Q:I want to run on the treadmills at the gym, i always feel like i should or that i could def burn more calories running than walking but i'm affraid that i'm too loud or that i'll start panting and seem gross! What should i do?

Anonymous

First off, you don’t have to do anything in the gym you don’t want to do. If you’re doing an exercise simply because you feel like you’re supposed to, you’ll probably be miserable and not stick with it over time. If you’re looking to get some cardio in, there are plenty of other options, like running steps at home, swimming, using the rowing machine — cardio doesn’t begin and end with the treadmill.

That said, if you want to give it a try, you should. And if you sweat and pant, so what? You’re working out, not posing for the cover of Vogue. Most people at the gym are far too concerned with their own workouts to be all, “OMG that girl is running kind of loudly.” And if someone in the gym does judge you, so what? It doesn’t make your workout any less effective. Working out burns a lot more calories than standing around being a judgmental asshole. So do your thing!

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Just Keep Swimming

So I finally made it to the pool this morning.

The locker room was super creepy. I swear, it looked like something out of a Korean horror movie. I kept waiting for a ghost with long black hair to pop out of one of the shower stalls or something. The fact that I had to take out my contacts so I could swim only made me freak out more.

But I made it into the pool and swam for a little over a half hour. Sometimes I’m really excited to work out and sometimes I just want to die the whole time, and this was one of the dying days. I felt like I was in some kind of disaster movie and my ship had capsized in the middle of the Atlantic. Who will end my suffering, I thought, why did this happen?!

So I started repeating this phrase and it helped me snap out of it:

And I found the strength to persevere.

It was a very dramatic time for me. 

Of course I would try to go swimming

on the one day the swimming pool is closed in the morning.

I’m super proud of myself though, because I didn’t just turn on my heels and go home — I stayed at the gym and worked out!

Now I’ve worked out and showered and it’s not even noon. There might be something to this whole working out in the morning thing.

Today might be the day

So, I’ve had a lot going on in my life recently and a few months ago I stopped going to the gym. I know. I know. But fitness is only one part of my life and sometimes I have to prioritize. 

Things have settled down lately, though. I think I’ll have more free time in my schedule, and I also currently have the money to renew my membership (for the past few months, money has been tight).

I’m hoping that I’ll get done with my work today and get up the courage to go to the gym and renew my membership. I’m just posting this here because I think it might help push me to do it even more. 

Anyway, wish me luck!

Help a Blogger Out

Hey followers, failingtoadapt is working on a paper on the topic of obesity, and she could use a little help. I thought some of you might be interested in helping out and being cited!

Here’s what she needs:

“Im an occupational therapy masters student, & Im writing a paper on obesity. Part of the paper is that I find a blog where the person has a history w/obesity. I have to describe the impact of obesity on at least two imp. aspects of person’s life (meaning ur participation/performance in daily activities & health (ex: mental, physical, Feeding, education, play, social, leisure etc). Your blog will be cited in my paper. i will also need your age and occupational roles (student, mom, sis etc) Thanks.”

 

If you think you can help, please message her directly. Thanks!

