4 ways to brush off judgmental food comments

Monday, August 8, 2011 0 comments

Getty Images

Getty Images

By Tina Haupert

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine joked that I shouldn't snap a photo of what I was eating for my blog because it wasn't "healthy." Granted, I was eating a cheeseburger with Doritos, potato salad, and a brownie—obviously, not the most nutritious foods to pile onto my plate.

I knew that my friend was only kidding when she made the statement—she regularly reads my blog, so she knows that I eat healthy most of the time and allow for splurges once in a while—but her remark made me think about how other people view my lifestyle choices as a "healthy living" blogger.

Health.com: 25 diet-busting foods you should never eat

My blog's tag line is "sharing my life one bite at a time," so I'm not surprised when readers make assumptions about my food and exercise habits. Putting myself out there on the Internet allows others to judge me more than the average person; it's all part of the job. It used to bother me when people commented on my choices, but I've learned how to deal with them, which has ultimately made me a healthier (and stronger) person. Here are a few tricks I use to stay positive in the face of negative food judgments.

Remind myself there is no "right" way to be healthy

When I first experienced judgments with regard to my lifestyle, I always used to question my choices and whether what I was doing was truly healthy or not. Over the years, however, I learned that there is no "right" way to be healthy. Since then, I've changed my eating habits for the better, stuck to a regular exercise routine, and worked hard to figure out what works best for me. When judgments are thrown around, I remind myself that healthy living is all about the choices you make for yourself to live the best life possible. Being healthy is different for different people; it's about making choices that are good for your situation and your body.

Health.com: 25 shocking celebrity weight changes

Remember how far I've come

When judgments start to get me down, I think about how far I've come on my healthy living journey. When I first started to lose weight, I used to focus on eating low-calorie and low-fat foods even though they were typically made with artificial ingredients and they didn't make me feel as good as eating "real" food. Nowadays, I focus on filling my diet with mostly nutritious foods, but, of course, I allow room for fun ones, too! Additionally, even though I've always enjoyed exercise, I now consider myself a well-rounded athlete. I regularly lift weights, practice yoga, and even run marathons!

Health.com: Keep the weight off for good

View judgments as constructive criticism

Instead of getting upset and defensive about comments, I try not to take the words to heart. I use these judgments as a chance to self-reflect. Is there some truth behind it? Is there an aspect of my life that I can improve upon? For me, healthy living means always striving for a better version of myself. Listening to constructive criticism is one way to keep moving forward.

Health.com: 9 healthy habits that help you live longer

Try to understand

In three and a half years of sharing my life on Carrots 'N' Cake, I've been told that I drink too much iced coffee, that I eat food that looks like vomit, and that I shouldn't run as much as I do. I don't like to hear these things, but I try to understand where people are coming from when they say them. What I perceive as judgment from others might actually be unfamiliarity and curiosity on their part. I try to keep this in mind when people assume things instead of trying to understand why I live my life the way I do.

Hate To Exercise? Try Zumba!

0 comments

Have you tried every form of exercise out there, from aerobics to biking to the elliptical? Do you get bored, restless or frustrated when you try to stick to one exercise regimen? In addition to lack of time, boredom is the number one reason people break their exercise routines. Luckily, there's a relatively new form of exercise that solves this problem by making your workout fast-paced, upbeat, and most importantly, fun!

Zumba (pronounced zoom-buh) is a dance fitness class set to Latin and world music beats. It is choreographed with salsa and other Latin dance moves so that people with all levels of dance experience can adapt to the routines. Zumba uses high and low impact dance steps that make up the hour-long workout. But don't worry – the steps are fairly simple and easy to learn quickly. 

25 Ways To Make Exercise Routine

What makes Zumba so great? Here are 7 reasons to sign up for a class today:

1. It's friendly to everyone. Zumba is great for all ages and fitness levels, whether you're a track star or a first-time exerciser. So if it's been a while since you've exercised, and you feel slightly shy about how out-of-shape you are, Zumba is the perfect way to get back into the game. Many people go into Zumba with zero previous dance experience. 

