Fit To Be Well

YouTube hair tutorial: Styling layers and bangs

2011-01-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

For women who have textured, layered hair, this is a great tutorial by YouTube beauty guru, AndreasChoice. I'm a big fan of her videos. One thing, however, women of color and women who have very curly hair should use the lowest possible temperature when pressing/flat ironing/curling their lock. Also, remember that teasing the hair weakens and can breaks the hair shaft. To reduce frizz, I avoid touching my hair too much after styling. Oh, and use a heat protector when using heat styling instruments.

Do I have clinical depression?

2010-09-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Do I Have Clinical Depression?
Try using this self-assessment guideline to determine whether or not you may be suffering from a Clinical Depression. If so, it is never too late to seek out some help.
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Raising Mentally Healthy Children: Five Key Tips

2010-09-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

For new and soon-to-be parents ... the following article provides excellent parenting advice from a professional. The author, David A. Reinstein is a licensed social worker and therapist. Take notes!

Raising Mentally Healthy Children: Five Key Tips
Children have certain basic emotional needs. These include structure, love, support, consistency and discipline. Each is important and each contributes to their developing mental health. Any one of these absent creates a risk.
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How to Avoid the Flu in the Classroom

2010-09-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

The following article includes some excellent tips on how to keep you, your children, and your whole household flu-free (as much as possible) this coming back-to-school season. Take notes!

How Students Can Avoid the Flu in the Classroom
Students can avoid the flu in the classroom with these simple little steps.
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Teaching Children About Healthy Living

2010-09-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Teaching kids about how to take care of their health is an important part of keeping your family healthy. Read the following article on how to talk to your children/students about this sensitive subject.

Ways Teachers Can Educate Elementary Children About Healthy Living
Educating children about childhood obesity in the classroom.
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Monthly Horoscope for September

2010-09-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering what the stars have in store for you this month ...

Monthly Horoscope for September - Astrology Forecasts for All Zodiac Signs
Monthly astrology forecasts for all the Zodiac Signs for September.
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Meditation-- Magic Hour

2010-08-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

Smokey Purple Eyes

2010-08-27T15:50:00.001-07:00

Daytime Smokey Eye Tutorial

2010-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Best Vegan Clothing for Fall: Eco-friendly Fashion

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Vegans and Vegetarians who are committed to living a cruelty free life need not fret about looking like a schlump! Check out this article by Charley Anne Prescott.

Best Vegan Clothing for Fall - Eco-friendly Fashion
If you are curious about the meaning of vegan fashion, it includes items that are made using cruelty-free methods. Discover the hottest Fall fashion labels in vegan clothing, by checking out a few of our favorites. Green-friendly apparel...
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Hair tutorial for curly hair

2010-08-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

AminoSweet -- a New Name for Aspartame

2010-08-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

AminoSweet -- a New Name for Aspartame
One of the leading manufacturers of Aspartame has rebranded this food product to disassociate itself from the negative publicity associated with this sweetener. Are your favorite diet food products now containing this new sweetener?
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Soda Inspired Makeup: Sprite

2010-08-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

I love this makeup tutorial. So creative. If you love playing around in make up and are fond of bold looks, try this out!

Riding Solo? the Advantages of Living the Single Life

2010-08-24T15:24:00.001-07:00

Riding Solo? the Advantages of Living the Single Life
Do you feel like "Chuck the Evil Sandwich Making Guy?" Following a broken relationship, you'll find yourself living the single life. How can single people remain positive after living with whom they assumed was their eternal soul mate for years?
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How to Handle Temper Tantrums in Small Children

2010-08-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

The following article offers some wonderful parenting advice. As a behavior modification specialist working with children who have behavior problems, I can attest to the techniques offered in this brief article. Take a look.

How to Handle Temper Tantrums in Small Children
This article helps the parent to know what to do if there is a temper tantrum. This is important to know so that the child will not continue with this type of behavior.
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Home Remedies Using Fruit

2010-08-22T02:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge supporter of learning about all-natural, holistic methods for curing or minor illnesses or discomforts. The following article, provides great information on a number of fruits that can be used to soothe what ails you. As always, if you notice ANYTHING about you health that is causing you concern, please consult with you doctor before embarking on any self-treatment regimen.

Home Remedies Using Fruit

How fruit can benefit health and natural remedies using fruit.
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LisaNova's Beauty Picks- YouTube

2010-08-21T01:29:00.001-07:00

How to Get Whiter Teeth- YouTube

2010-08-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Achieve a well rested look

2010-08-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Morguefile.com/harmtido

Of course, I recommend getting as much sleep as you can on a regular basis, but sometimes that's just not possible. Check out this article for tips on how you can look great even if you haven't had a moment to snooze.

How to Look Well Rested on Little or No Sleep
Whether you have had no sleep, little sleep or just had too many drinks the night before, you can easily achieve a well rested look as well as make the day run as smooth as possible with these tips.
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Most Stressful US Cities

2010-08-19T01:56:00.000-07:00

The most stressful cities in the U.S.

Find out which US cities take a major toll on their residents.

Las Vegas, NV took the top spot for most stressful US city.

Stretching Exercises for Seniors

2010-08-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

Best Stretching Exercises for Seniors
If you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, maybe it's time to start stretching. Here are five of the best stretching exercises for seniors.
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Colon Cleansing Herbs

2010-08-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Best Colon Cleansing Herbs
Looking to shed some weight and cleanse your colon at the same time? Here are the best herbs that will help you on your journey.
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Diet Mistakes: 6 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight- WebMD

2010-08-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Below you'll find the link to an excellent article on 6 things that you may be doing to sabotage your weight loss goals. Check it out!

Diet Mistakes: 6 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight

These common dieting pitfalls can sabotage weight loss.

By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature

Abs: Don't forget the crunch

2010-08-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Developing core strength is essential to keeping your body stable, strong, and healthy. A strong core helps protect the muscles of the back, promotes, good posture, and improves balance. The crunch is just one of many great exercises for the core that is of moderate difficulty. It can give great results if practiced consistently and with proper form.

Photo by Chris Shipman for www.Realsimple.com

Note: If the standard crunch is beyond your current fitness abilities, you can still reap the benefits. Just modify it!

Shun the American Diet and Improve Your Connection with God

2010-08-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is one hilarious article written by Adam Michael Luebke for Associated Content. It's funny (if you're not easily offended), but it tackles a very serious issue.

Shun the American Diet & Improve Your Connection with God
There is a new study about 30% of people in 9 Southern states being obese. Getting America healthy is imperative.
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Opt for whole grain breads

2010-07-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Credit: curlywurlygurly.wordpress.com

Opt for whole grain breads. No, this is not news. For years we've been hearing this. Just take this post as a friendly reminder that whole grain breads give you more nutritional bang for your buck. By eating whole grain breads you are more likely to reduce your post-meal cravings (high-fiber fills you up longer), reduce your sugar and sodium intake, and ingest more high quality nutrients (meaning they were not added to the bread).

Beware of High Sodium Diet Foods

2010-07-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

When you're on a diet, it is easy to reach for the food option that seems to offer convenience, nutritional bang for the buck, reduced sugar, and lower fat and/or calories. BEWARE. Many of the foods that you might deem great diet foods contain exorbitant amounts of sodium. Canned soups and broths, diet sodas, and some meal replacement beverages and bars may contain more sodium than you think. As always, it's a great idea to read the label prior to purchasing and/or consuming foods.

7 Energy Bars that Deliver by CookingLight.com

2010-07-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

The top 7 energy bars are:

Luna Bars
Zing Bars
ProBar Fruition
Pure Raw Fruit & Nut Bar
Cliff Bars
SoyJoy
Cliff Z Bars

Understanding Sunscreen

2010-07-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Credit: Alvimann for Morguefile.com

Understanding the Types of Sunscreens and Sunblocks, Proper Usage and Levels
Everyone should use sunscreens to protect their skin for the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you that skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and sun exposure is one of the major risk factors.
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10 facts about skin cancer

2010-07-29T18:13:00.001-07:00

10 Important Facts Everyone Should Know About Developing Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer people acquire. However most people are not aware of all the risks and important facts about developing the disease.
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7 skin care rules dermatologists swear by from Yahoo! Shine

2010-07-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

7 Skin care rules dermatologists swear by:

Wash your face before bed
Wear a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen
Keep your stress in check
Use a retinoid or over the counter product containing retinol
Change up your skin care routine every 6 to 12 months
Consume more Omega 3 fatty acids. These are the fats found in foods like fish, nuts, and avocado. Fats from foods like dairy and meat will not have the same effect
Exercise regularly
This is my own tip: Drink plenty of water. Talk to your doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, etc. to find out how much water you should be consuming daily.

Preventing and Covering Up Blemishes on Yahoo! Shine

2010-07-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Getty Images

3 Ways to Prevent a Breakout (and 3 Ways to Cover One Up)
Liz Brody Discusses 3 ways to prevent and cover up facial blemishes in this Yahoo! Shine article. Check it out.

Grill Your Way to a Flat Belly by David Zinczeko

2010-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Grill Your Way to a Flat Belly
Check out this great article by David Zinczeko, author of Eat This, Not That, on Yahoo! Health.

Heat brings out the cool in zoos across the nation on Yahoo! News

2010-07-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Heat brings out the cool in zoos across the nation

It's summertime and high temperatures abound! Be sure to keep cool and hydrated just like these insanely adorable guys!

Click any one of the following photos to view the article, "Heat brings out the cool in zoos across the nation" from Yahoo! News.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Turtle Back Zoo, Annemarie Ferrie

Photo credit: AP Photo/G. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

5 Classic, Year-Round Fashion Pieces from The Thread

2010-07-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

The following 5 classic, year-round fashion pieces can serve as excellent go-to items in your wardrobe.

The little black dress
A white button-down shirt
Dark trouser jeans
A bright, lightweight scarf
A grey Merino wool sweater

Check out the video, "Year-Round Fashion Essentials" from The Thread on Yahoo! Shine.

How to Improve Your Health and Home with Houseplants by Candice L. Collins

2010-07-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

How to Improve Your Health and Home with Houseplants
Plants are one of the finest gifts we have on this planet. We can use them for so many things to enrich our lives that it not only makes sense to include them in our homes, but almost a necessity.
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The Professional's Non-Workout Workout

2010-07-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

One peeve of mine is hearing men and women say they just haven't got the time for a work out. From my experience, everyone has at least some time for a workout...even if its just 3 or 5 minutes at a time. Here are 3 tips for maximizing your time to get a great non-workout workout:

Photo credit: wentyleague.com.au

Always, ALWAYS, take the stairs! If you work on the top floor of a high rise building, take the elevator up only part way. Take the stairs for the last five or more levels. Your ass, abs, heart and lungs will thank you.
Every hour or so take a short break from sitting in front of your computer. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10-20 knee lifts, pelvic tilts, bicep curls, wall push ups, squats or lunges.
Walk to your co-workers' desks and offices instead of phoning or emailing them. You'll most likely get the correct, clear message to them the first time while getting your body moving.

The Better Yogurt

2010-07-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Instead of reaching for the prepackaged, sweetened yogurt at the grocery store, consider mixing and sweetening your own low or no fat plain yogurt. Prepackaged yogurts can be expensive and often come with hefty amounts of sugar, artificial flavors, fat, and calories. Grabbing a tub of low or no fat plain yogurt, some fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or other naturally delicious and healthy fruit will feed your body in the best possible way. You'll get the benefit of fiber, natural, healthy sugars, fresh taste, and calorie and fat control!

Divide your bags of snacks into single serve portions

2010-07-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

Spare yourself future regret, bloating, and weight gain by taking the time to divide your larger snack items post purchase. Waiting until hunger strikes to break open that bag of tortilla chips is a recipe for disaster. After purchasing your snacks divide them up into several food storage containers. Separate them into single serving portions as a preemptive strike against mindless munching.

50 Best Low-Calorie Snacks

2010-07-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Photo by Lara Robby/Studio D. From Goodhousekeeping.com

50 Best Low-Calorie Snacks
As a trainer and as a young woman who loves finding new ways to treat my body and my taste buds well, I love this article! In it, you'll find 50 super tasty snacks that will satisfy so that your craving doesn't become a diet uh-oh!

Whether you save your sweets for one cheat day or you spread the sweetness out in small daily portions, this list has something for everyone...even me, a vegetarian who has Celiac disease.

Here are my faves from the list:
- 1 Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bar
- 1/2 cup Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends
- 22 Original Popchips
- 20 Kettle Brand Baked Potato Chips
- 6 oz. Low Sodium V8 Juice + 1 large, free-range, organic hard-boiled egg.
- Terra Sweet Potato Chips
- 1 cup Black Bean Soup (homemade is best IMHO)
- 100 Calorie popcorn bag with 1 tbsp grated, rennet free parmesan
-3tbsp Hummus and 10 baby carrots

Best and Worst BBQ Foods

2010-07-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Best & Worst BBQ Foods

From the author of "Eat This, Not That"

New Teeny Tiny Car

2010-07-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Gordon Murray Design Releases More Info on T.25 City Car

Photo and link both furnished by CarandDriver.com

Christina Hendrix on her sexy, curvy figure

2010-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Christina Hendrix is proud of her curvy figure...and rightfully so. For more on what the "Mad Men" actress had to say about her "curve" pride, check out this article.

Pro Personal Trainer UZOR Interview

2010-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

An inspiring interview with UZOR, personal trainer to celebrities and professional athletes. This interview was conducted by Oscar Crawford.

The UZOR Interview
This audio presentation is an Oscar Crawford Interview with UZOR, Personal Trainer to Professional Athletes and Celebrities. Brooke Burke, former model, travel show host, winner of Dancing with the Stars, beauty consultant, wife and mom is among the list of persons trained by UZOR.
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Sweet Gestures and Romantic Ideas to Express Your Love

2010-06-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Sweet Gestures and Romantic Ideas to Express Your Love
Whether you see your sweetheart once a week or everyday and everynight, make a special effort to show how much you care. Love notes, massages, flowers and voicing the romantic thoughts in your head are great ways of expressing your love.
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10 Small Changes with Big Health Payoffs

2010-06-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

10 Small Changes with Big Health Payoffs

Check out this article about 10 things that you can do today to get healthier. Flossing a couple more times per day is just one thing you can do to a healthier mouth and body! Check out the article for 9 more things you can do.

5 Weight Loss Myths Holding You Back

2010-06-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

5 Weight Loss Myths Holding You Back

"Myth 1: Your ideal weight is what you weighed when you were first married (or graduated from college, or before you had children)..."

The Truth About Your Food

2010-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Your Food

Take a look at this great article on some of the most unhealthy foods that you may be putting into your body. The article details some of the odd additives (like sand, for instance) used in prepared or fast food. Take a look at this article and share it with your friends.

AndreasChoice-- MY Weight Control rules--Video

2010-06-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

This video is by user AndreasChoice on Youtube.com. Visit her channel for more beauty.

AndreasChoice is not a fitness or diet professional. Much of what she said in this video, however, is on point. Of course, check with your medical doctor prior to starting a new fitness or diet regimen. Additionally, if you have any health concerns, request a physical exam to clear you for exercise. It is always a good idea to ask your medical doctor about exercises that you ought to add to your fitness routine; or that you ought to avoid.

Kroger recalls ice cream, allergic reaction feared

2010-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Kroger recalls ice cream, allergic reaction feared
Article by Michael Vick
Kroger Ice Cream neglected to include a warning about possible nut ingredients on its ice cream packaging. The ice creams effected have a "sell by" date of January 24, 2011.

Assessing Your Middle-Class Status: How to Gauge Your Middle-Class Status - US News & World Report

2010-06-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

Assessing Your Middle-Class Status: How to Gauge Your Middle-Class Status - US News & World Report
by Rick Newman of US News & World Report

How to plan for a double-dip recession by Rick Newman

2010-06-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

How to plan for a double-dip recession by Rick Newman

"If consumers and businesses don't get traction soon, there could even be another recession. The dreaded "double-dip" scenario seems unlikely: Moody's Economy.com, for example, says there's just a 23 percent chance that the U.S. economy will be in a recession six months from now. But other forecasts are gloomier, and there's plenty of economic trouble to worry about."

America's best and worst banks from Forbes.com

2010-06-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

America's best and worst banks from Forbes.com

The above link connects with the Forbes website and a chart that includes one hundred of America's banks ranked from 1 to 100, with 100 being the worst ranking and 1 being the best.

Obama says BP will pay

2010-06-16T00:43:00.001-07:00

Obama: BP will pay for its "recklessness" on Yahoo! News
BP's "recklessness" has held the Gulf hostage for too long. President Barack Obama, in an address, avowed that BP will be held responsible and "will pay for its 'recklessness.'"

Quote from the article:

Obama's stern message for BP, delivered in a solemn tone, was a centerpiece of his high-stakes speech on the oil spill, which threatens to distract from his domestic agenda of reducing nearly double-digit U.S. unemployment and reforming Wall Street.
-Matt Spetalnick, Reuters

Image of President Obama is from GettyImages

Time saving tips for busy women (and men)

2010-06-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

How to Save Time Anywhere on Yahoo! Shine
This article from Women's Day offers some great tips for the busy woman who wants to know how to cut time spent waiting in line in a variety of places (banks, shopping centers, the DMV, etc)S. Of course, these tips don't just apply to busy, on-the-go-women, they apply to everyone who wants to maximize their time and efficiency.

Nurse Practitioner v. Physician's Assistant

2010-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

"Both can evaluate, diagnose, and treat (and in many state, prescribe medication for) medical conditions...if you have many different medical problems, or take a number of medications, see a primary care doctor (M.D.)."

Source: Shape Magazine, March 2009. Page 100

Allergic to Your Cell Phone

2010-01-04T21:48:00.001-08:00

Do you have a persistent or reoccurring rash on your ear or cheek? Your cell phone may be causing an allergic reaction. More than half of cell phone handsets contain nickel-an allergen.

Source: Shape Magazine, March 2009. Page 100

Do I Have Postpartum Depression?

2010-01-04T21:43:00.001-08:00

If you are a postpartum woman and you are unnecessarily experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness, worry, or guilt for a prolonged period of time...you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Speak with your physician if you experience these negative feelings for more than just a few weeks after you've delivered.

The Best Way to Lose Weight

2010-01-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to lose weight and keep it off avoid placing too many dietary restrictions on yourself. When you eat too little, your body attempts to conserve energy and body fat. As a result, your body becomes susceptible to infection and your metabolism slows, making it more difficult to lose weight. Reducing calories may be key for your weight loss success, but cutting more than 10 percent off of your diet can weaken your body and your immunity. Add or increase your activity level to boost your fat-burning power.

Eat several small, well-portioned meals throughout the day to keep yourself satisfied and energetic throughout your day.

Dry skin help

2009-12-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Visit a dermatologist if you continue to suffer from dry skin despite the fact that you avoid hot showers; use a mild, low-lather soap; and moisturize frequently. You may have eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or other skin condition.

Source: Shape Magazine. December 2008, page 60

Stop Dry Skin this Winter

2009-12-25T12:04:00.001-08:00

If your skin is suffering from winter dryness:

Avoid long, hot baths and showers. Instead, bathe in warm water for no more than 4 or 5 minutes. This will help you avoid stripping the oils from your skin.
Soaps that produce a lot of lather really steal oils from the skin. Opt for a fragrance-free, mild soap bar or liquid.
Moisturize often. Winter can be rough on skin and keeping it moisturized can be a challenge. Break out the lotions before you notice a dry spot and try to apply just after you have dried off (after your shower).

Keep exercise boredom away

2009-12-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

"I get bored with my workouts if I'm not constantly challenged..." (Faith Hill, Shape Magazine December 2008)

Keep yourself challenged with new and fresh workouts. Pick two or more different workouts (that you find enjoyable) to do throughout the week. You'll have fun and keep boredom away.

The CDC on Depression

2009-12-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

"29 percent of Americans with depression have not seen a medical professional in the past year"

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Exercise for new moms

2009-12-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

Exercise for New Moms
There are several important factors for new moms to consider when developing an exercise regimen.
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Restaurant eating tip #1

2009-12-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

If you eat out frequently, you may increase the chances of gaining unwanted weight. Today, restaurants serve enormous serving sizes and, consequently, you consume more calories than you may need or want.

Tip#1: Skip the bread basket. The bread served at restaurants is delicious, but often times the portions are large and the bread is buttered. Also, the bread tends to be enriched white flour as opposed to a whole wheat or whole grain flour. So, the contents of the basket are often non-nutritive and fattening. If you'd rather not opt out the bread basket, simply cut the biscuit in half and skip the butter.

Group fitness instructors: Gaining confidence

2009-12-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Group Fitness Instructors: Gaining Confidence
Four great tips that can help new personal trainers and new group fitness instructors improve confidence levels.
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Top 7 Infant Health Concerns

2009-12-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

The Top 7 Infant Health Concerns
While becoming a new parent is an immensely joyous event, many parents are filled with anxiety about keeping their child healthy and safe. Here are 7 top infant health concerns.
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Improve posture to improve fitness

2009-12-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Improving Posture to Improve Fitness
Having poor posture may be causing your back pain. Also, poor posture can prevent you from reaping many of the benefits that exercise has to offer.
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Push-ups: Firm your chest

2009-12-23T14:04:00.001-08:00

If you are looking to firm and lift your chest, you can do simple, but challenging exercises that will help you get the results you want. In order to lift and firm the chest you should be targeting the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles.

Remember to follow through with the full range of motion for the exercises that you practice. This will help you to engage all of the muscle fibers you're hoping to strengthen.

Try this push-up exercise at home or at the gym:

Start in plank position with soft elbows, tight abdominal muscles, a flat back, and shoulders lowered from your ears.
Lower as low as is comfortable for you by bending your elbows. (Remember to maintain a flat back)
Return to plank position by contracting your muscles and extending through the elbow. (Remember to leave your elbows slightly bent)
If you are able, lift one hand off of the ground and hold for 2 counts.

Remember to work at your own pace. To modify this push-up exercise, lower your knees to the ground or practice against a wall.

More sleep for more weight loss

2009-12-22T14:57:00.001-08:00

Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night can help sleep deprived individuals drop excess weight:

When you don't sleep enough, you are more likely to look to sweet, sugary, starchy foods as a means of restoring your energy throughout the day. Over time, this can add up to tens of thousands of extra calories and pounds of excess weight.

Get more sleep and you will be equipping yourself to better handle the stresses of your day without turning to fattening foods to get you through energy lulls.

Source: Glamour Magazine, May 2009 issue. Page 225

Jillian Michaels on fear of losing weight

2009-12-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

"Fear [of failing] is the number-one thing that keeps women from changing their bodies--not laziness or lack of willpower...jot down your goal on a piece of paper and under it, write all the things you're going to do to get yourself there...Writing down your goals and the actions you're taking makes them real--instead of vague hopes or intentions you have tucked away in the back of your mind."

Quoted from Jillian Michaels (Glamour Magazine, May 2009)

Jillian Michaels: How to stay motivated

2009-12-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

"Find out your main motivation, write it on Post-its and plant them in your gym bag, under your car visor, all over, so they are always in your face and driving you to keep at it."

Quoted from Jillian Michaels (Glamour Magazine, May 2009)

Eat more veggies at lunch and dinner

2009-12-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

Your meals can keep you satiated and well-balanced

Make vegetables account for the majority of your lunch and dinner. Lean protein in the form of tofu, fish, poultry, etc. will be the next largest portion of your meal. Complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grain breads or pasta ought to account for the smallest portion of your lunch and dinner meals.

How to survive holiday weight gain

2009-12-21T20:40:00.001-08:00

How to Survive Holiday Weight Gain
People see more than 50 percent of annual weight gain in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Here are a nutrition expert's tips.
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How to remove sweat stains from exercise gear

2009-12-21T20:19:00.001-08:00

Before washing your sweat-stained exercise clothes, "cover sweat stains with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water."

If your exercise clothes are smelly, treat the clothing with vinegar and baking soda (50-50 mixture). This will release odors from the clothing.

Exercise during pregnancy may make delivery easier

2009-12-21T20:11:00.001-08:00

Pregnant women who engage in light exercise several times a week are less likely to request epidural at the time of delivery according to a recent study published in Reproductive Health magazine. It appears that even light exercise increases blood flow to the pelvis and that may reduce levels of pain. Additionally, some of the women involved in the studied attributed their lack of need for epidural to the fact that exercise throughout their pregnancies helped the to mentally (as well as physically) prepare for the delivery of their children.

Sources: Pregnant? Do this for an easier delivery. Shape Magazine, April 2009

Walking can burn up to 400 calories per hour

2009-12-21T20:04:00.001-08:00

If high impact workouts are just not your thing, you may be pleased to learn that walking is a highly effective workout that can result in major calorie burning, lower body toning and fat loss.

For the most effective walking workout, walk fast enough that you feel that it would be easier to jog. Pay close attention to posture, form and pace. You will burn up to 400 calories per hour. That's a higher calorie burn than jogging and come close to the sort of calorie burn an individual participating in a boot camp workout would experience.

Boot camp workouts for weight loss

2009-12-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Bootcamp workouts can provide a high energy way to burn calories and encourage weight loss. A one-hour boot camp session can scorch a whopping 450 calories!

Not interested in attending a fitness boot camp class? Pick up a boot camp workout video for a great workout that you can easily modify to suit your fitness level and needs.

Feet: Blister Help

2009-12-21T19:56:00.001-08:00

If you've developed a blister on your foot, use a sterilized needle to puncture and drain the blister. Avoid removing the skin from the blister and apply an antibiotic cream to the area. To avoid chafing, cut a hole in a piece of moleskin and place it over the area so that the drained blister is exposed through the hole in the moleskin.

Source: Dr. Carol Otis for Shape Magazine.

Moleskin helps prevent foot chafing

2009-12-21T19:49:00.001-08:00

If you suffer from frequent blisters on your feet, cut a hole in a piece of moleskin and placing it on your foot so that the blister is not beneath the moleskin, but exposed through the hole. According to Dr. Carol Otis, doing this can help individuals prone to developing blisters prevent chafing of their already sensitive feet.

Take care of your feet #1

2009-12-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Having blisters on your feet can make exercise extremely uncomfortable, so here is one tip for preventing them from developing:

Wear petrolatum jelly (i.e. Vaseline) on the areas of the feet that are sensitive
or that frequently have blisters. Doing this will prevent friction related blisters from forming on your feet.

Pre-made snacks and meals can help you lose weight

2009-12-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Diet tip: Pre-made meals and snacks are a great way to jump start a diet and help you lose weight and avoid mindless munching. Grab a few snack bags and containers and label them for each day of the week. When snack time and meal time rolls around, you'll only need to reach into your cupboard or refrigerator to start chowing down!

