Laughter for Holiday Stress:) LOL!! 11/30/12

Good Friday Morning everyone!! I thought I would write about "Laughter". Since, the Holidays can bring upon stress, depression and many other ailments, one of the simpliest and holistic ways to treat these ailments is through laughter. Laughter, Laughter, Laughter:)

To Start, Here are a few Health benefits:

What can laughter do?:

• Lower blood pressure
• Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
• Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
• Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
• Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
• Defend against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
• Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores

• Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

Previous research has shown that more heart attacks occur during winter than any other season due to factors including an increased prevalence of respiratory infections, eating more fatty and salty foods, drinking more eggnog and alcoholic beverages, and holiday stress.

Specifically, the poll of 1,017 adults with high blood pressure found that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day:

—62 percent of adults with hypertension eat more than usual.

—48 percent experience heightened stress levels.

—37 percent gain weight.

—29 percent exercise less or quit exercising altogether.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138194,00.html#ixzz2DhhFGUmW

According to Web MD, many more studies on laughter are being done across the country with amazing results. Laughing 100 (ha-ha-etc.) times a day gives the same cardiac workout as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise.
Maciej Buchowski, a researcher with Vanderbilt University, conducted a unique study and proved that 10-15 minutes of concentrated laughter burned 50 calories. Hmmm.

This is my favorite:)  Especially since we just had the largest lottery!!

Lottery Winner
Imagine you just won the 500 Million Dollar Lottery! Only ONE set of numbers hit, and they were YOURS! Laugh, howl, jump up and down, wave your arms, hug each other and celebrate. Try to keep it up for a minute each day, then two minutes the following week. This is truly energizing.

So, enjoy your friday and laugh today. Let me know how it goes. What made you laugh?

Taking a sick day! 11/28/12

This morning I am not feeling well. So, today I will try my hardest to rest...have my juicing drinks and lots of soup. I am taking my Vitamin C and Zinc. I have two clients in the morning and the rest of the day is rest.

No real workout for me. I plan to do a yoga stretch and opening up my sinuses but that's all for me.

Tonight is left over Black Bean burgers for the family. I will stick with soup.

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!!

Question of the day? What's your favorite thing do when your are sick?

Cyber monday run 11/26/12

Good Monday morning!!! Started my day off with a great morning run. I just love having tech savvy teenagers....my teenager downloaded new music for me on my ipod!!! So, I had some motivation to run this morning. It feels so good to be back to my regular routine. Pilates class this morning.

Tonights menu is leftover Lentil soup from lastnight, homemade bread and hummus. Then, basketball season starts today. Let the winter sports begin:)

Enjoy your cyber monday!!!

20 Ways to stay healthy 11/25/12

I can't belive it's Sunday already. Preparing for the work week now:(  
My 9 year old son has made a list of 20 ways to stay healthy.

1. eat fruits / veggies
2. exersise
3. get plenty of rest
4. no stress
5. be happy
6. love your relatives
7. reuse, reduce, and recycle
8. don't smoke
9. brush your teeth
10. watch the Dr. Oz show and Dr. Phill
11. do nice things for others
12. respect others
13. go to church
14. take care of nature
15. love your brothers and sisters
16. go to www.Eatmorekale.com for recipes
17. own pets (mostly dogs)
18. don't hunt
19. watch less TV, play less games on Virtule consules (Wii, X-box, Ipad...)
20. drink Zevia soda.  Available at Hannafords.  Caution: contains Erythritol

By Luke and Stephanie Simon.
Wise words.LOL!!!  Started my day with a great yoga stretch. here are few stretches I did this am. This site is wonderful....   Hope you enjoy.

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2466

Benefits

• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress, anxiety and mild
• Stimulates the liver and kidneys
• Stretches the hamstrings and calves
• Strengthens the thighs
• Improves digestion
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
• Helps relieve headache and insomnia

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/494

Benefits

• Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
• Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Helps relieve stress
• Improves digestion
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
• Relieves backache, especially through second trimester of pregnancy
• Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and sciatica

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2499  ***This is my favorite since it opens so much..

Calms the brain
Stimulates the liver and kidneys
Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and thighs
Strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Stretches the back of the leg, the front thigh and groin

Thanksgiving 11/22/12

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! It's here:)   I am so thankful for so much. I am blessed with so much.

I decided not to run this morning since I need my energy to stay awake later. Ok, We are off to enjoy our feast with Family today!!!

Can't wait to hear all about everyones Day!!

Enjoy!!

Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner ideas 11/20/12

Two days until Thanksgiving!!! I can't wait. We are celebrating my with my Brother and his family!!! It's early on this Tuesday morning....I'm waiting for my 6am client. Most everyone already has in mind what they are eating or bringing to their Thanksgiving Dinner. But, there are healthy alternatives to the traditional meal. Enjoy the feast but focus on family and friends and not so much on the food. Get a good workout done in the morning to help rev your metabolism and lower your insulin. Also, go for a walk after your meal. Wear form fitting clothes and not loose ones to remind you when you are full. Here are a few other ideas:

Go Vegetarian this Thanksgiving.
http://cathe.com/a-healthy-thanksgiving-dinner-for-vegetarians

I will be making a tofu pecan pie this year:)

Workouts: focus on slow and focused:
http://cathe.com/mindful-fitness-the-importance-of-focus

working a slow and mindful focus when doing strength training not only burns calories but helps to steady blood sugar!!!

