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>Great ideas from clients

Category : Healthy Eating

>Great Idea #1: Frozen Grapes
Thanks to Denise K. this is now one of my kids’ favorite treats. Just put some grapes in a ziploc baggie and freeze them. They come out like little frozen popsicles with alot less sugar. Grown-ups like them too!

Great Suggestion #2: A substitute for ice cream
Lyn recommends this recipe from “The South Beach Diet”

Mocha Ricotta Creme
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. sugar substitute
dash espresso powder
5 chocolate chips

Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve with a dusting of espresso powder (if you’ve got it) and the chocolate chips.

Calories: 261
Protien: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 14 g

Comments Off on >xo warmup & cooldown tips

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>xo warmup & cooldown tips

Category : Exercise

>
Why warm-up?
The body does not respond very well going from inactivity to very intense activity. The cardio-vascular, musculo-skeletal, neurological and metabolic energy pathways need to be gradually stimulated in order to perform at an optimal level. Muscles that are warm have a much better ability to extract and utilize oxygen to produce energy. As muscles warm up, the enzyme activity level is increased. This means that fats and sugars are broken down more rapidly, and more energy and less lactic acid (the burning sensation) will be produced. This will of course, enhance your performance and increase your ability to burn fat!
Before you walk or run:
Start with a few simple moves to warm-up your ankles such as tapping your toes, heel raises, and ankle circles. Then, begin walking at a moderate pace and gradually increase your pace. If you intend to run, walk for at least 5 minutes and you will feel much better when you begin to run. Save stretching for the cool-down.
Toe lifts: A great exercise for reducing Shin Splints!!! Heel Lifts
Ankle Circles…you get the idea!
Why cool-down?
Your body also does not respond very well going from intense activity to complete rest. Your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and energy systems require a gradual cool-down to avoid blood pooling in the lower extremities, dizziness and to assist in the recovery process. After you walk or run: If you run, Your muscles are all warmed up at the end of your workout. This is the BEST time to work on your flexibility. Many people blow-off this part of the workout, but flexibility training is just as important as cardiovascular and strength training.
Classic Calf Stretch and Quad stretch (use something for support, don’t arch your back!)
Hamstring Stretch & Hip Flexor Stretches.
Two reasons to stretch: 1) Stretching reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which you typically experience 24-48 hours after a workout. 2) Good flexibility will improve your posture and reduce low back pain. If you are tight in either your hamstrings or hip flexors they will pull your back out of neutral alignment an force you into positions which will strain your low back muscles.

Comments Off on Partner Training with Medicine Ball

-->

Partner Training with Medicine Ball

Category : Exercise

Partner training with a friend or family member is a great way to add fun to your fitness routine AND save money too!

This week’s featured partners: Joanne & Ed

Stand sideways to your partner. Swing the the ball up and away from your partner; then swing it across your body and throw it to your partner. This exercise will increase core strength and reaction time.
 

Check out our video of the week!

 

Partner training keeps them motivated!

Comments Off on Partner Training Core Exercise

-->

Partner Training Core Exercise

Category : Exercise

Partner training with a friend or family member is a great way to add fun to your fitness routine AND save money too!

This week’s featured partners: Kim & Rebecca (a sister act)

Great core exercise for partner training: Partner on left is rotating and using oblique muscles while partner on right performs an isometric abdominal brace.
 

Check out our video of the week!

 
 
 Kim says:
I like partner training with my sister because it pushes me to work harder.

Rebecca says:
Scheduling with Kim makes me show up because I know if I don’t she’s going to text me and ask “Where are you!?!?”
 
If you are interested in partner training, invite a friend to join you or talk to your trainer to help you find someone with similar abilities and schedule.

Comments Off on New Year’s Resolution Success

-->

New Year’s Resolution Success

Category : Exercise, Healthy Eating

A University of Scranton study suggests that only 8% of people achieve New Year’s Resolution Success.

 

How can you make 2020 a success?

  • Set behavior based goals
  • Track yourself on a daily/weekly basis
  • Reward yourself for sticking with it
  • Forgive yourself if you’re not perfect
Read more New Year Resolution Success 2017

Comments Off on Holiday Survival Guide

-->

Holiday Survival Guide

Category : Exercise, Healthy Eating

Get through December without putting on the pounds read our Holiday Survival Guide!


