Author Archives: Fiona Bryan

Squeeze It In ~ Dish Lifts

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cardio-1

No time to exercise? That excuse is gone forever with SqueezeItIn.com – the website that teaches you to “let life be your workout!” Founders Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar are trying to change the way you think about fitness and challenging you to Squeeze It In with clever and effective exercises you can fit into your daily routine. We’ll be posting regular tips from SqueezeItIn.com, like this one that will have you looking forward to putting away the dishes.

From Jenny & Brigette – The SqueezeItIn.com Girls:

Let’s face it, gals, we’ve “convenienced” ourselves to death – literally. You barely have to get off the couch or break a sweat to do anything anymore – and as appealing as that sounds, it’s just not healthy. We’re not saying give up the conveniences – really, just try to take my laptop or cell phone – I dare you. But remember, people used to wash clothes on rocks, not the permanent press cycle. And this is precisely why Laura Ingalls never needed a gym membership.
This isn’t to say you’re not busy. We know you are! If your life is a gym (and you know it is), then work it out! There are endless ways to squeeze in great exercises throughout your busy (and convenience-filled) day and you can find many of them on SqueezeItIn.com.
Now we know it’s a very long trip from the couch to the gym. So why not slip in a few great toning exercises right where you live – in your kitchen?
When ABC’s Diane Sawyer (yes, THE Diane Sawyer) saw this exercise she said, “Every dish is an opportunity!” Right you are, Diane! We hope this helps you to see all the wonderful opportunities to “let life be your workout!” No go unload that dishwasher. Great calves are just a load away.

Dish Lifts Slate

Click on the photo above to view a video of this exercise.

How to do it: While putting dishes away, rise up onto toes.  Hold for a 3-count of SQUEEZE-IT-IN.  Come down slowly onto heels.  Repeat until all dishes are back in cupboards or for at least 2 sets of 12.
cardio

Cardio: Every good workout must include cardio. Click here to see examples of our easy, do-anywhere cardio moves.

Visit SqueezeItIn.com every week for new exercise videos and nutrition tips. Coming soon: The SqueezeItIn.com Let life be your workout! DVD featuring an exclusive 30-minute workout along with dozens of SqueezeItIn.com moves you can use throughout your busy day.
Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar co-founded SqueezeItIn.com as a wellness solution to help busy people find time to exercise, improve their lives, and “let life be their workout!”
Please Note: You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program.

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Changing My Body In 30 Days

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I fell in love with Earth Footwear a few months ago just before the Type-A Mom Conference.  I purchased a pair of the Kalso light shoes because my buddy Leah from Bookieboo swore they were comfy and that I’d burn calories just by wearing them.  I’m an exercise freak but if I can tone and burn calories just by wearing a pair of shoes?   I’m all over it!  I was skeptical though.  I’ve spent a gazillion dollars on the ugliest MBT shoes you’ve ever seen, simply because my skinny minnie gal friends wear them.  Honestly, I don’t think they did much for me except that I did feel mighty tall in them.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I felt totally SORE after working out with Tracey Mallet and Leah at Type A Mom Conference Earth Footwear booth.  Keep in mind that I’m a strong girl that hits the gym hard consistently.  A fluke, perhaps … or not?

I was totally excited when Earth Footwear contacted me and asked if I’d like to participate in the “Change your Body in 30 days” program.  Who doesn’t want to change their body?

They sent me a pair of the new Exer-Walk shoe that will be released to the public in January.  (They “sent me” means FREE, just in case you are the FTC) It is a nice enough shoe – designed with the patented negative heel technology.  It’s a little heavier than the Kalso that I like so much but it’s a comfortable enough shoe.  I didn’t truly appreciate this shoe until today…. when I weighed in at Weight Watchers…. the week after Halloween.  Halloween is a chocolate infested holiday that holds my sweet-tooth hostage for a good week every year.  This year was no different and I fully expected to weigh in with a gain today.  BUT…. I neither gained nor lost and let me tell you friends, that is a victory!

