Recipes for Health

Recipes for Health- NY Times



Hey everyone!! I found some really great recipes in the fitness section of the NY Times (online version) that really have a lot to offer.  I know I have given you many recipes and ideas for things that you might not have realized could be so easy, but you should definitely take a look at these.  The use of the ingredients that they list is really interesting and are things I don't think I would have normally been inspired by, but between the well-written article, and the enticing pictures, I got curious!  Go check it out, I promise it won't let you down!!

 

Yummy artichokes can make or break a salad!






















Blueberries are full of nutrients!

Red cabbage adds flavor AND color to a yummy meal :)

Eating Disorders, Things to Look For

TODAY Health- Beyond Anorexia, bulimia: Lesser known eating disorders

   
      Okay, so this article was interesting and has always been something that I have had pretty strong feelings about.  I have seen a couple friends suffer through eating disorders, and it has been something that has been pretty difficult for me to watch.  First, I want to say that if you know anyone going through this, PLEASE please please get them to a counselor or find a way to help them.  As someone with experience in this department, it is a very touchy subject and you have to go about it the right way.  The people going through these things are obviously psychologically unstable- as eating disorders are symptoms of psychological issues.  They may take offense to things you are "accusing" them of.  They are your friend, and you care enough about them to try to save their life- so let them know this FIRST.  Read over this article, it's about other types of eating disorders, things we haven't all heard of.  The article includes things to look for, and to think about for yourself- as you could possibly be subject to one, too.
Remember, this isn't something that only females are subject to... obviously...

     I know it's tempting to skip meals, and sometimes it's inevitable.. so I understand.  I know we don't all have the best eating habits, but when it gets out of control, is when we begin to have problems.  
     Look out for your friends and loved ones because these disorders can be very life threatening and you wouldn't want to lose them.. so do everything you can to keep them.


Sorry for the serious blog.. I promise my next one will be more uplifting!! 


Keep saving, this time of year is crazy busy with things you will want to be doing, but spend wisely!!


Peace and good health,
-Skinny Student

Oh, goodness. Must read this...

  ATTENTION WOMEN.. THIS IS TRAGIC. AND IT MUST CHANGE.

            Come on ladies, really?  I was looking at Fox News and I found an article about women, and our exercise habits.. not good.  It says that we are HALF as likely to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.. THIRTY minutes? I wonder why this is, really...

             
      My thoughts are that we are too busy, and men don't do anything..ever. JOKING JOKING!!

I really want to know your thoughts about this, men and women, and I want to come to a conclusion.  There is no excuse for women to not be exercising.  It makes everything better, really.  I don't  know if it's a motivation problem, or what, but it needs to change.  

            One idea that I had is the whole gym-scene problem.  I know guys like to compare themselves to other guys, see who's bigger- that sort of thing.  Women would just rather snap a finger and they be skinny, am I right?  

     Well, this isn't going to happen.  We do have a harder time shedding fat, but it can still be done! Don't lose hope!!  We may have to spend more time in our running shoes, but it CAN be done.  We just have to stick to a schedule and make ourselves get off the couch or out of the office to get some fresh air.  Go walking if your body can't handle impact of running (I'm getting there, trust me!), hit a treadmill, do some lunges, abs, jumping jacks, ANYTHING. For thirty minutes a day, get out there and DO something!! I tend to get more and more motivated when the weather is so beautiful, and where I am, there's no hiding that fact.  Everyone gets out and goes for a jog- it's like the whole campus just joined the cross country team- people come out of the woodwork for this weather! 

        Find something that motivates you, and surround yourself with it.  While you're doing this, watch what you're eating.  Just because you're exercising more than normal doesn't mean you can eat candy all day.  (Not saying that I don't have those days, because I definitely do.)  You will probably think less about food, anyway.  I know when I think about eating after I have done so well (running at least once a day, realistically) with exercising, I have to force myself to eat- and I usually choose all veggies (the vegetarian thing didn't last past the Easter ham, haha).  

        Anyway, I hope this helps a little, and be sure to check out this article that I'm posting below.. it's good stuff. Well, it could be better.. but you know what I mean!!

      Save those pennies, and I hope you're having a great week!! 

Be sure to comment and tell me your thoughts after you read the article :)

-Skinny student

Fox News Link

Acai Berries and Diets

Hey friends :)


So I was browsing today looking for some blog-worthy news stories, and I ran across a local article, which I've included below!  This woman followed an acai berry diet and it worked really well for her! 
Fulton News Story

I want to know what your thoughts are on diets, because I have my own opinions.  It seems to me that everyone I hear about going on a diet- no matter what it is, pills, calorie counting, no-carbs- I feel like they gain the "dramatic weight loss" back within a matter of months or even weeks of stopping the diet- or even just not following as strictly as they began.  I don't know, I think the goal of diets is to change the way we eat, ultimately.  I have never been a fan of organized diets, and I'd rather eat healthy food and be active than count my calorie intake, cut out carbs, or take a pill to enhance hormones or some nonsense.  I think people get on diets because they feel like they cannot commit themselves without something structured- but I wonder if anything could be said to compare the type of people who get on organized diets and how well they do once they stop them.  Speaking of that, can we really "stop" dieting?  Or, at this point, has it become a way of life.  So many questions I ponder!  Let me know your thoughts??

