Moving Up

Sorry for my absence! Finals have been finished, snow has finally fallen to the ground and Christmas music is playing everywhere I go. It is a busy holiday season, but also a season I love.

I have some exciting news! For my birthday a dear friend of mine offered to design a new blog for me. And she pretty much did an awesome job. So this will be my last post on this blog, but please head over to training-tidbits.com and put in your e-mail to start following that blog! Same fitness and health related content, just a much better place :) So head on over!

 

And with that I'd just like to leave you with a short and powerful song that reminds us of the reason for this time of year. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and spend plenty of time with family and friends. 

Stress Relief

As unfortunate as it is, the holidays often result in some stressful times. Whether it be planning bit parties, dealing with crazy schedules or hanging out with your great aunt from Kansas that loves to pinch your cheeks.

So here are some acupressure points you can use to reduce stress. The great part? You can do these to yourself at any time and any place! So try them out!

How to: Firm pressure is the most fundamental technique. Use thumbs, fingers, palms, the side of the hand, or knuckles to apply steady, stationary pressure. To relax an area or relieve pain, apply pressure gradually and hold without any movement for several minutes at a time. Each point will feel somewhat different when you press it; some points feel tense, while others are often sore or ache when pressed. How much pressure to apply to any point depends on how fit you are. A general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be firm enough so that it hurts a little. The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you should apply. If you feel extreme sensitivity or pain, gradually decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure. Do not continue to press a point that is excruciatingly painful. Usually, however, if you firmly hold the point long enough (up to 2 minutes using the middle finger with your index and ring fingers on either side as support), the pain will diminish.
It's important to drink plenty of warm water after the massage, to help clear away toxic substances in our body . 

Relieves Headaches:

Improves mental power. Soothes Stress. Improves visual acuity:
                                              

 

Tranquilizes the mind and Relieves mental distress:

In one of my classes there was a group presentation on acupressure as a relaxation technique, and it was a hit! Check out this website for more ideas and options. 

Hope you have a stress free Thanksgiving!

November Eats

Holiday season has arrived! And although some may think that means cookies, holiday parties, hot chocolate and staying indoors, it also means there are some great fall superfoods you can add to your diet. Healthy eating during these holiday months can be tough, but also very worth it. So while you are trying to avoid the leftover Halloween candy calling your name from the pantry or the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, try some of these healthy and satisfying options.

1. SWEET POTATO: Rich in vitamin A and the antioxidant beta-carotene, sweet potatoes can help keep the immune system strong and promote healthy skin. They're also rich in potassium --- with more than a banana -- and a "fiber-rich carbohydrate," says Angela Ginn, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2. CAULIFLOWER: "Most people think cauliflower's a white food so I want to stay away from it," says Ginn, but it's actually a low-calorie source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin K. It also packs some of the disease-preventing powers of its cruciferous cousin, broccoli.

3. CRANBERRIES: Anything with such a bright color is sure to pack some powerful health properties, says Ginn. Cranberry antioxidants can help the heart and fight bacteria, most famously to prevent urinary tract infections.

4. WINTER SQUASH: Winter varieties like acorn and butternut squashes are sweeter than summer squashes like zucchini and can be stored longer, thanks to their thick skins, according to Health.com. Like sweet potatoes, winter squash is a fantastic source of vitamin A and beta-carotene -- that orange color's a dead giveaway.

5. LEEKS: This relative of the onion is in season from October through May, according to Serious Eats. They are rich in calcium, potassium and folic acid, and may protect against heart problems and prostate cancer, Men's Health reported.

6. TURNIPS: You get two-for-one benefits with turnips, since you can eat both the root and the greens for different health perks (and tastes!). The roots are a good source of immunity-boosting vitamin C and potassium. The leaves, which are similar to kale, according to the New York Times, are rich in vitamins A, K and folate.

Friday's Letters

Dear Thanksgiving Break, I think I'm ready for you now. Only 4 weeks, right? 4 weeks. Dear Halloween House, I couldn't believe the number of pumpkins in front of your house. Or the giant spider and ghosts. Or the purpleness of your house. But happy Halloween! Dear First Snow, You bring cold fingers, big coats, and fresh homemade cinnamon rolls. You are welcome this time, but please don't stay a while. Dear Vibrams, I apologize in advance for the amount of treadmill time you'll be getting the next few months. I'm just can't be hard core all the time.

Happy weekend!

 

Weekend Inspiration...

 

Friday's Letters

Dear School, It's been a good first week. Full of speed walking, textbook reading, quiz taking and self introductions. Dear high school dances, I'm glad I'm out of that phase of life...but helping my brother ask and getting a cute answer from a cute girl sure adds excitement to the week! Dear Rain Storm, there is just something about sitting in your house watching the wind blow and the rain come down that is relaxing...and even better is the double rainbow that comes out after! Dear Labor Day, how about some family time, reading and a long nap? Sounds good to me.

Friday's Letters

Dear Friend, You texted me this week telling me how much you love alerts from Trisha's Training Tidbits. Thanks for making me feel good about myself and reminding me how much I do like this whole blogging thing. Dear Parents, All is well...all is well. Dear Pioneer Day, Thanks for giving everyone in Utah another reason to let off some fireworks and have BBQs. Everyone can use another holiday, right? Dear 13.1, I've waited so long to run you, and tomorrow each mile will be dedicated to someone important in my life. Here's to a race to remember!