Fit Friday

 Here is a great workout that doesn't require any jumping!  Woo Hoo!

 

Topic Thursday

Here is a great guide to help you realize the size of portions without getting out a scale!

Wellness Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Healthy Greek Chopped Salad

Greek Chopped Salad

1 seedless cucumber

1 c. grape tomatoes, halved

4-5 radishes, cut into quarters

1 c. black olives, halved or quartered

1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese

Creamy Yogurt Dressing

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice

3 tbsp. Greek yogurt

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. salt

ground pepper to taste

For the cucumbers, cut off the ends, then cut lengthwise in half and then half again.  Chop and add to a medium bowl.  Add tomatoes, radishes, olives, and feta.  Season with salt and pepper.

For the dressing, whisk all ingredients until well blended and pour over salad.  Toss gently and serve.

Motivation Monday

Here is a great reminder to take your goals one step at a time!

Fit Friday

Topic Thursday

A Natural Approach: 3 Sunburn Remedies



Prevention is the key to burn-free skin, but sometimes SPF lotion and a cute hat don't stand up to the Summer sun. Once you've been burned, start out by replenishing your fluids from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. If you're still in pain — or looking a little fried — then try out one (or a combination) of the following natural sunburn remedies to soothe your skin naturally.
Collodial oatmeal: Think that oatmeal baths are just for kids with chicken pox? You won't be saying so once you've soaked in some milky oatmeal after a long day in the sun. But tossing the rolled oats from your kitchen into the tub won't do. Look for a colloidal oatmeal bath like this Aveeno Oatmeal Bath ($7) that calms down and works to heal inflamed skin.
Vitamin C: Instead of popping aspirin, upping your vitamin C can help alleviate sunburn damage. "I tell my patients to take 1,000 milligrams [of vitamin C] for three days, as opposed to the recommended daily allowance of 75 milligrams, and also apply the vitamin topically," says dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. She suggests Philosophy's Turbo Booster C Powder ($36) as a topical solution for sunburn woes.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera is king of the natural remedies. Whether you have an inexpensive gel lotion or a fresh plant at home, aloe vera will help soothe your skin naturally, since it contains nutrients that heal your skin back to health and prevent infection simultaneously. To heighten the cooling sensation, refrigerate your aloe vera gel before you apply.

Wellness Wednesday

Here is a great guide on proper posture and ergonomics when it comes to sitting...which we do WAY too much of!!

Tasty Tuesday

 Because sometimes you just need a yummy treat!!

Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt

 




Your favorite cookie dough meets frozen yogurt for a perfect treat on a hot day!

Ingredients

• ½ cups Unsalted Butter, Softened
• ½ cups Packed Dark Brown Sugar
• ¼ cups Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup All-purpose Flour
• ¼ teaspoons Baking Soda
• ¼ teaspoons Salt
• ¾ cups Mini Chocolate Chips Or Chunks
• 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt

Preparation Instructions

In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat until combined.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, soda and salt. Add the chocolate chips or chunks and stir.
Add the flour and chocolate mixture to butter mixture and fold in gently. Add yogurt and stir again.
Place in a container and cover with lid. Freeze until set, preferably overnight.
Cookie dough recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Bridal Edition Cookbook.
Makes about 2 cups.

Motivation Monday

Love this!!!

Fit Friday

Topic Thursday

Wellness Wednesday

Here is a quick guide to help you remember when some fruits and vegetables are in season!!

Tasty Tuesday

Grilled Avocados!



Brush olive oil and squirt some lime on the avocado, add salt, and grill flesh side down, add any salsa to the middle, and enjoy!

Motivation Monday

Fit Friday

Throw Back Thursday

Thank Goodness fashion has changed and our Group Fitness Classes don't require so much spandex!  Ha ha!

Wellness Wednesday

7 Ways to Raise Healthy Kids

Teaching by example is the single best way to instill healthy habits that will stick with your children throughout their lives.

Here are 7 ways to encourage your children to make healthy choices:

Base meals and snacks around whole foods, mostly vegetables and fruits.  Get creative!  Add spinach or tomatoes to your child’s omelet.  Offer fruit with cereal or yogurt.  Add shredded zucchini or carrots to pancakes and muffins.  Encourage your child to choose a piece of fruit with nut butter or raw veggies with hummus for a snack.

Teach children what serving sizes look like.  By informing your children about portions and serving sizes early in life, you set them up for a lifetime of thoughtful eating.

Make water your family’s drink of choice. Water should be the go-to drink for everyone in your family; even children benefit from hydrating with water throughout the day. Check out SM’s Homemade Vitamin Water recipes here.

Make exercise a family activity and priority. Make time each day to be active together. Do yoga, go for a nature walk, have a family kick-ball game, or dance-off!  Children love spending time with their parents, and you’ll have a great opportunity to connect with them. 

Encourage children to try new things. Be open to trying new things yourself! Learning new skills is wonderful food for the brain, and finding a new hobby or activity to try together can enrich your body and mind!

Get enough sleep. Most adults get much less sleep than their bodies need, and in today’s over-scheduled world, our children are headed in the same direction.  Make sure that your child has down time every day.  Set and adhere to a bedtime, for your child and yourself!

Teach self-respect. Set a good example for your children by eating healthfully, getting enough rest, exercising, and getting outside!  By teaching self-respect and love early on, we pave the way for our children to be healthy and take care of their bodies for life!


Lastly, don’t forget these wise words: “Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach.” 
-Albert Einstein

Source:  Here

Tasty Tuesday

Berry Pineapple Chia Popsicles



Easy to make and so refreshing, these pops are a great Springtime treat! High in vitamins and fiber, they are super healthy too.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 cup frozen pineapple

1/3 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup water

 

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender.  Blend until desired consistency.  Place in popsicle molds and freeze overnight!

Motivation Monday

I love this saying as it rings so true!  In all situations, try your best to think positive!