01.28.08
Posted in Health & Fitness Tips, Momscape's Favorite Things at 12:18 pm by scortright
The girls were upstairs writing in their journals on Sunday, so I sat sort of nearby in case they got stuck on something, and I enjoyed a little quiet time. I picked up an old issue of Body + Soul (from December 2006 - I guess I’m a little behind.) This issue featured a notice about a free online yoga class, offered each morning. I checked it out and it’s still being offered. Yay! It’s here: YogaToday.com
The class takes place in a beautiful setting in Jackson Hole, and each has a specific theme. New classes are delivered every day, seven days a week, right to your computer. Submit your email address on the Class Lineup page and you’ll get the weekly schedule emailed to you.
Ty and I have been cross-country skiing so much lately, and my goal is to build strength and stamina through yoga on our off days.
Check it out and tell me what you think!
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10.09.07
Posted in Health & Fitness Tips, New Articles at 1:37 pm by scortright
Momscape’s Guide to Natural Cleaning Products
Whether you want to help the environment, create a healthier home for your family and pets, or you just want to save a few bucks — homemade, natural cleaning products are the way to go. We’ve provided a few trusted recipes in every cleaning category we could think of, plus we’ll give you tips on how to use, dispense, and store each cleaner. Includes recipes for Natural Air Fresheners, Basic All-Purpose Cleaners, Furniture Polish, Laundry Detergent, Stain Removers, Metal Cleaners and Polishes, Carpet Cleaners, Floor Cleaners, and Pet Stain Removal.
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02.12.07
Posted in Health & Fitness Tips, Product Reviews, Health & Fitness at 6:27 am by scortright
Treadmill: The Bowflex Series
Where to Get It: Amazon.com consistently has great discounts on Bowflex treadmills. ( Current amazon promo codes are here: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes/amazon.htm )
According to consumer reports, the Bowflex Treadmill is highly recommended. Priced from $999.00 to $1300.00, it offers ease of use and has a large walking and running surface area.
If you are in the market for a really good treadmill, perhaps this is the one for you. Weighing in at 298 pounds, the Bowflex is characterized as an intense cardio workout system with a powerful horsepower, including more than 15 workout programs (depending upon the series you purchase), the Bowflex Treadmill offers a wide range of options, including: manual, cardio, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index, and programs to personalize your total body workout.
For those of you who have little space area in your home, the Bowflex folds up for easy storage. Among the other peripherals offered are a built-in 3-speed fan, two bottle holders, and quick-speed keys for your comfort and ease of use. There is a 15 year warranty for the frame, and a 10 year motor warranty, as well as two years parts and one year labor.
The only drawback to the Bowflex is that it requires home assembly. In addition, it is advisable to place it in one room and not move it around, as you may have a problem getting it through the doorframe. While some may find all of the extras a bit confusing, it is recommended to thoroughly read the manual and become familiarize with the Bowflex before using. You can be certain, however, that it is built to last and is quite sturdy, and should only take up to an hour to assemble. Another feature is that all the tools required to assemble the Bowflex are included.
If you have been watching TV or checking online, it may be a good idea to research the Bowflex Treadmills to determine which one would be appropriate for you and your home. The series available are #3, #5 and #7, with #7 being the most expensive. With the winter weather upon us, you may not want to go to your gym to workout. Having this treadmill in your home will save you time and money, in the long run; not to mention its efficacy to your health.
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01.27.07
Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 7:04 am by scortright
As more and more families search for ways to become healthier, one of the most commonly overlooked health concerns is sugar consumption. Sugar consumption is most commonly identified as candy and junk food. While this is true, there are even more ways that sugar is incorporated into your family’s diet. Here are a few tips for reducing the sugar in your family’s diet.
Eat brown rice – White rice contains mostly carbohydrates, which converts to sugar after consumption. Brown rice offers full nutritional value and should be chosen over white grain rice.
Opt for whole fruit – Most kids love fruit juice. However, there are fruit juices on the shelves today that are loaded with sugar additives. Instead of drinking fruit juice, opt for whole fruit, like apples, bananas and grapes.
Eat your veggies – Lots of kids fuss over eating their vegetables. Even though this might be a huge hurdle for some families, incorporating more vegetables into your meals will reduce your sugar intake by far and large. Smart vegetables include green beans, carrots, tomatoes, and squash. Be cautious not to intake too many of the starchy veggies, like potatoes and corn, which contain high amounts of sugar.
Snack wise – Families tend to snack a lot—yes, even parents. Make fun, healthy snacks for your family instead of binging on junk food. For power-packed snacks that will keep away hunger, use protein. A light snack, like a turkey and cream cheese roll-up, will keep hunger at bay a lot longer than a bag of potato chips.
For more information, read Breaking the Sugar Addiction: 16 Tips
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Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 6:57 am by scortright
Whether intentional or not, generational traits are passed down from parents to children. If mom and dad live a fairly healthy lifestyle, odds are much greater that the children will follow suit. Conversely, if the head of the household believes being on a diet means skipping the super size fries and adding extra lettuce to the fast food burger, we can surmise the outlook that the children will hold.
There is no time like the present to turn the sinking ship around. New Years is the perfect time to make a family resolution – agree to set healthier habits. One can’t do it without the support of others, so the entire family might as well jump on board.
The easiest change a family can start with is in food consumption. Obviously you’ll need to incorporate exercise into the habits; however starting with food is a small step with measurable results. Simply do not bring junk food into the house. If you have chips, sodas and ice cream available, would you really be able to just have some grapes? More than anything you will need a change of mindset.
Sit down at the table as a family and get input from everyone. Talk about the health risks, talk about wanting to be around for the children for years to come. Make an agreement that there will be no closet eating. Agree to look for creative recipes so that it doesn’t seem like you’re eating rabbit food.
Forcing or demanding healthier habits is formula for failure. If you can make other family members feel that they are part of the decision and truly understand the importance of it, positive results will be easier to achieve.
Hold each other accountable. Give son permission to question mom why she’s eating a donut. Agree to support, not ridicule. Accept digressions as temporary set backs, not failures. Agree that failure is not an option. Keep on keeping on.
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Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 5:36 am by scortright
A few years ago, if someone had suggested I take a fish oil supplement, I would have thought they were crazy. However, with the discovery of “good” fats, and Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements are becoming more and more popular. Oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon have been found to be one of the best natural sources of these essential fatty acids, which have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve the functioning of the eyes and brain, keep a healthy immune system, and even help relieve your diabetes symptoms.
If you’re not a big fish eater, then fish oil supplements are a great way to get Omega 3 acids. However, not all fish oil supplements are the same, some can even be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to know how to choose best quality supplement.
The first thing you want to look for in a quality fish oil is the active ingredients it contains. Fish oils actually contain two types of omega 3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. While they are both important nutrients, you should actually look for a supplement with higher concentrations of EPA. Most supplements give you more DHA, so you may have to do a lot of label searching. You also want to look for other vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, that are included in some fish oils and may be harmful in large doses or when used with certain medical conditions.
An important step for ensuring your fish supplement is safe is finding out where the fish come from. Many people avoiding eating these types of fish because they can contain mercury and other heavy metals that pollute fishes’ natural environment. These metals are hazardous and can be found in certain fish oil supplements. That’s why it’s important to get a supplement that uses fish from pristine waters.
Sadly, just because the fish come from clean water doesn’t mean that you should assume it’s safe. For a fish oil supplement to be free of dangerous chemicals, it should be molecularly distilled to remove any additional impurities. You should also look for products that say they are pharmaceutical grade. A product that lists that it is pharmaceutical grade and molecularly distilled is much more likely to be free of any potentially harmful chemicals.
