November 22nd, 2011 admin
Only 5 1/2 weeks left in 2011! Can you believe how fast this year is going?
The holiday season is already upon us and with that usually comes an extra few pounds. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are a few small changes that you can make that will help you not gain weight during the holidays!
1. AMP up your workouts during this time of year. If you are short on time, try a tabata workout! It’s an intense 4 min workout. Everybody has 4 minutes!
2. Keep track of what you are eating. Knowing that you have to write down everything that you eat will probably make you think twice before eating it.
3. Drink TONS of water! Staying hydrated will not only help you feel fuller it will boost your energy throughout the day.
4. Fill your plate with vegetables FIRST! This will leave you only a little room for all the high carb deliciousness and desserts!
5. Last but not least, ALLOW yourself to indulge a little! If you don’t you’ll probably overindulge.
This time of the year is supposed to be about family not food. So enjoy this beautiful holiday season with your family!
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Strength Conditioning, Training | No Comments »
September 25th, 2011 admin
Breakfast is one of the most important meals you can eat, so it makes sense that the same is true for kids. Breakfast is what helps jump start their metabolism for the rest of the day. Whether you are a parent or a teacher, it’s imperative that we are helping kids get a healthy start to their day.
Research has shown that students who eat breakfast have a general increase in their math grades and reading scores. That’s because a good breakfast jump starts their brain and body making them alert and ready for their school day. Studies have also found that students who eat breakfast generally have better health and a better attendance record.
Now that kids are back in school it can be hard to fit in a decent breakfast with the mornings being so busy. The truth is kids really don’t need that much to get them going in the morning. Here are a few simple breakfast ideas:
- Scrambled eggs and toast.
- Apple and Peanut Butter
- Smoothie with Whey protein
- Fruit medley
- Oatmeal
Make it a point to encourage your students to get a healthy breakfast before their busy day of school begins. You’ll help them get off to a healthy start in school and in life. Your students will thank you for it in the end.
Posted in Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Teachers | No Comments »
August 20th, 2011 admin
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your body. 75% Americans are dehydrated while only 50% of the world is. The worst part of that stat is that dehydration is 100% preventable.
Your body loses about 2.5 quarts a day and that doesn’t include when you work out or do anything strenuous. Studies have shown that for every 1% of water weight that we lose our ability to work or exercise goes down by 10%. You may not think that dehydration effects your body very much but it does whether you realize it or not.
When a person is dehydrated there are many things it does to their body. Dehydration causes your organs to use more blood due to the lack of water in your system. Lack of hydration causes cells to shrink and the water surrounding cells diminishes, causing cells to not function properly. If your cells and organs are not working the way that they should be your body can’t work at it’s full potential.
Now that you know the problems that can arise from it, let’s look at how we can tell if we are dehydrated. A few signs are nausea, muscle cramps and dry mouth. If you feel extremely thirsty most likely you are already slightly dehydrated. If you are well hydrated your urine should be a light almost clear color.
A key part to preventing dehydration is knowing what your proper water intake should be. Everyone’s intake will differ depending on gender, age, weight and environmental conditions. Try to drink about 1/2 of your body weight to start. Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you stay hydrated due to their high water content. If you are doing a strenuous activity make sure you drink plenty of water. Also if you happen to be flying anywhere staying hydrated is important.
Being aware of your body and it’s needs will help you live a healthier life. So drink up!
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Teachers | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2011 admin
Can you believe it is already July? Honestly, where has this year gone? How are you doing on your resolutions and goals for 2011? Instead of looking at it like this year is almost over and I haven’t achieved nearly as much as I would have liked. Let’s look at it as this year is half way over time to step up my game and get it done! There is still plenty of time to get done whatever it is you want/need to get done. So do it!
This weekend most of us will be spending a lot of time with the ones we love. You’ll be at picnics, where you’ll be tempted with all sorts of goodies. Don’t feel guilty if you treat yourself a little. Just remember moderation is key!
You’ll probably be enjoying a couple of parades and fireworks too. Don’t worry too much about getting to the gym. Instead of actually going to the gym, why not work out outside? This weekend is all about having fun, so try something new. Invite your family to join in the fun.
