Showing posts with label wellness wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wellness wednesday. Show all posts

Indoor training for outdoor cycling races

If you were training for a distance run, you can easily build your endurance and strength on a treadmill if the weather or your daily schedule doesn't allow for an outdoor run. But did you know that it's possible to do the same when training for a cycling race?  My sister Caitlin has recently been training for the American Association of Diabetes Tour de Cure (Click HERE to pledge your support for Caitlin!) in Princeton and she's been able to train indoors by using a cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group

There are no parts to assemble and no heavy equipment to get around. The Cycle Ops Trainer attaches easily, maintains an authentic road-like feel and can be adjusted to the ability of the rider.  Prices range from $149.99-$1,199.99 depending on your training needs.

In order to track her progress and workout activity while she is riding outside, Caitlin has been using the iPhone App RunKeeper, which is like your own personal GPS system. She can also share her progress through Twitter, Facebook or through email which is a great way to show people what you're working towards so they can cheer you on. 


Caitlin has been busy training and having so much fun, that she recently just signed up for The Revolutionary Ramble in Madison. You can support her in the Tour de Cure in Princeton by visiting her personal page here.

To find other cycling events near you, visit Active.com or BikeRide.com for a more complete NJ list.

Events coming soon in NJ:

Create an Easter Basket with a Twist


For your kids, Easter may mean dying eggs, hunting for them and diving into basket full of treats. But this year, instead of the typical sugary treats — for example, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans — consider giving a basket that includes toys, games and other small gifts. Your kids may not know it, but it's a chance to promote creativity and an active mind and body. 

Theme baskets are a great idea. For example, if your son or daughter enjoys cooking, fill a basket with kid-friendly kitchen utensils, cookbooks and recipe cards. You can also include ice cube trays with shaped molds, or a kit to make homemade ice cream and popsicles.  

If your kids have a sweet tooth, consider a few small packages of candy and 100-calorie snacks. You can also put together an additional fruit basket with clementines, apples, bananas and other favorite fruits.  

To create an "outdoor fun" basket, add items like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a kid's sprinkler, jump rope, inflatable pool, swimmies and bouncy balls in different sizes.

Fill an "indoor" basket with coloring books, card games such as "Old Maid," flashcards, paints, stamps, stickers and books.  

If all else fails, mix it up —a little bit of this and that — and have fun with it! Your kids will surely enjoy it. 



Gwen Recinto is a writer, blogger and fitness instructor. She has been teaching for 10 years throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. For fitness/nutrition tips and workouts, follow her on Twitter — @AllThingsGwen — and “fan” her Fit Friends page on Facebook. For inspirational articles, including how to live a healthy, happy and inspired life, visit her blog at AllThingsGwen.com.



photo source: Clipartandcrafts.com







Get Confident About Running Your First 5K

Hornet Hustle 5K Race 060709 012-7x10

Running your first 5K is a lot easier than you think. Why? Because whatever may be holding you back is just in your head. No matter what your fitness level, the thought of a race — especially if you've never done one before — can be intimidating. You may be unsure of what to expect, but have no fear! 

Here are reasons to be confident about your first race: 
Everyone is a beginner at some point. When lining up at the starting line, you'll notice that many "leisure" runners stick to the back of the line. Stand there as well!  

People walk and interval run. Not everyone is going to sprint to the finish. You'll find the runners are at all fitness levels, shapes, sizes and ages. Walk when you must, and jog when you can. Remember, this is your workout and your goal — no one else's. 

You're supporting the community or a non-profit. Many races are fundraisers. You're hitting one of your fitness goals and helping others at the same time.  

Adrenaline will push you through. Races are exciting. People are cheering for you. You'll likely do better than you thought.  

It's friendly out there. Some racers will encourage you and talk with you while running. People will give you water. They want you to do well.  

You don't have to win first place. You'll feel great just from having completed the race.

Now, just get out there. Ask a friend to join you, and pick a race that means something to you. For example, if you have cancer survivors in your family, you may want to complete a race to benefit cancer research. 

Also, many races also offer a designated walk or one mile "fun run." Do some research, sign up and see for yourself. You'll be doing your first 5K in no time!  

Gwen Recinto is a writer, blogger and fitness instructor. She has been teaching for 10 years throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. For fitness/nutrition tips and workouts, follow her on Twitter — @AllThingsGwen — and “fan” her Fit Friends page on Facebook. For inspirational articles, including how to live a healthy, happy and inspired life, visit her blog at AllThingsGwen.com.