From Grocery Recon to Shaken Greens: 10 Great Ways to Save Money on Produce Looking to save money on produce? You’re not alone. Stocking up on fruits and veggies isn’t easy to do on a tight budget. In the U.S., five bucks can buy you a McDouble cheeseburger, a large sweet tea, fries and an ice cream cone at McDonalds. At the local grocery store, that five-spot will get you only one pound of tomatoes, one artichoke or one bunch of asparagus. It’s no wonder so many of us choose cheaper, less-healthy options – sometimes it feels like we don’t have a choice.   But it doesn’t have to be this way. Once you know what you’re doing, keeping your green fridge full of fresh produce is easy and inexpensive. These 10 tricks will show you the way. 1. Use Your Green Thumb to Stock Your Green Fridge. Okay, this one seems obvious: if you want to save money on produce, you should grow it yourself. So why don’t more people view homegrown fruits and veggies as a real option? Is it a space issue? If you live in an apartment complex or have a yard where even grass won’t sprout, a raised or vertical garden could be the answer. Gather some inspiration from Pinterest and DIY your own garden patch. To get the most bang for your buck, start by growing tomatoes. The plants will yield a lot of fruit, and you’ll save bundles compared to what you’d pay at the grocery store. 2. Make It to Market. A great way to cut costs is to cut out the middleman and buy directly from a farmer. And how do you do that? Farmers markets, of course. Search for local farmers markets in your area and you’ll be amazed at how much less you’ll pay for produce. These fruits and veggies spend less time traveling from farm to table, making it even easier to keep food fresh and prevent food waste. Take a trip to your local farmers market and your dollars will stretch much farther than they usually do at your favorite grocery store. 3. Shop Smart to Prevent Food Waste. Knowing your family’s food needs and buying accordingly is important if you want to prevent food waste, but it’s also a good idea to select produce that will stay fresh longer. If you’re shopping for food longevity, choose fruits like apples and watermelons and veggies like cabbage, potatoes, peppers and onions. In the U.S., families throw away $43 billion worth of food every year, so if you’re wondering how to save money on food, keeping your produce out of the trashcan is a great place to start. 4. Do Some Grocery Store Recon. You’d be surprised at just how much produce prices can vary from one grocery to the next, so don’t assume your local chain store has the best deals. Do your research. Check out some of the newer chains popping up across the country, like Aldi and Bottom Dollar Foods. You may even want to make a list of your favorite fruits and veggies then visit each store and take notes. Scribbling down prices in the produce aisle might feel silly, but if it’ll save you money on your monthly food bill, it’s definitely worth it. 5. Shop in Season. Did you know that acorn squash is cheapest in the winter, artichokes cost the least in the spring, it’s best to buy eggplants in the summer and cranberries sell for less in the fall? That’s if you buy local, of course! You’ll spend less on fruits and vegetables that come from a local farm versus those that have to be shipped in from Mexico or Peru, so if your goal is to save money on produce, figure out what’s in season where you live. Research your favorite fruits and veggies and add a monthly reminder to your Google calendar so you can stay informed on the go. 6. Buy and Cook in Bulk. Combine your seasonal produce knowledge with this tip and you’ll double your savings. After you’ve determined which fruits and veggies are in season, head to your local big box store and buy them in bulk. Then cook your produce and freeze it in portioned containers, or freeze it whole (bananas are great for this). For foods that don’t freeze well, you can always try your hand at canning and making jams. It’s an old-fashioned way to save money, one that has stood the test of time for one simple reason: it works so well! 7. Don’t Fall for Convenience Packaging. These days, grocery stores are making food preparation easier than ever. They’re selling pre-sliced apples, mushrooms and melons, pre-chopped onions and peppers and even preassembled fruit parfaits. But grocery stores didn’t create this packaging with your best interests in mind. Retailers use convenience packaging because they know many shoppers will pay more to do less in the kitchen. If you’re watching your budget, you definitely want to avoid prepackaged produce. 8. Keep Food Fresh With The Ozonator. You knew we’d get around to this one. If you want to prevent food waste, investing in an Ozonator machine is one of the smartest things you can do. The Ozonator uses green technology to safely neutralize the mold and bacteria in your fridge, which means your produce will stay fresh for days and even weeks longer. We all know that the less food you waste, the less you have to buy. With the money you’ll save on food, your Ozonator machine will pay for itself after just a few grocery trips. 9. Join Your Local CSA. CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” and to reap the rewards all you need to do is buy a “share” in your local CSA organization. Your membership means you’ll have access to fresh produce (and sometimes other farm products like eggs, milk and cheese), all of which comes straight from local farms to a drop-off point near you. When you join a CSA, you’ll save money on produce, you’ll get food that stays fresher longer, and you’ll support your local farmers – all at the same time. 10. Shake It Off. This step won’t save you hundreds of dollars every month, but we wanted to include it anyway – mainly because so few people think of it. You know the mini sprinkler systems that spray your fruits and veggies at the grocery store to keep them fresh? If you’re paying by the pound, that soaked produce will cost slightly more at the checkout. So if those collard greens have showered recently, give them a few shakes before you place them in your cart. Of course, we realize that pulling a complete 180 on your lifestyle all at once isn’t easy – in fact, it’s a good way to ensure your good intentions go up in smoke. If you want to form habits that will stick, start by choosing a single tip from our list. Focus on making just one change at a time, and when you’ve mastered your new habit, move on to tackle another. The changes you make will add up, and you’ll save money on produce month after month. 
Pop-upView Separately