Keep saving pennies :)


Also, update!: I am trying the vegetarian scene, any tips on how to succeed?? I only eat meat when I eat fast food, really, but I am trying to do it all across the board!
AND: I have officially begun my own person 2-a-days.. that is, running twice a day whenever possible.  I run at least a mile in the morning and again around 5pm... keeps my body moving and my metabolism running!!  Between runs, I'm sipping lots of H2O and coffee in the mornings :)


Hopefully I can inspire YOU!


Peace and Savings-
SkinnyStudent

Benefits of Iced Coffee

The Perfect Iced Coffee






Pioneer Woman's Perfect Iced Coffee = Skinny Student's Perfect Breakfast!
This woman is terrific!! She really knows what she is doing here, and coffee is a cheap, great way to help stay skinny!!
Coffee helps us speed up our metabolism and, at least for me, fills me up!  I know we're not supposed to skip breakfast, but for those of us who force things down our throats to get through our morning classes, coffee is a perfect substitution.  The point of breakfast is to get your body moving- and coffee does just that!! 
I'd take a big glass of 10 calorie iced coffee ANYDAY over a pancake or even a bowl of cereal.  
The mason jar is a great touch, too. Have your coffee your way!
I like to add skim milk and a little zero sugar caramel or even raspberry syrup (Starbucks' is SO GOOD.) to add a little pizazz!


I want some right now, so that's what I'm going to go do!! 


(if you cant stand the taste of coffee, add milk and sugar substitutes until you get used to it, you might surprise yourself!)


Keep saving those pennies- Summer is on it's way!!


-Skinny Student <3

Money Troubles

Hey friends :)
I hope your weekend was as lovely as YOU!! At the same time, I hope your week is moving in the right direction, and I hope you're saving money and budgeting when you can.. remember to drop those pennies whenever you get the opportunity!!


Today's post may be brief, but I just felt like relaying some of my thoughts.


I have found that when I go to spend money, whether it be a dollar or 30 dollars, I really stop and think about where my money is going, and if I should be saving it for other things that I'll need in the near future.  I know it's not easy to deny yourself that new pair of jeans or soda at the gas station (these are just the things that give me trouble) but you really do feel better if you tell yourself you have enough pairs of jeans, and you don't really need the soda, and substitute it for water or something at home.  Now, I'm not saying, and never will say, to not treat yourself every now and then... that's just silly.  It is important to give yourself little gifts every once and a while, to satisfy cravings that could intensify if they're not met.  It's like when you are hungry, eat, before you're starving, and OVEReat. Catch what I'm saying?


That's just my little tidbit of advice for the day... let yourself have little things you want when you really think it's okay.  But pay attention to your gut feeling when it's saying "you know you're going to want to spend money next week on that vacation"... because you know it's right!!!


Have a great week!!
Leave me your comments so I know what you guys like and what you're not liking!! 
Thanks :)


peace and love,
-Skinny Student

Tips for Speeding Up Your Metabolism

Welcome back :) I hope you all had a lovely weekend and learned a little- or at least paid closer attention to your habits this go around- I know I did!! I didn't have any drunken fast food- and I saved my money by buying cheaper mixers and better food earlier in the week- trying to keep that going.


I'd like to talk about something today that a lot of people tend to forget about- which can help SO MUCH.
Help with what, you ask?  STAYING SKINNY.  And that, my friends... is metabolism.
This vital little piece of our diet is so important and is also so overlooked.  So many habits and foods alike can raise or lower our metabolism- and we might not even know!


For starters, stay hydrated.  Water does more for our bodies than you think it does.  Without being fully hydrated, we can't metabolize our food to its fullest potential.  Don't drink sugary drinks to get water, just go for straight up H2O.. and you can't go wrong.  Drink a glass before a meal, and not only will you eat less, but you will start metabolizing sooner!!
Next, get exercise.. this may be an obvious one, but do you know why?? Muscle burns calories faster than fat, so increase your muscle mass, and increase your metabolism!  They suggest exercising before eating, so it burns off faster! (definitely changing my routine)


Increase your FIBER and PROTEIN intake.. they are difficult for our bodies to digest, meaning that it works harder to burn it off (aka a higher rate of metabolism).  Some foods that are rich in protein are turkey, chicken, fish and egg whites.  As far as fiber goes, stick to spinach, broccoli, oatmeal and nuts.


5 THINGS TO NEVER EAT.. if possible:
1. Orange Juice
2. Artificial sweeteners
3. Whole Wheat bread
4. Butter
5. SoyMilk


Just a little something to think about next time you go to the store.  Check out labels! Do a little research and then go!  

Check out the link where I got this info for a few more details!!
5 Foods to Never Eat (if you want to lose weight)