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November 2008 Archives

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I don't go to the grocery store because I can't control myself, but last night I decided to help my wife by stopping into Dominick's to pick up dinner. I'm not much of a cook either (I need to work on that), so I went straight for the "already made" chicken rotisserie dinner. I picked up a chicken that didn't look burned and I did well, because it tasted great! I then thought, "I'll be a real good husband..."

I have been checking out all the latest fitness gadgets on the market today and want you to check out some websites that may help you get some great deals on your upcoming fitness purchases.

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If you want to take advantage of health clubs, get a free pass. Many clubs offer free one-week sample passes for prospective members. Try before you buy to see if you'd be a regular to get your money's worth. Some gyms, like Bally's Total Fitness, offer the day before and after Thanksgiving as a free workout day to the public; the freebie day after is dubbed "Feeling fat Friday!" Midtown Athletic Clubs offer members free

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I don't remember if I've told you this, but I'm the KING of leftovers. Long ago, I watched my dad while he was on a diet, and every time we went to dinner, he'd eat only HALF his meal! Talk about PORTION CONTROL!!!

Did you know that the average American eats 13.7 pounds of turkey over the course of a year! That's one whole bird to yourself and alot of turkey sandwiches. Four ounces of turkey is 178 calories and 34 grams of protein. So Eat it UP!images-2.jpg

This Thanksgiving get up early and take a run with friends in one of Chicago's many Turkey Trots! (Check out www.active.com or signmeupsports.com for ones in your neighborhood.)
images-1.jpg These 5k races are a great way to get your day started and burn some of those extra calories you'll be consuming throughout the holiday season. The average Thanksgiving meal runs around 1280 calories and that's 3x the amount you would normally consume at one seating.

Most people will gain 5 pounds when they take a cruise vacation. The food is so plentiful and tempting that it's hard to resist over eating. Of course, there are other options. If you are in the mood to see the Carribean as the weather is getting cooler in Chicago, images.jpg

For many of us, we're currently making choices on health care for the upcoming year. And now is a perfect time to think about your health. Your health care decisions during open enrollment play a big roll in how well you'll be taking care of yourself in 2009.

So while you are thinking healthcare, you should really start to think about what exams you'll need in 2009, what tests you may need and all the preventive care you may have put off in 2008.

Here's some tips for you. Remember, there's nothing more important than your health.

I recently took a trip down south to get away for a few days. In order to practice what I preach, I needed a break and jump start back in to a better diet and exercise program-- for even me YES the fitness girl!

There are no shortages of finding things to keep you healthy in Chicago. Recently I visited Crunch Fitness on Wabash and Trump Hotel finding two wonderful places to exercise and have fun. At Crunch, I tried a new class called Anti-Gravity Yoga with Wings. It is an untraditional yoga class with a silky sheet that holds up to 1000 pounds in a sling from the ceiling. You move through Yoga positions with it, hang from it, handstands, small somersaults, and wonderful stretches. It was one of the most invigorating classes I have taken in a long time. Louis offers a beautiful strong presence and inviting, empowering attitude.

If you are looking for a private, wonderful retreat for your next fitness workout, try the Trump Fitness and Spa on the 14th floor of the hotel. It has amazing views, top of the line ipod and TV integrated cardio from Technogym, two studios and a delightful, warm staff to greet you. The addition of Kinesis in the next months will solidify its place as a leader in the market.

I've always been told that I should treat my running shoes like I would the tires on my car. Once you put a certain amount of miles on your tires, they go bald and you're forced to buy new ones, right? Well, the same holds true for your Nike's or New Balance kicks. If you're running and the run is a little rougher on the knees, it might be time for a new pair of running shoes.

There are so many little things you can add into your day to improve your health and look better, feel great and live longer! Start with getting up and having a big glass of water. images.jpg


Health headlines from the Chicago Tribune

Body Mass Index
Categories
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater