It's that time of year. The day after Halloween and we are left with buckets of candy and temptation at every turn. Before you bite, here are some calories counts of some of your favorite candy's AND the exercises that you would have to do to work those calories OFF. Thank you to our instructor Victoria Slone for this guest blog post!
Snickers (one fun size candy bar) – 72 calories. Running for 8 minutes is your fastest approach. Don’t like running? A 19-minute walk will burn the same number of calories.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Skittles or Twix bar (one fun size) – 80 calories. Riding a bike for 10 minutes will do the trick to get rid of this treat. You’ll need to work equally hard if you eat a fun size Twix bar or a fun size package of Skittles.
Plain Hershey’s Milk Chocolate (one fun size bar) – 70 calories. Eat one and you’ll need to swim for 9 minutes to burn off those calories. 18 minutes if you eat two. (etc.)
Candy corn (11 pieces) – 70 calories. You can almost eat that many in one mouthful. Unfortunately, burning them off isn’t as easy. Don’t despair, 10 minutes of step aerobics will get rid of those candy corn calories.
Twizzlers or Sweet Tarts (treat size pack) or 1 Hershey’s Nugget- 50 calories. The treats are tiny, but the calories are mighty. Good news, there are plenty of ways to burn them off. A 15 minute game of Frisbee or a 5 ½ minute of tennis with a friend will get rid of them.
Tootsie Pop – 60 calories. A harmless lollipop? Not so fast. An innocent looking Tootsie Pop packs in 60 empty calories. Although eating one takes a while and actually burn a few calories, you’ll need to skip rope for 6 minutes to burn it off for good.
Butterfinger or Kit Kat (snack size) – 100 calories. It was yummy but now it’s “Payday”. Just hop on the treadmill for a brisk 15 minute walk to ditch those unwanted calories.
M&M’s (fun size) – 100 calories. Option 1: rake leaves for 20 minutes, or option 2: do 100 pushups to undo the damage from a fun size pack of plain M&M’s. Double that if you eat a pack of fun size Peanut M&M’s (180 calories).
If you did indulge - you now have the tools to help you get back on track.
Our best tip, get the candy out of your house! Have the Great Pumpkin Fairy or Switch Witch come and trade all of the candy for a special present.
Stroller Strides® Chicago
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Green Your Fitness Routine in 2011
Guest Blogger: Victoria Slone, Stroller Strides Chicago Instructor
According to an article in the New York Times, the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That's a lot of extra "holiday cheer" for a person to gain in a one month period!!! Yikes!
Now that the holiday season is over, how about a fresh start to the new year by adding some "green" into your workout routine? By taking an environmental initiative and giving your health and the environment a clean start for 2011, you can begin the new year in a positive way that will benefit yourself, others around you, and the earth.
1. Exercise outside.
It may be tricky right now since the weather is so cold, but by hitting the great outdoors, you'll soak in the vitamin D benefit of sunshine and save on the energy used to run on the treadmill. Besides jogging and hiking, hit a Stroller Strides class!!! Not only are you using your own body weight for most of the exercises, but you're interacting with your child and connecting with other Moms which is good for the mind and body. Also, head outside with the kiddos and take advantage of calorie-burning winter activities such as sledding, shoveling or building a snowman. If the rain/snow & cold weather keeps you in, rent or borrow an exercise DVD from the library or buy a used one at a garage sale or search on Craigslist.
2. Buy an eco friendly yoga mat.
Yoga mats are made of materials such as natural rubber, plastic, PVC or latex, and most yoga mats are recyclable. Only use your mat for Stroller Strides classes or are you an at-home yoga practitioner looking to get rid of your existing mat? Recycle Your Mat has mail-in programs for all types of mats as well. After you've donated/recycled yours and are in the market for a new mat, look for mats made of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Sunshine Yoga has a great list of eco-friendly mats at affordable prices.
