Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #41

   "Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99, if I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it."

Clearly stated by Baz Luhrmann in his 1998 song, the benefits of lathering on lotion outweigh the negatives 100% of the time!  From preventing sunburns to reducing the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen should be a staple in everyone's morning routine - or even part of their 7th inning stretch!

Since 2013, the Pawtucket Red Sox have been offering sunscreen via dispensaries for their fans at McCoy Stadium in Providence, RI.  In addition to providing protection from the sun, the machines also educate baseball fans on the dangers of sun damage. 

If you are lucky enough to cheer on the Pawtucket Red Sox this summer, make sure to look out for their lotions.  If not, check out this article to learn more about successfully 'screening! 

((Photo Source:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2014/05/24/baseball-stadium-has-unique-pitch-for-sun-burned-fans-in-bleachers/))

Wednesday What Not #41

While celebrating the start of summer, as well as my Sister - In - Law's Birthday this weekend, a family friend of mine asked me a very interesting question pertaining to a bag of granola that was given as a gift.  My friend had recently heard that foods with more than 5 grams of fat per serving were bad.  This rule of thumb had left her confused, concerned and craving certain foods.

 

I explained to her that although fats have gotten a bad rap, they are a necessary part of a healthy diet.  The key to maintaining health, however, is ingesting the best fats and in the appropriate portions.  In order to figure out how to do that, I outlined these tips for her:

 

Find These Fats

(Heart Healthy and Unsaturated)

Avocados

Salmon

Hummus

Nuts

Seeds

 

Calculate Your Count

(Example:  1500 calorie diet)

Daily Dietary Fat Recommendation:  Approximately 27% of your caloric intake

Daily Fat Calories:  .27 * 1500 calories = 405 calories

Daily Fat Grams:  405 calories / 9 = 45g of Fat

 Fat Grams Per Meal (5 "meals"/day):  9g of Fat

By pointing out some key foods and calculating a recommended daily fat intake, my friend was no longer fat frenzied!

 

((Photo Source:  http://www.hellawella.com/how-much-fatcalories-are-you-avoiding-with-reduced-fat-foods/14056))

 

Tasty Tuesday Treat #41

Between unpacking boxes to relocating home goods, the entire moving process is far from exciting.  This is especially true for those who are averse to change and incredibly comfortable in their old space.  

As an individual who cringes when it comes to change, my recent move has left me slightly kitchen "krazy." Knowing the oven oddities and drawer dynamics of my old apartment, I have been forced to serve this tag line along side most meals:  "It might not be quite right." 

One recipe that did not warranted that tag line, however, was Eat Yourself Skinny's Salsa Chicken.  This super simple supper, made perfectly in a crockpot, required only a quick visit to my new local market and removed the all of the guessing in my new kitchen!

((Photo Source:  http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2014/02/crock-pot-salsa-chicken.html))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #41

Happy Memorial Day!

((Photo Source:  http://dimeycakes.com/products/american-flag-hair-bow))

Fitness Friday Fact #41

Between BBQ's and Backyard Bashes, I'm sure that you will see your fair share of lawn games this weekend.  Aside from being a lot of fun and a great form of entertainment, lawn games can also provide the basis for toning!

Take for instance a game of "Bags".  You, as the thrower, will tone your triceps in the release of the bean bag.  By stepping into your throw, you will also strengthen your quads, glutes and hamstrings.  

As the receiver, you can also make time for toning.  This can be done by performing a squat when picking up the bean bag.  Such a movement will target your core, hips, quads, glutes and hamstrings.

By focusing on these multi-tasking moves, you will definitely leave your opponents' butts kicked and yours tight and toned! 

 

((Photo Source:  http://www.americansale.com/bean_bag_rules.aspx))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #40

Have I mentioned that I'm incredibly excited for summer yet (wink wink)?!  

With thoughts of sand and sun filling my mind, it is no surprise that I stopped to listen to a report about outdoor grilling on the news this morning.  In the report, new details were released about the benefits of marinating meat in beer before grilling.  The beauty in the brew is that it limits the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to the development of colorectal cancer.

Although it has been known that beverage based marinades, like beer, wine and tea, help reduce harmful carcinogen levels in cooked meat, its interesting to now understand that different types of beer affect PAH levels.

With this health hint in mind, make sure that you and your beer "drink responsibly" this weekend!

((Photo Source:  http://life.nationalpost.com/2014/05/13/dark-beer-based-marinade-makes-barbecue-grilled-meat-healthier-study-finds/))

Wednesday What Not #40

With Summer 2014 right around the corner, I felt it only fitting to share what is on my mind ;)

((Photo Source:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/72978981/subway-art-sign-beach-typography-print?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share))