Ten “Sexy” Exercises for Fun and Fitness

Sometimes, being “sexy” and feeling “sexy” is a state of mind. It’s true … when you look great — you feel great! In honor of Valentine’s Day, get a little flirty, fun and playful with your workout routine. 
 

Here are some creative fitness moves you can do at home. All you’ll need is a chair, music of your choice and good attitude. 

Hip roll, head roll – Stand behind your chair. Roll your hips to the right and to the left. Then, roll your head to the right and to the left for a quick stretch. Keep one or both hands on the chair for balance. Suggested: Do one to two sets of 15 reps.

Long stride, short stride – Take a sexy walk around your chair. Try big steps and work your way around with just five steps. Take small steps and work your way around with 10 or more steps. Suggested: Go around the chair a total of 10 times, alternating your stride (5 steps – 5 times; 10 steps – 5 times).

Close-open, close-open – Sit on your chair and open and close your legs. Make your movements slow and measured to really work your inner and outer thighs. You can also add your own “resistance.” Focus on squeezing your outer thighs with each “open” movement, and squeeze your inner thighs as you bring your knees together. For an extra challenge, keep your feet off the ground and grip the seat underneath you for balance. Suggested: Do three sets of 15. 

Flirty kick – Sit on your chair and move forward so you’re on the edge. Lean back and grip the seat underneath you. Lift your legs up, squeeze your abs tightly, keep your knees together and kick — tiny little kicks — to work your abs. Suggested:  Do three sets at 30 seconds each set.

Drop it like it’s hot – Sit down on your chair and stand up — to work your quads, hamstrings and glutes. Concentrate on that squat position to make a 90⁰ angle with your lower half and squeeze your glutes tightly as you stand back up. Suggested: Do three sets of 15.

Dip, baby dip – Stand with your back facing the front your chair. Grip the edge of the seat and keep your fingertips facing toward you. Bend your elbows to make a 90⁰ angle and bend your knees to make a 90⁰ angle. Lift and lower — keeping your hips up — to work your triceps. For more of a challenge, do the same arm movement and keep your legs straight and extended. Suggested: Do three sets of 15.

Sexy lunge – Stand behind your chair and push one leg back, squeezing your glutes. Bend your front leg and make sure your knee is on top of your ankle at a 90⁰ angle. Hold on the back of the chair and slowly pull your back leg up to meet your front leg to work your legs, hamstrings and glutes. Suggested: Do this 15 times each side — two to three sets. 

Lean back – Sit on your chair backwards. Hold on the back of the chair and lean back to stretch and exercise your back. Shake your head to toss your hair! Do three sets of 15.

Step-up and walk away – Place one foot on the seat of your chair. Push though the heel of that foot and step up to pull yourself up and work your quads, hamstrings and glutes. Step down and walk away. Do this 15 times each side — two to three sets.

Open and up – Lay with your back on the ground in front of your chair. Stretch your arms out to the side or keep them under your hips. Open your legs to be on either side of the bottom of the chair, then bring your legs together to work your abs. Do three sets of 15.
If you want, show your “honey” these sexy fitness moves … and enjoy your night! 


Gwen Recinto is a writer, blogger and fitness instructor. She has been teaching for 10 years throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. For fitness/nutrition tips and workouts, follow her on Twitter — @AllThingsGwen — and “fan” her Fit Friends page on Facebook. For inspirational articles, including how to live a healthy, happy and inspired life, visit her blog at AllThingsGwen.com.
 



MAKE YOUR “BIG GAME” PARTY A HEALTHY WIN

This contest is closed. Congrats Aileen!


Katherine O'Hara, co-founder of the Boonton-based Mediterranean Snack Food Company which produced the Rachael Ray "Snack of the Day" Buffalo Nickel Wingers, has some easy healthy tips to make your Super Bowl party guilt-free!  And one lucky reader will win a multi-pack of healthy snacks like the BN WIngers, Veggie Chips & Sticks, Cheddar Clouds and more! So keep reading!



Consider healthier and unique snack alternatives when cheering your favorite team to victory.

Looking to host the perfect football party? Here are five tips to full-flavor, zero-guilt snacking:

  1. Avoid deep-fried foods. Rather than French fries or fried chicken wings, try oven-baked potato fries or breaded, skinless chicken breast.

  2. Serving your guests light beer and diet soda can drastically reduce their calorie intake.

  3. If your tastes lean toward wine over beer, choosing red wine instead of white may be a healthier choice (red wine offers more antioxidants than white).

  4. Add beans to your dishes. The fiber and plant protein helps your guests feel fuller, faster. Consider a bean dip or chili as part of your menu items.

  5. Look for whole-grain or multi-grain snacks that offer calcium, fiber and protein –you’ll avoid a lot of empty calories.

Mediterranean Snack Foods Company offers a family of healthier snack options.
 
  • Buffalo Nickel Wingers offer 60% less fat than traditional chips and are also the perfect alternative to game day hot wings. Consider that a portion of hot wings (15 wings) can pack 1050 calories and 72 grams of fat; when compared to 25 Wingers totaling just 120 calories and 4 grams of fat (0 grams saturated). 
  • Veggie Chips and Straws have 30% less fat than traditional chips.
  • Multigrain Chips have 40% less fat than traditional chips.
  • Cheddar Clouds have 50% less fat than traditional chips.

The entire “Med Snacks” lineup is all natural, cholesterol free, GMO free, and contains no trans fats, artificial colors or preservatives.

Here is how you can win!
  1. Leave a comment with some of the ways that you try to stay healthy at big food parties.
  2. For extra entries (do any of the following): Become a Fan of Mrs Mo on Facebook, Follow me on Twitter, Become a fan of my other site, NJMyWay.com on Facebook or Twitter. Whatever you do, let me know in the comments section!
  3. Additional Entries: Retweet this contest and make sure to CC me (@mrsmonj) and Buffalo Nickel Wingers(@BNWingers)
We want to make sure you have your snacks in time for the Super Bowl, so the contest ends SUNDAY JANUARY 24th at 11:59pm.






Staying healthy through the holidays: 12-minute workout and eating tips

Turkey. Stuffing. Sweet Potatoes. Corn Bread. More Stuffing. Beer or Wine. Healthy butter doused green beans. Oh and don't forget the Pumpkin Pie.

Thanksgiving is the holiday where the turkey isn't the only creature that gets stuffed. You know who you are. I'm right there with you. How can we beat the holiday bulge, especially for those of us who are sticking to Weight Watchers points?! Here are some simple fitness and eating tips for you to print and take with you not just for tomorrow but for the entire holiday season.

Lindsay Vastola, the CEO of Body Project Fitness & Health, put together an easy to follow "12-Minute Body Blitz" (yes that's only 12 minutes!!) and 5 tips to beat the bulge. Just click on the images below for the larger version that you can print out and carry with you. Keep the guides in your pocket for a little reminder that YOU CAN DO IT!


Rake up your workout!


I love New Jersey during the fall: apples, pumpkins, harvest festivals, football and the colorful, vibrant leaves in rich hues of red, orange and yellow that dress our trees and then fall on the ground...and continue to fall...again and again.

But it suddenly clicked one Sunday morning when my obliques were so sore from a Saturday afternoon of raking our not very large yard.  Raking leaves is not just a laborious task that makes my lawn look really nice. It's a great cardio and core workout too!

According to the Self.com Health Calculator, there is almost a 1:1 ratio of a woman's weight to the number of calories burned in a 1/2 hour (double the result for 1 hour). So, a 140lb woman will burn 143.36 calories in 30 minutes and a 150lb woman will burn 153.6.  Depending on the size of your yard, you could be raking for a few hours!  And the resistance you create with your own body weight and the rake work together to strengthen your core.  Just consider the following tips while you're planning your first raking workout:
  • Dress comfortably and light: while it may be chilly out, you will warm up pretty quickly after a few minutes of consistent raking

  • Think of raking like it's a gym workout and keep water handy

  • For an even core workout, make sure to alternate the side you rake on every few minutes

  • Lunge and squat as you rake from various directions into one pile

  • Make sure to stretch after you rake! Do stretches for your arms, hamstrings, thighs and back.

Mrs Mo Reviews: Lo Fatt Chow in Ringoes


It’s hard to miss the Rt 31 billboard for Lo Fatt Chow in the Ringoes/Flemington area-not for its design, but for its name. The menu is equally intriguing: healthy Chinese food made with “No Trans fat, No Grease, No MSG.” As a health conscious woman/mom/person, I was excited to take our small family out for a healthy meal.


