Brrring! Buzzzz! Beeeeep! Ugh. It’s time to wake up. If you’re lucky enough to be the type to pop right out of bed (I never could understand how some people wake up with a smile, raring to go), you might not want to bother reading any further. But, if you’re like me – and I suspect millions of others – who have trouble summoning their inner early bird, or someone for whom pulling the covers over your head feels like a natural reflex - you might want to invest a few minutes in learning some ways to help make the process easier. Turn in 15 minutes earlier every three or four days. { Read More }
It’s Okay Not to Work Out
Did you read that right? If you know me, or read my stuff, you know that I am - and have been for quite a long while - a big fan of exercise. From a very young age, I've always been a person who liked movement- whether it be pacing, walking, running, dancing, biking, fitness classes of any sort. Sitting still? Not my thing. (Unless I'm on a beach, or engrossed in a good book or movie. That's a whole other story.) And then, when I entered this so-called midlife, that "like" of exercise took on a new dimension and also became a pressing "need." Movement and exercise was more than just a fun pastime; it { Read More }
How Fitness Trackers Stack Up
You see them just about everywhere: adorning the wrists of people who look dogged in their determination to log that extra step or mile. They inspire some, bringing out their fiercest competitive streak. For others, they're bothersome and nagging and are soon abandoned. For an article I wrote an article appearing in the February 2016 issue of Family Circle magazine, I tracked the progress of seven of the magazine's staffers, who tried out different versions of these high-tech pedometers. It was interesting to hear their experiences. Thumbs up or down? A bother or an inspiration? What { Read More }
Re-Setting Your Exercise Mojo
I know. It's NOT the new year...but I can't help it. September feels like it might as well be. And you know what happens over the summer. We get complacent. Lazy, even. The long days stretch out and all we want to do is luxuriate in the extra light and lounge as if we're laying on the beach (even if we're not). It's not a "bad" laziness, but rather a type of laissez-faire, laissez le bon temps rouler time of year. (Like my French? That's about the extent of it.) As much as I abhor routines, I do realize the value they have. They help keep you on track; help you plan and stay accountable to yourself. { Read More }
Wondering About the TransFat Ban?
The word “fat” is so confusing – whether it be the type that we wear on our bodies or the type we put into our bodies. Good fats, bad fats, healthy fats, trans fats. What does it all mean? Let’s start with the one that’s been in the news lately – trans fat. A brief history: In the early 1900s a German chemist named Wilhelm Normann discovered a way to turn vegetable or fish oils from liquid to solid or semi-solid by treating them with hydrogen gas. More versatile, longer-lasting and cheaper than animal fats like butter, lard or beef tallow, partially hydrogenated oils like margarine, shortening { Read More }
Pedaling Like Mad (and Getting Nowhere Fast)
“Let’s go to spin class together, mom! There’s a new Soul Cycle that opened in Westport.” How could I resist my darling 29-year-old son’s request? I’m an empty-nester, after all, and we don’t get to spend much one-on-one time together. Jonathan was planning on visiting for the day, and what better way to kick off the morning than with some high-energy exercise? I thought back nostalgically to when he first mastered a two-wheeler, remembering the pride I felt in handing down his bright red trike to his younger brother Jeremy. I longingly thought about our bike rides through the bucolic winding { Read More }
Fitness Expert Joel Harper: How To Train for a Half-Marathon
One of the most exciting and fulfilling things I recently did was complete my very first half-marathon. I never like to use this so-called midlife as an excuse not to do or try something new, but I must admit that I was a just bit wary that I might not be able to do it. But... I did it! And what a feeling of accomplishment that was. So now I'm anxious to spread the message that you can do it, too. Training to complete a half-marathon takes patience, perseverance and persistence. I recently reached out to Dr. Oz's personal trainer, Joel Harper, to get his take on training for a half-marathon. And you { Read More }
Walking: Why Every Step is Special
If you know me, you probably wouldn't be surprised to hear me say that I'm the opposite of a couch potato. I'm of the why-sit-when-you-can-stand variety. In fact, since moving from my house to an apartment, the thing I miss most are my high kitchen countertops which allowed me to stand while working on my computer; perching my laptop on the counters gave me the perfect eye level view. Damn you, new kitchen counters! Can't you just grow about four inches? And on the rare occasions I watch television, you can find me eyeing it while pacing or standing, or jumping up and down at regular intervals to do { Read More }
Need To Know: Seven Important Flu Shot Facts
Did you get your flu shot yet? It's not too early! Although the flu usually peaks around January and February, it can start as early as...now. And if you get the shot now, you'll be protected for the season. I'm assuming you do get a flu vaccine. Don't you? I recently wrote an article about flu shots and my research taught me a lot I didn't know. And it's possible you don't know these things either. I'm anxious to share some important facts: 1. This year, there's a new version of flu vaccine. It's called the Standard Four-Strain Vaccine (or Quadrivalent) and protects against four strains rather { Read More }