If you’re like me, you are constantly looking for easy little ways to burn extra calories. I still have to make myself do the big workout everyday. I know I need it, and I always feel better afterwards, but it often times seems like a chore. So, to ensure I’m getting maximum benefits during the day, I keep small weights at my desk and try to get up and move around often. I’ve even been known to do leg lifts or march in place while on the phone. I figure if I can’t get my lazy rear to the gym everyday at least I can do something. Working a desk job doesn’t burn very many calories, and quite frankly, some days it’s hard to get moving after sitting for long periods of time.
BUT what if I had a Walkstation or a BalanceBall Chair? Have you heard of these? The Walkstation or treadmill desk allows you to walk while you work. At only 1-2 miles per hour, people all over the country are burning hundreds of calories walking at a slow pace while they check email, run reports, blog, talk on the phone, etc. The Walkstation is fairly expensive at around $4000, but with a little research you might find a comparable version for much less. There are even several easy and inexpensive suggestions out there for turning your current treadmill into a working treamill desk. Imagine how fit you could be if you walked all day! I’ve read testimonials from users who have last 30lbs. or more using this new walking desk.
The BalanceBall Chair combines the poplular workout ball with your office chair for a great core workout and posture improvement tool. The design combines fitness and comfort with optimum back support. Designed by chiropractic pioneer, Dr. Randy Weinzoff, the BalanceBall Chair is a huge customer favorite at Gaiam. The bonus for this item is that the ball and the chair are two separate pieces. You can also use the ball on the floor for more traditional abdominal and leg exercises. At Gaiam, this chair is now only $79.98. It comes in four different colors and includes a pump, easy-glide, lockable castor wheels, and an adjustable support bar. If you are interested in the BalanceBall Chair from Gaiam, you can also get free shipping with coupon code AFREESHP through July 9, 2009. I’ve heard about this one so many times recently that I might just have to give it a try myself!
Below is a video for the Walkstation. What do you think? Could you work while you walk? Would your company abandon regular workstations for the new Walkstation? Are you going to finally make use of the treadmill you have at home and turn it into a new desk? What about that BalanceBall Chair? It looks really cool. For more info and a video review, visit Gaiam, the Lifestyle Company.
Back again for another year is the popular Fishers Summer Concert Series in Fishers, Indiana. This concert series is FREE and is hosted on the Thomas A. Weaver Memorial Complex property each Tuesday in June and July from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting June 2, 2009. This event is a perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family for a fun evening outdoors. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the fun! Here’s a glimpse at this year’s schedule. I’ll add dates and update information about each act as it becomes available.
At the request of some very determined girlfriends who are trying to get in shape for summer, I recently went on the hunt for a yummy but calorie friendly dessert. I love to throw a good party and serve lots of delicious food. This past weekend was my turn to host our monthly game night with friends. After contemplating the menu, I decided that anything on the grill would be perfect for our mid May festivities. It would also allow for lighter sides like salads, fresh veggies, and fruit. I added some grilled corn on the cob to round out the meal, and was quite proud of myself for putting together a delicious and healthy spread that everyone could feel good about.
However, what was I to do about dessert? I had already planned to serve my best friend’s favorite, smores. While I’m sure the over the top version with brownie on bottom, crushed graham crackers and marshmallow fluff on top all covered in melted chocolate would have been easily devoured, the guilt would have done us all in! So, I (against all that was in me, to be honest) went looking for something tasty but without all of the guilt. I quickly went to my subscription of Taste of Home’s Healthy Cooking. With easy to prepare recipes that don’t derail the diet, I knew I’d find something acceptable. What I decided on, was a big hit! So much so, I thought I’d share it with all of you.
Blueberry Walnut Bars
2/3 ground walnuts
1/2 cup reduced fat graham cracker crumbs
2 T. + 1/3 cup of Splenda or other sugar substitute
Combine the walnuts, cracker crumbs, 2T. of sweetener, oats, and butter. Press onto bottom of 8×8 square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining sweetener, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat preserves on high for 15-20 seconds until warmed. Gently stir in fresh berries and spoon over filling. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
I didn’t know if my guests would like walnuts, so I left them out and added 2/3 cup of additional graham cracker crumbs. I also doubled the blueberry topping ingredients to add volume without adding fat calories. The dessert was beautiful to look at and very pleasing to the pallette. With only 150 calories per serving that included 3 grams of protein, it is certainly something I would make again. I may even try it with strawberry or raspberry topping next time.
If you are watching your waistline, summer is the perfect season for you! Try eating fresh and using your grill to add delicious flavor without having to have fatty sauces, heavy coatings, or added calories. And when you just have to have a dessert try these Blueberry Walnut Bars or any of the recipes in Taste of Home’s Healthy Cooking! Get your subscription today at Magazines.com. Happy Healthy Eating!!
I was flipping through my Indy Moms flyer today and came across a list of what they called their Top 10 Mother’s Day Wishes. I loved the list so much that I thought I’d share it with you. What do you agree with? What’s not on your list? Is there something missing? What are you hoping for this Mother’s Day?
1. Someone else doing the cooking, cleaning, and otherwise catering to our every demand.
I think I’m going to wish for 1, 3, 5, 9, and 10. I am going to steer clear if at all possible from 6! I hope every mother feels appreciated on Sunday and gets something special from the children who love them. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you, and to my own Mom, I love you so!
Have you ever been so completely disturbed by something that the only way to begin to feel better about it was to take action? That was the case for Kay Warren when she first began to read about and understand the incredible impact of HIV on the world. She was so disturbed, first that she was unaware of how the disease was spread and how it became so dangerous across the globe, and then disturbed that so many people were suffering while she did nothing. She began a journey that has now “ruined” her life.
I had the opportunity to hear Kay speak at a youth ministry conference in February. Her message is so powerful. She spoke of her radical change of heart and shared her story of love and service to those with HIV. Her book Dangerous Surrendertells her story and seeks to call each of us to action when we find ourselves disturbed.
Kay Warren is the wife and partner of Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life. She has been instumental in bringing HIV awareness to the forefront in her community and across the nation. As a two time cancer survivor, she knows the impact of a devastating diagnosis and the need to be surrounded by love as you deal with treatment. You can read Kay’s story in Dangerous Surrender. Your life will be changed!
If you have a heart for those with HIV or are suffering from HIV, you might want to share your story via a photo or video submission. Reyataz is sponsoring the “Fight HIV Your Way” Photo/Video Contest through May 15, 2009. Your story could inspire thousands! Winning entries will be on display in New York’s Grand Central Station and other locations around the country.
