Winter Running

Many dedicated runners will brave the cold, damp air and dark, slick streets as winter sets in. Running is actually part of surviving the winter for some. Winter running can be a challenging and, at times, difficult experience outdoors. For those of you who don’t let a little snow or sleet deter a run, it is important to stay safe and comfortable during winter running. Here are tips to keep your winter running more safe and comfortable:

  1. Choose a synthetic sock. Avoid cotton socks. Synthetic sock (wool blend, polypropylene) wick away moisture and help prevent blister formation and cold feet.
  2. Run in a trail shoe. Winter running involves slick surfaces on both the trails and the street. It is important to have more support and stability on slippery surfaces. Trail shoes have more traction for these surfaces. Trail running shoes also tend to protect your feet more than lighter nylon running shoes.
  3. Dress in layers. Your first layer should be something like polypropylene that will wick sweat away from your body. For the outer layer, try a material such as nylon or Gore-Tex. This will protect your body against precipitation and wind and also let out heat and moisture from your body to prevent overheating or chilling. Avoid cotton because it holds moisture and likewise will keep you wet during your run. On really cold days you can even add a middle layer of clothing such as polar fleece.
  4. You should dress as if it is 5-10 degrees warmer than it actually is. When you first step outside, it should feel a bit cool. This will allow your body to heat up during your workout without over-doing it and perhaps dehydrating when running in the cold.
  5. Avoid uneven terrain. In cold weather it is more difficult to adjust to uneven terrain because your muscles do not react as quickly. Choose level streets and sidewalks and choose trails with fewer rocks, roots and dips. This will help minimize your chances of developing muscle strains and sprains.
  6. Warm up slowly. Although this may seem obvious, it is a common mistake in the winter. It is cold out and you will want to start running as soon as you close your front door. But, your muscles take longer to warm-up in colder weather. Your chances of injury increase when you do not take the time to warm-up properly.

Sometimes the most challenging part of winter running is stepping out the door. But once you’re out, happy trails.

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New Trends in Fitness

A new year, may mean a new workout, something to freshen up your drive to get out and get exercising. Hot fitness trends for 2014 include high-intensity interval training like CrossFit and P90X and body-weight training such as push-ups, pull-ups and planks. Also, yoga is expected to get even more popular. A more detailed list of the top 10 predicted fitness trends is listed below.

The Top 10 Fitness Trends Predicted for 2014

  1. High-intensity interval training, which involves working out as hard as you can for a short burst of time, followed by a short, less-intense period, jumps to the top of this year’s list. These exercise programs are usually performed in less than 30 minutes.
  2. Body weight training uses minimal equipment making it more affordable. Not limited to just push-ups and pull-ups, this trend allows people to get “back to the basics” with fitness.
  3. Kettlebell workouts are definitely one of the hottest fitness trends on the rise right now. Developed in Russia in the 1700s, kettlebells are just starting to gain real momentum in Western gym culture. Kettlebell training can reduce pain in the neck, shoulders and low back by improving their strength, can help you burn additional calories than a workout without them, and can increase your aerobic workout.
  4. Strength training remains a central emphasis for many health clubs. Incorporating strength training is an essential part of a complete physical activity for all physical activity levels and genders. (The other essential components are aerobic exercise and flexibility).
  5. Exercise and weight loss. In addition to nutrition, exercise is a key component of a proper weight loss program. Health and fitness professionals who provide weight loss programs are increasingly incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction for better weight control in their clients.
  6. Personal training. More and more students are majoring in kinesiology, which indicates that they are preparing themselves for careers in allied health fields such as personal training. Education, training and proper credentialing for personal trainers have become increasingly important to the health and fitness facilities that employ them.
  7. Fitness Programs for Older Adults. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement, some of these people have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts. Therefore, many health and fitness professionals are taking the time to create age-appropriate fitness programs to keep older adults healthy and active.
  8. Functional Fitness. This trend toward using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness and special fitness programs for older adults are closely related.
  9. Group Personal Training. In challenging economic times, many personal trainers are offering more group training options. Training two or three people at a time makes economic sense for the trainer and the clients.
  10. Yoga. Based on ancient tradition, yoga utilizes a series of specific bodily postures practiced for health and relaxation. Includes Power Yoga, Yogalates, Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kripalu, Anurara, Kundalini, Sivananda and others.

