Lead a Fit and Healthy Life
Posts tagged family
Life is getting faster and faster …
01 year ago
Pixar movies often have a nostalgic streak. What are you personally nostalgic about?
I’ve noticed with my own kids, it seems like they have so much more homework than I did. I worry about kids today not having time to build a tree house or ride a bike or go fishing. I worry that life is getting faster and faster.
Teens should be banned from tanning booths, doctors say
01 year ago
CNN) — When Samantha Hessel heard about the risks associated with tanning beds, she ignored them. When her mom cautioned her not to tan so much, Hessel shrugged it off.
Her friends and peers were doing the same thing. What was the harm of lying in a tanning bed three to four times a week?
It’s an activity the nation’s pediatricians say is dangerous. Laws should ban minors from going to tanning parlors, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced Monday. This echoes positions of the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology.
via Teens should be banned from tanning booths, doctors say – CNN.com.
Flip For FREE Pancakes March 1. 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
01 year ago
TUES 3/1 Flip For FREE Pancakes March 1. 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Visit your local IHOP on March 1st to receive one complimentary short stack. In return for the free flapjacks, they are asking for a donation that will go towards the Children’s MiracleNetworkHospitals and other designated local charities. This year’s goal is set at $2.3 million. For more information, visit ihoppancakeday.com
Washington, DC: Newseum Day Trip
01 year ago
Tomorrow is Washington’s Birthday aka President’s Day. In honor of the day, here is my favorite presidential quote and it’s by Abraham Lincoln…
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
I try to remember that often — because its way too easy to get caught up in rushing through life that you don’t stop to really enjoy it.
Another Fun Mommy/Daddy Family Day: Yesterday, we headed into DC to visit the Newseum. I had heard from some friends that it was a really great experience and they weren’t lying. I had the best time and want to go back. We didn’t arrive until almost 2p and the museum closes at 5p. The great thing is the tickets you buy are good for 2 days — so you can go back the following day if you can.
We bought the tickets via a Groupon sale — kids under 6 are Free though!
Hannah B loved it too. The only thing that I didn’t really consider was how to handle her very inquisitive mind about all the highlighted news events. If you stop and think about it, they highlight a lot of bad historical events and crazy ass people — unabomber, gotti, mississippi burning, hearst kidnapping, 9/11 — and you have HB asking what those were all about — it makes for a ‘i’m so scared’ to go to bed experience for an 8 year old. So keep that in mind –
We then of course in true Scott Hoaglund fashion, headed to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. It was crazy 
busy but Scott is a VIP there — so we got seated right away. Oh the joys and benefits of a commercialism lovin’ husband.
We really had a great day — started off with a great workout, headed to a great museum, ate dinner at HRC with no waiting, and everyone asleep by 9P.
Today – is rest day. My body hurts from that ‘great’ workout and the kids have lots of plans on their docket. Hannah will be at AC Moore in Ashburn this morning starting at 1130A to sell Girl Scout Cookies with her Girl Scout troop. So if you are in the market for some delicious cookies to eat – in moderation of course – then stop by. They are pricey but the money does go for some important programs helping young girls around the country.
Weightlifting helpful for obese kids
01 year ago
In-Your-Face Fitness: Weightlifting helpful for obese kids
And this is exactly why CrossFit has a CrossFit kids program —
It goes without saying that children who are obese would benefit from aerobic exercise. However, they’re likely to find the idea of going for a jog or spending half an hour on a treadmill about as appealing as watching Congress debate the fine points of tax policy on C-SPAN.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative form of exercise that plays to the strengths of plus-sized kids: weightlifting.
It may sound like an unconventional suggestion, but I’m not the only one making it. There’s even some evidence that for this demographic, weightlifting is a more effective gateway to a healthy lifestyle than traditional aerobic exercise.
Champion of Health and Fitness
01 year ago
My kids and I showing our muscles
Superintendent ‘fits in’ at Norris.
We have to inspire and educate kids in being fit and healthy. The more schools that place value and encourage it — the better off we all are! I have given a online speaker session about ‘Creating Fit Families’ on behalf of K12 this past Fall: http://bit.ly/gKdYm7
Jumpin’, dancin’ and groovin’. From teachers to students and even administrators, Norris Public Schools is trying to incorporate fitness into its daily schedule.
Norris superintendent Dr. John Skretta was recently named a “Champion of Health and Fitness” by Fitness magazine.
Skretta said he was honored to be selected as an individual – and keeps some lofty company with actress Jessica Biel, fitness trainer Jillian Michaels and First Lady Michelle Obama – but felt the award was for the entire Norris district.
