Become an Acupuncture Assistant TODAY!

Have you ever wanted to work in the medical field, but you didn't have the time or money to invest in that type of schooling? Have you ever been curious about the differences between Eastern and Western healthcare practices and medicines? Are you thinking about changing your career direction, but have no idea where to start?

Goldfish Acupuncture wants to help YOU find that rewarding career! Become an Acupuncture Assistant today, and discover a world where you can feel good about helping others achieve proper health!

Take The Leap To Create A Productive and Financially Sound Acupuncture Practice Today!

Are you a recent graduate who's looking to hit the ground running?!
Do you already have an established practice, but are looking to brush up on some business and marketing skills to increase your patient intake and overall income? Look no further!
Goldfish Acupuncture has the perfect answer for you!! 4 minutes of your time is all I ask... You cannot put a pricetag on a successful future!

Take Your Fitness Career To The Next Level and Beyond

Home Fitness, Inc. wants to help YOU! We have developed a thorough Home Study Course designed to get you back on track with sales, marketing, clients and social media...new training techniques and "testing"...and much, much more.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or want to get started today!

phaklides@sbcglobal.net

Dream Research - Participants Still Needed!

Seeking 100 Participants for Dream Research (Milwaukee, WI and Surrounding Areas)

Trisha Phaklides, L.Ac., author of “We Dream In Chinese”©, is looking for qualified participants as part of research for her next book, "We Dream In Chinese II".

If you have reoccurring dreams, nightmares, or just bizarre dreams that you can”t figure out…we want to talk with you!

Find out the answers to the age-old question: “Exactly what are our dreams communicating to us?”

CALL OR EMAIL TODAY to see if you qualify.

Submit your name and a recent dream for consideration.
Trisha Phaklides, L.Ac.
phaklides@sbcglobal.net
(414) 793-3621

We Dream in Chinese

Dreams are a combination of the dreamer’s thoughts, images and emotions. Your body uses that combination to tell a story. The story is a direct reflection of how your internal organs are functioning. If the story and people in your dreams are familiar to you, your mind has a better chance of getting its point across.
The process is simple – let me explain to you how it works.

In Chinese medicine, there is a theory in which dreams relate to Five Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Within each of these elements is a pair of organs that work in concert together. One of the organs within each element has the ability to communicate with the body; the other does not. For example, the Earth element houses the stomach and the spleen. Your body knows how to tell you when you have a stomach ache, but what would a “spleen ache” feel like? How would it manifest itself? Your dreams are the best method your body has of informing you about what is going on inside your body.

Just as your blood carries oxygen, minerals and waste products throughout the body, nutrients from the foods you eat are delivered to your organs via the blood. Conversely, the blood travels through each organ, deposits nutrients, and then picks up messages from each organ. During your sleep, the liver cleans the blood and detects any of the messages from each of the organs. Think of this as a message in a bottle. If one of the organs in the element is yang (knows how to communicate) and the other is yin, the yin organ sends its message to you through your dreams.

Where do dreams come from?

Once the body falls asleep it will reach REM, or Rapid Eye Movement. This is when the frequency of thoughts will slow down enough for the body to dream. Once the liver deciphers the message from the yin organ(s), it sends the information to the heart. The heart controls what the Chinese refer to as the shen. The shen is the mind. For people who are disturbed, Chinese medicine terms them as “Shen Disturbed”. When the heart detects an anomaly with a yin organ, it uses certain consistent clues associated with that element, combines it with familiar thoughts, images and emotions and creates a story. A dream emerges, and it’s intent is to let you know that the yin organ is in need of attention.

Pay close attention to what your dreams are saying. It is similar to a symptom. You wouldn’t ignore a symptom, would you?

Commercialized Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a fantastic medicine without side effects. It allows your body to heal itself naturally. The more people who try it will like it, then more and more people can get relief without medications. I would be alright with the drug companies struggling to make a living.
Getting back to basic medicine is certainly in the patients best interest. I will make Acupuncture more available in complimentary industries. This will generate an income for the Acupuncturist, the industry and more available for the consumer. A classic win-win-win.
Furthermore, if you have an insurance policy that covers Acupuncture, good for you. Most do not which speaks volumes of the integrity of many insurance companies. It only makes perfect sense to pay for a service that actually treats and heals the body but many of the insurance companys would prefer to pay for medications. Hmmm!
I have not been to a doctor in over 10 years. I do not want medications, I do not want to be told it is all in my head, I do not want what they are selling. I use Acupuncture, herbs and exercise, equivalent to the "apple-a-day" saying.
Watch for the Goldfish Acupuncture signs to start floating up everywhere. You will know these are the best trained Acupuncturists anywhere. Trustworthy and excellent in their professions.
Looking for Acupuncture Affiliates to join our group. Call Trisha at 414 793-3621.