Enjoy your Tuesday!!!

I'd love to hear any Thanksgiving Dinner healthy ideas???

11/18/12

Wow!!! It's been a whirlwind of a weekend!!! Just some great family time.

Yesterday was National Prematurity Day. In observence we wore Purple to help raise funds for support. Thanks Anna for sharing.

From the album: Timeline Photos

By Parents of Preemies Day

Help spread the word - November 17, Worldwide Prematurity Day.

One in ten births, an estimated 15 million babies, are born prematurely each year worldwide. Of those born before 37 weeks gestation, approximately one million die as a result of prematurity. Reducing premature birth starts with awareness.

 

Our Purple day outfits!!! Not the best pic but, hey it works:)

Today is a quiet day. A day full of housework and catching up and preparing for the upcoming week.

Todays workout is circuit. Which is a fast paced cardio, weights and core moves without rest time!!!

Tonights menu is Soup....Not sure which type yet??? Our Menu will be light over the next three days to prepare for our Thanksgiving feast!!! :)

Enjoy your Sunday everyone.

Heres a few pics from our Veteran's day hike.

 

 

Pumpkin Enchiladas 11/14/12

Here it is Wednesday already and my daughter has a half day tomorrow already!!! We had a wonderful Veteran's Day on Monday. We went hiking on Gibbet Hill. Then, to Fruitlands Musuem and then out to dinner:) Great Day!!!

So, I made a wonderful Mexican night on Tuesday. I found on "Hungry Girls" website a Pumpkin Enchiladas recipe. Increased the serving size and adjusted seasonings to our taste but, thy were amazing. I reserved a few in the pan made special for me.( no cheese) Then, I made a Mexican flavored tofu, roasted onions, and bell peppers. Served with guacamole and  black beans!!!! All amazing!!!

Workouts are pretty much the same. Tuesday: Back/Bi's   Wed: Shoulders/ legs and spinning classes and of course Pilates on Thursday!!!

I stil do not have my computer. UGGHH!! I'm hoping to post pictures and videos when I get my computer back.

Enjoy your day everyone!!!

"A Tribute To My Hero" 11/12/12

As I am waking on this unusually warm Veterans Day ( I know it was officially yesterday), I reflect on all the men and women who are serving or haved served our country. Then, my thoughts automatically turn to my Marine Veteran, my hero!!! Not all veterans are wearing uniforms....they may be your childrens teachers, police officers, little leaque coaches, the person you sit next to in church. So, not all Veteran's are out in the lime light. My husband is the one behind the scenes making sure all the parades run smoothly, kids  are being picked up and quitely serving his country!!!  So, To All Veteran's Thank You!!!

Ok, So... I still had to do my workout eventhough it is Veteran's Day weekend!!

Today I started with a warm up walk then light jog on treadmil. Then, I did speed level 5 for 1 min.
                                                                                                                                   6 for 1 min.
                                                                                                                                   7 for 1 min.
                                                                                                                                   8 30 seconds then walk @3 for 30 sec.

Then I went right to Brech press heavy for 12-15 reps then heavy squats for 12-15 reps and repeated the cycle starting with the running.

Then I did chest flys and Tricep skull crushers and tricep kick backs  then, right to one leg squat off the front of the step. All heavy weights for 12-15 reps

Also, some of asked for my music so I;m going to download some of my music. But, remember this is my music that motivates me.... you may not like it or find it offensive but, I don't think so. It's all in fun:)

Todays menu....we are going out for dinner. But, tomorrow is homemade Mexican night!!

Wonderful Life 3:59 Gwen Stefani The Sweet Escape Rock  130 11/12/2012 10:15 AM
What You Waiting For? 3:42 Gwen Stefani Love. Angel. Music. Baby Pop  54 11/12/2012 10:43 AM
I Will Survive 3:18 Gloria Gaynor Party Starter: disco Electronica/Dance  60 11/12/2012 10:52 AM
Ladies Night 6:24 Kool & The Gang Party Starter: disco Electronica/Dance  38 9/11/2011 3:33 PM
Celebration 4:59 Kool & The Gang Party Starter: disco Electronica/Dance 100 26 9/11/2011 3:27 PM
I'm Your Boogie Man 4:03 K.C. & The Sunshine Band Party Starter: disco Electronica/Dance  26 9/11/2011 2:54 PM
I'm Too Sexy 2:52 Right Said Fred Party Starter Dance Mix Electronica/Dance  105 3/12/2012 11:34 AM
Missing [Todd Terry Remix] 3:55 Everything But The Girl Party Starter Dance Mix Electronica/Dance  134 11/12/2012 11:29 AM
Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...) 3:41 Lou Bega Party Starter Dance Mix Electronica/Dance  36 3/12/2012 11:27 AM
Track 03 4:00     31 11/12/2012 10:36 AM
Track 04 4:12     23 11/12/2012 10:40 AM

