Simple Ways to Lose Weight Without the Dieting

I always remind people that it's not the huge dramatic changes that keep you fit and healthy, it's the small and simple choices that make the biggest impact. I've seen that in my life as well as others.

This little slideshow/news bits (whatever you want to call it) has some great tips to help you make those small changes in areas you wouldn't think make a difference.

Click HERE to read it.

Fat-Burning Foods

I came across a wonderful little slide-show that I thought you would enjoy.

It has some wonderful information about certain foods and why we should be eating them on a regular basis!

Click here to get the slide-show.

(thanks webmd.com)

The Power of Stretching

picture by my sister, Stacie Murdock

Stretching has always been a big part of my routines from the second I start my aerobic classes to the second we are ready to cool down. Who doesn't love a good stretch? I absolutely loved this article I came across to help me understand more fully just how important it is to stretch our bodies.....everyday!

Click here to read the great article.

P.s. Another thing I love? Real Simple magazine, I highly recommend subscribing!

Love Your Body

Sometimes our worst enemy isn't the girl with the perfect body next door, or your spouse that pressures you into exercising, it's our own self. I know, it sounds a little cheesy but it really is true. We beat ourselves up more than anyone around us. It's not about the numbers on the scale, or the size of jeans we manage to squeeze into, it's all about how we feel. There is nothing more refreshing than feeling good and confident no matter how you look on the outside.

I came across a must read article that yes, might be a little on the cheesy side (i can't help but use that word again) but absolutely worth reading and thinking about.

Click HERE to read more about how to feel great about our bodies with swim suit season just around the corner!

Thanks to webmd and Pamela Peeke for the article.

What to Eat Before and After Workouts

I was talking with my sister-in-law, Liz, yesterday and she asked me a really good question. "What kind of foods do I eat while training for a marathon?". I know a lot of people right now that are either training for a marathon or running those kinds of miles daily. Most of them are eating bowls of cereal before runs, or snacking on fast food during the day because they think they are "able" to eat like that since there running. Not thinking of what their bodies are actually needing to sustain such workouts.

Everything I put on this blog is always nutritious and healthy for you and foods that we should always be eating. But the more I thought about this topic, the more I wanted to learn about foods that will help sustain energy for vigorous workouts, and long runs. The type of workouts when your body demands energy the most.

Luckily, I found a perfect article that pretty much nailed everything on this topic! (Thanks to webmd)

Click HERE to read about what types of foods you should be eating before and after workouts, and foods that will help sustain your energy levels during hard, vigorous workouts.

3 Diet Resolutions for National Nutrition Month

3 Diet Resolutions for National Nutrition Month -By Julie Upton RD

"March is National Nutrition Month, and March 11 is Registered Dietitian Day. For me, March is a better time than New Year’s to make resolutions to improve your diet and lifestyle for optimal health and well-being. In January and February, it can be hard to be more active when it’s essentially black when you wake up and dark again by the time you get home from work. In March, however, we’re actually seeing signs of spring (at least some of us are), so it’s a great time to renew and recharge your commitment to health.
Below are three steps I’m taking this month—and hopefully once and for all. Maybe my goals will inspire you to try something to improve your health. Be sure to leave your get-healthy tips in the comments so that we can pick up ideas and motivation from each other.

1. Eat more plants. We know fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be the bulk of our diet, but without really trying to get those in on a daily basis, I’m falling short. Some examples could be to use nut butters in place of butter on my toast and put slices of avocado on my salads and sandwiches and nix the cheese. I will use soy milk in place of cow’s milk in coffee or tea or with cereal. (I like the new Silk Soy because it has 70 calories—20 less per serving than skim milk—but is fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and B12.) When you go out to dinner, make it an ethnic excursion; have Indian, Mexican, or Asian food, as there are more vegetarian options at ethnic eateries compared to restaurants with American fare.

2. Eat—don’t drink—my calories. I’ve gotten a bit addicted to skinny lattes, but I’ve decided that the extra 100 calories or so that I’m getting every day could be better spent on a cup of yogurt that has more protein and is more physiologically (not psychologically) satisfying than the latte. Research continues to show that we may not compensate for calories we consume in liquid form, making it harder to control your daily calories if you drink them, rather than eat them.

3. Snack on healthier foods. Like most Americans, I can be a real snackaholic. I snack at least twice a day, but there are days when I’m so busy that I don’t stop for meals and snack all day long. I’m sure I eat more calories snacking all day, compared to when I eat a real breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For healthier snacks, I’m going to keep my kitchen stocked with fruits and vegetables. I like snacking on cut-up veggies with low-fat dip as long as I don’t have to cut up the veggies! So, I’ll spend the extra money to buy them pre-cut to ensure that I eat them. Other options will be nonfat yogurt, trail mix, nuts, and other wholesome foods."

Simple reminders always help us along the way:)
Have a wonderful Tuesday!

(article from http://www.eating.health.com/.)

What's Really in Your Food??

I Came across this great article today on msn.com.

Well, maybe I shouldn't go so far as saying it's great, but it makes you think of what you're really eating.

When you look at the ingredients you're putting into your body, try to remember the smaller the list, the more "real" your food is.

We want real food! Natural foods!

We want the nutrients our bodies need!

To read more of what people are putting into there bodies when they eat fast-food, click HERE.

Our Metabolism

Sometimes we tend to give our Metabolism more credit then it deserves on why we gain weight and others remain a size 2 all there lives.

We may all think it's because of the differences with our Metabolisms.

I found a fantastic article of what exactly our Metabolism is and

why we think to believe it slows down after 30.

Well, it covers the myths, the lies, and the facts about our Metabolism

and what really happens with it through the years.

And not only that, but how to get it back on track to when we were 16.

That's right, it's possible to get our Metabolisms back through some simple steps and feeling like we still have it!

Read about it Here.

Quick Way to Balance Blood Sugars

I came across a great article today that I couldn't help but share. It's directed mostly to balancing out your blood sugars for Diabetics. But just remember, if it balances out a Diabetics blood sugars, then it absolutely balances out yours.

Click here to read all about it!

Including Sweets in your Meal Plan

I came across this fantastic article that I wanted everyone to read. It still applies to all those non-diabetics out there as well.

Here is the website, just click here and it should take you right to it.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-nutrition/DA00130