(Strength) Quickie of the week

20 minutes are all you really need for this work-out and don't we all have at least 20 minutes to spare in the day?  I'll probably do this x2 more times this week w/ some cardio thrown in along the way!

With this jam playing:

Fitness trackers

Is it just me, or has anyone else been curious about all of the new fitness trackers out there?  I just started a new job that involves me running around the ER following a physician for 8 hours a day, so I'm really curious how many steps I'm taking and how many calories I'm burning.  There are gadgets at all price points, from basic pedometers to high-tech devices that track everything from your eating to your sleeping habits.  Here are some fitness trackers I have my eye on:

1.  New Balance Via Mini Pedometer

2.  Fitbit Zip Wireless Fitness Tracker

3.  Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

Via

Via

4.  Fitbit One Wireless Sleep + Activity Tracker

5.  Jawbone UP   

6.  Nike+ FuelBand

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Prevention is Key

Hey, how's it going?  This is the first time in weeks that I've felt like I've had a productive Monday so I am feeling particularly accomplished today.  Volunteering- check.  Doctor's appointment- check.  Check emails and blogs- check, check.  I just have a dinner and a workout ahead of me.


Let's rewind to the volunteering part of my day.  For the summer I have been volunteering in the rehabilitation department of a senior center in order to fulfill PA school requirements.  Sadly, my time there is coming to an end so I've been reflecting on what I have learned over the past 2 months.  I've always loved working with the elderly, but working almost 20 hours a week with them has left me with even more respect for them.  I've found the patients I have worked with have been kind, resilient, witty, wise, and most importantly, aware of their wants and needs.  I think at a certain age you finally understand what is important to you and what you need from others. 


What also has stuck out to me this summer is how important our health is.  We know this and are taught this, but seeing older adults struggling with their mental and physical health reinforces the idea that many young people that they are immune to any health problems.  With this being said, there are so many things we can do at a young age to prevent poor health in the future.  Deteriorating health is inevitable, but it can be made easier.  Here are things that I find to be most important in maintaing my health and preventing future health problems (and no, this list is not revolutionary, just a reminder that we sometimes all need :) ) 

1.  Exercising your body- walking, running, biking, swimming, playing basketball, etc.  The best exercise is the one you will actually DO.
2.  Exercising your mind- I want to always be learning 
3.  Clean eating- easier said than done, but plenty of fruits, vegetables are a must 
4.  Sunscreen- Bronzer and Jergens gradual tanning lotions are my best friends
5.  Yearly (depends)  check-ups- I really need to improve at this.  Staying up-to-date on our appointments (dental, gyno, primary care physician, dermatologist) helps to prevent more serious health problems 
6.  Vitamins- I am a strong believer in taking vitamins.  Even if you eat really well, it's hard to get all your necessary nutrients in every day
7.  Sleep- I am so cranky and thrown off when I don't get 7 hours of sleep in. 
8.  Smoking- Just don't :/
9.  Relaxation/pleasure- Many people feel guilty of taking time to relax- don't!  It is so necessary to maintain your mental health.  So grab a book, hang out with a friend, watch a movie, do some yoga, indulge in yourself
10.  Socializing- Being around people that make me laugh, make me think, make me feel good about myself keeps me sane :)

What do you do to ensure your health?

Proceed with Caution

I say this because if you are a Diet Coke addict, like many of my friends (and often times myself) are, you may not want to hear this...

Men's Health recently wrote an article called "The Truth about Diet Soda".  I think most people know that diet soda, though it has zero calories, is not good for you.  Yet, many of us (ladies I'm talking to you) continue to choose it over regular soda/water/milk, drink it in disturbing quantities at ungodly hours but still consider ourselves relatively healthy.  The article basically says that diet soda drinkers compared to regular soda drinkers and non-soda drinkers have larger waistlines.  Why do they think this is the case?  Artificial sweetners leading to overeating, poor diets that accompany diet soda drinking, lack of nutrients.

I know that when I am tired, lazy, stressed, snacking while watching tv with friends, and overall not worrying about what I am eating I am more likely to drink a diet soda.  Am I addicted?  No.  Could I make some better choices?  Of course.  Other drinks recommended in the article to replace your diet soda are water, green tea, seltzer, or coffee.  I'd choice an iced coffee in the summer or a hot tea in the winter over diet coke.  Will you?

What other low cal foods or drinks do you consume knowing they are not the healthiest of options?  

Since babysitting I've been a sucker for those 100-calorie cookie packs.  After eating the 3 cookies in the bag I feel accomplished for having so much restraint but feel hungry again 20 minutes later.

Could you give up your diet soda addiction?  Will you?