From Grocery Recon to Shaken Greens: 10 Great Ways to Save Money on Produce

Looking to save money on produce? You’re not alone. Stocking up on fruits and veggies isn’t easy to do on a tight budget. In the U.S., five bucks can buy you a McDouble cheeseburger, a large sweet tea, fries and an ice cream cone at McDonalds. At the local grocery store, that five-spot will get you only one pound of tomatoes, one artichoke or one bunch of asparagus. It’s no wonder so many of us choose cheaper, less-healthy options – sometimes it feels like we don’t have a choice.   But it doesn’t have to be this way. Once you know what you’re doing, keeping your green fridge full of fresh produce is easy and inexpensive. These 10 tricks will show you the way.

1. Use Your Green Thumb to Stock Your Green Fridge. Okay, this one seems obvious: if you want to save money on produce, you should grow it yourself. So why don’t more people view homegrown fruits and veggies as a real option? Is it a space issue? If you live in an apartment complex or have a yard where even grass won’t sprout, a raised or vertical garden could be the answer. Gather some inspiration from Pinterest and DIY your own garden patch. To get the most bang for your buck, start by growing tomatoes. The plants will yield a lot of fruit, and you’ll save bundles compared to what you’d pay at the grocery store.

2. Make It to Market. A great way to cut costs is to cut out the middleman and buy directly from a farmer. And how do you do that? Farmers markets, of course. Search for local farmers markets in your area and you’ll be amazed at how much less you’ll pay for produce. These fruits and veggies spend less time traveling from farm to table, making it even easier to keep food fresh and prevent food waste. Take a trip to your local farmers market and your dollars will stretch much farther than they usually do at your favorite grocery store.

3. Shop Smart to Prevent Food Waste. Knowing your family’s food needs and buying accordingly is important if you want to prevent food waste, but it’s also a good idea to select produce that will stay fresh longer. If you’re shopping for food longevity, choose fruits like apples and watermelons and veggies like cabbage, potatoes, peppers and onions. In the U.S., families throw away $43 billion worth of food every year, so if you’re wondering how to save money on food, keeping your produce out of the trashcan is a great place to start.

4. Do Some Grocery Store Recon. You’d be surprised at just how much produce prices can vary from one grocery to the next, so don’t assume your local chain store has the best deals. Do your research. Check out some of the newer chains popping up across the country, like Aldi and Bottom Dollar Foods. You may even want to make a list of your favorite fruits and veggies then visit each store and take notes. Scribbling down prices in the produce aisle might feel silly, but if it’ll save you money on your monthly food bill, it’s definitely worth it.

5. Shop in Season. Did you know that acorn squash is cheapest in the winter, artichokes cost the least in the spring, it’s best to buy eggplants in the summer and cranberries sell for less in the fall? That’s if you buy local, of course! You’ll spend less on fruits and vegetables that come from a local farm versus those that have to be shipped in from Mexico or Peru, so if your goal is to save money on produce, figure out what’s in season where you live. Research your favorite fruits and veggies and add a monthly reminder to your Google calendar so you can stay informed on the go.

6. Buy and Cook in Bulk. Combine your seasonal produce knowledge with this tip and you’ll double your savings. After you’ve determined which fruits and veggies are in season, head to your local big box store and buy them in bulk. Then cook your produce and freeze it in portioned containers, or freeze it whole (bananas are great for this). For foods that don’t freeze well, you can always try your hand at canning and making jams. It’s an old-fashioned way to save money, one that has stood the test of time for one simple reason: it works so well!

7. Don’t Fall for Convenience Packaging. These days, grocery stores are making food preparation easier than ever. They’re selling pre-sliced apples, mushrooms and melons, pre-chopped onions and peppers and even preassembled fruit parfaits. But grocery stores didn’t create this packaging with your best interests in mind. Retailers use convenience packaging because they know many shoppers will pay more to do less in the kitchen. If you’re watching your budget, you definitely want to avoid prepackaged produce.

