Mindful Monday Inspiration #68

((Photo Source:  http://skinnyms.com/11-things-healthy-people-every-morning/?src=cookinglight_fb&src%3D=cookinglight_fb&xid=social_facebook+))

Fitness Friday Fact #68

As a self proclaimed "summer girl" and "sun worshiper," I have a hard time recognizing the start of Autumn.  I cringe at the thought of wearing closed toe shoes and cannot even fathom the thought of below zero temperatures.  Despite the multitude of negatives associated with the time between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the one major positive is the premieres of my favorite television shows.  

With Empire topping my list of favorite returns, I was thrilled to catch up with Cookie Lyon via a workout tip from her trainer Mike T.  In Health Magazine, I read that in order for Cookie to sculpt her back and shoulders, she (aka Taraji P Henson) does incline front and lateral raises (4 sets of 10 reps) 3 times a week.  

These raises are easy to mimic and will have you in tip top shape by the September 23rd premiere date!

((Photo Source:  http://www.lovebscott.com/news/serayah-promoted-to-series-regular-for-empire-season-2))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #67

On Sunday, NBC News published a report that posed a question that most Americans have been asking themselves for a while:  Is protein a food fad or is it the key to sensible eating?  As with most single macronutrient diets, the protein trend was originally derived from a small bit of science and has been supported by non-educated, sedentary individuals.  

In my opinion, however, a diet rich in protein (Notice that I did not say JUST PROTEIN), is crucial for muscle maintenance, weight management, and overall wellbeing.  This macronutrient aids in the synthesis of enzymes, hormones and cell structures, while helping to balance fluids and build antibodies.  Proteins also provide the amino acids that are needed post exercise to help muscles repair and grow.  It is the growth of muscles - in conjunction with a weight lifting regimen - that highlights the "diet" qualities of protein.  By adding muscle mass, BMRs will increase and in turn, metabolism rates will improve! 

When evaluating current protein intakes, it is important to keep in mind that the US Department of Agriculture recommends that adults get .37 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day.  That recommendation lends itself nicely to 20 - 25 grams of protein per meal, which can easily be achieved with these recipes!

((Photo Source:  http://www.doctoroz.com/article/protein-fact-sheet))

Wednesday What Not #67

When I worked in Midtown Manhattan, my typical summer "uniform" was a sundress, sandals and a PARKA!  This unusual combination was warranted because of the intense chill that I felt while sitting at my desk.  Most of my co-workers denounced my claims of frostbite and joked about the additional layers that I would add as the day progressed, but I finally feel "warm and toasty" knowing that most women suffer along side of me!

((Photo Source:  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/science/chilly-at-work-a-decades-old-formula-may-be-to-blame.html?smid=tw-nytimesscience&_r=1))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #67

In an effort to keep my Midnight Monster happy, I regularly stock the pantry with sweet and savory snacks.  Although anything deemed "junk food" is devoured instantaneously, my husband definitely has his favorites.  This week's big ticket item was  Coco-Peanut Butter Cereal!

Rather than settling for a boring milk coated snack, I took the leftover cereal and made these cookies to appease my husband's habit!