Let’s face facts for a moment here: We live in a world where the focus every day is trying to shift back to a healthy lifestyle. With heart disease running rampant, obesity on the rise and diabetes taking over, people everywhere are learning the hard way just how important it is to stay healthy, stay fit and stay on top of their diets. This Web site itself is proof positive that people care, people want to learn and people want to help. That said, there’s a lot of advice floating around about the need for proper diets, new types of dieting, fad diets, crash diets and a whole slew of other diet-related things. There’s one question, however, that many doctors around the country are hoping you’re asking yourself: Are You Getting Enough Protein?
The reason this question needs to be asked, and the reason it’s such a tough one to answer, is that the answer is different for everyone. Based on your height, weight, activity level, age and health, the number could be vastly different between people who are otherwise remarkably similar. As a rule of thumb, the more you exercise, the more protein you’re going to need. But there are exceptions. Pregnant women, for instance, usually need more protein. The bottom line is many of us are not getting enough protein, and if we were, we’d quickly find out that the right amounts of the right kinds of protein can help curb appetite, improve weight loss and stave off chronic illnesses. Now, before you go out and start chewing on a fat steak, you should realize that it’s the right kind of proteins that make all the difference, and getting the right amounts.
For starters, why don’t you take the Protein Quiz? Simply enter your age, height and frame size. A second page will ask about your physical activity. Simply click to the next page for details about how many grams of protein you need each day to fuel your body to its optimal level. Not only that, there’s a helpful little protein calculator that gives you the protein amounts of common foods. Handy, no?
So, step right up and figure out if you’re getting what you need to stay properly fueled. Remember, research is pouring in that proves that healthy amounts of protein might just change everything in your healthy lifestyle. What do you have to lose . . . except that holiday weight?
Popularity: 7% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
I’m not sure if any of you are anything like me. In the unfortunate event that you are, especially when it comes to workouts and motivation, you most likely require some serious musical assistance to get your heart rate racing and your muscles pumping. The songs I just found on Fox News’ “Winter Playlist” might not appeal to everyone. That’s fine. But one thing is true: They all get you thinking warm. They get your adrenaline pumping and push you a little bit further, harder and stronger to keep fit during the doldrums that can be December-February.
So, what are the songs suggested to heat the blood, fuel the fire and keep you running/lifting/snowshoeing/skiing just a bit longer? Glad you asked. Check out the 7 songs Fox News suggests and the 7 songs FitSugar thinks will do the trick:
Fox News:
- “Rock’n'Roll Train” by AC/DC
- “So What” by Pink
- “Keeps Getting Better” by Christina Aguilera
- “Feels Like the First Time” by Chris Daughtry
- “Hot ‘N Cold” by Katy Perry
- “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
- “Disturbia” by Rihanna
FitSugar:
- “Never Ever” by Ciara
- “Ego” by Beyonce
- “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson
- “Forever” by Drake
- “Life in Marvelous Times” by Mos Def
- “Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z
- “Whatcha Say” by Jason DeRub
There you have it! As I mentioned, these songs might not suit everyone’s fancy, so listen with caution. Some of you might feel more at home rocking out to Metallica, while others might choose a more Josh Groban themed workout. To each his/her own, but just make sure you choose something that keeps you motivated to finish your workout with strength and enthusiasm. It’s not easy working out in the winter, but with the right soundtrack, you might just get through it!
Popularity: 22% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
OK, an experiment here . . . how about everyone raise your hand who has ever made a New Year’s resolution that has anything to do with your physical fitness, overall health or exercise plans? Yep, just as we thought, almost every single person you can possibly imagine. We all do it. We all start the New Year with the loftiest goals, the most honest intentions and the purest of plans. Then something happens. I don’t know whether it’s Super Bowl Sunday or just the dog days of January and February, but something changes and we fail to live up to those aforementioned promises. Life.
I have news for all of you sitting with your hands raised in the air: it doesn’t have to be that way. Nope, we can do better, we can be better and we can stick to our New Year’s resolutions. We can, and we will. I just prowled around the Internet looking for all the best advice on how to actually stick to our fitness-related resolutions. I think I found four tips to make 2010 the most foolproof fitness year yet. According to reports, here are the top four ways to make sure you keep your promises when it comes to your fitness and exercise goals:
- Make Time For You – “Start making yourself a priority. Let people around you know that you’re hoping to make a big fitness change in your life and ask them for their support.”