8. Keep Food Fresh With The Ozonator. You knew we’d get around to this one. If you want to prevent food waste, investing in an Ozonator machine is one of the smartest things you can do. The Ozonator uses green technology to safely neutralize the mold and bacteria in your fridge, which means your produce will stay fresh for days and even weeks longer. We all know that the less food you waste, the less you have to buy. With the money you’ll save on food, your Ozonator machine will pay for itself after just a few grocery trips.

9. Join Your Local CSA. CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” and to reap the rewards all you need to do is buy a “share” in your local CSA organization. Your membership means you’ll have access to fresh produce (and sometimes other farm products like eggs, milk and cheese), all of which comes straight from local farms to a drop-off point near you. When you join a CSA, you’ll save money on produce, you’ll get food that stays fresher longer, and you’ll support your local farmers – all at the same time.

10. Shake It Off. This step won’t save you hundreds of dollars every month, but we wanted to include it anyway – mainly because so few people think of it. You know the mini sprinkler systems that spray your fruits and veggies at the grocery store to keep them fresh? If you’re paying by the pound, that soaked produce will cost slightly more at the checkout. So if those collard greens have showered recently, give them a few shakes before you place them in your cart.

Of course, we realize that pulling a complete 180 on your lifestyle all at once isn’t easy – in fact, it’s a good way to ensure your good intentions go up in smoke. If you want to form habits that will stick, start by choosing a single tip from our list. Focus on making just one change at a time, and when you’ve mastered your new habit, move on to tackle another. The changes you make will add up, and you’ll save money on produce month after month. 

Eat This, Skip That: Quick Belly-Shrinking Tips  Clear Your Green Fridge of These Belly Betrayers Carbonated Drinks. The bubbles that make sodas and seltzers fizz also fill your belly with gas, and as the gas expands, so does the size of your stomach. If you’re planning to hit the pool a lot this summer and you want  a flat belly every time, clear those carbonated drinks out of your fridge. After a few weeks, you’ll be just as hooked on unsweetened iced tea or ice water enhanced with liquid flavor drops.   Cheese and Milk. Milk, cheese and cream have plenty of health benefits, but you may want to lay off of the dairy products for a while if you’re hoping to shrink your waistline. Even those of us who haven’t been diagnosed as lactose intolerant may still have trouble digesting these foods. With indigestion comes gas, and with gas comes an expanding middle. Salty Foods. Bologna, bacon, soy sauce and cheese dip – these are just some of the high-sodium foods lurking in your fridge. In addition to causing high blood pressure, sodium leads to water retention. The more water you retain, the more bloated (and the bigger) you’ll appear.   Stock Your Green Fridge With These Belly Shrinking Foods Greek Yogurt. Yogurt is packed with probiotics, the same kinds of helpful bacteria that are found in our intestines. Probiotics help your body break down and absorb food, which means they’ll cut down on gas and bloating.   Filtered Water. The best way to beat water retention is by drinking more water. We know – it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Drink morefiltered water and you’ll help flush away the excess sodium in your system. The water you’ve been retaining will be flushed out too. Papaya. This tropical fruit is high in papain – an enzyme that’s so powerful at breaking down food that its powdered extract is often used as a meat tenderizer. When you eat papaya, the papain helps your body digest food easier, leading to less bloating and a tighter, flatter-looking stomach.  
Pop-upView Separately

Eat This, Skip That: Quick Belly-Shrinking Tips 

Clear Your Green Fridge of These Belly Betrayers

  • Carbonated Drinks. The bubbles that make sodas and seltzers fizz also fill your belly with gas, and as the gas expands, so does the size of your stomach. If you’re planning to hit the pool a lot this summer and you want  a flat belly every time, clear those carbonated drinks out of your fridge. After a few weeks, you’ll be just as hooked on unsweetened iced tea or ice water enhanced with liquid flavor drops.

