We all know that a task is easier if you use the right tools. The same goes for the task at hand: Making Better Choices for Healthier Lifestyles. However, there are so many tools and resources out there, it is difficult to know which ones will work best for us. So, as your ‘friend’, I would like to suggest a few because recommendations can go a long way to overcome being overwhelmed by all the choices. Besides, Black Friday and the Holidays are just around the corner and you need to start making up a list of gifts you would like!
Books that I have used that have been very helpful:
The South Beach Diet – by Dr. Arthur Agastan (2003). This is the original book and includes several chapters that describe, in layman’s terms, the science behind the plan. The middle section includes detailed meal plans, with recipes at the end of the book. Remember, we are all on a ‘diet’, what is important is that yours includes wise food choices. This plan worked really well for me and the folks at South Beach have expanded this book into quite a collection. Most of the recipes are easy to make, but taste like a chef cooked for you! Look for these on http://www.Amazon.com
The Quick and Clean Diet – by Dari Alexander (2013). This plan is very similar to the SB diet in that is suggests three phases in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. It is a very enjoyable and easy read and she includes descriptions of many foods, their benefits as well as their possible drawbacks which help us understand more about using foods to nourish our bodies as well as please our palates. She includes recipes and sample meal plans. http://www.Amazon.com
Fitness Trackers:
Fitness Trackers make a great gift!
The Fitbit-This tiny little tracker is awesome! It tracks your activities, calories burned, sleep patterns and weight. It connects wirelessly to your computer, ipad, or iphone so you can track or update anywhere. I love the alarm; it wakes me up gently, instead of the blaring from the typical alarm clock. It comes in several forms, including a small clip on pod or bracelet. If you like to track your calorie intake, you can do this, too, as part of the online resource. It keeps track of favorite foods and activities so you don’t have to re-enter them every time. Stores such as BestBuy and Brookstone carry these products, or go to http://Fitbit.com
The Shine-I just received mine-but everything I have read about it sounds great. It is similar to other trackers-I like the small, sleek look. It is a little more fashionable than some of the other wristband trackers. You can wear it as a wristband, but you can also use it as a necklace, or on a clasp. Go to http://Misfit.com to learn more.
Equipment:
The BOSU-This is a great product as well. The name stands for ‘both sides up’ and looks like a stability ball cut in half. I like the added versatility of the flat side; you can do many more exercises with it. This product is great for strengthening your core, allowing for great stretching, cardio, and abdominal activities. The kit typically includes the BOSU, a pump and a DVD. You can find it at stores like Target or Walmart or online. There are additional resources for you on the website as well at http://BOSU.com
Free Weights-I do not have a particular brand to suggest, but I will say that I really like the neoprene hand weights because they are inexpensive and aesthetically and tactilely pleasing.
Medicine Balls-My most recent favorite piece of equipment for low impact workouts is the medicine ball. They come in different styles, some look and feel like weighted basketballs, some have handles, and others are more pliable (squishy) and are weighted with sand. I like the squishy ones because they are the easiest to grip. I found my Empower Medicine Balls online at http://Kohls.com and they were on clearance! They come in various weights and I love that they come with a video, too.
The ‘Extras’:
For those of you who are fashion-savvy, The UA Perfect Tote– UnderArmour has lots of great products, but this tote caught my eye! It is attractive and very efficient with compartments for everything from your laptop to a secret pocket with an invisible zipper, all within the 14”x12”x7” dimensions. I really want one!! My experience has been that they may be a bit pricey, but the high quality materials and construction make the products last forever. Go to http://UnderArmour.com to check out all the great products they carry.
Arm Band for your Phone-I love listening to music or podcasts when I work out. The music is motivating and the podcasts make me feel like I am getting double use from my time! I found this Arm Band from PureFit to be an excellent product and great value. It comes with free headphones as well as downloadable fitness guides-you cannot beat the value! Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Armband-FREE-Headphones-eBooks/dp/B00KKUH6PM/ref=sr_1_65?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258366&sr=1-65&keywords=iphone+armband
Last, but not least, the one-size-fits-all gift: a gym membership! There are loads of gyms out there, so find one that best suits your friend/family member. Check out the post about ‘How to choose a Gym’, and while you are at it, commit to your friend/family member to be their gym buddy, it will be great for both of you! I have to tell you that my favorite gym is Planet Fitness (http://planetfitness.com) because it is a place where anyone, regardless of your goals, your abilities, or your fitness levels can feel welcome and unintimidated.
So, before those stockings are hung, and Black Friday rolls around, check out some of the suggestions above and include them on your Wish List! Let’s hack this year’s list and make it about getting healthy!!
Happily Hacking Habits with you!
Your Best Fitness Friend
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