Lo Fatt Chow is primarily a take-out/delivery eatery, but they do have some tables for dining in. The menu is similar to other Chinese restaurants, but what makes it unique is the owner’s commitment to offer healthy choices and alternatives as part of Hunterdon County’s healthy initiative called “Eat Out, Eat Smart.”


Lo Fatt Chow is a perfect dining option for those with special dietary restrictions or needs. If you’re looking for the flavor that normally comes with higher fat and salt, then Lo Fatt Chow may not be for you, but it’s hard to turn down a dish like their popular Chicken Curry (which I had) or Spicy Szechuan dinners.


As far as options for little kids go, I would stick to the main menu because the kids’ choices are mostly fried food. My 1 ½ year old actually shared my curry noodles with me and loved them!


Perhaps what is most appealing about Lo Fatt Chow is their partnership with the Hunterdon Medical Center for the countywide health initiative. Beverly Manganelli, RD, CDE, the co-chair of the Weight/Physical Activity Action Team, helped establish the program which has partnered with 6 other local restaurants.



“We want to give patrons options of healthy choices in the area,” said Manganelli. “If someone wants oatmeal for breakfast instead of eggs and bacon, they can.”

For more information about the community services available in Hunterdon County, visit www.hunterdonhealth.com. For Lo Fatt Chow information, visit www.lofattchow.com.


This is a repost of the review I did for NJMyWay. Click here for the original.


Fire Prevention Week Day 5: Get out safely with the Evac+Chair

On September 11, 2001, 8 people were brought to safety from the Twin Towers. These were 8 people who would have normally not been able to evacuate on their own. These are 8 people who live today because of the existence of the Evac+Chair, a lightweight portable chair that could beome a standard part of most evacuation plans in the U.S.

Making it his mission to educate companies and schools about the Evac+Chair is vice president Richard Perl, resident of Wyckoff in Bergen County.

“It doesn’t take the disaster level of the Twin Towers attack to keep in mind the importance of getting all occupants out of a multi-story building safely,” said Perl. “With ADA we have regulations for getting people into buildings safely, but how do we get them back out?”

The Evac+Chair was invented by family friend David Egen whose wife was slightly disabled from a bout with polio. There was a fire drill at her employment and it took hours for her to get out. Like all great inventions, the Evac+Chair came out of necessity and was constructed in a way so that anyone can use it and not just the biggest or strongest person.



Perl reflected on a demo he did at an Elementary School where the Evac+Chair caught the interest of one of the custodians. “As the only male in the building, he was the only answer in an emergency to get people out.”

Traveling to schools, companies and trade shows is how Perl is spreading the word about the Evac+Chair, which is an international product but still not a mandate in the U.S. And not-surprisingly, it’s a lot of wives and mothers who generate buzz about the chair.

“I’ll have women call their husband after seeing the Evac+Chair demo and ask, ‘what does your company have in place for an evacuation?’,” recalled Perl. “We have a lot of interest from parents and PTA members in the schools which is no surprise.”

While Perl is working hard to get the Evac+Chair pushed through legislation, we can certainly do our part as bloggers, parents, wives, husbands and family members to spread the word about the Evac+Chair.

For more information about the Evac+Chair, go to www.evac-chair.com or contact Rich Perl of Evac+Chair North America, LLC at (516) 502-4240

Fire Prevention Week Day 4: October 10th Events

Millburn Fire Department Open House: live demos and info on fire safety | 12pm

2009 Fire & Rescue Expo, Egg Harbor Twp: exhibits of various service personnel with Smokey Bear and Sparky the Dog on hand | Noon-3pm

Montclair residents can catch episodes of Fire Is, a fire prevention series with Dr. Frank Field, Montclair native with nearly 50 years in broadcast journalism as familiar weather and science reporter on NBC, UPN and CBS. Episodes 1-5 will run on TV 34 starting at 10am.

Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company
Open House

Verona Fire Department 100th Anniversary Celebration with parade and truck wetdown | Parade starts at Noon, wetdown at 2pm

Catch the final day of the special Newark Museum workshop: "Fire Escape: Danger and Survival," teaching the evolution of fire trucks and equipment. Fun for the family. | Saturday hours 10am-5pm

Below are photos from the Deptford Mall Safety Day that was held on Saturday October 3rd.