As with any supplement, you should consult your doctor before you start taking anything new. This is especially important with fish oil because too high a dosage may cause dangerous side effects.
[Editor’s Note: Here’s a great resource about choosing a fish oil supplement, from David Servan-Schreiber’s website: (Servan-Schreiber wrote The Instinct to Heal: Curing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression with Drugs and Without Talk Therapy, in which he writes in detail about the importance of Omega 3s.)
http://www.nofreudnoprozac.com/article.php3?id_article=55&var_recherche=omega+3
At this link, one of the supplements he recommends is Omega3+Joy by GenuineHealth.com - I have tried that and really like it. It is formulated to not have a fishy aftertaste.]
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Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 5:34 am by scortright
It seems like every time I turn on the TV, I see an ad for another new prescription sleep aid. You can find them from you pharmacist and over the counter in every shape and size. It’s like they’ve made the perfect sleep aid for every occasion, but what if you don’t want to take dangerous and possibly addictive chemicals to get yourself to sleep every night?
If you’ve tried all the other sleep remedies and nothings worked for you; before you make a trip to your doctor, make a trip to your local health food store. There you can find tons of natural supplements. While most of these remedies haven’t been clinically tested, they’ve been used for years in various cultures to naturally relax and get a good night’s rest. Check out these common herbal sleep remedies; one of which is bound to help you finally get some rest.
* German chamomile. This is probably the most widely publicized herbal sleep aid in recent years. Simply brew the tea and drink to relax your self into a peaceful sleep. The best part is that it’s safe to drink during the day when you just need to unwind; something no medical sleep aid can claim.
* Lemon balm. This is an herb often used in gardens for its lemony scent (it smells a bit like lemon wood cleaner); this is a great herb to calm your nerves. You can find it as a tea, capsules, or a liquid extract. This makes it extra convenient for every situation.
* Valerian root. This is one of the oldest and most widely used herbal sleep remedies. Unlike many other herbs, valerian root has been the subject of several clinical trials where it was found to help people fall asleep faster and get a more restful night’s sleep. It is also available in tea, pill, or liquid form.
* Catnip. Sure it sounds crazy, but that herb that makes your cats go wild can actually calm you down and prepare you for sleep. It contains chemicals similar to those in valerian root. In addition to being a sedative, catnip can also help with indigestion and heartburn. It can be enjoyed as a tea or taken in liquid extract form.
* St John’s Wort. This herb not only helps you fall asleep at night, it has also been indicated for treatment of anxiety and depression. Just be sure to take the prescribed dosage because too much can be harmful.
* Lavender. This is a safe relaxing herb that is so powerful, it has been shown to reduce and sometimes completely counteract symptoms of caffeine use. This herb is much more convenient because it comes in tea or and as an essential oil that can be massaged on, put into a bath, put on cotton balls to infuse into the air, or simply put on your pillow. Lavender oil is not only a great way to calm yourself; it’s also safe for use on children and babies.
You should remember that herbs are generally slower acting than modern medicine, so they may take days or even a couple weeks for you to feel the full effect. Also, just like with any other medication, you should consult your doctor before taking any of these remedies, especially if you’re on any prescription medications.
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Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 5:33 am by scortright
You may have heard claims of B12 shots producing significant weight loss in no time. You also may have heard scientists say that there’s no proof B12 helps you lose weight (but it has been proven to keep you from gaining it). So what’s the truth? What is B12 and does it really help you lose weight?
B12 is a nutrient we naturally get in our diets. It is vital for out body to function normally. A B12 deficiency can have serious effects on your body. Would you make a cake a purposely leave out the flour, sugar, or baking soda? Of course not. When you leave an important ingredient out, the cake just doesn’t work right. Your body is the same way. If you’re lacking an important nutrient like B12, your body just doesn’t work right. By adding this vital nutrient to your system, you’re letting your body operate more effectively and efficiently. This improves your overall health and helps you lose weight.