It’s hard to stick to a healthy eating and exercise plan during the holidays. Everywhere you turn there are tempting foods and drinks—from treats at the office to your traditional family favorites. When you add in a busy schedule filled with shopping and social events that make it tough to squeeze in exercise, you have a recipe for disaster as far as your scale is concerned.


Read Holiday Survival Guide  

Comments Off on Healthy Strong Skeleton

-->

Healthy Strong Skeleton

Category : Active Living, Healthy Eating

Do you have a healthy strong skeleton?


If you are a woman, you have a 50/50 chance of suffering a fracture related to osteoporosis according to the National Institutes of Health. As for men, one in eight are expected to fracture a bone due to this disease. Osteoporosis affects women more than men because women have less bone mass and begin to lose bone at a younger age.

Are you at risk for osteoporosis?


Some risks are beyond your control such as being female, post-menopausal & Caucasian. Women can lose 20 percent of their bone density during the 5-7 years following menopause. Beginning at menopause women should have their bone density checked every two years.
Men in their fifties do not experience the rapid loss of bone mass that women do, however, by age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate. Whether you are a man or woman your lifestyle is very important to your skeleton’s health. You can reduce your risk with appropriate exercise and diet; not to mention smoking cessation.

Exercise for a healthy strong skeleton


The muscles and tendons attached to the bones pull on them stimulating them to produce more bone cells. The best exercises for prevention of osteoporosis are those described as “weight-bearing”: walking, running, aerobic dance and weight training. In fact, “high-impact” exercises such as running and jumping are very beneficial if you are fit enough to do these activities without injuring yourself. Non-impact exercise such as biking and swimming will not help with bone density. Keep in mind that only the bones being stressed will get stronger, so performing an exercise such as running will strengthen the bones in your lower body, however your upper body will still require some attention.

skeleton-walking

What if you already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis?


Many people are afraid to exercise once they have been diagnosed with osteoporosis because they are concerned that exercise may cause a fracture. However, exercise can be very beneficial even after diagnosis. MayoClinic.com recommends three kinds of exercise: 1) strength training to improve your posture; 2) low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, elliptical trainer and step aerobics; and 3) flexibility exercises to improve your posture and balance. Those with osteoporosis should avoid high-impact exercises (such as jumping or running) as well as exercises which require bending forward or twisting at the waist such as touching your toes, using a rowing machine, golf, tennis, bowling and some yoga and Pilates movements. Be sure to get your doctor’s approval before you begin an exercise program.

Eating for a healthy strong skeleton


Caffeine, alcohol, sugar and salt cause more calcium to be lost than absorbed. Also, a diet high in animal protein can contribute to bone loss because animal protein leaches calcium from the bones. A series of studies from the Cornell-China-Oxford Project on Nutrition, Health and Environment, by nutritional biochemist T. Colin Campbell and his colleagues, suggests that increased levels of animal-based proteins, including protein from dairy products, “almost certainly contribute to a significant loss of bone calcium while vegetable-based diets clearly protect against bone loss”.
A conservative interpretation of the report is that you definitely shouldn’t increase animal protein intake to get your calcium. In other words, don’t add several glasses of milk per day to your current diet. Instead, replace low calcium protein sources with high calcium protein sources such as: beans (navy, white, soy & black-eyed peas), fortified breakfast cereals, soy products (tofu, soy-based beverages), calcium-fortified orange juice, and some dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, mustard greens).

bones-best-foods

Calcium & Vitamin D


Getting enough calcium, whether through diet, supplements, or both, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can prevent osteoporosis-related fractures. Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends adults under age 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily and 400-800 IU of Vitamin D. For adults age 50 and over 1,200 mg of calcium daily and 800-1000 IU vitamin D are recommended.

Be good to your skeleton and give it the exercise and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and support you throughout your life. I hope you and your skeleton have a fun and safe Halloween! –Karin.

Comments Off on Halloween Candy vs. Burpees

-->

Halloween Candy vs. Burpees

Category : Healthy Eating

It’s the second week of October,

stores are well-stocked with trick-or-treat candy,

but does that mean you need to stock your pantry?!


Be realistic, if you buy Halloween candy now will it actually be around on October 31st when the kids come knocking?

Leave the candy in the store until just a few days before Halloween….

otherwise, stepping on the scale might get a little scary!

 

Burpee Calculator source: saratogamama.com

This might help put things in perspective…you love burpees, right?

Comments Off on Go Take a Hike: Laura Lake

-->

Go Take a Hike: Laura Lake

Category : Active Living

Laura Lake is a great place to go take a hike if you are headed up north.  The 2.5 mile trail which is marked by blue (and sometimes white) diamonds will take you around the lake through a variety pines and maples. can be accessed just about anywhere in either of the campground loops along the southern shore if you are planning to stay and camp. If you are just going for a day trip  you can park at the boat landing and start from there. There is very little elevation gain just watch your step so that you don’t trip on roots.
The dashed line is the hiking trail around Laura Lake. It is marked with blue diamonds.

The dashed line is the hiking trail around Laura Lake

Don’t miss Bog Lake’s  Carnivorous Plants

Be sure to take the short side trip to Bog Lake. The trail isn’t shown on the map, but it’s there…just cross the bike path go and head down the hill to the boardwalk. Stay on the boardwalk or else you will get very wet feet. The trail dead ends at the edge of the lake rather abruptly, so don’t let small children run ahead. This was my favorite part of the hike because we discovered some amazing carnivorous plants!
bog-lake

The boardwalk ends at the lake…it was hard to tell how deep it was, but I’d keep small children away from the edge!

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is Wisconsin's largest and showiest carnivorous plant. Its leaves form into pitchers that have a widely winged edge and a flaring hood. The leaves can be a foot long and form a crowded cluster. The flower is large and maroon and is on a stalk that can tower to two feet tall.

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is Wisconsin’s largest and showiest carnivorous plant. Its leaves form into pitchers that have a widely winged edge and a flaring hood. The leaves can be a foot long and form a crowded cluster. The flower is large and maroon and is on a stalk that can tower to two feet tall.

Sundews are closely related to the Venus flytrap and belong to the same family. Every bit as showy, Wisconsin's sundews are glistening jeweled rosettes.

Sundews are closely related to the Venus flytrap and belong to the same family. Every bit as showy, Wisconsin’s sundews are glistening jeweled rosettes.

How to get there

From Beecher (on Hwy 141) head west on Hwy. 8 to Armstrong Creek and continue on Hwy. 8 for 1.9 miles to FR 2163. Turn right (north) and drive 4 miles to the campground. From Laona, drive north 14 miles on Hwy. 8 to to FR 2163. Turn left (north) on and drive 4 miles to the campground.

P.S. This is a great place to paddle!

Only electric motors are allowed on Laura Lake, so if you enjoy paddling a canoe, kayak or SUP bring it along!
Canoeing on Laura Lake

Canoeing on Laura Lake

Comments Off on How Skinny is your Kitchen?

-->

How Skinny is your Kitchen?

Category : Healthy Eating

Is your kitchen helping or hurting your weight-loss efforts?

Did you know that the average woman who keeps a box of breakfast cereal visible anywhere in her kitchen weighs about 21 pounds more than her neighbor who doesn’t? How about that having potato chips or crackers  in plain sight causes you to weigh 8 pounds more than your neighbor who puts them out of sight (or better yet don’t keep them in the house!)

Recently I read an article by Brian Wansink, PhD author of “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life”. In his book he provides a 100-point checklist to evaluate your kitchen. However in the spirit of “taking baby-steps” and not trying to change everything at once I wanted to start by sharing the 10-point checklist he offers in his article “Food-Related Behavior Change Made Easy”.

How many of the following are true in your home?

  • Salad and vegetables are served first before the entrée and starches are brought to the table.
  • The main dish is pre-plated and served from the stove or counter (not family style).
  • Your dinner plates are 9-10 inches in diameter.
  • You eat sitting at a table with the TV turned off.
  • There are two or fewer cans of soft drinks in your refrigerator at any one time. (Doesn’t matter if it’s diet or regular soda).
  • Your kitchen counters are organized (not messy).
  • Precut fruits and vegetables are now on your middle refrigerator shelf.
  • At least 6 single servings of protein are in your fridge: Hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, string cheese, tofu, etc.
  • Your snacks are kept in one inconveniently located cupboard.
  • The only food on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl.

How many did you check? If you checked seven or more, congratulations, you’re doing great. If you scored less than seven which ones can you change in the next week?

You eat what you see first, so the ONLY food that should be on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl!

You eat what you see first, so the ONLY food that should be on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl!

