EXPIRED Safety First: Britax Sweepstakes

Paddy was our first little munchkin, and we weren't taking any chances with our precious little guy.  We went straight for the Britax Marathon when he was big enough (which was about 4 months for our chunky monkey). And of course when the Mickster was about 4 months he needed one too.  If you're in the market for a new carseat,  I would definitely recommend the Britax Marathon, and Lullaby Lane is giving one away!  Just click and register.

Read more...

EXPIRED Enter to Win a BOB Revolution SE

I know with running becoming a hot new trend, you might need a jogger.  I've never heard a bad thing about BOB strollers.  They are a favorite among running moms.  Lullaby Lane is giving one away!  Click on link for chance to win a new BOB Revolution SE in the color of your choice!

*Post may contain affiliate links.  By clicking these links, you are supporting Running A Healthy Family.

Read more...

Couch to 5k

Well, you had to know it was coming!  I started the Couch to 5k program, and HATED IT!  But, I was fat and nothing else was working, and I loved what it was doing to my body.  It didn't happen overnight, but by the time I ran my first [very very slow] 5k, I was down a size.  Plus, I felt pretty damn good too.  You've heard people say that running is addicting, and it is...but not at first.  At first, it sucks, it does.  It took me until the end of the program to really go, "Oh Yeah!  I freakin' rocked that last mile!"  And that is pretty much what I said, and how I felt.  However, it did take 8 weeks to get there, but now that I'm there, I love it.

So now that I've become an addict, I'm also a pusher!  I will be the first person to encourage you to jump on what has become a rather trendy bandwagon.  The c25k program is probably the easiest way to get started.  You don't need anything fancy to run.  My first running shoes were totally worn, but I wasn't about invest in a new pair until I knew I'd continue (I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, but it worked for me).  I wore a $7 Danskin Now tank from Walmart (I actually really like this line, still) and some yoga pants (see right ->).  If you don't have a smart phone to download the app, get a stopwatch to time yourself.  And don't bother worrying about a treadmill...Go outside!  The last thing you'll need, a 5k.  Yep, you need to sign up for a race.  I had no intention of actually doing a race until I had my own pusher find one for me.  Looking back, I'm so glad I did it.  Through my training, I had a reason to continue, I had a goal (plus I had spent $25 on that goal and I wanted my race shirt).  Next thing I knew I was signing up to run a half marathon.

It's OK to hate it, because you'll grow to love it.  A little time and a little effort will buy you your new healthy addiction.

So to quote Nike: Just Do It!

Read more...

Weekend Blog Hoppin'

Read more...

Treasure Hunting

Paddy was off school for 4 days in a row.  Friday was fine, because I was at work.  Saturday and Sunday we had our family stuff.  Monday, oh Monday.  What was I going to do with both the boys?  So, I asked, "What do you want to do?"  Best answer ever, "We just want to hang out and play with our toys."  PERFECT!  I got some work done, the kids played, I drank coffee...Until about 11:00am, when they got bored playing dinos riding McQueen races.  Luckily, I had been researching for this blog and had come across something completely awesome!

Maybe you've heard of it, Geocaching.  It's a real life, world wide treasure hunt!  People all around the world engage in this game by placing and seeking these little boxes.  There are big ones, little ones, easy to find, hard to find.  You type in you address or zip and get a list of all the nearby caches.  Click on the treasure that you want to search for and you'll get the map coordinates.  You do need a GPS for this, but you can always download a free app if you have a smart phone.  Once you get to the location it's search time!  I got the kids out of the car and let them go hunting.  It wasn't long before they found where "X marks the spot".  In most of the caches there are little treasures.  You can take one, but you have to leave something of equal or greater value so that the next treasure hunter has something to enjoy.  We have started our collection with a little plastic Goofy.

So the next time you're trying to come up with some family fun, try Geocaching.  Depending how much time you have, pick out a few caches and make a map for your little pirates.  They'll be thrilled when they find their first real treasure!  HAVE FUN!

Read more...

Big Life Changes...

...For my feet!
New shoes are always exciting [well, for women], mostly because they're different than all of the other shoes in your closet.  They are an addition to your beautiful collection.  You make a new spot for them on the rack.  You take good care of them, and don't want to them get scuffed or worn.  This isn't really the case for running shoes.  When a runner gets new shoes, they are usually to replace the worn ones (oh and we are very proud of the beat up worn ones).  And more importantly, the replacement shoes are usually the same brand, if not the same shoe.  Runners find the shoe that works for them and usually stick with it.  I have not been running long at all, but in the 5k training, speed work, hill repeats, half training, I have worn only New Balance, and I have loved them.  When my 850's were discontinued, I scoured the Internet, only to come up with the wrong sizes for the right shoes.  So I went with the 860's, still New Balance though.

Shortly after I started my training for the Rock 'n' Roll DC half marathon, I started having some ankle issues.  I had a similar problem last year and my doctor had me off my feet, on anti-inflammatory meds, and then very slowly building my mileage (1 mile a week).  That wasn't going to work this time and I was very clear when I told him that.  He made some suggestions to get me through, one of them being, new and different shoes...WHAT?  But I've only run in New Balance!  3 different stores recommended Brooks Adrenaline.  I finally caved and got the Brooks.  (No, I didn't pay store prices.  I ordered from Holabird.  Click on the link in the left sidebar to check the discounted prices.)

I did 3 miles to break them in, and figured, what the hell...So I strapped them on for my 8 mile run.  Well, I believe I may be a convert!  The Brooks were so nice and I had no pain at all.  Not to give up on my NB's, I wore them for my short run this morning.  Well, I may have to give up on my NB's.  I could feel the ligament crawling before I even hit mile 3.  This is a huge change.  Not only was I accustomed to my NB's, but I was loyal to them!  But I've learned, things change, and when you're a runner, that includes your feet and what you put on them.

Read more...

Turkey Corn Chili

I'll apologize up front, but I'll be redirecting you to EatSmart for this recipe.  Why?  Because I got my recipe published there, Woot Woot!  After working with EatSmart on the Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, I was invited to submit a healthy recipe to possibly be published on their blog.  I was thrilled when they responded that my own personal recipe would be featured.  So here goes!

Click HERE for Jessie's delicious and easy Turkey Corn Chili...and Enjoy!

Read more...

Treadmillin'

I have never run on a treadmill, but I know that a lot of people do...especially now.  Cowards!  Just kidding.  I realize that sometimes you can't hit the pavement due to weather, child care needs, etc.  I do brave the elements, and I do it at what may be considered a ridiculous hour, due to the fact that it's the only time I have kid coverage.  I don't own a treadmill, or have time for the gym, and I just don't know that I could run on a treadmill.  I get bored much too easily, and I don't need to become addicted to another soap opera that they'll just take off the air.  I think regardless of where you run, you should know that there is a difference.  The surface of the treadmill is the most forgiving and the easiest on your body, not so with the pavement.  If you're training on the belt, be aware that your time and distance may not be quite as good on the road.  You need to kick up that indoor workout to be ready for the outdoor one.  Since I don't really have any experience running indoors, I did some Googling.  Fit Sugar has some great treadmill workouts to spice up your stationary training.  Check them out and get yourself ready for those spring 5k's!

*Don't take the chance of getting hurt.  Make sure you have proper attire, equipment, and doctor's approval before doing any exercise.*

Read more...

Free Hungry Girl Recipes

3 dishes under 300 calories!

At the time of this post, this book is listed at $0.00.
Get your free Kindle book:

The Guilt Free 3

Needs some more recipes under 300 calories?  Try Hungry Girl 300 Under 300: 300 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Dishes Under 300 Calories

Remember, you don't have to have the Kindle, just the app.  For more info click HERE.

If you're in the market for a Kindle, here are some good deals...

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking these links you are supporting Running A Healthy Family.

Read more...

Thanks Vistaprint!

With upcoming sports expos, and thinking back on my visit with Leisure Fitness, I realized that maybe I should have some business cards.  Also, a friend of mine asked if I had any business cards.  It would be nice to have something with my info on it, in case I come across someone interested in advertising or in need of a review/giveaway.  I'm a blogger, I don't need anything fancy, but I want to look professional.  Oh and I should mention, I'm CHEAP!  Enter Vistaprint!

I got the idea to use Vistaprint from the salon where I do part time work.  The owner had me place an order for postcards and I could NOT get over the price.  After "googling" business cards, there was no comparison.  I designed and placed my order, and it was received just a few business days later.  I could not be happier.

The cards prompted me to check out the rest of the website.  I had no idea that Vistaprint offered items beyond business tools.  They have "Mommy Cards" (put your contact info on, or your kid's allergy info for school or play dates), calendars and other photo items, stickers, t-shirts (perfect for the family reunion), even checks.  And the prices rival other sites.  Based on my experience, I'd definitely recommend Vistaprint.  Keep an eye out for their specials and freebies!


