Sleep.....Getting Enough?

According to WebMd, the amount of sleep you need increases if you have been deprived of sleep in previous days.  Eventually your body will demand that you sleep more, and more, to catch up on the sleep that was once lost.  While some adjust to a sleep schedule that requires little to no sleep at all (i don't know how they do it!), there are consequences of not getting the amount that your body needs.  Too little sleep may cause depression, memory problems, weakening of your immune system increasing your odds of becoming sick, and increases your perception of pain. 
Depending on different factors, like age, here is the recommended amount of sleep your body needs each night:

Infants require about 16 hours a day.
Most adults need 7 to 8 hours a night for the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day.
Women in the first 3 months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual.

Experts say that if you feel drowsy during the day, your body hasn't had enough of the sleep it needs.

Benefits of Stretching Before Bed

I find myself always stretching, it helps relieve tension.  It's true what they say...

Stretching improves performance in any sport or fitness routine, reduces recovery time and injury, and aides in a better nights sleep.  Stretching also relieves muscle tension and mental tension.

You don't have to devote too much time to stretching.... All you need is a few minutes.  Stretch before bed to make your body that much healthier.

FREE Nutrition Services At Your Local Supermarket!

ShopRite now offers a variety of nutritional services to its customers.  Each supermarket has it's own 'Retail Dietitian', where anyone interested can obtain nutritional advice, counseling, and attend community programs and events.  Information can be found on the store's website.  Posters such as the one below, are advertised in retail stores as well.  I had taken this photo while shopping at my local ShopRite.  

Walking for a Cause (continued)

Below you will find an example of one of the rewards from March for Babies for your participation.  This just goes to show the organization's appreciation for ANY contribution you make!

Dr. Oz's "green drink"

Dr. Oz created a simple plan to improve 5 key aspects of your health.  One of the drinks is said to slow down aging, packed with anti-aging antioxidants.

Mix in a blender to make 3 to 4 cups:
2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1/2 tsp. ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
the juice of 1 lime 
the juice of 1 lemon

#INSPIRATION

Dish Up Some Healthy Meals For St. Patty's Day!

The holidays are a good excuse to drink and eat delicious foods.  You can enjoy some traditional St. Patty's Day dishes that won't pack on the pounds.  However, I can't promise that the beverages won't. ;)

Well, Here are a few recipes that are featured on EatingWell.com.  Enjoy!

Simple Ways to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Thanks to an article from Author Katie Morford, here are four habits that help maintain a healthy weight.  

1. Lay off the liquid calories.
2. Watch portions.
3. Close the kitchen after dinner.
4. Exercise!

How likely are you to follow and stick to these healthy habits?  Click Me!

De-Stress With Exercise

There is a direct connection between exercise and stress.  Exercise can increase your overall health and your sense of well-being.  I found out first hand after the birth of my first baby, nearly 6 years ago.  The stress of being a new mom, not to mention the exhaustion and moodiness that came along with it, was something that I needed to manage.  I found that working out was one of the best ways for me to manage my stress.

The good news is, you can do any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga.  I chose Pilates.  For me, it seemed to fall somewhere in the middle of the two.  By incorporating Pilates into my daily routine, I have reaped the benefits of not only being physically fit, but the levels of stress in my life have significantly decreased.
"Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries," according to the Mayo Clinic Staff.  Tackle stress with exercise and you may see a few of these benefits:

• Pumping up your endorphins. - 

Physical activity results in the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.

• Meditation in motion. - 

Regular movement and physical activity may help you focus more on tasks, and result in energy and optimism. 

• Improving your mood. - 

Regular exercise can increase self-confidence, giving you a sense of control over your body and your life.  Exercise can also lower symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. 

Walking for a Cause

As a mother of two, one of which born prematurely, I find programs and events dedicated to raising awareness, supporting and giving hope to families that help babies begin a healthy life to be an eye opening experience.  Supporting a good cause can also be a fun and rewarding experience.  #MarchforBabies

Why Walk?

Sign up today to be a part of your local community and give hope to more than half a million babies that are born too soon each year.  Since 1970, the March for Babies, founded by the March of Dimes, has been walking to raise money to benefit all babies.  Today, communities across the nation have raised $2 billion. Volunteering helps raise money to support programs in local communities that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.  It also funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten babies.

  
About The March of Dimes:

The March of Dimes helps moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies.  Their mission is being there to save babies.  If something goes wrong the March of Dimes, with the help of volunteers, offer information and comfort to families.  The March of Dimes researches problems that threaten babies, and work on preventing them.   Log onto marchofdimes.com for current news and information on local events, health education, Washington updates, and the latest breakthroughs.

Getting to know YOU.  Tell me a little bit about yourself with this short survey!

5 Simple Questions About You!

 

I must admit, working out can be fun...

PILATES for Healthy Living

Check it out!

Video of the Day...Just Dance!

Active and Healthy! Here is some of my inspiration! 

http://t.co/QsGFdvpola

My Daughter, Elizabeth