From Denise... Apr 14, 2009

Fitness Flash
Take It Step by Step!

One of my favorite ways to stay in shape is also one of the easiest ones out there — walking! It's a healthful habit to adopt, and because you can do it anywhere, it's also one of the cheapest ways to get in shape. No need for a gym membership or a trainer; we all know how to walk! The challenge is to find ways to take more steps each day.

Why is walking so great for your body? Well, you're burning calories, but you're also improving your cardiovascular health. The simple act of moving is great for your heart and legs and for relieving stress. Focus on breathing deeply and walking with good posture and you'll also be working your core muscles.

It's easy to sneak in more walking during the day! Get off the train a few stops earlier, park farther from the mall, and walk instead of drive to the coffee shop in the morning. Make yourself tiny promises: You'll circle the block twice before you buy your lunch; you'll take the elevator instead of the stairs whenever possible (EDIT: I think she means you'll take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible). If you want, purchase an inexpensive pedometer — it hooks onto your clothing and counts your steps for you. You should aim for 10,000 steps a day, but do the best you can! You'll be amazed at how quickly the steps add up. Just push yourself to increase your number each day you'll get there, one step at a time!

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I have been working on getting 10,000 steps a day now for a few weeks and I have been doing quite well. It pushes me to not just sit around all day. Take the other evening for instance... somehow I had only 1500 steps by dinnertime, so after dinner, Chuck and I jogged in circles around the kitchen/dining room and worked on studying muscles for my exam I just had. I went from 1500 to 7000 by the time I went to bed. So I know that anyone can do this if I can. I feel better when I move more. So give it a try people! I got a cheap pedometer at Walmart ($5) and it works great! So join me in 10,000 steps a day!

Color is GOOD!!!

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,
I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated
and it would solve my physical problems.
He said just think in colors.
Fill your plate with bright colors, greens, yellows, reds, etc.
I went right home and ate an entire bowl of:



And sure enough, I felt better immediately.
I never knew eating right could be so easy!

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(Thanks Nic for the fun e-mail!)

From Denise... Mar 9, 2009

Celebrate the Small Victories!

When was the last time you watched a movie with your kids after dinner? When was the last time you and your spouse had an adults-only night out? When was the last time you ran yourself an old-fashioned bubble bath — just because you felt like it?

Life is too short not to celebrate the many wonderful reasons we have to be happy! We're all too ready to get down on ourselves for cheating on our diets or skipping a night at the gym, but we forget about celebrating the many positives in our lives, as well as the small victories we achieve all the time. Congratulating yourself along your weight-loss journey — every time you complete a difficult workout, lose a pound, or stay strong and stick to your diet during a tempting situation — will help keep you motivated, and it's a great habit to share with your family and friends. If your son gets an A on his social studies test, why don't you celebrate? If your spouse has an especially good day at work, celebrate!

Promise yourself that you'll congratulate yourself on some of the smaller achievements you make on the way to reaching your goals, as well as some of the smaller but just as important day-to-day reasons to be happy. Celebrations don't have to be big and elaborate. They can be small surprises that say, "Job well done!" or "Good for you!" (or "Good for me!"). Try to take time from your busy life to be happy and to share your happiness with others. Do something fun and unexpected, and the day will be twice as memorable!

It's just easier to be fat...

Don't you ever feel that way?

I just came to this conclusion the other night...

and with that said...

I better get ready for the gym...

Appropriate...

So I decided that this comic is appropriate right now because I have been in a cookie making mood and I have eaten so many cookies lately... YUM... but not "good" (If you know what I mean)!

From Denise... Jan 26, 2009

Seize the Moment!

So many of you share the desire to make a change in your life. Maybe you wanted to lose weight for a while but kept putting off getting started. Maybe you wanted to become active for ages but couldn't seem to find the time.

Taking the steps you need to take to live well and feel your best, and that's all that matters! Rather than dwelling on the past or stressing about the future, you're seizing the moment and taking action in the present! That's great!

Have you heard of being mindful? Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. Being aware of the actions you take and the choices you have control over — that's what will help you meet your goals and improve your life! For example, when you eat, don't just put food in your mouth or snack blindly because you're stressed or preoccupied. Pay attention to your portion sizes and think about whether you're already feeling full. Being mindful helps you enjoy your meals and keeps you on the path toward a healthy body weight!

Are there any times in your daily routine when you find yourself snacking without thinking — in front of the TV, at the office, in the car? Make a point to pause, take a few deep breaths, and try to refocus on the here and now! You can do it!

Why Stay Active? Here are 10 great reasons!

There are so many benefits to daily activity, and they affect much more than your physical appearance. Here 10 great reasons to stay active.

1. People who exercise live longer, on average, than people who don't.

2. Active people have a lower risk of dying from heart disease and stroke, and they're less likely to get high blood pressure.

3. The more active you are, the lower your risk of colon cancer.

4. The less active you are, the higher your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can lower your blood sugar levels.

5. In people with arthritis, moderate exercise helps reduce joint swelling and pain and improves mobility.

6. Strength-building exercise helps counter bone loss.

7. Exercise makes you functionally fit, meaning that it's easier for you to carry groceries, do chores and independently perform many other activities of daily life.

8. Because of the calming effect of exercise, active people are less depressed, and depressed people often feel better after they start exercising.

9. Exercise can save you money. If you can prevent serious and costly medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, you will have more money for your other needs.

10. Exercise can be fun! Many of the activities you did for play as a child count as exercise. Dancing fast, walking your dog, bicycling and gardening, all strengthen your heart and lungs.