Tuesday, December 16, 2014

7 Awesome Children's Christmas Presents for the Health-Conscious Parent

7 Gifts to Get Your Kids for a Healthy Christmas

Christmas doesn't usually make the average person think about children's health, but it is the perfect opportunity to encourage healthful activities for your kids. Consider these fun children's gifts this Christmas season when you are battling the holiday shoppers!

1. Bicycle



This might seem like a no-brainer, but a new bicycle (or tricycle, depending on your little one's age) is an oldie-but-goodie when it comes to Christmas presents. Getting a bike will encourage your child to get outside and away from a screen, and to engage in that much needed physical activity. Just be sure to purchase a helmet to go along with it!

2. Tether Ball



A tether ball system is another way to get kids to engage in physical activity that doesn't seem like exercise. This will also encourage social interaction, as tether ball is a two-person game. A tether ball system is the perfect gift for siblings.

3. Crawling Tunnels



Crawl tunnels, play tents, and pop-up huts are all a great gift idea for children. Not only are they light and portable so that they don't take up a lot of space, they encourage active play inside. This is perfect for those stormy days when the kids can't go outside. There are a variety of options to choose from as well, from Frozen tents to Wiggly Worm tunnels.

4. Just Dance



Just Dance and other games like it are a fun and interactive way for children to play video games. These games improve coordination and are a lot of fun! They can be an individual or group activity, and appeal to all ages.

5. Themed Dishware



Buying your children interesting dishes can help them get excited about meals. Let them help you pick out some individualized dishware so that they feel included and more willing to participate in mealtime.

6. Trampoline



Safe trampolines are great for giving kids an outlet for their energy. People who live in mild climates can spring for the outdoor version, while those who live in snowy or rainy areas can choose indoor trampolines. Both will work for letting kids jump out their wiggles. You can even get small indoor trampolines with handles for the tiny tykes.

7. Play Set



If you're willing to spend money on a big ticket item, a play set is the way to go. There are many variations: swings, monkey bars, slides, rope swing, etc. You can even find compact indoor variations. They can last for years and provide a prime place for your kids to play and be active.



This list just includes some ideas for Christmas presents that promote fun, physical activity. There are many other options! As long as your gift will get your children moving (safely), then you really can't go wrong!


Bonus Tip: Skip the candy in the stockings this year and use $5 movies or dollar store toys instead!



Sources:

http://schoolrun.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/child-on-bike.jpg
http://feeds2.yourstorewizards.com/1749/images/300x300/tetherball.jpg
https://unitedwaybroome.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/86510161_cropped.jpg
http://ourthreepeas.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/just-dance2.jpg
http://blog.chw.org/wp-content/uploads/trampoline_safety_blog2.jpg
http://s3-production.bobvila.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blog_bv_swingset_playset2_kids_creations.jpg

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

What to Eat to Beat PMS Cravings

How to Beat PMS Cravings


There are a few theories as to why women crave chocolate and other sugary/fattening things in the week or two before their periods. One thing that is for certain is that cravings do happen for many women-- and sometimes it's hard to resist throwing out every nutritional lesson we've ever learned and gorging on pizza and Haagen Dazs. 

While a treat every now and then is perfectly normal and even encouraged, a whole week of indulgence might throw a wrench in our health goals. Here are some ways that you can beat those monthly cravings:

1. Eat Carbs (Just Make Sure They're Complex)


In this case, it's best to fight fire with fire. Eating plenty of complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, low-sugar cereals, and whole grain breads or pastas can help prevent cravings for sugar. When these foods are eaten, they increase levels of a chemical in your body that helps keep carb cravings at bay. 

2. Avoid Simple or Processed Sugar


Although your body responds kindly to complex carbohydrates, it doesn't react well to processed and simple sugars. Simple sugars increase your insulin levels (a response to elevated blood sugar levels), which in turn drops your blood sugar. This drop in blood sugar triggers hunger, which starts the whole process over again. To avoid this vicious cycle, stay away from simple or processed sugars: pastries, packaged sweet treats, table sugar, etc.

3. Eat Fat (Essential Fat, That Is)


Foods that are high in essential fatty acids such as salmon or avocados are helpful for controlling cravings. The "good" fats slow absorption of carbohydrates, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce or completely get rid of cravings. They also provide more satiation than simple sugars, keeping you fuller longer.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep


Nothing makes you crave carbohydrates more than lack of sleep. Because your brain knows that those sweet treats will give you a quick burst of energy, it will be sending you signals in the form of carb cravings. Inadequate sleep also leaves you irritable and less likely to be able to control those cravings. Get in 7-9 hours of sleep in order to stave off cravings and stabilize your mood throughout the day.

If you've done all you can and still can't shake that craving, it's okay to give in once in a while. Being too restrictive may lead to overeating later. It's best to just have a little bit of what you're craving. Can't get your mind off of chocolate? Have a few squares of the dark variety, which contains more antioxidants and fiber. Is it pizza that is keeping you up at night? Grab a slice of thin crust with lots of veggies (make it at home to cut down on the sodium and save cash). 



Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is-pms-sabotaging-your-diet?page=4
http://img2.timeinc.net/health/img/web/2013/01/slides/pms-chocolate-400x400.jpg
http://cdn2.blisstree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stk78901cor.jpg
http://brittanyherself.com/cgg/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/1352391_52222941-e1316654230252.jpg
http://www.tuscany-diet.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Foods-rich-in-omega-3-fatty-acids.jpg
http://blog.doctoroz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/woman-sleeping-rest.jpg

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