Posts

Showing posts with the label friday features

Friday Features

Image
It's been a wonky week. Amazing weekend last weekend (I'll recap soon) followed by an exhausting exhausting/sickly couple days. I'm zonked!  TGIF -- time to catch up on some ZZZs.

It's also FRIDAY Features! Here's some old and some new news and interesting reads!  I saved the best for last, too, so don't miss out:

Personal and Social

Want to understand introverts better--for a friend or for yourself?
This infographic totally made me go "this is me!"
For the why and how of interacting with introvertsclick here to learn more.

Want to sound smarter in your writing?
Skim these 15 Words to Eliminate From Your Vocabulary.

A case study in social media's failure to tell the whole truth,
and the possible implications...
Madison Hollerand's Split Story


Nutrition

This HuffPo piece isn't new news anymore, but worth repeating until people get it:
Eggs Don't Cause Heart Attacks -- Sugar Does by Dr. Mark Hyman

NPR explains why sooo much research on he…

Re-evaluate the Research

Image
Earlier this year, NPR published an article entitled:
We Lie About What We Eat and It's Messing Up Science
Dare you to give it a read, and more importantly, take note of its message.

The title really says it all: Research studies are often based on people reporting what they remember eating and doing, but people aren't really all that accurate or honest when answering such questions. The author summarizes a paper from the International Journal of Obesitythat asserts that self-reported data are so poor "that they no longer have a justifiable place in the scientific research."

Flawed data leads to flawed conclusions!  Our "conventional wisdom" about what prevents heart disease, cancer, or diabetes may be wrong.  How can we trust articles claiming "Research finds that..." when the finding is based on faulty self-reported data?

The problem is serious, because it's not just misinforming people who read health news; it's misinforming our policy ad…

Friday Features: News You Can Use

Image
Checking in for some news you can use!


Remember last week when I dared  you to break out a board game?
Well, the SilverOak Blog has heard my cry and created an epic
chart to help you find a perfect board game for YOU!
Dare you to check it out by clicking here and find which game it recommends.

Bone Broth is getting super popular these days,
so I thought I'd remind you that you can make it from home!
It's so much simpler than it sounds: here's how.

This post by Carla Birnberg just made me giggle, so I have to share.
Give it a read and take a moment to reflect:
What's in YOUR bra?

Whatever your health-related resolution,
the FitFluential blog has you covered:
First, a beginner's strength workout,
and then
tips to build a green smoothie + 10 green smoothie recipes

The New York Times Well Blog answers:
Can Compression Clothing Enhance Your Workout?

Finally, watch this five-minute video to clear up
some VERY common myths and misconceptions about exercise,
and avoid making …

Friday Features

Image
Friiidayyyyyyy!!! 


For fun:21 Things You Should Never Say to People Who Are Actually Gluten-Free 

For health: 
-  Five Eczema Triggers to Avoid, by Mommypotamous
"What the Government Got Wrong About Nutrition -- And How It Can Fix It", via The Huffington Post

For food: 
Tomato Basil Vinaigrette, from my friend, the Little Chef Big Appetite
Eggs Benedict from The Paleo Mom (including nut-free Paleo English muffins and dairy-free Hollandaise Sauce!).  For more recipes from Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, get your hands on The Paleo Approach Cookbook:


For thought: 
- Christine asks, Why can't we own our PRs and accomplishments without always qualifying them?
-Carla asks Does closing comments turn blogging into lecturing?

For success:"Winners can tell you where they are going..."

Have a great weekend!

Friday Features

Image
It's been a while since a Friday Features, so I've got a couple interesting and informative links saved up.

I'll kick off with a popular video from this week, demonstrating how an ingenious French supermarket made deformed produce popular:




Speaking of fruits and vegetables, a recent meta-analysis of over
300 studies found that "organic food as more antioxidants, less pesticide residue"
... and no one should be shocked.  Duh.  To learn more, visit the Huffington Post.

Then, Marion Nestle evaluates the previous study and asks whether
nutrition is even the right question.  Read her Food Politics postto learn
other good reasons people choose to eat organic foods.



Mark Sisson analyzes "The 'Dangers' of Going Gluten Free".

More questionable links between fat and heart disease
are explored in this Wall Street Journal article.

Similarly, The Angry Trainer answers, "Is red meat really bad for you?"


Further disrupting "conventional wisdom&q;…

Friday Features

Ah, as I forewarned at New Year's, this would be a stressful, BUSY spring for me!  Still popping in to share some things that have caught my attention, and I dare you to read:

-----
This break-up letter to Trader Joe'sexpresses exactly the same reasons
I stopped shopping there.  I used to love the adventure, but really can't
justify eating most of their products anymore.

Laura Schoenfeld brings us Three Ways to Manage Anxiety Without Drugs.   
The MS Society broadens its scope by investing $29 million
in new research regarding nutrition and lifestyle factors
in MS development.  Learn more [here].

Carla Birnberg asks, "When is okay to lie to your child?" As always, Carla's parenting inspires me. [Read here]
Are YOU a healthy woman?
Stefani Ruper offers "10 Signs You're a Healthy Woman".
Dare you to see if you pass the test - and consider what to
improve if something seems off!