P.S. Learn more about Dr Wansink’s book “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life” at www.slimbydesign.org

Comments Off on >Great ideas from clients

-->

>Great ideas from clients

Category : Healthy Eating

>Great Idea #1: Frozen Grapes
Thanks to Denise K. this is now one of my kids’ favorite treats. Just put some grapes in a ziploc baggie and freeze them. They come out like little frozen popsicles with alot less sugar. Grown-ups like them too!

Great Suggestion #2: A substitute for ice cream
Lyn recommends this recipe from “The South Beach Diet”

Mocha Ricotta Creme
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. sugar substitute
dash espresso powder
5 chocolate chips

Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve with a dusting of espresso powder (if you’ve got it) and the chocolate chips.

Calories: 261
Protien: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 14 g

Comments Off on >xo warmup & cooldown tips

-->

>xo warmup & cooldown tips

Category : Exercise

>
Why warm-up?
The body does not respond very well going from inactivity to very intense activity. The cardio-vascular, musculo-skeletal, neurological and metabolic energy pathways need to be gradually stimulated in order to perform at an optimal level. Muscles that are warm have a much better ability to extract and utilize oxygen to produce energy. As muscles warm up, the enzyme activity level is increased. This means that fats and sugars are broken down more rapidly, and more energy and less lactic acid (the burning sensation) will be produced. This will of course, enhance your performance and increase your ability to burn fat!
Before you walk or run:
Start with a few simple moves to warm-up your ankles such as tapping your toes, heel raises, and ankle circles. Then, begin walking at a moderate pace and gradually increase your pace. If you intend to run, walk for at least 5 minutes and you will feel much better when you begin to run. Save stretching for the cool-down.
Toe lifts: A great exercise for reducing Shin Splints!!! Heel Lifts
Ankle Circles…you get the idea!
Why cool-down?
Your body also does not respond very well going from intense activity to complete rest. Your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and energy systems require a gradual cool-down to avoid blood pooling in the lower extremities, dizziness and to assist in the recovery process. After you walk or run: If you run, Your muscles are all warmed up at the end of your workout. This is the BEST time to work on your flexibility. Many people blow-off this part of the workout, but flexibility training is just as important as cardiovascular and strength training.
Classic Calf Stretch and Quad stretch (use something for support, don’t arch your back!)
Hamstring Stretch & Hip Flexor Stretches.
Two reasons to stretch: 1) Stretching reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which you typically experience 24-48 hours after a workout. 2) Good flexibility will improve your posture and reduce low back pain. If you are tight in either your hamstrings or hip flexors they will pull your back out of neutral alignment an force you into positions which will strain your low back muscles.

Comments Off on Partner Training with Medicine Ball

-->

Partner Training with Medicine Ball

Category : Exercise

Partner training with a friend or family member is a great way to add fun to your fitness routine AND save money too!

This week’s featured partners: Joanne & Ed

Stand sideways to your partner. Swing the the ball up and away from your partner; then swing it across your body and throw it to your partner. This exercise will increase core strength and reaction time.
 

Check out our video of the week!

 

Partner training keeps them motivated!

Comments Off on Partner Training Core Exercise

-->

Partner Training Core Exercise

Category : Exercise

Partner training with a friend or family member is a great way to add fun to your fitness routine AND save money too!

This week’s featured partners: Kim & Rebecca (a sister act)

Great core exercise for partner training: Partner on left is rotating and using oblique muscles while partner on right performs an isometric abdominal brace.
 

Check out our video of the week!

 
 
 Kim says:
I like partner training with my sister because it pushes me to work harder.

Rebecca says:
Scheduling with Kim makes me show up because I know if I don’t she’s going to text me and ask “Where are you!?!?”
 
If you are interested in partner training, invite a friend to join you or talk to your trainer to help you find someone with similar abilities and schedule.

Comments Off on New Year’s Resolution Success

-->

New Year’s Resolution Success

Category : Exercise, Healthy Eating

A University of Scranton study suggests that only 8% of people achieve New Year’s Resolution Success.

 

How can you make 2020 a success?

  • Set behavior based goals
  • Track yourself on a daily/weekly basis
  • Reward yourself for sticking with it
  • Forgive yourself if you’re not perfect
Read more New Year Resolution Success 2017

Comments Off on Holiday Survival Guide

-->

Holiday Survival Guide

Category : Exercise, Healthy Eating

Get through December without putting on the pounds read our Holiday Survival Guide!