B12 gives you a great energy boost. While this may not take off the pounds in itself, it can get you up and moving. Many people don’t exercise because they’re just too tired at the end of a long day. With this extra energy, you can go to the gym or even just take a walk around the block. Plus, if you find your energy level dragging between shots, you can get more B12 in your diet to keep yourself going.
B12 boosts your metabolism. This means that you digest your food faster and burn more calories just by sitting there. And the more calories you burn, the fewer calories you store as fat. Plus, if you increase your exercise level, you’ll boost your metabolism even more!
If you’ve looked into B12 shots, you’ve probably noticed they’re a bit pricey; usually about $65 a piece. As I mentioned earlier, we all have B12 in our system that come from the food we eat. While getting shots may be a bit more potent, you can get more B12 into your system by adding it into your diet. Don’t try pills, they don’t work as well. Just eat more foods that are rich in B12. Some suggestions for food high in B12 include: clams, liver, trout, and salmon. You can also find foods, such as breakfast cereal that have been fortified with B12 and other vitamins and minerals.
There are many arguments for and against B12. There are scientists who will claim that there’s no proof of its effectiveness, but what about the thousands of people who say they’ve lost weight? The key to losing weight is that there’s no magical shot or pill, you have to work at it. However, combined with diet and exercise, B12 could be the boost your system needs to finally take those extra pounds off.
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Posted in Health & Fitness Tips at 5:32 am by scortright
We all know that exercise that can help you lose weight and get more energy, but what about helping you sleep? Studies have shown that people, particularly women, who regularly exercise during the day, sleep longer and better at night. So, before you reach for the sleeping pills why not try going for a run, taking a trip to the gym, or signing up for a yoga class.
Many people have trouble sleeping because they are overly stressed. The worst part about this is that sleep deprivation can increase your cortisol levels, which makes you feel more stressed. It can also make you irritable and less able to deal with stressful situations. This is why most insomniacs have increased levels of stress hormones. While exercise makes these hormones rise initially, after several hours the levels fall. These hormones levels actually become lower than before you exercised and lower than they would be if you hadn’t worked out. Regular exercise can end the vicious sleep-stress cycle once and for all.
Most insomniacs simply can’t clear their mind of their problems when they lay down to bed. The stresses of the day run repeatedly through their minds instead of relaxing. Exercise can be a time to escape the stressors around you and figure out solutions to your problems. If you figured out what to do about your latest work crisis during your morning run, you don’t have to stress over it at bedtime. This leaves your brain free to sleep.
Exercising also makes you need sleep more. The more you work your muscles, the more they need to regenerate through sleep. While you may think this just going to make you more tired when you can’t sleep, it will probably actually help you have a deeper, more restful sleep. Even if you can’t sleep more, you’ll sleep better and be more rested and energized in the morning.
An important part of using exercise to cure insomnia is timing. As I already mentioned, exercise produces chemicals in your brain that make you feel more awake and energized. This is why it’s not a good idea to exercise before bedtime, but how close is too close? It is generally recommended that you exercise more than four hours before you sleep; however, you may find you need a longer rest period. If you find you’re not sleepy, start pushing your exercise earlier gradually till you find a good time. Obviously, the best time to exercise is in the morning, and this will make you feel more energized all day long.
If you absolutely can’t exercise during the day, there are things you can do at night instead (or in addition) to help you get to sleep. Studies have shown that exercises as simple as stretching can help improve insomnia symptoms. You can try doing stretches or yoga closer to bedtime to help you relax. You can find books or join a class to learn specific positions and more to promote relaxation and sleep.
While exercise helps you sleep more, it has other wonderful benefits. Exercise helps you lose weight, feel great, and have more energy during the day (and so will sleep). Before you try supplements, pills, or other crazy sleep solutions, try working out first. It will cure your insomnia along with some great positive side effects.
(Editor’s Note: I’ve also noticed that I sleep much better if I get enough water to drink during the day. Try it and see if helps you, too! )
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