New Year's Resolutions - Let's make it happen!

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a happy and healthful 2009, and are now looking forward to the next decade of your life! How exciting is this? 2010! Thanks to Hollywood movies, 2010 felt like only a dream. Well, now that we're here, what are you going to do about it?? :)


That's right. I'm talking about YOUR resolution for 2010 and beyond.

The tradition of New Year's Day resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. They believed that what a person does on the first day of the new year will affect what they do throughout the year. Statistics show that almost 97% of New Year's Resolutions are never fulfilled. Even so, some 40 to 45 percent do use New Year's Day to make resolutions and set goals.

While many may eventually ditch their resolutions, statistics show that setting goals is valuable. Research shows that 75 percent do make it past the first week; 46 percent make it past the six-month mark. Overall, those who make a meaningful resolution are more likely to achieve their goal than those who make no commitment at all.

Among the top new years resolutions: lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking and/or a commitment to resolve other health issues. These are GREAT! But, more often than not, year after year, we lose the enthusiasm and desire to continue...simply put, we fizzle out.

Let's STOP THE MADNESS and make the commitment to ourselves STICK IT OUT this time!! Yes, there's a difference between wishing for something to happen, vs. making a commitment. Wishing is passive, commitment is active. You need to get out there and DO IT! You are in charge of your life. You are in charge of Making it Happen! CHANGE! Change NOW!

Here are some helpful tips in making a positive change in your life:

• Aim for a specific goal. The more specific the commitment, the better.
• Be realistic. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
• Visualize it - let yourself imagine how you would look and feel achieving your goal - bask in the dream. :) This vision will be a very effective way to help pull you through the inevitable "dark times", and difficulties that you will face in making the change.
• Keep track of your results! Don't allow yourself to be discouraged. Visual or impactful changes will not happen overnight. These things take time. As long as you keep a journal of where you started, and what you're doing, I promise you will "see" results along the way!
• Take Care of yourself (don't go it alone). Resolutions are commitments towards a positive end result. This means you will be giving up some things along the way (dieting, smoking, time in exercise, etc.). Don't forget to take care of you, first - whether it be with a support group, or friends and family to encourage and motivate you in this process. Treat yourself to a prize now and then - really...it's o.k.! Purchase those pair of jeans you always wanted, but just couldn't squeeze into yet. Make those jeans your "goal", your personal "finish line".

At Home Fitness, we don't want you to lose sight of your New Year's resolution. We want to help you achieve your goals. You will encounter "bumps" along the way, but use these 'bumps' to your advantage. What tries to break us, only makes us stronger, right? Take the opportunity to make your goal more specific - like allowing Home Fitness into your living room 3 times a week, or foregoing extra cable channels for 6 months. (How many are there now? over 1000??!! You don't need them! But, you DO need your health!)

Allow us to help you set realistic goals. Through nutrition classes and personal fitness training, we'll help you visualize your better and healthier self. We'll keep track of your results, and give you attention and support along the way, so the doling out rewards is all up to you! How does that sound?! :)

Don't wait! Act now...

From today through the end of the month, we have a $99 Special which includes a personal fitness assessment and 3 personal fitness training sessions for you and a friend! A $280 value, all for just $99! You can't beat that! It's an inexpensive way for you to make the first move towards the rest of your life.

Make that New Year's resolution stick this year! Beat out the odds. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

Healthfully,

Your Home Fitness Team

Need Last Minute Gift Ideas? Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season!

Hi! It's Rebecca again.

I just wanted to send a friendly reminder about the wonderful special we have available for just a short time.

From now until the end of January, we are offering a Free Fitness Assessment with 3 Personal Training Sessions (for you and a friend) for just $99!! That's a $280 value at 65% OFF!! And, if you decide to split that with a friend, that's only $49.50 a piece! Wow! You cannot beat that price anywhere else in town.