3. Go with organic workout attire.
Organic cotton uses agricultural methods designed to help sustain the land it grows on and the people who harvest it, helping to reduce the toxic pesticides used to make conventional cotton. Gaiam Fitness Wear is one option for finding organic workout clothes that are comfy, sustainable, functional and lets not forget........cute! You might pay a little more for organic items but saving mother earth will be worth your efforts. When you are done with your clothes why not recycle them by donating to a thrift store, shelter or church rummage sale. You can also check out the Stroller Strides shop for organic and sustainable gear as well!
4. Buy a reusable water bottle.
Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year, and nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. Try toting along a reusable bottle to your next workout session. Refilling the bottle with water will save tons of money and waste. Also, make sure the bottle you are using is BPA FREE! If you occasionally forget your reusable bottle and have to purchase a plastic bottle, make sure you recycle it. There is an amazing documentary entitled, "Tapped," that was incredibly informative and really opened my eyes to the bottled water industry. Interested? Check it out here: Tapped the Movie
5. Eco-Friendly Running Shoes
Today, even big name fitness companies are getting the message that staying fit is part of an overall lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that takes into account, not only physical health, but the overall health of the environment. There are several companies jumping on board and now making sneakers with post-consumer recycled materials, bamboo shank, cork mid-sole, bamboo/canvas uppers, and crepe toe guard, and 40% post consumer recycled rubber out-sole. You can find recycled gym shoes at Zappos. You can even recycle your old running shoes at Recycled Runners and Run The Planet.
6. Eat Organic
It's best to eat organically grown food, whether or not you're a vegan/vegetarian, and it's worth going to some trouble to get it. Organic food tastes better, is generally more nutritious, & protects the environment! Get an energy boost with organic cereal/granola bars, or try a homemade smoothie by mixing organic yogurt, orange juice and fruit together in a blender.
7.Try Natural Deodorants
Many deodorants contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum and formaldehyde, so freshen up after your workout by using deodorants made from all natural plant-based ingredients. And don't worry, you're not alone if you sweat while wearing an all natural deodorant. That's supposed to happen! Sweating is our bodies natural way of getting rid of the toxins in it. If you block the sweat glands from doing their job, where do the toxins go? Right back in your body :( My company, Lotions & Potions, has two types of natural deodorant available, Rosemary Mint or Tea Tree that are great at combating odor. They are free of aluminum, formaldehyde, parabens & bactericides which have all been linked to the increase in breast cancer rates. Whichever brand you decide to go with, make sure that the product is organic and certified "cruelty-free" to prove that it has not been tested on animals.
You may not think that a few simple actions can help you lose weight, stay fit andreduce your carbon footprint at the same time, but if you follow these tips you'll be well on your way to a green exercise routine!! Here's to a green 2011!!
According to an article in the New York Times, the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That's a lot of extra "holiday cheer" for a person to gain in a one month period!!! Yikes!
Now that the holiday season is over, how about a fresh start to the new year by adding some "green" into your workout routine? By taking an environmental initiative and giving your health and the environment a clean start for 2011, you can begin the new year in a positive way that will benefit yourself, others around you, and the earth.
1. Exercise outside.
It may be tricky right now since the weather is so cold, but by hitting the great outdoors, you'll soak in the vitamin D benefit of sunshine and save on the energy used to run on the treadmill. Besides jogging and hiking, hit a Stroller Strides class!!! Not only are you using your own body weight for most of the exercises, but you're interacting with your child and connecting with other Moms which is good for the mind and body. Also, head outside with the kiddos and take advantage of calorie-burning winter activities such as sledding, shoveling or building a snowman. If the rain/snow & cold weather keeps you in, rent or borrow an exercise DVD from the library or buy a used one at a garage sale or search on Craigslist.
2. Buy an eco friendly yoga mat.
Yoga mats are made of materials such as natural rubber, plastic, PVC or latex, and most yoga mats are recyclable. Only use your mat for Stroller Strides classes or are you an at-home yoga practitioner looking to get rid of your existing mat? Recycle Your Mat has mail-in programs for all types of mats as well. After you've donated/recycled yours and are in the market for a new mat, look for mats made of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Sunshine Yoga has a great list of eco-friendly mats at affordable prices.