Eat snacks between meals to lose weight

2009-12-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

Trying to lose weight? Your diet may need a change. Many times we forget to eat throughout the day as we get bogged down with work and home life. Unfortunately this sort of habit leads to overeating at meal time. Rather than forcing yourself to wait hours between meals, sprinkle two to three 100 to 150-calorie snacks between your three main meals.

Eat fiber at breakfast

2009-12-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

The May 2009 issue of Glamour Magazine offered this tip for losing weight:

Increase the amount of fiber you eat at breakfast time by loading up on whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. How much fiber should you eat? At least 8 grams of fiber will help you feel full longer.

Study: Cell phones do not increase incidence of brain tumors

2009-12-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

Study: Cell Phones Do Not Increase Incidence of Brain Tumors
A recent study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that there is no apparent link between cell phones and the development of brain tumors.
Read More

Vegetarian/Vegan restaurants in Orange County, CA

2009-12-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Looking to increase your consumption of vegetables? Here are a few vegetarian restaurants located in Orange County:

Aliso Viejo

Native Foods- 26705 Aliso Creek Road. (949) 831-1926 website

Anaheim

Rasthal- 2751 W. Lincoln Avenue. (714) 527-3800

Anaheim Hills

Mother's Market and Kitchen- 5759 Santa Ana Canyon Road. (714) 974-6667 website

Costa Mesa

Avanti Cafe- 259 E. 17th Street. (949) 548-2224 website
Mother's Market and Kitchen- 225 E. 17th Street. (949)631-4741 website
Native Foods- 2937 Bristol Street. (714) 751-2151 website
118 Degrees Organic- 2981 Bristol Street, Ste. B5. (714) 754-0718 website
Skosh Monahans- 2000 Newport Boulevard. (949) 548-0099 website

Fullerton

Rutabegorz- 211 N. Pomona Street. (714) 738- 9339 website

Huntington Beach

Good to Go- 5930 Warner Avenue (714) 840- 6400 website
Mother's Market- 19970 Beach Boulevard (714) 963- 6667 website

Irvine

The Greens Cafe- 15435 Jeffrey Road, Suite 110 (949) 653-1241 website
Mother's Market and Kitchen- 2963 Michelson Drive. (949) 752-6667 website
The Veggie Grill- 4213 Campus Drive. (949) 509-0003 website
The Veggie Grill- 81 Fortune Drive. (949) 727-9900 website
Wheel of Life- 14370 Culver Drive, Suite 2G. (949) 551-8222 website

Ladera Ranch

Loving Hut- 27522 Antonio Parkway, Suite P2. (949) 365-1077 website

Laguna Beach

The Stand- 238 Thalia Street. (949) 494-8101
Zinc Cafe- 350 Ocean Avenue. (949) 494-6302 website

Laguna Woods

Mother's Market- 24165 Paseo de Valencia. (949)768-6667 website

Orange

Rutabegorz- 264 W. Glassell Street (714) 633-3260 website

Santa Ana

Mother's Market- 151 E. Memory Lane (714) 542-6667 website

Tustin

Rutabegorz- 158 W. Main Street (714) 731-9807 website

Reference:

Morgan, Cindy. Girls time out. Parenting OC Magazine, November 2009. Pages (34-35)

Swine Flu prevention tips

2009-12-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Swine Flu prevention tips for you and your family:

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. A well-balanced diet will support a healthy immune system, which is essential in protecting you from contracting illnesses.
Maintain good hygiene. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer alone is not sufficient to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses that you may have on your hands. Remembering to wash your hands after you've coughed or sneezed will also help keep you and those you interact with regularly safe.
Avoid sharing food and drinks with others. We all know that sharing food and drinks means that we are sharing possible illnesses with our friends and family.
Stay home from work if you feel as though you are getting sick. If you feel feverish, congested, or have a general ill feeling, staying home will give you some much needed rest and will help prevent the spread of illness.

Check out:

Good to Share
U.S. Center for Disease Control

Talk to your kids about drugs

2009-12-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

According to a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, today's teens have easy access to prescription and illegal drugs. A child or teen's first experience with prescription drugs can occur accidentally, in the home. Also, there is easy access to illegal drugs like marijuana or meth.

Now, more than ever, it is important for you to keep the lines of communication open with your children. Encouraging them to open up about your concerns and their concerns will keep your family focused on living healthy, drug free lives.

Source: Sobering Survey on Teen Drug Abuse. Parenting OC Magazine, November 2009. Page 13

Teach kids second language

2009-12-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Cornell University studies show that teaching children a second language can improve cognitive abilities, social skills, and educational receptiveness.

Source:
More reasons to encourage bilingualism. Parenting Magazine, November 2009.

Alternative to salad dressing

2009-12-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Fresh meal idea: When enjoying your salads, try skipping traditional dressings. Salsa is a flavorful, light alternative to salad dressings that may encourage you to look for lighter, fresher alternatives to other condiments and food add-ons.

Get your child to eat healthy foods

2009-12-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Eat healthy, tasty food to model great eating behavior for your children. This will help to motivate them to eat the good-for-you food that you pack in their lunch boxes. Also, discussing food choices with your kids will encourage them to eat good foods while allowing them to be "invested" in the foods that you feed them.

Develop social skills in kids

2009-12-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

A University of Sussex study shows that there is a connection between mothers and social skill development in children. According to the study, a mother who discusses, role plays, and teaches their child will develop stronger social skills had they not had the training.

Source: Jennifer Iwatake. Mom Plays Role in Social Skills. Parenting Magazine, page 13. November 2009 issue.

Body image: Get positive with your kids

2009-12-03T20:36:00.001-08:00

Encourage positive body image in yourself and/or your children, by being active together. Head to the park for a picnic and game of frisbee, take in a game on Wii fit, or take your family dog on a walk together.

Make a healthy snack today

2009-12-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

To make your snack really count, pair a complex carbohydrate (like whole grain bread or crackers) with protein (like almond butter or a slice of turkey). You'll stay full longer and give yourself that energy boost you need to make it through your midday lull.

Skip the raisins

2009-12-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to lose weight, you'll have to reduce the number of calories you are consuming or you will have to increase the number of calories you are burning.

You will want to be sure that you are eating quality foods that will keep you full for as long as possible. Eating dried fruit may seem like a healthy idea, but those low water density foods will leave you less full and more likely to be revisiting your fridge.

Instead of eating raisins, craisins, dried apricot, or any other dried fruit variety, reach for fresh fruit that is water dense (oranges, raisins, cranberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, peaches, etc.). You will be more satisfied for a longer period of time and you will encourage your body to drop excess body fat.

Limit desserts, don't eliminate them

2009-12-01T22:22:00.001-08:00

The best advice I could give to my personal training clients is to limit foods that they find difficult to resist. I recommended 100 calorie packs and single serve candy bars and encouraged avoiding bags of candies and cookies.

I am one of those trainers who believes that everyone needs to understand their cravings and develop discipline over time. For that reason I disagree with the notion that one must always abstain from foods that they desire.

My one exception: immediate health concerns like severe obesity, heart disease, and any form of diabetes. In these cases, I support rediscovering the taste of naturally flavorful foods and modified, health conscious recipes.

Divide Your Snacks into Single Servings

2009-11-19T22:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for ways to cut calories, pay more attention to your daily caloric intake. Consider reducing mindless snacking by dividing up snacks and desserts into single serving sizes or smaller. You'll need to get your hands on some Tupperware or re-usable/eco-friendly snack bags for storage.

List of Cardio Exercises to Help You Lose Weight

2009-11-19T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of cardio exercises that will raise your heart rate and metabolism while controlling your appetite, boosting your energy levels, and helping you drop excess weight.

Running
Jogging
Power walking
Walking
Bicyling
Water Aerobics
Swimming
Ball sports
Martial Arts
Elliptical, stair climbing, treadmill, and cycling machines
Jump rope
Aerobic dance
Club dancing

These exercises are fabulous for weight loss and they are so fun to do. Grab a buddy to work out with, go work out solo, or find some great Exercise DVDs to get you motivated. To maintain interest and motivation, mix up your work outs! Do 3 or more of these cardio work outs every week.

Sweet potato chips

2009-11-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

Looking for an alternative to traditional potato chips? Consider purchasing or baking sweet potato chips. Sweet potatoes taste delicious when baked and even better when made into chips. These potatoes are high in vitamin A, low in fat, and low in calories!

Look for sweet potato chips your grocery store's chip/snack aisle!

Strength Train to Increase Your Metabolism

2009-11-18T23:42:00.000-08:00

So you have motivated yourself to work out daily. Congratulations!

Don't forget to include strength training in your work out routine. Including strength training will increase your muscle mass, which will increase your metabolism. New to strength training? Gradually add strength training/weight bearing exercises to your cardio. Start with 1 to 2 days per week and work up to 3 to 5 days per week. Also, avoid working the same muscle group(s) on consecutive days.