“It’s been really flattering to be included in that and to be a person who can serve as a spokesperson for an active lifestyle and getting people up and moving,” Skretta said. “I’ve been fortunate to be in a leadership position where I can promote that agenda.”
A Weather Induced Mini Workout for You!
01 year ago
Scotty and I went out on a dinner date last nite — and did some errands while we were out. One of the things we started doing after he got sick was to ensure we spent some ‘alone’ time together. So we would go out once a week on a ‘date’. Nothing fancy — usually dinner. Things in our lives were so stressful and emotional back then, it was nice to have something that was normal and stable to look forward to. Our regular babysitter is now in High School and into sports, so he isn’t as available as he used to be so we are trying out different neighborhood kids out for a few hours on certain weeknights. It works out great because their parents are home and they live on our street so if it was a true emergency — an adult is available. Also the kids all have cell phones and text us with any questions — so it’s super easy.
I will let you in on a little secret too — most of our babysitters are the neighborhood boys. I believe it’s an untapped market. The boys on our street are kids we have known since they were little. We know their parents and it’s a really good ‘job’ for them. My kids are already in the pjs and fed when they come over and they get to hang out for a little while — we get home at a decent hour and they make some cash. Win/Win Situation for everyone. And I like that my kids get to experience a male figure displaying what has for the most part always been considered a female role. Times are changing — so should babysitters.
So we went out for Indian food — talked about my upcoming trip to San Francisco and anything else that came up. I highly recommend a regular date night for busy parents. We busy parents tend to forget that we have to put work into our marriage in order for us to remain connected and committed. Just like anything that’s worth it — for an exercise program to work you need to be connected and committed too!
It’s cold and icy here in Northern Virginia today. So they canceled school which means i have to work from home with a house full of kids. Should be interesting — Have a great day and don’t let the weather stop you or deter you from your fitness goal today. If you want the goal bad enough — nothing will stand in your way.
If you are stuck inside today — you can do this mini workout:
5 Rounds
1m AMRAP
Burpees
Rest 30s
1m AMRAP
push ups
Rest 30s
1m AMRAP
air squats
2min rest between each round
Record your total reps each round and the lowest rep round is recorded. There is no equipment needed for any of the above exercises so no weather excuses!!
Happy Birthday Dad.
01 year ago
Today is my Dad’s Birthday. I don’t see him very often but he has been doing the Skype thing with us so the kids get to know their grampa. It’s so amazing how different our kids are growing up with technology in their lives than I did. Back when I was Hannah’s age, making a long distance phone call was expensive so I didn’t get to know my grandparents very well. Makes me sad when I think about it — they have so much to offer their grandchildren in their experiences, memories and love.
Happy Birthday Dad.
Restaurant trends for 2011
01 year ago
Eating out in 2011 will be about health! Although skeptical, this is great to read because it shows that it’s on the minds of those in the food business. Of course the fact that they are mentioning improving kids’ nutrition makes me even happier! Let’s keep our eye on this one –
Happy eating in 2011!!
Ahead of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and impending regulatory standards for calorie postings in restaurants, smart chefs and restaurateurs are aligning their plans with the changing nutritional tide. Thus, eating out in 2011 will be all about health and flavor. Here are some of the predictions: Locally sourced ingredients. After a few tough years with outbreaks of food-borne illness and frequent food recalls, consumers want to know where their food is coming from. The closer, the better. Roof top and back yard gardens are supplying restaurants with the freshest herbs and produce available. Smaller portions. Whether it’s supersize fatigue or a sluggish economy, restaurant patrons are opting for smaller portions or sharing entrees. Fixed price meals and other cost-saving deals will continue to be on the menu. Big flavor. The portions might be smaller, but the flavor is bigger. Ethnic and artisan foods turn a meal into a taste experience. For your consideration: coconut-infused flavor, ancient grains, flavorful cheeses, and local, artisanal beers and liquors. New twist on kid friendly. From the White House to the school lunch room, childhood nutrition is getting a much needed overhaul. Instead of the traditional fried strips of chicken and potatoes, look for more nutritious meal offerings to include fruit, veggies, and milk. Dessert anyone? Yogurt, gourmet popsicles, and pie are topped with or filled with fruit and flavor combinations to delight. Allergy awareness. For those with food allergies, dining away from home is a gamble. Smart restaurants know that clean kitchens and food handling practices that prevent cross contamination could open the doors to new patrons.
