G-Life
When I bake, my BFF gets nervous. I don't blow up the kitchen, but I tend to cook more when I'm ultra-stressed. Last night was diff, though. This week we're trying to eat local foods. I'm pretty good about going to the farmer's market (saturday a.m.!), so I wanted to take this mission in a new direction.
I got back to old-world eating this week by baking up some whole-wheat bread. I got the recipe from my Nana's ancient cookbook. The process too way looonger than I thought (and kneading the dough was surprisingly good exercise). I got freaked adding butter and sugar (isn’t this supposed to be healthy?), but then I remembered that lotsa store-bought bread has HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP in it. Um, ew. Real brown sugar and a bit of butter are def better, right?
A few hours after I began, the bread was baked and I was exhausted. While I won’t be trading my pen ‘n’ paper for a chef’s hat anytime soon (the bread was more English muffin than sandwich slice), it was great to have something I pounded out with my own two hands. And, hey, at least I don’t have to eat my organic peanut butter straight out of the jar...unless, of course, I want to!
Healthy Hearts,
Katie A.
Blog It Out... Is there anything that has to be homemade for you to eat? Maybe it’s your mom’s famous chili or your dad’s blueberry muffins. What’s your fave thing to whip up in the kitchen?
BY JIAE K. ON 8/7/2008 12:27:00 PM 7 COMMENTS
Tired of pounding the pavement around your neighborhood twice a day for cardio? So over the sweaty machines at the gym? Me too, sistah! I was so stoked when GL hooked me up with some surf lessons at O.C. Groms Surf School in my fave vacay spot, Ocean City, MD.
Exercise may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of surfing but you’d be surprised at how strenuous it really is. I have a newfound admiration for the girls of Blue Crush. My day started early at 7:45 A.M. where we suited up at the surf shop with wetsuits (which look totally silly, by the way!). After that, we had to carry our boards across the street and down a block to the surf beach, which is much harder than it sounds. Those boards can get heavy!
Next came my quick overview on the sand with my instructor Casey, of surf safety and the basics. We practiced popping up on land, which was pretty easy. After I got the go-ahead from Casey, I attached my leash to my ankle and headed out into the waves.
This is where it stopped being so easy. The instructors tell you to hold your board under your arm around the nose (the tip of the board), and dive under waves as they break. My problem? Weak upper arms, so the board would just get pulled out of them and I’d have to go pull it in and try again. Surfing was def a great cardio workout—you really start breathing hard diving through all those waves.
I was a little discouraged the first few times when I couldn’t stand on the board, but after about 45 minutes into the two hour lesson, I got it. I couldn’t wait for more. My attitude changed instantly from “When will this be over?!”, to “When’s the next class? Sign me up!”
What did I learn from my morning with Casey and the waves? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, and practice makes perfect! I highly recommend that you try surfing, even if it’s just a one-time drop in class while you’re on vacay. It’s totally fun and inspiring!
By: Jaime Sunday
BY JIAE K. ON 8/6/2008 12:54:00 PM 42 COMMENTS
I really want to start running! But have no clue how to start. I wanna run around my block, but I feel kinda embarrassed doin' that. Any ideas?
Thx, xoxo
nana0472
Hey Nana0472,
“Running is one of the most effective exercises,” says trainer Andrea Partland. But before you hit the pavement, here’s what you gotta do.
Get running sneakers. Shoes that are made for running are key for keeping your bod protected from the impact.
Build up strength. Having strength in the lower half of your bod is essential for running. Doing squats and lunges will help get you ready.
Get out there! Start by running for 20 minutes. Don’t be afraid to walk if you have to…just get jogging when you feel ready again.
If you feel embarrassed running in your neighborhood, head over to a local track. Or, ask your BFF to join you. But, remember, tonsa people run near their houses, so as long as you’re safe (aka, running when it’s light out) give it a shot. Try running every other day and then up your time when you feel ready. Also, you may wanna consider joining your school’s cross-country team!
BY JIAE K. ON 8/5/2008 5:23:00 PM 43 COMMENTS
It's National Sandwich Month! Celebrate by stuffing whole grain bread with tonsa veggies and lean meats. Need inspiration to make your hoagie healthier? Here’s one of our faves: Veg Out Sub! ~G-Life Ladies
BY JIAE K. ON 8/5/2008 5:12:00 PM 11 COMMENTS