3. Go with organic workout attire.
Organic cotton uses agricultural methods designed to help sustain the land it grows on and the people who harvest it, helping to reduce the toxic pesticides used to make conventional cotton. Gaiam Fitness Wear is one option for finding organic workout clothes that are comfy, sustainable, functional and lets not forget........cute! You might pay a little more for organic items but saving mother earth will be worth your efforts. When you are done with your clothes why not recycle them by donating to a thrift store, shelter or church rummage sale. You can also check out the Stroller Strides shop for organic and sustainable gear as well!
4. Buy a reusable water bottle.
Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year, and nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. Try toting along a reusable bottle to your next workout session. Refilling the bottle with water will save tons of money and waste. Also, make sure the bottle you are using is BPA FREE! If you occasionally forget your reusable bottle and have to purchase a plastic bottle, make sure you recycle it. There is an amazing documentary entitled, "Tapped," that was incredibly informative and really opened my eyes to the bottled water industry. Interested? Check it out here: Tapped the Movie
5. Eco-Friendly Running Shoes
Today, even big name fitness companies are getting the message that staying fit is part of an overall lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that takes into account, not only physical health, but the overall health of the environment. There are several companies jumping on board and now making sneakers with post-consumer recycled materials, bamboo shank, cork mid-sole, bamboo/canvas uppers, and crepe toe guard, and 40% post consumer recycled rubber out-sole. You can find recycled gym shoes at Zappos. You can even recycle your old running shoes at Recycled Runners and Run The Planet.
6. Eat Organic
It's best to eat organically grown food, whether or not you're a vegan/vegetarian, and it's worth going to some trouble to get it. Organic food tastes better, is generally more nutritious, & protects the environment! Get an energy boost with organic cereal/granola bars, or try a homemade smoothie by mixing organic yogurt, orange juice and fruit together in a blender.
7.Try Natural Deodorants
Many deodorants contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum and formaldehyde, so freshen up after your workout by using deodorants made from all natural plant-based ingredients. And don't worry, you're not alone if you sweat while wearing an all natural deodorant. That's supposed to happen! Sweating is our bodies natural way of getting rid of the toxins in it. If you block the sweat glands from doing their job, where do the toxins go? Right back in your body :( My company, Lotions & Potions, has two types of natural deodorant available, Rosemary Mint or Tea Tree that are great at combating odor. They are free of aluminum, formaldehyde, parabens & bactericides which have all been linked to the increase in breast cancer rates. Whichever brand you decide to go with, make sure that the product is organic and certified "cruelty-free" to prove that it has not been tested on animals.
You may not think that a few simple actions can help you lose weight, stay fit andreduce your carbon footprint at the same time, but if you follow these tips you'll be well on your way to a green exercise routine!! Here's to a green 2011!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Exercise of the Week: Flower picking lunge with row
Are you feeling a little extra bulge after the holidays? Target your glutes and work off some of those Christmas cookies with this move.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
10,000 Stride Challenge- Are You In?
Are you wondering how you will stay motivated to exercise during the busy holiday season?
Wearing a pedometer, you will track how many steps you take each day. This will be a team competition- teams of 3 will be organized. Think 10,000 steps sounds like a lot? I bet you would be surprised how many steps you walk a day just being a mom. You will wear the pedometer from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night- including Stroller Strides class! Traveling a lot during the holidays? Don't worry! All you have to do is email/text your total strides to your team captain once a week. The great thing about this Challenge is that you can walk anywhere, not just at Stroller Strides class.
The Challenge will begin on Monday, November 22nd and end on Sunday, January 2nd.
Registration is due by Monday, November 15th!
Print your 10,000 Stride Challenge Registration Form and sign up now to start the holiday's off on the right foot!