Home Fitness, Inc. wants to keep you fit this holiday season. We make fitness fit into your lifestyle, and make it fun by bringing everything to you, when you want it.

We are also offering gift certificates for this special offer. Give the gift of health to someone you love! You can't put a price tag on that. It makes the perfect last-minute stocking stuffer!

Contact us at http://www.wemakefitnessfit.com/ for more information, and let us help you, or someone you love, get a jump-start on fitness this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from the Home Fitness Team!

Recently Laid Off? So Was I... But, That's Still No Excuse!

Hi Everyone! This is Rebecca, Tricia and Steve's newest Fitness Account Executive with Home Fitness. I met them about a month ago after I lost my job as a Marketing Manager. Now, this is not to tell you about my story, but it's to let you know that you're NOT alone out there.

I got off the phone today with one of Steve's former clients. She informed me that she had just lost her job. Knowing what I had gone through, inspired me to write this blog.

I got my "pink slip" back in July. Boy, what a hit that was to my budget! I started cancelling services, downgrading my cable and cell phone plans, stopped shopping at Sendik's and started looking at Big Lots instead. What was my largest expense per month, besides my car? My fitness class. So, I immediately called my instructor to cancel my monthly "auto-withdrawal" for services. Was I surprised (in a good way) by his response!!

He had been so impressed with my progress and told me that I was an "inspiration to others" in the class. He said that, "during these tough times, it's so easy to lose focus on what's important." (I thought he was referring to me finding a job.)

When you're down, it's easy to lose motivation. You put all of your focus on finding a job. And when that doesn't happen right away you start to feel depressed and anxious, you feel tired all the time (simply because you're not moving), tension begins to build in our bodies, and you actually make yourself susceptible to illness. I know, because it happened to me.

In order for me to stay focused, forever-energized, and on-track, he insisted that I continue in the fitness class, and even agreed to bend a payment or two, helping me out with the finance part! I was very fortunate to have met him. Staying in shape has made such a difference in the way that I approach my job search. And let me say, it really helps boost the confidence level during interviews!

I'm also very fortunate to have met Steve and Tricia. What a wonderful business they have! Fitness is so important and I beg you to not let finances, time, energy or any other excuse, get in your way of TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE! I cannot stress it enough. Home Fitness makes it SO easy, too! I mean, they come to you! They bring everything you need to get a power-charged workout in, in the comfort of your own home! What could be better than that?!?

The holidays are right around the corner. We KNOW there will be lots of food to be eaten, and lots of family to see. Can you just hear the excuses creeping in?? I can ;) Let's do something about that today. What do you say?!

Sleep On It

You just don’t get it. You tried everything: you restricted yourself to the grape fruit diet, you joined zumba and you called Jenny, but you just can’t seem to free yourself from those extra pounds. Maybe, you should sleep on it – literally. President of Home Fitness and Doctor of Oriental Medicine Trisha Phaklides supports the notion that there is a direct correlation between dreams and patients’ physical and psychological well-being.
A 2003 graduate from Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Doctor Phaklides has aided over 40,000 patients and continues to heal patients at her private practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, according to her website www.wedreaminchinese.com. Through her studies of Oriental Medicine, Doctor Phaklides has detected a correspondence between her patients’ dreams and their physiology. “I have always wondered about dreams like most people and knew there had to be more to them,” writes Doctor Phaklides on her website.
Doctor Phaklides based her research on Chinese dream interpretation on the Five Element theory, a supposition that centers on the elements of fire, water, earth, metal and wood through sensory clues – states Doctor Phaklides’ website. Dreams that present a visual of other sensory portrayal of one of these five elements is said to provide an implication to stresses within the body.
According to the Five Element theory, depictions of fire symbolize setbacks within the dreamer’s heart or small intestine. Dreams incorporating the element of wood signify problems within the liver or gallbladder. Water represents trouble within the kidneys or bladder. The element earth indicates stresses on the spleen or stomach, and dreams portraying images of metal are linked to lung and intestinal difficulties. Doctor Phaklides compiled her findings and examples of actual dream interpretations in her newest book We Dream in Chinese. To learn more about the Five Element theory or Doctor Phaklides’ book, visit www.wedreaminchinese.com

