Exploring something new

Headed out with my girls today to explore the West Virginia Botanic Gardens after reading a nice article in the Herald Standard newspaper.

We grabbed the camera and headed out with hope of capturing great pictures of flowers, butterflies and maybe even flowers and I had the great idea that we could sneak in some exercise while we explored the trails too!

We were greeted by volunteers that shared trail maps and pointed us in the right direction. Then as we went to park in a different parking lot we unexpectedly ran into some family which was a nice surprise!

It was a nice afternoon and we got some ideas for our own butterfly garden. My girls got some practice with their photography skills. These pics were taken by my 4 year old :) I think she is getting pretty good with the camera! As an added bonus, we had a nice walk and got some fresh air!

Often getting exercise isn't about going to the gym or doing an endless exercise DVD. It can be achieved just enjoying life with your family and friends. Sometimes so impromptu exploring is just what you need. Hope you had an enjoyable weekend too!

So much to do, so little time

I am still baffled at the number of people that complain there is nothing to do!  In an effort to help keep myself and you active, here are some things that you can do this week to keep moving and eating healthier, and these are only the "organized" events!

On Wednesday Evening June 27, my plan is to head out to the Wednesday Walk at Patsy's Lake at 6:30. I have never been there so this is a chance for me to visit somewhere that I have never been in the area and get some activity. 


Of course, sometimes I need more of a challenge.  On Friday night, June 29, I thought about heading to Ohiopyle for Expedition Dark Night at 8:45.  This hike will guide you through the secrets of the dark night in the park. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go. I made plans with my best friends to head to Deep Creek and healthy friendships are just as important as the exercise!


Saturday you have plenty of options. If you want to be really ambitious, you would become a weekend warrior and attempt them all.  Start off the morning with the The 6th Annual Jerry Maher Memorial 5K Run/Jog & Walk for Parkinson Awareness, 


If you finish the race with a fast enough time you can make it up to Ohiopyle for Expedition Bird.  This hike at 10 a.m. will take you on a hunt for the Eastern Bluebird. The park is requesting reservations for this hike. Please call or email  724-329-0986  or bawallace@pa.gov.


You can stick around and meet at the Train Station at Ohiopyle and learn the history of Ohiopyle with a Hike at 2:00!


Then on Sunday, you can trek back to the park and explore Ferncliff with a guided hike that leaves from the train station at 1:30!

Just don't forget in addition to these "organized" activities there are hundreds of things you can do this week to keep moving in our area! Just walk out the door and open your eyes, you are sure to find something!

The NEXT best thing..I don't think so!

There I was watching AGT with my daughters enjoying a few minutes before we headed off to bed and I saw a commercial for Pepsi Next--60% Less sugar is what I think the commercial said. I was thrilled. Hey you can cut the sugar in most recipes by 1/3 and not really change anything, why not soda?  I thought maybe the beverage industry was taking a step in the right direction.

Well let me tell you this I WAS WRONG!!!! I looked up the ingredients and Yes PEPSI NEXT does have less sugar and calories than regular Pepsi but in its place is not 1 but 3 different artificial sweeteners.

Here are the ingredients which I copied from the website directly.  CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL FLAVOR, PHOSPHORIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, CAFFEINE, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVES FRESHNESS), ASPARTAME, CITRIC ACID, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, SUCRALOSE.




I know that artificial sweeteners have their place especially for people trying to manage blood sugars but I am not a big fan of these  sweeteners and I think there is a lot more we need to learn about them before we recommend them. And WHY did they need to use 3 different ones?

To me this product takes two things that are bad for you--regular soda and diet-- and combines them into one!!!

I have no vested interest in the success or failure of this product.  I will say however, I will not be running out to the store to buy it.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

As I woke up this morning, I stepped outside to discover even at 6:30 its already a little hot and definitely humid. I guess that means today is the perfect day to enjoy time relaxing by the pool.  Not everyone can get to the pool or some other water source today but that doesn't mean water should be the first thing on your mind. When temperatures elevate the number one thing you can do is drink more water.

On hot days, I grab my insulated straw cup and make sure it is with me most of the day.  I will admit that while I do drink A LOT of plain old water, something on a hot day makes me want to spice it up a little. Adding a little flavor and variety to your water can make it easier to stay hydrated as the temperatures climb above 90.

I will often start with the old standard and add some lemons  (I try to use Organic lemons if I can), sliced to a pitcher of water.  Sometimes that is just too boring and I'll mix up the citrus and add sliced lemons, oranges and limes or even just oranges. It is simple to start adding fruit.