Fire Prevention Week Day 3: Home Safety Tips with Toms River Fire Commissioner

For as long as I can remember, my father has been a part of the Toms River and the New Jersey fire service. He has dedicated his life to educating the community about fire safety and prevention. I think what he does is truly amazing and I have always been proud of his passion to help people.
-Katie Foley, daughter of Toms River District 1 Fire Commissioner Doug Foley

With 32 years as a volunteer and career firefighter and 19 years as the state Fire Marshall, Doug Foley knows a thing or two about fire safety. I had an opportunity to talk with the past chief of East Dover Fire Company 4 and current District 1 Fire Commissioner in Toms River about some MUST-KNOW tips for families so they can help prevent a fire in their own home.

  1. Always check smoke detectors:
    BATTERY OPERATED: Check the batteries every 30 days and then CHANGE the batteries when you CHANGE your clocks. Simple!
    ELECTRIC: Vacuum detectors MONTHLY.

  2. KNOW the escape routes in your house

  3. Before you purchase a fire extinguisher, check with your local fire department for the approved/required model. If you already have, again check with the FD.

  4. Fall is still a good season for outdoor grills. Be sure to keep all grills 5 FEET FROM THE HOUSE.

  5. If you SEE A FIRE: Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY and give as much information as you can. DO NOT go inside the home.
Doug also started the East Dover Junior Fire Service Exploring Program 15 years ago. The program gives young volunteers insight into a firefighting profession. For more information about the Toms River Fire Department, including details on each of the town’s fire companies, visit www.tomsriverfire.com.

Fire Prevention Week-Day 2: Prepare for Secondary Damage Before a Fire


Sometimes even the best prevention plans can not stop a fire from occurring. However, there are preventive measures you can take to mitigate further damage, should your home or business suffer a fire. Because water, smoke and soot are the inevitable elements of secondary damage, it is critical to begin the clean up and recovery as soon as possible. Water and structural issues can pose the greatest threat, leading to mold or structural collapse if not dealt with immediacy and expertise.

Gather your resources for recovery:

Insurance - Contact your insurance agent and review your coverage for your home and business. Ask what will (and will not) be covered in the event of a fire. As a homeowner, will the policy provide for temporary housing if necessary? As a business owner, how much business interruption does your policy guarantee? Our homes and businesses tend to grow and change over the years, a good agent will stay in touch to make sure you do not have any gaps in coverage.

Emergency Contractor - While most insurance carriers will provide a few names of emergency contractors, it is not only your right, but also your responsibility to select a firm who will deliver the best workmanship and fastest recovery. A qualified contractor who specializes in emergency mitigation and restoration should have the industry standard IICRC designation (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and be willing to share a variety of references. Most importantly, know who is working in your home or business before signing any agreements (i.e. does the company sub out the work to temporary labor or employ their own staff of cleaning technicians and carpenters?).

Effectively combining your resources for financial recovery (your insurance) and physical recovery (your emergency response contractor) will ensure that you are positioned for the best possible outcome, in the worst case scenario of a fire.

For more information, contact Christine Messina, vice president, allRisk Property Damage Experts, at christine@allriskinc.com, 609.634.9960 cell or visit www.allriskinc.com.




Mrs Mo's Fire Prevention Week: Day 1

Fire Prevention Week is recognized nationally as October 4-10th in order to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In an effort to highlight, honor and give thanks to the brave people who serve and protect on the home front, I've put together a week full of fire safety tips from various New Jersey fire departments.

To launch a week of safety, we have Jamie Alkhateeb of the Princeton Fire Department offering some simple tips and a fun family website that kids can use to learn more about fire safety. The one safety tip that will never change is the use of 9-1-1. All kids should know that when in doubt, dial 9-1-1.

Enjoy the video below-show your kids and discuss. Introduce your kids to Sparky the Fire Dog® at the National Fire Protection Association site where he provides helpful links like a fire inspection checklist and sleepover safety tips. Kids can find some fun fire safety activities at www.Sparky.org






If you are a blogger or have a website, show that you are fire safety smart by placing the NFPA's Fire Prevention widget on your site. Simply copy and paste the code below and you're done!

