 |
| Pumpkin is working on portion control |
And even though we are "technically" out of the recession, it never hurts to give advice that is also easy on your pocketbook.
Before you read further, a quick disclaimer. I am not a doctor/dietician/nurse, so please note this advice is merely my opinion and for your information. It is not intended to substitute as medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Remember, if you are making major changes in your exercise levels or eating habits, it is always best to consult your physician and not just things on the internet :)
If you're trying to slim down, one simple habit to add to your routine is to drink more water. According to the Mayo Clinic there is no hard and fast rule as to how much water you should consume each day because each person's suggested intake is dependent on many factors. I stick by the 8, 8 ounce glasses rule, roughly 64 ounces a day, and fill up a pitcher so I know how much I should drink during the day. Drinking more water will help you avoid sugary drinks and has the added benefit of helping you stay alert during the work day. Studies have shown even mild dehydration can make you lethargic.
One way to make up for your less-than-perfect diet is to take a multi-vitamin, especially if you lack a nice balance of fruit and vegetables. If you are perusing the internet or watching TV you may see that multivitamins have gotten a bad rap because of a few studies by independent testing organizations. Nonetheless, the staff at health.com, after speaking with nutritional experts concluded it is still OK and beneficial to take a multivitamin. The health.com article also recommended staying away from vitamins labeled as problematic by some of these studies. You can check out the MSNBC piece about this vitamin issue here. Again, I encourage you to check with your doctor before taking any multivitamin and always make sure you alert your doctor to all medications you are taking before starting a multivitamin regimen.
Take the time to try a new healthy cookbook. Head to your local public library, and if you aren't already a member, get a library card! The public library in my town has a HUGE selection of cookbooks. In fact, I recently borrowed Ellie Krieger's, The Food You Crave, and already made Tim the Peanut Butter Split Smoothie for breakfast.
 |
| So many great recipes I can't wait to make |
The great thing about borrowing cookbooks is that you have a chance to try out the recipes before you invest in adding a cookbook to your library. Plus you will be able to find what style of cooking works best for your current dietary needs and tailor your purchases accordingly.
The best way to stay fit and just plain feel good is to exercise! It's especially difficult to get motivated in the winter when everything is covered in snow, and really takes away the easy options of outdoor running or walking. But fret not my friends. Even if you can't afford the monthly gym membership there are still inexpensive ways to work out at home. There are tons of exercise DVD's available, again check your local library so you can try before you buy, and check out websites like half.com for lots of DVD's under $10. Plus, you can get a great workout without heavy duty equipment or heavy duty weights. Simply investing in a set of small dumbells, a stability ball, yoga mat and some exercise bands will allow you to sweat it out in the comfort of your living room.
Lastly, pack a healthy snack in your work/travel/sports bag. There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere at a meal time and being so hungry you give in to whatever fast food is nearby. Get some good granola bars, granola mix, or nuts like almonds and keep them handy to stave off the hunger. Bonus, you won't be spending money on fast-food or that lemon poppyseed bread at Starbucks....
-What are your quick/easy/inexpensive tips for staying healthy?
-Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!
No comments:
Post a Comment