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?
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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.
So we’ve officially dived head first into how to stay fit through the frosty and windy months of winter, but there’s a little something we haven’t told you yet. A lot of activities that truly make winter, well, winter, also come packing a pretty serious calorie burning punch. It’s not all running, lifting weights and riding that dreaded exercise bike over the chilly months. There are a lot of other ways to get exercise that are actually a great deal of fun. And you can burn those extra holiday calories without putting on the workout gear or going to a gym.
That’s exactly right, some of the most beloved and fun winter activities are actually amazing ways to keep fit without becoming bored or longing for the sun to let you back outside. Check out how many calories some of the most fun activities actually burn per hour … yes, per hour. The first number is for a 120 pound woman, and the second for a woman weighing 150 pounds, for comparison sake:
- Skiing - 273 and 340
- Snowboarding - 273 and 340
- Snowshoeing - 382 and 476
- Cross-Country Skiing - 436 and 476
- Ice Skating - 327 and 408
- Ice Hockey - 436 and 544
- Winter Hiking - 327 and 408
- Shoveling Snow - 273 and 340
- Sledding - 327 and 408
See! Even shoveling snow, which is admittedly not the most FUN activity you can partake in during the chilly winter months, burns a TON of calories per hour! So, if you’re looking for a way to burn some serious holiday calories and help fight off heart disease, cancer and a whole slew of other terrible things this winter, buy a lift ticket along with your gym membership or some snowshoes along with your new running sneakers. Get up, get moving and start loving the life you live!
Got any other amazing methods to keep those holiday pounds from creeping up on you? We’d love to hear your tips for staying fit as a fiddle while the mercury drops! Sound off!
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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.