COST: $10 (which covers the cost of your pedometer)
PRIZE: Knowing that you got through the holiday season being healthier and more active!
The winning team will also win Team Stroller Strides jerseys.
Do you feel like a little friendly competition?
Introducing the 10,000 Strides Challenge!
GOAL: To walk 10,000 steps per day for 6 weeks over the Thanksgiving through New Year’s holiday.
As moms, we know how busy the holiday season can get. It is so easy to veer off track of your fitness program and begin making excuses. At Stroller Strides, we have created a fun team challenge to help you stay active through the crazy holiday season. Wearing a pedometer, you will track how many steps you take each day. This will be a team competition- teams of 3 will be organized. Think 10,000 steps sounds like a lot? I bet you would be surprised how many steps you walk a day just being a mom. You will wear the pedometer from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night- including Stroller Strides class! Traveling a lot during the holidays? Don't worry! All you have to do is email/text your total strides to your team captain once a week. The great thing about this Challenge is that you can walk anywhere, not just at Stroller Strides class.
The Challenge will begin on Monday, November 22nd and end on Sunday, January 2nd.
Registration is due by Monday, November 15th!
Print your 10,000 Stride Challenge Registration Form and sign up now to start the holiday's off on the right foot!
COST: $10 (which covers the cost of your pedometer)
PRIZE: Knowing that you got through the holiday season being healthier and more active!
The winning team will also win Team Stroller Strides jerseys.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Weekly Recipe- Sweet Potato and Split Pea Soup
This soup is perfect for a cool fall day!
From the Whole Foods website
Serves 8
Ingredients
8 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cups dried yellow split peas
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Bring 1/2 cup water to simmer in a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook about 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir in ginger and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add remaining 8 cups water, peas and sweet potato cubes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Uncover and continue to simmer 15 minutes. Carefully purée soup with a hand held immersion blender or in batches in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Garnish with pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 14oz/387g-wt.): 290 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 44g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 18g protein
From the Whole Foods website
Serves 8
Ingredients
8 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cups dried yellow split peas
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Bring 1/2 cup water to simmer in a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook about 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir in ginger and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add remaining 8 cups water, peas and sweet potato cubes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Uncover and continue to simmer 15 minutes. Carefully purée soup with a hand held immersion blender or in batches in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Garnish with pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 14oz/387g-wt.): 290 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 44g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 18g protein
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Aaaaand We're Back!
I am so excited to relaunch our Stroller Strides Chicago Blog. It's been awhile since my last entry, but I can't wait to start connecting with everyone again.
I thought the best way to get things started was to share the photos from our 3rd Annual Halloween Bash on Friday, October 29th. Here is the link to the photos on flickr. A great big "thank you!" to Michelle Freeman Photography who captured all of the fun and excitement on film. The flickr photos are just a selection, you can view all of the photos on Michelle's website www.michellefreemanphotography.com, under client proofing, password Stroller Strides.
This is my favorite shot of all of the instructor's with their kiddo's. Doing a wall sit of course. LOVE IT! And at this point, Mr. Bones is definitely part of the Stroller Strides family :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55689505@N02/sets/72157625218813589/
I thought the best way to get things started was to share the photos from our 3rd Annual Halloween Bash on Friday, October 29th. Here is the link to the photos on flickr. A great big "thank you!" to Michelle Freeman Photography who captured all of the fun and excitement on film. The flickr photos are just a selection, you can view all of the photos on Michelle's website www.michellefreemanphotography.com, under client proofing, password Stroller Strides.
This is my favorite shot of all of the instructor's with their kiddo's. Doing a wall sit of course. LOVE IT! And at this point, Mr. Bones is definitely part of the Stroller Strides family :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55689505@N02/sets/72157625218813589/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Replenish the Well
Today I was reading through an email I got from one of our partners Luna Bar about postpartum depression. There were some great suggestions for taking care of yourself during the postpartum period. I thought the tips could easily relate to the everyday life of a mom, not just those who are recently postpartum, so I wanted to share with you all.
