Category: Fitness

Twelve Great Reasons To “Go Green” With Your Exercise

Twelve great reasons to exercise outdoors

Green exercise is considered any form of activity that takes place in urban green spaces like city parks and campuses maintained by people, or in natural green spaces with minimal human upkeep.

Growing research continues to show us that being active in nature boosts your body, mind, and spirt.  Activities like hiking through a forest, cycling through your neighborhood park, and walking along a river are proving to feel good to most people and there is evidence that confirms the benefits.

Some of the benefits of being active in nature compared to the same activites indoors are:

  • more stress relief
  • clearer thinking
  • improved attention and concentration
  • enhanced mood and a happier outlook
  • less anxiety
  • greater self confidence
  • more vitality
  • feeling more refreshed
  • reduced pain sensations
  • less fatigue for the same amount of physical work
  • improved quantity and quality of evening sleep
  • enhanced mindfulness or being more present in the moment

Years ago, I gave up the gym and switched the majority of my exercise to the great outdoors.  It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my own personal health and wellness.

If you normally like to exercise indoors or at the gym, I recommend mixing things up a bit and giving “green” exercise a try.  I’m not suggesting you give up what is working for you or something you really enjoy. Try alternating your indoor workouts with some outdoor workouts or leisure activities. If it turns out that you aren’t crazy about exercising outdoors you can always go back to your original routine.

Here are some samples of outdoor activities to help you get started.

  • Hike a trail
  • Walk and eat your lunch at a park
  • Walk around a lake or reservoir
  • Walk your dog at a park
  • Play with your kids at the park
  • Play frisbee or another leisure sport on the grass
  • Try light jogging or cycling through a park
  • Paddle a boat or a board on a lake

I recommend you get creative and experiment with what works for you.  Personally, I find that being next to the ocean offers many of the same health benefits I listed above.   Allow yourself to discover where your happy place is that contributes the best to your overall health and well being.  Here’s to a happy and healthy week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer

 

 

How To Perform A “V” Squat

Most people only have so much time that they can or want to dedicate to their strength training routine. That is why I like simple, yet effective, exercises that you can perform anytime and anywhere. The “V” Squat is exactly that. It is simple to do and requires zero equipment. Plus, it works your legs while challenging your core. Bonus!

In the video below I demonstrate how to perform the V Squat. The video is under two minutes and whether you are a beginner or a more advanced exerciser, this move is sure to help you tone and strengthen your muscles. Enjoy the video and have a great week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer

 

Simple Ways To Cut Back On Sugar

Simple Ways To Cut Back On Sugar

Photo by Brian Chan on Unsplash

When it comes to nutrition, I do not believe in being overly restrictive in any area of your diet unless you are being advised to do so by a medical professional for good solid reasons.  If you enjoy sweets than I believe you should allow yourself to eat them.

It’s important to note that some sugar is actually good for you.  Naturally occurring sugars found in whole foods are an important part of a diverse diet.  We need carbs to function properly.  However, too much added sugar in your diet can throw your body out of whack and  has been linked to some serious health issues.  Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages when they are processed or prepared.

Added sugar can show up in foods you might not expect, like salad dressings and bread.  Simple steps like making your own salad dressings and sauces at home can hep you cut back on sugar without sacrificing taste.  While I’m probably not going to start baking bread every week, making my own salad dressing is definitely doable and I can buy bread with no added sugar.

I recommend reading the labels before buying prepared foods.  You don’t need to obsess, just simply become aware of how much sugar you are eating on a daily basis.  If everything you are eating has “added” sugar, consider alternative brands with less sugar or even making some of the food from scratch and skipping the sugar altogether.  Often times, it’s being used for a preservative so removing it from the ingredients list is not that big of a deal.

Here’s a simple salad dressing recipe to help you get started:

This recipe makes two servings so you may want to double or triple the recipe. 🙂

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp Apple Cider or White Wine Vinegar

1/4 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp black pepper or salt free seasoning like Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute.  It’s okay to get creative.

Place all ingredients in a salad dressing shaker.  You can usually find them in your kitchen section at your local hardware store or search for one on line.  Shake and serve over your favorite salad.

Cutting back on excess sugar isn’t about deprivation.  It’s about creating balance in your daily diet, feeling good, and taking good care of your health.

Here’s to a happy and healthy week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer