Sunday, June 7, 2009

FAQ post

What are some good recipes for eating right?

Boo's Kiwi and Mango Salad



INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
2 small mangos - peeled, seeded, and diced
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sweet corn
1/4 cup French dressing


DIRECTIONS



  1. Stir together the kiwi, mango, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sweet corn in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat; serve immediately.






What are some actives I can do to have fun yet stay healthy?




  • There are many actives that you can do to stay active. If you love to play sports, this is a great way to get out and have some fun. If you have bad joints and can no longer play sports, swimming is a great alternative to running. Making plans to take walks with that special someone helps you be active yet can be romantic



  • DANCE! Even if it's DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). It still gets your heart going and your mind to think. This can be a great way of staying fit and it's tons of fun too!






How can physical activity imporve my life


Being active can make you feel better about yourself and it can even lower your risks of dying early from different causes.



http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/physical-activity.cfm#a







How much physical activity is good for me?



Taking small steps is the best way to begin. Starting off a person should try to do 30 minutes a day five times a week.



The new 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that an active lifestyle can lower your risk of early death from a variety of causes. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can also lower your risk of:



  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • High blood pressure

  • Unhealthy cholesterol levels

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Colon cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Falls

  • Depression




How can I stay active?


There are many ways to stay active


Set goals!

What do you feel like doing? Do you want to be able to run the next community race? Do you want the energy to play with your children or grandchildren? Do you want to go on a hike in Algonquin Park or at Lake Louise? Take the time to decide on your goals. Make sure that they are S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). After you set your goals, write down step by step what you need to do to achieve them.
Join a team or clubIf you like to be competitive or just enjoy being with a group of people, join a hockey or soccer team, a square dancing class or a running or walking club. Find out what activities your local community centre offers.


Take it slowly!

Try to do some activity every day instead of going for several hours all at once. For example, try to be active for 30 to 60 minutes over the course of your day, most days of the week, instead of trying to do all of your exercise on the weekend. Doing too much at one time can be exhausting, painful and unpleasant. Start slowly and gradually increase the length of time and how often you exercise. Try increasing the intensity by exercising to fast music. Make sure that you include endurance, flexibility and strengthening activities.


Make the small stuff count

Wash your car instead of going through the car wash, and rake the leaves instead of using a blower. Walking your pet, vacuuming, playing in the park with your children and going for a walk to a café after dinner all help to keep you healthy and active.


Get to know your community

Take the time to explore your neighbourhood: smell the flowers, walk or wheel in the park, pick up some garbage, shovel your neighbour's driveway and become involved.


Enjoy the environment

Find a map of the walking and cycling trails in your area. Plan a camping, sea kayaking, canoeing or hiking adventure.


Try active transportation

Be active, and do your part to reduce air pollution. Walk your children to school or cycle to work instead of taking the car. Get off the bus one stop early. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. List the reasons for taking the car, and then decide whether you could walk, cycle, run or in-line skate instead.


Be active with a friend

Choose a partner to be active with who is supportive, positive and has similar activity goals. It is much easier to stay motivated when you have someone to exercise with.


Relax and have fun!

Physical activity doesn't have to be hard work. If you find comfort in nature, walk in a botanic garden or do tai chi in your back yard. If you want to stay home, put on music and dance by yourself or with your partner. If you need to stretch, try yoga or Pilates. If you enjoy water, go for a swim at your local pool. If you enjoy spending time with friends or find comfort in a group, try bowling or line dancing.


Add variety

Doing the same routine over and over again can be boring. To make your exercise more interesting, change your exercise routine every season, sample an activity you have always wanted to try, do different activities to exercise other parts of your body, try a different club, be active at different times of the day or be active with someone new.


This information was provided by Alberta Centre for Active Living


http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/chn/faq/stay-active.html







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