2. It makes you feel good. Zumba relieves stress on multiple levels. Your body will produce serotonin and dopamine by performing the energetic moves, which will lower stress levels and leave you with a "natural high" feeling. It's a great way to check your inhibitions at the door and can be a good distraction from your everyday worries.  You may feel like you're losing yourself – in a good way – to the dance moves. 

3. It's a total body workout. Zumba provides not only a complete body toning routine, but also serves as an aerobic workout that will burn as many as 600 calories per hour. Unlike other forms of exercise – like the treadmill, which mostly works the lower body – Zumba will work your whole being, from head to toe.

Fun Ways To Get Exercise

4. It burns fat. Zumba gets your heart rate up, which speeds up your metabolism. Having a faster metabolism will help you burn more calories even when you're not exercising. The intervals of intensity during Zumba classes are loaded with fat-burning benefits, maximizing your energy expenditure with the variety of music beats and movements. 

5. It won't bore you. Zumba's Latin-inspired movements are a nice exception to traditional workout routines, and every class is jam-packed with unique songs. With each change of song, the temp alternates between low, moderate and high intensity. Additionally, Zumba incorporates footwork and body movements from salsa, flamenco, hip-hop and other dances, so you'll always be kept on your toes. 

6. It will improve your coordination. If you've always felt that you have two left feet, you'll come to notice that as you gain more dance experience, you will become more physically attuned your surroundings. You'll pick up choreography faster, keep up with steps better, and you'll intuitively start knowing what move comes next.  

7. It will make you happy. Zumba improves your mental clarity, and it will also make you grin like an idiot. In short, Zumba is fun. It is very common for people to continue going to Zumba because they want to, rather than because they're forcing themselves to exercise. The upbeat rhythms have the uncanny ability to bring people out of particularly dour moods. You could arrive at Zumba feeling stressed and upset, and leave feeling clear-headed and peaceful.

Lunchbox foods to boost kids’ brain power

0 comments

By Michelle Edelbaum, EatingWell Web Editor

As the proud lunch-packing parent in my family's house, I have two goals: to pack food that nourishes my son's body and mind and to make food that he'll be excited about eating (instead of pining after his friends' icing-covered cookies and bringing home uneaten the food I so lovingly prepared). Luckily for this busy mom it's possible to do both. 

When it comes to boosting brain power, there are some foods and nutrients that science shows have an edge for keeping kids sharp and fueled for the day. I make sure I've got my bases covered by packing some of these brain-boosting foods every day, using the healthy kids recipe ideas below. Happy packing!

Must-Read: 9 Simple Tricks to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthier

Omega-3-Rich Foods—DHA and EPA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids, are important for brain development and are associated with lower risk of depression and better mood, the expression of emotion and concentration, says Rachael Moeller Gorman in EatingWell Magazine. Omega-3 fatty acids are found mainly in fatty fish like salmon, though they can be made by the body in small amounts from ALA, another type of omega-3 that's found in plants like flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soy. A variety of food, including soymilks and breakfast bars, are now fortified with DHA. Supplements of DHA/EPA made from algae are available. A good target for kids who eat about 1,000 calories/day is 400-500 mg/day of omega-3s, says Joe Hibbeln, M.D. Acting Chief, Section on Nutritional Neuroscience at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Here are some lunch-box friendly sources of omega-3 fats (I like to sometimes pack salmon salad instead of tuna salad for variety. You can find canned wild salmon next to other canned fish in the supermarket.)

  1. Wild Salmon
  2. Chunk Light Tuna
  3. Walnuts

Recipe to Try: Salmon Salad Lunch and More Healthy Kids Lunch Recipes
Don't Miss: How to Choose Healthy Packaged Foods: Granola, Pasta Sauce, Bread and More

Healthy Carbohydrates: Studies show that fueling the brain with breakfast is important for thinking, acting and learning. Children who are undernourished perform poorly on cognitive tasks. Research shows that fueling your kids with slower-burning carbohydrates (also called low-glycemic-index foods) like oatmeal, instead of faster-burning, or high-glycemic-index, breakfast foods (like sugary cereals) helps them maintain their concentration and attention throughout the morning. I want to make sure my boy gets the benefit of these healthy carbohydrates in the afternoon, too so I try to include one of these options for lunch or a snack.

