Monday, February 28, 2011

Enhance Happiness and Decrease Stress!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Expressing gratitude enhances happiness and health and decreases stress. Consider spending a few minutes each morning or evening expressing gratitude for your many blessings.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Bugs On A Log? Yum!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A delicious nutritious snack the whole family can enjoy is to fill celery stalks with raw almond butter and top with a few raisins or dried cranberries.

We used to do this in my school and the kids loved it!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Crunchies on the Salad.....But No Calories? Sure!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Celery is a nutrient rich vegetable. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, B vitamins and calcium.

Salads With Flavor, Nutrition and Texture? YES!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To add flavor, nutrition and texture to your salad, experiment with different types of lettuce, greens and fresh raw vegetables. The more color in your salad, the higher the nutritional value.

Salads That Are Filling? Yep!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To make salads more filling, add lean proteins such as white, red or black beans, chickpeas or lentils instead of high fat cheese or croutons.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

For a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing combine 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1-tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, -teaspoon sea salt, -teaspoon basil and oregano, dash of ground black pepper. Shake well before mixing into salad.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Try This to Save Money and Be Healthier!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Making your own salad dressing is easy, less expensive and healthier than store bought dressings.
.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Natural Toothpaste!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To create natural toothpaste, mix teaspoon lemon juice, 1/8 cup baking soda, 1-drop peppermint extract add enough water to make a paste. Use immediately.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Natural Carpet Deoderizer!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To make a natural carpet deodorizer, combine -cup baking powder, -cup cornstarch, 1/8 cup arrowroot powder in a shaker bottle, and sprinkle on carpet prior to vacuuming.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Practice Abdominal Breathing for Reducing Stress!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A simple technique to practice abdominal breathing is to sit or lie comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen above your belly button. Take a deep breath in through your nose, your lower hand should move more than the hand on your chest.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Dia.....What?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing is a simple, yet powerful relaxation technique. Practicing abdominal breathing for just
5 to 10 minutes will result in deep relaxation.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Progressive Muscle Relaxation? What's That?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and releasing large muscle groups from the top of your body downward. This technique helps you relax by relieving muscle tension and reminds you that you are in control of the tension.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Practice Mindfulness to Reduce Stress!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Practicing mindfulness, which is focusing on one task at a time and really appreciating all aspects of that task will help you to be in the present moment and reduce feelings of stress.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Stress Causes Changes Which, Over Time, Can Lead to Health Problems!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A stress response is created in the body from any situation or thought that causes you to feel angry, frustrated, nervous or anxious. "When you're chronically stressed, those physiologic changes, over time, can lead to health problems" according to Jay Winner MD.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Celebrate Your Successes!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

As you create health and wellness goals for yourself, celebrate your successes. Focusing on your successes will create momentum towards your goals.

Caution: DON'T celebrate by eating!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

How To Change Your Habits? One Step At A Time!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

"Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time."
Mark Twain

Small, Baby Steps Are The Key to BIG Lifestyle Changes!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

When making lifestyle changes, avoid the all or nothing approach. Instead, select small baby steps daily to move you towards your goals.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Increase Your Awareness!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

One way to increase your awareness about your health habits is to keep a food and exercise journal. Record everything you eat, when and how much physical activity you do, where you eat, what prompts you to eat and what excuses you make to not exercise or make healthy food choices.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Interested in Creating a Healthier Lifestyle? Check This Out!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

If you are interested in creating a healthier lifestyle, it is important to be aware of your current habits so that you can evaluate which support your health and which don't support health.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What Size Stability Ball Do You Need?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Selecting the proper size stability ball for your height is important. If you are, less than 5 feet select an 18-inch ball, if you are between 5 and 6 feet tall a 22-inch ball is recommended and if you are over 6 feet tall select the 26-inch stability ball.

Monday, February 7, 2011

How to Strengthen Core Muscles? Read This!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Balancing on a stability ball helps to develop and strengthen core muscles.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Hooray for Physical Activity!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Physical activity has significant benefits to your overall health, well-being and quality of life.

Lower Your Medical Costs? Yep!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discovered that on average physically active people had lower annual direct medical costs than inactive people did.

Regular Exercise is Essential!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Regular physical activity is essential to maintain muscle mass and flexibility, bone density, lung capacity and joint mobility.

Is Your Exercise Program Well-Balanced?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A well-balanced exercise program consists of aerobic, strength training, core stability, and flexibility and balance activities.

Tips for Burning More Calories? Here They Are!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To burn more calories and increase the benefit of your physical activity, alternate short bursts of intense activity with less intense activity.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Want Organic Produce Which Has Been Grown "Sustainably"?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A trip to the local farmer's market can be a fun family outing and is a great place to purchase inexpensive fresh produce.

A trip to a CSO (a sustainable, organic farmer) has additional health benefits! You can find listings of these local farmers on Google.