It’s hard to stick to a healthy eating and exercise plan during the holidays. Everywhere you turn there are tempting foods and drinks—from treats at the office to your traditional family favorites. When you add in a busy schedule filled with shopping and social events that make it tough to squeeze in exercise, you have a recipe for disaster as far as your scale is concerned.


Read Holiday Survival Guide  

Comments Off on Healthy Strong Skeleton

-->

Healthy Strong Skeleton

Category : Active Living, Healthy Eating

Do you have a healthy strong skeleton?


If you are a woman, you have a 50/50 chance of suffering a fracture related to osteoporosis according to the National Institutes of Health. As for men, one in eight are expected to fracture a bone due to this disease. Osteoporosis affects women more than men because women have less bone mass and begin to lose bone at a younger age.

Are you at risk for osteoporosis?


Some risks are beyond your control such as being female, post-menopausal & Caucasian. Women can lose 20 percent of their bone density during the 5-7 years following menopause. Beginning at menopause women should have their bone density checked every two years.
Men in their fifties do not experience the rapid loss of bone mass that women do, however, by age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate. Whether you are a man or woman your lifestyle is very important to your skeleton’s health. You can reduce your risk with appropriate exercise and diet; not to mention smoking cessation.

Exercise for a healthy strong skeleton


The muscles and tendons attached to the bones pull on them stimulating them to produce more bone cells. The best exercises for prevention of osteoporosis are those described as “weight-bearing”: walking, running, aerobic dance and weight training. In fact, “high-impact” exercises such as running and jumping are very beneficial if you are fit enough to do these activities without injuring yourself. Non-impact exercise such as biking and swimming will not help with bone density. Keep in mind that only the bones being stressed will get stronger, so performing an exercise such as running will strengthen the bones in your lower body, however your upper body will still require some attention.

skeleton-walking

What if you already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis?


Many people are afraid to exercise once they have been diagnosed with osteoporosis because they are concerned that exercise may cause a fracture. However, exercise can be very beneficial even after diagnosis. MayoClinic.com recommends three kinds of exercise: 1) strength training to improve your posture; 2) low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, elliptical trainer and step aerobics; and 3) flexibility exercises to improve your posture and balance. Those with osteoporosis should avoid high-impact exercises (such as jumping or running) as well as exercises which require bending forward or twisting at the waist such as touching your toes, using a rowing machine, golf, tennis, bowling and some yoga and Pilates movements. Be sure to get your doctor’s approval before you begin an exercise program.

Eating for a healthy strong skeleton


Caffeine, alcohol, sugar and salt cause more calcium to be lost than absorbed. Also, a diet high in animal protein can contribute to bone loss because animal protein leaches calcium from the bones. A series of studies from the Cornell-China-Oxford Project on Nutrition, Health and Environment, by nutritional biochemist T. Colin Campbell and his colleagues, suggests that increased levels of animal-based proteins, including protein from dairy products, “almost certainly contribute to a significant loss of bone calcium while vegetable-based diets clearly protect against bone loss”.
A conservative interpretation of the report is that you definitely shouldn’t increase animal protein intake to get your calcium. In other words, don’t add several glasses of milk per day to your current diet. Instead, replace low calcium protein sources with high calcium protein sources such as: beans (navy, white, soy & black-eyed peas), fortified breakfast cereals, soy products (tofu, soy-based beverages), calcium-fortified orange juice, and some dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, mustard greens).

bones-best-foods

Calcium & Vitamin D


Getting enough calcium, whether through diet, supplements, or both, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can prevent osteoporosis-related fractures. Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends adults under age 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily and 400-800 IU of Vitamin D. For adults age 50 and over 1,200 mg of calcium daily and 800-1000 IU vitamin D are recommended.

Be good to your skeleton and give it the exercise and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and support you throughout your life. I hope you and your skeleton have a fun and safe Halloween! –Karin.

Comments Off on Halloween Candy vs. Burpees

-->

Halloween Candy vs. Burpees

Category : Healthy Eating

It’s the second week of October,

stores are well-stocked with trick-or-treat candy,

but does that mean you need to stock your pantry?!


Be realistic, if you buy Halloween candy now will it actually be around on October 31st when the kids come knocking?

Leave the candy in the store until just a few days before Halloween….

otherwise, stepping on the scale might get a little scary!

 

Burpee Calculator source: saratogamama.com

This might help put things in perspective…you love burpees, right?

