HollyJRockNRoll on Healthkicker

Saturday, 27 March 2010

Plus Size doesn't equal higher self esteem

If you read any magazine geared towards women, you will be familiar with the debate about whether it's a good idea to feature more plus-sized models.

There is no need to go into the stats about obesity in the U.S. Most of us are fully aware that over half of the adult population is overweight or obese. We also are aware that the models featured in magazines (thin or not) do not represent the average height of woman, and therefore the weight a woman at 5'10 can hold is not necessarily appropriate for someone who is 5'5.

Recently, a study was placed out by ASU that found that ads featuring plus sized models (such as the Dove ads), don't really help women's self esteem as once thought. It also didn't help market sales.

What is the reason for this? The study showed that self esteem in the woman surveyed had less to do with the types of models that magazines used and more to do with the amount of self-esteem they already had. They found that woman who already felt negativity about their body felt even worse when seeing someone in an ad that they identified with. In turn, Woman who felt positively about their body only felt better when they saw ads of woman they felt they looked similar to.

So what do you think about this? Do you like seeing plus sized models or no?

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Alternatives to Soy Milk

Not everyone likes soy or can even eat it. If you're looking for an alternative to soy milk that is still dairy free, try these!

Hemp Milk

Made from seeds of the Hemp plant,it's rich with:
    * 900mg Omega-3 Fatty Acid
    * 2800mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid
    * All 10 Essential Amino Acids
    * 4 grams of Digestible Protein
    * 46% of RDA of Calcium
    * 0% Cholesterol
    * Potassium
    * Phosphorous
    * Riboflavin
    * Vitamin A
    * Vitamin E
    * Vitamin B12
    * Folic Acid
    * Vitamin D
    * Magnesium
    * Iron
    * Zinc

It does not contain THC (the stuff that's in pot), so its legal (duh) for consumption. It comes in different flavors and may be just the thing you need to kick your protein shake or cereal up a notch!

Coconut Milk

This rich tasting milk can be caloric when purchased in a can at your local grocery store, but for a waist friendly coconut, try Coconut Milk by Soy Delicious. The vanilla flavor is only 90 calories per cup and the other flavors are lower! The milk is:
- Rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids
- Excellent Source of Vitamin B12 (vegetarian friendly)
- Formulated for Maximum Calcium Absorption
- Cholesterol Free and has no Trans Fats

For those of you who do not like the taste of coconut, do not despair. This trio of milks are not overpowered by a traditional coconut taste. Some have reported not being able to even taste the coconut at all. It's creamy as whole milk but far more healthy for the body. It's a win win situation. It also does not expire as fast!!

Rice Milk

Who knew that you could make milk from rice? With a lighter and sweeter consistency, rice milk is excellent for desserts and sweet recipes. Try chocolate rice milk (YUM) for smoothies or hot chocolate. The healthy fat found within rice milk helps to regulate blood pressure.

Almond Milk

Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium and potassium, this nut milk is another alternative to soy. With a slightly nutty flavor, Almond milk works well in cereals and in drinks. If you are allergic to almonds, you can totally make your own nut milk!! Follow this recipe and substitute the almonds for another nut that you are not allergic to! Just beware (homemade nut milks tend to be a little more calorie in comparison to the manufactured ones).

Ingredients:

    * 1 cup of raw almonds
    * 3 cups water
    * 1 Medjool date OR 1 Tbsp agave nectar

Directions:

   1. Place almonds and water in a blender and blend on high speed until nuts are completely broken and almond milk is created.
   2. Strain the almond milk through a fine sieve or nut milk bag into a bowl or jug.
   3. Rinse blender and add back in the strained nut milk.
   4. Add sweetener and blend.
   5. Taste test for sweetness and add more if required.

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Thrifty-Chic Work Out Gear

Purchasing new workout gear can pump you up to go work out. The popular store Forever21 has recently launched its new active sports line, Active wear for the Stylish! The clothes are not only cute but ultra affordable.

The striped crop pant comes in black with white stripes, as well as black with red stripes. At only $10.80 it's a real score.

This fitted racing stripes hoodie is only $15.80, and comes in white stripes or violet. Wear this piece and you'll look hot on and off the step machine.

Tank tops- the ultimate workout piece. This ribbed stretch bright beauty comes in at only $5.80 and is an essential to all fashionista's workout wardrobes.