If you’re bored with your usual fitness routine, spice it up. Try something new. Keep yourself excited to continue to exercise to help you boost your weight loss.

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Antioxidant Rich Foods

Antioxidants have the power to protect you from disease and slow the aging process, as they fight the free radicals in your body that can harm your cells. If your antioxidant levels are low, oxidative stress can occur, making your susceptible to many illnesses including heart disease and cancer. Therefore, in order to keep your body healthy and your immune systems strong, you must consume an abundance of antioxidants on a daily basis. These powerhouses can be found in many fruits and vegetables, and common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, flavonoids and
Polyphenols. Antioxidant food is the best and first line of defense to protecting your body against increasing free radicals (toxins) . Whole, plant-based foods (unprocessed or minimally processed) such as grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and unrefined oils are terrific sources of anti-oxidants.

Some foods are extremely high in antioxidant content. It is recommended that these foods are consumed on a regular basis to reverse the signs of aging and to help prevent, and even reverse various disease processes such as cancer and heart disease, plus reduce blood pressure.

The 5 Best Antioxidant Rich Foods

  1. Berries – In addition to being deliciously sweet, berries such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries offer an abundance of antioxidant capacity. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and heart disease. Eat them frozen in a morning smoothie, toss a handful over your morning yogurt or cereal or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.
  2. Broccoli – Broccoli definitely takes the gold medal for most nutritious vegetable. This cruciferous vegetable contains more vitamin C than an orange and has more calcium than a glass of milk. In addition to minerals and vitamins, broccoli is filled with disease-fighting chemicals called phytonutrients. Sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in broccoli, has been shown to lower the risk of many types of cancers. Try steaming or boiling broccoli and seasoning with basil, lemon or salsa for a delicious side dish.
  3. Garlic – Garlic is used around the world as a delicious flavouring agent for any dish. The health benefits of garlic have been well touted for centuries, and raw garlic has been used a natural antibiotic to kill off some strains of harmful bacteria. Garlic is also useful for decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, removing heavy metals from the body, preventing cancer and acting as an antifungal and antiviral agent. One clove of garlic contains vitamin A, B and C, selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium.
  4. Green Tea – Green Tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compounds work in the body with other chemicals to heighten levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (a state created in the body by burning fat as fuel). On average, you should try to consume a minimum of three cups of green tea per day for weight loss effects. Green tea has also been shown to be preventative against cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol.
  5. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are by far the richest source of a powerful anticancer agent called lycopene. In fact, research has shown lycopene to be an even more powerful disease fighter than vitamin E and beta carotene. Lycopene needs fat for optimal absorption to occur. Therefore, putting the healthy fat olive oil in your spaghetti sauce is an excellent trick to increase your lycopene levels. Start including more tomatoes in your diet in the form of sliced, whole, canned, stewed or sauced tomatoes or tomato paste.

You can also include red grapes, spinach, carrots, whole grains and dark chocolate into your food choices to offer additional antioxidant content. While nothing can guarantee the prevention of cancer or other illnesses, by consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, you are putting up a fight against these diseases. You owe it to your body to do everything in your power to keep it healthy, so indulge in some antioxidant-rich foods today.

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The Perfect Hostess Gift

When holiday season comes around, the invitations to parties will start to flow. Whether it is Christmas or any other time of year, you will be invited to dinner and cocktail parties where you will be expected to turn up with a gift.So, just what are the perfect gifts to bring along for your hostess, and what should you avoid.

Firstly, although all types of gifts will be appreciated; there are some that should be avoided simply because they have become so clichéd. Forget chocolates, flowers, or wine and bring your hostess a gift that will make a lasting impression for all the right reasons. The first gift that you may like to invest in is tableware. When someone loves to entertain guests, dinner tableware such as serving spoons, condiment containers and decorative serving bowls will be a hit.