I've been eyeing this "100 Happy Days" website and chal…

Friday Features

Image
Happy Friday, and Happy SPRING! Spring is here, and I hope that Mother Nature catches up soon, because I'm over this bitter winter.

Hey, you know what "winter" sounds like?  Winner!

The WINNER of last week's Eat The Yolksgiveaway is Betty Jo!  She commented and tweeted about the giveaway.  Betty Jo, email me to claim your prize!   For the rest of you, don't worry!  If you didn't win this time, you can find Eat The Yolks by Liz Wolfe on Amazon.  Dare you to check it out.

I also dare you to check out some of my favorite reads lately.  Today, it's a mixture of health, happiness, and just plain fun.


Just For Fun

As my sister tweeted, "Stop what you are doing and read Buzzfeed's 77 Facts That Sound Like Huge Lies But Are Actually Completely True."

"If Google Were A Guy..." Part 1 and Part 2.

Watch Ellen Take a Buzzfeed Quiz to test the accuracy of the results determining which queen of comedyshe is...

Did you know how dogs really drink wa…

Friday Features

Image
Some Link LOVE for Valentine's Day! Been busy, but still reading and finding interesting posts, articles, news, and more!  
Enjoy:

Business Insider: Science shares 11 Charts that
"Show Everything That's Wrong With the Modern Diet"- worth looking at.



This reminded me of an old post at Authority Nutrition: "6 Graphs That Show Why The War on Fat Was a Mistake"

A more fair assessment than we've seen in mainstream so far:
"The Paleo Diet: Can It Really Be Good For You?" via The Telegraph.


This revealing Huffington Post article made me very sad.   Fashion magazines dug their own grave by faking models that were too slim,  and now...
"You'd Be Shocked at What These Fashion Editors Are Editing Out of Their Photos". This cycle NEEDS to end!

De-Clutter NOW!  Read "8 Things You Can Live Without"
This is so something I need to do. What about you? 


Props to Chobani for donating their excess yogurts when they couldn't make it to Sochi…

Friday Features

Happy Friday!   Here are a few links to get you thinking this weekend:
----
Dare you to OWN IT.  Love this honest and encouraging post
from Sarah Fragoso on Everyday Paleo.

The Huffington Post shares 23 Things Every Woman Should Stop Doing. Worth reading, reflecting, and reconsidering.
All in favor of the family meal?
Carla Birnberg advocates for the family meal, and I agree!

Lindsay explains the way she is  Doing More AND Less, Thanks to Technology
The Angry Trainer gives a great explanation
of how social media affects the fitness industry.
Spoiler: it does BOTH--helping people get healthy
but also hurting the industry and standards. Great post.

Here are 5 Simple Beauty Products You Can Make From Coconut Oil ...and you knowhow much I love coconut oil
Chris Kresser shares What Everyone--Especially Vegetarians-- Should Know About B12 Deficiency.
Why GMO Labeling MATTERS! The basics and what you can do for the cause.
----
As always, follow along on recent dares, news, information, and he…

Friday Features

Image
A quick set of interesting reads for you to check out!
Ericka guests posts on Miz Fit Online to spread the word:
You Don't Have To Be Hardcore to Do CrossFit.
Her experiences resonated with my own.
Definitely check this one out if you're timid but interested.

Technology: the good, the bad, and ways to disconnect. Get Lindsay's take here.
Alec talks walking and proper walking apparel on PopFitLife.

Need another reason to go for virgin coconut oil?   The Healthy Home Economist recounts the way it  halted one man's severe dementia in just 35 days.  
Danielle has tips for supplementing your income 
by selling your stuff.

Spry Living gives 6 Reasons Cholesterol May Not Matter Anymore.   Seriously, this perspective is gaining ground.  Take a look.
Want to learn more?  Say... everything you need to know about cholesterol?
Jimmy Moore just releasedCholesterol Clarity: 
What The HDL Is Wrong With My Numbers?
If you're concerned with your cholesterol or simply want to learn what…

Friday Features

HAPPY FRIDAY! Here are some fascinating articles and blog posts of late: 
-----
There was a very interesting, thoughful post last week that got me thinking,  and the title should reel you in on its own:  Please Don't Help My Kids, an article by Kate Bassford Baker.
Remember whenI said I want to learn moreabout GMO (ab)use and labelling?  
Babble.com hasthe lowdown on GMOsfor you and for me.
Want to become a morning person?Greatist tells you HOW.

Pretty Little Liars may be a favorite guilty pleasure among young adults, too,  but what kind of messages about food is it sending to its target audience: teenage girls?   This "Food Horror" video raises serious questions.
As part of mynatural skincarequest, I was excited to see that
Nicole at Making Good Choices explains why and how to
avoid parabensin skincare products.

Is Protein Powder Okay on a Paleo Diet?   Diane Sanfillippo reminds us that it's not food,  but there may be special circumstances where it's useful.
Karen Maidme…

Friday Features

Spring is here!  Well, almost.  Now that the sun is shining and it's (maybe?) getting warmer, I dare you to go outside Get some sunshine!  Make yourself some vitamin D!  Have fun!

