Drinking clean…

Did the title of this post grab your attention? Drinking clean is super simple: DRINK water and plenty of it: approximately 2 liters (9 cups) for women and 3 liters (13 cups) for men.. Not only will this keep our bodies well hydrated, it will also cut back on the urge to eat. Water keeps the stomach full and if our bellies are full we are less likely to snack on junk. 

Don’t like water? Try this recipe for cucumber water! 

In addition, purchase in inexpensive cup that will hold the amount of liquid you need to drink each day. Add some ice cubes and water…now, you can sip all day long! 

Off road walking and running tips...get out this weekend!

Now that the weather has cooled down, many of us are spending more time outdoors. Autumn is a great time to be outside with family and friends. Check out these off road walking/running tips from Runner's World and use them to get some fresh air and exercise this coming weekend!

Correct form:
Short strides, eyes on trail and arms slightly raised away from your sides.

Running uphill:
Very short steps and increase arm swing frequency.

Running downhill:
Keep weight back slightly and extend arms out from body for balance.

Avoid obstacles:
 Roots, rocks, gravel, mud and ice are not good. Slow down if you have to avoid them.

Eating smart when traveling for the Holidays

Prepare, prepare, prepare! This is the best advice I can give you as to how to eat smart when you are traveling this Holiday Season.

Take a cooler and pack your fresh fruits, vegetables and bottled water.

In addition, take along your granola bars, fiber bars and protein bars.

Peanut butter travels well, even without a cooler. Peanut butter is high in protein, so bring along your peanut butter, healthy bread and crackers. This will provide you with lunch or a snack.

Unopened Gatorade is also easy to travel with because you do not need a cooler for that either. (Although water is the best option for quenching your thirst...water does not contain sodium as the sport drinks do.

Always pack nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc. These are great for protein and snacking.

Along with the water in your cooler, pack nitrate free sliced lunch meats and cheese for sandwiches.

Don't forget the vitamins!

Hydration during exercise...drink your water!

Staying hydrated while exercising is so important!

First of all, by drinking water and staying hydrated, you will not have as much if any: muscle cramps, gas or light headedness.

Drink water before, during and after working out.

Try not to wait until you are thirsty to drink water, sip on it as you work out.

Great ways to assure you have water handy when exercising:

Have a waist belt that will carry a water bottle.
If you are riding a bicycle, you can get a water bottle holder made for bikes.
In the event you are walking or running with a stroller, you can always stash your bottle in there. Walking with your working dog? Get him/her a vest and place your water bottle in there.

There are many places to store a water bottle when you are out exercising!