by admin | Dec 8, 2014 | Tips and Recipes
It’s that time of year once again…
The time we all struggle with weight gain from all the festivities and a lack of time to take care of ourselves.
This year try to stay ahead of the battle.
Start now to develop some small habits that will help keep your weight in check this holiday season. It’s helpful to find ways to incorporate exercise into our everyday busy lives.
Start in the morning when you wake up and continue all day. Hang lists of exercises in places you can do them to remind you such as next to the TV, the kitchen, the bathroom, your office…
Be creative and find a new exercise to do that you don’t mind doing. You are more likely to do them if you don’t hate them. Don’t feel pressured about how many you do or how long you do them, don’t worry about counting, just do an exercise until you feel fatigue and then do it a little longer.
Some of my favorite at home exercise times are:
- 10 minutes first thing in the morning (stretching, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, planks, push-ups etc)
- While on the phone (squat, lunge, curl soup cans or milk cartons, contract your abs)
- Commercial time while watching TV: exercise the entire commercial (tricep dips on sofa, push-ups, seat squats (squat on and off sofa almost touching it with your bottom), lunges, planks, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, burpees)
- While cooking (squat while a timer is going, do push-ups or tricep dips on counter, leg lifts while stirring or mixing, curl soup cans or jars)
- Before using the restroom (do 20 squats before you use the restroom)
- While brushing teeth (that’s 2 minutes to squat or leg lifts or contract your abs)
- Take a brisk 10 minute walk when you feel stressed, have cravings, or get a little free time. Walking reduces cravings and stress.
- While you are at home do an exercise before any and all snacks to make you think before eating.
Enjoy the holiday season! If you make simple exercises a daily habit, you’ll be relieved to not have to work so hard after the holidays are over.
Join our blog for more tips and recipes!
~ Sarah @ Innovative Directions in Health
by admin | Dec 4, 2014 | Tips and Recipes
Starting healthy habits early!
If you have little ones at home or Grandkids near by it is always fun to make a holiday treat they can help with AND have a healthy desert option!
Grinch Kabobs were a BIG hit with my kids. Not only did the kabobs turn out adorable, the kids had a blast and were snacking on fruit instead of sugar while making them (and a marshmallow or 2). We put marshmallows on top of the hat but the kabobs still look adorable with no marshmallow.
They are so easy and require no baking or cooking skills, just have your little ones be careful depending upon how sharp the toothpick or kabob stick is.
Happy Holidays!
– Lisa @ Innovative Directions in Health
Grinch Kabob Recipe
Ingredients:
- Green Grapes
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Mini Marshmallows (optional)
- Toothpicks or kabob sticks
Instructions:
- Slice bananas
- Cut stem end off of strawberries
- Place kabobs on sticks in order starting with: a grape, banana slice, strawberry and top with a marshmallow on end
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by admin | Nov 26, 2014 | Skincare Spotlight
Drop by for a Complimentary Skincare Consultation
A special time where we can discuss cosmetic services and medical grade skincare that can help you look your best!
We will listen to your concerns and explain cosmetic services and products that are best suited for your needs, of which may be Botox and facial fillers, rejuvenation peels, skin care products, etc.
Complete form below or call (952) 922-2345 to schedule your preferred consultation time.
Top 5 Skin Concerns
#1: Dull Skin – After being exposed to the sun and harsh outdoor elements, dead skin cells may have accumulated on the surface of your skin. A simple procedure or the right skincare products may be just what you need.
#2: Dry Skin – Mature, aging skin is prone to being dry and dehydrated. During the cold winter or in the hot sun on vacation your complexion may be thirsty. Medical Grade Skincare products are formulated to deliver noticeable and long lasting results.
#3: Lines & Wrinkles – Ultra Violet rays all year long cause and worsen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Start early to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and erase and smooth current lines.
#4: Dark Spots – Sun and heat exposure triggers skin discoloration like freckles, dark spots and uneven skin tone. Fall and winter is the best time to treat hyperpigmentation.
#5: Redness & Acne – Weather changes and going from extreme cold into a warm house can initiate breakouts and rosacea. A combination of good skincare products along with IPL Rosacea treatment can help keep rosacea at bay.
We have SOLUTIONS to Re-Energize your Anti-Aging Skincare Regimen!
Schedule MY FREE Skin Health Analysis!
by admin | Nov 26, 2014 | Events
Drop by for a Complimentary Skincare Consultation
A special time where we can discuss cosmetic services and medical grade skincare that can help you look your best!
We will listen to your concerns and explain cosmetic services and products that are best suited for your needs, of which may be Botox and facial fillers, rejuvenation peels, skin care products, etc.
Complete form below or call (952) 922-2345 to schedule your preferred consultation time.
Top 5 Skin Concerns
#1: Dull Skin – After being exposed to the sun and harsh outdoor elements, dead skin cells may have accumulated on the surface of your skin. A simple procedure or the right skincare products may be just what you need.
#2: Dry Skin – Mature, aging skin is prone to being dry and dehydrated. During the cold winter or in the hot sun on vacation your complexion may be thirsty. Medical Grade Skincare products are formulated to deliver noticeable and long lasting results.
#3: Lines & Wrinkles – Ultra Violet rays all year long cause and worsen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Start early to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and erase and smooth current lines.
#4: Dark Spots – Sun and heat exposure triggers skin discoloration like freckles, dark spots and uneven skin tone. Fall and winter is the best time to treat hyperpigmentation.
#5: Redness & Acne – Weather changes and going from extreme cold into a warm house can initiate breakouts and rosacea. A combination of good skincare products along with IPL Rosacea treatment can help keep rosacea at bay.
We have SOLUTIONS to Re-Energize your Anti-Aging Skincare Regimen!
Schedule MY FREE Skin Health Analysis!
by admin | Nov 24, 2014 | Tips and Recipes
What do I need to do before a FASTING Blood draw?
Sometimes fasting is required before drawing your blood because the nutrients in the food and beverages you consume are absorbed into your blood stream and could impact factors measured by certain tests such as cholesterol (lipids) and glucose.
If you don’t fast, or fast for a shorter time than prescribed, your tests could give inaccurate results.
Here is what you need to know before having your fasting tests drawn:
- Fasting requires consuming no food or liquids other than water for 9-12 hours before the test; however you can brush your teeth.
- You should take your regular morning medications such as blood pressure meds, thyroid, diabetes, etc. unless told otherwise by your physician.
- Hormone levels such a estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and thyroid do not require fasting.
- It is very important to drink water before your blood draw when you are fasting so your veins are not dehydrated and difficult to find.
- Schedule your blood draw for early morning to minimize the time you’ll have to go without food and feel free to bring along a snack so you can eat right away.
Additional tips for having an easy blood draw can be found here.
If you have any questions before your next blood draw you always call and ask, we are here to help!
~ Nurse @Innovative Directions in Health