I've got a LOT coming up on the blog for this spring/summer, and although I'm SO eager to share with you some new dares I've taken on, I want to make sure I do 'em right and gather sufficient information for you first.  Sooo... For now, there's TONS of interesting stuff, as always, to learn from on other websites.  The last "features" post was a bit nutrition-heavy, so this one will be more diverse.  Enjoy!


-----
Speaking of going outside, taking your routine outside could benefit your workout!
The New York Times "Well" blog describes studies suggesting that getting outdoors
could help "reluctant or inconsistent exercisers."

-----

One way to take your elliptical/biking workout outdoors is with a Street Rider! MizFit demonstrates the learning curve required …

Friday Features

Man, oh man, do I have some great reads for you!  I've just been collecting them and the list grows longer and longer...

Reminder: If you like Friday Features, you can always stay up to date with articles that I find worth sharing by following me on Twitter,because I'm always retweeting similar content!

There is a LOT of nutrition in the news these days, so today is going to be nutrition-heavy.  Maybe next week I'll shift gears to focus on fitness.

[But, before we begin, one fun fitness feature:] Remember last year's introduction to SlimKicker?  It's this awesome website that helps you tackle challenges you give yourself, to become a better you.  Sound familiar?  Anyway, they're hosting a huge giveaway, where you can win a Bowflex Home Gym, worth over $1000!  They tell us: "This home gym features more than 50 strength building exercises, with resistance ranging from 50 to 210 pounds. It's very convenient, and simple to use, with no cable exchanges neede…

Friday Features

Some quick "Friday Features" for you -- some articles and posts from the recent past that I found interesting, and hope you do, too!

Jill Coleman of JillFit.com dares you toTake Action by using a simple tool: "The Alternative".  By considering the alternative, you may find the motivation to stand up and make a difference!

Are supplements really necessary? Chris Kresser answers: Yes and No. This actually makes a lot of sense. Dare you to learn how.
Sarah shares running tips for beginners.  My favorite?  "If you have time to run, you have time to stretch."  So true and so important!

Chef Katelyn considers the ways that CrossFit has Changed Her Life.   This goes way beyond fitness, so give it a read!
Just one month in, are you looking for some sane, healthy, productive, and possible resolutions to work into your 2013?  Carrie Brown has some great suggestions.  Some are on my list already; what can you add to yours??

The New York Times addresses going Gluten-Fre…

Friday Features

Image
All workweeks should be 3 days! Who agrees?

A new year, and some new interesting articles to share with you!

Looking back on 2012 and beyond 2013, Mark Bittman offers thiscomprehensive overview of health-related current events, news, and trends in The New York Times Online.

Water, Coconut Water, or Sports Drink -- Which is best for you? Brad Gouthro helps you choose.
Mark Sisson asks if you're eating these important supplemental foods.  I've got about a third in my diet... dare me to try the rest?

Whether you're making this common interval training mistake or simply want to take your workout to the next level, Dr. Ray Hinish has the trick to get the most burn out of your high-intensity interval training.
Looking for some new recipes?  Jenn has you covered, with colorful recipes, from A to Z!

Or, check out Balanced Bites if you're interested specifically in15 egg-Free Breakfast Ideas.
More news on negative effects of fructose (which is in SO MANY PROCESSED FOODS) via Gre…

Read: Friday Features

Dare you to check out these interesting reads  from the past few weeks...
For a split second, Eggs were found to be as bad as smoking, 
but most of us quickly dismissed the hyperbolic headline and
Mark Sisson straightened things out.  Laury also gives a clear
explanation of Egg Yolks and Bad Science.

Ever wonder what brain freeze is really about? Carolyn explains.
The Angry Trainer reminds us that weight training IS cardio!
So go do pushups, squats, and lift heavy things.

Alfonso also dares his readers to skip the bread, so I pass it on to you.   Really, just go a week without wheatand see how you feel.  Dare you to!
Alison offers tips to beat sugar cravings.

Take a look at this awesome infographicon optimizing health.
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about birth control pills
at Paleo for Women.  She explains the what, why, how, benefits, and risks.

Do government regulations on unhealthy items lead to healthier choices? Marion Nestle points to research that says yes.
A study d…

Check out these blogs

Thought I'd take this Friday to start up a "Friday Features" theme and
share some love with other healthy living bloggers who I read
and from whom I get extra inspiration!
-----
You'll always find awesome product reviews, detailed over weeks and months, from Kerri O of Fitviews.  For example, I enjoyed following her progress through twelve weeks of Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution fitness and diet program. She also gives smaller reviews and helpful tips posts, like Eating Paleo on a Budget.


For an honest outlook in finding balance between healthy eating choices, emotional connections, and having fun, visitCait Plus Ate.

Callie gives the the "I'm You" perspective on being a Wannabe Athlete.  She does her best and keeps it real, while running great distances and keeping healthy.


Katie over atWish & Whimsy(cute name, right?) writes really interesting and informative healthy living posts.  There's always something to learn and simple ideas for…