Burning 'to-do' Chores

Do you feel as if you have no time to commit to some cardio? Do not despair! You actually burn calories without even thinking about it everyday doing household activities. Activitycalculator.com provides information on how you can stay trim and on task at home.
A person who weighs 140 pounds can lose up to 159 calories doing auto repairs for 30 minutes. So, working on that carburetor can help you lose those carbs you ingested for lunch.
If auto mechanics tend to steer you in the wrong direction, try sweeping the floor. A person of the same build can brush away 143 calories by using the old broom and dust pan for 30 minutes.
Ironing can get you looking steamy! Remove wrinkles and calories by ironing for 30 minutes and you can lose up to 73 calories. You’ll be smoothing out a smaller pants size in no time.
Trim away fat while trimming the hedges. Using a power cutter for 30 minutes can snip away 111 calories. Although all of these chores are adequate forms of exercise when pressed for time, checking them off of your to-do list should not be your only form of training. Remember, you want to sculpt your body at home, not turn into a homebody

Baffled by Breakfast

Breakfast is one of the most critical meals of the day. According to Kathleen Zelman’s WebMD article “The Many Benefits of Breakfast,” breakfast provides bountiful bonuses including: low cholesterol, more energy for physical activities, enhanced concentration and a higher amount of vitamins and minerals. However, when eaten poorly, breakfast can have flavorful, but unfavorable calorie intakes.
According to the Boston University Nutrition and Fitness Center, three slices of bacon have 45 more calories than lean meats, regular cream cheese contains 50 calories per tablespoon (light cream cheese contains 30 calories), and the Half and Half poured into a morning cup of coffee has 15 calories per tablespoon.
However, these extra calories do not mean that one should hit the snooze button and hold off until lunch time. As the Boston University Nutrition and Fitness Center shows below, it is still possible to have a fit and flavorsome morning meal while reaping nutritional benefits.
Oatmeal and whole grain cereals – such as Cheerios, Wheaties and Total – are perfect choices for a speedy morning burst. Whole grains and starchy vegetables are critical for providing a quick fix of energy.
However, in order to maximize that A.M. fuel, a non-starchy vegetable or a piece of fruit is required. Such breakfast items include apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and carrots.
Finally, in order to sustain the energy from your day breaking dish, a protein should be ingested. Eggs, hummus, nuts and seeds are excellent choices.
So, skip the plump Poptarts and dumpy doughnuts and kick your day off right with a healthy start.

It Is What It Is - So now what?

From the words of Nike: Just Do It! - We'll even reward you for it!

The economic state of our country is turning around - you may not see it right now, but it's on a slow and steady incline. However, since it's initial decline, Americans have had a tendency to "bunker down", or stay at home more to be with family. They are working more, going out less, skipping meals, or skimping on their grocery lists, cancelling monthly dues to their favorite gym, taking road trips, and are more sedentary than usual. During these stressful times, we tend to neglect the one person who needs us most...Ourselves. How can we be expected to take care of others, or our work, or our home, if we ourselves are not fueled? The economy isn't going to change tomorrow...It is what it is. But, you can. You can take control of your life once again and still be within the comforts of your own home, near family and friends.

At Home Fitness, we make fitness fit. We make it fit in your schedule, we make it fit to your budget, and we make it work for you. Weight loss is a journey that very few can go alone and succeed. If your focus is clouded with the way things are, you won't get very far. If your focus is clear, your path is bright. To get going again, avoiding the pot holes in the road is a challenge left to those with incredible will.

At Home Fitness, we understand what you have been going through, and understand the will power and determination it takes to get back up. We will be with you every step of the way until you reach YOUR goal!

Starting this Sunday, we will be offering a free day of fitness! You'll need to create an account, or sign in if you're an existing member at http://www.wemakefitnessfit.com/ When you're finished registering, click on the fun, interactive video, and enter the coupon code: FREEFIT to receive your free workout on us!

Gym Memberships

The average annual gym membership is about $600, according to UK MSN Money. However, 800,000 members will only use that membership once or twice a month, says the same website.
With the price of membership, gas and a babysitter, joining a gym will lose you an arm and a leg, instead of that extra weight around your midsection.
Home Fitness understands the value of your time and money and has thus created the 75 Cent Exercise Video to fit your lifestyle and your wallet.
Visit www.wemakefitnessfit.com and watch dozens of exercise videos for only 75 cents a clip. Home Fitness has a large array of short workout films to target specific areas of the body including the abdominals, biceps, chest, back, shoulders, quadriceps and more. Plus, the videos are designed for people of all different training levels including beginner, intermediate and advanced.
You will never have to pay a pricey gym fee or waste your time traveling back and forth from your home to the gym again! Watch one video or watch them all. You determine your workout investment and schedule with the Home Fitness 75 Cent Workout Videos.

