Noosty
Women’s Health Online

Getting In Tune With Nature

In just a few weeks, my husband and I are headed down to National Zion Park with some friends, to enjoy the warm weather and breathtaking scenic views and to fully experience Utah canyoneering first-hand.  We’ve mentioned the importance of getting exercise outdoors on Noosty before, but I’ve come to realize it’s not just the physical exercise that has (obviously) a healthy and beneficial impact; getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the great outdoors gives you time to relax, refresh, renew, and rejuvenate.  What woman doesn’t need that to stay sane?

 

This weekend, I decided to go through all my boxes from high school and college. You know, just a small trip down memory lane.  Guess what I found… my old cheerleading uniforms. I haven’t seen those bad boys since I first left to college. Naturally, I tried them on; I just had to see if they still fit. I’ll be completely honest; I looked like a stuffed sausage. But hey, at least I could zip it! The glass is half full, right?

Also, in some of my boxes from college (which wasn’t too long ago for me) I found all my old exercise equipment. I found my jump-rope, my two sets of hand-weights (at the same weight amount…don’t ask), my purple yoga mat, the ever-coveted thigh master (Go, Suzanne Somers, Go!), one of those large exercise balls (which has gotten more use when my family played dodge ball with a bunch of them than it ever did with real exercise. It was a blast; you got to try it!), two bottles of Akavar 2050, and one of those ab-roller thingy-ma-jiggers.

I was actually pretty excited about all of it. Now I know that I can’t use my excuse of my exercise things being packed away in inaccessible boxes in the depths of my basement abyss. I’ve made up my mind to get back into shape. My goal is to be able to fit comfortably in my old high school cheerleading uniforms, without it looking like it was painted on. So to do this, I am going to try to use every single one of those health and exercise items I found in the boxes. Wish me luck!

Walk Your Way to a Healthier You…

I have discovered that one of the best ways to shed some pounds and get in shape is to enjoy the great outdoors. While enjoying nature is a great way to relax and take a break from our daily cares, it is also an effective way to increase your physical activity, thus toning muscles, increasing stamina, and burning calories.

In fact, my husband and I just returned from a (fabulous) Swiss hiking tour.  Even though there was quite a bit of physical activity involved (which I am not typically fond on), upon our return I felt absolutely invigorated and in great physical shape.

Walking or hiking is an outdoor activity that can be not only enjoyable but good for you! You don’t need to go on a strenuous hiking tour, just walking a few blocks each day will ensure you get enough daily physical activity. Find some local trails right in your own neighborhood…the Trail Database has one of the world’s largest databases of trails throughout the world. Enjoy!

It’s November…

…which means the holidays are officially upon us.

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. With the holiday season approaching quickly, I have decided what better time to finally implement my new diet and exercise routine. I have been saying that I would get my act together for months now, and I figure what better time to do it? Why wait until January to implement a New Year’s resolution? Now is probably the best time get control of your weight before it skyrockets from holiday eating.

Not only am I going to start going to the gym three times a week (I actually enjoy the treadmill…weird, huh) but I am going to start eating healthier. Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean forfeiting good taste. Find yummy healthy snacks you enjoy, such as veggies, fruit, popcorn (sans the butter), nuts, and so on. I am going to take an energy supplement, such as Zantrex 3, in conjunction to help increase my daily energy (which we all could use more of this time of year, right?).

I encourage you to start making the lifestyle changes you need to now rather than later. Getting into shape will not only make you look good, but help you feel great about yourself. Any fun and unique tips to staying in shape and healthy eating are always welcomed here at Noosty!

Abortion: A 2008 Key Issue

Anyone that’s been watching the 2007 presidential debates has seen what a huge issue the pro-choice/pro-life issue has been. I know it’s a perennial one, but it seems that it’s hotter than ever this year. Under fire recently has been Republican candidate Mitt Romney, who has been accused of flip-flopping on the issue. The fact that he’s been grilled so mercilessly by the media and voters is very telling. It shows that when it comes to abortion, people really care. I know it sounds obvious, but it’s gotten to the point where voters will do whatever it takes to learn a candidate’s true convictions on the matter. If it becomes apparent that a Republican like Romney isn’t sufficiently pro-life, a conservative might not vote for him on those grounds alone.

It’s pretty incredible to me that this women’s issue has become so key that a candidate’s stance (whether supporting abortion, or an abortion alternative) can determine the success of his/her political career.

A jog a day keeps the doctor away

I have gotten in the habit of jogging each morning for about 30 minutes. It’s been the best thing in the world for me. Ever since I’ve started it I’ve felt like I have more energy throughout the rest of the day.

Last month I was running at night and I don’t think it worked as well for me. So all you non-morning people, give it a shot!

Fit and Nutritious

Check out this blog: Fit and Nutritious

The never ending weight loss battle

I’ve tried about every diet there is…what are your opinions on Akavar 20/50? I saw one of their ad commercials the other day. It might just work, who knows. I know a lot of the ingredients are proven to boost metablism and curb hunger. Maybe they’ve got a blend that works finally.

In any event I’ll keep exercising.

Veggie snack

Guess what I discovered again the other day? Ants on a log! I know it sounds childish, but peanut butter and raisins on celery is one of the best snacks ever. It’s got protein, veggie and fruit…and it helps carry you over to the next meal when you’re feeling snacky.

Try it, it’s like being a kid again!

Middle Age Egg Donation

Last week my colleague came to me with interesting news. She was in the process of undergoing egg donation. I was a bit surprised, only because I hadn’t known anyone who had done it before. She’s had a couple of children, she’s very intelligent and beautiful. She said she was intrigued by the idea of making money by helping infertile couples have a baby. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. She’s working with an agency in California that she found through this egg donation service comparison chart. I’ll try to keep you up to date on her experiences.