H1N1 Prevention Tips

Here are some easy ways to avoid getting H1N1 or any other contagious illness.

• Wash hands frequently
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• If you feel flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor
• Drink water consistently throughout the day
• Clean hard surfaces with anti-bacterial whenever possible
• For small children, bleach toys between uses

The CDC has great resources and more information about H1N1.

How often do you work out?

Ab Rollers

It’s impossible to get great abs without doing cardio consistently. However, I’ve been looking to buy and ab roller. They not only seem fun, but also useful.

An ab roller, any brand will do, is used on the ground. The user rolls the wheel with both hands while kneeling and propelling outwards. It’s a very challenging exercise that can be felt throughout the entire abdomen.

The best part about this tool is that it can be used in the house. As the weather starts to get colder, I am less and less motivate to go to the gym. I think an ab roller would would be great exercise after pilates or yoga, which can also be done indoors.

Photo by: Sukinato/ Flickr

Laughter

I read an article recently about the benefits of laughing. Laughter is now being considered a form of therapy, to some.

Laughing can be used to:

• Decrease Stress
• Strengthen the immune system
• Exercise
• Treat depression and anxiety
• Treat high blood pressure

The body cannot recognize the difference between and real laugh or a fake laugh. Some believe that laughing in the morning can improve one’s day.

When was the last time you laughed?

Good Carbs Vs. Bad Carbs

Many diets promote no carbs as a healthy way to lose weight. The reality is that your body needs carbs to survive.

So what’s the difference?

Complex carbs are considered good carbs. These carbs take long for your body to processes allowing all the nutrients and fiber to be released. They also help your body regulate weight loss and digestion.

Simple carbs are considered bad carbs. They do not take very long to digest. They are also made up of simple sugars which are easily transformed into fat.

Good Carbs

• Whole Fruits
• Whole Vegetables
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole-Grain Products
• Beans
• Legumes
• Whole Cereal Grains

Bad Carbs

• White bread/pasta/rice
• Processed grains
• Fruit juices/sodas
• Candy
• Cakes/Cookies
• Chips

My Daily Plate

I’ve recently been trying to figure out the best way to lose a few pounds before the holidays. My friends have tried diets like The Master Cleanse and brands like Quick Trim to lose wieght fast. I’ve noticed that they gain the weight right back if they don’t stick to healhy eating habits and regular exercise.

For the past two weeks I’ve been using TheDailyPlate to track what I eat and how much I work out. I’m on a 1,427 calorie a day diet. I’m working towards only eating 16 grams of satuated fat per day. This site breaks down the nutrition facts of what you consume and gives you an easy to read chart each day.

So far this has been no easy task. But I’ve already noticed a difference. Although I haven’t lost inches, I feel stronger, lighter and more eneregetic. By eating less junk and more healthy foods I have had an easier time waking up and falling asleep.

White Meat

I recently came across this photo from a blog I often read, Fooducate. This blog was started by a woman who wanted wanted to know what she was feeding her family, and if it was healthy. As a self-educated food expert, she sheds light on some very important issues in the food industry.

This picture is what made me stop eating non-organic white meat. What do you think?

“Exercise Cheats”

I came across a recent article on MSNBC about “exercise cheats”, or shortcuts to traditional exercise. Companies like Sketchers, Banglz and BodyTog created products to “cheat” traditional exercise.

Thee article discusses a number of different products but a few stood out. Banglz has created wrist and ankle weights that they consider fashionable. Both the wrist and ankle weights are similar to large bracelets, and aren’t very attractive. Experts haven’t been able to determine if there is any benefit to these 1/2lb. and 1lb. weights.

Sketchers has a new product that you’ve probably seen advertised on TV called Shape-Ups. For $110 you can purchase these chunky shoes that are supposed to simulate walking in the sand. They are supposed to help tone calves and butt muscles as well as help with posture. However, many who have tried them have not noticed significant differences, only that they were exerting more energy when they walked.

The final product is weighted sleeves and leggings by BodyTog. These sleeves and leggings add 4 to 7 lbs. to the body. A student trial was used on these products and results showed that heart rates increased while wearing the product. However, they were too uncomfortable to perform daily activities.

Quiz: How healthy is the food you’re eating for breakfast?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. it gives you energy, and helps you focus. Are you eating the right breakfast food?

Take this quiz and find out

5 ways to lose weight without going to the gym

There are many ways to maintain your health that don’t involve an exercise machine or a strict diet.  Loyola University Chicago’s Fitness Program Coordinator, April Boutler, of has 5 tips for staying healthy when you’re too busy to work out regularly. Her tips are easy and stress-free.

Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator

If possible, always take the stairs.  “You want to get your body moving throughout the day”, says Boutler. Walking up stairs for 1 minute will burn 8 calories. If you’re office is on a floor too high to reach by stairs, try walking up a few flights before taking the elevator.