See-who said sports wear had to be expensive. Run out and pick up a new exercise outfit today. Just make sure to wear it to the gym, not to sit on the couch;)

Thursday, 18 February 2010

Gym Etiquette

We all know the importance of good manners but for some reason we often forget them when we are at the gym (or at least some of us do). Not sure what proper gym etiquette is? Here’s a quick list. Follow these and you’ll be sure to avoid being labeled as one of those “nasty” people at the gym.

1. Smile when people make eye contact with you
Working out is suppose to make you feel good (endorphins) and smiles are contagious. I’m always surprised to see how many pissy faces I pass when I enter the gym. Don’t be one of those pissy people. Smile! You’re doing something good for yourself.
2. Wear deodorant
This seems like a no brainer, but we’ve all worked out next to someone who smelled like they forgot to swipe their Degree. It’s just a unpleasant experience. To avoid being a “stinkeroo”, carry a tiny deodorant in your gym bag for emergencies. You can buy a cheap travel one at your local grocery store.

3. Bring a Breath Mint
This is similar to number two. How many times have you been walking on the treadmill and have smelled the person’s breath next to you? It happens. Someone is dehydrated, their mouth is dry and if they keep their lips parted even slightly when they work out, it isn’t uncommon to get a whiff of stale air. Yuck. Bad breath happens, but a little gum or breath mint can take care of this problem. It may seem like a small thing to worry yourself about, but if you have ever worked out next to someone with bad breath then you know how awful it can be.

4. Cover Your Mouth When You Cough and Cover Your Nose When You Sneeze
This is self explanatory. The gym is a communal space. It always surprises me when I see people hack up a lung without covering their mouth. I don’t know if they forget where they are or if they just don’t care. Whatever the reason, it is rude and inconsiderate of other peoples health. If you have to sneeze or cough, cover your mouth or use a tissue.
5. Wipe Down Your Equipment
Gyms are breeding grounds for germs! Most gyms provide paper towels and equipment cleaner for people to use, stationed around the gym. Even if you do not sweat, still wipe down your machine. It sets a good example for others around the gym. Also wipe down the equipment before you use it. You have NO IDEA what the last person who used your machine has. For all you know the person who was using the row-machine before you could have fecal matter on their hands or Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria that causes staph infections). Protect yourself and others by cleaning your machine.

6. Keep your voice down.
Whether you are talking on your cell-phone or chatting with a workout buddy, keep the noise level down. You don’t want people to be all up in your business, do you? Keep your convo on the low. We don’t want to interrupt someones workout experience anymore then we want then to interrupt ours.

What other things do you think should be apart of “gym etiquette”?

Sunday, 24 January 2010

Trying The TreadClimber

You have probably seen the infomercials for The TreadClimber. This machine is like the love child of the treadmill and Stair Climber. It promises a low impact workout, perfect for people who have knee or back problems, while torching twice the amount of calories you would burn on a treadmill at the same speed and time.

I had the chance to try out this machine this week while away on a business trip. My regular gym does not have this type of equipment so I just had to jump at the chance to try one out while I had the opportunity. I like to pump my arms when I walk to get a fuller workout, but the sensation of being on a treadmill and yet walking up and down was such a different sensation that when I tried to move my arms I sorta lost my balance. That was a con for me. However, a huge pro was that I felt the machine working the muscles in my upper thighs (the back and inner parts), my calves and butt. Even more important, I sweated! I only stayed on for fifteen minutes, reaching a mile, but the machine said I burned over 100 calories. I do not know how accurate that is because I did not type in my weight (I was not familiar with all the programs and buttons yet, so I just hit quick start). Still, if the infomercials claim is true, that you burn twice the calories that you would if you had hit the treadmill for the same amount of time, then the machine was spot on.

I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The machine can only go up to 4.5 mph but it stimulates so many different muscles at one time that it may be a fair trade off. If available to me, I would certainly incorporate it into my regular routine, perhaps alternating it with the elliptical, stair master or stair climber. I didn't even bother doing lunges on the day I tried the TreadClimber. I felt as if I had already worked out the muscles that I would have if I had done my usual number of lunges.
These babies are priced between roughly $1,500-$2,500 which isn't so bad. When buying these type of machines it can be to your benefit to spend a little more dough. Also, Bowflex has a payment plan that's available to those who do not want to pay the full amount at once. You can purchase a quality treadmill these days under $1000, but in terms of ellipticals or machines such as The TreadCimber, it pays to put a bit more money in. Exercise equipment can be like furniture. The price can be high, but if it's quality, you will have the item for years and years. If I had the room, I would consider buying one. I liked it that much!