by Cascade Ice on November 20, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with Natalie Terchek, the editor of FaveHealthyRecipes.com, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Living a healthy lifestyle is important in both the long term and the short term. Getting the right amount of exercise and eating the right foods will not only expand your lifespan, but will improve your day overall. I notice a drastic difference in my mood when I don’t get enough exercise, so that’s why it’s important to me to maintain healthy habits.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Jillian Michaels is my “healthy living” role model. I admire her strength, passion and attitude. She doesn’t accept any excuses for why you can’t live healthily, and it motivates me to not give up.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
A big salad with romaine lettuce and my favorite veggies (cucumbers, red peppers, carrots and mushrooms). I top it with a light, fruity dressing and I’m good to go. If I want a heartier meal, I’ll add some chicken to it.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Get some exercise together! Whether it’s a long neighborhood walk, a game of soccer in a park or a trip to the gym, working out is easier and more fun when you have a group of people motivating you.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t like the idea of eliminating anything from your diet. It’s unrealistic, and you’re more likely to splurge on something else to “reward” yourself. I say to eat what you want, but be aware of what you’re eating and don’t over do it.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Getting extra sleep is so important. If you don’t have enough sleep, it really impacts the rest of your day, and you’ll also find that your motivation to eat well and work out will decrease. Try to get at least 8 hours a night.
To learn more about Rachel and her tips, visit her website Fave Healthy Recipes to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more! Check out Fave Healthy Recipes on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+!
by Cascade Ice on November 6, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with food blogger, Rachel Farnsworth, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I suffer from an autoimmune condition called Addison’s disease. It’s so bad it is actually considered a disability. It affects my everyday life and causes my body to react in an extreme way to the smallest of variations. What I put into my body becomes critical to how I feel and my ability to function. A healthy lifestyle is something I strive for because I can see immediate and dramatic results in the way I feel. I don’t want my disability to limit my life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models are my friends. I have lots of friends that try to eat healthy and take care of themselves. I take tips from their lifestyles and try to work them into my own routine.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Fish and salad are always my go-to! Fish cooks so quickly, has so many nutrients and I can always throw together a salad.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
If you are trying to make a change, don’t focus on losing weight. Stay off the scale and just start making some simple changes like incorporating more fruits and veggies and less processed food. It’s a journey that isn’t counted in pounds lost. Instead, focus on how you feel and trying to show your body some love by taking care of it. You’ll get a lot further if you just focus on loving yourself.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t have hard and fast rules or limitations. I try not to limit myself by a list of “no’s.” To me, healthy living is more about “do’s” rather than “don’ts”.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I hate exercise. I loathe it. I’ve found that exercise classes at my gym have really helped me to exercise regularly. I go up front so I won’t wimp out and leave when things get tough and the sweat starts to roll. I’ve been going to the gym 3 to 5 days a week for the past 6 months. I haven’t lost a single pound, but I feel better. I don’t worry about weight loss because I’m trying to love my body no matter what it looks like. Loving my body means I need to take care of it, and that means exercise.
To learn more about Rachel and her tips, visit her blog The Stay at Home Chef to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more! Check Rachel out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
by Cascade Ice on October 16, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with Bite Out of Boca Food Blogger, Shaina Wizov, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips! Read more to learn how she balances working a hectic full-time schedule and eating healthy.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Living a healthy lifestyle gives me the energy needed to live the crazy busy life I lead! Aside from blogging, I have a full time job in book marketing/publishing, and I’m invited to SO many food events and restaurants to review throughout the week. If I didn’t make healthy choices such as working out everyday, getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and eating the right foods, I would never be able to keep up with everything. Not to mention, healthy living just makes you feel good about yourself — mentally and physically, and that is always important.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My gym buddies! I have a few really great friends whom I work out with on a regular basis. We take spin classes and lift weights together a few times a week and really love each other’s company, both in and outside of the gym. Also, the various teachers at the yoga studio I go to, especially the owner. She is such an amazing advocate for healthy living.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Quinoa Bowls. I basically cook up some quinoa with whatever veggies I have in the fridge or freezer, add in some spices and herbs and call it dinner! It’s quick, healthy, and as long as you have a good variety of vegetables and spices/herbs laying around, you can really put together some really flavorful dishes.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
If you are a family who eats a lot of meat, try to go meatless at least once a week — Meatless Mondays. Or switch things up and use seafood instead. Eat in season — buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they are at their peak. They’ll be less expensive and so much tastier!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Well, meat, because I don’t eat it. I try to stay away from deep fried foods as much as possible, but sometimes a girl’s gotta have french fries! Moderation is key. When you tell yourself you can’t have something, you will only want it more.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Get into a sleep routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each night. Stay active, whether you like to run outside, go to the gym, or get together with friends for a game of tennis, just do something. Yin Yoga is amazing for anyone who ever feels stress or anxiety and just needs time to unwind and relax. Yin is not like your normal flow, it’s all about deep stretching and you rarely leave the floor.
To learn more about Shaina and her tips, visit her blog A Bite Out of Boca to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more! Check Shaina out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
by Cascade Ice on October 2, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with lifestyle and review blogger Connie Ott, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips! Read more to learn how she overcomes her neurological disorder on a daily basis by eating healthy nutrients rather than counting calories.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to me because changing my nutrition has improved a neurological disorder I have that most take medication to manage. I’ve been able to keep it in check by keeping track of my nutrition instead of counting calories.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I’m a huge follower of Dr. Andrew Weil. I use his breathing techniques to take care of anxiety and stress naturally. His breathing techniques have gotten me through spinal taps and other painful procedures.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My go-to healthy meal is a banana and raw almonds. I’m a vegetarian who eats mostly organic, so finding healthy snacks on the road can be difficult. I always pack organic peanut butter crackers, almonds, and bananas in my luggage along with my filtered water bottle.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Start by changing what you eat. Start tracking food by the nutrients instead of calories, and you’ll be surprised how much sugar you’re eating.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Nothing is off limits (well except meat, but that’s a personal choice). I limit artificial colors, flavors, GMO’s, etc. I’m 100% vegetarian and 80% organic eater, but I do have 20% now and then that falls into the other categories.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I can’t exercise because of my neurological disorder so I am overweight. That doesn’t mean I don’t do what I can to keep moving and stay limber. I stretch in bed, keep my legs in constant motion while lying in bed, and do everything I can to keep from losing muscle tone.
To learn more about Connie’s journey, visit her blog Baby to Boomer Lifestyle to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more!