In fact, any gift for the kitchen will often be a popular choice for your hostess; so think what she may like to help her prepare for a party. Popular items for gifts could include an apron, a cutting board, or even some great looking tea towels.

Next, turn your attentions to the type of party she is hosting. For a cocktail part you may like to bring some bar accessories such as a bottle opener or wine glasses, or for a tea or coffee affair you may like to bring a gourmet tea service or coffee set. Think before you buy, and ensure that your gift will be something that your hostess will use and find useful.

Next, turn your attentions away from the food and beverages and towards table decorations. Any great party will have great lighting, and this may be achieved by different types of bulbs or candles. Many people will choose candles as a gift, but these will soon burn away. For a gift that will give a lasting impression, choose candle holders that can be used time after time. Choose careful, complementing the décor for perfect hostess gifts to bring to holiday parties.

Next, for a really personal touch you may like to bring something that you made such as handmade bath salts or potpourri. The simplicity of these gifts is wonderful, yet the time you took to create them will show just how much you appreciate your hostess and the invitation to her party. You may also like to make décor accessories, or entertainment accessories such as hand made napkin holders.

Gourmet food and holiday gifts are also popular choices for gifts for your hostess. When choosing holiday gifts, ensure that the gifts you choose are appropriate; for instance, gifts for a skiing holiday would be great for winter but totally different from gifts for a summer vacation.

When choosing the perfect hostess gift to bring to holiday parties, the most important thing is to stay away from generic gifts and clichés such as wine or chocolates. These types of gifts will show that you have made little effort when choosing a present, so they may even provoke a negative response from your hosts. Take time and put effort into choosing the perfect gift for the occasion and your gift will be appreciated so much more.

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Quickie Dates with your Spouse

When you first meet your partner, you will go on dates and enjoy each others company. However, many couples make the mistake of stopping dating once they settle into marriage or a civil union. . Often kids or work commitments mean that it is near impossible to go on dates, but quickie dates with your spouse to stay connected when life gets busy are essential for a happy and healthy relationship.

One part of dating is making sure that you still appreciate your partner and that you give them the attention they deserve. Quickie dates are a tried and tested method by marriage counsellors all over the world simply because they work. Once you are married, if you let the spontaneity leave your marriage, then it will soon become stagnant. It doesn’t matter whether you have full time jobs or 5 kids; you still need time alone with your partner, and not necessarily in bed!

Quickie dates don’t need to be expensive or complex to set up; all you need is some inspiration and you can get this by thinking back to when you were dating. If you loved to have a picnic together, find a lunch time where you can have a quick bite to eat together in the park. If you loved to go to the movies together, try to find the time to go and see a movie together.

Quick dates are sworn by so many married couples as a way to add the spark back into a stale relationship. When all your life consists of is work, home and the children, it will be normal that you will start to feel like an old married couple. But, stop and think about the things your spouse loved when you first met, and find ways to recreate them to bring the spark back into your life.

The whole idea of quickie dates is that they don’t need to take up a lot of time. If date night is out of the question due to work commitments or children, find a time when you are alone without the kids, even if it is when they are in bed, and give your partner your undivided attention. If going to the movies is impossible, try sitting down to watch a film together after your children have gone to bed, with a bowl of home made popcorn.

What you need to remember is that your quickie dates require 100% of your attention and this means leaving your smart phone alone. In fact, the perfect quickie date will involve nothing more than you and your partner and something that you enjoy together such as eating ice cream or giving each other a back rub. Avoid distractions, turn off the television and dim the lights to set a romantic scene.

Quickie dates with your spouse to stay connected when life gets busy are all about taking time out to appreciate your spouse and spend some quality time together where you can enjoy each others company and help keep your relationship young. Whether you love eating strawberries or love to debate about a book, there is a quickie date that is perfect for you.