It didn't orkout how I played but here is the list. Ok, Enjoy your day everyone:)

Vitamin C Health benefits 11/10/12

Thank goodness it's saturday! This week my computer crashed(still being worked on, I'm on my daughters), Our pellet stove was having issues and now my car is dying. But, it's nothing that a good workout won't fix. Today, I am starting with a great run... I'll start at level 5 speed which a comfortable warm up jog for me. Then,  after 5 min. I start increasing the speed by 1 every minute thereater until I'm ready to drop. :) My post run will be a great Yoga stretching session. For the rest of the day, we are off to car shop!!! wish us luck:)

However; I have been taking my vitamin c. There are so many more health benefits than most people realize. For instance, Vitamin C can help regulate high blood pressure, prevent against heart disease, cancer and also helps regulate blood sugar. So check out this site.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/apr2008_Newly-Discovered-Benefits-Of-Vitamin-C_01.htm

Today's menu is still up in the air. With a day of car shopping, it may have to be Sandwich and Soup night or ???? I do have some leftover Lentil soup that I frooze so, I can take that out. Less than two weeks until Thanksgiving!!! Time to up the workouts and watch your diet!!!!

Enjoy your Weekend. Happy Birthday Marine Corp!!!

Thursday Pilates 11/8/12

Happy Thursday everyone!!! I am currently experiencing computer issue. UUGGHH!!!  Anyway, we had our first beautiful snowfall of the season this morning!! I love it until January then, I'm ready to see it go.

Tuesdays workout consisted of running and maintaining my running speed at the higher end of the  spectrum of my maximum speed. Then, I finished with Back & bicep work.

Wednesday: Legs and shoulders with a pre warm up run then ended with high intenity plyometrics

Thursday (today) My am Pilates class then, ran up hill on treadmill, then ended with step ups on the bench. Today is cardio day with no weights.

Last night was the first night my son ate all his dinner without complaining.HHMMM!!!!
we had Quinoa with roasted veggies and a salad.....delicious!!! I finished it off today for lunch:)   Very happy tummy!!!

Until tomorrow!!!!

Madison singing and playing "Boston" on the Piano 11/5/12

Today I secretly taped my 13 year old teaching herself to play and sing the song "Boston" by Augustana on the Piano. Instead of being on the computer or any tech stuff, she chose to sing and play. Love it!!!  Here is the original version of the song.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASJBXu8tNo

Here is Madison's version:  ENJOY:)

Enjoy your evening!!!

The Benefits of Pilates and Chickpea burger recipe 11/5/12

Where did the weekend go???? I tried all day yesterday to work on my blog....no luck!!! between carpooling kids around, errands and oh yeah, school projects there was no time for blogging. This morning I'm off to teach my Pilates class. Pilates is such a great way for me to streamline and stretch my body after doing weights.
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/the-benefits-of-pilates

Then my workout to include: A short run, then Chest/ Tris and some legs.

Tonights menu is leftover chickpea burgers, with sweet potato fries and roasted cauliflower and coleslaw.
These burgers were great and tasty. I used sun-dried tomatoes in oil so I did not add more oil. I also used spelt flour. I rolled into balls and flattened into patties on the grill. If grilling outside, I suggest placing patties in a wrapped foil package so you can flip the foil package instead of the patty to avoid breakage.
http://vegweb.com/recipes/chickpea-burgers-0

Enjoy your Monday everyone and remember to vote tomorrow!!!:):)
I also appreciate all your comments and suggestions!! Thanks again:)

NEW!!! Yoga/Pilates video 11/3/12

Good Saturday morning everyone. It is so beautiful out, it's hard to believe that some of the East Coast is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Our hearts and prayers go out to all affected by the storm, including my brother and his family!!!

On a lighter note, I have a new video to share. I hope you all enjoy. So today is just a clean up day for us. I did my video and ran for my workout. We have evening activities planned today. Tonights menu is Mexican theme night. Veggie and black bean tacos for me!!! :) YUMM!!!
Also, I made deviled eggs but replaced the mayonaise mixture with Hummus! Awesome.

Anyway, I tried to post my video here and I couldn't so, if you click on the workouts up top you will find my new Yoga/Pilates video. Check it out and let me know what you think???

Halloween 10/31/12

First, I want to say special prayers for all those suffering from Hurricane Sandy's wrath. We and our town did very well. Very few power outages and no major flooding. Just a few trees and limbs down but other than that, we did great!!!

Hope everyone else had a great Halloween!! I just realized today that it is exactly 3 weeks until Thanksgiving!!! Yikes. Here are a few Halloween pics.... Beware they are spooky.

Enjoy your Thursday everyone!!! I am off to my morning Pilates Class:) Then a day of cleaning up Halloween decorations and maybe a good cardio workout to work off all this candy. I did have a few pieces...ok, a lot of pieces of candy. Butterfingers are my favorite.

Question of the day? What's your favorite Halloween candy?