Are you bored of the same old workout? Need an idea of a new way to get into shape? Well, the answer is weighted hula hoops. Yes, that’s right, hula hoops! I remember when I was younger, my friends and I would have contests to see who could keep the hoop twirling the longest. We would place the hoop around our neck, arm, leg or waist. This can equal a full body workout. You wouldn’t consider this to be exercise because it’s a lot of fun, but think of how many calories you could burn in just 10 minutes!. [More]

Are you a soda drinker? I am and I have to have my Diet Coke throughout the day to keep me going! I know it isn’t the healthiest option for me even though its diet. So, I started looking for a substitute that would eliminate those extra calories in my day. The American Beverage Association (ABA) estimates that each person in the United States consumes 600 12-ounce servings of soda each year. That means we consume more soda than any other country!. [More]

No I'm not talking about your favorite heavy metal or hair bands, though you got to love the eighties classics. I'm talking about an exercise band for resistance training. I frequently use one if I don’t have enough time to go to the gym. It’s a compact and convenient piece of exercise equipment that you can do almost anywhere. Below is some more information about the benefits and use of these great underestimated utilities.. [More]

After my previous post, I thought it might be a good time to discuss prevention of illness for those with diabetes – get a flu shot (not the nasal spray) AND a pneumonia shot. Although the flu shot isn’t guaranteed to prevent you from getting the flu, it will make it more difficult for you to catch it for six months. Talk to your doctor about how often you need a pneumonia shot – for most people, they only need to get one to protect for a lifetime.. [More]

I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now that Paula Deen has confirmed that she does in fact have type 2 diabetes and was diagnosed three years ago. Who is Paula Deen, you ask? She’s a cook on the Food Network who touts the greatness of Southern food (Deen is from Georgia). Known for her high calorie, high fattening, over-the-top gluttonous recipes (think deep-fried chocolate-covered cheesecake and a doughnut-hamburger-fried egg sandwich), she has a particular enthusiasm for butter. A Google search for “Paula Deen and butter” reveals some humorous links. One link shows Deen drinking melted butter. Another shows a picture of her new butter flavored lip balm. “Put a little South on your mouth” the label reads. Eww!. [More]

You are often limited in healthy options when going through a drive thru, but get a diet soda to counteract the rest of the calories you are about to consume. I know… I’ve been there, done that. That word ‘diet’ leads us to believe it is healthy, but on the contrary this is usually a misconception. According to new studies presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, drinking diet soda actually causes weight gain and blood sugar spikes.. [More]

As my one of my previous posts explained, I have made a resolution to “… learn how to cook a few more things at home” and so I have been on a mission to find delicious recipes to try. Most of us, including myself, often believe the theory that if it tastes too good, it can’t be good for you, right!? Well, not so, at least in this case. I found a great recipe that challenges my culinary horizon, as well as holds its nutritional value and still tastes great. I thought that something so good, should be shared!. [More]

This morning I was pretty rushed getting ready for work. I was just finishing up a quick shower and turned to get out when my foot slipped out from under me! I luckily managed to catch myself on the wall. . . but barely! This was a reminder to myself that I need to SLOW DOWN.. [More]

Happy New Year! That wonderful time of year to dwell on your past mistakes, swear you’ll do better this year, set nearly unattainable goals and then feel bad about it again next year! Wrong! Now is not the time to scrutinize your past mistakes but accept what you could do better. And for me, that has to do with food. No, I’m not trying to lose weight or eliminate certain foods all together but rather, I want to learn how to cook a few more things at home. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out and you know exactly what ingredients are going into your meal. However, I tend to fall into food ruts and just make the same meals over and over - do you do this as well? Let’s break that cycle! Here are a few meals I want to tackle in the New Year.. [More]

We’ve all been told time and time again not to buy fruit and vegetables out of season. For those of us in areas with winters that last from November to May, that’s a long time to be without any fruit. So, how can we still get the nutrients we need without breaking the bank?! Recently I stumbled upon this article by Health.com showcasing smart ways to get fruit in the winter months. If you’re like me, this could really come in handy!. [More]