Fire Prevention Week



<div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=1438"><img src="http://www.nfpa.org/assets/images///FPW09/FPWwidget.jpg" alt="Fire Prevention Week" border="0" height="77" width="152" /></a></div>


Follow Fire Prevention Week on Twitter





Kids Get Arthritis Too: Meet Author and Advocate Kelly Rouba



Kelly Rouba wears many hats: She's an author, a journalist, a pr professional, a public speaker, a NJ resident and a young woman with a strong voice. Kelly also has Juvenile Arthritis and has released her first book called Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide, sharing the stories of other kids, teens and young adults who live with the disease which affects more than 300,000 children in the U.S. Writing the book was an opportunity for Kelly to be that resource for families that did not exist when she was younger.

"I wrote this book to fill a void," said Kelly. "Prior to its release, resources on juvenile arthritis were either outdated or geared towards parents. This book is one that families can read together, and I have received positive feedback from quite a few who have done just that."

Since the release of her book in March, Kelly has met other people across the country, either through her blog or at her various speaking engagements, that have been truly grateful to her for bringing more attention to juvenile arthritis, a disease which she has lived with since the age of 2.

"I am often approached by parents of children living with juvenile arthritis, and they are devastated from having to watch their children live in pain and struggling to cope as they lose more and more of their mobility to this disease. It is hard for me to hear their stories and see their videos on their blogs because it is a constant reminder of what I went through as a child and continue to go through as an adult."

From her pain came advocacy and from an early age, Kelly has been an active volunteer and spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation and Arthritis National Research Foundation. It was because of her service that the ANRF honored Kelly with the Kelly Award which will be used to fund juvenile arthritis research.

"My biggest wish is that funds donated to the Kelly Award for Juvenile Arthritis will lead to a cure and our youngest generation won't have to experience all the pain--physically and emotionally--that I endured."

Even though Kelly has been able to spark local interest in her book and awareness about juvenile arthritis, there is still not enough national coverage given to this truly heartbreaking disease.

"Many commercials and television segments undermine the severity of arthritis. As someone who has suffered from the disease for more than 27 years, I know how damaging it can be to one's body. For this reason, I have been advocating on behalf of all those living with arthritis and working hard to raise funds for better treatments and even a cure."

You can read more about Kelly and her book at her blog: kellyrouba.blogspot.com. Her book, Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide is available online in hardcover and for the Kindle.



Back to School for them, Back to Fit for you!

It's "Wellness Wednesday" with Lindsay Vastola. She is the founder and president of Body Project Fitness & Health providing customized fitness training and “everyday eating” coaching. Her mission is to help men and women who “have no time for fitness” incorporate a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy schedule. Lindsay is an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal fitness trainer and has more than ten years experience in fitness, weight training, and sports conditioning. Visit Body Project at www.bodyprojectfitness.com.


Remember when you were little and how excited you would get to start school with all your new supplies, a new teacher, and a new schedule? Sometimes was a bit scary, but we soon enough got into the groove of the school year. So why should things change for us now?

Use “Back to School” to get “Back to Fit.” As you’re figuring out the new pick-up and drop-off schedules, activities, and homework time...why don’t you take a few minutes to take a look at your schedule and see how you fit in with this new schedule. Taking a few minutes to take care of YOU will give you the strength, endurance, and energy to a better mother, better wife, and better friend!

So here are few tips to help get you “Back to Fit” this year:

Upgrade your Family’s Food

  • Rethink the “convenient” foods that you’ve been buying in bulk. You may think it’s saving you time and money – but take a quick moment to read the ingredients of those foods your sending with your children to school. If it doesn’t rot outside of your child’s body, just imagine what it’s doing inside your child’s body!
  • Plan, plan, plan. Don’t leave anything to chance so you must plan your meals and snacks. Do your shopping for the week and create a “rolodex” of go-to recipes that you know are quick, easy, and that the entire family will eat (no more cooking multiple meals for kids and adults!)
  • Pick a “treat day” – we all need to indulge in our favorite fun treats! Pick a day (I like Fridays) that you and your family have for “treat day.” This will teach your children indulgence in moderation and give you some extra special family memories.
  • Sit down with your children for snacks. We are always on the go and we end up eating wherever it’s convenient. If you sit down and deliberately eat a snack or meal, you’ll be less likely to overeat and eat enough to be satisfied...keeping you from binging later in the day! Plus, it’s great family time!

