Balancing the January Craze
- Michelle Montezon Halaska
- Jan 3, 2018
- 2 min read
Well happy to say, it happened again, a New Year...
January is known for the pendulum swinging from feast and fatigue to famine and exercise. Why must we be such extreme creatures? Seems like feast and exercise and famine and fatigue are more likely partners. But...it is what it is, and it has been this way for many moons.
I advocate for balance! What about easing into the new year with 3 days of the week- Monday, Wednesday and Friday fasting? On those days, broth, herbal teas and water are the only liquids consumed throughout the day, and you'll enjoy dinner at the end of your fast day. Mini fasting or intermittent fasting will rest your body from the busy work of digesting and the highs and lows of blood glucose.
A book worth reading, "The Obesity Code - Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss", will give you the science as to how the hormones cortisol and insulin contribute to weight gain. There are many methods of intermittent fasting, I recommend learning them, and finding if this is good fit for you.
If intermittent fasting is something you might want to try in 2018, look back on the past blogs where I have offered easy broth recipes that will get you through the hunger pains. There are also some wonderful herbal teas that taste as good as they sound "candy cane decaf green tea" or "ginger and turmeric tea" can both be found at Trader Joe's, while supplies last.
Along with trying mini-fasting, you may want to try mini-exercise. On your non-fasting days, walk 10 minutes after each meal. Three 10 minute exercise sessions have been proven to be just as effective as a 30 minute exercise session.
To keep track of your movement goals, there are many smart phone apps that cater to short workouts. A free app that I enjoy using is the "7 minute workout" by Wahoo Fitness, which showcases daily workouts that combine strength training and cardio training. Another great app that is easy to use, and great for tracking exercises is myfitnesspal.
Sworkit has sound workout advice though does cost $2.99 for non-Apple users to download, and Freeletics has 10-30 minute workouts to choose from and it is free. Not only would this be more manageable, but it would also be cost effective.
Speaking of mini, I love the mini trampoline. Mini trampolines bring out the bed-jumping kid in all of us! Get a great cardio workout while toning your legs and
strengthening your core. A good brand for mini trampolines are Urban Rebounder or Jumpsport. Make sure you get a trampoline with a stabilizing bar for added safety, it's worth the investment to keep your body in alignment and safe while you jump your way to a healthier you!
Put on some Jumpin' Jack Flash and have a gas, gas, gas!
Cheers to your wellness,
Michelle
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