Saturday, January 29, 2011

Diet Danger Zones (Dr. Oz)



For those Dr. Oz fans out there, and I'm sure there are many, I thought this one was worth mentioning again. Many of us are struggling with managing our weight whether we are maintaining (barely) or trying to lose weight. We don't like hearing the word "diet". Temptation is always one of our worst enemies and as usually, its always the things that are right out there in front of us and always soooo goooooood! They call this the Danger Zone. I think Dr. Oz has some of the best tips to follow that are so easy.
1) Danger Zone: Breakfast pastries in the break room at work. Solution: Eat breakfast at home and make sure its a good healthy balanced meal with protein and carbs that will fill you up. Also, instead of heading towards the breakroom, why not go for a walk. I'll bet you can get others to join you too. Stairs are a great too form of exercise. This will make it easier to lose weight.
2) Danger Zone: Lunchtime Client Meeting. Solution: Find out where you're going and see if you can prescreen the menu ahead of time. Make wise choices ahead of time, not when you're rushed. They are likely to be healthier ones more condusive to our diet. Also, why not just eat half and take the other half home.
3) Danger Zone: Early Evening Dinner Prep. Solution: Eat a healthy afternoon snack. If we are starving by the time dinner is approaching, we are likely to nibble and next thing you know, you may have consumed a few hundred calories. And again, this is a great time to take another walk. It burns calories and you are not likely to be so hungry when preparing dinner.
4) Danger Zone: Nighttime Channel Surfing. Solution: Deem the kitchen off limits at this time. You should not eat 3 hours before bedtime. And have you ever noticed that most of the food commercials seem to be on at this time. So how about turning off the TV entirely and spending time with the family or so other activity that gets you up and away from those tempting food commercials.

For more information on healthly tips for weight loss and other related articles, visit

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Keeping Active During the Winter


Winter months can be quite challenging for many of us. It's cold! It's dark! Many of us just want to hybernate. Exercising can become even more of a challenge especially if we live in cold climates. But there are great ways to stay active both indoors and out with winter activities.

When exercising outdoors it's important to remember these essential things.

1) Dress in layers. It is better to use synthetic or wool materials as they keep moisture away from our skin and preventing the chills. Hats, gloves, even warm socks will make us more confortable. Stay convered up if there is a wind chill. Keep warm, that's the key.
2) Wear sensible shoes. In areas where there is snow or ice, be sure to wear shoes that are skid-proof. In rainy areas, shoes should be water-tight. Soggy shoes are no fun. Again, warm socks are essential to keeping your feet comfortable.
3)Warm up muscles. While indoor, light exercise to warm up those muscles will prevent pulls and other injuries and are more likely to occur in colder weather. This goes for any outdoor winter activities.
4) Drink plenty of fluids. Even thought you may not feel as thirsty, it's still important to drink fluids to keep your body properly hydrated. Daily supplements are important too.

And for those who just don't want to exercise outdoors, here are some great suggestions.

1) Join a gym. They are a great place to workout. The climate is always steady no matter what it's like outside. Swimming pools are great too.
2) If you can't get to a gym, make one in your own home. Balance balls, weights, jumprope, exercise videos are all great ways to keep in shape while working out indoors.
3) Stairs. If you have stairs in your home, great. If not, many malls and other public places have stairs and who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone else.
4) Cleaning your house. Why not get your spring cleaning done in the winter. This is the best time to re-arrange the house, get into all those nooks and crannies. You'd be surprised at how many calories you can burn by doing household chores.

So come on! Get off that couch! Get out of that bed and let's keep active throughtout the winter. Imagine how great you'll look in the spring.

For more information on healthy tips and other related articles, visit