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3-2-1 Happy New Year: Picking the Right Resolution

It’s that time of year again – the time where we pick our resolution for the New Year with hopes that we can actually keep them this time. The reason that most New Year’s Resolutions fail is that they are too extreme or time consuming. Do you set the same resolutions each year and get the same results? Are you prone to procrastinating with that little voice in your head telling you “it’s ok, you have all year to start trying your goal”? Do you come up with an abundance of reasons why you haven’t started along the path to achieving your goal? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Who is really going to give up all sweets or stick to sweating in the gym for hours each day? What you need this year is a New Year’s Resolution that is simple enough to become part of your daily life, and will lead to long term success.

There are 4 things you need to do before you set your resolution:

  1. Make sure you plan in the right place. Take yourself to a favourite spot where you can be alone with your own thoughts. No matter where it is, you’ll find planning your goals so much easier there.
  2. Take this process seriously. YOU are the only one that can reach your dreams and goals so make sure you are true to yourself and this process for you, not anyone else.
  3. Make sure you distinguish between goals and aspirations. A goal is something that you achieve yourself without outside influence.
  4. Aim high, don’t set yourself a goal that you can reach in 2 minutes, make sure it’s something that gives you that intense feeling of achievement when you’ve done it.

Write your resolution down. When it’s written it becomes something real and something you can take ownership to, a promise that you are making to yourself. This helps with you wanting to stick to it. Make sure you have it visible – read it daily on the fridge, calendar or email inbox. When you’re reminded every day, it’s hard to ignore it.

Try these Simple and Achievable Resolutions:

  1. Drink a large glass of water before each meal. This simple action will help with weight loss and save you mountains of calories in the coming year. By filling your stomach with water right before you eat you reduce your chances of overeating during the meal. Drinking more water is also healthy for all of your body functions, including converting body fat into usable energy.
  2. Add a Walk or Jog to your morning. When you get up and move first thing in the morning, before breakfast, your body is more likely to use stored fat as energy.
  3. Follow the No Food Three Hours Before Bed Rule. It has been proven that not eating three hours before bed reduces fat storage throughout the night. If you go to bed at 10 p.m., finish eating for the day no later than 7 p.m.
  4. Vow to say kind things to someone every day. Not only will you make someone feel good about themselves or what they do, but you’ll feel good about yourself for making someone smile. Something so simple has such wonderful side effects.

Remember there are 365 days in the year. Slipping up on your resolution one day here and there might happen or maybe your life takes another direction, don’t let those deter you from sticking with your resolution. Get back to it, or modify it to suit your new situation. A slip or a change can still lead you to success.

Now, all you have to do is find the resolution that is right for you and make it a part of your daily life starting 2014!

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Healthy Mouth

Good dental care includes dental floss. Even if you brush your teeth regularly and go for regular dental checkups, it is very important that you also floss regularly (preferably on a daily basis). Most of us will floss the day of or a couple days before a scheduled dentist appointment. But your dentist can tell that flossing isn’t part of your regular daily dental routine. Flossing is considered by many in the dental profession to be almost as vital as cleaning your teeth. It is an important factor in the upkeep of a healthy mouth and gums.

Your toothbrush cannot reach and clean all areas of your teeth. Flossing helps get the hard to reach areas the toothbrush misses. If foods are left in those hard to reach areas between your teeth, they lead to the formation of plaque. Regular flossing will prevent this and ensure your teeth stay plaque-free. Plaque is a sticky substance made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. It will darken your teeth, leaving them looking unattractive. Plaque is fairly easily removed, but over time, it turns into tartar, which can generally only be removed by a dentist. Tartar that is not removed contributes to tooth decay and cavities. If you want to have a nice white smile in the future, then keep plaque at bay by flossing every day.

You’ll have healthy gums if you floss as well. Problems such as gingivitis can be avoided by flossing your teeth every day. This is because when food is left on the teeth for a long time it cause gum irritation. You can also keep bad breath to an absolute minimum by flossing daily. Rotting food stuck in your teeth will cause foul breath. Clean out that food by flossing daily. Flossing will help you keep your teeth longer by helping you to avoid decay and will also help prevent gum disease.