Suggestions for taking care of yourself during the postpartum period
· Even if you are unable to sleep, try to rest when the baby sleeps. Your body has worked hard to create the baby you delivered, and your body needs to recover.
· Eat healthfully. Avoid ‘junk food’ and try to eat recommended servings of fruits, vegetables and grains daily. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, opting for water instead.
· Try to exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain, resulting in a ‘natural high’.
· Ask for and accept help. Realize that there are no perfect mothers, and that everyone needs help from time to time. Also remember that others are unable to read your mind, but are often willing to help in any way possible. Concrete suggestions (“please wash and put away the baby’s laundry”) will ensure that you are getting the help you want the most.
· Avoid stress when possible. For example, if you know the news broadcast on the radio will upset you, put in some favorite music or change the station. Take time for your relationship. Try doing things you enjoyed doing ‘pre-baby’ together. Make regular ‘dates’ with yourself. Schedule time for you to go to the park, get your nails done, take a walk, or whatever it is that soothes you. As a mother you give of yourself seemingly constantly. You need time to ‘replenish the well’ so that you can feel healthy and more relaxed
Suggestions for taking care of yourself during the postpartum period
· Even if you are unable to sleep, try to rest when the baby sleeps. Your body has worked hard to create the baby you delivered, and your body needs to recover.
· Eat healthfully. Avoid ‘junk food’ and try to eat recommended servings of fruits, vegetables and grains daily. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, opting for water instead.
· Try to exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain, resulting in a ‘natural high’.
· Ask for and accept help. Realize that there are no perfect mothers, and that everyone needs help from time to time. Also remember that others are unable to read your mind, but are often willing to help in any way possible. Concrete suggestions (“please wash and put away the baby’s laundry”) will ensure that you are getting the help you want the most.
· Avoid stress when possible. For example, if you know the news broadcast on the radio will upset you, put in some favorite music or change the station. Take time for your relationship. Try doing things you enjoyed doing ‘pre-baby’ together. Make regular ‘dates’ with yourself. Schedule time for you to go to the park, get your nails done, take a walk, or whatever it is that soothes you. As a mother you give of yourself seemingly constantly. You need time to ‘replenish the well’ so that you can feel healthy and more relaxed
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Here we go!
Ok, so I've decided to give this whole blogging thing a shot. I am now officially a blogger! I created this blog to help spread the word about Stroller Strides, a fitness programs for moms that has absolutely changed my life. I am always asked in class how I got started, so here's my story:I had my daughter M in September 2006. I returned to work after 8 weeks maternity leave to find that my entire mindset had changed. I just couldn't bear leaving her at home with someone else, while I went to work and counted the hours down until I got home. So I began looking in to other options. I had seen the Stroller Strides on the Today show years ago, before I'd had children, and it seemed like such a great program! Mom's could get a great workout, meet other moms and do it all with their baby. I looked up Stroller Strides online to see if there were any classes in the area. When I found out that there was no location in the City yet, something clicked. One thing led to another, and I decided to take a leap of faith and start Stroller Strides Chicago.
I became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Stroller Strides Certified in pre and post natal fitness. We started offering classes in July of last year, and have been going strong ever since.
So what is it I LOVE about Stroller Strides? Everything! Not only is Stroller Strides an excellent workout, but it's fun. We keep things fresh and change things up as much as possible so there is no getting bored with your workout. It's not like you dread going to Stroller Strides like you may dread going to the gym to squeeze in that workout. You get to stay with your little one, get to see your friends in class and get a great workout- what more could you ask for? More? Ok, well not only do we have 7 classes a week to choose from, but we have playgroups 2 times a week, Mom's Night's Out at least once a month, and special afternoon playtimes. Stroller Strides is as much a social and support network of moms as it is an exercise class.
Want to check out our current schedule? Visit Stroller Strides Chicago for more information. Your first class is always FREE! You can sign up for a FREE preview online.
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