Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #69

In general, I strive to use my home cooked meals as a path to health and wellness.  In my mind, each simple ingredient should provide the essential vitamins and minerals that a body cannot create on its own.   

Like many, when "superfoods" became the "catch phrase" of the century, I was guilty of purchasing the popular produce.  From kale to quinoa, I stocked my pantry and collected easy recipes that called for those staples.  To date, I still pack a kale salad for lunch and opt for quinoa as opposed to rice in my fiesta bowl, but this article made me think a little more about the "wallflowers" of superfoods.  In the article, the author pinpointed 10 of the "not so Regina Georges" of the superfood world and made it clear that eating well does not have to be pricey or difficult.  

With the valuable information that the article provided, as well as the knowledge of the Dirty Dozen, I'm certain that this week's shopping trip will become a tale of the underdog!

((Photo Source:  http://nutrition.about.com/od/fruitsandvegetables/ss/10-Untrendy-Superfoods-Every-Kitchen-Needs.htm#showall))

Wednesday What Not #69

As a proud owner of a Fitbit, I rely greatly on its technology to inform me of my daily caloric "inputs and outputs." Such data has helped me immensely to track my weight and current health goals, but recently I felt as though some of my exercises were being ill monitored.  Rather than ending my Fitbit friendship, I researched features that the app might offer as it related to my daily activities.  

As luck would have it, just like I enter my meals, I have been able to enter my daily exercises with corresponding caloric expenditures.  In order to best estimate those calories, I have come to depend on these two websites:

Yoga Calorie Calculator

Spin Calorie Calculator

For me, these calculations have been an integral addition to my Fitbit profile, but for those without the tracking device, the calculators can just as easily provide daily helpful, healthy highlights!

((Photo Source:  http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/calculatorintro.htm))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #69

With Football season well underway, and Post Season Baseball keeping my husband and I cheering, I felt it necessary to "step up" my appetizer game this weekend.  Rather than my standard guacamole and chips, I prepared this Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring for the back to back (to back) games!

Mindful Monday Inspiration #69

((Photo Source:  http://www.anelisesalvodesignco.com/a-coffee-date-carrie-green/#comment-438))

Fitness Friday Fact #69

Thankfully, Hurricane Joaquin decided to revamp his weekend plans and will be heading out to sea after leaving the Bahamas.  Despite this welcomed change, most people in the Northeast will need to remain indoors as strong winds and heavy rain hit the region.

Rather than riding out the storm on the sofa, why not try this "Tone at Home" workout created by a friend and former colleague of mine!

((Photo Source:  http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2015/09/10-minute-workout-tone-at-home))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #68

This semester I have been tasked to work with a group of students to teach them a little bit about nutrition.  Ecstatic to be able to share my love of wellness, I have started to sift through my notes from IIN to create a program cutely titled:  "The FRESHman 15."  It is my hope that the spoof on a common college issue will grab the attention of health conscious students and allow for them to gain a better understanding of eating FRESH foods in their dorms.

Although my packet of information detailing harvest schedules, organic produce storage and dorm friendly recipes will be beneficial, I want to clear up any preconceived nutrition nonsense that my students may have before meeting with me.  

Here are 11 Healthy Eating Myths that I plan to discuss with my students this semester!

((Photo Source:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/packages/healthy-every-week/healthy-tips/11-healthy-eating-myths-that-just-arent-true.html?nl=FNHN_092315_feature1cta&c32=61f826ade421e7e959b47ef6cb7d8efe7a4d47f9&sni_by=&sni_gn=Female&ssid=&bid=5195153))

Wednesday What Not #68

One of the many perks of working on a college campus is the opportunity to celebrate the first day of school! Each year I look forward to the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues and of course, buy a fabulous fall wardrobe!

Between the new pants, sweaters and booties, I have no room in my closet for the excess amount of hangers that those purchases have provided.  Rather than dispose of the hangers, I decided to "upcycle" them!  Not only has this hack proved economical, but it has also allowed more space for future fashion finds!

((Photo Source:  http://lifehacker.com/5894262/repurpose-clothes-hanger-clips-into-chip-clips))