The winter session of many community recreation programs starts this month – don’t miss the opportunity to learn a new fitness activity.
Check your local Y or park and rec center – or maybe your school district runs the local program. Register now and commit to attending every class session. Many times these classes are less expensive than joining a gym or studio, so they’re a good way to try something new without a big investment.
Activities to try * martial arts, yoga, league sports, dancing, Pilates, or swimming. Take a class with your teen. Take a class with your neighbor. Take a class with your partner. Have fun together, while you’re building fitness.
Actress Marilu Henner, who has been identified as one of six people with autobiographical memory, stuns TODAY’s Meredith Vieira by recalling the first time she met the anchor on Friday, Feb. 13, 1998, and describing their meeting in great detail.
Today is the twelfth day of Christmas, the traditional feast of the Epiphany, and the celebration of Orthodox Christmas. There’s a message in this day for all of us, Christian or not, so please bear with us.
Epiphany is about the star – the sign that things were going to change. The word means “make clear” – so let’s focus on that. What is being made clear in your life?
What signs have you been given from your health care professionals? Have you been directed to lose weight? To get regular exercise? To take medication for certain conditions? To stop smoking? To cut back on caffeine? To sit up straight and stop crossing your legs (that would be our chiropractor speaking!)?
What signs have you been given from your family and friends? Do you stay in touch with people you don’t see? Do you spend time with the people around you? Do you let them know how much you cherish their friendship? (And if you don’t, are you ready to let go?)
What signs are visible regarding your career? Is it still fulfilling to you or do you dread going to work? Is this job a temporary gig while you figure out what you want to do? Are you taking advantage of available training or classes to improve your skills?
Are there signs you should be doing something more, different, better with your life? Ask yourself questions like these regarding every aspect of your life. Today’s a good day to evaluate – have your own epiphany.
Rice and Rye is a Total Health Makeover® staple. It’s a combination of whole grains that will scrub out your digestive system and make you feel cleaner and leaner – just be sure to chew the grains thoroughly. We’ve paired the R&R with Donna’s Vegetable Soup today – a simple soup filled with delicious vegetables.
Whole grain rye looks like dark brown rice – don’t confuse it with rolled rye (looks like dark rolled oats) or rye flour (looks like, well, flour). You may have to ask for it at your local health food store, or order it online (we’ve had good luck with Bob’s Red Mill).
Donna Erickson was the nanny and surrogate grandmother to Marilu’s boys for many years, and this is her recipe. The addition of a whole grain to the soup makes it a very filling and nutritious meal.
After the holidays, or any time we’re feeling the need for simple, clean foods, we cook foods like these. They help us stay balanced, keep us from gaining weight, and increase our energy level.
1 cup brown rice
1 cup rye (the whole grain, not flour or flakes – rye grain is often called rye berries)
4 cups water
Rinse grains under running water in a strainer. Add to pot and cover with the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover, to maintain a simmer. Simmer about 25 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
Add vegetable concentrate to 2-1/2 quarts hot water, or adjust water to taste. Add onions, parsley, celery, carrots, and zucchini and cook soup on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Add cabbage and green beans. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes. Don’t overcook the vegetables.
Soup may be served as is for a snack or mini-meal, or with 1/2 cup to 1 cup Rice & Rye (per serving) for a more filling meal.
Is there an appointment you’ve been putting off or ignoring … or maybe just forgetting?
Schedule your doctor appointment, your dentist appointment, your annual meeting with the accountant for taxes. Get your car maintenance scheduled, get your pap smear and mammogram scheduled, get your root touch-up scheduled. Call the pediatrician, call the financial planner, call the chiropractor, call the attorney.
The important thing to remember with portion size is that you have to listen to your body – but not the body that’s been created by emotional eating, your actual physical body.
Some portions on recipes are going to be too small or too large for you. Even if there’s food left over, that’s okay. When you’re full, stop eating. Save the leftover food for a snack in 2 hours, or save it for another meal.
If you’re eating consciously – paying attention to how the food tastes and smells and feels, chewing each bite thoroughly, and listening to your body’s response – you’ll know when to stop. As a guide, remember that your stomach is about the size of your fist. How many “fists” are on your plate?
Some people don’t do well measuring their weight loss in numbers on a scale. Why not use pictures instead? Take a photo of yourself today, wearing something that fits you well right now. You don’t have to post it on Facebook or tweet it to the world. Just file it away where you’ll be able to find it. Or post it on your closet or refrigerator door.
Take your picture every Monday wearing the same outfit. You’ll know if you’re doing the right things – eating well and exercising regularly – by the way your photos look.
Need help getting started with your weight loss and healthy eating goals this year? Take our 7 in ’11 online class (starts today!) with Marilu – get menus and recipes for delicious meals, and personal coaching to help you be your best this year! Register here.
These seven meals are easy to prepare and easy to order in restaurants. There are no excuses for not eating healthy while you’re trying to lose weight.
A scoop of tuna salad on a bed of lettuce or salad greens. No dressing needed!
Angel hair pasta with tomato sauce. No dairy; extra light on the oil.
Salad nicoise, no potatoes and no egg yolks. Use just 1 Tablespoon of all-natural, non-dairy dressing.
Vegetarian non-dairy soup with a whole grain roll.
Vegetarian cheeseless pizza.
Grilled or broiled fish (no butter, light oil) with steamed vegetables.