There is also strong medical evidence to suggest a link between flossing and the prevention of heart disease. They say that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease. The reason being, that diseased gums have high levels of bacteria, which will eventually leak into your bloodstream, causing inflammation in other parts of the body and perhaps ultimately cardiovascular problems. Results of other medical studies show that if people had certain disease causing bacteria in the mouth, then they were more likely to have blocked arteries in the neck (atherosclerosis), which can result in a stroke.

If you haven’t flossed for a while, here are a few simple steps:

  1. Tear off between 16 to 20 inches of floss
  2. Slide it gently between your teeth, allowing it to conform to the shape of your tooth
  3. Slide the floss up and down on your tooth
  4. Follow this procedure between each set of teeth
  5. Don’t forget to floss both sides of your back teeth

Flossing daily combined with brushing twice a day will help ensure your dental health and well being. Just like it’s important to eat healthy foods and get regular exercise, it’s important to maintain your oral health. A healthy mouth will lead to a healthy you!

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Staying Young

People exercise for many different reasons. Some want to lose weight, reach a fitness goal or because their Doctor said they should, but did you know that exercise is one of the best ways to stay young? Feeling and looking young is an attitude and part of that is feeling healthy and having minimal stress. Exercise can help with both of these states of mind. Exercise will also help you to look younger which can improve your confidence. What exercises should you do to stay young? Here are a few examples.

One of the best ways to stay young is to protect yourself from disease. This includes obesity and heart disease. Cardiovascular exercises are crucial to fighting these diseases that will not only make you feel older but will make you look older as well. Depending on your level of fitness there are different options for cardiovascular exercises including running, jogging, walking, aerobic classes or swimming. Find something you enjoy doing and try to do it three times a week.

Another disease to consider, particularly in women is osteoporosis. As women age and their hormones change their bones can become weak and lose density. Osteoporosis will affect your physical age in many ways. It affects your mobility and can leave you looking weak and frail. Surprisingly, strength training is the best way to combat osteoporosis. Start with light weights if you’ve never done strength work before and I recommend working with a trainer who can teach you proper form to avoid injury.

Stretching and working on flexibility will also help you feel and look younger. When our muscles and joints are weak or tight we walk more laboured and find it difficult to bend and reach. Yoga or other forms of stretching are great ways to improve your mobility. Start with a beginners class and let the instructor know of any injuries or weaknesses that may hinder your exercise.

It’s important to remember that whatever your age if you are starting a new exercise program you should always consult your Doctor or a fitness professional prior to starting. A trainer will work with you to develop the most suitable program for you and your goals and will also ensure that you don’t injure yourself. Trainers are also great at motivating you and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish.

To stay young use diet and exercise to keep your physical age lower than your chronological age. Exercise will help with your posture, muscle and bone density, flexibility and will fight off disease. Linked with the right diet you’ll be feeling and looking much younger than the number of candles on your Birthday cake.

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Healthy Baking

The best part of the holidays is indulging in the yummy baked goods. However, they don’t all have to be unhealthy. Believe it or not, there are actually some good choices out there that won’t you leave you feeling guilty for having a little too much.Granted most of them are full of refined flour and sugar, so you still must eat them in moderation, healthier choice or not. However, if you are doing the baking, making the right ingredient choices will also help in making healthier baked goods.

Here are the Top 5 healthiest baked treats you can choose from:

  1. Biscotti is one of the best choices that you can ever make. Each slice is only 100 calories and the nuts that are added, usually almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts, add protein, monounsaturated fats, and fibre to your diet which keep you in good shape. A daily serving is about 4-6 nuts, so a slice or won’t do that much damage to your diet. Stay away from the biscotti with chocolate or caramel chips, though. These are simply extra calories and extra sugar. Opt for ones stuffed with dried fruits instead.
  2. A favourite with oranges, cranberries and apples, these make for delicious cakes and muffins. So if you’re offered a slice of cranberry-orange cake, say yes. But this doesn’t mean you can have cakes with white chocolate chips in them.
  3. Although the classic fruitcake weighs in at about 80-100 calories a slice, most people may opt for a nut-free slice of carrot cake instead. They’re both low in fat and have lots of fibre . It’s the icing that is the unhealthiest part of the carrot cake, so use low fat icing and don’t put too much on.
  4. Choose a square or a regular-sized muffin of chocolate-chip banana bread. With a sprinkling of chopped walnuts, they’re high in fibre and monounsaturated fats. Plus, semi-sweet chocolate chips are also a better option.
  5. Cookies are generally thought of as an unhealthy sinful treat, but sometimes you just have to have them. Your best bet would be oatmeal cookies with added dried fruit and chopped nuts.

Choose the right ingredients when making your baked goods.

Bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate and raw cocoa have less sugar, plus the high percentage of flavonoids make it an anti-oxidant. They also contain resveratrol, which is an antimicrobial that is believed to lower blood-sugar, enhance physical performance and potentially prolong life.

Use bran instead of refined white flour to make healthier cakes and muffins. You can also try options of oat flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, hazelnut flour or coconut flour. Oat, almond and coconut flours are great options as they are also gluten-free. They’re all also high in fibre which helps to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

Replace refined white sugar with other options such as coconut sugar, raw sugar, agave nectar, maple syrup, honey or fruit puree. All healthier options to limit your sugar intake.

Dried fruit, seeds and nuts are healthy baking additives. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, healthy fats and linked to promoting good digestive, bone and oral health. Dried fruit adds natural sugars and can give a little moisture and texture to your favourite recipe as well.

There is no need to deprive yourself of baked goods just to stay healthy. Just like everything, moderation is the key as well as choosing the baked goods made with the right ingredients.

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Staying Healthy During the Holidays

There’s eggnog and pumpkin pie and turkey and ham and cookies oh my…Maintaining nutritious eating and a healthy lifestyle during the holidays can be quite a challenge for anyone. There are many parties and other social gatherings for work, family and friends. No one wants to miss these special occasions, so it is important to know ahead of time how to best handle all the temptations of eating, drinking and staying up later than we are accustomed to. Here are some ways to help you stay on course during this year’s holiday season.

  • Get enough rest. Take a nap for even a half an hour before you go out, if you can. Getting enough sleep will help you to eat less and exercise more.
  • Maintain your workout regime. If you can’t make it to the gym, plan a walk, run or some cardio at home. Try to schedule your workouts in the morning, to avoid casually dismissing them when the late-afternoon rush is upon you. Plus, you won’t feel as guilty when you indulge on a sweet or two.
  • Think about what you will do before you arrive. Plan your eating behaviour. Limit the amount of drinks and sweets you’ll have. Eat some healthy snacks before you go so you aren’t hungry when you arrive.
  • Drink lots of water. Have a couple of glasses before you go and alternate higher calorie drinks like alcoholic beverages, eggnog or hot chocolate with water while you are at the holiday party. Drinks can have a lot of hidden calories in them.
  • Be aware of what you are putting on your plate if you are served buffet style. Take a small amount of everything you like so you will not feel deprived. Try to forego the bread baskets so you don’t fill up on too much carbohydrates. Fill your plate with some “good” foods first. Load up the plate with lean meats, vegetables and fruit. Watch out you don’t overdo it on the dips.
  • Walk as often as you can. If you will be at someone’s home for an extended period of time, excuse yourself to go for a walk. Take a break from eating and get some fresh air.

To keep healthy eating habits over the holidays make sure you eat several small meals a day. This old tip holds especially true during the holiday season. We tend to skip meals and indulge in one large holiday dinner with the entire family. Don’t starve yourself all day. Get some snacks in and most importantly start your day with a good healthy breakfast. You will be able to enjoy your holiday more by stabilizing your blood sugar.

Remember the importance of this time of year, friends, family and loved ones. Put your attention on spending quality time with those you love and engaging in fun activities. The holiday season does not have to revolve around eating.

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