Fitness Friday Fact #39

As a member of the Active community, I get weekly emails that include local race details as well as tips for building a better running body.  In the past, these emails have prompted me to sign up for different 5k's and have even helped me to deal with my IT band issues.

Recently, however, I stumbled upon an article that took core training to the next level.  Active contributor, Teresa Howes, designed a 30 day core routine that promised to leave muffin tops on kitchen tables, not on physical frames. 

Her routine does not just target the abdominals, rather it strengthens the body and promotes injury free support of dynamic movements! 

((Photo Source:  http://www.eatdrinkandbeskinny.com/category/fitness-2/30-day-challenges/))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #38

Earlier this week, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder received the NBA's top individual honor.  He was named the 2014 MVP.  Among other things, this honor was based on his ability to average 32 points per game!  

His hot hoop action, however, was not what had the reporters buzzing.  Rather, it was his moving speech about his mom that brought tears to the eyes of many!  Durant referred to his mom as the real MVP, noting her strength in raising he and his brother in a "rough" suburb of Washington, D.C.  

Durant's mom, like most moms, do not receive the recognition that they deserve for their devotion to their 24/7 job.  Although they do not expect to receive the Maurice Podoloff Trophy each year, moms certainly deserve praise and celebration.  

With that in mind, make it a point to award your mom for her outstanding performance this weekend!

((Photo Source:  http://www.ericasedge.com/my-moms-better-than-yours/))

Wednesday What Not #38

A great teacher is one who is able to explain something in a way that brings complete clarity to a subject matter.  Their ability to do so provides their "students" with "aha" moments that can last a lifetime!

As a devout student of "Food Network" Television, a favorite "professor" of mine is Guy Fieri.  Having initially been drawn into his show because of his use of bold flavors, I have come to appreciate Guy even more because of his way with words.

On a recent episode of his show, "Guy's Big Bite,"  Guy was preparing a side dish for his Mexican Fiesta.  One of the main ingredients in this dish was quinoa.  Having struggled in the past with determining when this great grain was fully cooked, I very much appreciated Guy's opened spiral comparison.

With that analogy in mind, these dishes might just go from "blah" to "aha"

Savory Bean and Spinach Soup
Breakfast Cookies

(Photo Source:  http://www.twohealthykitchens.com/2013/05/25/how-to-cook-quinoa-and-why-you-should/)

Tasty Tuesday Treat #38

The other morning I woke to find my husband's late night cup of coffee still sitting on our end table.  Rather than getting upset about the mess, I opted to use the leftover libation as inspiration for a new Tasty Treat!

By taking the lukewarm coffee and mixing it with the ingredients listed below, I created a grenata.  The slushy snack was super simple to make and was a huge hit with my husband!  He appreciated the treat, almost as much as being pardoned for not cleaning up the night before!

Coffee Grenata

(Inspired by Taste of Home)

1 1/2 cups of brewed coffee

1 cup of date sugar

2 cups milk

1 cup half-and-half

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mindful Monday Inspiration #38

Growing up in the '90's ultimately meant that Friday nights were spent on the couch watching T.G.I.F.  Not wanting to miss a second of the family comedy, Full House, I made it a point to watch every single episode, as well as follow each of the castmates in the news.  Although I had a fanatic obsession with Mary Kate and Ashley, I did long for an older sister like D.J.  

Even though it is in syndication, Candace Cameron Bure (aka D.J.) still remains one of the coolest sisters that I ever knew, as well as a celebrity interest of mine.  Such an interest lead me to watch a recent segment of Good Morning America that talked about her struggles to be perfect. 

As a current contestant on "Dancing with the Stars", Bure strives to out dance her opponents each week by choreographing "the best" routine with her Dance Professional Partner.  Setting goals with tags like "the best" or "perfect" have left Bure with severe nervousness and anxiety; forcing her to feel as though she was not performing to the best of her ability and ultimately letting her partner and family down.

Having met with a Sports Psychologist, Bure has come to terms with her perfectionist ways and has learned how to cope.  Just as the above quote alludes to, Bure better understands that "None of us our perfect.  People need to be open to their flaws and their insecurities and not be ashamed to talk about it!"

Photo Source:  http://lovemorefearless.tumblr.com/post/75743883338

Fitness Friday Fact #38

"Twist and Shout" your way to wellness!

Rotational stretching, aka twisting, has multiple benefits, as outlined by Barre3 in their recent "Tip of the Day."  Such benefits include taking inches off of your waistline, detoxifying your organs and protecting your lower back.  

Read more about these benefits and determine how you can warp, wind, and wrench this weekend!

(Photo Source:  http://blog.barre3.com/2014/04/16/lets-do-the-twist/)

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #37

This year we may not be putting "the lime in the coconut and (drinking) it all up."  

Due to an abundance of rain that drenched the primary growing region of Michoacan, as well as an outbreak of disease, a shortage of limes has been reported.  This shortage has driven up the cost of limes, which in turn has made lime inspired drinks and dishes hard to come by.

Since limes are a key player in next week's Cinco de Mayo festivities, recipes will need to be revamped to keep traditions alive.  Here are 2 favorites that have been "un-limed" but will keep you "Living La Vida Loca"

It's Still Great Guacamole

Simply Satisfying (White Peach) Sangria

(Photo Source: http://www.photo-dictionary.com/phrase/8027/lime-slice.html#b)