I’ve been wearing my Exer-Walks for almost two weeks now and had definitely been noticing my glutes and inner thighs feeling a bit tighter.  I wasn’t giving them any credit for calorie burning though because it all seemed a little “black magic” to me.  I’m sold now though, because this weekend we were in the mountains doing our usual activity (we are active, keep in mind) and I wore my Exer-walks most of the weekend…. while shoving Twix, Snickers, and Milkyway chocolate into my trap for three days straight (not that there was any candy in the house earlier in the week …).  Honestly, I should have gained weight this weekend and I normally would have gained.  When I weighed in today with my jeans and winter gear I still hadn’t gained a single pound.  I was exactly the same weight I was last week.  Phew….  so, do I think it is because I burned 4 times more calories, as Earth Footwear claims?  I have no other explanation.  It has to be the shoes.  So, is my body changing two weeks in to a 30 day program?  I have to say yes, despite the chocolate train that threw me off track, I do think that wearing the Exer-Walk every day has made a difference.  I do feel that my legs are toning and for sure, I feel my glutes are tighter.  I’m a runner so I’ve only actually exer-walked three times in these shoes on the treadmill, but even just wearing them in my daily life has definitely made a difference.

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Banglz ~ Fitness Fashion Accessory Review

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Banglz are essentially traditional ankle and wrist weights covered in attractive fabrics. I was sent a set of the 1lb. ankle bands to try and when I first saw them I was a little skeptical. They aren’t exactly the most attractive fashion accessory but I was ultimately quite pleased with the product. I’ve actually worn them around the house for about two weeks and have even worn them to pick up my kids from school on occasion.

Muscle tissue is a key factor in weight maintenance and metabolism. I’m a huge fan of fitting in any kind of movement or exercise wherever you can, so even although the amount of weight is quite small, the resistance created by one pound on each leg is a nice addition to your normal workout. I wouldn’t strap these babies on and expect to magically become buff or drop 10 lbs. over night, but I like the idea that I’m doing something while carrying on with my normal routine.

You can actually buy different pattern fabric covers and switch it up a bit. I love my Banglz but there is one thing that I’d love to see: the 1 lb weight is a bit sissy for us athletic types. I’m a bit of an over achiever when it comes to working out and I could probably comfortably make it through my day with 3 lb weights on my ankles. So Banglz, PLEASE make us some heavier weights! There is a 20% coupon code on the website right now for early holiday shoppers. Be sure to use the code “trickortreat” before October 31st.

*This item was sent to me for FREE. I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed here are my opinion based on my experience with this product.

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Smart Choices ~ Dumb Food

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When Leah and I first decided that we’d like to do a radio program geared towards moms, our main goal was to educate mothers on health, fitness, and nutrition in order to affect the lives of their children. With childhood obesity on the rise and hitting epidemic proportions, the quality of life for millions of Americans is headed into the crapper. We wanted to bring sound nutritional advice to Moms and teach them that they DO have control over what foods they offer their children and that they DO have influence over the eating habits their children will develop. By educating children at an early age we give them the tools they need to navigate the crap infested world they will experience as they grow older and head out into the world.


I’m a little fired up this morning so you’ll have to excuse me just a bit. I have been a bit “head down” with work lately so when I saw this article in the New York Times Business section last night I just about spit my water across the screen. Apparently we are going to be seeing a green check mark indicating that such foods as Froot Loops are a “better for you food”.

I’ve got about four posts going on in my head right now so I’ll just break it down to this: a food that is 44% sugar is NOT a “better for you food”. Encouraging people to buy processed foods because they have been fortified is like telling me to eat horse shit because you added enough vitamins and minerals to reach 50% of the recommended daily amount (RDA).

What really ticks me off is that the knowledgeable folks behind this effort are defending it. This is an excerpt from the NY Times article I referenced previously.

Eileen T. Kennedy, president of the Smart Choices board and the dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University (note to self do NOT send my child to Tufts University), said the program’s criteria were based on government dietary guidelines and widely accepted nutritional standards. (hmm I wasn’t aware that those guidelines promoted consumption of processed foods)

She said the program was also influenced by research into consumer behavior. That research showed that, while shoppers wanted more information, they did not want to hear negative messages or feel their choices were being dictated to them. (So, what? Tell them what they want to hear? Well that makes sense. “That bowl of Froot Loops is 44% sugar but no worries, you are getting plenty of vitamins and minerals so just keep spooning that crap into your trap and put it out of your mind.” As long as we feel good. I get it!)

“The checkmark means the food item is a ‘better for you’ product, as opposed to having an x on it saying ‘Don’t eat this,’ ” Dr. Kennedy said. “Consumers are smart enough (then why do we need a system at all?) to deduce that if it doesn’t have the checkmark, by implication it’s not a ‘better for you’ product. They want to have a choice. They don’t want to be told ‘You must do this.’ ”


This may not be an industry led initiative however, it is an industry backed program, paid for by industry. I don’t begrudge these companies manufacturing their foods, I’m a capitalist at heart. I don’t even care if people choose to eat their food. I do care that they are misleading people who are otherwise uneducated about nutrition. Let’s take a look at the board of directors representing industry (these are the companies participating in the smart choices program – which I believe means that they have paid for the program and that you won’t see these checks on any other brand foods):

Dr. Celeste Clark
Kellogg’s
Battle Creek, MI

Dr. Susan Crockett
General Mills
Minneapolis, MN

Mr. Chris Doherty
Kraft Foods North America
Northfield, IL

Ms. Nancy Schnell
Unilever U.S.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ

This whole program is a joke and the fact that not one of the companies involved saw it is frightening. What concerns me more is that the board of directors representing non-industry, seemingly well educated members of highly reputable institutions, are comfortable putting their names on this program.

