Thursday, August 18, 2011

Live Healthy NYC: Healthy Kids

Live Healthy NYC: Healthy Kids: For anyone with kids, the summer means daily ice cream, pizza, chicken fingers, italian ices, sleepovers and late night bedtimes - 'cause, h...

Healthy Kids

For anyone with kids, the summer means daily ice cream, pizza, chicken fingers, italian ices, sleepovers and late night bedtimes - 'cause, hey, it's summer vacation. 

However, as summer vacation nears the end (boo hoo!), now is the time to get your kids back on the right track for a healthy new school year.

As back to school rolls around, in order for kids to do their very best in school, it is important for children to get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy foods.

You've heard it time and time again- breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But, did you know, that it's also the most neglected. A great way to instill a healthy diet is to make sure your child starts the day with a healthy breakfast! Studies have shown that children who eat a healthy breakfast pay better attention in school, score higher on math and reading tests, and behave better overall. Eating a healthy breakfast helps children (and adults) maintain a healthy weight and have lower blood cholesterol.

It is important that breakfast include protein and fiber. Stay away from high carb foods that are high in sugar. That means avoid doughnuts, sugary cereals, white bread, white bagels, and sugary fruit juices.

Great sources of protein and fiber are: eggs, greek yogurt (great in a smoothie), low fat dairy foods (milk and cottage cheese), lean meats, nuts and seeds, whole grain bread, whole grain cereal, fresh fruit, veggies, beans.

Some great ideas (if you are stuck) are: breakfast burritos, meat and veggie omelets, smoothies, toast with cottage cheese and fruit, peanut butter on toast with fresh fruit, and egg sandwiches.

Smoothies are great sources of energy, and especially if you are running late, it's super quick! Just throw it all in a blender and a great breakfast is all ready!
Also, when trying to get the kids out the door, plan ahead. Measure cereal out the night before. Make muffins and breads over the weekend (when you have a little extra time) and freeze for weekday mornings. Don't be a short-order cook! Encourage everyone to eat the same breakfast!

And don't forget to be a great role model! Start your day off with the same smart healthy breakfast and together your family will be on the road to practicing healthy habits! 

For more information, contact me at: rachel@livehealthynyc.com




Sunday, August 7, 2011

Live Healthy NYC: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Live Healthy NYC: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?: "This is not your typical motivational blog- this is the kick in the butt that I give myself when I need to shake it up! Only you can do this..."

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

This is not your typical motivational blog- this is the kick in the butt that I give myself when I need to shake it up! Only you can do this- not your mother, not your best friend, not your husband or boyfriend, or girlfriend. Only YOU!!!

Summer has only a few more weeks left. Yes, it really is August already! My kids are bummed (sad face they say!). Where did the time go?!? 

Well, there's still plenty of time to accomplish the goals that you started to go for in June. So, get back on the bandwagon! Don't dream it, be it! There's no place for weakness!
Whether it's the sport you want to get better at (tennis, golf, run, swim, paddle, kyak, waterski, wakeboard) or the jeans you want to get back into (already, fall clothes are filling up the store windows, and we've been bopping around in shorts, tanks, and loose fitting summer dresses)- get back on the program!

Oyy, you say! How do you do this? And fast! Well, hate to burst your bubble, but there's no "magic pill"! While there are no magic diets, and juicing, veggie, or colonic "cleanses" are easy, and may help you to jump start the day- it won't get you where you want to be without hard work! 

I can help you! I can work with you to set your personalized program that will radically improve your health and happiness! Together, we will explore concerns specific to you and your body and discover the tools you need for a lifetime of balance.

So, here's your chance for a new beginning, make the change and make the most of it!
Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com