Get Fit with Text 2 Fit

You have seen your teenagers do it. Perhaps, you have even picked up on the lingo yourself, such as lol or bff, to show your kids how “hip” you can be. I’m talking about text messaging – the phenomenon that has opened a new doorway in the world of technological communication.
Over 75 billion text messages are sent every month, according to cellsigns.com. Text messaging is a speedy and simple way to deliver a brief message when you are on the go. Now, with Home Fitness’s Text 2 Fit program, you can receive quick fitness and nutrition reminders wherever you are.
The Text 2 Fit program includes a personal phone consultation to determine your rapid weight loss plan, an activity calculator with a list of straightforward workouts that allow you to pre-burn half of your calorie intake, dietary suggestions – created by
President of Home Fitness and certified acupuncturist Trisha Phaklides – based on
Eastern nutritional tactics and up to 16 texts per day that remind you when it is time to eat and time to exercise.
Put your health at the top of your priority list and give yourself the little reminder to do so with Home Fitness’s Text 2 Fit. Visit the Home Fitness website www.wemakefitenessfit.com to learn more or call (414) 762-2460 to speak with your new bft (best fitness trainer) Trisha.

NARI Show in Milwaukee

Come and meet us at the NARI show in Milwaukee at the Expo Center this weekend on September 18, 19 and 20th.
Register to Win a $1,500 Corporate Wellness Package for your company.

Starbucks Addict

Hello. My name is Elyse, and I am a Starbucks addict.
How many of us can relate to this confession? Whether you’re an employee, a parent or a college student, like me, who is well acquainted with final papers and midterms, you may be one of the millions of humans on this planet who can’t even function in the morning without that quick fix of caffeine.
Now, when I say I’m a Starbucks addict, I mean it. I analyzed the coffee empire’s strengths and weaknesses for my final paper my freshman year (honestly, it was just a great excuse for me to visit Starbucks when I needed “inspiration” for my paper), and I spent the $40 gift card my dad bought me for St. Nick’s Day within a single semester.
There was even one time when a woman stopped me on the street and asked me where she could find the nearest hospital; I told her I had no idea and watched her frantically speed off. Two seconds later, a student asked me where she could find the closest Starbucks; I rattled off three locations.
Thankfully, Starbucks Coffee, Co. is familiar with coffee addicts, such as myself, and can provide temporary cures for cravings in the form of caffeinated beverages.
However, not all of these instant and roasted forms of therapy are healthy. That is why I have taken it upon myself to educate my fellow coffee fanatics about the nutritional values of three Starbucks beverages. The facts listed below all originate from the Starbucks website, www.starbucks.com.
First and foremost is the crème de le crème of my beloved beverages: the chai tea latte. Normally, I order a grande (or a medium) size chai tea latte, which consists of 16 ounces of deliciousness, with 2 percent milk. This luscious latte has a total of 260 calories, 60 of which are from fat, seven grams of total fat and four grams of saturated fat. It also has 20 milligrams of cholesterol, 95 milligrams of sodium, 41 grams of sugar and 43 grams of carbohydrates. On the bright side, it has seven grams of protein, 4 percent Vitamin A, 2 percent iron and 25 percent of the calcium needed daily, at least this is what I like to keep reminding myself.
However, there is light to the end of this dark and decaffeinated tunnel. If I substitute 2 percent milk with nonfat milk, the total calories drop from 260 to 200; also, there are no fat calories or grams of fat! Furthermore, there are only 5 milligrams of cholesterol, and there’s a 4 percent increase in the amount of Vitamin A and an extra gram of protein.
This option is healthier than ordering your latte with soy milk. Nevertheless, both the carbohydrates and sugars increase by one gram with nonfat milk compared to ordering it with 2 percent.
Here’s a seasonal favorite for all of you frappuccino fans: the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Blended Crème. This fattening frapp not only taste like pumpkin, but it makes you look like one as well. If you order a grande frapp with whipped cream, you are ingesting 470 calories, 120 from fat, 13 grams of total fat and seven grams of saturated fat; according to fitday.com, that’s only 100 calories less than a slice of cheesecake. There are also 360 milligrams of sodium, 74 grams of carbohydrates and 63 grams of sugar.
However, there are 13 grams of protein, and the beverage makes up 15 percent of your daily amount of Vitamin A and 45 percent of your required intake of calcium for all of you optimists. To cut the total calories from 470 to 360, order the beverage without whipped cream.
For all of you who are currently fighting back tears as you reach for the scissors to cut up your Starbucks gift cards, don’t despair! Your Starbucks fixations can still be satisfied with the Strawberry Banana Vivanno Smoothie. This berry-filled beverage, when ordered with nonfat milk, has a total of 270 calories, 5 of which are from fat. There are also only 0.5 grams of total fat.
Even though there are 110 milligrams of sodium, 56 grams of carbohydrates and 41 grams of sugar, there are still seven grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein. Plus you receive 4 percent of your required amount of Vitamin A, 10 percent of your daily calcium and iron intake and 100% of your needed quantity of Vitamin C.
Now, please keep in mind that this article is not to bash Starbucks. I would be a dirty, rotten liar if I said I would never order another chai tea latte from there again (oh, I don’t even want to think about that happening). I just feel obligated to reach out to all of those who reach into their wallets everyday to pay for these $3.00 beverages.
If I didn’t mention your favorite beverage and you’re curious to discover its nutritional value, log onto www.starbucks.com/retail and click on the nutrition information button.
Be wise my fellow coffee enthusiasts. Be wise.
My name is Elyse, and I am a Starbucks addict.