Write Down your Schedule!
Just like your kids have a strict schedule, you should have one as well. Especially when it comes to getting in your workout. Write down your Monday through Friday schedule. Here are a few keys to keeping to a consistent workout program:
  • Always start on Monday. If you slip up on Monday, the rest of the week is a slippery slope.
  • Morning workouts are key! Get up 20 minutes early to get in a quick workout. It’s one of the most effective times of day to workout, and you know that later in the day there will always be something that “comes up” that keeps you from taking that time for your workout.
  • Go two days on, one day off and repeat. So for example, Monday and Tuesday morning you workout, Wednesday is your “off” day – so that means an easy walk, yoga/pilates – something less intense. Then Thursday and Friday workouts and a Saturday and/or Sunday workout.
  • Just move! There is no specific science to exercise – it’s all about getting your heart pumping, muscles moving, and a little sweat never hurts!

So in the spirit of “Back to Fit” season, here are a few “Back to Fit” checklists sure to help you get a perfect grade!

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN – don’t leave anything to chance!

Pre-bag snacks for the week **Beware of pre-bagged/convenience “health” snacks
• Berries, clemetines, edamame
• Keep bars handy – but don’t eat everyday!
• Nuts/dried fruit
• Cook extra chicken/turkey/fish for salads/sandwiches the next day
• Add beans/edamame to your salads for easy protein
• Take out meat to thaw first thing in the morning
• Always have snack available in your car, desk drawer, purse…

QUICK - BREAKFAST IDEAS (add fruit to breakfast everyday!)
Oatmeal w/1 tbsp natural PB and tbsp of dried cranberries
• Whole grain toast with eggs
• Turkey and cheese melt
• Toast, PB
• Meal replacement shake (not everyday)
• Greek yogurt, whole grain cereal, fruit
• Toast w/ ricotta cheese, low-sugar fruit spread or honey
• Cottage cheese w/fruit

SNACK IDEAS (add a fruit or veggie to every snack in the morning and afternoon!)

• Turkey roll-ups
½-turkey sandwich - 1 slice whole grain bread, add veggies
• 3oz. tuna fish (in water), light mayo – add mustard, light sour cream, Greek yogurt – on 6 whole grain crackers
• Meal Replacement Bars (look for sugar <> 10-20g)
• ½-cup raw oats + ½ cup unsweetened applesauce + cinnamon to taste
• 1 small apple + 1-2 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 cup Greek low-fat yogurt + fruit
• 15 plain roasted almonds + fruit
• 1 hard-boiled egg + 1 piece of fruit
• ½ cup cottage cheese + fruit/veggies
• String cheese, nuts, and berries
• Hummus with veggies





Healthy eats for the whole family & Cooking Classes


A few weeks ago I got hooked on watching episodes of Lifetime's Cook Yourself Thin, a show that helps women tweak their favorite food indulgences and "drop a dress size in 6 weeks." The show is hosted by well-known food personalities-Candice Kumai from Season 1 of Top Chef, Harry Eastwood, food writer and cookbook author and Allison Fishman, owner of The Wooden Spoon a Brooklyn-based cooking school. The goal of the show is not to replace your favorite food with a low fat option, but to teach you how to substitute high-fat ingredients with natural and low calorie options like vegetables and fruit. I'm someone who loves how vegetarian and vegan foods taste just as good or even better than the original version so naturally, I've been trying to adopt the same behaviors in my own cooking.

While I was at the local library looking for the Cook Yourself Thin Cookbook, I found one called The Sneaky Chef which is pretty much the same concept. Missy Lapine, the brain behind Sneaky Chef, takes normally high-fat/high calorie /guilty pleasure foods and sneaks in substitutes like Spinach, Blueberries, Chick Peas and more to create healthier but just as tasty versions. While there were a lot of really yummy options, I could not WAIT to make her Barbell Burger recipes with.....BLUEBERRIES!

The burgers called for a Purple Puree of Spinach, blueberries, lemon juice and water. It made enough for 4 batches of burgers so I saved the rest in my BPA-free baby food containers. Adding to the moisture was tomato paste and oat bran added healthy fiber.


These burgers are sure to please even the Hungry Man in the family.
My husband, who love a good juicy burger or piece of steak really liked the burgers and took the leftovers to work!

Here's all of the ingredients:
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (this week I ran out and used Sweet Potato instead)
- 1/4 cup Purple Puree (see Make-Ahead Recipe #1)
- 1/4 cup oat bran, plus additional as needed (I used ground oat meal)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 hamburger buns or English muffins, preferably whole grain
- Optional extra boost: lettuce, tomato slices, or grilled onions and mushrooms
For full cooking instructions, you can view the full recipe for free at the Sneaky Chef website.


