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The last post in my series about eating healthy and finding deals on health food addresses a question many of us have had at one time or another: What does it mean to "go organic," and, "why buy organic?" Once again, Victoria has an awesome and informative post that addresses these questions, then finishes with mouth-watering recipe chock full of organic food.  Thank you for sharing your passion with us Victoria! Making the choice to purchase and consume organic food is a personal one. However, it is a choice that you should feel very good about making. By purchasing organic foods, you are ch......
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In part 3 of our series, Healthy Eating on the Cheap, financial blogger Victoria, happens to also be a health food nut who is passionate about organic eating. She has some great tips for buying organic foods if you are buying on a budget.  Thank you for blogging for me today Victoria! Buying Organics on a Budget Perhaps you have decided that purchasing organic foods is going to be a priority for your family. Although your budget may not have much wiggle room, there are ways to make this lifestyle work. Fortunately with more and more interest in organically grown food, there are many options a......
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We stump, stoop, slouch…so much so that the quality of our everyday lives can be directly affected from these posture problems.  I thought of this while sitting at the computer working, and had to stretch to relieve that nagging tightness between my shoulder blades. At the same time, I noticed a whole slew of other bad habits I was committing, and quickly set about practicing what I preach. Why good posture is important: Practicing good posture can improve your breathing, decrease your risk of injury, help you move more easily through the tasks of daily living, and also improve your sports ......
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Not long ago, if your neighbor had told you she was training for a triathlon, you might have looked at her crossed-eyed and with one eyebrow raised. Once thought of as an endurance sport for athletes who had both an unnatural pain threshold, and oodles of time on their hands, triathlon has in recent years become a sport for anyone who likes variety, has a few hours each week to dedicate toward training, and enjoys challenges small and large. No longer a sport just for the guys, the proliferation of female participants in triathlon events proves its growing popularity: in the late 1990s, women ......
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Did you give yoga a shot once upon a time, only to walk out mid-class, scratching your head and wondering, what was I thinking? It is possible the style you tried didn't match your personality, athletic ability, or just moved at a pace geared more toward advanced yogis than beginners. It isn't uncommon to feel lost during your first several classes, but there is a way to ensure you don't feel too out of place: pick the right style of yoga first. Before you write off yoga for good, try a class that is a better match for your personal style. I've compiled a short list of the most common yoga sty......
Oct

22

For a program to be truly effective, it must include both cardiovascular and strength training activities. True, you burn more calories during cardiovascular activity sustained within your target heart rate zone for 20-mins or more, but weight training builds muscle, tones and strengthens your body, and keeps your metabolism at an optimal level. Muscle is also where fat is burned!


Cardio 411

The Benefits of Cardiovascular Training

The benefits of consistent training extend beyond the obvious changes that occur. Yes, your physique will shrink, the number on your scale will go down, and your wardrobe will become more flattering. In the short term, you will:
•    Develop a healthier heart
•    Increase endurance
•    Strengthen muscles, bones and joints
•    Sleep better
•    Improve sense of well-being
•    Cope with stress better
•    Burn calories more efficiently

Those are some great benefits for a modest time commitment on your part. But wait, there is more…over the long-term, regular physical activity will also reduce your risk of:
•    Dying prematurely
•    Dying from heart disease
•    Developing diabetes
•    Developing high blood pressure
•    Becoming obese
Some studies correlate regular exercise with a lower incidence of colon, breast, lung and multiple myeloma cancers.

Jun

22

Clearer thoughts. I’ve been saying for years that I do my best thinking when I’m running. This is especially true outdoors AND when I don’t listen to anything other than my rhythmic breathing and feet hitting the pavement. While I don’t have scientific evidence to support it, my hunch is that being alone, with no other distractions, helps to organize your thoughts. Or, maybe the soothing effects of being in close proximity to nature reduces daily stresses long enough to let clear thoughts emerge.

Don’t like sustained bouts of cardio, you say?
If you are one of those exercise-loathing souls, then perhaps the idea of having time to yourself will make it more enjoyable. Just think — while you walk/jog/run, you can reacquaint yourself with your own, original thoughts (ones that you actually conjure up on your own and can sustain for longer than 60 seconds without being interrupted by Pokeman facts, Webkinz’ pet names, and snack requests). For many moms I know, this benefit alone sends them out the door with smoke on their heels. Over time, they learn to enjoy the actual exercise part too (wink). The natural endorphins probably don’t hurt either.

Whatever the case, if you want to clear your head, then hit the trail (and leave your iPod at home).

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