Archive for September, 2007
It always seems to be much easier to follow healthy habits until the weekend whirlwind comes along. Weekends are supposed to be a time of relaxation, however we all seem to become a little too relaxed. What happens at 5pm on Fridays that makes the weekend hours so tempting to indulge??
On average, Americans consume 345 extra calories on each weekend day. This can add up to an extra 5 lbs per year! As weekends are an escape from the stress and chaos of the work week, try to incorporate healthy stress-free ways to wind down. Even those pesty chores- such as yard work and cleaning house - count as exercise! Try not to fall off the wagon on the weekends as playing catch up might possibly make your week even more stressful.
Is it Happy Hour or Friday night at the theaters (equipped with popcorn and soda) that takes you off track or is the ability to hit the snooze button until noon? By determining what leads you astray over the weekends, you can incorporate ways to help prevent these slips. A few tips for keeping your weekend healthy:
- Keep up with your journaling over the weekends. This will help you determine exactly where you tend to go off track.
- Combine family time with exercise. Take a family bike ride or a trip to a local park. Even pack a healthy picnic and spend the day outside!
- Plan to cook healthy meals you normally don’t have time for during the week. All of the extra time on the weekend gives you a perfect reason for trying new things!
- Make one weekend day your day off from exercise. Relax, you need a day to recuperate!
- Plan your weekend work-outs for the a.m. You are more likely to do it - if you can get it done early.
- Spice up your weekend work-outs. This is the perfect time for a long bike ride, to try a new class at the gym, or spend extra time outdoors.
- Run errands that you can incorporate walking/biking to and from. Get things done while also staying active.
- Yardwork and chores such as vacuuming, raking leaves, etc do count as exercise!
- Don’t save all indulgences for the weekend. If you deprive yourself all week, you may over-do your splurges!
- Make sure you drink plenty of water.
- When dining out or attending social functions, make sure you leave prepared. Don’t go starving or the temptation to over-eat will be tough to overcome!
- If possible, avoid alcohol. Not only is alcohol very high in calories, but when you consume alcohol you are more likely to overeat and become dehydrated — which is not encouraging to exercise the next day!
Staying on track during the weekends can be tough, but with these tips and motivation, it can be done! The weekend is made for relaxation, which you can do while staying healthy. Remember, exercise is the best stress reducer!
HAVE A WONDERFUL HEALTHY WEEKEND!
Source: Sparkpeople.com
September 28th, 2007
Relaxation and flexibility aside, yoga and pilates are often thought to be the same. A way to strengthen your body as well as relax and stretch. This may be true, however there are many differences between the two outside of the mat!
The first difference is Origin. Yoga is an ancient form of meditation practiced for over 5,000 years. An Indian practice, yoga has evolved over the years into many other cultures and forms. Pilates was created during the 20th century by a man named Joseph Pilates. Originally created for athletic rehabilitation, dancers have embraced pilates as a way to improve their strength and performance.
Number two. Mind, body…and spirit. Yoga involves the three aspects of this connection, whereas pilates is focused more on mind-body. Spirituality plays a strong role in yoga, especially through meditation.
The classroom is where you will find a few differences in the two. Because there are so many variations of yoga and over tens of thousands of routines, every class is bound to be different. Yoga is very dependent on the style of the teacher as well as the level of class. Pilates is much different in that the classes are pretty similar. In pilates, you may work on a mat or also on a reformer ( machine).
You may think that yoga and pilates are only for relaxation and stretching. However, yoga and pilates have great strengthening benefits. Flexibility and stress reduction are both components, however the two focus differently on strength. Yoga takes a more full body approach. Pilates, however, almost always involve movements that increase core and spine strength.
Another difference with the two is the type of breathing involved. You may not think that this is an important difference, however, breathing and concentration play an important part of relaxation. Yoga uses breathing with the movements, in which yogis breath in and out through the nose. Pilates teaches to breath in through the nose, exhaling with the mouth.
Last, but definitely not least, which is for you? It all depends on your own personal fitness goals. If your primary focus is on relaxation, flexibility and stress management, yoga may be for you. If you are looking to improve core strength with an added flexibility benefit, you may be best suited in pilates. However, it never hurts to try anything once. Who knows, you may end up enjoying both!
For more information on pilates and yoga and other health topics, visit here.
September 27th, 2007
Our Healthy Habits Summer Sweepstakes has finally come to an end…and it’s time to pick the winners! The six finalists were chosen by our Program Staff based on “Healthy Habits” entries, but also due to their positive attitude and representation of H3I. These six finalists have a chance of winning a two-week stay in our Healthy Lifestyle program, as well as a one-year gym membership of choice.
The six finalists are:
1. Rita Olson
2. Fran Timpanaro
3. Devon Halpern
4. Ken Galeano
5. Nick Lynch
6. Scott Shickler
Voting begins Monday September 24th and concludes Sunday October 14th. The winners, one male and one female, will be announced Wednesday October 17th.