- Write It Down – “Studies show people who write things down – from what they eat to how they feel before, during and after exercise – are more likely to stick to a new healthy living plan. So, before you start any routine, go to your local bookstore and buy a journal to track your fitness goals (or keep one online).”
- Set Realistic Fitness Goals – “Talk to your doctor before starting any fitness regimen to help you set realistic fitness goals. Make an appointment with a qualified personal trainer who can assist you in breaking your larger New Year’s resolutions into smaller more tangible fitness targets and tasks. “
- Enlist Your Friends – “Get your friends to hop on the fitness train with you. People are more likely to stick to a fitness regimen if they have someone to support them. While hiring a personal trainer works, a more cost-effective and emotionally significant way to do this is to work out with a friend. “
There you have it! Head over and check out the full awesome article for more details, but we’re confident that if you follow those tips, you’ll be happier and healthier. You don’t have to let winter drag you down. We’re here to help make sure you don’t!
Popularity: 4% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
This time last year, I weighed . . . well, let’s just call it a lot. This holiday season, however, I’m 74 pounds lighter. I guess you could say that I’ve lost an entire fourth grader from my body.
Did I try a fad diet? Did I read a book? Did I take diet pills?
No.
I stopped eating all the time, and I joined a gym. That’s it.
In other words, I used plain common sense, and it worked. I don’t know why it’s called “common sense” when it seems so UNcommon these days.
In the past, I’d tried all kinds of fad diets, but they never worked because I was working against them on a daily basis. I even tried diet pills, but all they did was mess up my diabetes, turn me into a speeding roadrunner (Beep Beep….) and scare my kids.
When I stepped onto those scales last fall, though, and saw that very large number, something woke up inside my head. I think it was my brain, and it said, “If you REALLY intend to lose that weight, you’ll have to help.”
I have an odd, ever-changing work schedule, and changing MY ways wasn’t going to be easy or fun, I thought. I was wrong.
I’m a snacker, so it really wasn’t difficult to start eating five or six tiny meals a day instead of three big ones plus the snacks.
Finding a 24/7 gym that had treadmills with book racks on them was easy, too. Yellow pages.
Now, three times a week, after my fourth or fifth small meal, I head on over to the gym, book in hand, and walk about six miles, reading all the way.
These two things – many tiny meals and a treadmill – have changed my life. I’ve dropped a lot of poundage, gone down EIGHT SIZES (counting by twos, but allow me some slack here) and I feel great. My diabetes medication has also been adjusted accordingly, and my doctors are quite pleased with my readings now.
Oh, and speaking of readings, I’ve not only dropped weight, sizes and meds, but I’ve also read more than 40 books cover-to-cover in the past year. The kind with no pictures.
Common sense. That’s all it took. And it’s sooo lovely to shop for clothes in the “regular” section of the store again!
Popularity: 12% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
It’s officially cold here. There is snow on the ground, ice in the streets and the forecasts look to bring much of the same. Cue workout sadness; cue fitness woes. Luckily, and this is something we’ve mentioned before, there are ways to beat the freeze and still stay fit, trim and healthy over the long winter months. We’ve discussed the ways to bring fun into fitness over the winter by incorporating skiing, hockey and snowshoeing, but what if you literally want to beat the freeze altogether?
Glad you asked! I’m here to sing the praises of a form of exercise/activity/recreation that is extremely popular, but hasn’t risen into the stratospheric levels I’d hoped. I’m here to tell you just how incredible indoor rock climbing is. First and foremost, it’s one heck of a workout. Rock climbing has been proven to improve muscle strength, muscle endurance, body composition and flexibility. Not only that, but we have to admit, it’s FUN. There’s something exhilarating about getting roped in and attacking a wall that you would have never given yourself a chance to climb. Once you get to the top, the rewards are so much more than just fitness.
Now, more good news: Indoor rock climbing gyms are everywhere! They are gaining popularity every year and there are new gyms popping up all over the map. Not sure where the closest one is to you? We’ve got you covered. Head over to this handy Rock Climbing Gym Finder and it will let you know where the closest one is to your location. The equipment to get started is minimally expensive and the best part is, if you don’t want to buy it, you can always rent it. It’s a great way to make sure the sport is for you before you start investing in it.
So, if you’re not sold yet, just give it a shot and I guarantee one day in the climbing gym will have you hooked. What better way to stay warm, stay fit, meet some new friends and enjoy a great new sport? Plus, when the weather DOES warm up, you can always take your new skills out with other climbers and try to tackle real mountains, real rocks and real boulders.
Popularity: 6% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
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