Comments Off on Go Take a Hike: Laura Lake

-->

Go Take a Hike: Laura Lake

Category : Active Living

Laura Lake is a great place to go take a hike if you are headed up north.  The 2.5 mile trail which is marked by blue (and sometimes white) diamonds will take you around the lake through a variety pines and maples. can be accessed just about anywhere in either of the campground loops along the southern shore if you are planning to stay and camp. If you are just going for a day trip  you can park at the boat landing and start from there. There is very little elevation gain just watch your step so that you don’t trip on roots.
The dashed line is the hiking trail around Laura Lake. It is marked with blue diamonds.

The dashed line is the hiking trail around Laura Lake

Don’t miss Bog Lake’s  Carnivorous Plants

Be sure to take the short side trip to Bog Lake. The trail isn’t shown on the map, but it’s there…just cross the bike path go and head down the hill to the boardwalk. Stay on the boardwalk or else you will get very wet feet. The trail dead ends at the edge of the lake rather abruptly, so don’t let small children run ahead. This was my favorite part of the hike because we discovered some amazing carnivorous plants!
bog-lake

The boardwalk ends at the lake…it was hard to tell how deep it was, but I’d keep small children away from the edge!

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is Wisconsin's largest and showiest carnivorous plant. Its leaves form into pitchers that have a widely winged edge and a flaring hood. The leaves can be a foot long and form a crowded cluster. The flower is large and maroon and is on a stalk that can tower to two feet tall.

The purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) is Wisconsin’s largest and showiest carnivorous plant. Its leaves form into pitchers that have a widely winged edge and a flaring hood. The leaves can be a foot long and form a crowded cluster. The flower is large and maroon and is on a stalk that can tower to two feet tall.

Sundews are closely related to the Venus flytrap and belong to the same family. Every bit as showy, Wisconsin's sundews are glistening jeweled rosettes.

Sundews are closely related to the Venus flytrap and belong to the same family. Every bit as showy, Wisconsin’s sundews are glistening jeweled rosettes.

How to get there

From Beecher (on Hwy 141) head west on Hwy. 8 to Armstrong Creek and continue on Hwy. 8 for 1.9 miles to FR 2163. Turn right (north) and drive 4 miles to the campground. From Laona, drive north 14 miles on Hwy. 8 to to FR 2163. Turn left (north) on and drive 4 miles to the campground.

P.S. This is a great place to paddle!

Only electric motors are allowed on Laura Lake, so if you enjoy paddling a canoe, kayak or SUP bring it along!
Canoeing on Laura Lake

Canoeing on Laura Lake

Comments Off on How Skinny is your Kitchen?

-->

How Skinny is your Kitchen?

Category : Healthy Eating

Is your kitchen helping or hurting your weight-loss efforts?

Did you know that the average woman who keeps a box of breakfast cereal visible anywhere in her kitchen weighs about 21 pounds more than her neighbor who doesn’t? How about that having potato chips or crackers  in plain sight causes you to weigh 8 pounds more than your neighbor who puts them out of sight (or better yet don’t keep them in the house!)

Recently I read an article by Brian Wansink, PhD author of “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life”. In his book he provides a 100-point checklist to evaluate your kitchen. However in the spirit of “taking baby-steps” and not trying to change everything at once I wanted to start by sharing the 10-point checklist he offers in his article “Food-Related Behavior Change Made Easy”.

How many of the following are true in your home?

  • Salad and vegetables are served first before the entrée and starches are brought to the table.
  • The main dish is pre-plated and served from the stove or counter (not family style).
  • Your dinner plates are 9-10 inches in diameter.
  • You eat sitting at a table with the TV turned off.
  • There are two or fewer cans of soft drinks in your refrigerator at any one time. (Doesn’t matter if it’s diet or regular soda).
  • Your kitchen counters are organized (not messy).
  • Precut fruits and vegetables are now on your middle refrigerator shelf.
  • At least 6 single servings of protein are in your fridge: Hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, string cheese, tofu, etc.
  • Your snacks are kept in one inconveniently located cupboard.
  • The only food on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl.

How many did you check? If you checked seven or more, congratulations, you’re doing great. If you scored less than seven which ones can you change in the next week?

You eat what you see first, so the ONLY food that should be on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl!

You eat what you see first, so the ONLY food that should be on your kitchen counter is a fruit bowl!

P.S. Learn more about Dr Wansink’s book “Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life” at www.slimbydesign.org