Click here to read each “Healthy Habits” essay and learn how you can vote!
September 21st, 2007
When trying to fulfill our weekly servings of heart healthy fish, many of us pull out the chopsticks and head to the bar. The sushi bar, that is. However, even the trip to the sushi bar can be a calorie counter’s worst nightmare. Sushi is a great way to incorporate fish servings and fresh vegetables, but include the mayonnaise based sauces and fried fish tempura and the calories start adding up. As we like to say at the Health Institute, sushi is a great example of “Unwise, Better, Best”.
The “Unwise” Choices
1. Tempura Rolls, ie. deep-fried, can have as many as 500 calories and 20 grams of fat. Not to mention cholesterol raising breading and frying.
2. Spicy Tuna and other mayo based rolls may be a popular choice, however these rolls contain 450 calories and 11g of saturated fat!
3. Philadelphia Roll, which seems to be an American creation, includes salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. These rolls, however tasty, can have at least 300 calories and 10 grams of fat. Keep in mind, the more cream cheese, the more calories!
4. Dragon Roll and other rolls made with eel is also high in calories and fat grams. Only one ounce of eel has 3 grams of fat.
All of these options contain the heart healthy omegas, but all of the extras make the calories skyrocket!
The “BEST” Choices
1. Assorted sashimi is the sliced fish on top of rice. These non-roll options cut 30 calories per piece. Plus the assortment includes just enough of the omega-3 to give you benefits and flavor.
2. Veggie Rollsincluding cucumber and tangy pickled vegetables are fat free and low in calories with about 150 per roll. These veggie rolls also include needed vitamins and minerals.
3. Edamame (Soybeans)are not exactly sushi, but are a very popular menu item. These soybeans are great sources of fiber, folate, iron and protein. Half of a cup steamed contains only 127 calories and 11 grams of protein.
4. Squid (Ika) and Octopus (Tako) may not sound as appealing, but are high in protein, iron and vitamin B. These are also very low in calories (25) and almost fat free.
As with most everything, remember: Moderation is key. You may still enjoy a Dragon Roll or bite of Shrimp Tempura every so often, but try to split the roll with a friend or save half for later. Remember to go easy on the Soy Sauce!
Source : Yahoo Foods Beauty Eats
September 20th, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
Hilton Head Health Institute Named “Best for Weight Loss in 5th Annual Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards
Hilton Head, South Carolina (September 19, 2007) - Spa Finder, Inc., the global spa resource, has announced that the Hilton Head Health Institute has been named among the top-10 best spas in the world for “Best for Weight Loss” in its fifth annual Spa Finder Readers’ Choice Awards. Based on thousands of votes submitted by Spafinder.com and Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, the awards represent the most complete consumer assessment of the global spa market.
“Now in its fifth year, our Readers’ Choice Awards have become the industry’s premier award program - the spa world’s answer to the Academy Awards,” said Spa Finder, Inc. President Susie Ellis. “With a huge surge in international voting and more than twice as many votes overall compared to last year, this represents an especially meaningful validation of the spa experience provided by Hilton Head Health Institute.”
The Hilton Head Health Institute enjoys a 31-year reputation as the premier weight loss program in the United States. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler/Gold List as one of the top 10 Spas in North America, the Health Institute is an exclusive residential weight loss retreat where guests attend the Healthy LifestyleTM program to improve their overall health and wellness, with a focus on nutrition, fitness, and education in a resort environment.
To help spa consumers identify the best spas for their unique goals, Spa Finder asked its readers and web visitors to name their picks for the best spas in 23 specific categories - from “best accomodations” and “best cuisine” to “best for men” and “best urban hotel spa.” Spa-goers also selected their favorite spas in more than 20 global regions and their overall favorite spas on six continents. In all, ballots were cast for more than 1,500 different spa properties worldwide. Voters were asked to only cast ballots for stay spas they’ve personally visited within the past three years.
Visit Spafinder.com for a Complete List of 2007 Readers’ Choice Winners. A complete listing of Readers’ Choice Award winners will be featured in Spa Finder’s 2008 Global Spa Finder, the definitive worldwide spa directory, and can be viewed at http://www.spafinder.com/spaguide/readerschoice/2007.jsp.
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September 19th, 2007
When you start to crave a fresh out of the oven, chocolate covered donut, do you ever stop to think why? Or are all of your thoughts based on finding the nearest Krispy Kreme? A Special Health Report from Time Magazine covers “The Way We Eat”, which researchers explore the reasons behind why we eat.
Included in the research are stories on cravings and why we are “hardwired” to crave the wrong things. Not only can you get insight on the scientific reasons for these longings, but get tips on how to stop them. Also more information on the “Big Three”- three of the most popular fad diets.
This special report is definitely worthy of exploring. Learn more about the science behind your appetite and the next time you want to visit the local donut shop, you will be more aware of why!
September 18th, 2007
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