Dare You To...

The folks at Greatist bring the latest in scientifically-backed health information to the masses via their website, Twitter, Instagram, podcasts, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest... and MORE! (Believe it or not..)  It may seem like a lot, but I--and many others--also have just as many outlets for sharing information and ideas.

This month, they asked the Greatist Ambassadors:

How does social media influence your health and fitness?
Well... well.  A zillion thoughts raced through my mind when this came up.  I'll try to touch on all aspects, highlighting the ones I find most influential.


First: What social media?The most popular outlets for all genres are those listed above.  These may be used by celebrities, bloggers, and also those without a large public persona, just as a way to connect with friends.  These include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and the slowly growing Google Plus (PS: You can find me on ALL of these! See my contact page).  These can largely be ac…

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!


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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."

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

Ah, it's been a while since I did a formally organized challenge.  What better time than now, to get recharged and refreshed for spring?

The folks at Greatist.com are challenging YOU for month of April!  In the DIY Health Challenge, there are two goals, that you can fit into your life this month as you see fit:  (1) "cook one healthy meal per day", and (2) "complete 20 minutes of bodyweight exercises daily."  These target specific areas, but are broad enough that it's up to you how you fulfill them.

As a Greatist Ambasssador, I knew I had to accept this challenge.  For me, the cooking one healthy meal per day is pretty much down.  I already prepare most of my meals at home, so that won't take much change.  Twenty minutes of bodyweight exercises, though... At first, I'd thought that it'd be too much. I don't like to do strength-based workouts more than two or three times per week, but by switching up which muscles are working, I should be alr…

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all had a joyous holiday with your family and friends, and got some time to ENJOY the long weekend.  I'll give my reminder from last year toThank Your Bodyand all the wonderful, miraculous things it does for you on a daily basis. 

My Thanksgiving was lovely, thank you!  My mother hosted a delicious dinner, and I spent the evening surrounded by family--wouldn't have it any other way. The only thing missing was a dog, if anyone wants to send one my way. ;)  You're surely also wondering what we ate. One thing that there was plenty of: VEGETABLES.


And plenty of leftovers, which I put to good use.


On Thanksgiving morning after watching the parade, my mom and I took a walk around the neighborhood, and let me say: It was gorgeous! What a perfect fall day! The air was crisp and clean, leaves crunched under our feet, and I just barely needed the sweatshirt I'd put on.  Perfection!  I'd forgotten how much I enjoy just spending time outdoors in the…