  1. Oats or oatmeal
  2. Bran cereals
  3. Whole-wheat bagels

Recipes to Try: Almond-Honey Power Bar and More Healthy Oats Recipes

Iron-Rich Foods: Research shows that being even mildly iron-deficient affects learning, memory and attention. (About 10 percent of young women are anemic because of their monthly loss of iron-rich blood.) Luckily, restoring iron levels to normal also restores cognitive function. Here are some foods that are good sources of iron.

  1. Beans
  2. Dark leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach)
  3. Meat (beef)
  4. Chicken or turkey
  5. Fish
  6. Soy (tofu, edamame/soybeans)

Snack Recipes to Try: Zesty Bean Dip and More Healthy Bean Dips

Water and water-filled foods: Staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, your mood stable and your motivation intact, says Rachael Moeller Gorman in the July/August 2011 issue of EatingWell Magazine. When you're well-hydrated, you can think through a problem more easily. Researchers hypothesize that not having enough water could reduce oxygen flow to the brain or temporarily shrink neurons—or being thirsty could simply distract you. Daily water needs for kids range by age: kids 1-3 years need 44 ounces a day, 4-8 years need about 57 ounces, boys 9-13 years need 81 ounces, girls 9-13 years need 71 ounces, boys 14-18 need 111 ounces and girls 14-18 need 77 ounces of fluid a day. About 20 percent of our fluid intake comes from food. In addition to offering water with meals, remember that about 20 percent of our fluid intake comes from food.

  1. Cucumbers
  2. Watermelon
  3. Strawberries
  4. Salad greens

What do you pack for your kid's lunch?

Summer, why you buggin'?

0 comments

Consider these solutions when dealing with those pesky pests. By Lindsy van Gelder

Do fair-skinned people really get bitten by mosquitoes more often?
No. And neither do women nor redheads nor any other specific group. Part of what attracts mosquitoes is the amount of carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture that a person emits. Unfortunately, those factors are determined by genetics, and they're hard to measure. The one phenomenon that scientists have noticed is that "the more you sweat, the more attractive you can become to mosquitoes," says James E. Cilek, professor of entomology at Florida A & M University, in Panama City. But they are not sure why. Whether this has to do with the scent or the moisture in perspiration isn't clear.

See More: The Best Deodorants

How can I uninvite bugs from an outdoor summer party?
Avoid scheduling your event at dusk, when mosquitoes and no-see-ums are most plentiful, and cover food between trips to the buffet. Your best bet among repellents, says Cilek, is probably a yard spray (try Cutter Bug Free Deck & Patio Outdoor Fogger; $12.50, amazon.com). Candles containing citronella oil have been found to be effective in repelling bugs, but they deter only those that are hovering within three feet of the candle. As for electronic bug zappers, they trap only the insects that happen upon them.

How do I keep no-see-ums out of the house if they are small enough to get through door and window screens?
Give them a little air: These tiny bugs can't survive in a breeze of more than about two miles an hour. Try using overhead fans in the house or on the porch, or manipulate the air current with a couple of strategically placed box fans.

See More: 6 New Innnovative Sunscreens

What is the best way to deal with an itchy bite?
Keep your hands off, says Robin Ashinoff, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, in New Jersey: "The more you scratch, the more you release histamines, chemicals that cause the itchy sensation, which makes you scratch even more." Hydrocortisone or even an ice cube will temporarily soothe the tickle. And oral antihistamines, like Benadryl and Zyrtec, are also helpful to both kids and adults.

What exactly is DEET, and why do some people avoid it?
DEET is a highly effective chemical that confuses the receptors on the antennae of many insects, so bugs are warded off but not killed. The main concern with DEET is its possible toxicity. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in the almost 50 years that the chemical has been used in the United States, there have been rare cases of reactions to DEET, which have ranged from skin irritation to death in those who used excessive amounts. But most experts agree that when used correctly, DEET does not pose a health risk for adults. Common sense: Don't apply it more frequently or leave it on skin for longer than the package directions specify. And avoid using DEET around food, in small, enclosed spaces, or on open sores.