 

  • Cheese and Milk. Milk, cheese and cream have plenty of health benefits, but you may want to lay off of the dairy products for a while if you’re hoping to shrink your waistline. Even those of us who haven’t been diagnosed as lactose intolerant may still have trouble digesting these foods. With indigestion comes gas, and with gas comes an expanding middle.
  • Salty Foods. Bologna, bacon, soy sauce and cheese dip – these are just some of the high-sodium foods lurking in your fridge. In addition to causing high blood pressure, sodium leads to water retention. The more water you retain, the more bloated (and the bigger) you’ll appear.

 

Stock Your Green Fridge With These Belly Shrinking Foods

  • Greek Yogurt. Yogurt is packed with probiotics, the same kinds of helpful bacteria that are found in our intestines. Probiotics help your body break down and absorb food, which means they’ll cut down on gas and bloating.

 

  • Filtered Water. The best way to beat water retention is by drinking more water. We know – it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Drink morefiltered water and you’ll help flush away the excess sodium in your system. The water you’ve been retaining will be flushed out too.
  • Papaya. This tropical fruit is high in papain – an enzyme that’s so powerful at breaking down food that its powdered extract is often used as a meat tenderizer. When you eat papaya, the papain helps your body digest food easier, leading to less bloating and a tighter, flatter-looking stomach.

 

3 Healthy Living Alternatives for the Foods in Your Fridge Trade Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt. There are about 493 calories in one cup of sour cream, and roughly 435 of those calories come from fat. A cup of Greek yogurt, on the other hand, has less than 140 calories. Even better, many varieties have zero fat, and all Greek yogurt is packed with protein. The thought of adding a dollop of yogurt to a fajita or baked potato may sound strange at first, but you’ll be surprised at how much unflavored Greek yogurt tastes like sour cream. Swap Out Lettuce for Fresh Spinach. When you hear “healthy living,” a bowl of fresh salad is probably one the first things that springs to mind. But iceberg lettuce, one of the most common ingredients in salad, is made up mostly of water and isn’t exactly nutrient-packed. Spinach has three times the calcium and vitamin C of iceberg lettuce. It’s also higher in fiber, iron and other vitamins and trace minerals. Spinach even stays fresher longer than lettuce – and with the help of The Ozonator, those leafy greens will remain crisp and nutritious longer than ever. Replace Spaghetti With Shirataki Noodles. Toss those spaghetti noodles out of your pantry and make some room in your green fridge for Shirataki noodles. These noodles are made from tofu and yam flour, and an 8 oz. bag contains just 40 calories. Compare that to the 220 calories you’ll get from 8 oz. of traditional spaghetti noodles and the choice is clear. Tofu Shirataki noodles even offer more protein than regular noodles. They’re a great way to cut calories without giving up your favorite pasta dishes.  
Pop-upView Separately

3 Healthy Living Alternatives for the Foods in Your Fridge

  1. Trade Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt. There are about 493 calories in one cup of sour cream, and roughly 435 of those calories come from fat. A cup of Greek yogurt, on the other hand, has less than 140 calories. Even better, many varieties have zero fat, and all Greek yogurt is packed with protein. The thought of adding a dollop of yogurt to a fajita or baked potato may sound strange at first, but you’ll be surprised at how much unflavored Greek yogurt tastes like sour cream.
  2. Swap Out Lettuce for Fresh Spinach. When you hear “healthy living,” a bowl of fresh salad is probably one the first things that springs to mind. But iceberg lettuce, one of the most common ingredients in salad, is made up mostly of water and isn’t exactly nutrient-packed. Spinach has three times the calcium and vitamin C of iceberg lettuce. It’s also higher in fiber, iron and other vitamins and trace minerals. Spinach even stays fresher longer than lettuce – and with the help of The Ozonator, those leafy greens will remain crisp and nutritious longer than ever.
  3. Replace Spaghetti With Shirataki Noodles. Toss those spaghetti noodles out of your pantry and make some room in your green fridge for Shirataki noodles. These noodles are made from tofu and yam flour, and an 8 oz. bag contains just 40 calories. Compare that to the 220 calories you’ll get from 8 oz. of traditional spaghetti noodles and the choice is clear. Tofu Shirataki noodles even offer more protein than regular noodles. They’re a great way to cut calories without giving up your favorite pasta dishes.

 

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