Winter can make it tempting to consume more calories, to stay inside and to exercise less, especially when your family has young children. In fact, it’s quite safe to exercise in the winter, even for young kids. If you’re not sure how to make the best of the winter months, kidshealth.org has a great overview on cold weather sports and your family at http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/wintersports.html.
With shorter days and colder weather in the northern hemisphere, it’s vital to keep exercising, meditating, resting and eating right to maintain mental health. Studies show that yoga can be particularly powerful in managing stress, as well as improving or stabilizing mood. If you’re new to yoga, Fitness Magazine has a great compendium of beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga poses at http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/yoga/poses/yoga-poses-beginner-intermediate-advanced/.
Do you go to the same elliptical trainer every time you walk into the gym? We’re all creatures of habit, but your habits might be limiting your workout success. WebMD has a great article on using the gym equipment that you might be ignoring. The article contains some great suggestions for using resistance equipment of various types as well as exercises that target underworked body areas. Read it all at http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/best-exercise-equipment-you-are-not-using.
Snacking has an undeservedly bad reputation. The right kind of snacks can actually help you lose weight by keeping your metabolism moving and preventing you from overeating at mealtime. Women’s Health offers a great set of suggestions for snacking in a healthful, yet tasty way. Check out these specific recommendations for air-filled, thick and spicy snacks at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-snacks.
OK, so the men in your life don’t really get this yoga thing, right? They might like that you like it, but can’t really see what’s in it for them. Of course, you know that something is in it for them: health, flexibility, peace of mind and more. If that isn’t enough, Men’s Health takes the time to outline the specific benefits of yoga that might appeal more to men. Read the whole thing at http://www.menshealth.com/yoga/basics/10_best_poses_for_men.php.
The Mayo Clinic web site delivers a host of resources around weight management, weight loss and healthy living. The experts at the Clinic offer six simple strategies for weight loss: make a commitment, get emotional support, set a realistic goal, enjoy healthier foods, get and stay active, and change your lifestyle. For complete details on this simple, yet effective approach, go to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01625.
We haven’t tried it yet, but Fitness claims to have a workout that combines yoga and Pilates to make participants look 10 pounds thinner instantly. By lengthening and strengthening your muscles while dramatically improving your posture, this workout will help you make the best of what you already have. See the illustrations for yourself and give it a try at http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/pilates/exercises/look-10-pounds-thinner/.
Even plain, oatmeal provides everything you could ask of a meal. It’s a healthy comfort food that also prevents obesity, diabetes and heart attacks. Women’s Health has taken this breakfast stalwart one step further, with four great recipes that add tasty, healthy ingredients to pack even more power into your breakfast. Read the whole thing at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/delicious-oatmeal-recipes.
DKWIO partner lululemon athletica not only offers outstanding, yoga-inspired athletic clothing, they provide a complete philosophy of life. Founder Chip Miller shares his thoughts regularly on the company web site, and one of his historic entries is worth reading. In it, he details the difference between greatness and mediocrity. Check it out at http://www.lululemon.com/culture/history/mediocrity.
Can’t get away from your desk to the calm of the yoga studio? Check out www.dailyzen.com for a quick dose of relaxation and peace. The site offers a daily bit of wisdom from Zen and Taoist sages, the ability to send Zen gifts or e-cards to your friends and—this is really cool—an online Zendo. Check it out the next time your boss sends your blood pressure spiraling.
 | MSNBC: McDonald's courts busy moms as emissaries |
| | Detroit Free Press: No sweat: Obamas work fitness into daily routine |
| | Reuters: Fast-food ad ban could cut child obesity: U.S. study |
| | Associated Press: Burger King limits sodium in kids meals |
| | CNN: More U.S. families struggling to feed children, report says |
| | Detroit News: Nutrition experts shell out praise for walnuts |
| | New York Times: Child Obesity Seen as Warning of Heart Disease |
