The Skinny on Whole Grains

I have noticed a new trend at the grocery store - whole grains! This is great because whole grains are indeed healthier.  They have 25 percent more protein, 78 percent more fiber and 90 percent more vitamin E than refined flour. (Fitness Magazine, October 2011) While shopping don't fall victim to misleading packaging.

Healthy Habits in Jamaica

It is really important to continue eating healthy while on vacation. Couples Swept Away is an all inclusive resort with the option of buffet style. This can sometimes be difficult for people to contain themselves. However, fill your plate wisely! 

Teaching & Staying Fit in Jamaica

This week I'm teaching in Negril, Jamaica working as a visiting fitness instructor at a couples resort. Every morning I wake up and teach spin class, in the evening I teach a 30 minute abdominals class, and a 60 minute boot camp.  It's great encouraging people on vacation to work out and stay fit.  

Quote of The Week: Keep Moving

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it."

-Plato 

Om Your Way to Loose Hamstrings

Yoga has changed my life!  Every activity and athletic sport that I play has become easier because I practice yoga. After having 4 knee surgeries I was told "Don't do that... don't do this... never try that..." Now after taking the time to learn, study and practice yoga I can do things I could never do before.  

Yoga is not appealing to everyone and at first and I hated it because I couldn't do any of the postures, but through dedication my knees are much stronger, I've become loose, and flexible! 

Nothing is Impossible

"You must find the place inside of you where nothing is impossible."

-Deepak Chopra

Encourage A Healthy Diet For Your Child

With the increasing rates of childhood obesity I am very concerned for our youth.  It saddens me to see the amount of children suffering from obesity. Unhealthy weight gain is often attributed to lack of exercise and poor diet.

Parents are in a powerful position to help their children. Children look to their parents for guidance and model after their parents behaviors and eating habits. It is so important that parents encourage healthy lifestyles. Obesity starts at such a young age and it is important that we tackle this situation as soon as possible. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has come up with recommendations for health care providers of children aged 2-5 to promote healthy eating.  Below are a few recommendations from the ADA.

Buying Organic on a Budget

Today more people are choosing to spend some of their money on organic products.  Purchasing organic products has health benefits.  In order to be labeled organic, farmers abide to strict regulations requiring them to grow their produce in soil that has not been contaminated with any toxins (pesticides, herbicides, hormones, or genetically modified organisms - GMO's)

I choose to purchase organic food as most of the regular produce carries a lot of residue from pesticides.    Because of cost it is not always feasible to buy organic products.

Stick to Routine: Family, Exercise & Nutrition

Good days and bad days everyone has them, it becomes a matter of being able to stick to your routine. Since Rebecca (my sister) has passed I have had trouble sleeping and there are days when I feel like doing absolutely nothing. However, sticking to routine with exercise and eating a well balanced diet has helped me.

Listen to Your Body

This past week was a tough week for me.  I lost a very important part of me.  Without warning at the young age of 34, my eldest sister passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest and kidney failure due to an unknown autoimmune disease. She had the healthiest diet of anyone that I know. She participated in the occasional 5k charity races and from time to time she biked and practiced yoga. Over time these activities became more difficult for her to participate in because she felt less energetic.