Saying Goodbye to those Sunny Rays and Chubby Days

As we say goodbye to flip-flops, beach bags and the glorious aroma of sunscreen, we should also take this time to bid adieu to the summer beer belly that has accumulated from numerous grill outs and ice cream trips. Enjoy your last few weeks of summer with these sizzling workouts.
Swim: A person who weighs 150 pounds and swims freestyle at a leisurely pace for 30 minutes burns 257 calories, according to dietandfitnesstoday.com.
Swimming protects your joints, because it is a no-ground contact sport, and is even advised by the Arthritis Foundation, says medicinenet.com. Plus, swimming is a lifelong activity that you can do with friends and family, medicinenet.com acknowledges.
Badminton: Grab your birdie and your racquet because playing a social singles or doubles match of badminton results in losing 165 calories for a person who weighs 150 pounds, claims dietandfitnesstoday.com.
Badminton-information.com says that badminton strengthens the heart muscles and prevents the clogging of blood vessels. Remember, it is not whether you win or lose, but how many calories you lose.
Hiking: Aaaah! The great outdoors! There is nothing better than observing the wonders of nature while constantly blowing your nose because of your pollen allergies.
For those of you who can forgo the tissues, you may want to consider ending your summer with an adventurous hike, as hiking for 30 minutes can result in burning 220 calories for a person tipping the scale towards 150 pounds – says dietandfitnesstoday.com. Hiking is a great way to distress and clear your mind, without having to clear your wallet.
The sublime summer whether is not going to stick around forever, but unless you put some pep in that step and end your summer with a strong, active approach, that beer belly will. So, put down the brat and grab your friends for an active day of fun and exercise. You’ll be ready for the next bikini season in no time.