See More: All-Natural Homemade Beauty Products

When it comes to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a product with a maximum DEET concentration of 30 percent. (Caveat: Never use a repellent with DEET on a baby less than two months old.) "Avoid putting it around the eyes or the mouth or on the hands of small children," says Miran J. Song, a pediatrician at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, in Arizona.

The good news is, you can choose a DEET product with a concentration to match your needs. For example, Off! brand insect repellents come in formulations with a DEET content of 5 percent (the FamilyCare products) to 98.25 percent (the Deep Woods Sportsmen line). While higher concentrations may repel bugs longer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that products containing more than 50 percent DEET do not repel better than products containing less. If you are bothered by DEET's unpleasant smell, look for repellents that contain the chemical alternative picaridin, which is odorless.

See More: 7 Picks for Silky Smooth Legs

Are there any natural ingredients that work?
The CDC recommend two naturally derived active ingredients: oil of lemon eucalyptus and the amino acid IR3535. These are called biopesticide repellents (the chemicals DEET and picaridin are conventional repellents). Both are described as offering "reasonably long-lasting protection" against bugs. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is found in Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent ($7,drugstore.com) and Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus ($7, amazon.com). Some people swear by Avon Skin So Soft to repel mosquitoes; the company has developed Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition SPF 30 pump spray ($16, avon.com), which contains the amino acid.

5 Surprising Things That Make You Sweat

0 comments

By Sarah Jio, Glamour magazine

It's summer, and you're hot! (As in hot mama, and sweaty hot mama!) You wear antiperspirant, of course, but here are five surprising things that may be making you sweaty, and stinky...

Related: 12 Secret Signs He's Into You

I was fascinated by a piece on the Huffington Postabout the surprising things that may be contributing to your body odor:

1. Hot coffee: It has been shown in studies to up perspiration (eeks!)


Related: 21 Flirty Little Date Outfit Ideas

2. Certain clothing: Beware of fabric made with acrylic and polyester fibers


3. Self-tanner and sunscreen: Dermatologists say they may make you sweaty!


4. Alcohol: Sweat-alert!


5. Cigarettes: Smoking affects hormones that trigger sweat, say experts.

Great, now I'm feeling sweaty!

More reading: The best deodorants according to guys! And, the stars who don't wear deodorant! And, homemade deodorant that really works...
More from Glamour:


Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio

6 Signs you shouldn’t swim there

0 comments

It's really hot. We know. But don't let your desperation to cool down short-circuit your better judgment. Not all swimming situations are created equal, and some can get you into downright hot water when it comes to your health. Lakes, pools, and even the ocean can be dangerous places that land you in the emergency room if you aren't careful. So before you pack your beach bag and cooler, review this list of red flags. These six signs are clear warnings that what might look like a day of summer fun could spell big trouble.

1) The Attendant Seems Distracted
Pools need a lot of attention, and the manager on duty should be vigilant. Monitoring the chemicals is especially crucial to healthy waters. A pool's chemical levels should be tested at least twice a day. A texting addict or a flirty teenager are just two species of distracted pool attendants who can forget to test and fail to make adjustments to keep swimmers safe. If you're not sure the pool's chlorine level is being carefully monitored, it may be a virtual petri dish of bad bugs like norovirus, which can cause innocent swimmers bouts of vomiting and cramps.

Never Get Sick On Vacation!


2) Cloudy Water
If a pool's water isn't sparkling and clear, don't even think about going in. Not only does this condition suggest poor maintenance, lack of visibility itself poses a threat. Earlier this summer, a woman died in a Boston public pool and her body went undiscovered for 2 days—while swimmers and lifeguards used the pool like usual—because the murky water prevented anyone from seeing her. If the water had been clean and clear, she may have been spotted immediately and saved. 

Have A Healthier Heart in One Month

3) Algae
Lakes can be beautiful, peaceful spots to cool off in, but nature harbors dangers too. Blue-green algae blooms occur often in lakes, and some produce toxic cyanobacteria. The slimy and often smelly film that floats on the lake's surface is a distinct green color, so look carefully for it before diving in. Since you might not have the whole lake in your sight, a good solid sniff is another measure of protection. If there's an off-smell, there may be algae you can't see. And don't let your dog take the plunge either: Pets have died after exposure.    