Also, don’t forget to remember what Independence Day is really all about. We are able to celebrate this day because many brave men and women have given up their lives so we could be free. If you see someone in uniform, make sure you thank them!. They have given up so much to fight for our freedom.
Happy 4th of July!
Posted in Community Activities, Events, Fitness, Food, Health, Obesity, Sports | No Comments »
June 24th, 2011 admin
What are you feeding your kids? I’m not only talking about the food you are giving them to eat. But what are you feeding them physically, mentally and emotionally?
We all know it is important to feed our kids healthy food. We even know what we should be serving them, more veggies less sweets. But did you know that only 5% of kids are getting their right amount of vegetables? Do you realize what your kids are eating now is greatly influencing their eating habits for the rest of their lives? Studies have shown that if kids get used to high-fat snacks and sugary drinks the more likely they will continue eating the same way throughout their lifetime. Encourage your kids to eat healthy snacks and drink water, so that down the road they won’t have to try to get over those bad food habits. Childhood is where we need to start the fight against obesity.
What we mentally feed are kids is extremely important as well. Do you encourage your kids to read? Or to explore different interests? Whether its music, sports or art, urge them to try new things. If they are interested in art, sign them up for a class at a local studio. If it’s music they love, send them to music camp. If reading is their things, take them to the library and sign them up for a book club. Whatever it is that they enjoying doing, encourage them to continually grow their minds.
Another essential thing to think about is what are you feeding your kids emotionally? Do you encourage your kids and praise them when they accomplish something? Or do you nit pick and only point out what they could have done better? Do you hug your kids and tell them you love them? You might think “I provide for my kids so certainly they know I love them.” That’s not always the case. Your kids need to hear it. They need to have a relationship with you. They need you to guide them but also be willing to listen to them. Kids are effected by our words more than you realize. So tell your kids you love them and are proud of them each and everyday.
Remember what you feed your kids today physically, mentally and emotionally molds them into the grown ups they will become tomorrow!
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Sports, Teachers | No Comments »
October 30th, 2010 admin
Is your school short on funding? Would you like to bring MECKids.com to your school but not sure how? Learn how to apply for a physical education, nutrition and technology grant and bring MECKids.com interactive health and fitness to your curriculum today. Contact Fran Bishop for more details: franb@afmsco.com or 866-659-3400.
Posted in Education, Fitness, Food, Uncategorized | No Comments »
September 29th, 2010 christina
Looking for something fun to do with your family? Well next month is October as soon enough Halloween will be right around the corner! Try carving pumpkins with your family and coming together to make a nice Halloween dinner with my favorite for dessert, pumpkin pie! Tell us what activities you like to do with your family for fun in a comment!
-Christina =)
Posted in Food, Health, meckids | 1 Comment »
September 27th, 2010 christina
Here’s a suprising health fact you may have never known before:
Did you know that one out of every three Americans has eiather diabetes or pre-diabetes!
It’s important to be healthy and reduce the amount of candy and sugar you consume on a daily basis to prevent diabates from happening!
Tell us how you feel about this important subject in a comment!
-Christina =)
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids | No Comments »
September 26th, 2010 christina
“How-To” make the delicious and healthy treat for a hot day, Strawberry Smoothies!
Ingredients:
2 ice cubes
1 c. milk
1/3 c. cottage cheese
2/3 c. frozen strawberries
1½ tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Pour all of the ingredients into the blender.
Put the lid on the blender and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth.
Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy.
Nutritional analysis (per serving):
289 calories
19 g protein
2 g fat
49 g carbohydrate
3 g fiber
7 mg cholesterol
430 mg sodium
369 mg calcium
0.8 mg iron
Recipe from kidshealth.org!
-Christina =)
What’s your favorite healthy treat?
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity | 1 Comment »
September 23rd, 2010 christina
Looking for a quick and healthy snack for on the go? Try some of these yummy lower cal picks and tell us your favorite in a comment!
1)1 McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait (160 calories)
2)1 package Original Apple Nature Valley Fruit Crisps (50 calories)
3)One 100-calorie Balance Bar (100 calories)
-Christina =)
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity | 2 Comments »