Don't limit yourself to citrus! Add some strawberries or mixed berries for a different twist. Even watermelon added to a pitcher of water can add that extra little kick of flavor to keep you wanting to drink more and more.

Try herbs too! Mint is a favorite choice. And basil can add some fun flavor when mixed with some of your favorite fruits. Basil and watermelon is one of my preferred blends. I like to mix mint with raspberries too, although they are a little too pricey to add to my water.  I will add mint to blackberries if we happen to get a chance to pick some!

Cucumber can be an easy addition too! This is one of my favorites on a really hot day!  

The trick with all of these waters is to drink them the same day that you make them. Otherwise, they might not be as good, but that is just an excuse to finish the entire pitcher! No one would want you to waste it.   

If you aren't getting enough water, especially on these hot summer days try one of these "recipes."  You won't regret it!

Wine, Walking, and Waterfalls

Finding something active to do in Fayette County is a lot easier than most people would think. Just this week alone you can explore wine, do some walking or explore some waterfalls to get some great exercise.  Tomorrow, June 20 the Fayette County Healthy Lifestyles task force visits Christian Klay Winery for a guided walking tour of the winery at 6:30 PM.  The annual walking tour and wine tasting is a popular stop in the series that you don't want to miss.

Can't make it to the walk on June 20, try catching the first annual Lavender Festival at the Winery on June 23.  Just be sure to get up and dance to the Music of Mr. Harold Betters to burn off some of those calories!

Walking and tasting wine aren't the only ways to be active this week either.  Try your hand at a 5K at the Uniontown Salvation Army 3rd Annual Hall of Fame 5K Run/Walk on June 21 in Downtown Uniontown.

If you would rather skip the competition and just enjoy some exercise outdoors, head to Ohiopyle on Saturday at 10 AM for Expedition Elevation. Meet your guide Barb Wallace at the park overlook and she will guide you on a 4.5 mile hike along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Along the way you will stop at a great overlook to enjoy the view and lunch.  You can return just in time to visit the Farmer's Market at Ohiopyle that already has fresh local produce!!!

You could also join the State Park staff on Sunday at1:30 to explore one of my favorite trails along Jonathan Run. This hike beginning at the trail head on Holland Hill Road passes by small waterfalls and connects to the Great Allegheny Passage.

Don't limit yourself! There are lots of great things to do! These are just a few ideas of ways to stay healthy and active this week.  Just remember to keep that bottle of water with you, it's hot out there!

Beer & Gear Fest

Yesterday I read a great article written by fellow RD Karen Ansel, MS, RD, CDN on the health benefits of beer http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442463947&terms=beer that shared benefits like heart health when consumed in moderation and some great B vitamins.  It was perfect timing! Today is the annual Beer & Gear Fest at Ohiopyle. This annual event in its 11th year gives you the chance to sample some great brews from many Pennsylvania Breweries, listen to great music and get some great gear to keep you moving this summer.  If you are looking for something to do today, give it a shot and remember those darker beers have more fiber!

Yoga on the Yough

Exercising at the summer usually brings visions of hiking, biking, even rafting and kayaking in our area but don't limit yourself.  If you haven't tried yoga, especially outdoors, now is your chance.   Experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga and get some benefits from being out in nature as well. Do it all while supporting a local library.  Visit Yough Park in Connellsville beginning today June 16 and every Sat at 9:00 AM  All you need is a yoga mat and some water. The classes are by donation and benefit the Friends of the Connellsville Carnegie Free Library.  You can call the library at 724-628-1380 if you need more info.

I wish I could make my way there today! Instead I will be cleaning my house and doing some yard work.  It's still exercise but definitely not as relaxing.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to give it a try sometime this summer. Hopefully, you will too!

Wednesday Walks 2012

Well after way too long, I decided it is definitely time for me to get back to blogging. I needed a little break and had to catch up on eating right and getting in shape instead of just writing about it. The perfect inspiration is the beginning of the Fayette County Wednesday Walks for 2012.  I kind of feel like these walks are my baby that I have had to let grow and stand on their own.  Of course it is still the same great team but with changing jobs, I really didn't have a chance to be involved. I love that this idea that started on a whim in the Steps office a few years ago has become a yearly tradition in our community getting people out and moving.  I'll have to miss the first walk this year too as I take my daughter to a softball game but I will definitely be there in spirit. I hope to see all of you at a walk this year!