Dr. Dennis Bier
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX

Dr. Mary Hager
American Dietetic Association
Washington, DC

Dr. Richard Kahn
American Diabetes Association
Alexandria, VA

Dr. Eileen Kennedy
Tufts University
Boston, MA


I love food, I’m not a freak about every little thing I put in my body. In fact, I eat light mayo which is also a “smart choice” (along with the full fat kind) and I’d probably eat full fat mayo if it didn’t always end up as a big bubble on my ass. What you put in your mouth is up to you and I fully support your right to choose.

MomActive’s goal is to EDUCATE so that when your kids drink milk they know that the calcium will help them grow strong bones and teeth, and guess what else has calcium? Broccoli! We’d like our listeners to teach their children to make a connection between the food they eat and the resulting benefit (or detriment!) to their bodies. Our hope is that with this knowledge they will then CHOOSE to consume foods that benefit their health…. and while the new Froot Loops may contain a bit more fiber and are fortified, those facts do not erase the fact that they are 44% sugar and contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil which all of my readers have been educated to know is a trans fat.


*Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a free PUR Flavor Choice water filtration pitcher!

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PUR Flavor Options Pitcher Review and Giveaway

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Most of you have heard me on air encouraging everyone to drink more water. Drinking water is important to your health and weight goals no matter whether you are losing or maintaing. Water has no calories and can often stave off feelings of hunger. Those of us that exercise know that we need to replenish fluids lost during those workouts and that without water we can easily slip into a state dehydration.


We were recently given the opportunity to review the new PUR Flavor Options water filtration pitcher. We’ve been using the pitcher for just over a week now and it has actually been quite a hit! The great part about the pitcher is that it gives you the option of having plain or flavored water, so I have even started filling up my water bottles from the pitcher. My kids LOVE it most because they can have flavored water and it switches things up for them. They like the lemon flavor best. They also get a kick out of the light that flashes green to tell them that the filter is still working each time they pour water!

I am particularly happy that I don’t have to buy bottled water anymore. Did you know that PUR filtered water is about one-tenth the cost of bottled water, and can lead to a savings of up to $600 a year? And that each PUR pitcher can replace up to 2,000 16 oz. plastic bottles of water in one year? I didn’t know that, but I do now and I’m all over it!

To Enter: Visit PUR Flavor Options and take the “What’s Your Flavor?” Quiz – come back and post your answer in a comment.

For Extra Entries:

2. Subscribe to MomActive RSS feeed.
3. Become a follower of MomActive
4. Tweet about this giveaway as often as you want!
sample tweet:
Win a PUR Flavor Options water filtration pitcher! http://tiny.cc/hkpLI

5. Blog about this giveaway
6. Become a follower of BanteringBlonde blog

* Please leave a separate comment for each “entry”
* The deadline for entries is September 19, 2009, Midnight CMT.
* The winner will be notified via email on September 20, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment).
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Friday’s Show ~ The Healthy Lunch Box

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nuts

On Friday we will be talking to Jen from SavorTheThyme about yummy healthy foods for Back-to-School lunch boxes. My hubby and I have recently launched a campaign against incessant snacking in our home. We emptied our pantry of all the pre-packaged snacks and my children are irate! They’ve tried every guilt tactic there is. We are horrible horrible parents. Their friends tell them that their house is a horrible place to live and that it is no longer fun. Their friends will never come over because not only do we not allow them to watch TV or play Wii during playdates, we only eat fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. THE HORROR!

Yes my friends, I have staged my own Crappy Snack Boycott. My kids would eat one 100 calorie bag of cookies after the other all afternoon if I let them. Their friends’ lunch box may look sweeter, but I’m making an effort to keep the crap out. Now, I should note that my son has informed me that his BFF is incredibly generous and always shares a few of his cookies because he can’t eat ALL SIX of them. Nice. Not much I can do, but I’m sending a message and setting an example and guess what? When they come home STARVING and the only thing available is a healthy wholesome snack… well, you’d never guess it but, they actually eat it! Go Figure!

So what do I put in their lunch boxes? Ok, it takes a bit more effort than just heading to the pantry and throwing an individually wrapped bag of crap in, but this morning I smiled to myself because I really truly feel good about this boycott! I cut up veggies ahead of time and put them into individual snack bags. I did the same with popcorn, nuts, and fruits, dried cereal, and whole wheat crackers (which they love) – I could use a few ideas so I’m glad that Jen will be on the show Friday to help us out there!

Be sure to join us HERE on MomActive with Leah and Fiona Friday at 2pm EST and call in and let us know what your ideas for healthy lunch box are!

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Get Up and Get Moving ~ Our Friday Guest Jill Knapp

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Jill Knapp’s life changed when she was diagnosed three years ago with Type II diabetes, also familiarly known as adult onset diabetes. She has not only lost over 100 pounds, she has gone on to become an advocate for the American Diabetes Association and is a passionate public speaker sharing her story with and inspiring others. On Friday we will talk to Jill, who blogs at Get Up & Get Moving all about how she was able to lose 100 pounds and control her diabetes without any artificial medical means. If you or someone you know struggles with weight and/or diabetes you will not want to miss our motivating show with Jill!

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Make Your Pancakes and Eat Them Too ~ Recipe Make-Over

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pancake

My kids love pancakes. Who doesn’t love pancakes? It occurred to me this morning that my pancake recipe would be perfect for the MomActive Recipe Make-over series. I changed my old recipe by using half regular white flour and half buckwheat flour. I have tried other combinations of different flour but this seems to be the tastiest. I also use two tablespoons of agave nectar (or honey) instead of sugar. We also use the agave nectar in place of syrup. If you aren’t familiar with agave nectar I highly recommend you try it. It is sweet and delicious and can be used as a replacement for sugar in many things.


Yummy Pancakes
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3+ cup skim milk (I am generous with the milk because we like thinner pancake)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 tablespoons agave nectar (or honey)

1. Combine flours, baking powder and salt.

2. Beat the milk, egg, butter and agave nectar.

3. Combine dry ingredient mixture with liquid mixture and stir.

4. Warm and grease griddle or pan with non-stick cooking spray and cook those babies!


Do you have a favorite recipe that you have made over? Would you like MomActive to make-over a recipe for you? Please let us know!
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Arnold’s Oroweat Sandwich Thins

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I love bread, I hate bread. OOOoooh I really love breads. I’ve always eaten whole wheat and whole grain breads. My children have never had a sandwich with white bread and I hope that they never do.

I’m not sure why I hadn’t heard of these before but apparently “other” parts of the country have had Arnold’s Oroweat sandwich thins for some time. I saw them at our local store and instantly caved to the buy one/get one deal. I tried both the whole wheat and the multi-grain varieties.

Did I like them? You bet! They aren’t huge fluffy rolls but they are quite delish and I’ve made a gazillion things with them! The obvious things are sandwiches and veggie/turkey burgers, but here are a two of my favorite things to do with them:

Mini Pizza:
I just use sliced tomatoes, bit of fresh basil and some LF Mozzarella

Panini:
Use a bit of Pam spray in a sandwich press (or pan) and grille your favorite sandwich


Are you avoiding high fructose corn syrup? I have become vigilant at looking for this. I actually buy a lot of the different Arnold’s breads and most (if not all?) do not contain high fructose corn syrup. These contain 19 grams of whole grain per serving, another thing I look for when I buy breads. The best part? They are only 100 calories and if you are a point counter like me, they are only one Weight Watcher point!

Have you tried the Arnold’s Oroweat Sandwich Thins? What have you made with them? Share your ideas with us!


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Mamavation Update ~ Week 1

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Last Friday I posted a Vlog about my recent weight gain and declared that I was ready to follow @boredmommy in the Mamavation campaign. I’m someone who knows better, someone who works out regularly and has health and fitness as a major focus in my life. Everyone faces challenges in life and how we choose to act in the face of challenge says much about who we are.


Who am I?

I am a strong and smart woman. I am stronger than my grief, my sadness, my anger and frustration. I am much stronger than that stupid Diet Coke and ice cream!

This week I have lost 3 pounds. I know I’m supposed to keep a food journal and exercise journal but … I didn’t. I counted Weight Watchers points and kept up my normal exercise schedule. I stopped drinking Diet Coke and drank more water.

This week? I plan to up my cardio and incorporate more interval training into my runs. Don’t forget to visit the Mamavation group on Bookieboo.com to check in with all the other Mamavation Ladies and see how @boredmommy is doing!
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