Cooking Classes for the family
If you're still a novice in the kitchen, but want to learn how to cook for you or your family, there are plenty of cooking classes around the state that offer healthy ideas and even some classes just for kids! Here's a listing:

The Natural Chef: Cooking classes, training program, cooking parties | Princeton
Viking Cooking School: Demos, Kids & Teens, Hands-On Classes | Fairfield
The Kid Connection: Cooking workshops, kitchen safety and parties | Lincoln Park
Creative Kids Celebrations: Offers pizza, kebab and Organic cooking parties | Traveling/Northern
Miele USA: Master chef class, demos and kids classes | Princeton and NYC
Cook 'n' Tell: Class for adults and kids ages 3+ | Colts Neck
The Health Shoppes: Organic and Raw Food cooking | Morristown
The Pop Shop: Healthy cooking classes for kids, adults and NEWBORNS | Collingswood

Retail Cooking Classes
Williams-Sonoma
Whole Foods Market
Shop Rite


Follow The Sneaky Chef and Cook Yourself Thin hosts on Twitter!
Missy Lapine
Allison Fishman
Candace Kumai





Take your workout TO THE BEACH (with just 5 moves)

It's "Wellness Wednesday" with Lindsay Vastola. She is the founder and president of Body Project Fitness & Health providing customized fitness training and “everyday eating” coaching. Her mission is to help men and women who “have no time for fitness” incorporate a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy schedule. Lindsay is an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal fitness trainer and has more than ten years experience in fitness, weight training, and sports conditioning. Visit Body Project at www.bodyprojectfitness.com.

Check out Lindsay's new video: 15-Minute Beach Body Blitz Workout! Visit her blog for more fitness tips and sign up to receive her newsletter and learn how you can get in shape with either a few exercises or an entire boot-camp series!





No more "sitting on the sidelines" with EA Sports Active for Nintendo Wii (Win a copy!)

Say hello to my client Kelly Rouba, arthritis spokesperson and author. Kelly recently launched her debut book, Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide, a comprehensive guide for children who are living with the disability. Informative and personal, Rouba's book is a window into the lives of kids and teens with the disease including tips for parents, guides on symptoms and inspirational testimonies. For more information about Kelly, her book and her upcoming appearances, visit her blog: kellyrouba.blogspot.com.


On a recent night after work, I met up with my friends Jerry, Krystal, and Scott in the recreation center of Scott’s building to test out EA SPORTS Active. With the exception of Krystal, the rest of us have varying disabilities (arthritis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy—we all use wheelchairs) and wanted to see how well we faired with this new fitness video game package, which allows users to create their own customized workout from more than 25 exercises or follow the recommendations of a virtual trainer. We chose to try both.

Although Scott bailed before we could get the Wii to work on the big screen TV, Jerry finally got it up and running and the three of us began taking turns replicating the exercises as demonstrated by our virtual fitness trainer. Some exercises, like inline skating or squats, definitely proved difficult or impossible when you’re sitting in a wheelchair. But, we had a good laugh over trying to figure out a way to do the exercises and eventually passed along the controls to Krystal once we gave up. Other exercises, like tennis or hitting the punch bag, proved to be something we all could do—and we even broke quite a sweat!!

After following the recommended routine for a while, we decided it might be better for Jerry and I to create our own workout made up of exercises we knew we could do based on our own abilities. This turned out to be even more fun, so much so that I had trouble tearing the couple away for dinner. As the minutes (and calories) flew by, we continued to laugh and sweat over games of baseball, volleyball, and even dancing. While this fitness game system certainly can be played alone, I think we all agree that exercising with friends makes it much more enjoyable!

Having the option to customize your own workout also makes EA SPORTS Active a worthwhile investment for those with physical limitations. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, it allows you to “get in the game,” literally. In “virtual life,” Jerry and I can engage in activities, like baseball or tennis, whereas in “real life,” we could not. Furthermore, the customized workout allows us to skip those activities that we still can’t do virtually, like squats.

I recommend trying EA SPORTS Active as a fun way for those with disabilities to stay in shape, especially if you are one who doesn’t venture out much. The game package allows you to select exercises that are right for you—and any exercise is better than no exercise.




Stay tuned to New 12 NJ: 12 To Your Health for Kelly's interview which is taping today!




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