This post may contain affiliate links.  By clicking the links, you are supporting Running A Healthy Family.

Read more...

Treat Yourself to Some Light Reading

You can't beat these deals, but you better grab them today!

Shape and Yoga Journal $4 for a 1 year subscription!

And if you need a last minute gift idea for the man in your life, check out the deals on Maxim and few other mags.

Read more...

My Secret Ziti Recipe!

It isn't often do I share my personal recipes.  Not necessarily because I don't want anyone to cook my food (sorry, but I'll always be head chef), but because I don't really have exact amounts for my "recipes".  This one is easy though.  Plus it's very tasty and will satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

Jessie's Secret Ziti

1 lb box of Barilla Ziti (cooked to specifications on the box)
2 28 oz cans of San Marzano tomatoes, pureed (really you'll only use 1 1/2 cans, but 1 can isn't enough)
16 oz Maggio part skim ricotta
2 cups part skim mozzarella, shredded

Heat the oven to 375 and grease (with extra virgin olive oil) a 9x13 inch pyrex dish
Combine the pasta and ricotta
Ladle in enough tomato puree to coat the bottom of the dish
Layer in pasta, mozzarella, then tomatoes, continue layering until all of the pasta is in top with more tomatoes (Add extra if you like it saucy.  Remember, the pasta absorbs a lot of the sauce)
Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 - 45 minutes until it's all bubbly

Yep, that is it!
You can fancy it up with basil chiffonade layered with the cheese, or add chopped spinach to make it a complete meal.

Read more...

Those Poor Forgotten Triceps

Did you know that, making up nearly 2/3 of the muscles in your arm, the triceps are the largest of the arm muscles?  Yep.  So why does everyone always show off their bulging biceps?  The poor triceps are often neglected, probably because they're one of the hardest muscle groups to work out.  But, if you want to stop the wiggly wobblies when you wave at the other Soccer moms, you have to work them out.

If they're so difficult to attack, how do you get to them?  Tricep, or chair dips are probably the easiest and most basic way to tone up that pesky muscle group.  You only need a stable chair and a few minutes.

• Sit your tush down on the edge of the chair and place your palms face down, fingers forward, slightly under your hips.
• Place your weight on your hands and move your hips forward and off the chair.
• Walk your legs out a step or two, so that when you dip, you're not using them as leverage.  This isolates the triceps.
• Bending at the elbows, slowly lower your bum toward the floor.  Caution here, do not let your arms bend past the 90 degree mark.
• Push yourself back up without locking your elbows...OK, that's 1.

Do it 8 more times, for beginners, rest (like 30 seconds, not talkin' nap time here) and repeat twice.  Then I'll be impressed.  Pros, well, you should be doing sets of 12 -16, right?

Some things to think about when doing tricep dips...

Keeping your hips close to the chair will help isolate the triceps.  If you're too far away, most likely your shoulders will start to compensate.

Posture is very important.  Don't let your shoulders squeeze up around your ears.  Keep them down and your neck long.

If you need to make it a little more difficult, walk your feet out further.  Or if you're really up for a challenge, place a second chair opposite the dip chair and hop those heels up to rest on the chair in front of you.

Good Luck!

*Don't take the chance of getting hurt.  Make sure you have proper attire, equipment, and doctor's approval before doing any exercise.*

Read more...

My Physical

Let me start by saying two things:

1. I love my doctor.  Anyone on the Main Line in need of a good family physician should make an appointment with Dr. Graham at Penn Med Valley Forge.  He's very laid back, not quick to medicate, does research on symptoms to find the real root of a problem, and he actually calls you himself.
2. I hope all of the Nosy Nelliesthat are enjoying peeking in on the private info that I'm sharing, are also looking at the healthy stuff on this site and putting some of it to good use!

