single item on the table. Remember portion control. There’s nothing wrong with trying a little of this and a little of that and a little of all of it if you want. Just remember the little part. Remember, your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach. Don’t be afraid of missing out on something….isn’t there always too much food made for the holiday…you can pretty much count on knowing that there will be enough for seconds if you actually are left feeling hungry after the first round. Also, TAKE YOUR TIME. (“Do it right”) Don’t rush to eat. If they are eating too fast, ask them what’s the rush? The family is going to be gathered around the dining table for a few hours talking aren’t they…so what’s the rush? Do it the Mediterranean style! They know how to do it. (“You can do it (too) baby”) During a day of Sabbath (or any day of rest or holiday) the Mediterraneans take a meal over four to six hours! A family meal, is a time of relaxation, of bonding, of gratitude and enjoyment. So you can have of all those various courses, just give your body the time to digest in between.
I REMEMBER THE GOOD 'OLE DAYS when I was a little girl and my parents brought us to Nonna’s on Sunday afternoon for a nice Italian fiesta. My six uncles and aunts brought my
Continue reading Do It Mediterranean Style
Cranberry Ice Cream Pie Recipe!
Ingredients
· 9-inch chocolate crumb pie shell
· 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
· 1 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
· 1 tablespoon orange juice
· 2 cups whipped topping
· 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
Directions
1. Chill the pie shell in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
2.Place the softened ice cream, cranberry sauce, and orange juice in a large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well blended.
3.Spoon the filling into the chilled shell and freeze the pie until firm (4 hours or more). Next, spread the whipped topping over the ice cream layer and sprinkle on the almonds. Cover the pie and return it to the freezer. Allow the pie to stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing it. Serves 8
What I am thankful for….. I am thankful for many things this year, but most of all for my amazing husband and the faith he has held on to in his heart through all the trials and tribulations of our entrepreneurial ideas.
