5 Personalities that can sabotage your summer workout

Conquer Your
Workout Alter EgoDo you want to be fit and healthy but struggle with sticking to your workout program? Staying motivated can be a challenge, especially when you have to battle hidden vices. See if you fit any of these five personality types, which can sabotage your summer workout progress. 1The Denier

 “I don’t need to fit into my skinny jeans.
I’m fine in my sweatpants.”

Traits

You refuse to believe you’ve let yourself go, even though the number on the scale keeps rising and you can't fit into your favorite pair of jeans.

Solution

The real benefit of having an active lifestyle is improving your overall health. Looking fabulous in your favorite pair of jeans is just a bonus. Downplaying fitness makes it easier to avoid making a lifestyle change. If you find yourself intimidated by change, start off with small steps, like walking 10 minutes a day.

2The Procrastinator

“I’ll get back into fitness... one day.”

Traits

Your gym bag and workout equipment are collecting dust. You want to exercise, but you find yourself doing everything else—laundry, Facebook, watching television.

Solution

Choose a starting day and stick to it—no matter what. If your gym time is interfering with the latest episode of Scandal or Downton Abbey, incorporate exercises into your television time. Try jumping jacks or tricep dips during commercials or walk in place. Don’t delay working on your goals. Do your body a favor and start today.

3The Overachiever

“Rest days are for quitters.”

Traits

You have your eyes on the prize, so you spend hours at the gym every day shaping your physique with high-intensity workouts. You don’t believe in rest days, because time off from exercising equals weight gain and it takes longer to reach your fitness goals.

Solution

Commitment is a necessity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it’s important to know when your passion has turned into an obsession. Overachievers can actually delay their progress. Overtraining can result in burnout, muscle loss and injury. Learn how to listen to your body — soreness, fatigue and sickness can all be signs that you are doing too much. Resting between workouts gives your muscles the chance to repair. So while it’s great to go hard at the gym, sometimes it’s best to just take a breather and go home instead.

4The Blamer

“The dryer shrunk my clothes again!”

Traits

You blame the dryer for shrinking your clothes. Whether it’s bad weather, cramps, office parties or genetics, something always gets in your way, and it prevents you from working out.

Solution

Events beyond your control will happen. Maybe obesity or high blood pressure runs in your family, but don’t let that determine where your fitness journey starts and ends. You can’t control the weather or what your coworkers eat at work, but you can take control of your own health by deciding to make fitness a priority.

5The Pessimist

“I just can’t lose weight. I’ll never get six-pack abs anyway.”

Traits

You’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work for you. You are discouraged and believe your body will never change.

Solution

Take control of a pessimistic outlook by immediately removing “can’t” and “never” from your vocabulary. Both automatically place limitations on your weight loss success. Visualize how you want to change your body. Cut out images from fitness magazines for inspiration and create a fitness vision board. Most importantly, know that you can do it! And when you consistently make fitness and healthy eating a priority, your body will definitely have no choice but to change.

More on fitness

Keep moving!
Get motivated to get fit
Don't let excuses get in the way

Move your fitness routine into fresh-air territory

Tips For Working Out Under The SunGet out in the fresh air and sun this summer with a few tips to change up your workouts and stay safe in the sun and heat!

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. With warmer temps and fresh air luring you outside, it's a good time to change up your fitness routine. Though sun and heat can be a factor in the summer, they don't have to spoil your workouts — in fact, you may learn to love fitness in the summer.

Here are a few ideas to take your workouts outside1Take a hike

Hiking exercises almost every part of your body: legs, knees, ankles, arms, hips, butt, abdominals, shoulders and neck. “Not to mention you'll exercise your imagination and fuel your creativity as you explore the great outdoors,” says Alison Sweeney, who hosts The Biggest Loser.

2Hit the water

Enjoy the motion of the ocean as you challenge your core strength and balance on a paddleboard. If you get too hot, jump in!

Fitness guru Robert Reames, nutritionist and official trainer for the Dr. Phil Show, says water activities are great because they keep you cool. “Whether it's a pool, lake or the ocean, there are some great activities you can do that involve your whole body,” Reames says. He suggests canoeing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

Because sand is available near most water outlets, he says to take advantage of it. Sand can be a great resistance tool to add to your workout that is better than a treadmill or StairMaster, he notes. Try running or walking barefoot in the sand, or taking a beach yoga class.

3Play with your kids

Sweeney says warmer weather is the perfect time to be active with your children. Try outdoor games or sports together so you can spend time as a family and stay active.

Surviving the heat and sun

Sweeney says that nutrition is important to ensure you're feeling your best on long, sun-filled days. She likes tossing a handful of blueberries in her water bottle for a flavorful drink.

Stay away from caffeine and artificially sweetened drinks, notes Sylwia Wiesenberg, founder of Tonique Fitness. She recommends blending chunks of fresh watermelon, lemon and mint, then adding a banana for potassium.

Another must-have for working out on a hot day? Breathable clothing. Snag a few pieces that can absorb moisture and dry quickly. Investing in a few airy pieces can help you stick with your outdoor workouts for longer and stay in better shape throughout the hotter months, Sweeney says.

Finally, purchasing the right sun protection is important. Sweeney says not to forget about a face lotion with SPF so you can moisturize your skin and protect it, too.

More heat, more calories burned?

Keep in mind as you’re working out that sweating more from the heat doesn’t mean you are burning many more calories than normal. There are different schools of thought on whether you really burn more calories working out in the heat. According to this source, boosting your activity in the heat can increase your core temperature, but your body’s response to the temperature increase means it will not use significantly more calories.

make a Note

The goal is to get out there and stay active, and is an advantage regardless of how many calories you torch. With so many activities to choose from — and options to help you stay cool and protected — there’s nothing left to do but put on some sunglasses!

More summer health tips

Summer fitness tips to beat the heat
Can you eat your water?
5 Healthy habits for summer slimdown

Tonight's Dinner Mushroom ravioli in a mushroom cream sauce recipe

Mushrooms Add Flavor To Alfredo SauceRavioli is a favorite among adults and kids alike. But instead of the standard meat or cheese-filled pasta pillows, why not try a veggie-filled version covered in a veggie flavored sauce? Adults will love it and kids will be begging for more.

A couple of weeks ago, I was doing some shopping at Trader Joe's. If you've ever visited a Trader Joe's, you know there's always someone toward the back of the shop handing out samples of their latest and greatest dishes or drinks. This time was no different. The sample they were handing out was a mushroom, asparagus and spinach tortellini. It was delicious and when I asked for the recipe, the woman was kind enough to point to the pre-made dinner that only needed to be cooked in the microwave for three minutes. It wasn't what I had in mind, but it made me realize I could easily make my own version at home. While it did take longer than three minutes for me to get dinner on the table, my version was healthier and still super easy to make.

Mushroom ravioli in a mushroom cream sauce

Serves 4

Ingredients:1 (10 ounce) package mushroom ravioli3 baby portabella mushrooms, finely chopped1 cup heavy cream1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided1 tablespoon flour1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese5 ounces asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces1-1/2 cups baby spinachDirections:

Cook the ravioli according to package directions; drain, return to pan and set aside.In a large saucepan, melt the quarter cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for two minutes.Stir in the cream and cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes. Whisk in the cheese and cook for another two minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.In a medium skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for three to five minutes or until just tender. Add the spinach and cook for one more minute or until spinach starts to wilt.Add the asparagus and spinach to the ravioli. Pour the mushroom Alfredo sauce over everything and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other mushroom recipes

Bacon and blue cheese stuffed mushroom caps

Balsamic chicken with mushrooms & sun-dried tomatoes

Bourbon-flavored mushroom topping

Cream cheese pie with cayenne-spiced cherries recipe

Spice Up That Boring Cream Cheese PieThis kicked-up cream cheese pie is perfect for the holidays. Featuring cream cheese filling in a graham cracker crust and cherries spiced with a touch of cayenne pepper, your dinner guests will come back for seconds (and maybe thirds — make two, just to be safe).

Bring this cream cheese pie to the next holiday party you attend to give your friends an unexpected surprise. Just don't forget to bring the recipe with you. They're going to ask!

Cream cheese pie with cayenne-spiced cherries recipe

Yields 1

Ingredients:

Cream cheese pie:

2 (8 ounce) packages Neufchatel cheese, softened1/2 teaspoon orange zest1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust

Cherry topping:

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling1 tablespoon orange juice1/2 teaspoon honey1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or from tube)1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon salt1 pinch clove (optional)1 pinch cinnamon (optional)Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Mix Neufchatel cheese, orange zest, vanilla and eggs until smooth (there may be small beads of cheese).Pour the mixture into the unbaked graham cracker crust.Bake for 35 minutes.Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients for the cherry topping in a medium bowl. Do not adjust the flavors as they will change after the topping sits for a while.When the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then place the pie and the filling in the refrigerator overnight.The next day (or right before you're ready to serve it), taste the topping to ensure it has the right amount of spice. You can add a little extra of any spice you like.Spoon the cherry topping over the pie carefully. Serve cold.

More cream cheese pie recipes

Pomegranate cheesecake recipe
3 Holiday cheesecake recipes
More cheesecake recipes

Quick ways to get homemade taste

Almost HomemadeNo time to cook? Get homemade flavor without hours at the stove or a culinary arts degree by following these quick tips.

Hot sandwiches

Hot roast beef or sliced turkey in gravy served over thick slices of homemade bread is real comfort food. With some deli meat and a good stock, you can recreate that cooked-all-afternoon flavor in about 10 minutes.

Open-Faced Sandwiches

Serves 4

Ingredients:1 pound deli sliced roast beef or turkey4 slices Texas toast or other thickly sliced bread1 tub Knorr® Homestyle Stock (beef or chicken, depending on the meat used)2-1/2 cups water1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

Mix the stock, water and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes just to a boil.Turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes or until the gravy thickens.Add the meat and warm through.Spoon the meat and gravy over the bread and serve immediately.

Skillet dinners

Those just-add-meat skillet dinners are quick and easy but often lack homemade flavor. Next time, use stock instead of the water called for in the instructions when you make the dish.

Condensed soups

Rather than reconstituting those condensed soups with water, use chicken or beef broth to add a homemade flavor. Even canned cream soups benefit from the addition of stock. Try using beef broth instead of water in canned tomato or mushroom soup. Chicken stock adds a more delicate flavor to canned soups such as split pea, cream of asparagus and cream of broccoli.

More ideas for quick, homemade flavorSimmer frozen meatballs in beef stock to add a deeper flavor and homemade taste.Make a quick gravy to serve with rotisserie or fried chicken from the deli with 1 cup chicken stock, 1/2 cup milk and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix the ingredients and microwave for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.Use equal amounts of spaghetti sauce and beef broth to make a base for minestrone soup. Add canned or frozen green beans, carrots, kidney beans, onions, green peppers and fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Simmer until heated through, about five minutes.Love French dip sandwiches? Make them at home in minutes with thinly sliced roast beef from the deli, crusty rolls and hot beef broth. Heat the meat up in the broth, lay it on the heated rolls and serve with the hot broth for dipping.You may also like...

Ingredients for homemade taste
How to have dinner on the table in 10 minutes
Hearty meals in 10 minutes or less

Coffees of Latin America and the Caribbean

Discover new
to you coffee roasters!

With so many new coffee roasters in the market and more starting up each day, we take a look at some Latin American and Caribbean-sourced coffee beans that are waking us up each morning in the best of ways.

Coffee, to most of us, is a daily ritual that we've personalized, tweaked and made into exactly what we want the moment to be like. Some of us grab a cup at the local coffee shop on our way to work, drinking out of a disposable cup while in the car/bus/train. Others make the time to brew at home — whether they're sipping their cup during the chaos that is the morning or they've fine-tuned their ritual so well, they've actually found 5 minutes to enjoy their cup without disturbance.

Whatever way you enjoy your brewed cup, here you'll find some new companies and roasters, as well as beans sourced from small farmers south of the equator, that will hopefully make your cup even more enjoyable. Be sure to purchase whole roasted beans and invest in a coffee grinder. Whether a blade coffee grinder or a burr grinder, the fresher your beans are ground, the better tasting your coffee will be.

1Chilmark Coffee Company, Martha's Vineyard, MassachusettsCoffee and Origin: Antigua Los Volcanes, GuatemalaRoast: mediumAroma: sweet, citrusPrice: $15/12 ounces

These coffee beans are grown in mineral dense soil with nutrients and sediments that nurture the plants and create gorgeous characteristics in the final cup. Laced with flavors of citrus such as orange as well as nutty almond and smooth milk chocolate, this is a fantastic bean if you're interested in delicate sweetness in your cup.

2The West Bean, San Diego, CaliforniaCoffee and Origin: San Antonio Lorenzo Mosquera, ColombiaRoast: lightAroma: honeyPrice: $17/8 ounces

It seems coffees on the sweeter side are up and coming, meaning we don't even need to be adding sugar to our daily brew. This coffee, originally from Colombia, is microbatched and roasted in San Diego; the aroma of honey, sweet peaches, and crisp apple/pear will catch your senses immediately. This slightly sweet coffee lends itself well to baking and pastry applications.

3Paradise Coffee Roasters, MinnesotaCoffee and Origin: Single Origin Espresso Brazil Pocos De CaldasRoast: mediumAroma: nutty, caramelPrice: $13/12 ounces

Harvested by three local farms in Brazil, this bean was chosen as the main bean in this year's blends by Paradise Roasters, and the fact that they're also selling it as a single origin espresso speaks to its greatness. Bright in the cup, with a thicker body than usual, it'll put a pep in your step by the second sip.

Trend alert

What other trends should you look out for in 2013? Single-origin espresso, Kenyan coffee beans and the ever so trendy but kind of weird animal dung coffee!

More on coffee

5 Best coffee shops in the U.S.
Coffee maker roundup
Coffee gadgets for the caffeine fiend

Summer treats - Fun fruit shakes

Shake It Up!Milk shakes for breakfast? Treats do not have to be expensive or unhealthy to be good! These fruit shakes can be eaten for breakfast, snack or a refreshing dessert. They can be tailored to any dietary needs and take just minutes to make. Sound too good to be true? You be the judge!

Fruiy shake recipes

Serves one adult or two kids

Ingredients:1 frozen banana1 cup milk1 cup low fat vanilla yogurtAdditional fruit of your choiceDirections:

To make, break frozen banana into pieces and put in blender. Add yogurt, cover with milk and blend on high. Add any additional fruits. Blend until consistency of a milkshake (usually 30 seconds).

TIP

Be sure to serve these shakes immediately or the banana will start to brown.

Extra shake ingredients

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can vary the ingredients to comply with your diet or special needs. These shakes are great alternatives for those with diabetes, food allergies and intolerances and vegetarians. Experiment and have fun!

Frozen bananas -- I buy them when they are in season, then peel and deep-freeze in zipper bags. They will keep for 3 months. Frozen bananas give these shakes their creamy consistency, and you generally can't taste them. If you don't like bananas and don't want them in your drink, substitute crushed ice instead.

Milk -- You can substitute soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk or even juice. All work just fine. Milk will give you a creamier shake. Juice is a great way to sweeten these drinks.

Sweeteners -- Any fruit of your choice, extracts, drink mixes, syrups, jams or spices will work. You'll see lots of examples below. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination! If your shake turns out on the tart side, you can sweeten it naturally with honey, pitted or chopped dates, raisins, grapes or juice. You could also use the traditional method -- add sugar. If serving for breakfast, try to keep it as healthy as possible.

Or try one of these fun additions:

1 teaspoon. vanilla extractA few squirts of chocolate syrup1 handful of strawberries, washed and sliced1-2 pitted dates A handful of blueberries1/2 cup grape juice2 teaspoons of peanut butter, creamy or crunchy1 to 2 teaspoons shredded coconut1/4 cup chopped or crushed pineapple1/2 peeled, chopped apple1 cup apple juice1/2 teaspoon cinnamonPinch of nutmegJuice of one lime1 cup orange juice1 to 2 cups chunks of frozen, seeded watermelonBoozy milkshake recipes3 Boozy milkshake recipes
Boozy pumpkin pie milkshake
Coffee liqueur grown-up milkshake 相关的主题文章:

• 容疑者「警察官見た」＝凶器残し、慌てて逃走か―愛知親子3人殺傷
• クリスマスにはゾンビだろ！　ニコ生で16日間ゾンビ映画を無料配信
• 尿管結石のさかなクンが退院　きょうから仕事復帰