OK, the juicy stuff...Dr. Graham looked over the results of my biometric screening, and said my numbers were "gorgeous".  My LDL is 15 above the recommended 100, however, he said that my HDL is very high and actually protective.  So all in all, it's fine.  My BMI is just right.  Pulse is great.  Of course they weighed me and took my blood pressure.  Blood pressure - down, weight - up...WHAT?!  My blood pressure is below normal (still trying to figure that out, considering how high strung I am).  Buuuut, fully clothed, I weighed in at 119.  Is it the end of the world?  No, but it did not make me smile.  If you've been keeping up, I did have those Super Bowl snacks, but I failed to mention that I had not eaten so well the day before either (c'mon, I was at a birthday party).  The good news is that my clothes fit just fine and I'm training for another half marathon, so the weight will come off.  Bottom line, a pound or two this way or that, doesn't change the fact that I am in excellent health.  And, according to the good doctor, I can attribute that good health to running.

Now for the reality...Though healthy, I'm 38 and a runner.  Age and wear does change your body (especially if you weren't always a runner, but it's NEVER to late)  Last year when I went for my physical, I was having pretty severe pain in my left ankle that radiated into my foot, making it difficult to put any pressure on it.  I hadn't been running for very long and had just hit a 5 mile run.  But at 37, it is very important to observe the no more than 10% increase in mileage per week rule...I did not.  I had caused myself some ligament damage, and had to take time off.  Anyway, I started having some similar twinges this year when I started my half training.  Scary.  I took a week off and started back up, nice and slow.  As it turns out, I have a little more wiggle in my ankles than most people and that wobble is what's causing the problem with the ligament.  Luckily, my doctor is a runner and understood that I had no intention of slowing and I will be running the RnR DC half.  I just have to wear a brace and be vigilante about icing and anti-inflammatories.  And I agreed to see him and the Sports Med doc after the race for some physical therapy and gait adjustment.  Ah well.

The moral of this story: exercise and you may have a little wear and tear on the bod, but man, you will be fit and well!

P.S.  If you're disappointed by the lack of dirt, I did end up with a script for the horrible case of eczema on the back of my neck and I have to see the dermatologist for a good ol' scan for skin cancer.  Too bad running doesn't do squat for skin conditions.

Read more...

Basic Granola

I love granola.  I do not love to pay for it when I have all of the ingredients in my cupboard.  Here's a basic recipe, from CHOW, that you can top your yogurt with, or stick in the kids' snack bag for school.  It's simple, it's tasty, it's easy to add to or adjust to your own taste.

Basic Granola Recipe

• 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup small-dice dried fruit
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw or toasted nuts or seeds

Heat the oven to 300F and place rack in the center

Set aside the fruit and nuts (though I do add the nuts, as I like them toasted)

Mix together oats, sugar, cinnamon and salt

In a seperate bowl, stir together honey, oil and vanilla

Combine and toss until the dry ingredients are coated

Spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet

Bake 15 mins, stir, continue baking for an additional 15 mins

Cool for about 20 mins and toss in remaining ingredients

Enjoy!

Click here for step by step instructions with photos.

Read more...

Super Bowl Monday Workout

It's very simple:  You ate it yesterday, now work it off today!  I may have said it's OK to indulge, but did you really think you didn't have to pay the price?

Click HERE for TrainerDiva's express workout.

It's a tough one and is sure to get your heart rate up!

Read more...

Yeah, I ate that chicken wing, so what!

Even if you're not into watching the Super Bowl, you've probably nibbled some of those Super Bowl snacks.  It's OK, really.  Every holiday, Super Bowl, whatever, the cooking shows start showing you how to make healthier versions of your favorites.  I'm going to just come out and say it...Don't do it, it is wrong!  If your chili calls for sausage, this is not the day to Frankenstein it up with ground turkey.  No, rice crisps topped with julienned vegetables and tofu crumbles are not the same as a pile of tortilla chips smothered in cheese sauce and jalapeno peppers.  When I sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, I want real butter in my mashed potatoes.  At Christmas, I want toffee chips adorning the sweet potato casserole that sits next to my delicious, salty ham.  And on Super Bowl Sunday, I want to eat nachos with cheese and beef and salsa and guacamole and sour cream, hold the lettuce.  I want to dip saucy, spicy wings in sloppy, full fat blue cheese dressing.  Oh, and Easter's rolling around here soon too; and you can bet there will be green bean casserole on my plate.

Like any culture, in America, food is part of the celebration.  What's a birthday party without cake?  The 4th of July without a burger?  Or mom's night out without wine?  I really don't see anything wrong with indulging every once in a while.  I'm not saying that you should order the loaded potato skins every time you hit happy hour (actually, that only happens every couple of years for me, in which case, eh, I'm OK with it).  And don't go running around saying "Running A Healthy Family posted that I should definitely take on Kobayashi at next year's Wing Bowl."  But why should you deprive yourself of a few tasty treats when they only come around a few times a year.  You don't have to fill your plate and go back for seconds, but your scale is not going scream tomorrow because you ate 3 wings and a handful of chips with french onion dip today.  Take care of your body with fresh air, the right foods, right activity, sleep, and hydration every day; and it is just fine to enjoy a few special occasion foods prepared the way they should be.

Read more...

A Healthy Family Field Trip to Leisure Fitness

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to take the kids on a little field trip.  We were invited to tour the Leisure Fitness Headquarters in Delaware.  I knew a little about LF, as they had a store just around the corner from my house.  They're just retailers of fitness equipment, treadmills, rowing machines, etc...Or so I thought.

Andy, Director of Sales and Marketing, gave me the tour while my kids played with his.  [His wife Danielle, has been a friend of mine since we went through our first pregnancies together.  She headed up "Leisure Daycare" so I could chat.]  The showroom, where the kids had a blast, is such a small part of the business.  And the business is not about selling fitness equipment, it's about selling fitness.  I was surprised to learn that LF partners with experts to help people find what they really need to get on the right path to wellness.  They go as far as having a doctor consult!  They even have a room devoted to seminars.  You could get the local mom's group together, bring in some fancy finger sandwiches and crudites, and find out from a licensed physician how to get your body back after the babies did it wrong.  [Though I'm pretty sure the stretch marks are yours to keep, barring surgery.  Sorry, no amount of running will make them disappear...Trust me, I've tried.]  Besides the seminars, which they also do on a commercial level,  LF offers on line fitness help.  The blog has tips, recipes, and I may even have to link to some of the exercises for my Monday challenges.

Throughout the tour we really didn't discuss the equipment, but talked about our views on society's rather poor habits and what each of us [Running a Healthy Family and Leisure Fitness] is doing to try to make a difference.  Their business cards read "Be Fit.  Stay Fit.  Live Well.", not "We're the best at what we do" or "Great equipment, Great prices".  I really liked that they believe in not simply selling a product, but being healthy and fit, and starting out with baby steps.  It's all about wellness, and getting there the right way; and that's what I believe in and try to encourage on this blog.  OK, so maybe we did talk about the equipment just a little.  I mean, let's face it, there is still a huge showroom full of workout stuff...that I could try...any of it, all of it, whatever, elliptical machines, rowing machines, treadmills, and the super cool Elliptigo. 

So after a little spin on the Elliptigo, a tour around the facility, and playing in the showroom, I got to sit down with the CEO, Paul.  It is clear that the laid back environment that I felt walking through the building is due to the standard set by the people in charge.  There are not many big companies that have a CEO that will shake a mommy blogger's hand and ask if she's got little time to discuss what she's doing.  It was nice to sit down with Paul and his crew and discuss my humble little blog and what I want to do with it.  I think the most intimidating thing was seeing my home page up on what seemed like a tremendous screen!  And also thinking, "Oh, I need to change that, and maybe that needs adjusting, and oh Lord, it's back to html hell."  Anyway, bottom line, Leisure Fitness is not your average treadmill store, and not your average company.  I really enjoyed the visit, as did the kids (who knew rowing machines and heavy bags could be so much fun for 2 and 4 year olds).  And I'm looking forward to future interactions with Leisure Fitness and the Gang!  By the way, keep an eye out at the DC St. Paddy's Day parade for that Elliptigo.

Read more...

Ellipti-what?

Have you heard of this?  The Elliptigo?

Elliptigo is basically an elliptical machine that you ride on two wheels like a bike.  So beside working your legs, you are using your core for stabilizing yourself (serious balance needed here), and your arms because you have to hold the handlebar and steer...and more balance.  You work so much more of your body than you would just running, biking or on the standard elliptical.  Added bonus: I felt zero impact.  Now I have to admit, I'm a little relieved that Danielle only got a picture of me standing there...I'm pretty sure the action shot would not be all that flattering.  Beside me not being the most graceful woman, it does take a little getting used to.  I can only sum it up by saying it's like running on a bike.  Once you get passed that awkward moment of getting started and finding your center, it's a breeze...A breeze that works those quads!  This is seriously the coolest piece of cross training fitness equipment.  Since I really only had time for a short ride around the building, while I was visiting the Leisure Fitness Headquarters, I'm hoping to do more in depth testing this spring, so I'll have much more to share.

Read more...