Smarter, Better, More

Cleaning up around the house I found an article from Family Circle Magazine that talked about how to Eat Smarter, Sleep Better, and Move More. Perfect!

Eat Smarter
Leave two bites at every meal. (they say you'll cut out about 100 cal a day. But I'm not into the whole wasting food thing, so may I suggest dishing up and putting 2 spoonfuls back?)
Swap out a red meat dinner and swap in a vegetarian one, once a week.
Cook at Home one more night eat week. (New research shows that the average American now eats four restaurant meals each week!)
Turn off the Kitchen lights at 8:00pm (a great idea! I'm totally going to try it!)

Sleep Better
Gain time with sleep. (A sleep expert, Jodi Mindell, Ph.D: "A lot of women think that if they go to bed early they're mission out on getting stuff done- they won't get those emails sent, bills paid or laundry done. But you'll get everything done twice as fast the next day if you get enough rest.")
Hotel-ify your bedroom: (Soft sheets and pillows, room-darkening shades, no laptop in bed, move out exercise equipment.)
Keep it cool: 60-68 degrees at night.
Get the right light. (Mindell: "exposure to AM light affects how sleepy you feel come nighttime. Morning light triggers your body to stop producing the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and to make more of the stimulating hormone cortisol. About 12 hours later your body will automatically start producing melatonin to get you ready for sleep." Interesting!)
Log off your computer and allow your brain 20 minutes to wind down before you hit the lights.

Move More
Walk 15 extra minutes a day.
Take advantage of weird time. Find the random time in your day. Bored? don't text, WALK! :)
Don't blow off your plans. ("Your day has been one big downhill of cake, candy and chips- so why bother with that 4pm power walk you'd planned? Because it makes a big difference. Physically, exercise can reduce your appetite, and mentally it will put you back on track to eat a smarter dinner.)
Be a role model. to everyone and make it fun!

Feel the Earth Move

I was online this morning, and ran across THIS page about Exercise Needs by Age.

They said that it's never too late to start a regular fitness program. Even though it is April, almost May, the New Year's resolution can start with TODAY. A New Earth Day's Resolution!

Up to 35 years old

Two fitness components are often neglected during these years are form and flexibility. Practicing good form in any sport will help you stay injury-free later in life. Devoting time to stretching, yoga or Pilates will also help. Avoid overtraining by always building rest into your exercise program.

35-50 years old

Strength training should be a part of your fitness goals. Perform 30 minutes of resistance training at least three times per week. This is vital for women in order to help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

50 and up

Even if you haven't exercised in a long time, you have every reason to start now. The real key is slow and gradual progress. Begin any new actrivity with its lowest run. For example, instead of running, start walking first. Instead of lap swimming, take a water aerobics class first. If you're unsure about how to start an exercise program, consult with a qualified personal trainer.

And if you need extra motivation, click here to link to Parent's magazine reader's responses to the question, "How to busy moms fit in time for exercising." My favorite one, probably because I do it, is using your kids as a workout. Hmm...so if I keep it up, when she's 10 will I still be able to bench press her weight? :)

DON'T just READ! GO and DO SOMETHING!

Hop to the bathroom...or maybe from the bathroom is a better idea.

Calf raises while doing the dishes, making a sandwich or talking on the phone!

Do chair lifts before getting up from the dinner table or computer desk.

Commercial Crunch!

Oops, I mean, Commerical Crunches!

Hey, the earth is moving, why can't WE!?