Oh, Baby! Staying Fit during Your Prenatal Days

What name should we pick? At which hospital should the baby be delivered? Is that a stretch mark?
Pregnancy can be a tremendous, miraculous experience for mommies-to-be; however, with your focus centering on your expectant little bundle of joy, it can be easy to forget about your own well being. Here are some tips and tidbits for making your prenatal months a healthy, joyous experience.
Pregnant does not equal passive. Being fertile does not give you an excuse to stop exercising for nine months. In fact, staying active while you’re pregnant provides numerous benefits including better posture, an increase in your flow of oxygen and a decreased chance of delivery difficulties, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at parents.com.
Nevertheless, your body will encounter manifold changes, and it is vital to be aware of these transformations in order to protect your baby and yourself.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that the ligaments in your joints become more flexible when you’re expecting, as a result of the increase in hormones. However, extra mobility can lead to extra injuries, so it is best to avoid high-impact sports. Basically, you can make your husband sprint to the grocery store at 12:45 a.m. when you’re craving chocolate covered pickles, but you must jog casually.
As the countdown to the arrival of your newest family member decreases, you will find that the number of skinny jeans you can squeeze yourself into will do likewise. Your heart has to work harder to adjust to your weight gain; as you exercise, your heart rate accelerates and the blood and oxygen in your body flow towards your exerted muscles and away from other crucial body parts, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. So, make sure you do not do more than your body can handle.
Despite these physical setbacks, there are still plenty of activities you can do while you’re pregnant to stay fit. Walking, jogging, yoga, pilates, dancing and swimming are all superb forms of prenatal physical activity - especially swimming as it creates buoyancy and relieves the weight of your baby bump, says Tara Hill of Associated Content.
Hill reports that exercising during your fertile period results in countless gains including fewer cases of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, easier shifts to your pre-pregnancy figure and an increase in stamina during labor, which your husband and you will appreciate after he passes out on the floor from your deafening screams and kung-fu hand grip. Taking exercise classes is also a great social outlet for women who are carrying, so you can all complain about your blistered feet and sore backs together.
As always, you should consult your doctor before undergoing any physical activities. Your pregnancy should be a time of excitement and anticipation. Do the right thing for your new loved one by providing him with a fit mommy who can play endless rounds of hide and seek and carry him across the monkey bars for years to come.

The Food of Our People

What is it about fast food that Americans love? Is it the fact that they don’t have to cook the meals themselves when their busy schedules demand so much? Perhaps, it is the concept of having to pay less than $8 for dinner that is so appealing. Maybe, it is the little plastic toy figurines that make the experience so enticing.
Whatever the reason may be, it is unlikely that the high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity, which coincide with fast food dieting according to the Center for Young Women’s Health, play a role in the American burger and fry infatuation.
Seeing as how one in four Americans eats fast food everyday, according to HelpGuide.org, it is doubtful that this drive-in devotion will end anytime soon.
Taking note of America’s tendency to go weak in the knees by the very sound of the term “Happy Meal” or “Big-Mac,” Tracy Minkin and Brittani Renaud of Health magazine compiled a list of America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants. So, the next time you’re craving a little drive through delight, try one of these eateries.
Coming in at number 10 is Taco del Mar. Minkin and Renaud praised the chain for its whole wheat tortillas, its 320 calorie burritos and the restaurant’s choice to ban lard from the beans. You can visit the website of this burrito business at tacodelmar.com and click on the “nutritional information” button to learn how to eat more efficiently at the establishment, such as by ordering fish tacos instead of beef to reduce your sodium intake.
McDonald’s receives eighth place in this restaurant ranking. While Minkin and Renaud warn customers about portion control, the two critics applaud Mickey D’s for its Happy Meal alternatives (you can now order apple dippers instead of fries and replace soft drinks with low fat milk or juice) and low cal, high-protein Snack Wraps.
Furthermore, McDonald’s lists its nutritional information on the back of its tray sheets and on its website http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com, so no more excuses when you start tipping the scale after eating a Double-Quarter Pounder with Cheese – that bad boy comes to a whopping total of 740 calories according to the website.
Minkin and Renaud rank the Corner Bakery Café as number five. The two Health magazine connoisseurs commend the restaurant’s breakfast items, particularly the Farmer’s Scrambler (a 260 calorie dish, when ordered with egg whites, consisting of peppers, onions, mushrooms, potatoes and cheese). This charming café is also ranked as “One of the 10 Best Fast-Casual Restaurants in America” by Parent’s Magazine, according to the Corner Bakery’s website cornerbakerycafe.com.
Health magazine names Panera Bread as the contender of America’s healthiest fast-food chains. One of the restaurant’s most appealing features is the portion control. With Panera Bread’s half sandwich and salad deals, choosing an adequate size meal is simple. For instance, a half size Cesar salad accumulates 200 calories and 30 percent of the recommended amount of Vitamin A, according to paneranutrition.com.
Minkin and Renaud also value the fact that Panera Bread carries an array of trim and tasty sides including apples, fruit cups, baked potato chips and whole grain baguettes. With a menu as nectarous and nutritious as Panera Bread’s, it is no surprise that this soup and salad shop receives first place.
The next time you find yourself driving down the strip of fast-food chains or perusing the food court at the mall, try to choose one of these eateries for a healthier meal. Remember, these restaurants, just like any other dining establishments, have nutritious and detrimental options; it is up to you to regulate your portions and your calorie intake.
To review the complete listing of America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants, visit http://living.health.com.