Find the Healthiest Outdoor Workouts

4) Babies

Sure, kids are cute, but pre-potty-trained babies don't make good swimming pals. Even trace amounts of fecal matter can harbor the parasite Giardia lamblia. Diaper leakage—which is hard to prevent, especially in the water—can easily contaminate an entire pool. Accidentally ingest some of the germs, and you're looking at a miserable bout of diarrhea and vomiting you could have avoided by sticking to the adult swim.

More Ways to Protect Yourself From Harmful Bacteria

5) Seaweed is Drifting Out to Sea

Usually debris washes up onto the beach, so if you see a line of seaweed, foam, or other debris pulled in the opposite direction—out into the wide ocean—there could be a riptide offshore. Even a strong swimmer is no match for those dangerous runaway currents. Other telltale signs of a riptide include patches of water that appear a different shade of blue or a visible channel of choppy surf. Just remember that an absence of these signs does not guarantee a riptide-free dip. You should always be careful and swim where there are lifeguards on duty.

6) There's A Big Crowd

The expression "the more the merrier" may apply to many things, but not a public pool. It's a matter of mathematics: Each new body multiplies the germs, viruses, and bacteria getting into the water. More and more swimmers also divide the lifeguard's attention, which equals less safety for all. Use common sense: If the pool seems way too crowded, it probably is. Cool off with some ice cream instead.

Organic water has arrived. Has the trend gone too far?

0 comments

Your water is purified, PVC-free, sustainable, artesian, and infused with antioxidants. But is it organic? Llanllyr Source, a British brand of bottled water, is claiming it is.  The brand says the soil above their bottled water source is an organic farm, so by language osmosis the H2O has absorbed the coveted stamp of health.

For the record, water can't technically be organic because it doesn't contain carbon. But don't expect that to stop marketers. Two other water companies, Totally Organica and Highland Spring are pushing an "organic" agenda by using roundabout terminology, according to Mother Jones

The reason? Organic is the new sex. It sells. People are willing to pay a little more for peace of mind that their fruit, dairy and veggies are grown without hormones or pesticides. Even preservative-packed dry goods with a host of other artificial ingredients get a boost from the organic label. Doubtful if Kraft's organic mac and cheese is much different in flavor or wholesomeness from the original product but a few less toxins in powdered cheese isn't a bad thing for consumers or the environment. 

But food isn't the only industry adopting the label. Now you can buy everything from dog food toclothing and beauty products that bare the organic stamp of approval. There's no doubt the organic movement has been a boon for the environment but it's also begun to drive consumers a little crazy. As more industries warn of the dangers of inorganic materials, it's easy to start getting paranoid. Are there toxic chemicals in the couch? Are they coming from the TV? If tinfoil was organic, we'd be thisclose to putting it on our heads.  

Does any of it make a difference? Depends on the product, its user and who you ask over in marketing. Check out some of the most unexpected organic-labeled products on the market and then tell us which ones would make a difference for you.

Related links:
5 food you should buy organic
6 surprising facts about organic food
4 signs you have organic fatigue
Can organic footpads really make you feel better?
10 best natural beauty products  
Follow Yahoo! Shine on  Twitter, "like" us on Facebook


PrevNext
photos 1 – 7 of 10
    • This woman's jumpsuit is organic
    • This catnip is organic
    • This nail polish is organic
    • This shoe is also organic
    • These tchotchkes are organic
    • This throw pillow? Organic
    • This bedframe is made from organic wood and fabric
photo 1 of 10

This woman's jumpsuit is organic

Gypsy 05's adult onsie is made from organic fabrics, natural dyes and is produced in a solar powered factory. That explains the $300 pricetag.

Photo by: thetrendboutique.com

Foods to help soothe your sunburn

0 comments

By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D., Associate Nutrition Editor atEatingWell Magazine

I try to slather on the sunscreen year-round (after all, UV rays shine on gray days too), but in the summer I'm particularly careful to avoid getting burned. And when I read that the FDA recently passed more stringent regulations on sunscreen labeling, as well as reminders to take other precautions to avoid sunburn (hats, staying out of the midday sun), I started thinking about what else I could do to protect my skin. As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor forEatingWell Magazine, I know that there are some foods that can help protect your skin and soothe sunburn if you do get scorched.

Look and Feel Great Naturally:
Healthy Recipes for Glowing Skin
Foods to Shield Your Eyes
Foods That Fight Headaches and Pain Naturally

Carrots
People aren't the only ones who need sun protection—plants do too. And the compounds that plants make to protect themselves from the sun can also protect us, says Amy Paturel inEatingWell Magazine. One example is carotenoids, found in carrots and dark leafy greens, such as kale. Eating carotenoid-rich foods helps to protect our skin against sunburn, according to Gene Lester, M.S., Ph.D., a plant physiologist with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.

Watermelon
One particular carotenoid—lycopene, which makes tomatoes and watermelon red—may be especially effective at protecting your skin from sunburn. In one study, participants ate 2 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste or drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice daily, in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Then when they were exposed to UV light, they had almost 50 percent less skin reddening than those who didn't have the tomato paste or carrot juice. Supplements, however, weren't as effective: more reason to dig into tomatoes or watermelon this summer.

Related: 4 More Lycopene-Rich Foods to Soothe Your Sunburn
Recipe to Try: Watermelon Salsa and More Watermelon Recipes

Cucumber
If you get burned, try this topical solution: halve a cucumber and rub it on scorched skin as you would aloe. Cucumbers contain some vitamin C, which "can turn down the dial on inflammation damage in the skin," says Alan Logan, N.D., co-author of Your Skin, Younger (Sourcebooks, 2010).

What foods do you use to prevent or soothe sunburn?

Does More Sweat Mean You Burn More Calories? Surprising Sweat Myths

0 comments

Learn the surprising truth about summer workouts and which sweat myths you can ditch.

True or False: You Burn More Calories During Hot-Weather Workouts?


True.
 Your heart needs to work harder to both keep your muscles well oxygenated during cardio and to send extra blood to the surface of your skin to keep your body temperature safe. Unfortunately, the calorie numbers are pretty low, so don't think you've earned an ice cream sundae! Think more like one bite of chocolate.

True or False: You Sweat All the Time?

True.
 You are always releasing moisture from your skin to help regulate body temperature, although usually not enough to be noticed. And this is taking place over almost the entire surface area of your body.

RELATED: 25 Fat-Burning Workouts for Summer

True or False: Sunblock Makes it Harder to Sweat?

False.
 Don't let sweat myths like these keep you from being sun safe. "Sunscreen does not affect the sweating mechanism, which is your body's way of cooling itself," says dermatologist Brooke Jackson, M.D., of the Skin Wellness Center of Chicago. Please note that no sunblock is truly "waterproof or sweatproof" so make sure you reapply every two hours.

The Best Ways to Soothe Mosquito Bites

0 comments


As temperatures continue to warm, sunburns aren't the only seasonal affliction you have to worry about. Mosquito and other insect bites are a common summer nuisance that's likely to be worse this year since the arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito. TheWall Street Journal recently reported that this aggressive breed bites during the daytime, prefers urban areas, and is swarming the country. Fortunately, there are easy ways to combat these itchy bites. From home remedies to over-the-counter cures, the following are the best ways to soothe your skin without itching.

1. Use Common Kitchen Items



Rubbing lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a little bit of salt and water on a bite can quickly make the itching subside. Lemons have the added bonus of being a disinfectant that kills bacteria and helps you avoid infection. Additionally, as if baking soda didn't have enough uses, add this one to the list: mix the powder with water until it becomes a paste, and apply it directly to the bite. Your itching will stop in a few minutes!

Wonderful Indoor and Outdoor Lighting


2. Reach for Everyday Toiletries


Toothpaste is a commonly reference home remedy for mosquito bite itches, and the more minty the toothpaste, the better! Many of the skin receptors that send signals of sensation to the brain—such as itchiness, heat, or cold—can only process one signal at a time. This means that the cooling properties of mint toothpaste can neutralize itch by overriding its signal! In fact, any products that produce warming or cooling sensations (think Gold Bond, Vapo-Rub or Tiger Balm) are also effective!

Tools for Growing a Beautiful Garden


3. Turn to the Medicine Cabinet


Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream are the most recommended cures for itchiness. Also, aloe, which you might have on hand for soothing sunburns, is a good alternative—either in the form of gel from the actual plant or from a product featuring aloe. Finally, if your itch really becomes too much to bear, a dose of Benadryl or any comparable antihistamine should stop your scratching, stat!

The Best Gift Ideas for All of Your Friends


4. Try These Tried-and-True Methods


As is the case for many home remedies, some suggestions don't make a lot of sense, but just plain work. Many swear that putting Scotch tape over a bite stops the itching, and it certainly also prevents you from scratching and irritated the area. There's also the good old fingernail  "X"; use your fingernails to create an X shaped indent in your skin right where the bite is and hope for the best! 

Top 10 functional exercises for full-body fitness

0 comments

  
Medicine Ball Squat

Medicine Ball Squat

The focus in fitness these days is functional exercises - exercises that simultaneously use multiple muscles and joints to improve muscular endurance, overall strength, coordination, balance, posture and agility - to get a challenging, effective and fun full-body workout as well as prepare the body for everyday, real world activities. You'll get a dynamite - and functional - workout with these 10 full-body exercises.

1. Medicine ball squat with overhead lift

Functionality: Even though you lift things – like groceries, your kids, and other objects – with your arms, your legs and back are also key players. This exercise strengthens your legs, glutes, lower back, arms and shoulders.

Exercise: Stand with your feet wide, holding a light medicine ball in front of you in both hands. Squat down moving your rear back, keeping your knees over your ankles and lower the medicine ball to the floor while keeping your head up and back straight (don't hunch). Return to a start position and lift the medicine ball up over your head. Repeat squat and lower ball to the ground.

Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Increase weight of the ball as you get stronger.

2. Stair climb with bicep curl

Functionality:
 Whether you have stairs at your house or have to climb them elsewhere, using stairs as part of your fitness program will keep your legs conditioned – not to mention toned. Partnering stair climbs with bicep curls will strengthen your arms and improve your ability to carry things up the stairs. This exercise will also boost your cardiovascular fitness.

Exercise: Stand at the bottom of a flight of stairs holding a 5- to 8-pound dumbbell in each hand. Climb the stairs while performing bicep curls. Walk or run down the stairs holding the weights but not doing curls.

Repeat 5 to 10 times. Increase the dumbbell weight as your arms get stronger and mix up your climbs by taking two steps at a time for a flight or two.

3. Hip extension with reverse fly

Functionality:
 This exercise improves your balance and coordination as well as strengthens your upper, mid and lower back, shoulders, glutes and legs.

Exercise: Stand tall with a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand. Extend your right leg back and place your toe on the floor keeping your right leg straight. Lean forward slightly at the hips. Lift your right leg behind you as you bring your chest towards the floor and lift your arms straight out forming a T at your shoulders, squeezing your shoulder blades together and keeping your head in line with your neck. Return to start position.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg. As you get stronger, increase dumbbell weight and strap 2- to 5-pound weights on your ankles.

4. Diagonal reach with medicine ball

Functionality: When you reach for your boots off the top shelf of your closet, pay attention to how your body moves – one arm reaches up while the opposite leg slightly lifts to the side. This exercise works all the muscles – arms, shoulders, legs – involved in lifting something diagonally overhead as well as lowering it.

Exercise: Stand tall holding a medicine ball at your chest with both hands. Lift medicine ball diagonally overhead to the right, straightening your arms, while extending your left leg to the side, making a diagonal line from the medicine ball to your toes. Lower to start position.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg. Increase the weight of the medicine ball and strap 2- to 5-pound weights on your ankles as you get stronger.

Lunge with back row

Lunge with back row

5. Lunge with back row

Functionality: This exercise will improve your posture by strengthening the muscles in your upper and mid back, shoulders, and arms while also toning and strengthening your legs and improving your hip flexibility.

Exercise: Holding an 8-pound weight in each hand, step your right foot forward and your left foot back, keeping both heels on the floor and feet pointing straight ahead. Bend your right knee until it is over your right ankle. Lower your chest towards your thigh, bringing your arms perpendicular to the floor, keeping your back flat (don't hunch) – this is your start position. Straighten your right leg, row your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades together, keeping your torso angled slightly forward. Return to start position.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg. Increase the weight of the dumbbells as you get stronger. This exercise can also be done with a resistance band looped underneath the front foot.

6. Knee lift with lateral raise

Functionality: This exercise improves your core strength and balance as well as strengthens and tones your shoulders.

Exercise: Stand tall with a 5-pound weight in each hand, arms to your sides. Lift your right knee until it reaches hip level while simultaneously lifting your arms straight out to the side to form a T at your shoulders. Hold for 2 seconds making sure your belly button is pulled back towards your spine then lower to start position.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg. Increase the weight of the dumbbells as you get stronger.
Push up with hip extension

Push up with hip extension


7. Push up with hip extension


Functionality: This exercise strengthens your chest, shoulder and arm muscles (primarily triceps) as well as your core muscles and glutes.

Exercise: Get on your hands and knees, hands wider than shoulder-distance apart. Extend your right leg straight back and pull your belly button up towards your spine, tightening your core muscles. Keeping your leg lifted, lower your chest to the ground until each of your elbows is at a 90-degree angle then push up.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg. As you get stronger, increase the angle of your hips, increasing the distance of your knees from your hands. Eventually perform exercise with straight legs, one leg lifted, the other positioned on your toes.

Torso rotation with medicine ball

Torso rotation with medicine ball

8. Torso rotation with medicine ball

Functionality: Having strong obliques is key in avoiding lower back injuries. This exercise improves the strength and coordination of all of your core muscles – and will improve your tone and tighten your waist.

Exercise: Sit on the ground with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, holding a medicine ball at your chest with both hands. Lean your torso back away from your thighs, increasing the angle at your hips and pulling your belly button in towards your spine. Maintaining your hip angle, rotate your torso to the right, moving your right elbow towards the floor behind you. Return center and rotate to the left.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each side. As you get stronger, perform the rotations with straighter arms and/or use a heavier medicine ball. Always keep your belly button pulled in.

9.Supine bridge with arm extension

Functionality: This exercise tones and strengthens your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, legs as well as targets your core muscles. It also opens up your chest and the front of your hips (muscles that get tight with long hours of sitting and using the computer).

Exercise: Sit on the floor with your hands underneath your shoulders, knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Keeping your arms straight, use your legs to push your hips up to the ceiling until your torso is flat and like a table top. Lift your right arm straight up towards the ceiling, rotating your upper body so that it is being supported by your left arm, keeping your hips lifted. Lower your right arm to start position and just slightly lower your hips but don't let them return to the floor. Repeat with your left arm.

Repeat 10 to 15 times for each side. As you get stronger, hold your arm and hips up for 2 seconds before slightly lowering. You can also lay a weighted ankle strap across your hips to increase the weight your legs must lift.

Prone Plank

Prone Plank

10. Dynamic prone plank

Functionality: This dynamic exercise tones, lengthens and strengthens just about every muscle in your body. Though it is challenging, it's a perfect exercise to end with.

Exercise: Get on your hands and toes, facing the floor, keeping your head, back and legs in a straight line and your arms straight underneath your shoulders. Lift your rear to the ceiling, pulling your belly button into your spine, forming a pike or downward dog (yoga) position, lengthening your arms and legs. Return to plank position and bend your elbows against your sides, lowering your torso and legs to the floor. Keeping your lower body flat on the floor, use your arms to push your chest and head up towards the ceiling (similar to the cobra in yoga), stretching out the front of your body. Lower down and push your body back into plank position.

 
My Lifestyle © 2011 | Designed by Interline Cruises, in collaboration with Interline Discounts, Travel Tips and Movie Tickets